JP7163833B2 - Variable print image inspection system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a variable print image inspection system.

2. Description of the Related Art For various reasons, paper printed by a printing apparatus may have defects such as stains and scratches on the image. Therefore, there is a technique of reading the paper immediately after printing with a scanner or the like and detecting anomalies. With this technology, the first copy is first printed and visually checked, and if there are no problems, the scanned image of that printed matter is registered as the correct image, and the scanned images of the second and subsequent printed matter are compared with the correct image. By doing so, anomalies are detected.

Also, in recent years, variable printing, in which an image in a predetermined area of a sheet is replaced and printed, has been used. In variable printing formats such as PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language) and PDF/VT (Portable Document Format/Variable Transactional), information as to whether or not the object is reusable is embedded in each object. For reusable objects, the data after rasterization (RIP) is temporarily stored, and when the reusable object is drawn again, the RIP data is reused. processing time can be made more efficient.

Also proposed is an image processing apparatus that detects reusable objects in variable printing, records RIP images of reusable objects, and performs inspection processing by comparing the RIP results of reusable objects that will be used later. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-146253 A

However, in variable printing, part of the image differs depending on the paper. However, there is a problem that an image abnormality cannot be detected.

In addition, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 determines whether or not the RIP result is correct for each reusable object, and does not inspect the actual printed matter. Even if there is, the anomaly cannot be detected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to realize efficient and highly accurate image inspection during variable printing.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a printing unit for printing an image on a sheet of paper, an image reading unit for reading the printed matter printed by the printing unit and generating a scanned image, and By comparing the scanned image generated by the reading unit with the correct image prepared in advance, the inspection unit inspects the printed matter for abnormalities, and the print data related to the variable printing is analyzed to determine whether the reusable object is found in the variable printing. an extracting unit that extracts a predetermined upper limit number or less of representative images from a plurality of images related to variable printing based on the number of times they are used at the same location in each printed matter; a registering unit that registers a scanned image generated by printing a representative image by a unit and reading the printed representative image by the image reading unit as the correct image.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the variable print image inspection system according to the first aspect further comprises a setting unit for setting the upper limit number.

The invention according to claim 3 is the variable print image inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction unit preferentially selects a combination pattern of arrangement of the reusable objects in descending order of the number of times of use. Extracting the representative image.

The invention according to claim 4 is the variable print image inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the plurality of images related to the variable printing is printed by the printing unit, and the printed image is printed by the printing unit. a variable printing control unit that causes the image reading unit to read each image and generates each scan image, and the inspection unit compares each of the scan images corresponding to each of the plurality of images related to the variable printing; For a scanned image in which there is no correct image to be corrected, an area that matches any of the correct images is compared with any of the correct images, and an area that does not match any of the correct images is compared with the scanned image. Compare with the corresponding pre-printed rasterized image.

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently and accurately perform image inspection during variable printing.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an image inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a client terminal; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing device; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an output image example in variable printing; It is a figure which shows the example of a correct image. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of processing at the time of inspection when a combination of layouts of reusable objects included in a variable print image is not included in a correct image. It is an example of an inspection setting screen displayed on the client terminal. It is an example of a correct image list screen. 4 is a flowchart showing correct image generation processing executed in the printing apparatus; It is an example of object designation information included in print data related to variable printing. It is an example of a correct image management table. 4 is a flowchart showing output image inspection processing executed in the printing apparatus; 4 is a flowchart showing output image inspection processing executed in the printing apparatus;

An embodiment of a variable print image inspection system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 shows the system configuration of an image inspection system 100 as a variable print image inspection system according to this embodiment. The image inspection system 100 has a client terminal 10 and a printing device 20, and the client terminal 10 and the printing device 20 are connected via a communication line N so as to be capable of data communication. The printing device 20 incorporates an image reading section 30 for reading an image on printed paper.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the client terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The client terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, and the like.

The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Unit), etc., and controls the processing operations of each unit of the client terminal 10 in an integrated manner. The CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, develops them in the RAM, and executes various processing in cooperation with the programs.

The operation unit 12 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, letter/number input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and receives operation inputs from the user. The operation unit 12 outputs to the control unit 11, as operation signals, a pressing signal of a key pressed on the keyboard and an input signal such as a position input from the pointing device. For example, the operation unit 12 is used when setting the upper limit number of correct images. That is, the operation unit 12 functions as a setting unit. A correct image is an image prepared in advance for comparison with an inspection target image in inspection processing.
The display unit 13 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various operation screens and various processing results according to instructions from the control unit 11 .

The storage unit 14 is composed of a storage device such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and stores data and the like regarding various processes.
The communication unit 15 transmits and receives data to and from an external device such as the printing device 20 via the communication line N. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing device 20. As shown in FIG. The printing device 20 includes a control section 21, an operation section 22, a display section 23, a storage section 24, a communication section 25, a document reading section 26, a printing section 27, an image reading section 30, and the like.

The control unit 21 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the processing operations of each unit of the printing apparatus 20 in an integrated manner. The CPU reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, develops them in the RAM, and executes various processing in cooperation with the programs.

The operation unit 22 includes numeric input keys, a start key, a touch panel, and the like, and receives operation input by the user. The operation unit 22 outputs to the control unit 21 an operation signal input by operating a key or touch panel.
The display unit 23 has an LCD and displays various operation screens and various processing results according to instructions from the control unit 21 .

The storage unit 24 is composed of a storage device such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and stores data and the like regarding various processes.
The communication unit 25 transmits and receives data to and from an external device such as the client terminal 10 via the communication line N. FIG.

The document reading unit 26 reads an image of a document placed on a document platen or a document conveyed to a predetermined reading position by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder).

The printing section 27 prints an image on paper. The printing unit 27 performs electrophotographic image formation, for example, and includes a photosensitive drum, a charging unit that charges the photosensitive drum, an exposure unit that exposes and scans the surface of the photosensitive drum based on image data, and a photosensitive drum. It consists of a developing section that attaches toner to the body drum, a transfer section that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum to paper, and a fixing section that fixes the toner image formed on the paper. Note that the printing method in the printing unit 27 is not limited to this.

The image reading unit 30 is provided downstream of the printing unit 27 in the paper conveying direction on the paper conveying path, and reads printed matter printed by the printing unit 27 to generate a scan image. The image reading unit 30 is composed of a line sensor, an area sensor, and the like, and receives light emitted from a light source and reflected by the surface of the paper with a light-receiving element, and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the light.

When executing variable printing, print data related to variable printing is transmitted from the client terminal 10 to the printing apparatus 20 . Print data related to variable printing is configured in a format for variable printing such as PPML or PDF/VT. Specifically, the print data related to variable printing includes data of objects used in variable printing, arrangement information of each object for each page (object designation and arrangement area), and the like. Objects include reusable objects that are referenced from multiple pages and temporary use objects (unique objects) that are referenced only once. For reusable objects, rasterized data is used for the second and subsequent uses.

The control unit 21 compares the scanned image generated by the image reading unit 30 with a correct image prepared in advance to perform an inspection process for inspecting the printed matter for abnormalities. That is, the control section 21 functions as an inspection section. In the inspection process, it is inspected whether the colors and positions of the printed images are correct, and whether there are any abnormalities such as stains or scratches.
In the inspection process, it is possible to change the level for detecting an abnormality from a scanned image according to a plurality of inspection levels ("high", "medium", "low", etc.). As the inspection level is higher, even a smaller difference between images compared in the inspection process is detected as abnormal.

The control unit 21 analyzes the print data related to variable printing, and based on the number of times the reusable object is used at the same location in each printed material in the variable printing, a plurality of images related to the variable printing (in variable printing, A predetermined upper limit number or less of representative images are extracted from each image to be printed. That is, the control unit 21 functions as an extraction unit.
Specifically, the control unit 21 preferentially extracts a representative image from a combination pattern of arrangement of reusable objects that has been used more frequently.

The control unit 21 causes the printing unit 27 to print the extracted representative image, and the image reading unit 30 to read the printed representative image, thereby registering a scanned image generated as a correct image. That is, the control unit 21 functions as a registration unit.

The control unit 21 causes the printing unit 27 to print each of a plurality of images related to variable printing, and causes the image reading unit 30 to read each of the printed images to generate each scan image. That is, the control section 21 functions as a variable print control section.

Among the scanned images corresponding to each of the plurality of images related to variable printing, the control unit 21 controls, for scanned images for which there is no correct image to be compared, for a region that matches any of the correct images, The area that does not match any of the correct images is compared with the pre-printed rasterized image corresponding to the scanned image.

FIG. 4 shows an output image example in variable printing. In FIG. 4, the layout frame 40 has three variable regions (first variable region 41, second variable region 42, and third variable region 43; hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as variable regions 41 to 43). are provided, and reusable objects are arranged in each of the variable areas 41 to 43 . In FIG. 4 , “A” is arranged in the first variable region 41 , “1” is arranged in the second variable region 42 , and “a” is arranged in the third variable region 43 . If 10 types of reusable objects can be arranged in each of the variable regions 41 to 43, and if correct images are to be prepared for all combination patterns, then 10×10×10=1000 types. In such a method, it takes time to prepare a correct image in advance, and the amount of data of the correct image used for inspection processing of variable printing becomes enormous, which is not practical.

FIG. 5 shows an example of ten correct images when the upper limit number of correct images is set to ten. The control unit 21 acquires the layout information of the reusable objects for each page from the print data related to the variable printing transmitted from the client terminal 10, and sets the layout combination pattern of the reusable objects (“A”+“1”+ "A", etc.). Next, the control unit 21 sorts the combination patterns of the arrangement of reusable objects included in the variable printing in descending order of the number of times of use, extracts the top 10 combination patterns as representative images, and prints each representative image. Generates rasterized data for The correct image is image data of a scanned image generated by reading the image printed by the printing unit 27 based on the rasterized data of the representative image thus generated by the image reading unit 30 .

Among a plurality of images printed in variable printing (variable printing images), for images that match any of the correct images in the arrangement combination of reusable objects included in the images, by comparing with the matching correct images, Abnormalities in printed matter can be inspected.

On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows an example of processing at the time of inspection when the arrangement combination of reusable objects included in the variable print image is not in the correct image. In FIG. 6 , “C” is arranged in the first variable region 41 of the inspection object image 50 , “3” is arranged in the second variable region 42 , and “ka” is arranged in the third variable region 43 .
Since the upper part of the inspection object image 50 matches a part (“C”+“3”) of the third correct image (“C”+“3”+“U”) shown in FIG. The upper part of the image 50 (scanned image) is compared with a cut-out part of the third correct image (scanned image), and inspection processing is performed.
Since there is no image that partially matches the lower part of the inspection target image 50 among the 10 correct images shown in FIG. Inspection processing is performed by comparing with a rasterized image (RIP image) used when performing inspection.

Next, the inspection setting screen 131 displayed on the display unit 13 of the client terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
The inspection setting screen 131 includes a mode selection area 61 , a correct image setting area 62 , an image inspection setting area 63 , an OK button 64 and a cancel button 65 .

The mode selection area 61 is an area for selecting either the "correct image generation mode" or the "output image inspection mode".
In the correct image generation mode, a representative image is extracted according to the upper limit number of correct images, printed on paper, the printed matter is read by the image reading unit 30, a scanned image is generated, and a process of registering it as a correct image is executed. mode.
The output image inspection mode is a mode in which an output image printed on a sheet of paper is read by the image reading unit 30, and inspection is performed to check whether the output image is abnormal.

The correct image setting area 62 includes a correct image upper limit number designation area 62A.
The correct image upper limit number designation area 62A is an area for designating the upper limit number of correct images in the correct image generation mode.

The image inspection setting area 63 includes an inspection level selection area 63A and a correct image reference button 63B.
The inspection level selection area 63A is an area for selecting an inspection level from among "high", "middle" and "low".
When the correct image reference button 63B is clicked by operating the operation unit 12, a correct image list screen 132 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. The correct image list screen 132 is a screen for notifying the user of correct images. When the OK button 71 in the correct image list screen 132 is clicked by operating the operation unit 12, the correct image list screen 132 is closed.

The OK button 64 is a button for instructing execution of processing corresponding to the mode selected in the mode selection area 61 of the inspection setting screen 131 .
The cancel button 65 is a button for canceling the settings on the inspection setting screen 131 .

Next, the operation of the image inspection system 100 will be described.
<Correct image generation processing>
First, correct image generation processing will be described.
The user designates print data for variable printing and sets the upper limit number of correct images on the client terminal 10 . Specifically, the user operates the operation unit 12 to select the "correct image generation mode" in the mode selection area 61 of the inspection setting screen 131 (see FIG. 7) displayed on the display unit 13, and selects the correct answer image. When the upper limit number of correct images is input in the upper limit number of correct image designation area 62A of the image setting area 62 and the OK button 64 is clicked, the control unit 11 transmits print data and correct images for variable printing via the communication unit 15. to the printer 20. In the printing device 20, correct image generation processing is started.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing correct image generation processing executed in the printing device 20 . This processing is implemented by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 21 and the programs stored in the ROM.

The control unit 21 acquires print data related to variable printing and the upper limit number of correct images from the client terminal 10 via the communication unit 25 (step S1).

Next, the control unit 21 analyzes print data relating to variable printing, and extracts combination patterns of reusable objects arranged in the variable areas 41 to 43 set for each page (step S2).

FIG. 10 shows an example of object designation information included in print data relating to variable printing. The object designation information corresponds to a reusable object arranged in the first variable area 41, a reusable object arranged in the second variable area 42, and a reusable object arranged in the third variable area 43 for each page. attached.

Next, the control unit 21 selects reusable object combination patterns in descending order of the number of times of use from among the reusable object combination patterns extracted in step S2, and selects up to [upper limit number] representative images. Extract (step S3). If the number of reusable object combination patterns extracted in step S2 is less than the [upper limit number], the control unit 21 may set all reusable object combination patterns as the representative image.

Next, the control unit 21 generates rasterized data of each representative image (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 21 rasterizes and synthesizes the designated reusable object in each of the variable areas 41 to 43 for each representative image. If the same reusable object is to be used for the second and subsequent times, rasterized data is used.

Next, the control unit 21 controls the printing unit 27 to print each representative image on paper based on the generated rasterized data of each representative image (step S5).
Next, the control section 21 controls the image reading section 30 to scan the printed matter of each representative image and generate a scanned image of each representative image (step S6).

Next, the user confirms the printed matter or scanned image of each representative image, and inputs the determination result as to whether or not there is a problem with each representative image through the operation unit 22 . For example, if there is an abnormality in the printed matter of the representative image itself, or if there is an abnormality in the scanned image of the representative image, it is not suitable for the correct image. It should be noted that the scanned image of each representative image may be checked while being displayed on the display unit 23 or the display unit 13 of the client terminal 10 .
The control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a problem with each representative image based on the input content from the operation unit 22 (step S7).
If there is a problem with each representative image (step S7; YES), the process returns to step S5 and restarts from printing each representative image.

If there is no problem in each representative image in step S7 (step S7; NO), the control unit 21 registers the scanned image of each representative image as a correct image in the storage unit 24 (step S8). That is, the control unit 21 causes the storage unit 24 to store correct images (image data of scanned images) equal to or less than the [upper limit number].

Further, the control unit 21 stores the information of the correct image in the correct image management table stored in the storage unit 24 . As shown in FIG. 11, the correct image management table stores, for each correct image, a correct image ID, a reusable object arranged in the first variable area 41, a reusable object arranged in the second variable area 42, a reusable object arranged in the second variable area 42, and a 3 The reusable object arranged in the variable area 43, the unique area, and the scan image specifying information are associated and stored.
The correct image ID is identification information for identifying each of the plurality of correct images.
A unique region is information indicating a region in which an object that is used only once (temporary use object/unique object) is arranged in the correct image. A unique region is represented by, for example, coordinates of both ends of a diagonal line of a rectangular region. The unique region may be a region automatically recognized when generating the correct image, or may be a region designated by the user. Also, when no unique region exists in the correct image, the unique region is "none", and when multiple unique regions exist in the correct image, multiple region information is included as the unique region.
The scanned image specifying information is information (file name, data storage location, etc.) for specifying the image data of the scanned image registered as the correct image.
With this, the correct image generation processing ends.

<Output image inspection processing>
Next, output image inspection processing will be described.
When actually performing variable printing, the user designates print data related to variable printing and instructs an inspection operation of an output image on the client terminal 10 . Specifically, the user operates the operation unit 12 to select "output image inspection mode" in the mode selection area 61 of the inspection setting screen 131 (see FIG. 7) displayed on the display unit 13, and click OK. When the button 64 is clicked, the control unit 11 prints the print data related to the variable printing, the output image inspection instruction, and the inspection level selected in the inspection level selection area 63A of the image inspection setting area 63 via the communication unit 15. Send to device 20 . In the printing apparatus 20, output image inspection processing is started at the selected detection level. Note that the print data for variable printing does not necessarily need to be transmitted to the printing device 20 at this timing. It may be sent.

12 and 13 are flowcharts showing output image inspection processing executed in the printing apparatus 20. FIG. This processing is implemented by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 21 and the programs stored in the ROM.

The control unit 21 generates rasterized data for each page (variable print image) for variable printing based on print data for variable printing acquired from the client terminal 10 or print data for variable printing that is stored in advance. (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 21 arranges the specified reusable object in each of the variable areas 41 to 43 for each page, and if rasterized data already exists, it utilizes it. , to generate rasterized data.

Here, the control unit 21 sets i to 1 (step S12).
Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a correct image corresponding to the combination of reuse objects on the i-th page (step S13). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a correct image that completely matches the combination of the reusable objects arranged in the variable areas 41 to 43 of the i-th page.

If there is a correct image corresponding to the combination of reusable objects on the i-th page (step S13; YES), the control unit 21 associates the correct image ID of this correct image with the i-th page, and stores it in the storage unit 24. (step S14).

In step S13, if there is no correct image corresponding to the combination of reusable objects on the i-th page (step S13; NO), the control unit 21 determines that part of the reusable objects on the i-th page is printed. It is determined whether or not the same part of the image matches any of the correct images (step S15).

If a part of the reuse object included in the i-th page matches a part of any correct image at the same place in the printed matter (step S15; YES), the control unit 21 and the matching area (matching area) are associated with the i-th page and stored in the storage unit 24 (step S16). Note that when a part of the area included in the i-th page matches a part of a certain correct image, and another area included in the i-th page matches a part of another correct image, For each area, the correct image ID and matching area are associated with the i-th page.

In step S15, if a portion of the reusable object included in the i-th page does not match any correct image at the same location in the printed matter (step S15; NO), the control unit 21 selects the corresponding correct answer image. The fact that there is no image is stored in the storage section 24 in association with the i-th page (step S17).
In this way, association with the corresponding correct image is performed on a page-by-page basis.

After step S14, step S16, or step S17, the control unit 21 determines whether or not processing for all pages has been completed (step S18).
If there are pages that have not been processed yet (step S18; NO), the control unit 21 adds 1 to i (step S19), returns to step S13, and repeats the process.

In step S18, when the processing for all pages is completed (step S18; YES), the process moves to FIG. 13 and i is set to 1 (step S20).

Next, the control unit 21 controls the printing unit 27 to print the i-th page variable print image on the paper based on the i-th page rasterized data (step S21).
Next, the control unit 21 controls the image reading unit 30 to scan the printed matter of the i-th page variable print image and generate a scanned image (step S22).

Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a correct image corresponding to the combination of reuse objects on the i-th page (step S23). That is, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a correct image to be compared with the scanned image generated in step S22, in other words, whether or not the correct image ID is associated with the i-th page. do.

If there is a correct image corresponding to the combination of reuse objects on the i-th page (step S23; YES), that is, if the correct image ID is associated with the i-th page, the control unit 21 Inspection processing is performed by comparing the scanned image of the eye (image to be inspected) with the correct image indicated by the correct image ID (step S24).
When comparing the inspection target image with the correct image, the unique region corresponding to the correct image is acquired from the correct image management table shown in FIG. 11, and the unique region is excluded from comparison.

In step S23, if there is no correct image corresponding to the combination of reuse objects on the i-th page (step S23; NO), the control unit 21 determines that part of the reuse objects included in the i-th page is printed. It is determined whether or not the same part of the image matches with any part of the correct image (step S25). That is, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is an area matching any of the correct images in the scanned image generated in step S22. determine whether there is

If a part of the reusable object included in the i-th page matches a part of any correct image at the same place in the printed matter (step S25; YES), that is, if the i-th page contains the correct image ID and When a matching region is associated, the control unit 21, for the i-th page scanned image (inspection target image), for the region matching the correct image indicated by the correct image ID, the correct image and For the area where there is no matching correct image, inspection processing is performed by comparing it with the rasterized image of the i-th page (step S26). Here, when a plurality of sets of correct image IDs and matching regions are associated with the i-th page, for each matching region, the scanned image of the i-th page and the correct image ID corresponding to the matching region Inspection processing is performed by comparing with the correct image specified by .
When comparing a partial area of the inspection target image with the corresponding area of the correct image, the unique area corresponding to the correct image is acquired from the correct image management table shown in FIG. Excluded.

In step S25, if a part of the reusable object included in the i-th page does not match any correct image at the same location in the printed matter (step S25; NO), that is, the correct image corresponding to the i-th page If it is associated that there is no image, the control unit 21 performs inspection processing by comparing the entire area of the scanned image (image to be inspected) of the i-th page with the rasterized image of the i-th page ( step S27).

After step S24, step S26, or step S27, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a problem with the output image as a result of the inspection processing (step S28). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether or not any abnormality is detected in the color, position, dirt, damage, etc. of the output image in the inspection process.
If there is a problem with the output image (step S28; YES), the process returns to step S21 and prints the image of the same page again.

In step S28, if there is no problem with the output image (step S28; NO), the control section 21 determines whether or not processing for all pages has been completed (step S29).
If there are pages that have not been processed yet (step S29; NO), the control unit 21 adds 1 to i (step S30), returns to step S21, and repeats the process.

In step S29, when the processing for all pages is completed (step S29; YES), the output image inspection processing is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, based on the number of times a reusable object is used at the same location in each printed matter in variable printing, a predetermined upper limit is set from a plurality of images related to variable printing. A number or less of representative images are extracted, the extracted representative images are printed by the printing unit 27, and the printed representative images are read by the image reading unit 30, and the scanned image generated is registered as the correct image. , image inspection during variable printing can be realized efficiently and with high accuracy.

Specifically, by setting an upper limit on the number of correct images, it is possible to shorten the time required to generate the correct images and reduce the amount of data of the correct images. Therefore, efficient image inspection is possible.
In addition, for combination patterns of layouts of reusable objects that are used a large number of times, a correct image generated by actually printing and scanning is used to enable highly accurate image inspection. Even if the same reusable object is used, the adhesion characteristics of toner and ink, and the way light hits the object when creating a correct image (during scanning) will differ depending on where it is placed on the paper to be printed. In this embodiment, the user visually confirms the print result and saves the image judged to have no problem in terms of quality as the correct image. be able to.

In addition, for the scanned image of the variable print image for which there is no correct image to be compared, the area where the correct image can be used is inspected for abnormalities based on comparison with the correct image, so highly accurate image inspection is realized. be able to.
In addition, for a region of the scanned image of the variable print image that does not match any of the correct images, an abnormality can be inspected based on comparison with the pre-printed rasterized image corresponding to the scanned image. Regarding the area compared with the rasterized image, the inspection accuracy tends to be inferior compared to the case of comparison with the registered correct image, but the minimum image inspection can be realized.

In addition, since the user can set the upper limit number of correct images, the number of correct images can be changed according to individual variable printing.

The description in the above embodiment is an example of the variable print image inspection system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device that constitutes the system can also be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the client terminal 10 sets the upper limit number of correct images. An upper limit number of correct images may be set. Also, the upper limit number of correct images may be fixed in advance.

Moreover, each functional unit included in the image inspection system 100 may be divided into a plurality of devices, or may be integrated into one device. For example, each function executed in the client terminal 10 may be included in the printing device 20 . Also, an inspection device including the image reading unit 30 and an inspection function may be provided independently of the printing device 20 .

Although the above description discloses an example in which a ROM is used as a computer-readable medium storing a program for executing each process, the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, non-volatile memory such as flash memory and portable recording media such as CD-ROM can also be applied. Also, a carrier wave may be applied as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

10 client terminal 11 control unit 12 operation unit 13 display unit 14 storage unit 15 communication unit 20 printing device 21 control unit 22 operation unit 23 display unit 24 storage unit 25 communication unit 27 printing unit 30 image reading unit 40 layout frame 41 first variable Area 42 Second variable area 43 Third variable area 50 Inspection target image 62A Correct image upper limit number designation area 100 Image inspection system 131 Inspection setting screen 132 Correct image list screen N Communication line

Claims (4)

a printing unit for printing an image on paper;
an image reading unit that reads printed matter printed by the printing unit and generates a scanned image;
an inspection unit that inspects the print for abnormalities by comparing the scanned image generated by the image reading unit with a prepared correct image;
Analyze the print data related to variable printing, and based on the number of times the reusable object is used in the same place in each printed material in the variable printing, select from the multiple images related to the variable printing to a predetermined upper limit or less. an extraction unit that extracts a representative image;
a registration unit that causes the printing unit to print the extracted representative image, causes the image reading unit to read the printed representative image, and registers a scanned image generated by the image reading unit as the correct image;
A variable print image inspection system. 2. The variable print image inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit for setting the upper limit number. 3. The variable print image inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit preferentially extracts the representative image from a combination pattern of arrangement of the reusable objects that is used more frequently. a variable printing control unit that causes the printing unit to print each of the plurality of images related to the variable printing, causes the image reading unit to read each of the printed images, and generates each scan image;
Among the scanned images corresponding to each of the plurality of images related to the variable printing, the inspection unit inspects the scanned image for which there is no correct image to be compared, for a region that matches any of the correct images. 4. The variable printing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the comparison is made with any of the correct images, and for an area that does not match any of the correct images, the scanned image is compared with a pre-printed rasterized image corresponding to the scanned image. Image inspection system.

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