JP7743899B2 - Image inspection device, image inspection system, and inspection program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image inspection device.

Image forming devices (copiers, printers, facsimiles, and all-in-one machines) that form toner images on paper can sometimes fail to form the intended image on the paper due to unexpected factors. For this reason, an image inspection system is known that places an image reading device downstream of the image forming device and compares the image read by the image reading device with a standard, normal image (hereinafter referred to as the "standard image") to determine whether the image printed on the paper is good or bad.

An issue with such image inspection systems is that they may not be able to accurately determine whether an image is good or bad. For example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 below has the issue that it cannot accurately inspect images that include fine details such as halftone dots, and it has been proposed to exclude such fine images from the inspection target.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-219296

Incidentally, in recent image inspection systems, in order to improve user convenience, functions have been proposed for excluding or identifying images or areas to be inspected, such as the ability to set images or areas on paper to be excluded from inspection (so-called inspection exclusion areas) for each page.

However, if the user had to set the desired areas on a sheet of paper or areas to exclude or identify from the inspection target (hereinafter simply referred to as "inspection-related areas") for each page or for each image on a page, this would be a time-consuming process and would be inconvenient.

For example, even if you create a reference image and set an inspection-related area for this reference image, there may be cases where you want to start over by creating the reference image again.

There may also be cases where you want to reuse information about a previously set inspection-related area. For example, you may want to reuse the settings you previously made because the reference image differs only in color from a previously created reference image and you want to set the inspection-related area in the same area as the previously set area.

However, because the settings for inspection-related areas depend on the shape and layout of the image, in conventional systems they were initialized (reset) upon completion of an image inspection job (inspection job).

For this reason, in conventional systems, when setting up an inspection job, it was necessary to set the inspection-related area for each created reference image. Therefore, in cases like the one above, the user had to use the mouse or keyboard to set the inspection-related area again from the beginning, which was inconvenient.

The object of the present invention is to provide an image inspection device that can improve convenience when setting inspection-related areas.

The image inspection device according to the present invention comprises:
a reference image storage unit for storing data of the reference image;
a setting unit that sets, in an inspection job, an inspection area that is an area to be inspected and/or an inspection-related area that is an area not to be inspected, for the reference image;
an inspection unit that executes the inspection job by comparing data of the reference image with image data obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed, based on the inspection-related area;
Equipped with
An inspection job is executed on a second reference image, which is different from the first reference image in which the first inspection-related area is set, with the first inspection-related area set as the second inspection-related area .

The image inspection system according to the present invention comprises:
An image inspection system that performs an inspection job based on an inspection-related area for image data obtained by reading an image formed on paper,
a reference image storage unit for storing data of the reference image;
a setting unit that sets, in an inspection job, an inspection area that is an area to be inspected and/or an inspection-related area that is an area not to be inspected, for a reference image;
an inspection unit that executes the inspection job by comparing data of the reference image with image data obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed, based on the inspection-related area;
Equipped with
An inspection job is executed on a second reference image, which is different from the first reference image in which the first inspection-related area is set, with the first inspection-related area set as the second inspection-related area .

The inspection program according to the present invention comprises:
On the computer,
A process of storing data of the reference image;
In an inspection job, a process of setting an inspection area that is an area to be inspected and/or an inspection-related area that is an inspection-exclusion area that is not an area to be inspected with respect to a reference image;
a process of comparing the data of the reference image with image data obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed, based on the inspection-related area, and executing the inspection job;
Execute
The process to be performed is:
The method includes a process of executing a second inspection job in which the first inspection-related area is set as a second inspection-related area on a second reference image different from the first reference image in which the first inspection-related area is set .

The present invention can improve convenience when setting test-related areas.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an image inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main parts of a control system in the image inspection system of the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart outlining the processing flow of an inspection job. 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for setting an inspection-related region (inspection region or inspection-exclusion region) in a reference image. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection area setting screen for setting an inspection-related area in an inspection job. FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a characteristic process flow in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating file names related to reference jobs and image inspection results. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of file names of past reference jobs. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a call setting screen in a state in which the setting contents of a reference job are called. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a comparison between the reference image of each page of the call profile when the Apply All Page Settings button is selected and the reference image of each page of the current inspection job. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning message displayed when the total number of pages in the call profile does not match the total number of pages in the current inspection job. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing an example in which the total number of pages in the call profile does not match the total number of pages in the current inspection job. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a comparison of an example in which the settings of the inspection-related areas on the first and fourth pages of the call profile are applied to the corresponding pages of the current inspection job. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing a comparison of an example in which the setting of the inspection-related area on the first page of the call profile is applied to odd-numbered pages in the current inspection job. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing a comparison of an example in which the setting of the inspection-related area on the first page of the call profile is applied to the even-numbered pages of the current inspection job. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing a comparison of an example in which the settings of the inspection-related area on the first page of the call profile are applied to a specified page in the current inspection job. 17A and 17B are diagrams showing a comparison of an example in which the settings of the inspection-related area on the second page of the call profile are applied to a specified page in the current inspection job. 18A and 18B are diagrams showing, in comparison, an example in which the settings of the inspection-related area on the third page of the call profile are applied to all pages in the current inspection job. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a case where the setting of the inspection-related area on the first page of the call profile is applied to the first page of the current inspection job at a position shifted from the original position. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating processing when the paper size of the first page of the call profile differs from the paper size of the first page of the current inspection job. This figure explains the case where overlapping of inspection exclusion areas is applied, and compares each page of the call profile (top row), each page before overlapping is applied in the current inspection job (middle row), and each page after overlapping is applied (bottom row). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a warning message that is displayed when the number of designated areas per page exceeds an upper limit when overlapping the inspection exclusion areas is performed. This figure explains the simultaneous application of multiple call profiles, comparing each page of call profile A (top row), each page of call profile B (middle row), and each page of the state when call profiles A and B are simultaneously applied to the reference image in the current inspection job (bottom row).

This embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram that schematically illustrates the overall configuration of an image inspection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the main parts of a control system that explains the flow of signals between the various devices that make up the image inspection system 1 according to this embodiment.

The image inspection system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a system that, after an image is formed (output) on paper S by an image forming device 20, reads the image on the paper S and compares the read image with a reference image to inspect the quality of the image printed on the paper S (whether or not there are any image defects).

As shown in FIG. 1, the image inspection system 1 includes an image forming device 20 that forms an image on a sheet S based on input image data, a paper feeder 10 that feeds the sheet S to the image forming device 20, an image reading device 30 that reads the image on the sheet S discharged from the image forming device 20, and a post-processing device 40 that has multiple paper discharge trays (42, 43).

In the image inspection system 1, the sheet feeding device 10, the image forming device 20, the image reading device 30, and the post-processing device 40 are physically connected in this order (the device main bodies are connected to each other) from the upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet S, so that a transport path P for the sheet S is formed connecting these multiple devices. This transport path P is branched by the sorting unit 41 of the post-processing device 40 into a path _P1 connected to a lower sheet discharge tray 42 and a path _P2 connected to an upper sheet discharge tray 43.

For the sake of simplicity, Fig. 1 shows the transport path P within the image forming apparatus 20 as a single line, but an actual image forming apparatus 20 is provided with a double-sided transport path for double-sided printing. Also, for the sake of simplicity, Fig. 1 shows two paths branching into _P1 and _P2 within the post-processing apparatus 40, but more branch paths can be provided depending on the number of paper discharge trays, etc.

The paper feeder 10 can store paper S of various sizes and types. The paper feeder 10 includes a paper feed roller for feeding the stored (stacked) paper S one sheet at a time, a motor for driving the paper feed roller, and more.

The image forming device 20 has an image forming unit 21 that uses an intermediate transfer method based on electrophotographic processing technology. In this example, the image forming unit 21 primarily transfers toner images of each color (Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and K) formed on a photosensitive drum (not shown) onto an intermediate transfer belt (not shown), overlays the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt, and then secondary transfers the toner images onto the paper S, forming a toner image. Furthermore, downstream of the image forming unit 21 in the transport direction of the paper S, a fixing unit 22 is located that fixes the toner image to the paper S by applying heat and pressure to the paper S onto which the toner image has been secondary transferred. The image forming unit 21 and fixing unit 22 are well-known components, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the image formation method used in the image forming device 20 is not limited to the above method; various other methods are also applicable.

The image forming apparatus 20 is provided with an operation display unit 25 on its main body. This operation display unit 25 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 26 and an operation unit 27. The display unit 26 displays various operation screens, image status, and the operating status of each function in accordance with display control signals input from the control unit 200 (described below). The operation unit 27 has various operation keys (so-called hardware switches) such as a numeric keypad and start key, accepts various input operations by the user, and outputs operation signals to the control unit 200. The display unit 26 also displays various icons (so-called software switches) that can be selected with a cursor (pointer), etc., on various screens (described below), accepts various input operations by the user, and outputs operation signals to the control unit 200.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming device 20 includes a control unit 200 that controls the entire image forming device 20. The control unit 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, etc., and controls the operation of the image forming unit 21, fixing unit 22, operation and display unit 25, as well as other units included in the image forming device 20. That is, the CPU 201 of the control unit 200 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 202, loads it into the RAM 203, and works in conjunction with the loaded program to centrally control the operation of the image forming unit 21, fixing unit 22, operation and display unit 25, and other blocks within the image forming device 20.

In this embodiment, the operation display unit 25 of the image forming device 20 functions as a "presentation unit" that presents predetermined information to the user in a selectable manner prior to image inspection, based on instructions from the image inspection device 50 (described below).

Other blocks included in the image forming device 20 include an image processing unit that performs various corrections, such as tone correction, on input image data, a paper transport unit that drives multiple transport rollers that transport paper S, and a communication unit that communicates with external devices such as servers via a communication network. The image forming device 20 may also be configured as a copier that copies an original image onto paper S, i.e., equipped with an automatic document feeder such as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and an original image scanning device (scanner). These blocks described above are well-known and will not be illustrated or described here.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image reading device 30 has an output image reading unit 31 that optically reads the image (toner image) on the paper S discharged from the image forming device 20. Specifically, the output image reading unit 31 optically scans the paper S, forming an image of reflected light from the paper S on the light-receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor (not shown), reading images on both sides of the paper S, and generating read image data based on the reading results. The read image data generated by the output image reading unit 31 is input to the image inspection device 50 (described below).

1 and 2 , the post-processing device 40 includes a transport roller that transports the sheet S whose image has been read by the image reading device 30, multiple discharge trays 42 and 43 that discharge the sheet S, and a sorting unit 41 that switches the discharge destination (conveyance route) of the sheet S. For simplicity, FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration including two discharge trays 42 and 43, but the number of discharge trays is arbitrary, and more discharge trays may be provided. The sorting unit 41 includes a switching gate that switches the discharge destination (conveyance route) of the sheet S between path _P1 and path _P2 , a drive source such as a solenoid that drives the switching gate, an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the image forming device 20 and the image inspection device 50, and the like.

In addition, the post-processing device 40 can be equipped with various additional functions depending on the application, such as a cutter to cut the sheets S, a stapler to staple the sheets S, and a folding mechanism to fold the sheets S. Because these additional functions are well-known, they will not be illustrated or described here.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image inspection system 1 includes an image inspection device 50 that inspects the quality of the output image formed (output) on the sheet S (presence or absence of image defects) based on the scanned image data generated by the image reading device 30. This image inspection device 50 includes a hardware processor such as a CPU, ROM, and a data storage unit 51 (described below), and the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the ROM to execute a job (hereinafter referred to as an "inspection job") that inspects the quality of the output image (presence or absence of image defects).

In this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 has the function of generating and registering a reference image (sometimes called a correct image) to be compared when performing image inspection, based on the scanned image generated by the image reading device 30.

The image inspection device 50 also has the function of setting inspection-related areas (inspection target areas that are subject to image inspection, or inspection-exclusion areas that are not subject to image inspection) for the registered reference image.

Furthermore, the image inspection device 50 functions as an "image inspection unit" that compares the scanned image generated by the image reading device 30 with a reference image to inspect for image defects. Details of each of these functions of the image inspection device 50 will be described later.

The image inspection device 50 can be physically incorporated into the housing of, for example, the image reading device 30, the post-processing device 40, or the image forming device 20, or it can be configured as a device that is physically independent from these devices. In the example shown in Figure 2, the image inspection device 50 is the latter, i.e., a physically independent device, and is configured to be electrically connected to the control unit 200 (described below) of the image forming device 20.

As shown in Figure 2, the image inspection system 1 also includes a PC 60 that outputs input image data and printing conditions (various user settings such as the number of pages of the printed matter, the printing method (e.g., double-sided/single-sided printing), and the number of copies to be printed) (hereinafter referred to as reference data).

In the example shown in Figure 2, the PC 60 supplies such reference data to both the image forming device 20 (controller 200) and the image inspection device 50. As another example, a relay device may be provided that branches the reference data sent from the PC 60 into two and sends them to the control unit 200 and the image inspection device 50.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the image inspection system 1 is equipped with data storage units 51 and 52 for storing various data such as the reference data described above.

Of these, the data storage unit 51 is part of the image inspection device 50 and is used to temporarily store reference data. The data storage unit 51 also stores various data related to image defects analyzed by the image inspection device 50.

Furthermore, the data storage unit 51 saves and accumulates various settings related to image inspection as inspection profile data. Here, the inspection profile includes information indicating the details of the print job in which the image to be inspected will be printed, such as the size of the paper S used for printing, the number of sheets and copies to be printed, whether double-sided printing is required, and other printing conditions. Other details of the inspection profile will be described later.

On the other hand, the data storage unit 52 is provided within the main body (housing) of the image forming device 20 and is connected to the control unit 200 and the CPU of the image inspection device 50 via an interface (not shown). These data storage units 51 and 52 can use various data storage media, such as HDDs and semiconductor memory.

In one specific example, the image forming device 20 first stores print job setting information, including information indicating the above-mentioned printing conditions, in the data storage unit 52. Then, when creating an inspection profile, the quality inspection device 50 reads the information indicating the printing conditions from the data storage unit 52 and stores it in the data storage unit 51 as part of the inspection profile.

Next, we will explain the outline of the inspection job processing executed by the image inspection device 50, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. Here, we will assume that multiple copies (e.g., 100 copies) of a printed material consisting of multiple pages (e.g., four sheets of paper) are printed, and the quality of the images on these multiple copies is inspected, and new reference image data for these printed materials (four sheets of paper) is created.

In step S10, the image inspection device 50 (the CPU of the image inspection device 50 shown in Figure 2; the same applies hereinafter) references the page number of the reference data described above and registers (newly creates) a portion of the scanned image data (here, four sheets of paper) printed by the image forming device 20 and scanned by the image scanning device 30 as reference image data. The process of registering such a reference image is called a "reference job."

More specifically, in step S10, the image inspection device 50 temporarily stores a portion of the images (scanned image data) (corresponding to four sheets of paper) scanned and generated by the image scanning device 30 in RAM or the like as candidates for the reference image.

At this time, the user visually checks the images of the actual printed matter (four sheets), and if there are no problems, the temporarily saved data is stored (registered) as official reference image data in the data storage unit 51 through operation input on the reference image registration screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 26. This completes the reference job.

In this embodiment, in such a reference job, the above-mentioned inspection-related area (inspection target area or inspection exclusion area) can be set for each registered reference image, and details of such setting procedures will be described later.

Thus, after the official reference image data has been registered, the image forming device 20 starts the print job for the second copy of the printed material.

For simplicity's sake, the printing used to create new reference image data will be referred to as "proof printing," and the printing that is the subject of the inspection job will be referred to as "final printing." If there are any problems with the images in the actual printouts (four pages), the reference job processing described above will be repeated until the user determines that there are no problems with the reference images.

In step S20, the image inspection device 50 acquires the scanned image data from the second copy (the fifth copy in this example) generated by the output image reading unit 31 of the image reading device 30 after actual printing has been started by the image forming device 20. In this example, the image inspection device 50 receives the generated scanned image data directly from the image reading device 30 (see Figure 2).

In step S30, the image inspection device 50 checks the identity of the scanned image and the reference image by comparing the scanned image data acquired in step S20 with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S10.

Next, the image inspection device 50 determines whether or not there are any image defects in the scanned image data based on the inspection results of step S30 (step S40). This determination process varies depending on the items related to the degree of match between the reference image and the scanned image (type of image defect) and the pass/fail standard value (threshold value), etc. Note that the determination process of step S40 is similar to known methods, so a detailed description will be omitted.

Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that there are no image defects in the scanned image data (step S40, NO), it determines that the image quality of the print is acceptable. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to eject the paper S corresponding to this scanned image data into a pre-set first tray (e.g., the paper ejection tray 42 in Figure 1).

The image inspection device 50 then repeats steps S20 to S40 until the print job related to the inspection is completed. Once the print job is completed, the image inspection device 50 stores the inspection results in the data storage unit 51 as appropriate (step S60) and ends the inspection job processing. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 that "the image quality of all printed pages passed," for example.

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the scanned image data contains an image defect (step S40, YES), it proceeds to step S50.

In step S50, the image inspection device 50 sends a message to the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20, such as "An image defect occurred on the 50th printed page." At this time, the image inspection device 50 also sends the type of image defect, the position of the image defect on the sheet S, and other information to the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20. The image inspection device 50 also notifies the post-processing device 40 to eject the sheet S corresponding to the scanned image data containing the image defect to a pre-set second tray (e.g., the paper output tray 43 in Figure 1).

When the post-processing device 40 receives notification from the image inspection device 50 about the presence or absence of image defects, it drives the switching gate of the sorting unit 41 (see Figures 1 and 2) so that the target sheet S is discharged to the appropriate discharge tray (42 or 43).

The image inspection device 50 repeats the above-described steps S20 to S50 until the inspection job is completed. When the inspection job is completed (i.e., up to the last printed page), the image inspection device 50 saves the inspection results in the data storage unit 51 (step S60) and ends the inspection job.

Incidentally, recent image inspection systems have proposed or implemented functions to improve user convenience, allowing the above-mentioned inspection-related areas (inspection exclusion areas or inspection target areas) to be set for each page, thereby identifying or excluding images or areas on the paper to be inspected.

The following describes the function of specifying (setting) an inspection target area or an inspection exclusion area in an image inspection system, with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

Here, Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process for setting inspection-related areas, i.e., inspection target areas that are subject to image inspection (hereinafter simply referred to as "inspection areas"), and inspection-exclusion areas that are subject to exclusion from image inspection.

Note that steps S200 to S220 in Figure 4 can be performed after registering the reference image data (step S10) in the flowchart in Figure 3 and before executing the actual print (step S20).

In step S200 of FIG. 4, after the registration of the reference image data (see step S10 of FIG. 3) is completed, the image inspection device 50 instructs the image forming device 20 to display on the display unit 26 a screen for specifying and setting an inspection area or an inspection exclusion area (hereinafter simply referred to as the "inspection area setting screen"), such as that shown in FIG. 5.

Figure 5 shows an example of an examination area setting screen displayed on the display unit 26; details of this screen will be described later.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, the image inspection device 50 temporarily stores the settings of the inspection-related area (inspection area or inspection-exclusion area) selected and input by the user via the inspection area setting screen in the data storage unit 51 or the like as "area setting information" (step S210).

The image inspection device 50 then sends an instruction to the image forming device 20 to display on the display unit 26 a message stating, for example, "Press the start key to start the actual printing and inspection job."

Thus, when the start key (not shown) on the operation unit 27 is pressed, the image forming device 20 starts the actual printing, the image on the paper S for the actual printing is read by the image reading device 30, and the read image data is acquired by the image inspection device 50 (step S220).

Then, in step S230, the image inspection device 50, which has received the scanned image data, performs image inspection on the inspection area of each page (e.g., areas other than the inspection exclusion area) in accordance with the settings of the area setting information saved in step S210.

In this case, for example, if the edge of the paper S is set as an area excluded from inspection, this edge will be excluded from the image inspection, thereby reducing the occurrence of false detections in the image inspection due to warping or other issues on the edge of the paper S.

In addition, if parts printed on the paper S, such as page numbers and headers, are set as areas excluded from inspection, these parts will be excluded from the image inspection, allowing inspection to focus on the more important image parts on the paper S.

Next, we will explain in detail the examination area setting screen displayed on the display unit 26 in step S200 described above.

As shown in Figure 5, the left side of the inspection area setting screen displays one of the reference images of the printed material to be inspected (in this example, four sheets of paper). In the example shown, the reference image of the first page (denoted by the symbol RI) is displayed. The user can change the display of this reference image RI to display reference images of other pages (in this example, pages 2 to 4) by selecting the scroll buttons indicated by "<" and ">" at the bottom left of the inspection area setting screen.

On the right side of the inspection area setting screen, various settings (setting items) for the currently displayed reference image RI, such as "area type selection," "target surface selection," "area setting," and "edge exclusion setting," are displayed so that they can be specified by user input operations.

In the example of the reference image RI shown in Figure 5, a page number ("1" in the illustrated example) is printed in the top and bottom centers of the paper S, and images of objects (picture patterns) of the same shape are printed (arranged) in a frame shape near the edges of the paper S. For simplicity, in this example, the reference image RI used in the inspection job has a simple form, but as shown in the figures described below, various images can be printed as the registered reference image RI.

Furthermore, in the example of the reference image RI shown in Figure 5, the edge of the paper S outside the frame-shaped image is designated as an inspection exclusion area (edge exclusion area EDA) that is excluded from image inspection (shown with diagonal hatching). Operations for designating or setting such an edge exclusion area EDA will be described later.

In this embodiment, the inspection-related area (inspection area or inspection-exclusion area) can be easily set within the reference image RI through mouse dragging, key input, etc.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, to the right of the reference image RI on the inspection area setting screen, an area type selection section 310, a target surface selection section 320, an area setting section 330, an edge exclusion setting section 340, a setting completion button 351, and a setting cancellation button 352 are displayed.

Of these, the area type selection unit 310 is a user interface that allows users to select (specify) using a pull-down menu whether the area (inspection-related area) set in the area setting unit 330 (described below) is to be an "exclusion area" or an "inspection target area."

In the illustrated example, the area type selection section 310 specifies "exclusion area for inspection," which means that the area or range to be excluded from image inspection is set individually within the reference image RI on the left. In contrast, if you use the mouse to pull down the down arrow in the "area type selection" field, the display switches to the state where you can set the "inspection target area," and the display switches to the mode where you can individually set the inspection target area to be the subject of image inspection within the reference image RI on the left.

To avoid complicating the explanation below, we will assume that the "exclusion area" has been selected in the area type selection unit 310.

As shown in the figure, below the area type selection section 310, a target surface selection section 320 with the heading "Target surface selection," an area setting section 330 with the heading "Area setting," and an edge exclusion setting section 340 with the heading "Edge exclusion setting" are displayed in that order.

The target surface selection unit 320 is a user interface for selecting (designating) whether to set an area on the "front surface," "back surface," or "specified page" of the reference image RI. Here, "front surface" and "back surface" take into consideration double-sided printing and image inspection of both surfaces of paper S. The "front surface" corresponds to the odd-numbered pages (i.e., pages 1, 3, 5, etc.) of the pages that make up the reference image RI, and the "back surface" corresponds to the even-numbered pages (i.e., pages 2, 4, 6, etc.).

In this regard, in the example shown in Figure 5, "front side" is specified, meaning the mode is set to individually set the exclusion area for image inspection on the "front side (odd pages)" of the printed material.

On the other hand, if you use the mouse to pull down the downward arrow icon in the "Select target side" column and select "Back side," the image of sheet S on the left side of the image will change to an image of the back side (e.g., page 2), and you will enter a mode in which you can individually set exclusion areas on the "back side" of the printed material that will be excluded from image inspection.

Furthermore, if you use the mouse to pull down the downward arrow icon and select "Specify Page," a page selection screen (not shown) will be displayed for specifying (selecting) one or more pages for which to configure image inspection settings. When you select a target page on this page selection screen, the image of the sheet S on the left side of the illustration will change to an image of the corresponding page (e.g., page 3), and you will enter a mode in which you can individually set the inspection exclusion area on the corresponding page (page 3) of the printed material.

The area setting section 330 is a user interface for setting (specifying) one or more frames of an image inspection area or its exclusion area, primarily in areas other than the edges of the paper. Here, we will explain the case where an inspection exclusion area is specified on the "front side (odd-numbered pages)" of a printed material.

The area setting unit 330 sets a rectangular frame within the reference image RI on the left side of the screen, and specifies the range of that rectangular frame as the exclusion area for image inspection in the inspection job. Specifically, when the "Confirm" button 331 in Figure 5 is clicked (selected) with a mouse or the like, the first exclusion area is confirmed, and new exclusion areas can be set from the second onwards.

For the sake of simplicity, the following will refer to the operation of specifying or selecting various buttons (icons or software switches) by the user, such as clicking the mouse. Furthermore, the operation of entering numbers, file names, etc. into various input fields, such as typing, will be referred to simply as "input."

As shown in Figure 5, the area setting unit 330 allows the user to specify the size of the rectangular frame to be set, i.e., the numerical values for "width" and "height," as well as the numerical values for "horizontal position" and "vertical position" of the rectangular frame on the reference image RI, through input operations.

The area setting unit 330 also allows the size and position of the rectangular frame to be set by dragging the mouse, and the above numerical values are automatically changed in response to this dragging operation.

When multiple exclusion regions have been set in the reference image RI using the operations described above in the region setting unit 330, if the "Delete" button 332 is selected, the most recent region setting will be deleted from the display screen (display within the reference image RI on the left).

Furthermore, in consideration of the fact that it may be difficult to accurately drag to set a rectangular frame, the region setting unit 330 displays a selectable "Specify entire region" button 333. In this example, when the "Specify entire region" button 333 is selected, the entire reference image RI is displayed as a rectangular frame. From this state, the user can easily set an exclusion region of the desired size at the desired position by performing a drag operation or moving the rectangular frame with the cursor.

The edge exclusion setting unit 340 is a user interface for setting the edge areas of the paper as areas to be excluded from image inspection, regardless of the selection (designation) state of the area type selection unit 310 described above. This takes into consideration the fact that the edges (edges of the four sides) of the paper S are prone to image loss, transfer failure, and, depending on the paper type, creasing, which can easily lead to false detections during image inspection, and therefore it may be better to set such edges in advance as areas to be excluded from image inspection.

In this example, the edge exclusion setting unit 340 specifies the exclusion area for the edge of the paper by inputting numerical values into the "Left Edge Setting" input field for the leading edge of the paper S in the transport direction (upper side in Figure 5), the "Rear Edge Setting" input field for the trailing edge of the paper S (lower side in Figure 5), and the "Left Side Setting" and "Right Side Setting" input fields for the width of the paper S (left and right sides in Figure 5).

In the example shown, the values entered are "5" mm for the leading edge setting and "4" mm for the left side setting and "4" mm for the right side setting, and a frame-shaped edge inspection exclusion area EDA (shown with diagonal hatching, same below) corresponding to these values is displayed in the reference image RI on the screen.

Thus, after the various selections and inputs described above have been made, if the "Settings Complete" button 351 at the bottom right of the screen is selected, all of the selections and inputs made on the inspection area setting screen in Figure 5 are confirmed, and the confirmed contents are temporarily stored (see step S210 in Figure 4). On the other hand, if the "Settings Cancel" button 352 is selected, a predetermined warning message is displayed, after which all of the settings in Figure 5 are canceled, and the display returns to the default.

Note that the display and storage of settings made through the inspection area setting screen in Figure 5 can be performed through cooperative operation between the control unit 200 and the image inspection device 50, and the same applies to the display and storage of settings made through other display screens described below.

Thus, in this image inspection system 1, the setting of the inspection-related area (inspection area or inspection-exclusion area) in the area setting unit 330 can be done not only by inputting numerical values but also by intuitive operation using a mouse, and can also be done by selecting the entire area specification button 333. Therefore, it is possible to achieve more user-friendly operability when setting the inspection-exclusion area.

In this way, recent image inspection systems allow for detailed specification or setting of inspection-related areas (inspection areas or areas not subject to inspection) while taking usability into consideration, and are able to perform image inspections in accordance with these settings.

On the other hand, the reference image RI used in image inspection is often created for each of the multiple pages that make up the printed material, and a different image is printed on each page. For this reason, current image inspection systems require the user to specify or set the inspection-related area (inspection area or inspection-exclusion area) within the sheet S (in this example, within the reference image RI) for each page (the operation performed by the user in step S210 in Figure 4).

However, if the user had to set the desired inspection-related area (inspection area or inspection exclusion area) for each page or for each image on a page, this would take a lot of time and would be inconvenient.

For example, even if you have created the reference image RI described above and set the inspection-related area for this reference image RI (such as entering the numerical values of the edge exclusion area EDA in the above example), there may be cases where you want to start over from creating the reference image RI again.

Furthermore, when performing an image inspection, there may be various cases where you want to reuse information about an inspection-related area that you previously set. For example, since the previously created reference image RI and the current reference image RI only differ in color and have the same image shape and layout, you may want to reuse the previous settings to set an inspection-related area in the same area as previously set.

However, in conventional image inspection systems, the settings of the inspection-related area are initialized (deleted from memory) upon completion of the image inspection job (inspection job) because they depend on the shape and layout of the image in the reference image RI.

For this reason, in conventional systems, when setting up an inspection job, it was necessary to set the inspection-related area for each created reference image. Therefore, in cases like the one above, the user had to use the mouse or keyboard to set the inspection-related area again from the beginning, which was inconvenient.

In light of the above situation, in this embodiment, area setting information for inspection-related areas (areas to be inspected or areas excluded from inspection) in an inspection job, i.e., image inspection, is saved (accumulated) in memory, and the settings can be used (selected, edited, etc.) when setting up a subsequent image inspection, and image inspection is performed based on the selected or edited settings.

In one specific example of this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 does not delete the area setting information in which the inspection-related area (inspection target area or inspection exclusion area) is set, even after the image inspection job (inspection job) is completed, but instead saves and accumulates it as a file in the data storage unit 51. The image inspection device 50 creates such area setting information for each image inspection job (inspection job) and saves it in the data storage unit 51 as part of the inspection profile for each inspection job.

In other words, the image inspection system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a "settings storage unit" that stores area setting information for each inspection job. In this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 and the data storage unit 51 correspond to the " settings storage unit."

In addition, in this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 creates an inspection profile that includes the information indicating the printing conditions and area setting information described above, as well as a thumbnail image of the reference image RI to which the set inspection-related area (inspection target area or inspection exclusion area) has been added (superimposed), and gives the created inspection profile a specified file name and saves it in the data storage unit 51. The method of assigning such file names will be described later.

Furthermore, the image inspection system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a "presentation unit" that presents the saved area setting information (file name and therefore setting content) to the user in a selectable manner prior to image inspection (execution of a new inspection job). In one specific example, the image inspection device 50 and the display unit 26 correspond to the " presentation unit."

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a "setting unit" is provided that sets the inspection-related area (inspection target area or inspection exclusion area) in the area setting information selected by the user as the inspection-related area for the image inspection (inspection job) to be performed by the image inspection device 50. In this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 corresponds to the " setting unit."

In this way, by providing a configuration that allows past settings related to inspection-related fields to be reused, the workload (man-hours required for inputting operations) on the user when setting up inspection-related fields can be significantly reduced when setting up a new inspection job.

Specifically, as described above, in the image inspection system 1, a reference image job is executed to create a reference image for an inspection job, and an inspection area, etc. is set for this reference image, but there may be cases where you want to start over from the creation of the reference image again.

There may also be cases where you want to reuse information about a previously set inspection-related area. For example, you may want to reuse the settings you previously made because the reference image differs only in color from a previously created reference image and you want to set the inspection-related area in the same area as the previously set area.

As described above, this embodiment significantly reduces the user's workload (man-hours required for inputting operations) in cases such as when recreating a reference image or when reusing previously configured inspection-related areas. In other words, when configuring inspection-related areas for a new inspection job, the user simply needs to call up the inspection profile (profile data).

Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of the characteristic processing in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 saves (accumulates) the settings for the image inspection (inspection job), including the inspection-related areas (area setting information) set in the reference job (see step S10 in Figure 3), as the above-mentioned inspection profile in the data storage unit 51 (step S500).

In one specific example, the area setting information for the inspection-related area is added to the conventional inspection profile described above (i.e., data specifying the size of the paper S used for printing, the number of sheets and copies to be printed, whether double-sided printing is desired, etc.), thereby becoming part of the configuration data of the inspection profile.

Furthermore, on the display screen described below, in order to present the user with an overview of the past examination profile, a thumbnail image of the reference image RI with the set examination-related area (examination target area or examination exclusion area) added (superimposed) forms part of the constituent data of the examination profile.

Thus, the image inspection device 50 performs the function of a " settings storage unit."

In this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 stores the inspection profile data file in the data storage unit 51 as a separate file from the file that stores the image inspection results for the inspection job.

Therefore, the timing of saving in step S500 is not particularly limited, and the image inspection device 50 can execute the processing of step S500 at any or predetermined timing between the start and end of the inspection job, for example.

Next, when a new inspection job is set up, past inspection profiles stored (accumulated) in the data storage unit 51 are read and presented to the user in a selectable (or editable) form (step S600).

In step S600, the processor and display unit of any of the devices constituting the present system are made to function as a "presentation unit" that presents an inspection profile, which defines the settings for image inspections that have been performed in the past, to the user in a manner that allows the user to select and edit it. In this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 and the operation display unit 25 of the image forming device 20 correspond to the " presentation unit."

In one specific example, the image inspection device 50 communicates with the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20, displays various screens on the display unit 26 of the operation display unit 25 of the image forming device 20, and performs processing in response to selection operations of various icons (software buttons) on the display screen.

Then, the image inspection device 50 sets the settings selected (or edited) by the user as the inspection-related areas for image inspection in the new inspection job (step S700).

Thus, the image inspection device 50 performs the function of a " setting unit."

In this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 displays the above-mentioned inspection area setting screen on the display unit 26, and also displays a "Call Settings" button 353 and a "Save Settings" button 354 on the inspection area setting screen so that they can be selected by the user, as shown in Figure 5.

When the Save Settings button 354 is selected, the image inspection device 50 saves the setting information, such as the inspection area set for this image inspection, in the data storage unit 51 as data that forms part of the inspection profile, with a name (file name).

In one specific example, the image inspection device 50 assigns a name (profile name) that includes the time when the inspection area, etc. was newly set (time of setting or saving) for a set of reference images (four pages in this example) used in the inspection job, and saves the data file in the data storage unit 51.

For example, if new settings such as an inspection area are made at 14:30:50 on July 26, 2019, the image inspection device 50 will name the data file "ReferenceJob_20190726_143050" and save it in the data storage unit 51.

Figure 7 shows an example of the display screen after a data file named "ReferenceJob_20190726_143050" has been saved in the data storage unit 51 and this inspection job (image inspection) has been executed. In Figure 7, the box in which the cursor is positioned is indicated by the symbol CS.

Data files beginning with "AnalysysJob," such as "AnalysysJob_20190726_145940" in Figure 7, are files that show the results of image inspection (analysis of image defects) in the inspection job described above.

In this way, in this embodiment, the data file (inspection profile) containing the setting information for the inspection-related area is stored separately from the data file showing the results of the image inspection in the inspection job, thereby reducing the burden on the processor, etc. when reading or updating the setting information for the inspection area, etc.

Furthermore, by saving files with the above file names, when files stored in the data storage unit 51 are displayed in a list, it becomes easier to visually identify when and for what job the file was created.

These file names can also be changed (edited) to any file name by user input.

On the other hand, when the user selects the "Call Settings" button 360 from the state shown in Figure 7, or when the user selects the "Call Settings" button 353 on the inspection area setting screen in Figure 5, the image inspection device 50 performs the function of the "presentation unit" described above.

Specifically, the image inspection device 50 displays a list of inspection profile file names (file names beginning with "ReferenceJob") as shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 26. Details of the subsequent processing will be described later.

Additionally, the above-mentioned "Call Settings" button 360 and "Call Settings" button 353 are both buttons that trigger the calling up of a list of file names of examination profiles, as shown in Figure 8, which will be described later.

However, if the "Call Settings" button 360 is selected while the cursor CS is positioned on the file name of the AnalysysJob on the display screen shown in Figure 7, an examination results screen (not shown) showing the results of the image examination will be displayed. Therefore, the following explanation will be given assuming that the Call Settings button 353 on the examination area setting screen shown in Figure 5 is selected.

When the settings call button 353 is selected, the image inspection device 50 performs the function of a "presentation unit." Specifically, the image inspection device 50 reads the file names of the inspection profiles saved (accumulated) in the data storage unit 51, and displays a list of the file names as shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 26. For ease of explanation, the display screen shown in Figure 8 will be referred to as the "list display screen" below.

Figure 8 shows an example of a list display screen that is displayed on the display unit 26 when the setting call button 353 on the examination area setting screen shown in Figure 5 is selected. Comparing Figures 7 and 8, it can be seen that only the file names of the examination profiles (file names beginning with ReferenceJob) are read out on the list display screen in Figure 8.

In other words, the list display screen shown in Figure 8 displays a list of file names of previously set image inspection profiles that were saved (accumulated) in the data storage unit 51 by selecting the Save Settings button 354. In this example, two file names (in other words, identifiers linked to the settings of past inspection jobs) are displayed.

Figure 9 shows the setting contents of "1.ReferenceJob_20190726_143050" displayed on the display unit 26 under the control of the image inspection device 50 when the "Call Settings" button 365 is selected with the cursor positioned on the top-level file name "1.ReferenceJob_20190726_143050" of the two file names shown in Figure 8.

At this time, the image inspection device 50 reads the setting information specified in "1.ReferenceJob_20190726_143050" (such as the number of pages in the reference image, the size of the paper S on each page, and the coordinate position of the inspection-related area (in this example, the inspection exclusion area) set on each page (reference image)) into a working area such as RAM (not shown), and displays an image related to the reference image on the right side of the display unit 26.

Hereinafter, the display screen shown in Figure 9 will be referred to as the "call settings screen."

Here, in the "Source" column on the right side of the call settings screen shown in Figure 9, "1. ReferenceJob_20190726_143050," i.e., the target of image inspection in the past inspection job, displays thumbnail images arranged vertically so that the reference images of four pages of printed matter (each indicated by the symbol "RI1") and the inspection exclusion areas set for each page (indicated by the symbol "DA1" or "EDA1" in the figure) can be seen.

Here, the page number of each reference image RI1 ("1P" to "4P") is displayed in the lower left corner of the "Source" column, and the size of the paper S for that reference image RI1 ("A4" in this example) is displayed in the lower right corner of each reference image RI1.

If the reference image RI1 has five or more pages, the user can scroll through the reference images RI1 from page 5 onwards by selecting the scroll buttons indicated by "<" and ">" at the bottom right of the call settings screen.

Below the scroll buttons on the call settings screen are a "Complete Settings" button 397 for confirming the content being edited on the call settings screen, and a "Cancel Settings" button 398 for canceling the content being edited.

The inspection exclusion area indicated by the symbol DA1 in the reference image RI1 is an inspection exclusion area relating to areas other than the edges of the sheet S, which is set through the area setting unit 330 in Figure 5, and will be referred to below as the "inspection exclusion area." On the other hand, the inspection exclusion area indicated by the symbol EDA1 in the reference image RI1 is an inspection exclusion area relating to the edges of the sheet S, which is set through the edge exclusion setting unit 340 in Figure 5, and will be referred to below as the "edge inspection exclusion area" for the sake of distinction.

Specifically, for the first page (1P) of the "source", the numbers (the two "1" page numbers, top and bottom) in the reference image RI1 (sheet S) are set as the inspection exclusion area DA1, and for the second page (2P), the area at the left edge of sheet S (the margin area) is set as the inspection exclusion area DA1.

It can also be seen that for the third page (3P) in the "source", the left and bottom margins of the paper S are each set as the inspection exclusion area DA1, and for the fourth page (4P), the numbers at the bottom of the paper S (the page number "4" at the bottom) are set as the inspection exclusion area DA1.

Furthermore, it can be seen that a common edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 is set for all pages (1-4P) in the "source" section.

In the example shown in Figure 9, the default display shows the cursor CS (shown by a dotted line in the figure) positioned on the first page (1P) of four pages. The user can move this cursor CS to the second page (2P) or below by operating the mouse or other device.

Furthermore, on the left side of the call settings screen shown in Figure 9, the first page (page 1) of the reference image to be used in the new inspection job (image inspection) is displayed as the "target" by default. To distinguish it from the "source" image, the "target" reference image is given the symbol RI2, the inspection exclusion area is given the symbol DA2, and the edge inspection exclusion area is given the symbol EDA2.

In the illustrated example, the paper S used in this inspection job (image inspection) is the same A4 size as the paper S used in "1.ReferenceJob_20190726_143050" (hereinafter referred to as the "past inspection job" or "source").

In relation to the initial position of the cursor CS described above, the reference image RI2 of page 1 of the current inspection job displays the inspection exclusion area DA2 and edge inspection exclusion area EDA2 corresponding to the inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set on the first page (1P) of the previous inspection job at the same coordinate positions on the paper S.

Furthermore, if the cursor CS is moved (lowered) from the state shown in Figure 9 to specify another page as the source of application, the display of the inspection exclusion area DA2 displayed (added) on the reference image RI2 as the destination of application will also change, but the display of the edge inspection exclusion area EDA2 will not change.

Furthermore, between the source reference image RI1 and the destination reference image RI2, i.e., in the vertical direction in the center of the screen shown in Figure 9, an "Apply All Page Settings" button 370, a specified page settings application section 380, and a selected page settings application section 390 are displayed.

Below, we will explain the actions that occur when these buttons are selected by the user, divided into categories based on their intended use.

(When reusing the settings of the inspection exclusion area stored in the data storage unit 51 as they are)
First, as the simplest example, we will explain the case where the settings of the inspection exclusion areas (DA1, EDA1) set in a previous inspection job (image inspection) are reused as is (as DA2, EDA2) in the current inspection job (image inspection) without editing.

The "Apply Settings to All Pages" button 370 on the call settings screen shown in Figure 9 is selected when applying the settings from a previous inspection job displayed on the right side of the screen (including settings that can be displayed by scrolling or other operations due to the large number of pages; the same applies below) to all pages in the current inspection job.

This Apply All Page Settings button 370 should be selected when the profile of the printed material in the current inspection job (printing conditions such as paper size, number of pages, pages to be printed on both sides, images to be printed on each page, etc.) is the same as the configuration of the printed material in any previous inspection job.

Incidentally, at the top center of the call settings screen shown in Figure 9, a message is displayed explaining the effect of selecting the "Apply settings to all pages" button 370 (i.e., "Apply the examination-related areas for all pages of the application source read on the right side of the screen to all pages of the current reference image").

Furthermore, the next section of the screen displays a message explaining the effect of selecting the apply button 382 in the specified page settings application section 380 (i.e., "The inspection-related areas of the specified page among the application source pages read on the right side of the screen will be reflected in the same specified page of the current reference image").

Furthermore, in the row below, a message is displayed explaining the effect of selecting one of the buttons in the selected page setting application section 390 (i.e., "The examination-related area of one selected page from the application source pages read on the right side of the screen will be reflected in the application destination of this reference image (the application destination of one of (1) to (5) described below)").

The following describes the operations that occur when the user selects each button according to their purpose on the call settings screen shown in Figure 9.

(When applied to all pages)
When the apply all page settings button 370 is selected in the state shown in FIG. 9, the image inspection device 50 performs the following process as step S700 described above with reference to FIG.

The image inspection device 50 sets the inspection area setting for the first page of the previous inspection job (hereinafter referred to as the "call profile") as the inspection area setting for the first page of the current inspection job, and then repeats the same setting process up to the final page (page 4 in this example), before terminating the process.

Figure 10 (Figures 10A and 10B) compares reference image RI1 for pages 1 to 4 of the call profile with reference image RI2 for pages 1 to 4 of the current inspection job. Here, the top row, i.e., Figure 10A, shows reference image RI1 for the call profile, and the bottom row, i.e., Figure 10B, shows reference image RI2 for the current inspection job, and the same applies to the other figures described below.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 10A and 10B, when the Apply All Page Settings button 370 is selected, the position and size of the inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set on the profile's reference image (sheet S) are applied as is to the corresponding pages of the current inspection job (see areas marked DA2 and EDA2).

Thus, the user can, for example, select the settings call button 353 from the inspection area setting screen of Figure 5 to display the list of profile names of Figure 8, and then move the cursor from that list to a profile that can be used for the current inspection job and select the settings content call button 365, thereby displaying the call setting screen of Figure 9 on the display unit 26.

Then, with a very minimal input operation, the user can use the settings for the image inspection area (inspection-related area, in this example, the inspection-exclusion area) set in the previous inspection job in the current inspection job by simply selecting the Apply All Page Settings button 370 on the call settings screen in Figure 9.

Therefore, this embodiment significantly improves convenience when setting up imaging examinations.

When the Apply All Page Settings button 370 on the call settings screen in Figure 9 is selected, the image inspection device 50 determines whether the total number of pages in the call profile (4 pages in this example) matches the total number of pages in the current inspection job, and if they match, performs the setting process described above (see Figures 10A and 10B).

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the total number of pages in the call profile (4 pages) does not match the total number of pages in the current inspection job, it displays a warning message, such as that shown in Figure 11, on the display unit 26 to alert the user.

In the example shown in Figure 11, the final page of the reference image RI2 for the current inspection job (i.e., the application destination) is set only up to page 3, and a warning message is displayed stating, "Since there are no pages beyond the fourth page in the inspection job, the inspection area setting for page 4 of the called profile was not applied."

Figure 12 (Figures 12A and 12B) shows an example in which the warning message in Figure 11 is displayed, comparing the reference image RI1 of pages 1 to 4 of the call profile with the situation in which page 4 of the reference image RI2 has not been set in the current inspection job.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 12A and 12B, when the Apply All Page Settings button 370 is selected, if the reference image RI2 of any page of the current inspection job, in this example the fourth page, is not set for the reference image RI1 of each page of the call profile, the settings of the inspection-related area on the fourth page of the call profile will not be reflected in the settings of the current inspection job.

By displaying such a warning message, the user can check the system status, such as whether the reference image RI2 for the current inspection job has not been completely set, before executing the inspection job, thereby improving convenience when setting up image inspections.

Although not shown, in the opposite case, i.e., when the Apply All Page Settings button 370 is selected, if the total number of pages of the reference image RI2 set in the current inspection job is greater than the total number of pages of the reference image RI1 in the call profile (4 pages) (for example, 5 pages), a warning message similar to that in Figure 11 will be displayed, such as "No inspection-related area has been set on page 5 of the inspection job."

(When applying the settings for the inspection exclusion area of a specified page in the call profile to the corresponding page of this inspection job)
Next, a case will be described in which the settings of designated pages (for example, some pages) for the inspection exclusion area set in a past inspection job are used (applied) to the corresponding pages in the current inspection job.

The designated page settings application section 380 on the call settings screen shown in Figure 9 is a user interface selected when applying the settings of a previous inspection job (source) displayed on the right side of the screen to some of the pages in the current inspection job.

The specified page settings application unit 380 can be used effectively when the configuration of the printed material to be inspected in the current inspection job (paper size, number of pages, pages to be printed on both sides, images to be printed on each page, etc.) partially matches the configuration of the printed material in one of the previous inspection jobs.

As shown in Figure 9, this specified page setting application section 380 displays a range specification field 381 for inputting and specifying a page range, and an "Apply to Pages" button (hereinafter simply referred to as the "Apply button") 382 for confirming the input page range.

When the user selects the Apply button 382, the image inspection device 50 performs the following process as step S700 described above in Figure 6. Note that this example assumes that "1, 4", i.e., the first and fourth pages, are specified in the range specification field 381.

The image inspection device 50 sets the inspection area settings for the specified pages (pages 1 and 4) of the call profile as the inspection area settings for pages 1 and 4 of the current inspection job, respectively, and then terminates processing.

Figure 13 (Figures 13A and 13B) shows a comparison of reference images RI1 (pages 1 to 4) of the reference image for the call profile and reference images RI2 (pages 1 to 4) for the current inspection job.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 13A and 13B, when the apply button 382 of the specified page setting application section 380 is selected, the position and size of the inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set on the first page of the call profile reference image RI1 are applied as is to the first page of the current inspection job (see the areas marked DA2 and EDA2 on the first page).

In addition, the position and size of the inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set on the fourth page of the call profile reference image RI1 are applied as is to the fourth page of this inspection job (see the areas marked DA2 and EDA2 on the fourth page).

On the other hand, for the second and third pages of this inspection job (destination), only the edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set commonly to each page of the reference image RI1 of the called profile (source) is applied (see the area marked EDA2 on the second and third pages), and the inspection exclusion area DA1 is not applied.

Thus, the image inspection device 50 and the display unit 26 (presentation unit) present the settings in an editable manner, via the specified page settings application unit 380 and selected page settings application unit 390 described above, so that part of the settings of the called profile (part of the inspection-related areas included in one inspection profile) is applied to the reference image in the new inspection job, and the other parts are not applied.

Furthermore, one function of the "setting unit" in this embodiment is to set the inspection-related area of at least one page of paper (the reference image RI2 from which the information is applied) included in the area setting information selected by the user as the inspection-related area of a new inspection job (the image inspection to be performed by the image inspection device 50).

Thus, the user can, for example, perform the same operations as described above from the inspection area setting screen of FIG. 5 to display the list of file names of FIG. 8 and the call setting screen of FIG. 9 on the display unit 26. Then, by simply entering the designated page in the range specification field 381 on the call setting screen of FIG. 9 and selecting the apply button 382, the settings for the image inspection area (inspection-related area, in this example, the inspection exclusion area) set on the designated page of the previous inspection job can be used as is on the corresponding page of the current inspection job, with a simple input operation.

Therefore, this embodiment significantly improves convenience when setting up imaging examinations.

When the Apply button 382 on the call setting screen in Figure 8 is selected, the image inspection device 50 determines whether the specification in the range specification field 381 is correct, and if so, performs the setting process described above (see Figures 12A and 12B).

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the content specified in the range specification field 381 is incorrect (i.e., there is an error), it displays a warning message on the display unit 26 in the same display format as that shown in Figure 11 above to alert the user.

Here, examples of cases where there is an error in the content specified in the range specification field 381 include, as mentioned above, when the printed material for the current inspection job only has up to three pages, and also when the corresponding page does not exist in the call profile (for example, when "4, 5" is entered in the range specification field 381).

(When applying the settings for one page in the call profile to the desired page of this inspection job)
Next, a case will be described in which the setting contents of one page of the inspection exclusion area set in a past inspection job are used (applied) to a desired page of the current inspection job.

The selected page settings application section 390 in the screen shown in Figure 9 is a user interface for specifying whether the settings of a specific page (page 1 in the illustrated example) of the call profile selected with the cursor on the right side of the screen should be applied to (1) the front side (i.e., odd-numbered pages), (2) the back side (i.e., even-numbered pages), (3) the page currently displayed as "apply to" on the left side of the screen (page 1 in this example), (4) any specified page, or (5) all pages of the printed material that is the subject of the current inspection job.

For this reason, as shown in Figure 9, the selected page settings application section 390 displays (1) an "Apply to front side" button 391, (2) an "Apply to back side" button 392, (3) an "Apply to displayed pages" button 393, (4) a page range input field 394 and an "Apply to pages" button 395, and (5) an "Apply to all pages" button 396. The following explains the above items (1) to (5) in order.

(1) When applying the setting of the inspection exclusion area on the first page of the call profile to each front surface of the current job As a specific example, a case will be described in which the "Apply to front surface" button 391 is selected from the state shown in Fig. 9, that is, from the state in which the cursor CS on the right side of the screen is located on the first page (1P) of the call profile. In this case, the image inspection device 50 performs the following process as step S700 described above in Fig. 6.

The image inspection device 50 sets the inspection area setting contents of the first page of the called profile (inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge exclusion area EDA1) as the inspection area setting contents of the first page of the current inspection job (inspection exclusion area DA2 and edge exclusion area EDA2), and then repeats the same setting process up to the final odd-numbered page of the current inspection job (page 3 in this example), before terminating the process.

Figure 14 (Figures 14A and 14B) compares reference images RI1 of pages 1 to 4 of the call profile with reference images RI2 of pages 1 to 4 of the current inspection job.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 14A and 14B, when the "Apply to Front" button 391 is selected, the positions and sizes of the two inspection exclusion areas DA1 set on the first page of the call profile are applied to each front of the current inspection job, i.e., the first and third pages (odd-numbered pages).

On the other hand, for the second and fourth pages (even-numbered pages) of this inspection job, only the edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set commonly to each page of the call profile reference image RI1 is applied (see the area marked EDA2 on the second and fourth pages), and none of the inspection exclusion areas DA1 are applied.

Thus, the user can display the list of FIG. 8 and the call settings screen of FIG. 9 by performing the same operations as described above from the settings screen of FIG. 5. Then, with a very minimal input operation, by selecting the "Apply to front" button 391 while the cursor CS is in its initial position on the call settings screen of FIG. 9, one page of the settings for the image inspection area (inspection-related area, in this example, the inspection-exclusion area) set in the previous inspection job can be used as is on each front (odd-numbered page) of the current inspection job.

Therefore, this embodiment significantly improves convenience when setting up imaging examinations.

(2) When the setting of the inspection exclusion area of the first page of the call profile is applied to each back side of the current job Next, a case where the "Apply to back side" button 392 is selected from the state shown in Fig. 9 (the state where the cursor CS is on the first page) will be described. In this case, the control unit 200 performs the following process as step S700 described above with reference to Fig. 6.

The control unit 200 sets the inspection area setting contents of the first page of the called profile (inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge exclusion area EDA1) as the inspection area setting contents of the second page of the current inspection job (inspection exclusion area DA2 and edge exclusion area EDA2), and then repeats the same setting process up to the final even-numbered page of the current inspection job (page 4 in this example), before terminating the process.

If there is an error in the specified content, for example, if only the reference image RI1 for the first page is set for the current inspection job, the control unit 200 will display a warning message or the like on the display unit 26 to alert the user.

Figure 15 (Figures 15A and 15B) shows a comparison of reference images RI1 (pages 1 to 4) of the reference image for the call profile and reference images RI2 (pages 1 to 4) for the current inspection job.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 15A and 15B, when the "Apply to Back Side" button 392 is selected, the position and size of the inspection exclusion area DA1 set for the first page of the profile are applied to the back sides of the current inspection job, i.e., the second and fourth pages.

On the other hand, for the first and third pages (odd-numbered pages) of this inspection job, only the edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set commonly to each page of the call profile reference image RI1 is applied (see the area marked EDA2 on the first and third pages), and none of the inspection exclusion areas DA1 are applied.

Thus, the user can display the list of FIG. 8 and the call settings screen of FIG. 9 by performing the same operations as described above from the settings screen of FIG. 5. Then, by simply changing the position of the cursor CS on the call settings screen of FIG. 9 as appropriate and selecting the "Apply to back side" button 392, the settings for one page of the image inspection area (inspection-related area, in this example, the inspection-exclusion area) set in the previous inspection job can be used as is on each back side (even-numbered page) of the current inspection job.

Therefore, this embodiment significantly improves convenience when setting up imaging examinations.

In this way, the "presentation unit" of this embodiment has the function of displaying the settings of the inspection-related area (inspection area or inspection exclusion area) of one page of the source call profile to be applied to the front (odd-numbered pages) or back (even-numbered pages) of a new inspection job, skipping one page as specified by the user.

By providing this functionality, for example, if you want to apply only the shape information of the inspection-related area of a specific page from the saved (source) profile data to only the front or back of the current inspection job, the user's input operations for that setting can be reduced.

(3) When the "Apply to Displayed Page" Button 393 is Selected Next, a case will be described where the "Apply to Displayed Page" button 393 is selected by a user's input operation from the state shown in Fig. 9. In this case, the image inspection device 50 performs the following process as step S700 described above in Fig. 6.

The image inspection device 50 sets the inspection area setting contents of the page of the call profile where the cursor CS is currently positioned on the call setting screen shown in Figure 9 (page 1 in the example shown in Figure 9) as the inspection area setting contents of the page (e.g., page 2) in the current inspection job currently displayed as the application destination on the left side of the screen, and then ends processing.

The image inspection device 50 then applies the position and size of the inspection exclusion area DA1 set for the first page of the call profile to only the second page of the current inspection job. On the other hand, the image inspection device 50 applies only the edge exclusion area EDA1 described above to the other pages in the current inspection job.

Figure 16 (Figures 16A and 16B) shows a comparison of reference images RI1 (pages 1 to 4) of the reference image for the call profile and reference images RI2 (pages 1 to 4) for the current inspection job.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 16A and 16B, when the "Apply to displayed page" button 393 is selected, the position and size of the inspection exclusion area DA1 set on the first page of the profile are applied to the second page of the current inspection job.

On the other hand, for the first, third, and fourth pages of this inspection job, only the edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set commonly for each page of the call profile reference image RI1 is applied (see the area marked EDA2 on the first, third, and fourth pages), and none of the inspection exclusion areas DA1 are applied.

In general, the user can display the list display screen of FIG. 8 and then the call setting screen of FIG. 9 by performing the same operations as described above from the setting screen of FIG. 5. Then, by appropriately moving the initial position of the cursor CS on the call setting screen of FIG. 9 and selecting the "Apply to displayed page" button 393, the user can use one page of the image inspection area (exclusion area) settings set in the previous inspection job as is on one page of the current inspection job (page 2 in the above example) with just a few input operations.

Therefore, this embodiment significantly improves convenience when setting up imaging examinations.

(4) When the page range input field 394 and the apply button 395 are used Next, a case will be described in which the cursor CS is moved from the state shown in Fig. 9 to the second page of the call profile, the user inputs "1, 3" into the "input page range" field 394, and selects the "apply to pages" button (hereinafter simply referred to as the "apply button") 395. In this case, the image inspection device 50 performs the following process as step S700 described above in Fig. 6.

The image inspection device 50 sets the inspection area settings for the second page of the called profile (inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge exclusion area EDA1) as the inspection area settings for the first and third pages of the current inspection job (inspection exclusion area DA2 and edge exclusion area EDA2).

Figure 17 (Figures 17A and 17B) shows a comparison of reference images RI1 for pages 1 to 4 of the call profile and reference images RI2 for pages 1 to 4 of the current inspection job.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 17A and 17B, in the above example, the position and size of the inspection exclusion area DA1 set on the second page of the call profile are applied to the specified pages of the current inspection job (destination), i.e., pages 1 and 3.

On the other hand, for the second and fourth pages of this inspection job, only the edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 set commonly for each page of the call profile reference image RI1 is applied (see the area marked EDA2 on the second and fourth pages), and none of the inspection exclusion areas DA1 are applied.

Thus, the user can display the list display screen of FIG. 8 and then the call setting screen of FIG. 9 by performing the same operations as described above from the setting screen of FIG. 5. Then, by appropriately moving the cursor CS on the call setting screen of FIG. 9, inputting the specified page in the "Enter page range" field 394, and selecting the apply button 395, the user can use one page of the settings for the image inspection area (inspection-related area, in this example, the inspection exclusion area) set in the previous inspection job as is for the specified page of the current inspection job with just a few input operations.

Therefore, this embodiment significantly improves convenience when setting up imaging examinations.

(5) When the "Apply to All Pages" Button 396 is Selected As another specific example, a case will be described in which, from the state shown in Fig. 9, the user moves the cursor CS on the right side of the screen to the third page of the call profile by an input operation, and then selects the "Apply to All Pages" button 396. In this case, the image inspection device 50 performs the following process as step S700 described above in Fig. 6.

The image inspection device 50 sets the inspection area settings for the third page of the called profile (inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge exclusion area EDA1) as the inspection area settings for the first page of the current inspection job (inspection exclusion area DA2 and edge exclusion area EDA2), and then repeats the same setting process up to the final page of the current inspection job (page 4 in this example), before terminating the process.

Figure 18 (Figures 18A and 18B) compares reference images RI1 of pages 1 to 4 of the call profile with reference images RI2 of pages 1 to 4 of the current inspection job.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 18A and 18B, when the "Apply to all pages" button 396 is selected, the inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge inspection exclusion area EDA1 (position and size) set for page 3 of the call profile are applied to all pages (pages 1 to 4) of the current inspection job.

Thus, the user can display the list display screen of FIG. 8 and the call setting screen of FIG. 9 by performing the same operations as described above from the setting screen of FIG. 5. Then, by simply moving the cursor CS on the call setting screen of FIG. 9 appropriately and selecting the "Apply to all pages" button 396, the settings for one page of the image inspection area (inspection-related area, in this example, the inspection exclusion area) set in the previous inspection job can be used as is for all pages of the current inspection job with a simple input operation.

Therefore, this embodiment significantly improves convenience when setting up imaging examinations.

Thus, in this embodiment, the call setting screen shown in Figure 9 displays a selection page setting application section 390 using the various buttons described above.

In other words, the image inspection device 50 and the display unit 26 (presentation unit) have the function of displaying the settings of the inspection-related area (inspection area or inspection exclusion area) of one page of the source call profile to be applied to any one or more pages specified by the user in a new inspection job.

By providing this functionality, for example, if you want to apply only the shape information of the inspection-related area of a specific page from the saved (source) profile data to only a specific page of the current inspection job, the user's input operations for that setting can be reduced.

In this way, with the configuration of this embodiment, various "selections" related to setting the image inspection range (in this example, the exclusion range) for the current inspection job can be made with minimal input operations, specifically, selection of the profile (file name) to be applied, selection of the page to be applied from the selected called profile, and selection of the page to be applied from the printed material to be image inspected.

(Other features)
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inspection-related area (in this example, the inspection exclusion area DA2 to which the inspection is applied) for the current inspection job (image inspection) can be easily specified by various operations.

(Inspection-related area position adjustment function)
When the call setting screen in Figure 9 is displayed, if the cursor CS located on the right side of the screen (in the illustrated example, the first page (1P)) is moved to the left by dragging the mouse, under the control of the image inspection device 50, the source inspection exclusion area DA1 (in this example, two rectangular areas, one above the other) is appropriately enlarged and displayed as an inspection exclusion area DA2 on the paper on which the destination reference image RI is displayed (in the illustrated example, the first page).

At this time, the user can appropriately set (adjust or change) the inspection exclusion area DA2 to a position different from the original position by performing a mouse drop operation at the right time, as shown in Figure 19.

Specifically, the image inspection device 50 stores the coordinate positions of the four corners of the two inspection exclusion areas DA2 after the above drop operation, and when the "Setting Complete" button 395 shown in FIG. 19 is selected, the stored information is set as the inspection exclusion area DA2 for the first page of the current inspection job. Note that the image inspection device 50 sets the edge exclusion area EDA2 without changing its coordinate position.

Although not shown, the user can move the cursor CS from the call settings screen display state of Figure 9 to the fourth page of the call profile, and switch the display of the reference image RI2 for the current inspection job on the left side of the screen to the second page, and perform the same drag-and-drop operation as described above.

Thus, according to this embodiment, one or more inspection-related areas (two inspection exclusion areas DA2 in this example) set in the reference image RI2 of any page of the call profile can be set at once to any position in the reference image RI1 of any page of the current inspection job.

In general, the method of setting the inspection-related area using the drag-and-drop operation of the mouse described above in Figure 19 can be used effectively when you want to shift the position of the inspection-related area to be set on paper S while maintaining the shape of the inspection-related area of the call profile (in this example, the inspection exclusion area DA1).

In this manner, in this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 and display unit 26 (presentation unit) display the inspection-related area (exclusion area DA1) from the reference image RI1 of the paper displaying the area setting information so that the inspection-related area can be moved onto the reference image RI2 used in the current image inspection. The image inspection device 50 (setting unit) then sets the coordinate position on the reference image RI2 of the moved inspection-related area as the position of the inspection-related area for the image inspection that the image inspection device 50 (image inspection unit) is to perform.

In addition, in this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 and display unit 26 (presentation unit) display each of the inspection-exclusion areas DA1 from the reference image RI1 of the paper, which displays the multiple inspection-exclusion areas DA1 of the area setting information, so that they can be moved simultaneously onto the reference image RI2 used in the current image inspection, in response to a user operation. The image inspection device 50 (setting unit) then sets the (coordinate) position on the reference image RI of the moved inspection-related area as the position of the inspection-related area for the new inspection job (image inspection to be performed by the image inspection device 50).

In other words, this image inspection device 50 processes the display by treating one page of inspection-related areas (in this example, multiple inspection exclusion areas DA1) in the source reference image RI1 as a single shape data, so even if there are multiple inspection exclusion areas DA1 on one source page, they can be moved onto the destination reference image RI2 with a single mouse operation.

This embodiment, which has such a configuration, can significantly reduce the user's effort in setting up when it is desired to apply only the shape information of the inspection exclusion area of a specific page from the source (saved) area setting information (profile data) to only a specific page of the target reference image RI2.

(Automatic scaling of inspection-related areas when paper sizes differ)
In this embodiment, it is possible to cope with a case where the size of the paper used for printed matter in a previous inspection job (source of application) is different from the size of the paper used in the current inspection job.

For example, as shown in Figure 20, even if the first page (1P) of the called profile (i.e., the reference image RI1 set in a previous inspection job) is A4R paper, and the paper to be applied, i.e., used in the current inspection job, is A3, the reference image (RI) and inspection exclusion area (DA) can be enlarged by the corresponding magnification and applied.

Note that Figure 20 is an example of a call setting screen corresponding to Figure 9 described above, and for ease of explanation, various buttons (370-390, etc.) are not shown.

As a specific example, we will explain the case where the apply button 382 is selected when "1", i.e., only the first page, is specified in the range specification field 381 of the page setting application section 380 (see Figure 9), as described above.

In this case, as described above, the image inspection device 50 sets the inspection area setting for the specified page (first page) of the called profile as the inspection area setting for the first page of the current inspection job.

At this time, the image inspection device 50 obtains the paper size of the specified page (page 1) of the call profile (A4R in this example) and the paper size of the corresponding page (page 1) of the current inspection job (A3 in this example).

Next, the image inspection device 50 compares the acquired paper sizes and calculates the enlargement or reduction ratio in each of the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction for paper of different sizes (in this example, A4R and A3 for the first page) (141% in this example).

The image inspection device 50 then multiplies the calculated magnification rate (141%) by the width in the main scanning direction and the width in the sub-scanning direction of the inspection exclusion area, applies the result as the inspection exclusion area DA2 of the corresponding page (first page) of the current inspection job, and displays the enlarged size on the reference image RI2 to which the call settings screen is applied (see Figure 20).

Then, when the "Settings Complete" button 395 is selected from the state shown in Figure 20, the image inspection device 50 sets information such as the coordinate position of the enlarged inspection exclusion area DA2 for the current inspection job.

In other words, if the paper size of the application destination (the current inspection job) differs from the paper size of the application source (the paper size linked to the area setting information of the call profile), the image inspection device 50 changes the dimensions of the inspection-related area (inspection exclusion area DA2) to be executed in the application destination inspection job (i.e., enlarges it to 141%) according to the magnification (141%) to match the paper size.

With this configuration, this embodiment can significantly reduce the user's effort in settings when the user wants to change only the size of the paper used in the current inspection job, while still using (reusing) the original reference image RI2 and the inspection-related area (inspection exclusion area DA1) set on the reference image RI2.

On the other hand, regardless of the calculated magnification rate (141%), the image inspection device 50 applies the edge exclusion area EDA1 to the corresponding page (first page) of the current inspection job using the original setting values (see each column of the edge exclusion setting section 340 in Figure 5), and displays and sets it for the reference image RI2 to which it is applied on the call setting screen (see Figure 20).

In other words, if the inspection-related area set in the source area setting information includes an inspection exclusion area at the edge of the paper (edge exclusion area EDA1), the image inspection device 50 (setting unit) sets the set width of the edge exclusion area EDA1 from the edge of the paper without changing it, regardless of the magnification used to match the paper size.

This is because the dimensions (set values) of the set width from the edge of the paper in the edge exclusion areas (EDA1 and EDA2) do not require enlarging or reducing depending on the size of the paper.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the area setting information for the reference image of the application destination (the current inspection job) is set taking into account differences in the paper sizes of the source and destination, as well as differences in the properties of the inspection exclusion area, thereby significantly improving user convenience when setting up an inspection job.

(Exclusion area overlapping)
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the so-called "overlapping application" of the inspection exclusion area (DA) is possible.

In one specific example, the reference image RI to be used in the current inspection job is displayed on the inspection area setting screen described above in Figure 5, and when the inspection-related area (in this example, the inspection-exclusion area) is specified (edited) by operating the buttons on the right side of the screen, if the "Recall Settings" button 353 in Figure 5 is selected, the list display screen (list of file names) described above in Figure 8 is displayed.

Next, when the "Call Settings" button 365 is selected with the cursor CS positioned on either of the two file names shown in Figure 8 (for example, the file name "1.ReferenceJob_20190726_143050"), the image inspection device 50 performs the above-mentioned overlap application process.

In this embodiment, it is also possible to select two of the two file names shown in Figure 8 (or three or more files) and perform the above-mentioned overlap application process. However, for simplicity, the following explanation will focus on the case where only one file is selected and overlap application is performed.

In one specific example, when the "Call Settings" button 365 is selected, the image inspection device 50 displays the call settings screen described above in FIG. 9 on the display unit 26 and executes the overlay processing. The overlay application processing will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 21, etc.

The top row in Figure 21 (the row labeled "Call Profile") shows the inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge exclusion area EDA1 for each page of the reference image RI1 set in "1. ReferenceJob_20190726_143050," which is displayed on the right side of the call settings screen.

In addition, the middle section of Figure 21 (the section labeled "Reference image before application of the above profile") shows the inspection exclusion area DA and edge exclusion area EDA for each page of the reference image RI that was specified (edited) on the inspection area setting screen (Figure 5), which is displayed on the left side (application destination) of the call setting screen.

Furthermore, the bottom row in Figure 21 (the row labeled "Reference image after profile application") shows the display state of the reference image RI2 displayed on the left side of the call settings screen when the inspection exclusion areas DA1 and DA of each page shown in the top and middle rows in Figure 21 are applied in overlapping fashion.

In one specific example, when the "Settings Complete" button 397 shown in Figure 9 is selected in the display state for overlay application shown in the lower part of Figure 21, the image inspection device 50 confirms the contents of the overlay application as the setting information for the current inspection job.

In general, before applying the overlay, the image inspection device 50 and the display unit 26 (presentation unit) display the reference image RI used in the current inspection job with the inspection-related areas being edited (in this example, the inspection exclusion area DA and edge exclusion area EDA) added, as shown in the middle part of Figure 21.

In addition, the image inspection device 50 (setting unit) overlays the reference image RI to which the inspection-related regions have been added with the inspection-related regions (inspection exclusion region DA1 and edge exclusion region EDA1) in the region setting information of the call profile selected by the user (see the bottom row in Figure 21).

Then, the image inspection device 50 (setting unit) sets the overlapping inspection-related areas (inspection exclusion areas DA, DA1 and edge exclusion areas EDA, EDA1) as the inspection-related areas for the current inspection job.

In addition, from the perspective of reducing the processing load on the processor, it is desirable to limit (set an upper limit on) the number of inspection-related areas that can be set for one page to which the function is applied (hereinafter referred to as the "number of designated areas").

In this case, the image inspection device 50 (setting unit) determines whether the upper limit on the number of designated areas per page to which the overlay is to be applied will be exceeded when applying the overlay, and if the upper limit is not exceeded, executes the overlay application process described above.

On the other hand, if the above upper limit is exceeded, the image inspection device 50 (setting unit) will not execute the overlapping application process and will display a predetermined warning on the display unit 26. Here, the predetermined warning may be, for example, a message stating, "Overlapping could not be applied because the settable upper limit was exceeded."

Figure 22 shows an example of a case where the image inspection device 50 (setting unit) displays a warning message on the display unit 26 because the upper limit of the number of designated areas per page has been exceeded during the process of applying overlay. In this example, the number of designated areas on the first and third pages to which overlay is to be applied exceeds a predetermined upper limit (e.g., 10), so a warning message is displayed indicating that overlay application is not possible.

(Simultaneous application of multiple call profiles)
The above-mentioned overlap application process is a process that is performed while editing the inspection-related area (in this example, the inspection-exclusion area), and therefore has the disadvantage that the content being edited (the setting content shown in the middle of Figure 21) cannot be saved.

Therefore, a user who wishes to save the edited contents of the inspection-related area (exclusion area) can select, for example, the "Save Settings" button 354 in Figure 5, and have the image inspection device 50 control the storage of the inspection profile settings data in the data storage unit 51, and then select multiple file names (two in this example) that include the saved settings data.

In other words, in this embodiment, multiple file names presented on the list display screen of Figure 8 can be selected at once by operating a mouse or the like, and the settings for the inspection-related area (exclusion area) specified in these multiple files can be simultaneously applied as settings for the current inspection job. This simultaneous application process will be described below with reference to Figure 23, etc.

The top row of Figure 23 shows the inspection exclusion area DA1 and edge exclusion area EDA1 set on each page of the reference image RI1 for "1. ReferenceJob_20190726_143050," which is displayed on the right side of the call settings screen, and is labeled "Call Profile A" in the figure.

The middle section of Figure 23 also shows the inspection exclusion area DA1-1 and edge exclusion area EDA1-1 set on each page of the reference image RI1-1 of another call file (shown as "Call Profile B" in the figure), which is displayed next to (for example, to the left of) Call Profile A on the call settings screen.

Furthermore, the bottom part of Figure 23 shows the state in which the inspection exclusion areas (DA1, DA1-1 and edge exclusion areas EDA1, EDA1-1) set on each page of Call Profile A and Call Profile B are simultaneously applied to the reference image (RI2) set in this inspection job (reference job for image inspection).

In one specific example, before simultaneously applying multiple call profiles (A and B), the image inspection device 50 and the display unit 26 (presentation unit) display the reference image RI to be used in the current inspection job as the application destination.

In addition, the image inspection device 50 (setting unit) applies the inspection-related areas (inspection exclusion areas DA1, DA1-1 and edge exclusion areas EDA1, EDA1-1) in the area setting information of the multiple file names (source call profiles A and B) selected by the user to the reference image RI.

Then, the image inspection device 50 (setting unit) sets the applied inspection-related areas (inspection exclusion areas DA1, DA1-1 and edge exclusion areas EDA1, EDA1-1) as the inspection-related areas (inspection exclusion area DA2 and edge exclusion area EDA2) for the current inspection job (see the bottom row in Figure 23).

In this case, too, it is advisable to limit the number of inspection-related areas that can be set for one page (set an upper limit on the number of areas that can be specified).

The overlapping application of inspection-related areas as described above, or the simultaneous application of inspection-related areas of multiple call profiles, is also useful, for example, when performing so-called "overprinting" printing using the image forming device 20.

For example, in the case of "double printing" where a first image is printed on one sheet of paper S in a first print job and a second image is printed in a second print job, it is efficient not to perform image inspection on the first print job, but to perform image inspection during the second print job.

In this case, an inspection profile is created in advance (stored in the data storage unit 51) that sets the inspection-related area (such as the inspection exclusion area DA1) for the first image.

Then, when the second print job is executed, the inspection-related area for the second image (such as the inspection exclusion area DA shown in the middle of Figure 21) is edited and the above-mentioned overlap application process is performed, allowing the inspection-related area to be set all at once when the image inspection (inspection job) is executed during the second print job.

Alternatively, a similar effect can be achieved by creating and saving an inspection profile in which an inspection-related area for the second image (such as the inspection exclusion area DA1-1 shown in the middle of Figure 23) is set in advance, and then simultaneously applying the inspection-related areas of the multiple call profiles described above.

In this way, by providing a configuration that allows inspection-related areas to be applied in a composite manner to printed materials for an inspection job, user convenience when setting inspection-related areas can be further improved.

As described above in detail, the image inspection system 1 of this embodiment comprises an image inspection unit that performs image inspection based on area setting information in which an inspection target area that is the subject of image inspection or an inspection exclusion area that is not the subject of image inspection is set as an inspection-related area on the paper S on which an image is formed, and a setting unit that sets the inspection-related area in the area setting information as an inspection-related area for a subsequent image inspection.

The image inspection system 1 of this embodiment also includes a settings storage unit that stores area setting information in the data storage unit 51, and a presentation unit that presents the file names of the stored area setting information, and thus the setting contents, to the user in a selectable manner prior to image inspection.

With this configuration, the image inspection system 1 of this embodiment can improve convenience when setting inspection-related areas.

In other words, according to this embodiment, for example, if you have previously created a reference image job and set the inspection area, and then want to start over by creating the reference image job again, you can simply perform a simple operation such as calling up profile data when setting the inspection area again, thereby significantly reducing the user's workload.

Furthermore, when setting an inspection area or an inspection exclusion area using a mouse on the conventional inspection area setting screen described in Figure 5, there is a high possibility that the shape and coordinate position of the area will be shifted by several millimeters compared to the previous setting, making it difficult to save the inspection area setting information with exactly the same settings as the previous time.

In contrast, according to this embodiment, when setting an inspection area (exclusion area), you can reuse (reuse) information (basic shape, size, position on the paper, etc.) of a previously set inspection area (exclusion area) as is by simply dragging and dropping the mouse as appropriate, which is also useful in that you can apply an inspection area setting that is exactly the same as the previous inspection area setting data.

For the sake of simplicity, the above explanation has primarily referred to data relating to the "exclusion area (DA)," "edge exclusion area (EDA)," and "paper size" as information contained in the inspection area setting information. However, actual inspection area setting information may include a variety of other information.

Other information included in the inspection area setting information includes information for excluding specific images printed at specific positions on paper from image inspection, such as an "automatic image quality correction patch exclusion area" for excluding patch images printed on paper from image inspection when the image forming device periodically performs automatic image quality correction.

Inspection area setting information can also include various other information, such as a "number designated area" that specifies areas where images of the above-mentioned page numbers or various numerical values such as prices are printed in order to exclude them from image inspection, a "barcode designated area" or "QR code designated area" that excludes areas where barcodes or QR codes (registered trademarks, the same applies below) are printed from image inspection, and a "thumbnail designated area" when thumbnail images of each page are printed.

The above-described inspection area setting information is assumed to be applied to a reference image when executing an inspection job. As another example, the inspection area setting information may be applied to something other than a reference image. Specifically, the inspection area setting information may be applied to the "inspection job input screen" displayed at an earlier stage than the screen described in Figure 5, or to the "scanned image for the inspection job output image" at a later stage.

In the above example, a rectangular frame was used as the object specifying the exclusion range (area) for image inspection in the inspection area setting information, but the shape of the object specifying the range is not limited to a rectangle, and any other shape can be used, such as a circle, ellipse, or polygon other than a square.

In the above-described embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, an example has been described in which an image inspection (inspection job) is performed based on area setting information (inspection profile) in which an inspection exclusion area is set as an inspection-related area, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the same effect can be obtained even when an image inspection (inspection job) is performed based on area setting information (inspection profile) in which an inspection area is set as an inspection-related area.

However, as explained in Figure 23, when multiple inspection profiles are applied simultaneously, the following conflicts are likely to occur:

In other words, if you try to simultaneously apply area setting information in which an inspection-exclusion area is set and area setting information in which an inspection area is set as an inspection-related area, a so-called conflict will occur in the area where the inspection-exclusion area and the inspection area set on the page overlap.

If such a conflict occurs, the image inspection device 50 may display a warning message on the display unit 26 to prompt the user to make a selection or edit. Alternatively, a rule may be set in advance, such as "in areas where the inspection area and edge exclusion area overlap, priority is given to the edge exclusion area (this area is not subject to image inspection)."

Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from its gist or main features.

1 Image inspection system 10 Paper feeder 20 Image forming device 21 Image forming unit 22 Fixing unit 25 Operation display unit 26 Display unit (presentation unit)
27 Operation unit 30 Image reading device 31 Output image reading unit 40 Post-processing device 41 Sorting unit 42, 43 Paper discharge tray 50 Image inspection device (image inspection unit, setting storage unit, setting unit)
51, 52 Data storage unit 60 PC
200 Control unit of image forming apparatus 310 Area type selection unit 320 Target surface selection unit 330 Area setting unit 331 Confirm button 332 Delete button 333 Whole area specification button 340 Edge exclusion setting unit 351 Setting completion button 352 Cancel setting button 353 Call setting button 354 Save setting button 360, 365 Call setting content button 370 Apply settings to all pages button 380 Designated page setting application unit 381 Range specification field 382 Apply button 390 Selected page setting application unit 391 Apply to front side button 392 Apply to back side button 393 Apply to displayed page button 394 Page application input field 395 Apply to page button 396 Apply to all pages button 397 Setting completion button 398 Cancel setting button CS Cursor DA Inspection exclusion area DA1, DA1-1 Inspection exclusion area (applied from) set in the call profile DA2 Inspection exclusion area set as the inspection-related area for this image inspection EDA Edge inspection exclusion area EDA1, EDA1-1 Edge exclusion area (applied from) set in the call profile EDA2 Edge exclusion area set as the inspection-related area for this image inspection RI Reference image RI1, RI1-1 Reference image (applied from) RI2 Reference image with inspection-related area set S Paper

Claims (14)

a reference image storage unit for storing data of the reference image;
a setting unit that sets, in an inspection job, an inspection area that is an area to be inspected and/or an inspection-related area that is an area not to be inspected, for the reference image;
an inspection unit that executes the inspection job by comparing data of the reference image with image data obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed, based on the inspection-related area;
Equipped with
an inspection job is executed on a second reference image, which is different from the first reference image in which the first inspection-related area is set, in which the first inspection-related area is set as a second inspection-related area;
Image inspection equipment. the second inspection-related area is an inspection-related area obtained by selecting or editing at least a part of the first inspection-related area;
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . selecting or editing at least a part of the first inspection-related region when setting a second inspection-related region for the second reference image;
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . The reference image is created on a plurality of pages, and an inspection-related area is set for each page.
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . When setting the inspection-related region, the reference image is displayed on the same setting screen.
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . displaying the inspection-related region in the reference image displayed when setting the inspection-related region;
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . The inspection exclusion area is an edge exclusion area that is an edge of the paper.
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . after a first inspection job in which the first inspection-related area has been set for the first reference image is executed, the first inspection-related area stored in the setting unit is not deleted;
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . The image forming device is physically independent of, and electrically connected to, an image forming device that forms an image on paper and/or an image reading device that reads the image on paper.
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . If the inspection determines that there is an image defect, a message to that effect will be displayed.
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . the first reference image is a reference image stored in the reference image storage unit after a first inspection job in which the first inspection-related region is set for the first reference image is executed,
the second reference image is a reference image created based on the first reference image;
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . the first inspection-related region is stored in the reference image storage unit together with the first reference image;
The image inspection device according to claim 11. An image inspection system that performs an inspection job based on an inspection-related area for image data obtained by reading an image formed on paper,
a reference image storage unit for storing data of the reference image;
a setting unit that sets, in an inspection job, an inspection area that is an area to be inspected and/or an inspection-related area that is an area not to be inspected, for a reference image;
an inspection unit that executes the inspection job by comparing data of the reference image with image data obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed, based on the inspection-related area;
Equipped with
an inspection job is executed on a second reference image, which is different from the first reference image in which the first inspection-related area is set, in which the first inspection-related area is set as a second inspection-related area;
Image inspection system. On the computer,
A process of storing data of the reference image;
In an inspection job, a process of setting an inspection area that is an area to be inspected and/or an inspection-related area that is an inspection-exclusion area that is not an area to be inspected with respect to a reference image;
a process of comparing the data of the reference image with image data obtained by reading a sheet on which an image is formed, based on the inspection-related area, and executing the inspection job;
Execute
The process to be performed is:
a process of executing a second inspection job in which the first inspection-related area is set as a second inspection-related area on a second reference image different from the first reference image in which the first inspection-related area is set,
Inspection program.