JP2020205567A - Image processing device, inspection method, and inspection program - Google Patents

Abstract

To appropriately reuse non-defective products and exclude defective products even when re-determination is performed by changing an image abnormality detection condition for a printed matter that has been discharged.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes a printing unit that outputs a printed matter, a reading unit that reads the printed matter and acquires a scanned image, a determination unit that analyzes the scanned image to detect image abnormalities and determines the quality of the printed matter, a paper output unit that sorts the printed matter into a non-defective product and a defective product, and discharges the printed matter on the basis of the determination result, and a notification unit that displays the image abnormality detection result on a display unit, and accepts a change in an image abnormality detection threshold and/or a detection item, and when the detection threshold value and/or the detection item of the image abnormality is changed, the determination unit re-determines the printed matter that has been discharged, and the notification unit gives a notification on the output position of the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an inspection method and an inspection program, and in particular, an image processing apparatus that reads and inspects a paper on which an image is formed based on a job, an inspection method in the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus. Regarding a working inspection program.

In image processing devices such as MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals), stains due to toner, streaks, and spot-like image noise (called fireflies) occur on the original image on paper, and color reproducibility and print position accuracy. Inspected printed matter because image abnormalities may occur such as deterioration. In this inspection, the image obtained by scanning the proof or sample output before the main printing (reference image) is compared with the image obtained by scanning during the main printing (inspection image), and the reference image and the inspection image are compared. The difference is extracted, and the quality of the printed matter is judged by whether or not the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. In addition, when the printed matter is discharged, good products and defective products can be sorted and output.

Regarding such an image inspection, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, an image forming unit that forms an image on paper and an image reading unit that reads the surface of the paper on which the image is formed to generate a scanned image. , An image inspection unit that detects anomalies in the scanned image, and history generation that generates a history image by generating detection information of each abnormality detected by the image inspection unit and embedding the detection information in the scan image. An image forming device including a unit, a storage device for storing the history image, and the history image are used to display an abnormality detection result by the image inspection unit, and a user's evaluation for the abnormality detection result is input. The image forming apparatus finally determines the abnormality in the scanned image according to the evaluation of the user input in the user terminal, detects the finally determined abnormality, and does not make the final determination. An image forming system further provided with a parameter setting unit for determining and setting an abnormality detection parameter used in the image inspection unit so as not to detect the abnormality is disclosed.

JP-A-2017-19791979

In the above inspection, the user can set a threshold value as a reference for quality judgment, and after output, the user actually looks at the printed matter, changes the detection condition of the image abnormality, and re-judges with the changed detection condition. Sometimes. In that case, if the detection conditions are strict, defective products will be mixed in the non-defective products, and if the detection conditions are relaxed, the non-defective products will be mixed in the defective products, and the non-defective products will be reused or the defective products will be excluded. There is a problem that it becomes difficult to do.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object thereof is to re-determine a printed matter that has already been ejected even when the detection conditions for image abnormalities are changed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device, an inspection method and an inspection program capable of appropriately reusing non-defective products and excluding defective products.

One aspect of the present invention is a printing unit that outputs a printed matter, a reading unit that reads the printed matter and acquires a scanned image, and a determination that analyzes the scanned image to detect an image abnormality and determines the quality of the printed matter. A unit, a paper ejection unit that sorts the printed matter into a non-defective product and a defective product based on the determination result, and a display unit that displays the detection result of the image abnormality, and the detection threshold value and / or the image abnormality. The determination unit includes a notification unit that accepts changes in the detection items, and the determination unit re-determines the printed matter that has been discharged when the detection threshold value and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is changed, and the notification unit. Is characterized in that the output position of the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed is notified.

One aspect of the present invention is an inspection method in an image processing apparatus, which is a printing process for outputting printed matter, a scanning process for reading the printed matter to acquire a scanned image, and an image abnormality detected by analyzing the scanned image. Then, the determination process for determining the quality of the printed matter, the paper ejection process for sorting the printed matter into good and defective products based on the determination result, and the detection result of the image abnormality are displayed on the display unit. , The notification process for accepting the change of the detection threshold and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is executed, and in the determination process, the paper has been ejected when the detection threshold and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is changed. The printed matter is re-determined, and the notification process is characterized in that the output position of the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed is notified.

One aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus including a printing unit that outputs printed matter, a reading unit that reads the printed matter and acquires a scanned image, a paper ejection unit that ejects the printed matter, and a control unit. An inspecting program that operates, the control unit analyzes the read image to detect an image abnormality, determines the quality of the printed matter, and displays the detection result of the image abnormality on the display unit. A notification process for accepting changes in the image abnormality detection threshold and / or the detection item is executed, and in the determination process, when the image abnormality detection threshold and / or the detection item is changed, the printed matter that has been discharged has been printed. The re-judgment is performed, and the notification process is characterized in that the output position of the printed matter whose pass / fail judgment has been changed is notified.

According to the image processing apparatus, inspection method, and inspection program of the present invention, even when re-judgment is performed by changing the detection condition of an image abnormality for a printed matter that has been discharged, good products cannot be reused or not. Good products can be excluded appropriately.

The reason is that the image processing device has a printing unit that outputs printed matter, a reading unit that reads the printed matter and acquires the scanned image, and a determination unit that analyzes the scanned image to detect an image abnormality and determines the quality of the printed matter. Based on the judgment result, the printed matter is divided into non-defective products and defective products and discharged, and the image abnormality detection result is displayed on the display unit, and the image abnormality detection threshold and / or detection item is changed. The determination unit re-determines the printed matter that has been discharged when the detection threshold and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is changed, and the notification unit changes the pass / fail judgment. This is because the output position of the printed matter is notified.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the paper separation mechanism of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen (detection result notification screen) displayed on the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen (determination result comparison screen) displayed on the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen (the first determination result screen) displayed on the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen (re-judgment result screen) displayed on the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention.

As shown in the background technology, in an image processing device, an image abnormality such as stains due to toner, streaks, spot-like image noise on the original image on paper, and deterioration of color reproducibility and print position accuracy. Therefore, the image obtained by scanning during proof or sample output before main printing is compared with the image obtained by scanning during main printing, and whether the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. An inspection is conducted to judge the quality of printed matter based on whether or not it is printed.

In this inspection, the user can also set a threshold value that serves as a reference for pass / fail judgment, and the user actually looks at the printed matter after output and changes the detection conditions such as the image abnormality detection threshold value and the detection item. Re-judgment may be performed under the detected detection conditions. In that case, if the detection conditions are strict, defective products will be mixed in the non-defective products, and if the detection conditions are relaxed, the non-defective products will be mixed in the defective products, and the non-defective products will be reused or the defective products will be excluded. There is a problem that it becomes difficult to do.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes a printing unit that outputs a printed matter, a reading unit that reads the printed matter and acquires a scanned image, and analyzes the scanned image to detect an image abnormality and detects the printed matter. A judgment unit that determines the quality of the printed matter, a paper discharge unit that sorts the printed matter into good and defective products based on the judgment result, and displays the detection result of the image abnormality on the display unit, and the detection threshold of the image abnormality. And / or a notification unit that accepts changes in the detection items is provided, and the determination unit re-determines the printed matter that has been ejected when the detection threshold of the image abnormality and / or the detection item is changed, and the notification unit. Notifies the output position of the printed matter whose pass / fail judgment has been changed.

In this way, when the detection condition (detection threshold value and / or detection item) of the image abnormality is changed and the re-judgment is performed, the output position of the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is notified to the user to eject the paper. It is possible to improve the quality by excluding defective products from the finished printed matter and to reduce costs by reusing them as non-defective products.

In order to explain one embodiment of the present invention in more detail, the image processing apparatus, inspection method, and inspection program according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. 1 and 2 are schematic views showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an image of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the paper separation mechanism of a processing apparatus. 5 to 8 are schematic views showing an example of a screen displayed on the image processing device of this embodiment, and FIGS. 9 to 12 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image processing device of this embodiment. Is.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing device 10 of this embodiment is a device that forms an image on paper and inspects the image formed on the paper. Note that FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which a printing device 10a for forming an image on paper and an inspection device 10b for inspecting an image formed on paper are integrated, but as shown in FIG. 2, the paper has a configuration. The printing device 10a for forming an image and the inspection device 10b for inspecting an image formed on paper may be separate devices. Hereinafter, description will be made on the premise of the configuration of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the image processing device 10 of this embodiment includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a network I / F unit 13, a display operation unit 14, an image processing unit 15, a printing unit 16, and a reading unit. It is composed of a unit 17, a paper ejection unit 18, and the like.

The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b or a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c. The CPU 11a centrally controls the operation of the image processing device 10 by reading a program (including an inspection program) according to the processing content from the ROM 11b or the storage unit 12, expanding the program into the RAM 11c, and executing the program.

The storage unit 12 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and is a program (including an inspection program) for the CPU 11a to control each unit, information on the processing function of the own device, and a print job. , The scanned image acquired by the scanning unit 17, the preset or changed image abnormality detection conditions (image abnormality detection threshold and / or detection item), the image abnormality detection result (difference between the scanned image and the reference image, the image). Memorize the position, type, size, etc. of the abnormality.

The network I / F unit 13 is composed of a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, or the like, and connects the image processing device 10 to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) to provide external information. Sends and receives various data to and from devices (for example, client devices and external terminals).

The display operation unit 14 is a pressure-sensitive or capacitance type operation unit (touch sensor) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern on a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. ) Is provided, and functions as a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays various screens according to the display control signal input from the control unit 11. The operation unit receives various input operations by the user and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 11. In particular, when the display operation unit 14 is used as an external terminal capable of communicating with the image processing device 10 main body, the display unit uses the detection result notification screen, the judgment result comparison screen, the initial judgment result screen, and the re-judgment result screen, which will be described later. Etc. are displayed, and the operation unit accepts an operation of changing the detection condition on the detection result notification screen.

The image processing unit 15 functions as a RIP (Raster Image Processor), generates intermediate data (display list (DL: Display List) which is an intermediate language) from a print job, rasterizes each page of the manuscript, and formats it in a bitmap format. Generate image data of. In addition, the image processing unit 15 performs screen processing, gradation correction, density balance adjustment, thinning, halftone dot processing, and the like on the image data, if necessary. Then, the image processing unit 15 outputs the generated image data to the printing unit 16.

The printing unit 16 is an engine that executes a printing process. Specifically, it is provided with an exposure unit that irradiates and exposes laser light based on image data, a photoconductor drum, a developing device, a charging device, a photoconductor cleaning unit, and a primary transfer roller, and Y (Yellow). As an intermediate transfer body that forms an image forming unit that forms toner images of each color of M (Magenta), C (Cyan), and K (Black), and a toner image that is rotated by a roller and formed by the image forming unit is conveyed to paper. A functioning intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller that transfers the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt to the paper, a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to the paper, and a paper feed roller that conveys the paper. It is composed of transport parts such as a resist roller, a loop roller, a reversing roller, and a paper ejection roller.

The reading unit 17 is a sensor that scans the printed paper (preferably both sides of the paper), and is, for example, an in-line provided in a paper transport path between the fixing unit and the paper ejection unit 18 of the printing unit 16. It is a sensor. This in-line sensor is composed of, for example, three types of sensors, R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue), and detects an RGB value according to the amount of light reflected by the paper to read a scanned image. The acquired image is stored in the storage unit 12 and output to the control unit 11 (determination unit 19 described later).

The paper ejection unit 18 divides the printed matter on which the image is formed into a non-defective product and a defective product based on the determination result by the control unit 11 (determination unit 19 described later), and discharges the printed matter to the non-defective product tray and the defective product tray, respectively. .. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, at the time of the first determination, the paper fed from the paper feed tray 16a and conveyed via the printing unit 16 is divided into a non-defective product tray 18a and a defective product tray 18b. Paper that is sorted and discharged, and at the time of re-judgment, is fed from the paper feed tray 16a and transported without passing through the printing unit 16 (via the paper transport path bypassing the lower side of the figure). The paper is sorted into the tray 18a and the defective tray 18b and discharged. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B, at the time of the first determination, the printed matter fed from the paper feed tray 16a and conveyed via the printing unit 16 is divided into a non-defective product tray 18a and a defective product tray 18b. The printed matter is sorted and ejected, and at the time of re-judgment, the printed matter that is fed from the re-judgment paper feed tray 16b and conveyed without passing through the printing unit 16 is sorted into the non-defective product tray 18a and the defective product tray 18b and discharged. Paper. At the time of sorting at the time of re-judgment, the output position of the printed matter whose pass / fail judgment is changed calculated by the control unit 11 (notification unit 20 described later) and the count value of the counter 18c provided in the paper transport path are referred to, and the printed matter is sorted. Can be sorted into good products and defective products.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the control unit 11 functions as a determination unit 19, a notification unit 20, a print control unit 21, and the like.

The determination unit 19 analyzes the scanned image acquired by the scanning unit 17 (for example, obtains the difference between the scanned image and the reference image prepared in advance, and based on whether or not the difference exceeds the detection threshold value). Is detected, the quality of the printed matter (whether the printed matter is a good product or a defective product) is determined based on the number and size of the image abnormality, and the determination result (image abnormality detection result) is stored in the storage unit 12. Further, the determination unit 19 re-determines the printed matter that has been ejected when the image abnormality detection condition (detection threshold value and / or detection item) is changed, and redetermines the re-determination result (image abnormality detection result). It is stored in the storage unit 12. In the above re-judgment, re-judgment is performed based on the scanned image and the changed image abnormality detection threshold value and / or the detection item, or the image abnormality detection result at the time of the initial judgment and the changed image abnormality detection threshold value and / Or re-judgment is performed based on the detection item.

The notification unit 20 displays the image abnormality detection result (detection result notification screen described later) on the display operation unit 14 or an external terminal, and accepts changes in the image abnormality detection conditions (detection threshold value and / or detection item). In addition, the notification unit 20 notifies the output position of the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed. For example, based on the detection result of the image abnormality at the time of the initial judgment and the detection result of the image abnormality at the time of the re-judgment, the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is specified, and the quality judgment is changed from the number of printed matter which has been discharged. The output position of the printed matter is calculated, and the calculated output position is displayed on the display operation unit 14 or an external terminal to notify the user. Further, at the time of re-judgment, the notification unit 20 causes the display operation unit 14 or the external terminal to distinguish between the printed matter determined to be a non-defective product by the initial determination and the printed matter determined to be a non-defective product by the re-determination.

The print control unit 21 controls the print unit 16 based on the re-determination result when there is a printed matter whose quality determination has been changed. For example, when there is a printed matter that has been re-determined as a non-defective product and the printed matter is taken out from the paper ejection unit 18 (defective product tray 18b) and reused as a non-defective product, the number of printed matter to be reused is calculated and the printed matter 16 is used. , Instruct to print the calculated number of sheets reduced. Further, when there is a printed matter re-determined as a defective product, the printing unit 16 is instructed to reprint the number of printed matter re-determined as a defective product.

The determination unit 19, the notification unit 20, and the print control unit 21 may be configured as hardware, and the control unit 11 may be composed of the determination unit 19, the notification unit 20, and the print control unit 21 (particularly, the determination unit 19, the notification unit 19). It may be configured as an inspection program to function as 20), and the inspection program may be executed by the CPU 11a.

Next, an inspection method using the image processing device 10 having the above configuration will be described.

After the print job is completed, the user may check the printed matter discharged on the non-defective product tray 18a or the defective product tray 18b. When the quality of the printed matter discharged on each tray does not meet the quality standard required by the user, the user can change the image abnormality detection threshold value or the image abnormality detection item.

For example, the notification unit 20 causes the display operation unit 14 or an external terminal to display the detection result notification screen 30 as shown in FIG. 5 after the determination unit 19 makes a determination. On the detection result notification screen 30, a preview of the read image of the printed matter discharged on the defective product tray 18b and a preview of the reference image (non-defective product preview) are displayed in a comparable manner, and the type and size of the image abnormality are displayed. Is displayed. Then, as a result of checking the preview, when the user wants to make the detection condition of the image abnormality strict or loose, when the detection condition change button is pressed, the notification unit 20 displays a detection condition change screen (not shown) on the display operation unit 14 or the external terminal. It is displayed and accepts changes in the detection threshold value and detection items of image abnormalities. Then, the determination unit 19 re-determines the printed matter that has been discharged based on the changed detection threshold value and the detection item of the image abnormality. There are three methods for this re-judgment.

In the first method, the printed matter discharged to the paper ejection unit 18 is read again by the reading unit 17 to acquire a scanned image, and the determination unit 19 rereads the printed matter based on the changed image abnormality detection condition. This is a method of making a judgment. In the case of this method, since the printed matter is read again by the reading unit 17, re-judgment can be performed even when the first read image or the detection result of the image abnormality is erased. In the case of this method, it is preferable that the paper transport path of the printed matter to be fed does not include the image output section (secondary transfer section, fixing section, etc.), and for example, as shown in FIG. 4A. The printed matter can be fed through the paper transport path bypassing the output unit, or the printed matter can be fed from the re-judgment paper feed tray 16b as shown in FIG. 4B.

The second method is a method of re-determining based on the scanned image stored in the storage unit 12 and the changed image abnormality detection condition. For example, the difference between the scanned image and the reference image stored in the storage unit 12 is obtained, and the image abnormality is detected based on whether or not the difference exceeds the changed detection threshold value. In the case of this method, since it is not necessary to read the printed matter again by the reading unit 17, the time required for re-determination can be shortened as compared with the first method.

The third method is a method of re-determining based on the detection result of the first image abnormality stored in the storage unit 12 and the detection condition of the changed image abnormality. For example, the image abnormality is detected based on whether or not the detection result (difference between the read image and the reference image) of the image abnormality stored in the storage unit 12 exceeds the changed detection threshold value. In the case of this method, the step of re-reading the printed matter by the reading unit 17 and the step of detecting an image abnormality from the scanned image can be omitted, so that the time required for re-determination can be further shortened.

Here, when the user confirms the printed matter discharged on the defective product tray 18b and changes the image abnormality detection condition, the detection condition (for example, the image abnormality detection threshold) becomes loose and the defective product tray 18b Among the printed matter discharged from the paper, there is a printed matter that can be reused as a non-defective product. Similarly, when the user confirms the printed matter discharged to the non-defective product tray 18a and changes the detection condition of the image abnormality, the detection condition (for example, the detection threshold of the image abnormality) becomes strict and the printed matter is discharged to the non-defective product tray 18a. Among the printed matter printed on paper, there is a printed matter that should be excluded as a defective product.

As described above, when the non-defective product tray 18a and the defective product tray 18b are mixed with the non-defective product and the defective product, it becomes difficult to reuse the non-defective product and exclude the defective product. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is specified, and the output position of the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is calculated from the number of printed matter discharged to the non-defective product tray 18a or the defective product tray 18b. By notifying the user of the output position, it is possible to separate each of the printed matter from which good products and defective products are mixed.

Hereinafter, the case of separating the printed matter of one page and the case of separating the printed matter of a plurality of pages will be described separately.

[When separating one page of printed matter]
The pass / fail judgment is performed again, and when a printed matter having a judgment result different from that at the time of the first judgment occurs, the user is notified of the output position of the printed matter. At that time, the storage unit 12 stores the read image of the printed matter printed based on the print job and the detection result of the image abnormality, and the printed matter discharged to the non-defective product tray 18a and the defective product tray 18b is printed, respectively. Since the printed matter is discharged in the order in which it was printed, it is possible to calculate the position from the top or the bottom of the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed among the printed matter loaded on each tray. Is. Therefore, the calculation result of the output position is stored in the storage unit 12 and displayed on the display operation unit 14 or an external terminal, etc., and the user is notified of the re-judgment result and the output position of the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed. Printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is extracted from each output tray so that it can be reused as a non-defective product or excluded as a defective product.

At this time, the information to be notified to the user is as shown in the determination result comparison screen 31 of FIG. It is displayed in comparison with the printed matter, or as shown in the initial judgment result screen 32 of FIG. 7 and the re-judgment result screen 33 of FIG. 8, by re-judgment as a printed matter judged to be a good product or a defective product in the first judgment. It is preferable to display the printed matter judged to be non-defective or defective separately. As a result, the user can know which output position of the printed matter is the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed through the display operation unit 14 or the external terminal.

When the printed matter re-determined as a non-defective product exists in the defective product tray 18b, the printed matter can be removed from the defective product tray 18b and reused to reduce the printing amount of the same printed matter. The print reduction amount of the next printed matter is equal to the number of reusable printed matter, and can be automatically reflected in the print setting of the printed matter 16 by the print control unit 21. On the other hand, when the printed matter re-determined as a defective product exists in the non-defective product tray 18a, the print control unit 21 feeds back the number of excluded printed matter to the print setting of the printing unit 16 to automatically feed the shortage. Can be reprinted.

When automatically separating printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed, a separation mechanism as shown in FIG. 4 can be used. For example, the printed matter (or the printed matter fed from the re-judgment paper feed tray 16b) fed from the paper feed tray 16a and conveyed via the detour route is counted by the internal counter 18c, and the pass / fail judgment is changed. By referring to the output position of the printed matter and the count value of the counter 18c, the printed matter can be sorted again into the non-defective tray 18a and the defective tray 18b and discharged. The separation mechanism is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, when the re-judgment is performed by the first method described above, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), it is necessary to feed the printed matter from the re-judgment paper feed tray 16b upstream of the reading unit 17. When the re-judgment is performed by the second method or the third method, it is not necessary to read the printed matter. Therefore, the printed matter is fed from the re-judgment paper feed tray 16b downstream of the reading unit 17 and upstream of the counter 18c. You may do it.

[When separating printed matter consisting of multiple pages]
When removing the printed matter re-determined as a defective product from the non-defective product tray 18a, if only the printed matter of the page re-determined as a defective product is removed, the order of the printed matter composed of a plurality of pages in the non-defective product tray 18a is changed. Therefore, the positions of both the printed matter re-determined as a defective product and the printed matter of the remaining page (printed matter that is the set) are calculated and notified to the user. At this time, by displaying the printed matter re-judged as a defective product and the printed matter of the remaining pages separately, the user can confirm which page of the printed matter has a quality lower than the judgment standard while looking at the actual printed matter. it can. On the other hand, when reusing the printed matter re-determined as a non-defective product in the defective product tray 18b, the missing page type and the number of sheets are fed back to the print setting of the printing unit 16 and the missing page is reprinted. , It is possible to reuse the printed matter that has been re-determined as a non-defective product.

A method of separating the printed matter of the plurality of pages will be described. When excluding the printed matter re-determined as a defective product and the printed matter as a set thereof existing in the non-defective product tray 18a, the output position of the printed matter and the count value of the counter 18c are set by using the separation mechanism shown in FIG. This can be achieved by referring to and specifying the printed matter to be excluded. In this method, printed matter that is excluded is generated in addition to the printed matter that has been re-determined as a defective product. Therefore, it is necessary to control so that the printed matter that is a good product among the excluded printed matter can be reused.

For this purpose, the separation mechanism shown in FIG. 4B is used to sort the printed matter fed from the re-judgment paper feed tray 16b into the non-defective product tray 18a and the defective product tray 18b. Then, when the printed matter re-determined as a defective product is fed, the printed matter is discharged to the defective product tray 18b, the paper is fed from the paper feed tray 16a, and the same page is fed from the printing unit 16. The printed matter is output and distributed to the non-defective tray 18a. As a result, the printed matter excluded by the re-judgment can be limited to the printed matter re-determined as a defective product. Further, the above control can be similarly applied when the printed matter re-determined as a non-defective product in the defective product tray 18b is reused.

It should be noted that the change of the image abnormality detection condition (particularly, the detection threshold value) can be changed not only by changing the detection threshold value for one type of image abnormality but also by combining the detection threshold values for a plurality of types of image abnormality. As a result, it is possible to set a strict detection threshold value for one image abnormality and a loose detection threshold value for another image abnormality, and it is possible to promote the reuse of non-defective products and the exclusion of defective products.

Next, the operation of the image processing device 10 of this embodiment will be described. The CPU 11a executes the processing of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 12 by expanding and executing the inspection program stored in the ROM 11b or the storage unit 12 in the RAM 11c. Note that FIGS. 9 to 12 show a series of processes, which are divided for convenience of drawing. Further, FIGS. 9 to 12 describe a case where a printed matter determined to be defective as a result of the quality determination is immediately reprinted.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 11 sets the image abnormality detection conditions (detection threshold value and / or detection item) (S101). As this detection condition, the default detection condition stored in the storage unit 12 in advance may be used, or the detection condition set by the user may be used. Then, when the printing unit 16 starts printing according to the print job (S102) and prints the first page (S103), the reading unit 17 reads the printed matter on the first page and the control unit 11 (determination unit 19). ) Detects an image abnormality according to the detection conditions set in S101, and determines the quality of the printed matter (S104).

If it is determined to be a non-defective product (Yes in S105), the paper ejection unit 18 ejects the printed matter to the non-defective product tray 18a (S106), and if the printing job is not completed (No in S107), returns to S103. And print the next page. When it is determined that the product is defective (No in S105), the paper ejection unit 18 ejects the printed matter to the defective product tray 18b (S108), and the control unit 11 (print control unit 21) is the printing unit. 16 is instructed to reprint the page (S109), and the process returns to S104 to determine the quality of the printed matter of the page.

When the print job is completed in S107, the process transitions to A in FIG. 10, and the control unit 11 (notification unit 20) displays the detection result notification screen 30 as shown in FIG. 5 on the display operation unit 14 or the external terminal. It is displayed to notify the user of the detection result of the image abnormality (S110), and causes the user to determine whether or not to change the detection condition. If the detection condition is not changed (No in S111), a series of processes is terminated.

On the other hand, when the detection condition is changed (Yes in S111), the transition to B in FIG. 11 is performed, the user is made to decide whether to tighten the detection condition, and when the detection condition is tightened (Yes in S112), the control unit 11 (determination unit 19) redetermines the printed matter discharged on the non-defective tray 18a (S113). As a result of the re-judgment, if there is no printed matter that becomes a defective product in the non-defective product tray 18a (No in S114), a series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a defective printed matter in the non-defective tray 18a (Yes in S114), the control unit 11 (notification unit 20) calculates the position of the defective printed matter in the non-defective tray 18a. Notify (S115).

In response to this notification, when manually removing the defective printed matter (Yes in S116), the user manually removes it (S117) and operates the display operation unit 14 or the external terminal to remove the defective product. After setting (S118), the print control unit 21 instructs the print unit 16 to print the shortage (S121). On the other hand, if it is not manually removed (No. in S116), the printed matter discharged in the non-defective tray 18a is loaded on the re-judgment paper feed tray 16b or the like (S119), and the paper ejection unit 18 sorts the printed matter. (S120), the print control unit 21 instructs the print unit 16 to print the shortage (S121). After that, the transition to D in FIG. 9 is performed to determine the quality of the printed matter.

If the detection condition is not strict in S112 (No in S112), the process transitions to C in FIG. 12, and the control unit 11 (determination unit 19) redetermines the printed matter discharged to the defective tray 18b (No). S122). As a result of the re-judgment, if there is no printed matter that is a good product in the defective product tray 18b (No in S123), a series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a non-defective printed matter in the defective tray 18b (Yes in S123), the control unit 11 (notification unit 20) calculates the position of the non-defective printed matter in the defective tray 18b. Notify (S124).

In response to this notification, when manually removing the non-defective printed matter (Yes in S125), the user manually removes it (S126) and sets that the non-defective product is reused by operating the display operation unit 14 or the external terminal. (S127), the control unit 11 (print control unit 21) sets the reduction of the number of copies at the time of the next printing by the number of reused sheets (S130). On the other hand, if it is not manually removed (No in S125), the printed matter discharged in the defective product tray 18b is loaded on the re-judgment paper feed tray 16b or the like (S128), and the paper ejection unit 18 sorts the printed matter. Execution (S129), the control unit 11 (print control unit 21) sets the reduction of the number of copies at the time of the next printing by the number of reused sheets (S130). After that, when the next printing is started, the transition to D in FIG. 9 is performed to determine the quality of the printed matter.

As described above, when the detection condition (detection threshold value and / or detection item) of the image abnormality is changed and the re-judgment is performed, the output position of the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is notified to the user. It is possible to improve the quality by excluding defective products from the printed matter that has already been output, and to reduce costs by reusing it as a non-defective product.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and its configuration and control can be appropriately changed as long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated.

For example, in the above embodiment, the image processing device 10 in which the printing device 10a and the inspection device 10b are integrally formed has been described, but the inspection method of the present invention can also be used when the inspection device 10b is operated alone. Can be applied in the same way. In that case, the inspection device 10b is provided with a control unit, a storage unit, a reading unit, and a display operation unit as needed, and the control unit functions as a determination unit and a notification unit (the CPU of the control unit executes the inspection program). You can do it.

The present invention is used on an image processing device that reads and inspects a paper on which an image is formed based on a job, an inspection method in the image processing device, an inspection program that operates in the image processing device, and a recording medium that records the inspection program. It is available.

10 Image processing device 10a Printing device 10b Inspection device 11 Control unit 11a CPU
11b ROM
11c RAM
12 Storage unit 13 Network I / F unit 14 Display operation unit 15 Image processing unit 16 Printing unit 16a Paper feed tray 16b Paper feed tray for re-judgment 17 Reading unit 18 Paper discharge unit 18a Good product tray 18b Defective product tray 18c Counter 19 Judgment unit 20 Notification unit 21 Print control unit 30 Detection result notification screen 31 Judgment result comparison screen 32 Initial judgment result screen 33 Re-judgment result screen

Claims (20)

A printing unit that outputs printed matter and
A reading unit that reads the printed matter and acquires a scanned image,
A determination unit that analyzes the scanned image, detects an image abnormality, and determines the quality of the printed matter.
Based on the judgment result, a paper ejection unit that sorts the printed matter into non-defective products and defective products and discharges the printed matter.
It is provided with a notification unit that displays the detection result of the image abnormality on the display unit and accepts the change of the detection threshold value and / or the detection item of the image abnormality.
When the detection threshold value and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is changed, the determination unit re-determines the printed matter that has been discharged.
The notification unit notifies the output position of the printed matter whose pass / fail judgment has been changed.
An image processing device characterized by this. The notification unit identifies the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed based on the detection result of the image abnormality at the first determination and the detection result of the image abnormality at the time of re-judgment, and the number of printed matter that has been discharged. The output position of the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is calculated from, and the calculated output position is notified.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The determination unit re-determines based on the read image and the changed detection threshold value and / or detection item of the image abnormality.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The determination unit re-determines based on the detection result of the image abnormality at the time of the initial determination and the changed detection threshold value and / or detection item of the image abnormality.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. At the time of re-judgment, the notification unit can distinguish between the printed matter determined to be non-defective by the initial determination and the printed matter determined to be non-defective by the re-determination.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A print control unit that controls the print unit based on the re-judgment result when there is a printed matter whose quality determination has been changed is further provided.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized. The print control unit calculates the number of printed matter to be reused when there is a printed matter that has been re-determined as a non-defective product and the printed matter is taken out from the paper ejection unit and reused as a non-defective product. Instruct printing of a reduced number of sheets calculated above.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6. When there is a printed matter re-determined as a defective product, the print control unit instructs the printing unit to reprint the number of printed matter re-determined as a defective product.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6. A paper feed unit that feeds multiple printed matter that has been discharged as a good or defective product,
A counter for counting the number of printed matter fed from the paper feed unit is provided.
The paper ejection unit refers to the output position of the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed and the count value of the counter, and again sorts the plurality of printed matter into non-defective products and defective products and ejects the printed matter.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. It is an inspection method in an image processing device.
Printing process to output printed matter and
A scanning process for scanning the printed matter to acquire a scanned image, and
Judgment processing that analyzes the scanned image to detect an image abnormality and determines the quality of the printed matter.
Based on the judgment result, the printed matter is divided into non-defective products and defective products and discharged.
A notification process of displaying the detection result of the image abnormality on the display unit and accepting the change of the detection threshold value and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is executed.
In the determination process, when the detection threshold value and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is changed, the printed matter that has been discharged is re-determined.
In the notification process, the output position of the printed matter whose pass / fail judgment has been changed is notified.
An inspection method characterized by that. In the notification process, the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed is specified based on the detection result of the image abnormality at the first determination and the detection result of the image abnormality at the time of re-judgment, and the number of printed matter that has been discharged. The output position of the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is calculated from, and the calculated output position is notified.
The inspection method according to claim 10, wherein the inspection method is characterized in that. In the determination process, re-determination is performed based on the scanned image and the changed detection threshold value and / or detection item of the image abnormality.
The inspection method according to claim 10 or 11. In the determination process, re-determination is performed based on the detection result of the image abnormality at the time of the initial determination and the changed detection threshold value and / or detection item of the image abnormality.
The inspection method according to claim 10 or 11. In the notification process, at the time of re-judgment, the printed matter determined to be non-defective by the initial determination and the printed matter determined to be non-defective by the re-judgment are identifiablely displayed.
The inspection method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that. When there is a printed matter whose quality determination has been changed, a second printing process for outputting the printed matter based on the re-judgment result is further executed.
The inspection method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that. In the second printing process, there is a printed matter that has been re-determined as a non-defective product, and when the discharged printed matter is taken out and reused as a non-defective product, the number of printed matter to be reused is calculated, and the calculated number of printed matter is calculated. Print a reduced number of sheets,
The inspection method according to claim 15, characterized in that. In the second printing process, when there is a printed matter re-determined as a defective product, reprinting is performed for the number of printed matter re-determined as a defective product.
The inspection method according to claim 15, characterized in that. The image processing device is
A paper feed unit that feeds multiple printed matter that has been discharged as a good or defective product,
A counter for counting the number of printed matter fed from the paper feed unit is provided.
With reference to the output position of the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed and the count value of the counter, the second paper ejection process of sorting the plurality of printed matter into non-defective products and defective products is further executed. To do,
The inspection method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that. A printing unit that outputs printed matter and
A reading unit that reads the printed matter and acquires a scanned image,
A paper ejection unit that ejects the printed matter and
An inspection program that operates on an image processing device that includes a control unit.
In the control unit
Judgment processing that analyzes the scanned image, detects an image abnormality, and determines the quality of the printed matter.
The detection result of the image abnormality is displayed on the display unit, and the notification process for accepting the change of the detection threshold value and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is executed.
In the determination process, when the detection threshold value and / or the detection item of the image abnormality is changed, the printed matter that has been discharged is re-determined.
In the notification process, the output position of the printed matter whose pass / fail judgment has been changed is notified.
An inspection program characterized by that. In the notification process, the printed matter whose quality determination has been changed is specified based on the detection result of the image abnormality at the first determination and the detection result of the image abnormality at the time of re-judgment, and the number of printed matter that has been discharged. The output position of the printed matter whose quality judgment has been changed is calculated from, and the calculated output position is notified.
19. The inspection program according to claim 19.

Images