JP2024071416A - Image inspection device, image forming system, image inspection method, and image inspection program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an image inspection device, an image forming system, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program that are capable of ensuring inspection quality while preventing the occurrence of unnecessary error judgments.
[Solution] The image inspection device includes an image reading unit that reads a printed image and a coating image formed on a recording medium, and an image inspection unit that inspects the coating image according to an accuracy set based on the overlapping state of the read printed image and coating image.
[Selected figure] Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an image inspection device, an image forming system, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program.

Conventionally, there are image forming systems in which an electrophotographic image forming device (such as a copier, printer, facsimile, or a combination of these) that forms a toner image on paper is connected in-line or integrally with an image reading device equipped with a scanner or the like.

Here, the image reading device reads the output (i.e., the image on the paper, the same applies below) output by the image forming device using a scanner or the like, and functions as a post-processing device to feed back information on color and positional deviation to the image forming device and correct the image.

In recent years, image forming systems have been proposed that, in addition to a system of an image forming device and an output image reading device, include an in-line or integrated image inspection device (also called an automatic inspection device) that automatically inspects the image quality of the output material output by the image forming device. In such systems, the image inspection device performs an inspection job based on inspection data (inspection image data) and performs inspection (inspection) to check whether the image on the paper has various abnormalities (image defects) such as fading, uneven density, and streaks.

When executing an inspection job, the image inspection device acquires inspection image data, including data of a reference image (also called a correct image) that has been created or registered in advance, and an image of the actual printed output (image data read by the image reading device).

The image inspection device then compares these images to determine whether there are any image defects in the image actually printed on the paper, and inspects the image quality. With this image forming system, it is possible to automatically inspect (quality check) whether the output (image on paper) output by the image forming device is printed with the quality desired by the customer.

Furthermore, in recent image forming systems, a coating material such as a transparent UV-cured varnish is applied to specific locations on full-color prints to give the prints a three-dimensional or glossy appearance, or to add decorative images to the prints using the coating material.

In one specific example, a coating image forming device that forms an image using the above-mentioned coating material is connected to the rear of an image forming device that prints a full-color image on paper, and a coating image is formed on the paper of the full-color print. Hereinafter, for convenience, such an output is referred to as a "coated print."

Alternatively, a coating image forming section that forms an image of a coating material is disposed downstream in the paper transport direction of the image forming section of the image forming device (hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, referred to as the "printed image forming section"), and a coating image is formed on the paper on which a printed image has been formed by the printed image forming section.

Along with the evolution of printing techniques, technology for image inspection of coated images on coated printed matter (such as determining whether there are image defects) has also been developing in recent years (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Conventionally, when automatically inspecting whether the print image and coating image of a coated printed product have been printed correctly, the print image is inspected once after the print image is formed and before the coating image is formed, and then the coating image is inspected a second time only after the coating image is formed.

JP 2016-161469 A

On the other hand, in conventional technologies such as Patent Document 1, the accuracy of image inspection of coating images tends to be high (strict) overall, and there is a problem in that even output products that are deemed to be fully acceptable from the perspective of both the producer and the orderer are judged to have "image defects in the coating image" and are classified as rejected products.

The inventors have conducted extensive research into the above-mentioned problems related to the inspection of coated printed materials, and have come to the following conclusions.

Generally, images that are coated with varnish or other coatings are translucent and have a low density, so even if there are some image defects, they are often not as noticeable as full-color printed images.

On the other hand, coating images in recent years are formed in various positional relationships with respect to the printed image, for example, they may completely overlap (match) the printed image, partially overlap with the printed image, or be formed separately (separately) from the printed image.

Furthermore, if the coating image overlaps with the printed image, image defects in the overlapping areas of the coating image are easy to spot with the human eye. Therefore, it is considered necessary to thoroughly inspect such overlapping areas and inspect (quality check) the coating image with strict precision in order to ensure the quality of the image inspection and ultimately the quality of the printed matter delivered.

Conversely, if the coating image does not overlap with the printed image, image defects in the coating image will be relatively less noticeable. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary error judgments and increased printing costs, it is considered better to inspect (quality check) the coating image with a relatively low level of accuracy.

In contrast, conventional technology does not inspect (quality check) the coating image based on the relationship between the formation position of the print image and the formation position of the coating image, and applies the same precision across the board, which can result in unnecessary error judgments or inability to ensure inspection quality.

The object of the present invention is to provide an image inspection device, an image forming system, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program that can ensure inspection quality while preventing unnecessary error judgments.

The image inspection device according to the present invention comprises:
an image reading unit that reads a printed image and a coated image formed on a recording medium;
an image inspection unit that inspects the coating image according to a precision that is set based on an overlapping state between the read printing image and the coating image;
Equipped with.

The image forming system according to the present invention comprises:
a print image forming section that forms a print image on a sheet based on print image data;
a coating image forming section for forming a coating image based on coating image data on the paper on which the print image has been formed;
The image inspection device described above,
Equipped with.

The image inspection method according to the present invention comprises:
Reading a printed image and a coated image formed on a recording medium;
The coating image is inspected according to a precision set based on the overlapping state between the read print image and the coating image.

The image inspection program according to the present invention comprises:
On the computer,
Reading a printed image and a coated image formed on a recording medium;
and an image inspection program for inspecting the coating image according to a precision set based on the overlapping state between the read printed image and the coating image.

The present invention makes it possible to ensure inspection quality while preventing unnecessary error judgments.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of a control system in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of an inspection job. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing a specific example of a coated printed material that can be printed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 5A shows a case where only an image of print data is formed on paper, and FIG. 5B shows a case where only an image of coating data is formed on paper. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining an example of setting the inspection accuracy of an image of coating data in two stages, where FIG. 6A shows an image to which a first inspection accuracy is applied, and FIG. 6B shows an image to which a second inspection accuracy is applied. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a control unit when the inspection accuracy of an image of coating data is set in three stages. 1 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of an image inspection process for a coating image in the present embodiment. This figure explains a specific example when the inspection accuracy of the coated printed material shown in Figure 4 is set to three levels, where Figure 9A shows an image subject to the first inspection accuracy, Figure 9B shows an image subject to the second inspection accuracy, and Figure 9C shows an image subject to the third inspection accuracy. Figure 10A shows another specific example of a coated printed matter, Figure 10B shows a case where only the image of the printing data is printed on paper, and Figure 10C shows a case where only the image of the coating data is printed on paper. Figure 11A shows yet another specific example of a coated printed matter, Figure 11B shows a case in which only the image of the printing data is printed on paper, and Figure 11C shows a case in which only the image of the coating data is printed on paper. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration that allows a user to adjust the third inspection accuracy for the coated printed material shown in FIG. 4, and shows an example of a user setting screen displayed on the display unit. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an overview of a process when setting an inspection.

The present embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the main parts of a control system for explaining the flow of signals between the devices constituting the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment.

The image forming system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a system that forms (outputs) an image on paper S using 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 is an occurrence of an image defect).

Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming device 20 that forms a full-color print image based on print image data and a transparent or semi-transparent varnish image (coating image) based on coating image data on paper S.

The image forming system 1 also includes a paper feeder 10 that feeds paper S to the image forming device 20, an image reading device 30 that reads the image on the paper 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 forming 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 a sorting section 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, the conveying path P in the image forming apparatus 20 is shown as a single line in Fig. 1, but a double-sided conveying path for double-sided printing is provided in the actual image forming apparatus 20. Also, for the sake of simplicity, the number of paths branching into two, _P1 and _P2 , in the post-processing apparatus 40 is shown as two in Fig. 1, but more branching 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 has 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 the like.

This image forming device 20 has a print image forming unit 21 that forms a full-color image on paper S based on input print image data (hereinafter also simply referred to as print data).

In one specific example, the print image forming unit 21 is an intermediate transfer type image forming unit that utilizes electrophotographic process technology. In this example, the print image forming unit 21 primarily transfers the Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) color toner images formed on a photosensitive drum (not shown) onto an intermediate transfer belt (not shown), superimposes the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt, and then secondary transfers the toner images onto paper S, thereby forming a toner image (full-color print image).

Furthermore, downstream of the print image forming unit 21 in the transport direction of the paper S, a fixing unit 22 is disposed, which fixes the toner image to the paper S by applying heat and pressure to the paper S to which the toner image is secondarily transferred. The print image forming unit 21 and the fixing unit 22 are of known configuration, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The method for forming the print image in the print image forming unit 21 is not limited to the above method, and various other methods can be applied, such as an inkjet method in which ink is ejected onto the paper S to form an image.

In addition, in this embodiment, the recording medium on which the image is formed is assumed to be paper S, i.e., a paper medium, but the recording medium on which the image is formed is not limited to this, and various other sheet-like media such as cloth and plastic can also be used.

In the image forming device 20 of this embodiment, the coating image forming unit 23 is disposed downstream of the fixing unit 22 in the transport direction. This coating image forming unit 23 has the function of applying a light-transmitting coating material to the paper S based on input coating image data (hereinafter simply referred to as coating data).

In one specific example, the coating image forming unit 23 forms a transparent or translucent coating image on the paper S using UV-curable varnish based on coating data that specifies (defines) an image separate from the print image data. In this case, the coating image forming unit 23 includes an application unit that applies UV-curable varnish (hereinafter simply referred to as varnish) to the paper S, and a UV irradiation unit that is disposed downstream of the application unit and irradiates the varnish applied to the paper S with ultraviolet (UV) rays to cure the varnish.

For ease of explanation, below, the image formed on the paper S by the print image forming unit 21 will be referred to simply as the "print image," and the image formed on the paper S by the coating image forming unit 23 will be referred to as the "coating image."

The main body of the image forming device 20 is provided with an operation display unit 25. This operation display unit 25 is formed, for example, by a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 26 and an operation unit 27.

In the operation display unit 25, the display unit 26 displays various operation screens, image states, operation statuses of each function, etc., in accordance with display control signals input from the control unit 200 described later. The operation unit 27 has various operation keys (so-called hardware switches) such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and accepts various input operations by the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 200.

In addition, the display unit 26 displays various icons (so-called software switches) that can be selected with a cursor (pointer) or the like 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, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, etc., and controls the operation of the print image forming unit 21 and the fixing unit 22 described above, as well as the operations of each unit 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 cooperates with the loaded program to centrally control the operation of the print image forming unit 21, the fixing unit 22, and other blocks within the image forming device 20.

Other blocks provided 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, a communication unit that communicates with external devices via a communication network, etc., and an operation display unit that accepts user input operations and displays the status of the device, etc. These are well-known configurations, so illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 controls each of the blocks described above, and as shown in FIG. 2, communicates with the image inspection device 50 to cooperate with it to execute various processes that are primarily performed by the image inspection device 50.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the image reading device 30 has an output image reading unit 31 that optically reads the image (toner image) of the paper S discharged from the image forming device 20. Specifically, the output image reading unit 31 optically scans the paper S, and forms an image of the reflected light from the paper S on the light receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor (not shown), reading the images on both sides of the paper S, and generates 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 later.

1 and 2, the post-processing device 40 includes a transport roller for transporting the paper S whose image has been read by the image reading device 30, a plurality of discharge trays 42 and 43 for discharging the paper S, and a sorting unit 41 for switching the discharge destination (transport route) of the paper 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 for switching the discharge destination (transport route) of the paper S to either path _P1 or path _P2 , a driving source such as a solenoid for driving 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 according to the application, such as a cutter for cutting the paper S, a stapler for stapling the paper S, and a paper folding mechanism for folding the paper S. These additional functions are well-known configurations, so illustrations and explanations are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming 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 read image data generated by the image reading device 30.

This image inspection device 50 is equipped with a hardware processor such as a CPU, a ROM, a data storage unit 51 described later, 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) that is used for comparison when performing image inspection, based on the read image generated by the image reading device 30.

In addition, the image inspection device 50 has the function of dividing the inspection target area (the area of two-dimensional coordinates on the paper) to be subjected to image inspection for the registered reference image into a predetermined area or pixel unit, and setting the inspection accuracy (level) of the image inspection for each divided area.

For this reason, the image inspection device 50 functions as a "setting unit" that sets the above-mentioned inspection accuracy (level), and also functions as a "detection unit" that will be described later.

The image inspection device 50 functions as an "image inspection unit" that compares the read image generated by the image reading device 30 with a reference image to inspect for image defects. Each of these functions of the image inspection device 50 will be described in detail later.

The image inspection device 50 can be physically incorporated into the housing of the image reading device 30, the post-processing device 40, or even the image forming device 20, for example, or can be configured as a device that is physically independent from these devices. In the example shown in FIG. 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 later) of the image forming device 20, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 1 also includes a PC 60 that outputs print image data and image forming conditions for the print image (various user settings such as the number of pages of the printout, whether double-sided or single-sided printing, and the number of copies to be printed).

In this example, the coating image is formed by the coating image forming unit 23, so the coating image data and the image forming conditions for the coating image are also output from the PC 60.

Hereinafter, the various data described above that are output from PC 60 will be collectively referred to as "reference data."

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the PC 60 is configured to supply reference data to both the image forming device 20 (control unit 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 forming system 1 includes data storage units 51 and 52 for storing various data such as the above-mentioned reference data.

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 printing conditions such as the contents of the print job in which the image to be inspected is printed, for example, the size of the paper S used for printing, the number of sheets and copies to be printed, whether double-sided printing or not, etc. Other contents of the inspection profile will be described later.

On the other hand, the data storage unit 52 is provided in 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, 52 can use various data storage media such as HDDs and semiconductor memories.

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

Next, the outline of the processing of the inspection job executed by the image inspection device 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 3. For simplicity, the flow shown in FIG. 3 is based on the assumption that only a print image is formed on the paper S in the print job (a coating image is not formed).

In addition, 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) will be printed, and the quality of the images in the multiple copies will be inspected, and new reference image data for this printed material (four sheets of paper) will be created.

In step S10, the image inspection device 50 (the CPU of the image inspection device 50 shown in FIG. 2, the same applies below) refers to the page number of the reference data described above, and registers (creates new) a portion of the scanned image data (four sheets of paper in this case) printed by the image forming device 20 and read by the image reading device 30 as data for a reference image. The process of registering such a reference image is called a "reference job."

Specifically, in step S100, the image inspection device 50 temporarily stores a portion of the images (read image data) (corresponding to four sheets of paper) that have been read and generated by the image reading device 30 in a RAM or the like as candidates for the reference image.

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

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

For simplicity, below, printing to create new reference image data will be referred to as "proof printing," and printing that is the subject of the inspection job will be referred to as "actual printing." If there is a problem with the images in the actual printouts (four pages), the above-mentioned reference job processing will be repeated until the user determines that there are no problems with the reference image.

In step S200, the image inspection device 50 acquires the read 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 when actual printing is started by the image forming device 20. In this example, the image inspection device 50 receives the generated read image data directly from the image reading device 30 (see FIG. 2).

In step S300, the image inspection device 50 checks the identity of the reference image and the scanned image by comparing the scanned image data acquired in step S200 with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100.

Next, the image inspection device 50 judges whether the image quality of the read image data is OK or not based on the inspection result of step S300 (step S400). The process of such judgment varies depending on the items related to the degree of match between the reference image and the read image (type of image defect) and the standard value (threshold value) for pass/fail, etc.

Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality is OK (no image defects) (step S400, YES), it determines that the image quality of the printout is acceptable. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the paper S corresponding to this read image data to a pre-set first tray (e.g., the paper discharge tray 42 in FIG. 1) (step S500).

The image inspection device 50 then repeats the process of steps S200 to S500 until the print job related to the inspection is completed, and ends the process when the print job is completed. 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 has an image defect (step S400, NO), it proceeds to step S600.

In step S600, the image inspection device 50 transmits 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 transmits the type of image defect, the position of the image defect on the sheet S, and the like to the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20. The image inspection device 50 also notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the sheet S corresponding to the scanned image data containing the image defect to a preset second tray (e.g., the discharge tray 43 in FIG. 1).

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

The image inspection device 50 repeats the above-described steps S100 to S600 until the inspection job is completed, and when the inspection job is completed (i.e., up to the last printed page), it stores the inspection results in the data storage unit 51 and ends the inspection job.

The above is an overview of the process for the first image inspection when only a print image is formed on the paper S. However, even when a coating image is formed on the paper S on which a print image has been formed, the second image inspection can be performed basically using the same procedure as that described in Figure 3.

As mentioned above, in order to give the printed image printed on the paper S a three-dimensional or glossy appearance, a coated print may be produced in which a coating image made of the above-mentioned varnish is formed on or partially over the printed image, or separately from the printed image.

An example of a coated printed matter will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. On the paper S shown in Figure 4, the area where the printed image is formed is indicated by the symbol PI, and the area where the coated image is formed is indicated by the symbol CI. For ease of explanation, these will be referred to as the "printed image PI" and the "coated image CI" below.

The printed matter shown in FIG. 4 is produced by printing the characters "ABC" and "123" as print images PI on the top and middle tiers of paper S by the print image forming unit 21, and then forming the following coating images CI on the top, middle, and bottom tiers of paper S by the coating image forming unit 23.

For ease of understanding, FIG. 5A shows the paper S at the stage where the print image PI has been formed by the print image forming unit 21. For comparison, FIG. 5B virtually shows only the coating image CI formed on the paper S by the coating image forming unit 23. Note that in reality, the coating image CI shown in FIG. 5B is formed after the print image PI shown in FIG. 5A has been formed on the paper S (see FIG. 4).

That is, the coating image forming unit 23 forms the letters "ABC" as the coating image CI so as to overlap with the "ABC" of the print image PI, and forms a rectangular solid image as the coating image CI at a position overlapping with the "123" of the print image PI. Furthermore, the coating image forming unit 23 forms an image of five stars as the coating image CI in the lower part of the paper S where the print image PI is not formed.

Thus, the reference image used in image inspection is the best image among those in which both the print image PI and the coating image CI are printed on the paper S as described above (see Figure 4).

After the reference image is registered, image inspection can basically be performed using the processing routine described above in Figure 3.

However, when image inspection is performed using conventional routines on coated printed matter on which both a print image PI and a coating image CI are formed, the inspection results are stricter than generally required, resulting in poor productivity in printing and inspection.

Below, we will explain this problem based on the coated printed matter described above in Figures 4, 5A, and 5B.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, in this example of a coated printed matter, the overlapping state (degree and condition of overlap, etc.) of the coating image CI with the print image PI differs for each type (object) of the coating image CI.

Specifically, the coating image CI of the alphabet "ABC" is in a state where it is almost identical to the print image PI of "ABC" (the characters are slightly wider), in other words, it has the highest degree of overlap with the print image PI.

From another perspective, the shape or contour of the coating image CI of object "A" has a high similarity to the shape (contour) of "A," and the same is true for the coating images CI of "B" and "C."

The rectangular coating image CI formed in the middle of the paper S is a solid image with an area that surrounds the print image PI of "123." In other words, it has the second highest degree of overlap with the print image PI.

From another perspective, the shape (outline) of the rectangular coating image CI has a low similarity to the shapes (outline) of the numbers "1", "2", and "3".

In contrast, the five-star coating image CI formed on the bottom of the paper S does not come into contact with any of the printed images PI and exists independently, so it has the lowest degree of overlap with the printed images PI; in other words, there is no overlap at all with the printed images PI.

Considering the above three examples (differences in overlapping patterns) comprehensively, in many cases, if there is a defect (such as a disorder in the coating image CI) in the area where the print image PI and the coating image CI overlap, especially in the outline of the letters "ABC" above, it is easy for the human eye to tell the difference.

On the other hand, in areas where the print image PI and the coating image CI do not overlap, such as the background part of the five-star coating image CI in the above example (the part where the stars are blurred), it was found that even if there was some disturbance, it was not noticeable.

In view of the above situation, in this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 inspects the coating image CI according to an inspection level (inspection accuracy) that is set based on the overlapping state between the print image PI and the coating image CI read by the image reading device 30.

In other words, the image inspection device 50 is set to change the accuracy (inspection level) of the image inspection applied to the coating image CI between areas where the print image PI and the coating image CI overlap and areas where they do not overlap.

In addition, as a function of the "detection unit," the image inspection device 50 performs processing to detect non-overlapping portions of the coating image CI that do not overlap the print image PI on the paper S.

In one specific example, the image inspection device 50 obtains data (print image data and coating image data) for each of the print image PI and coating image CI formed on the same side of a sheet of paper S, and detects the non-overlapping portion by comparing the formation positions (two-dimensional coordinates) of each image on the paper S.

During this detection process, the image inspection device 50 can also detect overlapping portions of the coating image CI that overlap the print image PI on the paper S.

Next, the image inspection device 50 performs the following processing as the function of the "setting unit."

In other words, the image inspection device 50 sets the image inspection accuracy for the overlapping portion of the coating image CI that overlaps the print image PI on the paper S to the normal accuracy (first inspection accuracy).

In one specific example, the first inspection accuracy is the same accuracy (inspection level) as when performing image inspection on the print image PI.

On the other hand, the image inspection device 50 sets the image inspection accuracy for the non-overlapping portion of the coating image CI that does not overlap the print image PI on the paper S to a second inspection accuracy that is lower (looser) than the normal accuracy (first inspection accuracy).

In one specific example, this second inspection accuracy is such that if the deviation in the formation pattern of the coating image CI on the paper S does not exceed a predetermined threshold (e.g., 0.5 mm), it is determined that there is no image defect, and if there is a deviation that exceeds this threshold, it is determined that there is an image defect.

Examples of deviations in the formation mode include deviations from the coordinate position on the paper S where the mark is supposed to be formed (position deviation), and a size that is larger or smaller than the original size on the paper S (size deviation).

In this embodiment, after the above settings, image inspection of the coating image CI on the paper S is performed according to the procedure described above in the flowchart of Figure 3.

Thus, in this embodiment, the coating image CI is inspected (inspection job) using multiple different levels of precision based on the relationship between the formation position of the print image PI and the formation position of the coating image CI, thereby ensuring inspection quality while preventing the occurrence of unnecessary error judgments.

Furthermore, this embodiment can improve the efficiency and productivity of inspection and printing on coated printed materials.

In the following, the set level of image inspection accuracy with the highest (strictest) inspection accuracy will be referred to as the "first inspection accuracy", and the set level with the least stringent inspection accuracy will be referred to as the "second inspection accuracy". For ease of explanation, the intermediate level between these two, i.e., the set level with inspection accuracy that is stricter than the second inspection accuracy but less stringent than the first inspection accuracy, will be referred to as the "third inspection accuracy".

The above-mentioned settings of each accuracy will be explained with reference to FIG. 6 onwards, which shows the components (objects) of the coating image CI shown in FIG. 5B separated. Here, FIG. 6A shows the objects of the coating image CI set to the first inspection accuracy, and FIG. 6B shows the objects of the coating image CI set to the second inspection accuracy.

That is, as can be seen by referring to Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, the letters "ABC" almost completely match (overlap) in the print image PI and the coating image CI, so any disturbance in the coating image CI is easily noticeable. For this reason, the first inspection accuracy is set for all parts of the coating image CI of the letters "ABC" (see Figure 6A).

In addition, the rectangular solid coating image CI also overlaps with the numbers "123" in the print image PI, so any disturbances in this rectangular image are easily noticeable. For this reason, the rectangular solid coating image CI is basically set to the first inspection accuracy (see Figure 6A).

In contrast, the five star-shaped coating images CI do not overlap with any of the printed images PI, and because they have high transparency (low density), it is believed that even if there is some disturbance in the image, it will not be noticeable. For this reason, the first inspection accuracy is set for all parts of the five star-shaped coating images CI (see Figure 6B).

On the other hand, from another perspective, the rectangular solid coating image CI covers the numbers "123" in the print image PI from above, and is different from a form in which the shapes (contours) are roughly the same, such as the letters "ABC."

For this reason, if the same inspection standards were applied (set) to a rectangular solid coating image CI as to a coating image CI of the letters "ABC," there is a risk that the printed matter (product) would be deemed to have failed due to overly strict inspection, even if it is at a level that would be satisfactory to the average person.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the image inspection device 50 does not uniformly apply the first inspection accuracy to objects of the coating image CI that overlap the print image PI on the paper S, but rather determines which objects are to be set to the third inspection accuracy (third level) based on the following criteria.

In other words, the image inspection device 50, as a "detection unit," detects, among the overlapping portions of the coating image CI that overlap the print image PI on the paper S, overlapping similar portions (objects) that are similar to the contours of the overlapping print image PI, and overlapping dissimilar portions (objects) that are not similar to the contours of the overlapping print image PI.

Then, as a function of the "setting unit," the image inspection device 50 sets the first inspection accuracy for overlapping similar parts (objects) of the coating image CI, and sets the third inspection accuracy, which is lower than the first inspection accuracy and higher than the second inspection accuracy, for overlapping dissimilar parts (objects) of the coating image CI.

As a result, for the "ABC" object in the coating image CI, the accuracy (level) of the image inspection is set to the first inspection accuracy as an overlapping similar portion (object) (Figure 9A). On the other hand, for the rectangular solid object in the coating image CI, the accuracy (level) of the image inspection is set to the third inspection accuracy as an overlapping dissimilar portion (object) (Figure 9C).

For the five star-shaped objects in the coating image CI, the image inspection accuracy (level) is set to the second inspection accuracy as they are non-overlapping parts (objects) (Figure 9B).

Figures 10A to 10C show other specific examples in which it is considered advisable to set the image inspection accuracy (level) to the third inspection accuracy for the coating image CI. The illustrated example shows a coated print in which seven star marks (see Figure 10C) are formed as the coating image CI on a color printed image PI (see Figure 10B) of the letters "STAR" (actually written in red).

Referring to FIG. 10A, each of the star marks, which are objects that make up the coating image CI, partially overlaps the characters in the print image PI, and the remaining portions do not overlap the characters in the print image PI.

In this case of an overlapping state in which the coating image CI (object) partially overlaps (does not completely overlap) the print image PI, it is not necessarily easy to uniformly determine what level of accuracy should be set for the image inspection of the coating image CI.

In consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, in this embodiment, the user can adjust (specify) the third inspection accuracy (level) to any accuracy (level) between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy, and the specific configuration will be described later.

Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7, we will explain in more detail the process of determining or setting the inspection accuracy (level) for the coating image CI, which is mainly performed by the image inspection device 50 as a "detection unit."

Note that FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the flow of processing executed by the image inspection device 50 when the inspection accuracy of the coating image CI based on the coating data is set to three levels, and also shows the processing after the corresponding print data is transmitted from the image forming device 20 to the image inspection device 50.

In step S11, the image inspection device 50 selects and reads one object that constitutes the coating image CI from the coating data.

In one specific example, "one object" in the coated printed matter shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to one character in the letters "ABC," or "one star mark" in the case of five stars. Similarly, "one object" in the coated printed matter shown in FIG. 10A corresponds to "one star mark."

The image inspection device 50 reads the shape (contour) of an object, the position (coordinates) at which it is to be formed on the paper S, and the density of the image from the coating data of the printed matter.

In the next step S12, the image inspection device 50 determines the degree of overlap between the object and the corresponding print image PI, i.e., whether or not there is an overlapping portion.

In one specific example, the image inspection device 50 reads the position (contour coordinates) of the print image PI formed on the paper S from the print data acquired from the image forming device 20, and compares it with the position (coordinates) of the shape (contour) of the object to determine whether or not there is an overlapping portion.

Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that there is no overlapping portion (overlap) with the print image PI (step S12, NO), it determines (sets) the inspection accuracy of the coating image to the first inspection accuracy in step S16, and proceeds to step S18.

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that there is an overlapping portion (overlap) with the print image PI (step S12, YES), it proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the image inspection device 50 determines whether the shape (contour) of the object in the coating image CI is similar to the shape (contour) of the print image PI.

In one specific example, in the case of the coated print shown in FIG. 4, each character (object) of the letters "ABC" is determined to be "similar," and each "star mark" is determined to be "dissimilar." Similarly, each "star mark" in the coated print shown in FIG. 10A is also determined to be "dissimilar."

Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the shapes (contours) of the two images are not similar (step S13, NO), it proceeds to step S15.

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the shapes (contours) of both images are similar (step S13, YES), it proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the image inspection device 50 determines (sets) the inspection accuracy of the object in the coating image CI to the first inspection accuracy, and proceeds to step S18.

On the other hand, in step S15, the image inspection device 50 determines whether the object in the coating image CI is placed on a single-color solid (filled) print image PI.

Here, a "solid (filled) monochrome print image PI" refers to either a case where the surroundings (background) of the object in the coating image CI is a solid monochrome image filled in by the print image PI, or a case where the background is the background color of the paper S, i.e., there is no print image PI.

Here, a specific example of the former case, i.e., when the surroundings (background) of the object in the coating image CI is a solid-color filled image in the print image PI, is shown in Figures 11A to 11C.

Here, Fig. 11A shows a coated print in which a coating image CI consisting of seven star-shaped objects is formed on a print image PI with a dark background such as black. Also, Fig. 11B shows a state in which only the print image PI based on the print data has been formed on the paper, and Fig. 11C shows a case in which only the coating image CI based on the coating data has been formed on the paper.

In the latter case, that is, when the surroundings (background) of the object in the coating image CI is not the ground color of the paper S, i.e., the print image PI, the example in Figure 4 above applies (see also Figure 6B).

Here, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the object in the coating image CI is placed on a single-color solid (filled) print image PI (step S15, YES), it determines (sets) the inspection accuracy of the object in the coating image CI to the second inspection accuracy in step S16, and proceeds to step S18.

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the object in the coating image CI is not placed on a single-color solid (filled) print image PI (step S15, NO), it determines (sets) the inspection level (accuracy) of the object in the coating image CI to the third inspection accuracy in step S17, and proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the image inspection device 50 determines whether or not reading of all objects of the coating image CI to be printed has been completed.

If the image inspection device 50 determines that reading of all objects has not yet been completed (step S18, NO), it returns to step S11 and repeats the processing of steps S11 to S18 described above.

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that reading of all objects has been completed (step S18, YES), it ends the processing of this flowchart.

By carrying out the above-mentioned processing, the inspection accuracy is determined or set for each of the various objects that make up the coating image CI, taking into account their relationship with the formation position of the print image PI, allowing appropriate settings to be made in response to general requirements.

Therefore, this embodiment can ensure inspection quality while preventing unnecessary error judgments, thereby improving the productivity of coated printed materials.

Next, an overview of the image inspection process for the coating image CI in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S20, the image inspection device 50 receives from the image reading device 30 the read image data generated by scanning the coated printed matter with the output image reading unit 31 (see FIG. 2, etc.). Note that this step S20 corresponds to the processing of step S200 described above in FIG. 3.

In the next step S31, the image inspection device 50 compares the coating portion set to the first inspection accuracy (see step S14 in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9A) among the scanned image data acquired in step S20 with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100 in FIG. 3 to determine whether the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality OK).

If the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coating portion is not good (quality OK) (step S31, NO), it determines that the image quality of the print is unacceptable and proceeds to step S60. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the paper S of the print to a preset second tray (e.g., the paper discharge tray 43 in FIG. 1) (step S60).

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coating part is good (quality OK) (step S31, YES), it determines that the image quality of the coating part is acceptable and proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, the image inspection device 50 compares the coating portion set to the second inspection accuracy (see step S16 in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9B) of the scanned image data acquired in step S20 with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100 in FIG. 3 to determine whether the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality OK).

If the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coating portion is not good (quality OK) (step S32, NO), it determines that the image quality of the print is unacceptable and executes the processing of step S60 described above.

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coating part is good (quality OK) (step S32, YES), it determines that the image quality of the coating part is acceptable and proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the image inspection device 50 compares the coating portion set to the third inspection accuracy (see step S17 in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9C) of the scanned image data acquired in step S20 with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100 in FIG. 3 to determine whether the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality OK).

If the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coating portion is not good (quality OK) (step S33, NO), it determines that the image quality of the print is unacceptable and executes the processing of step S60 described above.

On the other hand, if the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality OK) (step S33, YES), it determines that the image quality of the print is acceptable and proceeds to step S50. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the paper S of the print into a pre-set first tray (e.g., the paper discharge tray 42 in FIG. 1) (step S50).

According to the image inspection (quality control) processing routine described above, inspection of the coating image CI is performed according to an appropriate inspection level (precision) for each coating portion (object in this example) based on its positional relationship with the print image PI. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to the conventional method, the number of rejected products is reduced, and important parts are inspected with high precision (strict standards) and good passing products remain, improving printing productivity.

In addition, if the quality of the object that requires the strictest precision (the coating image CI of each character of "ABC" in the example of Figure 4) is unacceptable (step S31, NO), the print content of the paper S is treated as unacceptable regardless of the image quality of other objects (step S60), eliminating the need for unnecessary inspections and shortening the inspection process.

Figure 12 shows an example of a setting screen that allows the user to arbitrarily set the third accuracy. The example shown in Figure 12 is a diagram explaining a configuration example that allows the user to adjust the third inspection accuracy for the coated printed matter shown in Figure 4, and shows an example of a user setting screen that is displayed on the display unit 26 of the image forming device 20 based on the control of the image inspection device 50.

As shown in FIG. 12, in this example, the coated printed material is displayed on the left side of the user setting screen, and the accuracy setting section 260 and OK button 269 for the user to input operations are displayed on the right side of the screen.

In one example, the coated print displayed on the left side of the user settings screen is a pre-registered reference image.

The accuracy setting section 260 also displays a volume 261 for setting (specifying) or changing the third inspection accuracy. This volume 261 can be moved in several steps or continuously between the scale marks "1" and "2" in response to an input operation by the user.

Here, scale "1" is an accuracy (strict level) that is approximately equal to the first inspection accuracy, and scale "2" is an accuracy (lenient level) that is approximately equal to the second inspection accuracy.

The coated printed matter displayed on the left side of the user settings screen is displayed so that the color of the object differs for each level of inspection accuracy, based on the results of analysis of the coating data image by the image inspection device 50.

In one specific example, a coating image CI (object) to which the first inspection accuracy, which is the strictest inspection level, is applied is displayed in red (R: Red), and a coating image CI (object) to which the second inspection accuracy, which is the more lenient inspection level, is applied is displayed in green (G: Green).

In addition, the coating image CI (object) to which the third inspection accuracy, which is an intermediate inspection level between the first and second inspection accuracy levels, is applied, is displayed in yellow (Y: Yellow).

Therefore, the color of the coating image CI in the coated print displayed on the user settings screen is different from the color of the coating material that is actually printed.

For ease of explanation, in FIG. 12, the red coating image CI is marked with the symbol (R), the green coating image CI is marked with the symbol (G), and the yellow coating image CI is marked with the symbol (Y).

Thus, according to this embodiment, which displays the user setting screen as described above, the third inspection accuracy can be adjusted as desired. This makes it possible to handle the inspection of various types of coated printed matter, including those with more complex patterns (printed images or varnished images), as well as the coated printed matter described in Figures 4, 10A, and 11A.

Furthermore, when the initial position of the volume 261 (the intermediate position between the scale marks "1" and "2") is changed by a user's input operation, the image inspection device 50 performs a process of changing the display color of the coating image CI (Y) according to the changed position.

In detail, the image inspection device 50 performs a process to change the display color of the coating image CI (Y) so that the color has a greater amount of red (R) content as the position of the volume 261 approaches the scale mark "1".

Conversely, the image inspection device 50 performs a process to change the display color of the coating image CI (Y) so that the green (G) component increases as the position of the volume 261 approaches the scale mark "2."

When displayed in the above format, it becomes easier for users to intuitively visualize the level of third inspection accuracy (degree of strictness or lenience).

For simplicity, Figure 12 shows an example of a form in which only images of coated printed matter are displayed on the user settings screen in colors corresponding to the inspection accuracy being applied.

On the other hand, as mentioned above, the color of the coating image CI in the coated printed matter displayed on the user setting screen differs from the color of the coating image that is actually formed. For this reason, it is conceivable that users would like to set the third inspection accuracy after understanding (confirming) the color that will actually be printed.

In view of the above, the image inspection device 50 displays a user setting screen such as that shown in FIG. 12 after displaying the print preview screen, or incorporates and displays the screen within the print preview screen.

Next, the process overview for setting up inspection when the print preview screen and user setting screen described above in FIG. 12 are displayed will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 13.

When executing a print job, the image inspection device 50 acquires print data and coating data from the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 (step S1).

Next, the image inspection device 50 detects the overlap between the print image PI and the coating image CI (presence or absence of overlapping parts, and their position on the paper) from the acquired print data and coating data (step S2).

In the next step S3, the image inspection device 50 performs the processes of steps S11 to S18 described above in FIG. 7, i.e., the processes of determining the first, second, and third inspection accuracies.

Here, the image inspection device 50 determines the inspection accuracy of the coating image (object) where overlap with the print data has been detected to be the first inspection accuracy (strict level) (step S14), and sets this determination as a final value in the setting data.

On the other hand, for coating images (objects) for which no overlap with the print data is detected, the image inspection device 50 determines the inspection accuracy to be the second inspection accuracy (step S16), which is a relaxed level, or the third inspection accuracy (step S17), which is an intermediate level, through the judgments of steps S13 and S15 described above.

Then, the image inspection device 50 determines that the decision content for the second inspection accuracy (loose level) is also a final value and sets it in the configuration data. On the other hand, the image inspection device 50 determines that the decision content for the third inspection accuracy (intermediate level) is not yet finalized.

In the following step S4, the image inspection device 50 executes a process of simultaneously displaying the above-mentioned print preview screen and the user setting screen described in FIG. 12 on the display unit 26 of the image forming device 20 based on the print data and the varnishing data.

Here, the image inspection device 50 monitors the input signal from the operation display unit 25 and accepts the user's instruction regarding the third inspection accuracy. In this way, the user can specify the third inspection accuracy level for the object of the coating image CI(Y) described in FIG. 12.

Thus, in step S5 after the user selects the OK button 269, the image inspection device 50 updates the setting data for the corresponding object in the coating image CI(Y) so that it is set to the level specified on the user setting screen.

Then, the image inspection device 50 performs the inspection process as described in FIG. 8, thereby performing image inspection of the coated printed matter for each object of the coating image CI according to the inspection accuracy set in advance.

As described above, this embodiment allows the inspection accuracy to be appropriately changed (used appropriately) during image inspection of the coating image CI of a coated printed product, taking into account its positional relationship with the print image PI, making it possible to ensure inspection quality while preventing the occurrence of unnecessary erroneous judgments.

For the sake of simplicity, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the image inspection device 50 sets and applies a single (one type) inspection accuracy (inspection level) to each object that constitutes the coating image CI (for example, each star mark shown in FIG. 10C).

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image inspection device 50 may be configured to set (apply) multiple types of inspection accuracy to each object constituting the coating image CI. Specifically, for each star mark shown in FIG. 10C, a first inspection accuracy (high level) may be set for the portion overlapping with the print image PI (characters), and a second inspection accuracy (low level) may be set for the portion overlapping with the print image PI (characters).

In the above embodiment, a system was described that uses an image forming device 20 that forms each image of a coated printed material based on print image data and coding data received from a single PC (personal computer) 60, but this is not limited to this.

As another example, the image forming device 20 may be configured to receive the print image data and the coding data from separate terminals (such as a network server). Alternatively, the image forming device 20 may be configured to include an automatic document feeder such as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a document image scanning device (scanner), both of which are not shown.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the paper feeder 10, image reader 30, and post-processing device 40 were separate devices from the image forming device 20, but it goes without saying that these devices may also be integrated.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the realization of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted in a limiting manner based on these. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from its gist or main characteristics.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Image forming system 10 Paper feed device 20 Image forming device 21 Print image forming section 22 Fixing section 23 Coating image forming section 25 Operation display section 26 Display section 27 Operation section
30 Image reading device (image reading unit)
31 Output image reading unit 40 Post-processing device 41 Sorting unit 42, 43 Paper discharge tray 50 Image inspection device (image inspection unit)
60 PC
51, 52 Data storage unit 80 Relay device 200 Control unit of image forming device 260 Precision setting unit 261 Volume 269 OK button PI Print image CI Coating image

The object of the present invention is to provide an image inspection device, an image forming system, an image inspection method and an image inspection program which are capable of displaying a first inspection area in which inspection is performed in a first color, displaying a second inspection area in which the inspection is performed with a lower inspection accuracy than the first inspection area in a second color different from the first color, and displaying a third inspection area in which the inspection is performed with an inspection accuracy between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area in a third color different from the first and second colors, and when changing the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area, changing the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area within a range between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area at the time of the change and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area at the time of the change .

The image inspection device according to the present invention comprises:
a display control unit that displays a reference image before the inspection, and, in relation to the displayed reference image, displays a first inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed in a first color, a second inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed with a lower inspection accuracy than the first inspection area in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed with an inspection accuracy between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area in a third color different from the first color and the second color;
an inspection unit that performs the inspection by comparing the reference image with a read image of an image formed on a recording medium based on the first inspection area, the second inspection area, and the third inspection area;
A transmission unit for transmitting the results of the inspection;
having
When changing the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area, the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area can be changed within a range between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area at the time of the change and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area at the time of the change.

The image inspection system according to the present invention comprises:
a display control unit that displays a reference image before the inspection, and, in relation to the displayed reference image, displays a first inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed in a first color, a second inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed with a lower inspection accuracy than the first inspection area in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed with an inspection accuracy between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area in a third color different from the first color and the second color;
an inspection unit that performs the inspection by comparing the reference image with a read image of an image formed on a recording medium based on the first inspection area, the second inspection area, and the third inspection area;
A transmission unit for transmitting the results of the inspection;
having
When changing the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area, the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area can be changed within a range between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area at the time of the change and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area at the time of the change.

The image inspection method according to the present invention comprises:
a step of displaying a reference image before the inspection, and displaying, on the displayed reference image, a first inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed in a first color, a second inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed with an inspection accuracy lower than that of the first inspection area in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed with an inspection accuracy between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area in a third color different from the first color and the second color;
performing the inspection by comparing the reference image with a read image of an image formed on a recording medium based on the first inspection area, the second inspection area, and the third inspection area;
transmitting results of said testing;
having
When changing the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area, the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area can be changed within a range between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area at the time of the change and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area at the time of the change.

The image inspection program according to the present invention comprises:
a step of displaying a reference image before the inspection, and displaying, on the displayed reference image, a first inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed in a first color, a second inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed with an inspection accuracy lower than that of the first inspection area in a second color different from the first color, and a third inspection area in which the inspection is to be performed with an inspection accuracy between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area in a third color different from the first color and the second color;
performing the inspection by comparing the reference image with a read image of an image formed on a recording medium based on the first inspection area, the second inspection area, and the third inspection area;
transmitting results of said testing;
Run the following on your computer:
When changing the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area, the inspection accuracy of the third inspection area is changed within a range between the inspection accuracy of the first inspection area at the time of the change and the inspection accuracy of the second inspection area at the time of the change.

Claims (14)

an image reading unit that reads a printed image and a coated image formed on a recording medium;
an image inspection unit that inspects the coating image according to a precision that is set based on an overlapping state between the read printing image and the coating image;
An image inspection device comprising: The image inspection unit is configured to inspect the coating image on the recording medium.
determining whether or not there is an image defect in an overlapping portion of the printed image according to a first accuracy;
and determining whether or not the image defect exists for a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the print image according to a second accuracy that is lower than the first accuracy.
The image inspection device according to claim 1 . The image inspection unit includes:
detecting the overlapping portion and the non-overlapping portion in the coating image based on print image data defining the print image and coating image data defining the coating image;
The image inspection device according to claim 2. The image inspection unit is configured to inspect the coating image,
setting the first accuracy for the overlapping portion;
and setting the non-overlapping portion to the second precision.
4. An image inspection device according to claim 2 or 3. the image inspection unit determines the presence or absence of the image defect based on whether or not a deviation in a formation state of the coating image exceeds a threshold value for the non-overlapping portion of the coating image.
The image inspection device according to claim 2. the image inspection unit judges the presence or absence of the image defect according to the second accuracy for the coating image that is formed within the fill-in image of the print image on the recording medium and has a shape different from that of the fill-in image.
6. An image inspection device according to claim 2. The image inspection unit detects an overlapping portion of the coating image that overlaps the printed image on the recording medium.
determining whether or not the image defect exists for an overlapping similar portion that is similar to a contour of the overlapping printed image according to the first accuracy;
for an overlapping dissimilar portion that is not similar to the contour of the overlapping print image, determining the presence or absence of the image defect according to a third accuracy that is lower than the first accuracy and higher than the second accuracy;
7. An image inspection device according to claim 2. a display unit that displays a state in which the printed image and the coated image are formed on the recording medium,
the image inspection unit causes the display unit to display the accuracy applied to the inspection of the coating image.
8. An image inspection apparatus according to claim 1 . the image inspection unit causes the display unit to display the accuracy applied to the inspection of the coating image so as to be added to the coating image;
9. The image inspection device according to claim 8. The third accuracy is specified by a user.
8. An image inspection device according to claim 7. The image inspection unit causes a display unit to display the third accuracy so as to be changeable, and sets the third accuracy to an accuracy designated by the user.
The image inspection device according to claim 10. a print image forming unit that forms a print image on a sheet based on print image data;
a coating image forming section for forming a coating image based on coating image data on the paper on which the print image has been formed;
An image inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11;
An image forming system comprising: Reading a printed image and a coated image formed on a recording medium;
inspecting the coating image according to a precision set based on an overlapping state between the read printing image and the coating image;
Imaging methods. On the computer,
Reading a printed image and a coated image formed on a recording medium;
an image inspection program for inspecting the coating image according to a precision set based on an overlapping state between the read print image and the coating image;