JP2005096249A - Image analyzing measuring apparatus, printer, and image analyzing measuring system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image analyzing measuring apparatus which eliminates manual inputting of a file name by a worker for every condition of a sample paper, and can also load and measure/inspect, for example, sample papers of a plurality of environmental conditions (output conditions) or the like in one cassette, and to provide a printer for outputting the sample image, and an image analyzing measuring system which consists of the printer and the image analyzing measuring apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image analyzing measuring apparatus is equipped with a measuring means for measuring at least one item of a color density of an image of the sample paper placed on a measurement stage, a colorimetric value and a position precision, a detecting means for detecting the output condition recorded at a predetermined position of the sample paper, and a storing means for storing in a predetermined region, the result measured by the measuring means in accordance with the output condition detected by the detecting means. The printer can output the sample paper to be used for this, and the image analyzing measuring system is a combination of these. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image analysis measurement apparatus for measuring a sample image output from a printer for a predetermined item, a printer for outputting the sample image, and an image analysis measurement apparatus including the printer and the image analysis measurement apparatus in order to evaluate the printer. About the system.

  Conventionally, in order to evaluate whether a printer properly outputs a print that meets product specifications, for example, at the time of factory shipment, an evaluation inspection of the printer is performed. At this time, there are various items in the product specification check items for evaluating the printer. Check items in printer evaluation include, for example, items such as whether an image is finished to a predetermined color density, whether a predetermined colorimetric value is reproduced, and further reproduced with a predetermined position accuracy. .

  In this inspection, a predetermined image pattern such as a patch for color density measurement or a mark for detecting position accuracy (usually referred to as register or registration mark) is output from a printer to a predetermined measurement sample sheet. This is done by measuring the output image of the sample paper by a predetermined measuring method.

  Image analysis to measure the color density, colorimetric value, and position accuracy of the sample paper image by placing the sample paper output by the printer on the measurement stage as a device for performing such inspection and evaluating the printer Measuring devices are known.

In the evaluation of the printer using the conventional image analysis and measurement apparatus, the operator places the sample paper output by the printer at a predetermined position on the measurement stage, and manually places the sample paper on the measurement stage. I set it carefully according to the register.
However, if the operator manually positions the sample paper in this way, there is a problem that the work load increases and the work efficiency is poor.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an image analysis measurement apparatus that improves the efficiency of measurement work by automatically feeding a sample sheet onto a measurement stage and automating the measurement means. Further, in Patent Document 1, by using a sample paper that outputs a pattern or the like corresponding to a plurality of measurement items on one sample paper, by automatically switching a measuring instrument according to the measurement item, Furthermore, an image analysis measurement apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of measurement work is disclosed.

JP 2000-134379 A

  By the way, printer evaluation and inspection must be performed under environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity and printer-specific parameter conditions, and the measurement results must be divided according to each condition. The operator had to set the cassette in the image analysis and measurement apparatus for each condition and input information (file name) indicating the conditions in addition to the printer number of the printer. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is necessary to manually perform the operation of exchanging the cassette and registering a new file name each time the number of conditions for the evaluation inspection of the printer.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is not necessary for the operator to manually input a file name for each condition of the sample paper, as well as the printer number, environmental conditions, and printer parameter conditions. An image analysis and measurement apparatus that enables a sample cassette to be loaded into a single cassette and measured and inspected under a plurality of conditions (hereinafter referred to as output conditions) that have been combined, a printer that outputs the sample image, and It is an object of the present invention to provide an image analysis measurement system including the printer and an image analysis measurement apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image analysis measurement apparatus according to the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures at least one item of color density, colorimetric value, and position accuracy of an image of a sample paper placed on a measurement stage. A detection unit that detects an output condition recorded at a predetermined position of the sample paper; and a storage unit that stores a result measured by the measurement unit according to the output condition detected by the detection unit in a predetermined area. It is characterized by.

  Here, it is preferable that the output condition is at least one condition of a printer number when forming an image on the sample paper, a parameter unique to the printer, an output environment temperature, and humidity.

  The printer according to the present invention outputs an image forming means for forming a predetermined image pattern on the sample paper for measuring at least one of the color density, the colorimetric value, and the position accuracy, to the predetermined position of the sample paper. Recording means for recording the condition.

  Here, it is preferable that the output condition is at least one condition of a printer number when forming an image on the sample paper, a parameter unique to the printer, an output environment temperature, and humidity.

  The image analysis and measurement system according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms a predetermined image pattern for measuring at least one of color density, colorimetric value, and position accuracy on a sample sheet, and a predetermined number of the sample sheet. A printer having recording means for recording an output condition including an environmental condition at the time of output at a position; and the sample paper formed by the printer is placed on a measurement stage, and the color density and colorimetry of the image of the sample paper Measurement means for measuring at least one item of value and position accuracy, detection means for detecting an output condition recorded at a predetermined position of the sample paper, and measurement by the measurement means according to a result detected by the detection means And an image analysis measurement device including a storage unit that stores the result in a predetermined area.

  Here, it is preferable that the output condition is at least one condition of a printer number when forming an image on the sample paper, a parameter unique to the printer, an output environment temperature, and humidity.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary for the operator to manually input a file name for each condition of the sample paper, and the sample paper of a certain output condition is loaded into one cassette and measured / inspected. It is possible to realize an image analysis measurement device that enables the above, a printer that outputs the sample image, and an image analysis measurement system that includes the printer and the image analysis measurement device.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image analysis measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image analysis measurement apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment mainly has an orthogonal coordinate system Oxy (x axis, y axis) having O as an origin, and places sample paper 12 thereon. A measurement stage 14 that performs measurement, an automatic paper supply / discharge unit 16 that automatically supplies and discharges the sample paper 12 to the measurement stage 14, and an image (image pattern) of the sample paper 12 on the measurement stage 14 is predetermined. The measuring means 20 (20a, 20b, 20c,...) That measures according to the measurement items is configured.

  The sample paper 12 is used for evaluating the performance of the printer, and various image patterns for inspection are output by the printer. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, various sample sheets 12 such as a step wedge 30 for density measurement, a pattern output such as a cross line 32 for position accuracy measurement, and a shading correction type are measured. Used for.

  A predetermined number of sample sheets 12 on which a predetermined image pattern or the like is output for each measurement item described above and output conditions 34 including environmental conditions at the time of printer output of each sample sheet 12 are recorded. It is prepared and loaded into a paper feed cassette described later.

  The automatic paper supply / discharge unit 16 has a paper feed cassette 17 for supplying the sample paper 12 to the measurement stage 14 and a paper discharge tray 18 for collecting the discharged sample paper 12 that has been measured. . Although not shown, the automatic paper supply / discharge unit 16 supplies the sample paper 12 from the paper supply cassette 17 to the measurement stage 14 and discharges the measured sample paper 12 to the paper output tray 18. It has a conveying means for the sample paper 12 composed of an arm equipped with a vacuum suction pad.

  The measuring unit 20 includes a densitometer 20a that performs color measurement, a CCD 20b that performs position measurement, and an OCR (optical character reading) that reads output conditions, which will be described later, in one image analysis measurement apparatus 10 according to the measurement items of the sample paper 12. ) A plurality of devices (CCD cameras) 20c or other measuring devices are installed, and these are automatically switched according to the measurement item.

  Measuring devices such as the densitometer 20a, CCD 20b, and OCR device 20c are attached to the drive shaft 22 and can be moved along the drive shaft 22 in the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 1, the sample paper 12 on the measurement stage 14 can be measured two-dimensionally.

  Further, the image analysis measurement apparatus 10 receives the image data captured by the CCD 20b, and based on this, the position measurement means 24 for calculating (detecting) the leading edge (position coordinates) of the sample paper 12, and the position measurement means 24 include Measurement position correction means 26 is provided for correcting the measurement position of the densitometer 20a based on the detected position coordinates of the sample paper 12.

  The image analysis measurement device 10 receives the character data read by the OCR device 20c, specifies the sample paper 12 to be measured based on the character data, and displays the information on a display (not shown), or the OCR device 20c. The measuring device 20 such as the densitometer 20a and the CCD 20b is switched, the measuring means 20, the position measuring means 24, the measuring position correcting means 26, and other means for conveying the sample paper 12 (not shown), etc. Control means 28 for performing various controls is provided.

In FIG. 2, the principal part side view of the image analysis measuring device 10 which concerns on this embodiment is shown.
As shown in FIG. 2, an automatic paper feeding / discharging means 16 for automatically feeding and discharging the sample paper 12 is disposed in the vicinity of the measurement stage 14. The sample paper 12 is supplied from the paper feeding cassette 17 of the automatic paper feeding / discharging means 16 to the measuring stage 14 by a conveying means (not shown), and the measuring paper 20 installed on the measuring stage 14 is used to predetermine the sample paper 12. The measurement is performed on the items, and the measured sample paper 12 is again discharged from the measurement stage 14 to the paper discharge tray 18 of the automatic paper supply / discharge means 16 by the transport means.

  Further, the conveying means (not shown) is configured to remove the sample paper 12 from the paper feeding cassette 17 when the measuring means 20 is moved to the home position at the end of the measuring stage 14 as shown in FIG. The arm is moved and placed on the measurement stage 14. As a result, the arm of the conveying means holding the sample paper 12 is prevented from colliding with or interfering with the measuring means 20.

  The automatic paper feeding / discharging means 16 may be integrated with the measurement stage 14 to constitute the image analysis measuring apparatus 10, but the automatic paper feeding / discharging means 16 is attached to and detached from the measurement stage 14. It is preferable that it is configured freely and can be removed from the main body of the image analysis measurement apparatus 10 as necessary.

  In this way, by making the automatic paper supply / discharge means 16 separate from the main body of the image analysis measurement device 10, for example, the operator manually measures the sample paper 12 without attaching the automatic paper supply / discharge means 16. By mounting on the stage 14, the cost concerning an apparatus can be reduced. Further, since the automatic paper feeding / discharging means 16 is not attached, there is an effect that a space is secured in that portion, a space is provided in the apparatus installation place, and work efficiency is improved. Further, it goes without saying that the automatic paper feeding / discharging means 16 can be added to the main body of the image analysis measuring apparatus 10 at any time later if necessary.

When the automatic paper supply / discharge means 16 is attached to the main body of the image analysis measurement apparatus 10 and connected to the measurement stage 14, the conveying means of the automatic paper supply / discharge means 16 is controlled by the control means 28 on the image analysis measurement apparatus 10 main body side, As described above, the conveying unit is configured to operate when the measuring unit 20 is located at the home position.
Further, by adopting an articulated robot as the automatic paper feeding mechanism (conveying means) and providing the measuring means to the articulated robot, it is possible to make the entire apparatus compact.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, the operation can be divided into three modes: a character recognition mode by the OCR device 20c, a mechanical accuracy mode by the CCD 20b, and a color measurement mode (actual data acquisition mode) by the densitometer 20a. These modes may be sequentially executed according to an instruction from the operator, or may be executed fully automatically.

In the character recognition mode, a new file is set based on the input information about the measurement object. For example, various data are captured and recorded in the mechanical accuracy mode and the colorimetry mode based on this.
Operations in the mechanical accuracy mode and the color measurement mode will be described later.

  In this embodiment, in order to improve the performance evaluation of the printer, first, the position of the sample paper 12 on the measurement stage 14 is set in the mechanical accuracy mode before the color measurement mode for measuring the color of the image pattern. The measurement position (position coordinates) obtained by measuring in advance is fed back to the color measurement mode, and the measurement position when performing color measurement is corrected in consideration of the amount of misalignment of the sample paper 12 on the measurement stage 14. By doing so, the measurement accuracy is improved.

  In order to further improve the performance evaluation of the printer, secondly, at the time of image formation in the printer, a predetermined image pattern or the like is output for each measurement item described above, and the printer of each sample paper 12 An output condition 34 including an environmental condition at the time of output is recorded, and the image analysis measurement apparatus 10 side is configured to detect the recorded output condition 34, so that the operator at the time of preparing for the measurement This makes it possible to greatly reduce labor.

  The recording of the output condition 34 including the environmental condition at the time of output from the printer is optically recorded on the surface of the sample paper 12 simultaneously with (or before and after) the formation of the image pattern. Alternatively, printing may be performed on the front surface or the back surface of the sample paper 12 by using a printing device usually provided in the printer. Here, the case where the former optical recording method is used will be described as an example.

  For example, as each output condition 34, information on environmental conditions (specifically, temperature, humidity, etc.) in which the printer is placed is optically applied to the surface of the sample paper 12 by any of symbols such as characters and barcodes. To record. This recording can be performed in the same manner as the recording of frame numbers of photographic prints.

  Hereinafter, as described above, the printer performance evaluation (measurement) procedure using the sample paper 12 on which the output conditions 34 including the environmental conditions at the time of printer output are recorded on the surface of the sample paper 12 in addition to the information related to the measurement. Will be explained.

  First, in the measurement, an operator (operator) sets a predetermined sample paper 12 in the paper feed cassette 17 of the automatic paper feed / discharge means 16. At this time, the type of sample paper 12 set (for example, environmental conditions A, B, C... Of the printer) and the number of each type (repeated number) are displayed on the keyboard attached to the control means 28 described above. The data file (hereinafter simply referred to as a file) corresponding to the sample paper 12 to be measured is created by inputting using a mouse or the like.

  In the present embodiment, since the image data captured by the CCD 20b is received and the leading edge (positional coordinate) of the sample paper 12 is calculated (detected) based on the received image data, the position of the sample paper 12 is determined. It is not necessary to record a specific image pattern for measuring the value on the sample paper 12.

  The sample paper 12 set in the paper feed cassette 17 is vacuum-sucked and transported by a transport means of an automatic paper feed / discharge means 16 (not shown), and is placed on the measurement stage 14. In this embodiment, since the position measuring function of the sample paper 12 is provided, there is no problem even if there is a slight misalignment. This will be described in detail later.

  For the sample paper 12 placed on the measurement stage 14, first, the OCR device 20c is moved to a predetermined position, character data recorded therein is read, and the measurement specified by this content is performed. In order to perform the measurement, instead of the OCR device 20c, the densitometer 20a and other measuring means are moved to a predetermined position on the sample paper 12 to perform a predetermined measurement. The measurement result data is recorded in a file specified by the character data described above.

  The sample paper 12 for which the predetermined measurement has been completed is vacuum-sucked and conveyed by the above-mentioned conveyance means (not shown), and is transferred to the paper discharge tray 18 of the automatic paper supply / discharge means 16. Then, the next sample paper 12 is taken out from the paper feed cassette 17 by the conveying means, the character data recorded therein is read, and measurement / recording is performed in the same manner as above.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the operator does not need to perform a special operation while the above-described operation is performed on the series of sample papers 12 initially set in the paper feed cassette 17, and the output condition 34 is not changed as in the related art. Every time changes, you are completely freed from the hassle of repeating file input.

Here, a supplementary description will be given of the operation of calculating (detecting) the leading edge (positional coordinate) of the sample paper 12 based on the image data captured by the CCD 20b.
It is assumed that the sample paper 12 is placed on the measurement stage 14 as shown in FIG. On the measurement stage 14, there is an orthogonal coordinate system OXY. As shown in FIG. 3, the positions where the sample paper 12 is placed are such that each edge (side) is parallel to the X axis and the Y axis. Suppose there is a gap.

  Therefore, first, a new orthogonal coordinate system O′X′Y ′ is determined for the sample paper 12 in the mechanical accuracy mode in which the position of the sample paper 12 on the measurement stage 14 is measured. The sample paper 12 is photographed by the CCD 20b, and the position measuring means 24 detects the coordinates (a1, b1) of the point P at the tip of the sample paper 12 with respect to the coordinate system OXY of the measurement stage 14 and the coordinates (a2, b2) of the point Q. .

Next, the position measuring means 24 calculates a new origin O ′ as a midpoint between the points P and Q ((a1 + a2) / 2, (b1 + b2) / 2). Then, a linear equation connecting the point P and the point Q is obtained. This straight line is a straight line representing the upper edge of the sample paper 12, and this is the X ′ axis. Further, a linear equation passing through the new origin O ′ and orthogonal to the above-mentioned X ′ axis is obtained, and this is defined as the Y ′ axis.
In this way, a new orthogonal coordinate system O′X′Y ′ is determined.

Next, the color measurement mode is entered, and the control device 28 switches the measurement device on the measurement stage 14 from the CCD 20b to the densitometer 20a. The measurement position correction means 26 corrects the position so that the measurement position of the densitometer 20a is set to the correct target position using the position coordinates on the sample paper 12, and then the target on the sample paper 12 is read by the densitometer 20a. Measure the position.
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the densitometer 20a on the point on the Y ′ axis (on the Y ′ axis (X ′ coordinate 0), the point where the X ′ coordinate is +50 mm, and the point where the Y ′ coordinate is −50 mm). Measure by.

In the present embodiment, the result of the position measurement in the mechanical accuracy mode is fed back to the color measurement mode in this way, thereby enabling color measurement at an accurate measurement position.
Further, as described above, since a series of these operations can be executed without requiring the operator to perform a ditch operation, it greatly contributes to the efficiency of the measurement work.

  FIG. 5 shows the flow of the basic operation of the entire mechanical accuracy / colorimetry operation. The outline of the operation shown in FIG. 5 is as follows.

  When measurement is started in step 41, the sample paper is conveyed to the measurement stage (step 42). In steps 43 and 44, an instruction to start the character recognition camera including character recognition conditions is issued from the control means. Based on this, the character recognition camera moves to a predetermined position (step 45), and character recognition is executed (step 46).

  In step 47, the file name read above is taken into the control means, the measurement of the first sheet is started in the measurement mode corresponding to the file name, and when the measurement is completed, the sample paper is discharged (step 48). If there is only one sample paper, this is the end. If there is more sample paper to be measured, the next sample paper is conveyed to the measurement stage and the same operation is repeated (steps 49 to 56).

  At this time, if the file name read in step 53 is the same as the previous time (Y in step 54), the measurement is performed in the measurement mode corresponding to the file name read in the previous time (step 56), and the file name is different from the previous time. (N in step 54) takes in a new file name in step 55 and performs measurement in the measurement mode corresponding to the new file name (step 56).

  When the above operation is performed in the fully automatic operation mode, the mechanical accuracy mode is first activated based on the file name taken into the control means in step 47, the position of the sample paper is corrected, and then the file The measurement of the first sheet is started in the measurement mode corresponding to the name, and when the measurement is completed, the sample paper is discharged.

  As described above in detail with specific examples, according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the operator to manually input a file name for each condition of the sample paper, and a plurality (groups) of different output conditions can be obtained. It is possible to implement an image analysis measurement apparatus that allows the sample paper (1) to be loaded into one cassette and to be measured and inspected. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is remarkable that a novel printer having a function of outputting the sample image and a novel image analysis measurement system including the printer and an image analysis measurement device can be realized. It has a practical effect.

  The above embodiment shows an example of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to this, and various changes or ocean current responses may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that it is good.

  For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the CCD 20b as the position measuring device and the CCD camera 20c as the OCR device are separately arranged has been shown. Is not limited.

  In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the output sample is measured when the printer is output in an environment with different temperature and humidity. However, the present invention changes various conditions in addition to this. Needless to say, it is possible to obtain an effect of efficiently performing various measurements.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of environmental conditions are exemplified as output conditions of the printer that is the measurement target. However, other output conditions that are the target of the present invention include the performance of the printer. Needless to say, it is possible to appropriately incorporate various conditions that may have an effect.

  It is also clear that a program that defines the operation of the image analysis measurement apparatus according to the present invention, or a recording medium that records this program is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image analysis measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part side view of the image analysis measuring device which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the sample paper set | placed on the measurement stage. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the density | concentration measurement of a sample paper. It is an operation | movement flowchart explaining the outline of operation | movement of the image analysis measuring device which concerns on one Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image analysis measuring device 12 Sample paper 14 Measurement stage 16 Automatic paper feeding / discharging means 17 Paper feeding cassette 18 Paper discharge tray 20 Measuring means 20a Densitometer 20b CCD
20c OCR device 22 Drive shaft 24 Position measuring means 26 Measuring position correcting means 28 Control means 30 Step wedge 32 Cross line 34 Output condition 41 to 56 Processing steps

Claims (6)

Measuring means for measuring at least one item of color density, colorimetric value and position accuracy of the image of the sample paper placed on the measuring stage;
Detecting means for detecting an output condition recorded at a predetermined position of the sample paper;
Storage means for storing the result measured by the measurement means in a predetermined area according to the output condition detected by the detection means;
An image analysis measurement apparatus comprising:   The image analysis measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output condition is at least one of a printer number when forming an image on the sample paper, a parameter unique to the printer, an output environment temperature, and humidity. Image forming means for forming a predetermined image pattern on the sample paper for measuring at least one of color density, colorimetric value and position accuracy;
Recording means for recording an output condition at a predetermined position of the sample paper;
A printer comprising:   4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein the output condition is at least one condition of a printer number when forming an image on the sample paper, a parameter unique to the printer, a temperature of the output environment, and humidity. Image forming means for forming a predetermined image pattern for measuring at least one of color density, colorimetric value and position accuracy on a sample paper, and output conditions including environmental conditions at the time of output at a predetermined position of the sample paper A printer comprising recording means for recording;
The sample paper formed by the printer is placed on a measurement stage, measuring means for measuring at least one of the color density, colorimetric value, and position accuracy of the image of the sample paper, a predetermined position of the sample paper An image analysis measurement apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects an output condition recorded in the output unit; and a storage unit that stores a result measured by the measurement unit according to a result detected by the detection unit in a predetermined area;
An image analysis measurement system comprising:   6. The printer according to claim 5, wherein the output condition is at least one condition of a printer number when forming an image on the sample paper, a parameter unique to the printer, a temperature of the output environment, and humidity.

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