JP2021173930A - Image inspection device, image forming system, image inspection method, and image inspection program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image inspection device, image forming system, image inspection method, and image inspection program, which allow for securing inspection quality and preventing unnecessary error determination.SOLUTION: An image inspection device comprises an image reader unit configured to read a printed image and a coated image formed on a recording medium, and an image inspection unit configured to inspect the coated image in accordance with accuracy set based on how the printed image and the coated image that have been read overlap.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

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

Conventionally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (copier, printer, facsimile, a combination of these) for forming a toner image on paper and an image reading apparatus equipped with a scanner or the like are connected in-line or integrally. There is an imaging system.

Here, the image reader reads the output (that is, the image on the paper, the same applies hereinafter) output by the image forming apparatus with a scanner or the like, feeds back the color and misalignment information to the image forming apparatus, and outputs the image. It functions as a post-processing device for correction.

In recent years, in addition to the system of an image forming device and an output image reading device, an image inspection device (also called an automatic inspection device) that automatically inspects the image quality of the output output by the image forming device is in-line or integrated. An image forming system has been proposed. In such a system, the image inspection device executes an inspection job based on the inspection data (inspection image data), and the image on the paper has various abnormalities (image defects) such as faintness, uneven density, and streaks. It plays a role of inspecting (inspection) whether or not.

When the image inspection device executes the inspection job, the data of the reference image (also called the correct image) created or registered in advance as the inspection image data and the image of the output product actually printed (the image read by the image reader) are used. Data) and get.

Then, the image inspection apparatus determines whether or not the image actually printed on the paper has an image defect by comparing these images with each other, and inspects the quality of the image. According to such an image forming system, it is possible to automatically inspect (inspect) whether or not the output (image on paper) output by the image forming apparatus is printed with the quality requested by the customer.

Further, in recent image forming systems, a coating material such as a transparent UV curable varnish is applied to a specific place on a full-color printed matter to give the printed matter a three-dimensional effect or a glossy feeling, or by using the above-mentioned coating material. Decorative images are added to printed matter.

In one specific example, a coating image forming apparatus for forming an image using the above coating material is connected to the subsequent stage of an image forming apparatus for printing a full-color image on paper, and a coating image is formed on the paper of a full-color printed matter. Form. Hereinafter, for convenience, such output matter will be referred to as "coated matter with coating".

Alternatively, a coating image forming portion for forming an image of the coating material is arranged on the downstream side in the paper transport direction of the image forming portion of the above image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as “printed image forming portion” for distinction). A coating image is formed on the paper on which the print image is formed by the print image forming unit.

With the evolution of such printing techniques, in recent years, techniques for image inspection (determination of the presence or absence of image defects, etc.) on coated images of coated printed matter have also been advanced (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Conventionally, when automatically inspecting whether each image of a printed image and a coated image in a coated printed matter is printed correctly, the first printed image is inspected after the formation of the printed image and before the formation of the coated image, and the coating is performed. After the image is formed, a second inspection is performed only on the coated image.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-161469

On the other hand, in the conventional technology such as Patent Document 1, the accuracy of the image inspection of the coating image tends to be high (strict) as a whole, and it seems that the product is sufficiently acceptable from both the viewpoint of the producer and the orderer. There was a problem that even the output product was judged as "the coating image had an image defect" and was sorted into rejected products.

As a result of diligent studies by the present inventors on the above-mentioned problems related to inspection of coated printed matter, the following findings have been obtained.

In general, a coating image such as varnishing has translucency and a low density, and is often inconspicuous even if there are some image defects as compared with a full-color printed image.

On the other hand, recent coating images are formed in various positional relationships with respect to the printed image. For example, when they are completely superimposed (matched) with the printed image, or when they partially overlap with the printed image, There are various cases such as when it is formed separately (separately) from the printed image.

Then, when the coating image has an overlapping relationship with the printed image, if there is an image defect in the overlapping portion of the coating image, it becomes easy for the human eye to find the defect. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect such overlapping parts sufficiently, and inspect the coated image (inspection) with strict accuracy in order to ensure the quality of the image inspection and the printed matter to be delivered. Conceivable.

On the contrary, when the coating image does not overlap with the printed image, even if the coating image has an image defect, it becomes relatively inconspicuous. Therefore, it is considered better to inspect (inspect) the coating image with relatively low accuracy in order to prevent unnecessary error determination and thus increase in printing cost for such a coating image.

On the other hand, in the prior art, the coating image is not inspected (inspected) based on the relationship between the formation position of the printed image and the formation position of the coating image, and the same accuracy is uniformly applied, which is unnecessary. There was a problem that various error judgments occurred or inspection quality could not be ensured.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image inspection apparatus, an image forming system, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program capable of both ensuring inspection quality and preventing the occurrence of unnecessary error determination.

The image inspection apparatus according to the present invention is
An image reader that reads printed and coated images formed on a recording medium,
An image inspection unit that inspects the coated image according to the accuracy set based on the overlapping mode of the read printed image and the coating image.
To be equipped.

The image forming system according to the present invention is
A print image forming unit that forms a printed image based on printed image data on paper,
A coating image forming portion that forms a coating image based on the coating image data on the paper on which the printed image is formed, and a coating image forming portion.
With the above image inspection device,
To be equipped.

The image inspection method according to the present invention is
Read the printed and coated images formed on the recording medium,
The coating image is inspected according to the accuracy set based on the overlapping mode of the read printed image and the coating image.

The image inspection program according to the present invention is
On the computer
Read the printed image and coating image formed on the recording medium,
This is an image inspection program for inspecting the coating image according to the accuracy set based on the overlapping mode of the read printed image and the coating image.

According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure both inspection quality and prevent unnecessary error determination from occurring.

It is a figure which shows schematic the whole structure of the image formation system in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the main part of the control system in the image formation system in this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process flow of an inspection job. It is a figure which shows a specific example of the coated printed matter which can be printed by the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. FIG. 5A shows the case where only the image of the print data is formed on the paper, and FIG. 5B shows the case where only the image of the coating data is formed on the paper. It is a figure explaining the example which sets the inspection accuracy of the image of a coating data in two steps, FIG. 6A shows the image to which the first inspection accuracy is applied, and FIG. 6B shows the image to which the second inspection accuracy is applied. It is a flowchart explaining the process which a control part executes when the inspection accuracy of an image of a coating data is set in 3 steps. It is a flowchart explaining the outline of the image inspection process with respect to the coating image in this embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a specific example of setting the inspection accuracy of the coated printed matter shown in FIG. 4 to three stages, FIG. 9A is an image subject to the first inspection accuracy, and FIG. 9B is a second inspection. An image subject to accuracy is shown, and FIG. 9C shows an image subject to third inspection accuracy. 10A is a diagram showing another specific example of the printed matter with coating, FIG. 10B is a case where only the image of the print data is printed on the paper, and FIG. 10C is a case where only the image of the coating data is printed on the paper. show. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing still another specific example of the printed matter with coating, FIG. 11B is a case where only the image of the print data is printed on the paper, and FIG. 11C is a case where only the image of the coating data is printed on the paper. Each is shown. It is a figure explaining the configuration example which allows the user to adjust the third inspection accuracy in the coated printed matter shown in FIG. 4, and shows an example of the user setting screen displayed on the display part. It is a flow chart explaining the processing outline at the time of inspection setting.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a main part of a control system for explaining a signal flow and the like between the devices constituting the image forming system 1 in the present embodiment.

The image forming system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 forms (outputs) an image on the paper S by the image forming apparatus 20, then reads the image of the paper S, compares the read image with the reference image, and compares the read image with the reference image. This is a system for inspecting the quality of the image printed on S (whether or not an image defect has occurred).

Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 forms a full-color printed image based on the printed image data and a transparent or translucent varnished image (coated image) based on the coating image data on the paper S 20. To be equipped.

Further, the image forming system 1 includes a paper feeding device 10 for feeding the paper S to the image forming device 20, an image reading device 30 for reading an image of the paper S discharged from the image forming device 20, and a plurality of output trays (a plurality of output trays). A post-processing device 40 having 42, 43) is provided.

In the image forming system 1, the paper 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 from the upstream side in the transport direction of the paper S (the device main bodies are connected to each other). As a result, the transport path P of the paper S is configured to be continuous between these plurality of devices. The conveyance path P is the sorting portion 41 of the post-processing apparatus 40, a path P ₁ connecting to the discharge tray 42 of the lower, the path P ₂ continuing onto the paper output tray 43 is branched into.

For the sake of simplicity, in FIG. 1, the transport path P in the image forming apparatus 20 is shown by one line, but in the actual image forming apparatus 20, a double-sided conveying path for double-sided printing is provided. Further, for the sake of simplicity, in FIG. 1, _{there are two routes, P 1} and P ₂ , which are branched in the aftertreatment device 40, but more branch routes are provided depending on the number of output trays and the like. be able to.

The paper feeding device 10 can accommodate paper S of various sizes and paper types. The paper feed device 10 includes a paper feed roller for feeding the stored (loaded) paper S one by one, a motor for driving the paper feed roller, and the like.

The image forming apparatus 20 includes a print image forming unit 21 that forms a full-color image on the paper S based on the 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 using an electrophotographic process technique. In this example, the print image forming unit 21 transfers each color toner image of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) formed on the photoconductor drum (not shown) with an intermediate transfer belt (FIG. A toner image (full-color printed image) is formed by primary transfer to (not shown), superimposing toner images of four colors on an intermediate transfer belt, and then secondary transfer to paper S.

Further, a toner image is secondarily transferred to the downstream side of the print image forming unit 21 in the transport direction of the paper S, and the conveyed paper S is heated and pressurized to fix the toner image on the paper S. 22 is arranged. Since the printed image forming unit 21 and the fixing unit 22 have known configurations, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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

Further, in the present embodiment, paper S, that is, a paper medium is assumed as the recording medium on which the image is formed, but the recording medium on which the image is formed is not limited to this, and is not limited to cloth or plastic. And various other sheet-like media can be used.

In the image forming apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the coating image forming portion 23 is arranged on the downstream side of the fixing portion 22 in the transport direction. The coating image forming unit 23 has a function of applying a translucent coating material to the paper S based on the input coating image data (hereinafter, simply referred to as coating data).

In one specific example, the coating image forming unit 23 displays a transparent or translucent coating image with a UV-curable varnish on the paper S based on the coating data that defines (defines) an image different from the printed image data. Form. In this case, the coating image forming portion 23 is arranged on the coating portion for applying the UV curable varnish (hereinafter, simply referred to as varnish) to the paper S and the varnish applied on the paper S on the downstream side of the coating portion. It is provided with a UV irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays (UV) to cure the varnish.

In the following, for convenience of explanation, the image formed on the paper S by the print image forming unit 21 is simply referred to as a “printed image”, and the image formed on the paper S by the coating image forming unit 23 is referred to as a “coating image”. Refer to.

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

In the operation display unit 25, the display unit 26 displays various operation screens, image states, operation statuses of each function, and the like according to display control signals input from the control unit 200, which will be described later. The operation unit 27 includes various operation keys (so-called hardware switches) such as a numeric keypad and a start key, receives various input operations by the user, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 200.

Further, 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 later, accepts various input operations by the user, and controls the operation signal 200. Output to.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a control unit 200 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and the like, and in addition to the above-mentioned print image forming unit 21 and fixing unit 22, the image forming apparatus 20 Controls the operation of each part provided in.

That is, the CPU 201 of the control unit 200 reads a program according to the processing content from the ROM 202, develops it in the RAM 203, and cooperates with the expanded program in the print image forming unit 21, the fixing unit 22, and the image forming device 20. Centrally control the operation of other blocks.

Other blocks provided in the image forming apparatus 20 include an image processing unit that performs various corrections such as gradation correction on the input image data, a paper transport unit that drives a plurality of transport rollers that transport the paper S, and communication. Examples include a communication unit that communicates with an external device via a network or the like, an operation display unit that accepts a user's input operation and displays the status of the device, and the like. Since these have known configurations, illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 20 controls each block described above and communicates with the image inspection apparatus 50 as shown in FIG. 2, and the image inspection apparatus 50 is mainly used. The various processes to be executed are executed in cooperation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image reading device 30 has an output image reading unit 31 that optically reads an 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, forms an image of the reflected light from the paper S on a light receiving surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor (not shown), and forms an image on the light receiving surface of the paper S. The images on both sides are read, and the scanned image data is generated based on the scanning result. The scanned image data generated by the output image reading unit 31 is input to the image inspection device 50 described later.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the post-processing device 40 includes a transport roller that conveys the paper S whose image has been read by the image reading device 30, a plurality of output trays 42 and 43 that discharge the paper S, and a plurality of output trays 42 and 43. , The sorting unit 41 for switching the discharge destination (transport route) of the paper S is provided. For the sake of simplicity, FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration including two output trays 42 and 43, but the number of output trays is arbitrary, and more output trays may be provided. The sorting unit 41 has a switching gate for switching the discharge destination (transport route) of the paper S to _{either path P 1} or path P ₂ , a driving source such as a solenoid for driving the switching gate, an image forming device 20, and an image inspection device 50. It is equipped with an interface for sending and receiving data.

In addition, the aftertreatment device 40 is provided with various additional functions depending on the application, such as a cutter for cutting the paper S, a stapler for staple binding of the paper S, and a paper folding mechanism for folding the paper S. Can be done. Since these additional functions have known configurations, illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 1 is based on the scanned image data generated by the image reading device 30, and the quality of the output image formed (output) on the paper S is good or bad (presence or absence of image defects). The image inspection device 50 for inspecting the above is provided.

The image inspection device 50 includes a hardware processor such as a CPU, a ROM, a data storage unit 51 described later, and the like, and the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the ROM to determine whether the quality of the output image is good or bad (image). Execute a job (hereinafter referred to as "inspection job") to inspect for defects).

In the present embodiment, the image inspection device 50 generates a reference image (sometimes called a correct image) to be compared when performing an image inspection based on the scanned image generated by the image reading device 30. It has a function to register.

Further, the image inspection device 50 divides the inspection target area (the area of the two-dimensional coordinates on the paper) to be the image inspection with respect to the registered reference image in a predetermined area or pixel unit, and the division is made. It has a function to set the inspection accuracy (level) of the image inspection for each area.

Therefore, the image inspection device 50 functions as a "setting unit" for setting the above-mentioned inspection accuracy (level), and also functions as a "detection unit" described later.

Then, the image inspection device 50 functions as an "image inspection unit" that inspects the presence or absence of image defects by comparing the scanned image generated by the image reading device 30 with the reference image. The details of each of these functions of the image inspection device 50 will be described later.

The image inspection device 50 can be physically incorporated in a housing such as an image reading device 30, a post-processing device 40, or an image forming device 20, or is physically independent of these devices. It can also be configured as. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the image inspection device 50 is the latter, that is, a physically independent device, and has a configuration of being electrically connected to a control unit 200 or the like described later of the image forming device 20.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming system 1 includes print image data and data of image formation conditions of the printed image (various user-set values such as the number of pages of printed matter, whether double-sided or single-sided printing is used, and the number of copies to be printed). A PC 60 for outputting is provided.

In this example, since the coating image forming unit 23 forms the coating image, the coating image data and the image forming conditions of the coating image are also output from the PC60.

Hereinafter, the above-mentioned various data output from the PC 60 are collectively referred to as “reference data”.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the PC 60 supplies reference data to both the image forming apparatus 20 (control unit 200) and the image inspection apparatus 50. As another example, a relay device may be provided in which the reference data transmitted from the PC 60 is branched into two and transmitted to the control unit 200 and the image inspection device 50.

Further, 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 a part of the image inspection device 50 and is used for temporarily storing reference data. In addition, the data storage unit 51 stores various data related to image defects analyzed by the image inspection device 50.

Further, the data storage unit 51 saves and stores various setting contents related to the image inspection as inspection profile data. Here, in the inspection profile, the content of the print job on which the image to be inspected is printed, for example, the size of the paper S used for printing, the number of printed sheets and the number of copies, whether or not double-sided printing is performed, and the like are printed. Contains information indicating the conditions. 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 apparatus 20, and is connected to the CPU of the control unit 200 and the image inspection apparatus 50 via an interface (not shown). These data storage units 51 and 52 can use various data storage media such as HDDs and semiconductor memories.

In one specific example, first, the image forming apparatus 20 stores the setting information of the print job including the information indicating the above-mentioned image forming condition in the data storage unit 52. After that, when the inspection profile is created, the image inspection device 50 reads out the information indicating the image formation condition from the data storage unit 52 and stores it in the data storage unit 51 as a part of the inspection profile.

Next, the outline of the processing of the inspection job executed by the image inspection apparatus 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. For the sake of simplicity, the flow shown in FIG. 3 is premised on the case where only the print image is formed on the paper S in the print job (the case where the coating image is not formed).

Further, here, a case where a printed matter which is a part of a plurality of pages (for example, 4 sheets of paper) is printed in a plurality of copies (for example, 100 copies) and the quality of the image of the printed matter in the printed multiple copies is inspected. It is assumed that the data of the reference image (for 4 sheets of paper) is newly created.

In step S10, the image inspection device 50 (the CPU of the image inspection device 50 shown in FIG. 2, the same applies hereinafter) refers to the number of pages of the reference data described above, is printed by the image forming device 20, and is read by the image reading device 30. The scanned image data for a part of the data (here, four sheets of paper) is registered (newly created) as the reference image data. The process of registering such a reference image is called a "reference job".

Specifically, in step S100, the image inspection device 50 uses the images (read image data) of a part of the images (read image data) read by the image reading device 30 and generated for several sheets (four sheets of paper) as a candidate for the reference image in the RAM. Temporarily save to etc.

At this time, if the image of the actual printed matter (4 sheets) is visually recognized by the user and there is no problem, the temporarily saved data is stored through the operation input on the reference image registration screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 26. It is stored (registered) in the data storage unit 51 as formal reference image data. At this time, the reference job is completed.

Thus, after the formal reference image data is registered, the image forming apparatus 20 starts the print job from the second part of the printed matter.

For the sake of simplicity, the printing for creating new reference image data is referred to as "proof printing", and the printing that is the target of the inspection job is referred to as "main printing". If there is a problem with the image of the actual printed matter (four sheets), the above-mentioned reference job process will be repeated until the user determines that there is no problem as the reference image.

In step S200, the image inspection device 50 starts the main printing by the image forming device 20, and the image read from the second part (fifth sheet in this example) generated by the output image reading unit 31 of the image reading device 30. Get the data. In this example, the image inspection device 50 receives the generated scanned image data directly from the image reading device 30 (see FIG. 2).

In step S300, the image inspection apparatus 50 compares the scanned image data acquired in step S200 with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100, thereby ensuring the identity of the reference image and the scanned image. Inspect.

Subsequently, the image inspection device 50 determines whether or not the image quality of the read image data is OK based on the inspection result in step S300 (step S400). The processing of such determination differs depending on the items related to the degree of coincidence (type of image defect) between the reference image and the scanned image, the pass / fail reference value (threshold value), and the like.

Here, when the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality is OK (no image defects) (step S400, YES), the image inspection device 50 determines that the image quality of the printed matter is acceptable. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 so that the paper S corresponding to the read image data is discharged to a preset first tray (for example, the output tray 42 in FIG. 1). (Step S500).

Then, the image inspection device 50 repeats the processes of steps S200 to S500 until the print job related to the inspection is completed, and when the print job is completed, the process ends. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 that, for example, "the image quality has passed on all the printed pages".

On the other hand, when the image inspection device 50 determines that the read image data has an image defect (step S400, NO), the image inspection device 50 proceeds to step S600.

In step S600, the image inspection device 50 transmits a message such as "an image defect has occurred on the 50th print page" to the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20. At this time, the image inspection device 50 transmits the type of the image defect, the position of the image defect in the paper S, and the like to the control unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 20. Further, the image inspection device 50 is a post-processing device 40 so that the paper S corresponding to the scanned image data having the image defect is discharged to a preset second tray (for example, the output tray 43 of FIG. 1). Notify to.

Upon receiving the notification from the image inspection device 50 as to whether or not there is an image defect, the post-processing device 40 discharges the target paper S to the corresponding output tray (42 or 43) so that the sorting unit 41 (FIG. 1 and FIG. Drive the switching gate (see FIG. 2).

The image inspection device 50 repeats the processes of steps S100 to S600 described above until the inspection job is completed, and when the inspection job is completed (that is, completed up to the last print page), the inspection result is stored in the data storage unit. Save to 51 and end the inspection job.

The above is an outline of the process relating to the first image inspection when only the printed image is formed on the paper S, but basically, the figure also shows the case where the coating image is formed on the paper S on which the printed image is formed. The second image inspection can be performed by the same procedure as that described in 3.

By the way, as described above, in order to give the printed image printed on the paper S a three-dimensional effect and a glossy feeling, the printed image is superimposed on or partially overlapped with the printed image, or separately from the printed image. Coated printed matter with a varnish coating image may be created.

Hereinafter, an example of the coated printed matter will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. On the paper S shown in FIG. 4, the range in which the printed image is formed is indicated by reference numeral PI, and the range in which the coated image is formed is indicated by reference numeral CI. The following are referred to as "printed image PI" and "coated image CI" for convenience of explanation.

In the printed matter shown in FIG. 4, the characters "ABC" and "123" are printed as print image PIs on the upper and middle stages of the paper S by the print image forming unit 21, and then the coating image forming unit 23 prints the characters "ABC" and "123" on the paper S. The following coating image CIs are formed in each of the middle and lower stages.

In order to facilitate understanding, the paper S at the stage where the print image PI is formed by the print image forming unit 21 is shown in FIG. 5A. Further, for comparison, FIG. 5B virtually shows only the coating image CI formed on the paper S by the coating image forming unit 23. Actually, the coating image CI shown in FIG. 5B is formed after the printed image PI shown in FIG. 5A is formed on the paper S (see FIG. 4).

That is, the coating image forming unit 23 forms the character "ABC" as the coating image CI so as to overlap with the "ABC" of the printed image PI, and forms the character "ABC" as the coating image CI at a position overlapping the "123" of the printed image PI. Form a rectangular solid image of. Further, the coating image forming unit 23 forms an image of five stars as a coating image CI on the lower stage of the paper S on which the printed image PI is not formed.

Thus, as the reference image used in the image inspection, the one with the best performance among those in which both the printed image PI and the coated image CI are printed on the paper S as described above is registered ( (See FIG. 4).

Then, after the reference image is registered, the image inspection can be basically performed by the processing routine described above in FIG.

On the other hand, when an image inspection is performed on a coated printed matter on which both a printed image PI and a coated image CI are formed by a conventional routine, the inspection result is stricter than the general requirement, and the productivity of printing and inspection is improved. There was a problem that it got worse.

Hereinafter, this problem will be described with reference to the coated printed matter described above in FIGS. 4 and 5A and 5B.

As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the example of this coated printed matter, the aspect of overlapping of the coating image CI with respect to the printed image PI (degree of overlap, degree of overlap, etc.) is the type of the coating image CI. It is different for each (object).

Specifically, the coating image CI of the alphabet "ABC" has an aspect that substantially matches the printed image PI of "ABC" (slightly wider character width), in other words, overlaps with the printed image PI. The degree is the highest.

From another point of view, the shape or contour of the coating image CI of the object "A" has a high degree of similarity to the shape (contour) of "A", and the same applies to the coating image CI of "B" and "C". be.

Further, the rectangular coating image CI formed in the middle of the paper S is a solid image having an area surrounding the printed image PI of "123", in other words, the degree of overlap with the printed image PI is second. high.

From another point of view, the shape (contour) of the rectangular coating image CI has a low degree of similarity to the shape (contour) of the numbers "1", "2", and "3".

On the other hand, the 5-star coated image CI formed on the lower stage of the paper S does not come into contact with any of the printed image PIs and exists independently, so that the degree of overlap with the printed image PI is the lowest, in other words. And, there is no part that overlaps with the printed image PI.

Considering the above three examples (differences in overlapping modes) comprehensively, in many cases, there is a defect (in many cases, the part where the printed image PI and the coating image CI overlap, especially the part of the outline of the above character "ABC"). If there is a disorder in the coating image CI, etc.), it is easy for the human eye to distinguish it.

On the other hand, the part where the printed image PI and the coating image CI do not overlap, and the background part (the part where the stars are blurred) of the 5-star coated image CI in the above example are not conspicuous even if there is some disturbance. It turned out.

From the above-mentioned actual conditions, in the present embodiment, the image inspection device 50 has an inspection level (inspection accuracy) set based on the overlapping mode of the printed image PI read by the image reading device 30 and the coating image CI. ), The coating image CI is inspected.

That is, the image inspection device 50 changes the accuracy (inspection level) of the image inspection applied to the coating image CI between the overlapped portion and the non-overlapping portion of the printed image PI and the coating image CI. Set.

Further, the image inspection device 50 performs a process of detecting a non-overlapping portion of the coating image CI that does not overlap the printed image PI on the paper S as a function of the “detection unit”.

In one specific example, the image inspection apparatus 50 acquires each data (print image data and coating image data) about the print image PI and the coating image CI formed on the same surface of one sheet S, and each of them. The non-overlapping portion is detected by comparing the formation positions (coordinates on two dimensions) of the images on the paper S.

The image inspection device 50 can also detect the overlapping portion of the coating image CI that overlaps the printed image PI on the paper S during this detection process.

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

That is, the image inspection device 50 sets the accuracy of the image inspection for the overlapping portion of the coating image CI overlapping the printed image PI on the paper S to a normal accuracy (first inspection accuracy).

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

On the other hand, the image inspection device 50 makes the accuracy of image inspection for the non-overlapping portion of the coating image CI that does not overlap the printed image PI on the paper S lower (loose) than the normal accuracy (first inspection accuracy). ) Set to the second inspection accuracy.

In one specific example, the second inspection accuracy is such that the deviation of the formation mode on the paper S on which the coating image CI is formed does not exceed a predetermined threshold value (for example, 0.5 mm). If there is, it is determined that there is no image defect, and if there is a deviation exceeding such a threshold value, it is determined that there is an image defect.

In addition, as an example of the deviation of the forming mode, the deviation from the coordinate position on the originally formed paper S (positional deviation), and the case where the size formed on the paper S is larger or smaller than the original (size). Misalignment), etc. are included.

In the present embodiment, after the above settings, the image inspection of the coating image CI on the paper S is performed by the procedure as described above in the flowchart of FIG.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the coating image CI is inspected (inspection job) by using a plurality of different accuracy based on the relationship between the formation position of the printed image PI and the formation position of the coating image CI. It is possible to achieve both the securing of the above and the prevention of the occurrence of unnecessary error judgment.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency and productivity of inspection and printing on the coated printed matter.

In the following, the setting level with the highest (stricter) inspection accuracy of image inspection is referred to as "first inspection accuracy", and conversely, the setting level with the loosest inspection accuracy is referred to as "second inspection accuracy". Further, for convenience of explanation, an intermediate level between these, that is, an inspection accuracy that is stricter than the second inspection accuracy, but a setting level that is looser than the first inspection accuracy is referred to as a "third inspection accuracy". explain.

Each of the above accuracy settings will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 6 in which the constituent parts (objects) of the coating image CI shown in FIG. 5B are shown separately. Here, FIG. 6A shows an object of the coating image CI set to the first inspection accuracy, and FIG. 6B shows an object of the coating image CI set to the second inspection accuracy.

That is, as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5A and 5B, the character "ABC" portion almost completely matches (overlaps) between the printed image PI and the coated image CI, so that the coated image CI is disturbed. It is easy to stand out if there is. Therefore, in the coating image CI of the character "ABC", the first inspection accuracy is set for all the parts (see FIG. 6A).

Further, since the rectangular solid coating image CI also overlaps with the number "123" of the printed image PI, it is easily noticeable if the rectangular image is distorted. Therefore, the first inspection accuracy is basically set for the rectangular solid coating image CI (see FIG. 6A).

On the other hand, the five star-shaped coated image CIs do not overlap with any of the printed image PIs and have high transparency (low density), so that even if there is some distortion in the image, it is conspicuous. It is considered difficult. Therefore, the first inspection accuracy is set for all the parts of the five star-shaped coating image CIs (see FIG. 6B).

On the other hand, from another point of view, the rectangular solid coating image CI has a form in which the number "123" of the printed image PI is covered from above, and the shapes (contours) are substantially the same as the characters "ABC". It is different from the form in which it is.

For this reason, if the same inspection criteria as the coating image CI of the character "ABC" are applied (set) to the rectangular solid coating image CI, the printed matter (product) is at a level that the general public is sufficiently satisfied with, but excessively. It may be judged as a failure by strict inspection.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image inspection device 50 does not uniformly apply the first inspection accuracy to the object of the coating image CI overlapping the printed image PI on the paper S, but is described below. Based on such criteria, the object to be set to the third inspection accuracy (third level) is determined.

That is, the image inspection device 50 has a function of the "detection unit", which is similar to the contour of the overlapping printed image PI among the overlapping portions of the coating image CI overlapping the printed image PI on the paper S. Detects overlapping similar parts (objects) and overlapping dissimilar parts (objects) that are not similar to the contours of overlapping printed image PIs.

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

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

For the five star-shaped objects of the coated image CI, the accuracy (level) of the image inspection is set to the second inspection accuracy as the non-overlapping portion (object) (FIG. 9B).

10A to 10C show other specific examples in which it is considered that the accuracy (level) of the image inspection should be set to the third inspection accuracy with respect to the coating image CI. In the illustrated example, a coating in which seven star marks (see FIG. 10C) are formed as a coating image CI on a color printed image PI (see FIG. 10B) of the characters "STAR" (actually red characters). Indicates printed matter with.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the star marks, which are the objects constituting the coating image CI, partially overlap the characters of the printed image PI, and the remaining parts do not overlap the characters of the printed image PI.

In the case of the overlapping mode in which the coating image CI (object) partially overlaps (not completely overlaps) the printed image PI in this way, the level of image inspection accuracy of the coating image CI is set. It is not always easy to make a uniform judgment.

In view of the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, the third inspection accuracy (level) is set to an arbitrary accuracy (level) between the first inspection accuracy and the second inspection accuracy. In addition, the user can adjust (specify), and the specific configuration will be described later.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process related to the determination or setting of the inspection accuracy (level) for the coating image CI mainly executed by the image inspection apparatus 50 as the “detection unit” will be described in more detail.

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

In step S11, the image inspection apparatus 50 selects and reads one object constituting 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 character "ABC", and in the case of five stars, "one star mark" corresponds to it. Similarly, the "one object" in the coated printed matter shown in FIG. 10A corresponds to the "one star mark".

The image inspection device 50 reads the shape (contour) of one object, the position (coordinates) formed on the paper S, the density of the image, and the like from the coating data of the printed matter.

In the following step S12, the image inspection device 50 determines the degree of overlap between the object and the corresponding printed image PI, that is, the presence or absence of overlapping portions.

In one specific example, the image inspection device 50 reads the position (coordinates of the contour) of the printed image PI formed on the paper S from the print data acquired from the image forming device 20, and determines the shape (contour) of the object. By comparing with the position (coordinates), the presence or absence of the overlapping portion can be determined.

Here, when the image inspection device 50 determines that there is no overlapping portion (overlap) with the printed image PI (step S12, NO), the inspection accuracy of the coating image is determined to be the first inspection accuracy in step S16. (Setting), and the process proceeds to step S18.

On the other hand, when the image inspection device 50 determines that there is an overlapping portion (overlap) with the printed image PI, the process shifts to step S13 (step S12, YES).

In step S13, the image inspection apparatus 50 determines whether or not the shape (contour) of the object of the coating image CI is similar to the shape (contour) of the printed image PI.

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

Here, when the image inspection device 50 determines that the shapes (contours) of both images are not similar, the process shifts to step S15 (step S13, NO).

On the other hand, when the image inspection device 50 determines that the shapes (contours) of both images are similar (step S13, YES), the image inspection device 50 shifts the process 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 apparatus 50 determines whether or not the object in the coating image CI is arranged on the monochromatic solid (filled) printed image PI.

Here, in the "monochromatic solid (filled) printed image PI", the case where the periphery (background) of the object in the coating image CI is a monochromatic filled image by the printed image PI, and the ground color of the paper S, that is, the printed image. Either when there is no PI.

Here, FIGS. 11A to 11C show specific examples of the former, that is, the case where the periphery (background) of the object in the coating image CI is a single-color filled image by the printed image PI.

Here, FIG. 11A shows a coated printed matter in which a coated image CI composed of seven star-shaped objects is formed on a printed image PI on a dark background such as black. Further, FIG. 11B shows a state in which only the print image PI based on the print data is formed on the paper, and FIG. 11C shows a case where only the coating image CI based on the coating data is formed on the paper.

In the latter case, that is, when the periphery (background) of the object in the coating image CI does not have the background color of the paper S, that is, the printed image PI, the above-mentioned example of FIG. 4 is applicable (see also FIG. 6B).

Here, when the image inspection device 50 determines that the object in the coating image CI is arranged on the solid color (filled) printed image PI (step S15, YES), the image inspection device 50 in the coating image CI in step S16. The inspection accuracy of the object is determined (set) to the second inspection accuracy, and the process proceeds to step S18.

On the other hand, when the image inspection device 50 determines that the object in the coating image CI is not arranged on the solid color (filled) printed image PI (steps S15, NO), the object in the coating image CI in step S17. The inspection level (accuracy) of the above is determined (set) to the third inspection accuracy, and the process proceeds to step S18.

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

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

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

By performing the above processing, the inspection accuracy of various objects constituting the coating image CI is determined or set for each object in consideration of the relationship with the formation position of the printed image PI. Appropriate settings can be made according to specific requirements.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to secure the inspection quality and prevent the occurrence of unnecessary error determination, and thus the productivity of the coated printed matter is improved.

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

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

In the following step S31, the image inspection apparatus 50 displays the coating portion (see steps S14 and 9A of FIG. 7) set to the first inspection accuracy among the scanned image data acquired in step S20. By comparing with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100 of the above, it is determined whether or not the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality is OK).

Here, when the image inspection apparatus 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 printed matter is unacceptable, and proceeds to step S60. do. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the paper S of the printed matter to a preset second tray (for example, the output tray 43 of FIG. 1) (step S60). ..

On the other hand, when the image inspection apparatus 50 determines that the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality OK) (steps S31, YES), it determines that the image quality of the coating portion is acceptable, and proceeds to step S32. do.

In step S32, the image inspection apparatus 50 displays the coating portion (see steps S16 and 9B of FIG. 7) set to the second inspection accuracy in the scanned image data acquired in step S20 in FIG. By comparing with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100, it is determined whether or not the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality is OK).

Here, when the image inspection apparatus 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 printed matter is unacceptable, and determines that the image quality of the printed matter is unacceptable, and the above-mentioned step S60. Executes the processing of.

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

In step S33, the image inspection apparatus 50 displays the coating portion (see steps S17 and 9C of FIG. 7) set to the third inspection accuracy among the scanned image data acquired in step S20 in FIG. By comparing with the data of the reference image of the corresponding page registered in step S100, it is determined whether or not the image quality of the coating portion is good (quality is OK).

Here, when the image inspection apparatus 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 printed matter is unacceptable, and determines that the image quality of the printed matter is unacceptable, and the above-mentioned step S60. Executes the processing of.

On the other hand, when the image inspection apparatus 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 printed matter is acceptable, and proceeds to step S50. .. In this case, the image inspection device 50 notifies the post-processing device 40 to discharge the printed matter paper S to a preset first tray (for example, the output tray 42 in FIG. 1) (step S50). ..

According to the above image inspection (inspection) processing routine, the coating image CI is inspected according to the inspection level (accuracy) suitable for each coating portion (object in this example) based on the positional relationship with the printed image PI. Is executed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the number of rejected products is reduced as compared with the conventional case, and good passed products inspected with high accuracy (strict level) remain in important parts, and printing productivity is improved. improves.

In addition, if the quality of the object that requires the strictest accuracy (coating image CI of each character of "ABC" in the example of FIG. 4) is unacceptable (steps S31, NO), it does not matter the image quality of other objects. Since the printed content of the paper S is treated as rejected (step S60), it is not necessary to perform unnecessary inspection, and the inspection process can be shortened.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a setting screen for the user to arbitrarily set the third accuracy. The example shown in FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example in which the third inspection accuracy of the coated printed matter shown in FIG. 4 can be adjusted by the user, and the image forming apparatus 20 is controlled by the image inspection apparatus 50. An example of the user setting screen displayed on the display unit 26 is shown.

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

In one specific example, the coated printed matter displayed on the left side of the user setting screen is a pre-registered reference image.

Further, the accuracy setting unit 260 displays a volume 261 for setting (designating) or changing the third inspection accuracy. The volume 261 can be moved in several steps or steplessly between the scales "1" and "2" according to the input operation of the user.

Here, the scale "1" has an accuracy substantially equal to the first inspection accuracy (strict level), and the scale "2" has an accuracy substantially equal to the second inspection accuracy (gentle level).

Then, in the printed matter with coating displayed on the left side of the user setting screen, the color of the object is different for each level of inspection accuracy based on the analysis result of the image of the coating data by the image inspection device 50. Is displayed.

In one specific example, the 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 the second inspection accuracy, which is a gradual inspection level, is applied. The coating image CI (object) to be formed is displayed in green (G: Green).

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

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

For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 12, the red coating image CI has a reference numeral (R), the green coating image CI has a reference numeral (G), and the yellow coating image CI has a reference numeral (Y). , Each is added.

Thus, according to the present embodiment that displays the user setting screen as described above, the third inspection accuracy can be arbitrarily adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to inspect various coated printed matter such as those having a more complicated pattern (printed image or varnished image), including the coated printed matter described with reference to FIGS. 4, 10A and 11A. can.

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

Specifically, the image inspection apparatus 50 changes the display color of the coating image CI (Y) so that the color increases the red (R) component as the position of the volume 261 approaches the scale “1”. Perform processing.

On the contrary, the image inspection apparatus 50 changes the display color of the coating image CI (Y) so that the color increases the green (G) component as the position of the volume 261 approaches the scale “2”. I do.

With the above display form, the user can easily imagine the third inspection accuracy level (degree of strictness or looseness).

For the sake of simplicity, FIG. 12 illustrates a form in which only an image of a coated printed matter displayed in a color corresponding to the applied inspection accuracy is displayed in the user setting screen.

On the other hand, as described above, the color of the coating image CI in the coated printed matter displayed on the user setting screen is different from the actually formed coating image. Therefore, there may be a request from a user who wants to set the third inspection accuracy after grasping (confirming) the color actually printed.

In view of the above, the image inspection device 50 displays the user setting screen as shown in FIG. 12 after the print preview screen is displayed, or incorporates the user setting screen into the print preview screen.

Next, the outline of the process at the time of inspection setting when the print preview screen and the user setting screen described above are displayed in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The image inspection device 50 acquires print data and coating data from the control unit 200 of the image forming device 20 when the print job is executed (step S1).

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

In the following step S3, the image inspection apparatus 50 performs the processing of steps S11 to S18 described above in FIG. 7, that is, the processing of determining the inspection accuracy of the first, second, and third inspections.

Here, the image inspection device 50 determines the inspection accuracy of the coating image (object) in which the overlap (overlap) with the print data is detected as the first inspection accuracy (strict level) (step S14). The decision content is determined to be a fixed value and set in the setting data.

On the other hand, for the coating image (object) in which the overlap (overlap) with the print data is not detected, the image inspection apparatus 50 lowers the inspection accuracy to a loose level through the determinations in steps S13 and S15 described above. The inspection accuracy (step S16) or the third inspection accuracy (step S17), which is an intermediate level, is determined.

Then, the image inspection device 50 determines that the determined content determined for the second inspection accuracy (loose level) is also a definite value and sets it in the setting data. On the other hand, the image inspection apparatus 50 determines that the value of the determination content determined for the third inspection accuracy (intermediate level) has not yet been determined.

In the following step S4, the image inspection device 50 simultaneously displays the above-mentioned print preview screen and the user setting screen described with reference to FIG. 12 on the display unit 26 of the image forming device 20 based on the print data and the varnishing data. To execute.

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

Thus, in step S5 after the OK button 269 is selected by the user, the image inspection device 50 is set to set the corresponding object of the coating image CI (Y) to the level specified on the user setting screen. Update the data.

After that, the image inspection apparatus 50 performs the inspection process as described with reference to FIG. 8, so that the image inspection of the coated printed matter is executed for each object of the coated image CI according to the inspection accuracy set in advance.

As described above, at the time of image inspection of the coating image CI of the printed matter with coating, the inspection accuracy is appropriately changed (used properly) in consideration of the positional relationship with the printed image PI. According to the present embodiment, the inspection quality is ensured. , It is possible to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary error determination at the same time.

For the sake of simplicity, in the above-described embodiment, the image inspection apparatus 50 has a single (one type) inspection accuracy (inspection) for each object (for example, one star mark shown in FIG. 10C) constituting the coating image CI. An example of setting and applying a level) has been described.

On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image inspection apparatus 50 may be configured to set (apply) a plurality of types of inspection accuracy to one object constituting the coating image CI. Specifically, for each star mark shown in FIG. 10C, the first inspection accuracy (high level) is set for the portion that overlaps with the printed image PI (characters), and the printed image PI (characters) is used. A second inspection accuracy (low level) may be set for the overlapping portion.

In the above embodiment, the system using the image forming apparatus 20 for forming each image of the coated printed matter based on the printed image data and the coding data received from one PC (personal computer) 60 has been described. Not limited to this.

As another example, the image forming apparatus 20 may be configured to receive the printed image data and the coding data from separate terminals (network server or the like). Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 20 may be configured to include an automatic document feeding device such as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a document image scanning device (scanner) (not shown).

In the above embodiment, an example in which the paper feeding device 10, the image reading device 30, and the post-processing device 40 are separate devices from the image forming device 20 has been described, but even if these devices are integrated. Of course it is good.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, all of them are merely examples of embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by these. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features.

1 Image forming system 10 Feeding device 20 Image forming device 21 Printed image forming part 22 Fixing part 23 Coating image forming part 25 Operation display part 26 Display part 27 Operation part
30 Image reader (image reader)
31 Output image reader 40 Post-processing device 41 Sorting section 42, 43 Paper output tray 50 Image inspection device (image inspection section)
60 PC
51, 52 Data storage unit 80 Relay device 200 Image forming device control unit 260 Accuracy setting unit 261 Volume 269 OK button PI Print image CI coating image

Claims (14)

An image reader that reads printed and coated images formed on a recording medium,
An image inspection unit that inspects the coated image according to the accuracy set based on the overlapping mode of the read printed image and the coating image.
An image inspection device including. The image inspection unit is a coating image on the recording medium.
For the overlapping portion that overlaps with the printed image, the presence or absence of an image defect is determined according to the first accuracy, and the presence or absence of an image defect is determined.
For the non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the printed image, the presence or absence of the image defect is determined according to the second accuracy, which is lower than the first accuracy.
The image inspection apparatus according to claim 1. The image inspection unit
Based on the print image data that defines the print image and the coating image data that defines the coating image, the overlapping portion and the non-overlapping portion in the coating image are detected.
The image inspection apparatus according to claim 2. The image inspection unit is a coating image of the coating image.
For the overlapping portion, the first accuracy is set, and the accuracy is set.
The second accuracy is set for the non-overlapping portion.
The image inspection apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The image inspection unit determines the presence or absence of the image defect with respect to the non-overlapping portion of the coating image, depending on whether or not the deviation of the formation mode of the coating image exceeds the threshold value.
The image inspection apparatus according to claim 2. With respect to the coating image formed in the filled image of the printed image on the recording medium and having a shape different from that of the filled image, the image inspection unit is subject to the image defect according to the second accuracy. Judge the presence or absence of
The image inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5. The image inspection unit uses the overlapping portion of the coating image that overlaps the printed image on the recording medium.
For overlapping similar parts that are similar to the contours of the overlapping printed images, the presence or absence of the image defects is determined according to the first accuracy.
For overlapping dissimilar parts that are not similar to the contour of the overlapping printed image, the image is according to a third accuracy, which is lower than the first accuracy and higher than the second accuracy. Determine if there is a defect,
The image inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6. A display unit for displaying a state in which the printed image and the coating image are formed on the recording medium is provided.
The image inspection unit causes the display unit to display the accuracy applied to the inspection of the coating image.
The image inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The image inspection unit causes the display unit to display the accuracy applied to the inspection of the coating image so as to add to the coating image.
The image inspection apparatus according to claim 8. The third precision is specified by the user,
The image inspection apparatus according to claim 7. The image inspection unit displays the third accuracy on the display unit so that it can be changed, and sets the accuracy to the accuracy specified by the user.
The image inspection apparatus according to claim 10. A print image forming unit that forms a printed image based on printed image data on paper,
A coating image forming portion that forms a coating image based on the coating image data on the paper on which the printed image is formed, and a coating image forming portion.
The image inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
An image forming system comprising. Read the printed and coated images formed on the recording medium,
The coating image is inspected according to the accuracy set based on the overlapping mode of the read printed image and the coating image.
Image inspection method. On the computer
Read the printed image and coating image formed on the recording medium,
An image inspection program for inspecting the coated image according to the accuracy set based on the overlapping mode of the read printed image and the coated image.

Images