JP4709788B2 - Inspection program, inspection system, and inspection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of inspection devices, and more specifically, the technical field of inspection devices that inspect printed results (print content itself and dirt, etc.) in printed matter obtained by printing electronic information with a printer or the like. Belonging to.

  In recent years, the entire layout and color scheme are the same for each printed matter, for example, as invoices for usage fees sent to users of portable wireless telephones. However, the contents described are different for each printed matter. Printed materials having such characteristics are widely used.

  On the other hand, when such printed matter is printed and distributed in large quantities based on the corresponding electronic data, it is necessary to check whether the contents match the contents of the original electronic data. Come. In particular, in the case of a printed matter such as the above-mentioned invoice, it is strictly to be prevented that the content of the charge different from the content requested for the person who is the destination of the printed matter is described in the printed matter. The demand for such inspections is increasing.

  On the other hand, when considering the inspection of the printed matter, it is required to inspect the contents of each printed matter at high speed and accurately in view of the large number. In that sense, conventionally, the printed matter is optically used. In general, the contents of the printed matter are inspected using image information obtained as a result. Examples of such prior art include those described in the following patent documents.

Here, in the configuration described in each patent document, at least,
It is necessary to sequentially perform the following three steps in this order: optical reading of printed matter → correction of the reading result → inspection using the corrected result.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-274016 (FIGS. 1, 5, etc.) JP 2006-211316 A (FIGS. 9 to 12 etc.) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-261976 (FIGS. 7, 8, 11 etc.)

  However, the configuration described in each of the above-mentioned patent documents is a printed matter to which the present invention is directed (a printed matter in which specific details are different for each printed matter while being similar in appearance to each other). When it is going to be applied to the inspection, it is necessary to execute at least the above three steps in this order even though it is necessary to inspect a large amount of printed matter. There was a problem to say.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its problem is to accurately remove the error included in the reading result due to the environment related to optical reading of the printed material. It is another object of the present invention to provide an inspection system, an inspection method, and a program for the inspection system that can inspect each printed matter at a high speed.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is an inspection system for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, optically imaging the printed matter, and applying the printed matter to the printed matter. A computer included in an inspection system that generates corresponding imaging information, and when imaging the printed matter using the imaging means, or the distance between the imaging means and the printed matter, or of the imaging means Storage means for storing error information indicating information about imaging errors included in the generated imaging information due to lens aberration, correcting the print target information based on the stored error information, In parallel with the imaging information generation process by the imaging unit corresponding to one piece of the print target information, the reference information generation unit that generates the reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter And controlling the reference information generation unit and the imaging unit to execute the generation process of the reference information corresponding to the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information. And means for comparing the generated imaging information with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputting the comparison result.

  Therefore, the process of correcting the print target information using the stored error information and generating the reference information is executed in parallel with the imaging process by the imaging unit, and is generated by the generated reference information and the imaging process. Since the computer functions to inspect the printed matter by comparing with the captured image information, it is possible to shift to the comparison processing immediately after the generation of the captured image information, and the error caused by the imaging processing is corrected in the reference information itself. The inspection of the printed matter can be executed accurately and quickly.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 2 is an inspection system for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, optically imaging the printed matter, and applying the printed matter to the printed matter. Imaging information generated by transporting the printed matter by means of the transporting means for a computer included in an inspection system comprising imaging means for generating corresponding imaging information and transporting means for transporting the printed matter Storage means for storing error information indicating information about the transport error included therein, correcting the print object information based on the stored error information, and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter In parallel with the generation processing of the imaging information by the imaging unit corresponding to the one print target information, the reference information generation unit corresponds to the one print target information. Control means for controlling the reference information generation means and the imaging means so as to execute the generation processing of the reference information corresponding to the one print target information using the writing error information, and the generated imaging information The comparison information is compared with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and functions as a comparison unit that outputs the comparison result.

  Therefore, the process of correcting the print target information using the stored error information and generating the reference information is executed in parallel with the imaging process by the imaging unit, and is generated by the generated reference information and the imaging process. Since the computer functions to inspect the printed matter by comparing with the captured image information, it is possible to shift to the comparison processing immediately after the generation of the captured image information, and the error caused by the imaging processing is corrected in the reference information itself. The inspection of the printed matter can be executed accurately and quickly.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 3 is the inspection program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image pickup process by the image pickup unit and the reference information generation unit Causing the computer functioning as the control unit to function so as to repeat the generation process of the reference information for each of the plurality of pieces of print target information to be printed in parallel and continuously. Features.

  Therefore, the imaging process corresponding to one piece of print target information and the reference information generation process are executed in parallel, and the simultaneous and parallel process is repeated for a plurality of pieces of print target information to be printed continuously. In addition, since the computer functions, the printed matter can be inspected continuously in a short time even when a plurality of pieces of information to be printed are continuously printed.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 4 is the inspection program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the error information is the printed matter by the one imaging unit. The error information corresponding to the imaging process is generated, and the computer functioning as the reference information generation unit generates the reference information corresponding to the print target information using the error information for each different print target information. It is made to function like this.

  Therefore, since one error information is commonly used for different print target information, and the computer functions to generate the reference information for each different print target information, the print target information has different contents. However, it is possible to accurately inspect the printed matter corresponding to the print target information using the reference information corresponding to each.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the inspection program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the content of the reference print information defined in advance is Error information generating means for generating the error information and storing it in the storage means so as to match the contents of the reference imaging information obtained by imaging the reference printed matter obtained by printing out the reference printing information with the imaging means The computer is further functioned as follows.

  Therefore, since the error information is generated and stored so that the content of the reference print information defined in advance matches the content of the imaging information obtained by imaging the reference printed matter with the imaging unit, the reference print information By further using the error information generated by using the error information and correcting the reference information for use in the inspection, it is possible to inspect each printed matter quickly and more accurately.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 6 is an inspection system for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, and optically images the printed matter and corresponds to the printed matter. An imaging unit that generates imaging information, and the imaging that is generated due to a distance between the imaging unit and the printed matter or an aberration of a lens of the imaging unit when imaging the printed matter using the imaging unit Storage means for storing error information indicating information about imaging errors included in the information, and correction of the print target information based on the stored error information, and reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter In parallel with the generation process of the imaging information by the imaging information corresponding to the one print target information, the error corresponding to the one print target information is generated. Control means for controlling the reference information generation means and the imaging means to execute the generation processing of the reference information corresponding to the one print target information using information, the generated imaging information, and the generation Comparing means for comparing the reference information corresponding to the captured image information and outputting the comparison result.

  Therefore, the process of storing the error information, correcting the print target information using the stored error information, and generating the reference information is executed in parallel with the imaging process by the imaging unit, and the generated reference information Since the printed matter is inspected by comparing the image pickup information generated by the image pickup processing and the image pickup processing, it is possible to shift to the comparison processing immediately after the image pickup information is generated, and the error caused by the image pickup processing is corrected in the reference information itself. The inspection of the printed matter can be executed accurately and quickly.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 7 is an inspection system for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, and optically images the printed matter and corresponds to the printed matter. An imaging unit that generates imaging information, a transport unit that transports the printed material, and an error that indicates information about a transport error included in the generated imaging information due to transporting the printed material by the transport unit Storage means for storing information, reference information generation means for correcting the print object information based on the stored error information, and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter, and the one print object In parallel with the generation processing of the imaging information by the imaging unit corresponding to the information, the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information Control means for controlling the reference information generating means and the imaging means so as to execute the corresponding reference information generating process, the generated imaging information, and the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information, And comparing means for outputting the comparison result.

  Therefore, the process of storing the error information, correcting the print target information using the stored error information, and generating the reference information is executed in parallel with the imaging process by the imaging unit, and the generated reference information Since the printed matter is inspected by comparing the image pickup information generated by the image pickup processing and the image pickup processing, it is possible to shift to the comparison processing immediately after the image pickup information is generated, and the error caused by the image pickup processing is corrected in the reference information itself. The inspection of the printed matter can be executed accurately and quickly.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 8 is an inspection apparatus for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, optically imaging the printed matter, and applying the printed matter to the printed matter. In an inspection method executed by an inspection apparatus including imaging means for generating corresponding imaging information, a distance between the imaging means and the printed matter when the printed matter is imaged using the imaging means, or the imaging A storage step of storing error information indicating information about an imaging error included in the generated imaging information due to the aberration of the lens of the means; and the print target information based on the stored error information A reference information generation step of correcting and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter, and a process of generating the imaging information by the imaging unit corresponding to the one piece of print target information In parallel, the reference information generation unit and the imaging unit are controlled to execute the generation process of the reference information corresponding to the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information. And a comparison step of comparing the generated imaging information with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputting the comparison result.

  Therefore, the process of storing the error information, correcting the print target information using the stored error information, and generating the reference information is executed in parallel with the imaging process by the imaging unit, and the generated reference information Since the printed matter is inspected by comparing the image pickup information generated by the image pickup processing and the image pickup processing, it is possible to shift to the comparison processing immediately after the image pickup information is generated, and the error caused by the image pickup processing is corrected in the reference information itself. The inspection of the printed matter can be executed accurately and quickly.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 9 is an inspection device for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, optically imaging the printed matter, and applying the printed matter to the printed matter. In an inspection method that is performed in an inspection apparatus that includes an imaging unit that generates corresponding imaging information and a conveyance unit that conveys the printed material, the image generated by conveying the printed material by the conveyance unit A storage step for storing error information indicating information about a transport error included in the imaging information, and reference information that is used as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter by correcting the print target information based on the stored error information In parallel with the reference information generating step for generating the image information and the imaging information generation processing by the imaging means corresponding to the one print object information, A control step for controlling the reference information generation means and the imaging means so as to execute the generation processing of the reference information corresponding to the one print target information using the error information, and the generated imaging information; A comparison step of comparing the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputting the comparison result.

  Therefore, the process of storing the error information, correcting the print target information using the stored error information, and generating the reference information is executed in parallel with the imaging process by the imaging unit, and the generated reference information Since the printed matter is inspected by comparing the image pickup information generated by the image pickup processing and the image pickup processing, it is possible to shift to the comparison processing immediately after the image pickup information is generated, and the error caused by the image pickup processing is corrected in the reference information itself. The inspection of the printed matter can be executed accurately and quickly.

  According to the inspection program of the present invention, the process of generating the reference information by correcting the print target information using the stored error information is executed in parallel with the imaging process by the imaging unit, and the generated Since the computer functions to inspect the printed matter by comparing the reference information with the imaging information generated by the imaging process, the computer can move to the comparison process immediately after the imaging information is generated, and the reference information itself can be used for the imaging process. Since the resulting error is corrected, the printed matter can be inspected accurately and quickly.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The embodiment described below is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an inspection system that optically inspects the above-described bill or the like for the presence or absence of missing or smudges in a printed matter. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the inspection system according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an inspection system S according to the embodiment includes a reference data generation computer 1, a print data generation computer 2, an inspection device 3, and a printer 4 such as an ink jet method, a laser method, or a plate cylinder method. And a line sensor 5 as an image pickup means in which image pickup devices such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) are arranged in a line or a plurality of lines, a changeover switch 6, and a detector 7A for detecting the passage of the printed matter P. And a trigger signal generation unit 7.

  Next, the outline operation of each component will be described for the inspection process and the correction table data generation process.

(During inspection process)
The print data generation computer 2 generates each print data Sprint corresponding to the content itself of each printed matter (that is, the content of the above-mentioned bill or the like, which is different for each printed matter), The data is output to the printer 4 and the reference data generation computer 1, respectively.

  The printer 4 continuously performs predetermined print processing corresponding to each of the above-described methods used in the printer 4 by using each print data Sprint for each print data Sprint, and sets the contents of each print data Sprint. The printed matter P on which the corresponding characters and figures are printed is continuously manufactured.

  Here, each printed matter P is continuously conveyed for each printed matter P to the imaging range of the line sensor 5 by a conveying device (conveying means) (not shown) such as a belt conveyor. In the present embodiment, each printed matter P is conveyed by the conveying device to the imaging range of the line sensor 5 and is imaged by the line sensor 5. However, each printed matter P is a line sensor inside the printer 4. 5 may be imaged.

  The line sensor 5 continuously images the surface of each moving printed material P, generates image data Scmr corresponding to the contents of each printed material P, and is switched to the inspection device 3 side. At the time of the inspection, the change-over switch 6 is output to the inspection apparatus 3 as the inspected data Stest via, for example, an operator's operation or automatically switched to the inspection apparatus 3 side.

  At this time, the fact that each printed matter P is moving within the imaging range of the line sensor 5 is detected by the trigger signal generation unit 7 as the printed matter P moves while touching the detector 7A. Then, the trigger signal generation unit 7 generates a trigger signal Stg having different aspects when the printed matter P is moving within the imaging range of the line sensor 5 and when there is no printed matter P within the imaging range. And output to the inspection device 3. Here, the signal waveform of the trigger signal Stg is, for example, “HIGH” when the printed material P is moving within the imaging range of the line sensor 5, and “LOW” when the printed material P is not within the imaging range. Is preferable.

  The generation method of the generation trigger signal Stg in the trigger signal generation unit 7 includes, for example, infrared rays emitted from the trigger signal generation unit 7 in addition to the method using the contact between the detector 7A and the printed material P described above. It may be configured to optically detect that the printed matter is blocking the laser beam and generate a trigger signal Stg that becomes “HIGH” during the blocking period.

  Based on each print data Sprint, the reference data generation computer 1 compares the test data Stest corresponding to each printed matter P obtained by printing out each print data Sprint with the printer 4 in the inspection apparatus 3. Reference data Sref (reference information) to be generated is generated and output to the inspection apparatus 3.

  Here, the reference data Sref is data obtained by converting the resolution as the print data Sprint into the resolution of the line sensor 5. In addition to this, the reference data Sref is generated due to the imaging processing, conveyance processing in the line sensor 5 and the quality of the paper as the printing medium in the printed matter P (color of the paper itself, unevenness of the surface, etc.). This is image data serving as a reference for comparison obtained by adding the influence of the error included in the inspection data Stest to each print data Sprint, and the reference is obtained by conversion processing and correction processing using each table described later. It is generated in the data generation computer 1.

  The inspection apparatus 3 uses the contents and the color of the reference data Sref from the reference data generation computer 1 and the contents of the inspected data Stest from the changeover switch 6 as the printed matter P by a method such as pattern matching. Compare in terms of etc. As a result of this comparison, when a printed matter P is found to be a defective print, the operator of the inspection apparatus 3 is notified accordingly. This notification is based on, for example, a warning display on the display or a warning sound generated by a voice or buzzer sound.

(During correction table data generation processing)
Next, the correction table data generation process for generating the reference data Sref, which is executed before the series of inspection processes described above, will be described.

  The print data generation computer 2 generates master chart data for generating the correction table data, and outputs the master chart data to the printer 4 and the reference data generation computer 1 as the print data Sprint.

  The printer 4 prints out the master chart data (print data Sprint) as a master chart (printed matter P).

  Here, each printed matter P is continuously conveyed for each printed matter P by the conveying device (conveying means) to within the imaging range of the line sensor 5.

  The line sensor 5 prints the master chart (printed matter P) (that is, printing using the master chart data on a print medium such as paper used when printing out the printed matter P to be inspected at the time of subsequent inspection. The printed data P) for generating the correction table data is imaged to generate imaging data Scmr, and the reference data is generated as master chart imaging data Scrt via the changeover switch 6 switched to the reference data generation computer 1 side. Output to the computer 1.

  The reference data generation computer 1 compares the master chart data (print data Sprint) with the master chart imaging data Scrt obtained by imaging the master chart (printed matter P) with the line sensor 5, and the master chart data ( Correction data for correcting the content of the master chart data (print data Sprint) is generated so that the content of the print data Sprint is equal to the content of the master chart imaging data Scrt, and the generated correction data is the above-described correction data. The correction table data is stored in a nonvolatile manner.

  Then, the printed matter P is inspected using the stored correction table data.

  Next, the Example which shows the detailed structure and detailed operation | movement of the test | inspection system S provided with the structure mentioned above is described using FIG. 2 thru | or FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing detailed configurations of the reference data creation computer 1 and the inspection apparatus 3 included in the inspection system S according to the embodiment.

(I) Detailed configuration of the reference data generation computer (during inspection processing)
First, a detailed configuration of the reference data generation computer 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the reference data generation computer 1 according to the embodiment includes a memory 10, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 11 having a hard disk (not shown), an interface unit 12, reference information generation means, The processing unit 13 as a control means, an operation unit 14 configured by a keyboard or a mouse, and a display 15 configured by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display are configured.

  The interface unit 12 performs preset input interface processing on the print data Sprint output from the print data generation computer 2 and outputs the result to the processing unit 13.

  The color conversion table already generated at the time of the inspection is already recorded in the HDD 11 as the color conversion table data, and the correction table is already recorded as the correction table data.

  The processing unit 13 executes a process of converting the resolution in the print data Sprint to the resolution in the line sensor 5, then reads out the color conversion table data recorded in advance from the HDD 11 as the HDD signal Shdd, and further reads the print data Sprint. The content is corrected using the color conversion table data included in the read HDD signal Shdd. Further, the correction table data is read out as the HDD signal Shdd, the content of the print data Sprint is corrected using the correction table data included in the read out HDD signal Shdd, and is output to the interface unit 12 as the reference data Sref.

  It should be noted that other data necessary for the process of generating the reference data Sref is output to the memory 10 as the memory signal Sm and temporarily stored. Then, it is read again as the memory signal Sm by the processing unit 13 as necessary, and used for the processing. Further, information to be presented to the operator or the like in the process is output to the display 15 as a display signal Sdp and displayed on the display 15.

  Next, the interface unit 12 performs a preset output interface process on the reference data Sref output from the processing unit 13 and outputs the result to the inspection apparatus 3.

(During correction table data generation processing)
The interface unit 12 receives the input interface for the print data Sprint as the master chart data output from the print data generation computer 2 and the master chart imaging data Scrt output from the changeover switch 6. Processing is performed and output to the processing unit 13.

  Then, the processing unit 13 compares the print data Sprint as the master chart data with the master chart imaging data Scrt as described above, and the content of the print data Sprint as the master chart data is the master chart in terms of its configuration and the like. Correction data for correcting the content of the print data Sprint as the master chart data is generated so as to be equal to the content of the imaging data Scrt, and the generated correction data is stored in the HDD 11 as the correction table data.

  Other data necessary for the correction table data generation process is output to the memory 10 as the memory signal Sm, temporarily stored, and further read as the memory signal Sm again by the processing unit 13 as necessary. It is put out and used for necessary processing. Further, information to be presented to the operator or the like in the generation process is output to the display 15 as a display signal Sdp and displayed on the display 15.

  In the processing at the time of inspection and the generation processing of the correction table data, the processing unit 13 performs the processing at the time of inspection and the correction table based on the operation signal Sop corresponding to the command operation executed by the operator in the operation unit 14. The system operates to execute data generation processing, and performs overall control of other components constituting the reference data generation computer 1.

(II) Detailed Configuration of Inspection Device Next, a detailed configuration of the inspection device 3 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the inspection apparatus 3 according to the embodiment includes an operation including a memory 20, an interface unit 21, a comparison processing unit 23 as a control unit and a comparison unit, and a keyboard or a mouse. The unit 24 and a display 25 such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display are included.

  The interface unit 21 performs preset input interface processing on the reference data Sref output from the reference data generation computer 1 and outputs the result to the comparison processing unit 23. In parallel with this, the interface unit 21 applies the input interface process to the inspected data Stest output from the changeover switch 6 switched to the inspection apparatus 3 side and outputs the same to the comparison processing unit 23. To do.

  As described above, the comparison processing unit 23 compares the content of the reference data Sref and the content of the data to be inspected Stest with respect to the configuration and the like by a method such as pattern matching.

  Other data necessary for the comparison processing is output to the memory 20 as a memory signal Sm and temporarily stored, and further read out as a memory signal Sm again by the comparison processing unit 23 as necessary. The comparison process is used.

  Thereafter, as a result of the comparison, if a printed matter P is found to be a defective print, a warning signal is displayed on the display 25 by outputting a display signal Sdp to that effect. In this case, instead of the warning display, for example, the warning sound may be generated. Further, stop processing or the like may be performed on the printer 4.

  In the processing at the time of the inspection, the comparison processing unit 23 operates to execute the inspection processing based on the operation signal Sop corresponding to the command operation executed by the operator in the operation unit 24, and the inspection device 3 The other components constituting the system are integrated and controlled.

(III) Inspection Process Next, the inspection process executed in the inspection system S including the reference data generation computer 1 and the inspection apparatus 3 having the above-described detailed configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

  3 is a flowchart showing the inspection process. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3A is executed by the comparison processing unit 23 of the inspection apparatus 3, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 3B is a reference data generation computer. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3C is executed by the print data generation computer 2, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 3D is executed by the printer 4, and the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown is executed by the line sensor 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the flow of the inspection, and FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the flow of the inspection in time series.

  First, the print data generation computer 2 generates print data Sprint for each printed matter (step S11).

  For example, the print data Sprint of each printed matter is the content itself of the above-mentioned bill and the like, and is data having different contents for each printed matter.

  Next, the print data generation computer 2 transmits the generated print data Sprint to the printer 4 and the reference data generation computer 1 (step S12).

  Next, the printer 4 receives the print data Sprint transmitted from the print data generation computer 2 (step S21), and prints the printed matter P based on the print data Sprint (step S22).

  Next, when the printed matter P is conveyed to the imaging range of the line sensor 5, the line sensor 5 images the printed matter P (step S31), and switches the obtained imaging data (inspected data Stest) to the changeover switch 6. To the inspection apparatus 3 (step S32).

  On the other hand, the reference data generation computer 1 receives the print data Sprint transmitted from the print data generation computer 2 (step S41), performs resolution conversion processing on the print data Sprint, and generates converted print data Smod. (Step S42) (see FIG. 4).

  Next, using the color conversion table corresponding to the color conversion table (indicated by reference numeral “T1” in FIG. 4) stored in the HDD 11, the printed matter P is converted to the converted print data Smod stored in the memory 10. In step S43, color correction print data Scolor is generated by correcting a color such as paper as a print medium, a color related to the line sensor 5, and an error relating to the ICC profile.

Specifically, the color conversion process is a color conversion process for converting each of the three primary colors constituting the print data Sprint to each of the three primary colors constituting the reference data Sref using the color conversion table data. That is, as the color conversion table data, each of the three primary colors (red (R), green (G), and blue (B)) constituting the print data Sprint is changed to each of the three primary colors constituting the reference data Sref (see FIG. 4). In the case of an example, it is constituted by correction values for conversion into red (R ₁ ), green (G ₁ ), and blue (B ₁ ) including errors relating to the above-described colors. For example, when the print data Sprint is 8-bit digital data, these are used as the reference data Sref for the color depths of the three primary colors in the print data Sprint (color depths indicating each color expressed in 256 levels). As the correction value, a multiplication value for conversion to the color depth of each of the three primary colors is included in the color conversion table data for each of the three primary colors. Thereby, in the color conversion process, the color depth of each of the three primary colors constituting the print data Sprint is multiplied by the corresponding multiplication value included in the color conversion table data for each primary color, whereby the reference It converts into the color depth of each of the three primary colors as data Sref.

  Next, using a correction table corresponding to a correction table (indicated by reference numeral “T2” in FIG. 4) stored in the HDD 11, the line camera 5, the color correction print data Scolor stored in the memory 10, An error (line thickness or line position) that is included in the inspected data Stest due to the use of the transport device is corrected (step S44), and the reference data Sref is generated (step S45). .

  Specifically, the correction process is performed by using the correction table data to determine the thickness and position of the line and the like in the symbol constituting the print data Sprint. It is a conversion process to convert to. That is, the correction table data is composed of correction values for converting the thicknesses of the lines and the like in the symbols constituting the print data Sprint into the thicknesses of the lines and the like in the symbols constituting the reference data Sref. Has been. Furthermore, each of the positions of the lines (coordinates in the whole) constituting the print data Sprint is composed of correction values for converting the positions of the lines (coordinates in the whole) constituting the reference data Sref.

  Next, the reference data generation computer 1 transmits basic data to the inspection device 3 (step 46).

  Next, the inspection device 3 receives the reference data Sref transmitted by the reference print data generation computer 1 (step S51) and also receives the imaging data (inspected data Stest) transmitted by the line sensor 5 (step S51). S52).

  Next, the inspection device 3 compares the reference data Sref transmitted from the reference print data generation computer 1 with the imaging data (inspected data Stest) transmitted by the line sensor 5 (step S53), and the result is obtained. For example, the operator is notified by displaying on the display 25. In this case, for example, if there are missing defective points D1 and dirty defective points D2 as illustrated in FIG. 3 in the printed matter P corresponding to the data to be inspected Stest at that time, this is displayed on the display 25 or the like. (Step S54).

  Next, a time flow when the processing at the time of inspection described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 is continuously performed on a plurality of printed materials P will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG.

The continuous inspection for a plurality of printed materials P is executed with the trigger signal Stg shown in FIG. 1 as a clue. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the line sensor 5 from the timing t ₁ (refer to the uppermost stage in FIG. 5) detected in the trigger signal Stg that the first printed material P has reached the imaging range of the line sensor 5. The image of the printed matter P is input and the data to be inspected Stest is input to the inspection apparatus 3 (see the second hatched left hatching section from the top in FIG. 5). The resolution conversion process, the color conversion process, and the correction process in steps S42 to S44 are performed on the print data Sprint corresponding to the printed matter P (see the left hatched portion at the bottom of FIG. 5). Then, at the timing t ₂ (see the top row in FIG. 5) at which the rear end of the first printed product P (the rear end in the transport direction of the printed product P) finishes passing through the imaging range of the line sensor 5, the data to be inspected. Both the input process of Stest to the inspection apparatus 3, the generation process of the reference data Sref from the print data Sprint, and the input process to the inspection apparatus 3 have been completed.

Then, the timing t ₂ later, as shown in FIG. 5, the inspection process by the inspection apparatus 3 according to the printed material P of the first sheet (see step S53. FIG. 5 the second stage from the bottom left hatching), the two Processing for generating inspection data Stest corresponding to the printed matter P of the first sheet (refer to the second-stage filled portion from the top in FIG. 5) and generation processing of reference data Sref (steps S42 to S44; see the bottom-most filled portion in FIG. 4); Are executed in parallel (see timings t ₂ and t _{3 to} t _{4 in} FIG. 5).

Is the timing t ₄ later, as shown in FIG. 5, this time, the inspection process by the inspection apparatus 3 according to the second sheet of the printed material P (see step S53. FIG. 5 the second stage from the bottom filled unit), three sheets Processing for generating inspection data Stest corresponding to the printed matter P of the eye (see the second right hatching section from the top in FIG. 5) and generation processing for the reference data Sref (steps S42 to S44; see the right hatching section at the bottom in FIG. 5) Are executed concurrently (for example, see timings t ₄ and t _{5 to} t _{6 in} FIG. 5).

  Thereafter, the continuous inspection shown in FIG. 5 is performed for each subsequent printed matter P. The series of operations described above are executed while the comparison processing unit 23 in the inspection apparatus 3 and the processing unit 13 in the reference data generation computer 1 exchange control data (not shown) with each other. .

(IV) Correction Table Data Generation Processing Next, correction table data generation processing executed in the inspection system including the reference data generation computer 1 having the detailed configuration described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the correction table data generation process. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6A is executed by the processing unit 13 of the reference data generation computer 1, and the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6C is executed by the print data generation computer 2, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 6D is executed by the line sensor 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing the correction table data generation process, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an imaging error.

  First, the print data generation computer 2 generates sample master chart data (print data Sprint) for generating correction table data (step S61).

  Next, the print data generation computer 2 transmits the generated master chart data (print data Sprint) to the printer 4 and the reference data generation computer 1 (step S62).

  Next, the printer 4 receives the master chart data (print data Sprint) transmitted from the print data generation computer 2 (step S71), and based on the master chart data (print data Sprint), the master chart (printed matter P). Is printed (step S72).

  Next, when the master chart (printed matter P) is conveyed to the imaging range of the line sensor 5, the line sensor 5 images the master chart (printed matter P) (step S81), and the obtained master chart imaging data Scrt. Is transmitted to the reference data generation computer 1 via the changeover switch 6 (step S82).

  Next, the reference data generation computer 1 receives the master chart data transmitted by the printed material data generation computer 2 (step S91), and receives the master chart imaging data Scrt transmitted by the line sensor 5 (step S92).

  Next, the reference data generation computer 1 compares the master chart data (print data Sprint) transmitted from the print data generation computer 2 with the master chart imaging data Scrt transmitted by the line sensor 5 (step S93), A correction coefficient for correcting the content of the master chart data (print data Sprint) is calculated so that the content of the master chart data (print data Sprint) is equal to the content of the master chart imaging data Scrt (step S94). Correction table data is created (step S95).

(I) Correction for imaging error Specifically, the line thickness in the master chart data (print data Sprint) (refer to the line thickness in FIG. 7A) corresponds to the master chart imaging data Scrt. The thickness of the line (see the thickness of the line in FIG. 7B) is read and compared with each other, and the thickness of the line in the master chart data (print data Sprint) is set to the above in the master chart imaging data Scrt. A correction value (multiplication value as correction table data) for making the thickness of the corresponding line is calculated.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the printed matter is imaged by the line sensor 5, the visible range is widened toward the end of the printed matter (see FIGS. 8, 11 and 12), and the lines of characters and the like are blurred. It may appear. As a result, there occurs a portion where the line thickness in the master chart image data Scrt obtained by imaging using the line sensor 5 is thicker than the line thickness in the master chart data (print data Sprint). Because there are cases. Therefore, by performing the above correction in such a case, an error (an error caused due to the distance between the line sensor 5 and the printed matter) generated when the master chart imaging data Scrt acquired using the line sensor 5 is captured. (Imaging error)) can be removed.

  Further, an imaging error may occur due to the aberration of the lens of the line sensor 5. Specifically, when an image of an object is made with a lens or the like, light rays do not collect at one point, and the image is blurred or distorted. It may be visible. Therefore, by performing the above correction in such a case, an error that occurs when the master chart imaging data Scrt acquired using the line sensor 5 is imaged (an error caused by the aberration of the lens of the line sensor 5 ( Imaging error)) can be eliminated. Also, depending on the mounting accuracy of the CCD or the like used for the line sensor 5 and the mounting accuracy of a prism or the like for dispersing, refraction, total reflection, or birefringence of light, a line of characters or the like may appear when the printed matter is captured. It may appear blurry. Therefore, even in such a case, by performing the above correction, it is possible to remove an error that occurs when the master chart image data Scrt acquired using the line sensor 5 is imaged.

(Ii) Regarding error for conveyance error Specifically, the coordinates of the line in the master chart data (print data Sprint) (the coordinates of the line in FIG. 7A) and the coordinates of the corresponding line in the master chart imaging data Scrt (Coordinates of the line in FIG. 7B) are respectively read and compared, and the coordinates of the line in the master chart data (print data Sprint) are made the coordinates of the corresponding line in the master chart imaging data Scrt. A correction value (multiplication value as correction table data) is calculated. For example, the coordinates (Xa1) of the line in the master chart data (print data Sprint) and the coordinates (Xa2) of the corresponding line in the master chart imaging data Scrt are compared, and the line in the master chart data (print data Sprint) is compared. A correction value (multiplication value as correction table data) for calculating the coordinates of the corresponding line in the master chart imaging data Scrt is calculated. This is because the master chart imaging data Scrt obtained by being imaged using the line sensor 5 while being conveyed by the conveying device may be conveyed in an inclined manner in the process of being conveyed. Will be imaged with the printed material tilted. This is because the master chart data (print data Sprint) and the master chart imaging data Scrt obtained by imaging using the line sensor 5 may be different as image data. Therefore, by performing the above correction in such a case, an error (transport error) caused by being transported by the transport device when the master chart image data Scrt is imaged using the line sensor 5 is removed. be able to.

  Next, the correction table data is temporarily stored in the memory 10 (step S96), the process is ended as it is, and the start of the actual inspection is awaited.

  As described above, according to the operation of the inspection system S according to the embodiment and the examples, the process of correcting the print data Sprint using the correction table T2 stored in the memory 10 to generate the reference data Sref. Is executed in parallel with the imaging process by the line sensor 5 and the printed data P is inspected by comparing the generated reference data Sref and the inspected data Stest generated by the imaging process. Immediately after the generation, the process can be shifted to the comparison process, and the error caused by the imaging process is corrected in the reference data Sref itself, so that the printed matter P can be inspected accurately and quickly.

  Accordingly, it is possible to accurately inspect the printed matter P by removing the error included in the inspected data Stest, and to execute the imaging processing and the generation processing of the reference data Sref in parallel, so that the printed matter P can be obtained at high speed. Can be inspected.

  Further, the imaging processing corresponding to one print data Sprint and the generation processing of the reference data Sref are executed in parallel, and the simultaneous parallel processing is repeated for a plurality of print data Sprints to be printed continuously. Therefore, even when a plurality of print data Sprint are continuously printed, the printed matter P can be inspected continuously in a short time.

  Furthermore, since the same correction table T2 is used for different print data Sprint, and the reference data Sref is generated for each different print data Sprint, the print data Sprint having different contents can be used. The printed matter P can be accurately inspected using the reference data Sref corresponding to.

  Furthermore, the correction table is set so that the content of the print data Sprint as the master chart data defined in advance matches the content of the inspection data Stest obtained by imaging the printed matter P as the master chart with the line sensor 5. Since T2 is generated and stored, the correction table T2 generated using the print data Sprint as the master chart data is further used to correct the reference data Sref and use it for the inspection, so that it can be performed quickly and more accurately. Each printed matter P can be inspected.

  In the above-described embodiments and examples, the above-described “R”, “G”, and “B” are used as the three primary colors, but in addition to this, so-called C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y The color conversion table data may be configured using (yellow) and K (black) as primary colors.

  Also, programs corresponding to the flowcharts and timing charts shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 are recorded in an information recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or acquired and recorded via the Internet or the like. The computer can be used as the processing unit 13 and the comparison processing unit 23 according to the embodiment by being read and executed by a general-purpose computer.

  As described above, the present invention can be used in the field of optical inspection of printed matter, and in particular, the field of optical inspection of printed matter that is continuously printed and has different contents. When applied to, particularly remarkable effects can be obtained.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the inspection system which concerns on embodiment, (a) is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of a reference | standard data generation computer, (b) is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of an inspection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the test | inspection process in the test | inspection system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows notionally the flow of the said test | inspection. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of the said inspection in time series. It is a flowchart which shows a correction table data generation process. It is a figure which shows notionally correction table data generation processing. It is a figure explaining an imaging error.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Standard data generation computer 2 Print data generation computer 3 Inspection apparatus 4 Printer 5 Line sensor 6 Changeover switch 7 Trigger signal generation part 7A Detector 10, 20 Memory 11 HDD
12,21 interface unit 13 processing unit 14, 24 operation unit 15, 25 display 23 comparison processing unit S inspection system P prints T1 color conversion table T2 correction table D1 fault point D2 dirt fault point omission _{t 1, t 2, t 3} , _{t 4,} t 5, t ₆ timing Sprint print data Scmr imaging data Stest inspection data Stg trigger signal Sref reference data Scrt master chart imaging data SHDD HDD signal Sm memory signal Sdp display signal Smod converted print data Scolor color correction print data

Claims (9)

An inspection system that inspects a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, and includes an imaging unit that optically images the printed matter and generates imaging information corresponding to the printed matter. Computer
When imaging the printed matter using the imaging means, the imaging error included in the generated imaging information due to the distance between the imaging means and the printed matter, or the aberration of the lens of the imaging means Storage means for storing error information indicating information;
Reference information generating means for correcting the print object information based on the stored error information and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter;
The reference corresponding to the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information in parallel with the generation processing of the image pickup information by the image pickup unit corresponding to the one print target information. Control means for controlling the reference information generating means and the imaging means so as to execute information generation processing; and
A comparison unit that compares the generated imaging information with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputs the comparison result;
An inspection program characterized by functioning as An inspection system for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out information to be printed, the imaging means for optically imaging the printed matter and generating imaging information corresponding to the printed matter, and a conveying means for conveying the printed matter A computer included in an inspection system comprising:
Storage means for storing error information indicating information on a transport error included in the generated imaging information due to transport of the printed matter by the transport means;
Reference information generating means for correcting the print object information based on the stored error information and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter;
The reference corresponding to the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information in parallel with the generation processing of the image pickup information by the image pickup unit corresponding to the one print target information. Control means for controlling the reference information generating means and the imaging means so as to execute information generation processing; and
A comparison unit that compares the generated imaging information with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputs the comparison result;
An inspection program characterized by functioning as In the inspection program according to claim 1 or 2,
The imaging processing of the printed matter by the imaging unit and the generation processing of the reference information by the reference information generation unit are performed for each of the plurality of pieces of print target information to be printed in parallel and continuously. An inspection program for causing the computer functioning as the control means to function so as to repeat. In the inspection program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The error information is the error information corresponding to the imaging processing of the printed matter by one imaging means,
The computer functioning as the reference information generation unit functions to generate the reference information corresponding to the print target information by using the error information for each of the different print target information. program. In the inspection program according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The error information is generated so that the content of the standard print information defined in advance matches the content of the standard imaging information obtained by imaging the standard printed matter obtained by printing out the standard printing information with the imaging unit. An inspection program that further causes the computer to function as error information generation means to be stored in the storage means. In an inspection system for inspecting printed matter obtained by printing out information to be printed,
Imaging means for optically imaging the printed matter and generating imaging information corresponding to the printed matter;
When imaging the printed matter using the imaging means, the imaging error included in the generated imaging information due to the distance between the imaging means and the printed matter, or the aberration of the lens of the imaging means Storage means for storing error information indicating information;
Reference information generating means for correcting the print object information based on the stored error information and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter;
The reference corresponding to the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information in parallel with the generation processing of the image pickup information by the image pickup unit corresponding to the one print target information. Control means for controlling the reference information generating means and the imaging means so as to execute information generation processing;
A comparison unit that compares the generated imaging information with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputs the comparison result;
An inspection system comprising: In an inspection system for inspecting printed matter obtained by printing out information to be printed,
Imaging means for optically imaging the printed matter and generating imaging information corresponding to the printed matter; and conveying means for conveying the printed matter;
Storage means for storing error information indicating information about a transport error included in the generated imaging information due to transport of the printed matter by the transport means;
Reference information generating means for correcting the print object information based on the stored error information and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter;
The reference corresponding to the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information in parallel with the generation processing of the image pickup information by the image pickup unit corresponding to the one print target information. Control means for controlling the reference information generating means and the imaging means so as to execute information generation processing;
A comparison unit that compares the generated imaging information with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputs the comparison result;
An inspection system comprising: An inspection apparatus for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, the imaging device comprising: an imaging means for optically imaging the printed matter and generating imaging information corresponding to the printed matter In the inspection method
When imaging the printed matter using the imaging means, the imaging error included in the generated imaging information due to the distance between the imaging means and the printed matter, or the aberration of the lens of the imaging means A storage step of storing error information indicating information;
A reference information generation step of correcting the print object information based on the stored error information and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter;
The reference corresponding to the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information in parallel with the generation processing of the image pickup information by the image pickup unit corresponding to the one print target information. A control step of controlling the reference information generation means and the imaging means so as to execute information generation processing;
A comparison step of comparing the generated imaging information with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputting the comparison result;
The inspection method characterized by including. An inspection apparatus for inspecting a printed matter obtained by printing out print target information, the imaging means for optically imaging the printed matter and generating imaging information corresponding to the printed matter, and a conveying means for conveying the printed matter In an inspection method executed in an inspection apparatus comprising:
A storage step of storing error information indicating information about a conveyance error included in the generated imaging information due to conveyance of the printed matter by the conveyance unit;
A reference information generation step of correcting the print object information based on the stored error information and generating reference information serving as a reference in the inspection of the printed matter;
The reference corresponding to the one print target information using the error information corresponding to the one print target information in parallel with the generation processing of the image pickup information by the image pickup unit corresponding to the one print target information. A control step of controlling the reference information generation means and the imaging means so as to execute information generation processing;
A comparison step of comparing the generated imaging information with the reference information corresponding to the generated imaging information and outputting the comparison result;
The inspection method characterized by including.

Images