JP5760310B2 - Printed matter inspection apparatus, printed matter inspection method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed matter inspection apparatus, a printed matter inspection method, a program, and a storage medium that automatically perform quality inspection of a printed matter.

  Conventionally, quality inspections for confirming the presence or absence of missing pages or out-of-order publications have been performed visually, which has been a heavy burden on the inspector. Therefore, in order to reduce the load on the inspector, a technique for visual inspection support has been proposed.

  As a technique for supporting visual inspection, a method has been proposed in which reference data serving as a reference for the quality of a printed material is compared with an image obtained by scanning the printed material, and the quality is inspected from the comparison result. In this method, first, level data representing the degree of quality is output from the comparison result. Then, the level data indicating the non-defective product is visually inspected in order, and the level data after the defect is determined to be defective, thereby reducing the printed matter to be subject to visual inspection (for example, Patent Document 1).

  As another visual inspection technique, a method has been proposed in which the quality of a printed matter is classified into three categories: “good”, “bad”, and “determination not possible” to reduce erroneous inspection. In this method, input data to be inspected is compared with reference image data to be an inspection standard, pixels that do not match are extracted, and the number of extracted mismatched pixels is classified into three types: non-defective product, defective product, and indeterminate. Classification (for example, Patent Document 2).

  However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the level data used as a criterion for determining an abnormality is not set according to the type or characteristics of the publication, but is uniformly determined at the time of manufacture. It is not possible to reset the optimum threshold according to the print data. In addition, abnormalities are detected by the inspector, so the setting of inspection items for detecting anomalies and the priority when using multiple inspection items vary from inspector to inspector, and it is possible to maintain a certain standard. Have difficulty.

  Further, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 2, “good” and “bad” are determined by a threshold operation of a value obtained by quantifying a certain inspection item. The possibility of determining “good” cannot be avoided.

  As described above, in the conventional quality inspection, since the quality is determined based on the initially set threshold value, the threshold value cannot be changed according to the type and characteristics of the print data, resulting in an erroneous inspection. In addition, since the conventional quality inspection is performed based on the subjective evaluation of the person, there is a problem that the inspection result fluctuates depending on the inspector and erroneous inspection is likely to occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printed matter inspection apparatus, a printed matter inspection method, a program, and a storage medium that can reduce the occurrence of erroneous inspections in printed matter quality inspections. .

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes an inspection unit that compares a density based on a density of a print image and a density of an original image that is a source of the print image with a predetermined threshold value. A re-inspection image selection unit that selects one of the print images as a re-inspection image to be re-inspected by an inspector based on the result of comparison in the inspection unit, and outputs the re-inspection image to the output unit An output control unit that performs input, an input reception unit that receives input of reinspection information indicating a result of reinspection by an inspector for the reinspection image, a storage unit that stores a plurality of the reinspection information, and the storage unit Among the plurality of reexamination information, an analysis unit that identifies the reexamination information inappropriate as the threshold adjustment criterion, and the inappropriate reexamination information identified by the analysis unit are deleted from the storage unit Delete part to be An adjustment unit that adjusts the threshold based on the re-examination information stored in the storage unit, and the inspection unit has a density difference that is a difference between the density of the print image and the density of the document image. It is determined whether or not the threshold value is exceeded. When the density difference is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined to be normal, and when the density difference exceeds the threshold value, it is determined to be abnormal. The information is stored in association with the identification information of the inspector who has input the reexamination information, and the analysis unit inputs the reexamination information that makes all the reexamination images normal regardless of the density difference. The re-inspection information associated with the identification information of the inspector who has performed is specified as inappropriate re-inspection information.

The present invention also relates to a printed matter inspection method, comprising: an inspection step for comparing a density based on a density of a print image and a density of an original image that is the basis of the print image with a predetermined threshold; and A re-inspection image selection step for selecting any of the print images as a re-inspection image to be re-inspected by an inspector based on the comparison result; and an output control step for causing the output unit to output the re-inspection image; , An input receiving step for accepting input of re-inspection information indicating a result of re-inspection by the inspector for the re-inspection image, a plurality of the re-inspection information, and an inspector who has input the re-inspection information to the re-inspection information An analysis step for identifying the reexamination information inappropriate as the threshold adjustment reference from among the plurality of reexamination information stored in the storage unit that stores the identification information in association with each other A deletion step for deleting the inappropriate reexamination information identified in the analysis step from the storage unit, and an adjustment step for adjusting the threshold based on the reexamination information stored in the storage unit. In the inspection step, it is determined whether or not a density difference, which is a difference between the density of the printed image and the density of the original image, exceeds the threshold value. If the density difference is equal to or less than the threshold value, the normality is determined. And when the density difference exceeds the threshold, it is determined as abnormal, and in the analysis step, the inspector who has input the retest information that makes all the retest images normal regardless of the magnitude of the density difference. The reexamination information associated with identification information is specified as inappropriate reexamination information.

Further, the present invention provides a result obtained by comparing the inspection step of comparing a predetermined threshold with a value based on the density of the print image and the density of the original document image that is the basis of the print image. A reinspection image selection step for selecting any of the print images as a reinspection image to be reinspected by an inspector; an output control step for outputting the reinspection image to an output unit; and the reinspection An input receiving step for accepting input of re-inspection information indicating a result of re-inspection by the inspector for the image, a plurality of the re-inspection information, and identification information of the inspector who has input the re-inspection information in the re-inspection information Among the plurality of re-inspection information stored in the storage unit that stores the associated information, an analysis step that identifies the re-inspection information inappropriate as the threshold adjustment reference, Deleting the inappropriate reexamination information identified in the analysis step from the storage unit, and adjusting the threshold based on the reexamination information stored in the storage unit, and In the inspection step, it is determined whether a density difference, which is a difference between the density of the printed image and the density of the original image, exceeds the threshold value. If the density difference is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined as normal. The identification information of the inspector who has entered the re-inspection information for determining that all the re-inspection images are normal regardless of the density difference is determined in the analysis step when the density difference exceeds the threshold value. Is a program for specifying the re-inspection information associated with as inappropriate re-inspection information.

Further, the present invention is Ru computer-readable storage medium der storing the above program.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect of reducing the occurrence of erroneous inspection in quality inspection of printed matter.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of threshold 1 and threshold 2 set for the same evaluation item. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of threshold 1 and threshold 2 set in different evaluation items. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a re-inspection image selection criterion by the re-inspection image selection unit 104. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating another example of the re-inspection image selection criterion by the re-inspection image selection unit 104. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of the re-inspection image selection criterion by the re-inspection image selection unit 104. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjustment of the threshold value 1 by the adjustment unit 105. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of adjustment of the threshold value 1 by the adjustment unit 105. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image acquired by the print image acquisition unit 101. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document image acquired by the document image acquisition unit 102. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image divided into blocks by the inspection unit 103. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document image divided into blocks by the inspection unit 103. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the quality result of the print image determined by the inspection unit 103 with reference to the threshold 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image divided into blocks by the inspection unit 103. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the quality result of the print image determined by the inspection unit 103 based on the threshold 2. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of inspection information stored in the HDD 110 by the inspection unit 103. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the re-inspection image output by the output control unit 107. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormality information input screen. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen that accepts registration of the abnormality information 1. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen that accepts registration of the abnormality information 1 and the abnormality information 2. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of reexamination information stored in the HDD 110 by the input control unit 106. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjustment of the threshold value 1 by the adjustment unit 105. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24A is a diagram of an example of inappropriate reexamination information. FIG. 24-2 is a diagram illustrating an example of inappropriate reexamination information. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of inappropriate reexamination information deleted by the deletion unit 201. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of inappropriate reexamination information deleted by the deletion unit 201. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printed matter inspection apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of inappropriate reexamination information. FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 300. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection item selection reception screen. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of inspection items switched by the inspection unit 303. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a hardware configuration of the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of a printed matter inspection apparatus, a printed matter inspection method, a program, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 includes a print image acquisition unit 101, a document image acquisition unit 102, an inspection unit 103, a reinspection image selection unit 104, an adjustment unit 105, and an input control unit 106. The output control unit 107 and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 110 are mainly provided, and are connected to the scanner 130, the printing machine 140, and the PC 120.

  The print image acquisition unit 101 acquires a print image from the scanner 130. Here, the print image is an image obtained by capturing the printed matter printed by the printing machine 140 with the scanner 130. Note that the means for imaging the printed material is not limited to the scanner, and any device capable of imaging the printed material such as a camera may be used.

  The document image acquisition unit 102 acquires a document image from the scanner 130 and stores the acquired document image in the HDD 110. Here, the document image is master data that is a source of printing. The document image acquisition unit 102 acquires the density for each pixel from the acquired document image, and performs preprocessing for inspection by the inspection unit 103.

  The inspection unit 103 inspects the quality by comparing the print image with the original image. For example, the inspection unit 103 compares the density of the print image acquired by the print image acquisition unit 101 with the density of the document image acquired by the document image acquisition unit 102. The inspection unit 103 divides the print image and the document image into predetermined blocks, respectively, and determines whether the density difference between the print image and the document image is within a predetermined threshold value for each block. The inspection unit 103 determines that it is normal when it is within the threshold range, and determines that it is abnormal when it is outside the threshold range. The inspection unit 103 stores the density difference data of the print image and the determination result in the HDD 110 as inspection information.

  Specifically, the inspection unit 103 first divides the document image and the print image into relatively large blocks, and the RGB signals of the block obtained by dividing the document image and the block obtained by dividing the print image based on the threshold 1 are used. Are compared on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The inspection unit 103 determines that the average of the compared density differences of the blocks is equal to or less than the threshold value 1 and determines that the average value is higher than the threshold value 1, and determines that the average value is abnormal.

  Next, the inspection unit 103 further divides each of the A-4 block of the print image determined to be abnormal and the A-4 block of the document image into predetermined blocks. The inspection unit 103 compares the density difference between the RGB signals of the block into which the print image is divided and the block into which the original image is divided, on the basis of the threshold value 2 which is a value different from the threshold value 1 in units of pixels. The inspection unit 103 determines that the average density difference of the compared blocks is equal to or less than the threshold value 2, and determines that the average is greater than the threshold value 2.

  Here, a predetermined threshold value 1 and threshold value 2 setting method will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of threshold 1 and threshold 2 set for the same evaluation item. As shown in FIG. 2, the threshold value 1 and the threshold value 2 are set to different values. In addition, as a specific numerical value, a numerical value appropriate for determining abnormality is set by an empirical rule or statistics.

  As described above, when the threshold 1 and the threshold 2 are set to the same evaluation item (density difference), the density difference is roughly determined for the large range with the threshold 1, and the density difference is determined for the narrow range with the threshold 2. Strict judgment can be made. Note that the inspection unit 103 can also make a determination based only on the threshold value 1. In this case, it is possible to roughly inspect a wide range at a high processing speed. On the other hand, the inspection unit 103 can also make a determination based only on the threshold value 2. In this case, the number of times the block is divided increases, and the processing speed is lower than the threshold value 1, but it is possible to determine accurately.

  In addition, another example of the threshold value 1 and threshold value 2 setting method will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of threshold 1 and threshold 2 set in different evaluation items. As shown in FIG. 3, the threshold value 1 is set with a density difference value, and the threshold value 2 is set with a color difference (Lab) value.

  As described above, when the threshold value 1 and the threshold value 2 are set to different evaluation items (density difference, color difference (Lab)), the determination can be performed from different angles between the threshold value 1 and the threshold value 2. It is possible to add many evaluation axes.

  The re-inspection image selection unit 104 prints a print image (to be re-inspected by a user (hereinafter referred to as an inspector)) to be re-inspected when a predetermined number of print images determined by the inspection unit 103 are accumulated in the HDD 110. Hereinafter, the re-inspection image is selected. For example, data that is in the vicinity of the threshold value by threshold value 1 and threshold value 2 operations and data that is separated from the threshold value are selected at a ratio of 8: 2. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a re-inspection image selection criterion by the re-inspection image selection unit 104. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the reexamination image selection unit 104 selects the threshold value 1 or the threshold value 2 in order from the closest value.

  As another example, the reexamination image selection unit 104 can also select a print image having a value close to the threshold as the reexamination image. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating another example of the re-inspection image selection criterion by the re-inspection image selection unit 104. Here, ◯ indicates a printed image in which the density difference is inspected by the inspection unit 103. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the reexamination image selection unit 104 performs selection in the order of 1, 2, and 3 closest to the threshold. For example, a selection order based on the Mahalanobis distance or the like may be adopted, and selection may be made in consideration of multidimensional features by weighting each dimension.

Furthermore, as another example, the reinspection image selection unit 104 can select all print images in a certain range as reinspection images. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of the re-inspection image selection criterion by the re-inspection image selection unit 104. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the reexamination image selection unit 104 selects all print images in a predetermined range close to the threshold value. When selecting in order of close threshold values, calculation is required. However, when all the print images in a certain range are selected, calculation is unnecessary and the selection can be made easily.

  The output control unit 107 outputs the reinspection image selected by the reinspection image selection unit 104 to the PC 120.

  The input control unit 106 receives input of an inspected image from the PC 120 by the inspector. Here, the inspected image is an image in which the reinspected image is determined to be normal or abnormal by the user. The input control unit 106 receives input of the inspection contents of the inspected image determined to be abnormal by the user as reinspection information together with the inspector ID, and stores the received reinspection information in the HDD 110. The input control unit 106 corresponds to the input receiving unit in the present invention.

  The HDD 110 stores data such as print images, document images, inspection information, and re-inspection information, threshold values, and the like.

  The adjustment unit 105 adjusts a threshold value serving as a reference for comparison by the inspection unit 103 based on the determination result of the re-inspection image input by the input control unit 107. For example, the adjustment unit 105 determines the threshold value from only normal samples. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjustment of the threshold value 1 by the adjustment unit 105. In FIG. 6, ◯ indicates a normal sample, and X indicates an abnormal sample. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the adjustment unit 105 adjusts the threshold value so as to include all normal samples. As another example, on the contrary, the threshold value can be adjusted so as to exclude all abnormal samples so that abnormal samples are not normally mixed.

  Furthermore, as another example, the adjustment unit 105 determines the threshold only with data at a boundary portion between data indicating normality and data indicating abnormality. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of adjustment of the threshold value 1 by the adjustment unit 105. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the adjustment unit 105 determines a threshold value near the center of data at a boundary portion between data indicating normality and data indicating abnormality. When normal and abnormal are mixed, the threshold is determined by ignoring one of the data.

  Next, a printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100.

  The print image acquisition unit 101 acquires a print image (step S1). The print image acquisition unit 101 acquires a print image in which a printed matter is captured by a scanner 130 (see FIG. 1) or the like. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image acquired by the print image acquisition unit 101. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the print image acquisition unit 101 acquires a print image in which dirt or blur of toner adhered in the course of the printing process exists.

  The document image acquisition unit 102 acquires a document image (step S2). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document image acquired by the document image acquisition unit 102. As shown in FIG. 10, the document image acquisition unit 102 acquires a document image. As described above, the original image does not have dirt or blur attached by the printing process shown in FIG. Here, when the document image acquisition unit 102 acquires the document image, the document image acquisition unit 102 performs preprocessing such as acquiring a pixel density that is a reference for inspection by the inspection unit 103.

The inspection unit 103 inspects the quality of the print image acquired by the print image acquisition unit 101 by comparison with the document image acquired by the document image acquisition unit 102 (step S3). Here, a method for comparing the print image and the document image will be described. First, the inspection unit 103 divides the print image into predetermined blocks. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image divided into blocks by the inspection unit 103. For example, the inspection unit 103 divides the print image into 16 × 16. In FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation, a print image divided into 2 × 2 blocks (A-1 to A-4) by dividing lines is illustrated. The size divided into blocks may be any size that is optimal for inspection, and is actually divided into predetermined pixels.

  Next, the inspection unit 103 divides the document image into the same number of predetermined blocks as the print image is divided. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document image divided into blocks by the inspection unit 103. As shown in FIG. 12, the inspection unit 103 divides the document image into a predetermined size such as 16 × 16, similarly to the division of the print image in FIG. Also for FIG. 12, as in FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation, FIG. 12 shows a print image divided into 2 × 2 blocks (A-1 to A-4) by dividing lines.

  The inspection unit 103 compares the density difference between the RGB signals of the block obtained by dividing the print image and the block obtained by dividing the document image in units of pixels with the threshold value 1 as a reference. First, when the average density difference of the compared blocks is equal to or less than the threshold value 1, the inspection unit 103 determines that the value is normal, and when the average value exceeds the threshold value 1, determines that the value is abnormal. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the quality result of the print image determined by the inspection unit 103 with reference to the threshold 1. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the inspection unit 103 determines that the A-4 block is abnormal, and determines that the A-1 block to the A-3 block are normal.

  However, in FIG. 13, where there is a blur in the A-1 block, the inspection unit 103 determines that the block is normal. Therefore, the inspection unit 103 cannot determine that the A-1 block where the blur exists is abnormal based on the threshold value of 1.

  Next, the inspection unit 103 further divides the A-4 block determined to be abnormal in the print image and the A-4 block of the document image into predetermined blocks. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image divided into blocks by the inspection unit 103. For example, the inspection unit 103 divides into 8 × 8 blocks. In FIG. 14, for convenience of explanation, a print image in which the A-4 block is divided into 2 × 2 blocks (B-1 to B-4) is illustrated.

  The inspection unit 103 compares the density difference between the RGB signals of the block into which the print image is divided and the block into which the original image is divided, on the basis of the threshold value 2 which is a value different from the threshold value 1 in units of pixels. The inspection unit 103 determines that the average density difference of the compared blocks is equal to or less than the threshold value 2, and determines that the average is greater than the threshold value 2. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the quality result of the print image determined by the inspection unit 103 based on the threshold 2. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the inspection unit 103 determines that the B-1 block in the A-4 block is abnormal.

  When the determination is completed, the inspection unit 103 stores the density difference data of the print image and the determination result in the HDD 110 as inspection information. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of inspection information stored in the HDD 110 by the inspection unit 103. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the inspection unit 103 stores in the HDD 110 the inspection information including the inspector ID, the registration date, the print image path, the document image path, the number of abnormalities, and the range of the abnormal information 1 in the print image. save. In FIG. 16, since the inspector ID has been inspected by the inspecting unit 103, “inspection apparatus” is registered instead of the user ID. In the print image shown in FIG. 13, only the A-4 block is determined to be abnormal, and the A-1 block where the blur exists is not determined to be abnormal by the inspection unit 103. The number is stored as “1”.

  The reinspection image selection unit 104 selects a reinspection image based on the inspection information stored in the HDD 110 by the inspection unit 103 (step S4). The output control unit 106 outputs the reinspection image selected by the reinspection image selection unit 104 to the PC 120 (step S5). The output control unit 107 displays the reinspection image on the monitor of the PC 120 in a form in which the inspection content can be input by the inspector. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the re-inspection image output by the output control unit 107. As shown in FIG. 17, the output control unit 107 includes an icon for specifying a range of an abnormal part, an icon for inputting abnormal information indicating the type of abnormality, and a display screen for displaying a reexamination image. A registration icon for accepting registration is displayed.

  The input control unit 106 receives input of the inspector ID, the registration date indicating the date of the inspection, and the abnormality information from the inspector (step S6). FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormality information input screen. As shown in FIG. 18, the input control unit 106 receives an input of an inspector ID, a registration date, and a range designation indicated by a dotted line. In FIG. 18, the range in which the input control unit 106 has received the range designation input is the range of the A-1 block (see FIG. 13) determined to be normal by the inspection unit 103, but is abnormal in the reexamination by the inspector. It is the range determined as.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen that accepts registration of the abnormality information 1. As shown in FIG. 19, the input control unit 106 accepts registration in which the range where there is a blur that has received the range designation input in FIG. 18 is input as abnormality information 1 (outline, blur).

  Furthermore, the input control unit 106 accepts registration of abnormality information. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen that accepts registration of the abnormality information 1 and the abnormality information 2. As shown in FIG. 20, the input control unit 106 includes the A-4 block determined by the inspection unit 103 (see FIG. 14) in addition to the abnormality information 1 (white spots, blurs) determined to be abnormal by the inspector. Is registered as abnormal information 2 (dirt).

  When the input control unit 106 receives registration of abnormality information, the input control unit 106 registers the registered information in the HDD 110 as re-examination information. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of reexamination information stored in the HDD 110 by the input control unit 106. As shown in FIG. 21, the input control unit 106 stores the inspector ID, registration date, print image path, document image path, number of abnormalities, and range of abnormal information in the print image as inspection information in the HDD 110. save. In FIG. 21, since two pieces of abnormality information are registered by the input control unit 106, the abnormality information is stored as “2”, and the ranges of the abnormality information are stored in the ranges designated in the reexamination image.

  The adjustment unit 105 adjusts a threshold value serving as a reference for comparison by the inspection unit 103 (step S7). For example, the adjustment unit 105 adjusts the initially set threshold value to a value that includes all of the inspected images determined to be abnormal by the input control unit 106. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of adjustment of the threshold value 1 by the adjustment unit 105. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the adjustment unit 105 adjusts the threshold that has been set to include only the abnormality information 2 to a value that also includes the abnormality information 1.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, among the print images determined by the inspection unit 103, a print image near a threshold value that is a criterion for abnormality is presented to the user, and based on the result of the re-inspection by the user. Since the threshold value is adjusted, the occurrence of erroneous inspection can be reduced.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the adjustment unit 105 adjusts the threshold based on the re-examination information stored in the HDD 110. In the present embodiment, it is further analyzed whether or not the re-inspection information stored in the HDD 110 can be adopted as a reference for adjustment, and the threshold is adjusted by the re-inspection information selected based on the analysis result.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 23, the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 includes a print image acquisition unit 101, a document image acquisition unit 102, an inspection unit 103, a re-inspection image selection unit 104, an adjustment unit 105, an analysis unit 201, The deletion unit 202, the input control unit 106, the output control unit 107, and the HDD 110 are mainly provided, and are connected to the scanner 130, the printing machine 140, and the PC 120.

  Hereinafter, the analysis unit 201 and the deletion unit 202 will be described. Note that the functions and configurations of the units other than the deletion unit 201 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The analysis unit 201 analyzes the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110 according to a predetermined analysis item. Specifically, the analysis unit 201 acquires the distribution of the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110 on the axis of the density difference axis, and in accordance with a predetermined analysis item, the reexamination information (inappropriate as a threshold adjustment criterion from the distribution) (Hereinafter referred to as inappropriate re-inspection information). The analysis unit 201 corresponds to the determination unit in the present invention.

  Here, the analysis item is whether it is re-inspection information by an inspector whose evaluation is not stable, or whether the analysis item is a printed image with different evaluations. For example, it is reinspection information that has been determined to be significantly different from the determination by another inspector, or reinspection information that has been determined inconsistently by the same inspector according to the inspection date and time.

  The deletion unit 202 deletes inappropriate reexamination information specified by the analysis unit 201. For example, the deletion unit 202 displays inappropriate reexamination information on the PC 120 via the output control unit 107, receives input of data to be deleted from the inspector via the input control unit 106, and receives input. Delete the data. Note that the data to be deleted can be determined after the inspector discusses with other inspectors.

  As another example, predetermined deletion target data can be deleted. For example, when inappropriate re-inspection information is data inconsistent by the same inspector depending on the inspection date and time, old data can be targeted for deletion. Note that the re-examination information after deletion may be analyzed again.

  FIGS. 24-1 and 24-2 are diagrams illustrating examples of inappropriate reexamination information. FIG. 24-1 shows data ◯ determined by the inspector 1 and data Δ determined by the inspector 2. As shown in FIG. 24A, in the determination by the inspector 2, all printed images having a small density difference are registered as normal. FIG. 24-2 shows data for which different determinations are made on different dates by the same examiner. As shown in FIG. 24-2, the data determined to be normal on 20xx year December xx day is determined to be abnormal on 20xx year 09 month xx day.

  Next, a printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100.

  The processing from step S10 to step S15 is the same as that from step S1 to step S6 of the printed matter inspection processing according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In step S16, the analysis unit 201 analyzes the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110 (step S16). Specifically, the analysis unit 201 identifies inappropriate reexamination information from the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110.

The analysis unit 201 confirms whether or not inappropriate reexamination information exists in the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110 (step S17). If the analysis unit 201 does not confirm that there is inappropriate reexamination information (step S17: Yes), the adjustment unit 105 adjusts the threshold based on the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110. (Step S18). The process of step S18 is the same as step S7 of the printed matter inspection process of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the analysis unit 201 confirms that there is inappropriate reexamination information in step S17 (step S17: No), the deletion unit 202 includes the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110. Thus, the inappropriate reexamination information specified in step S16 is deleted (step S19). 26 and 27 are diagrams illustrating examples of inappropriate reexamination information deleted by the deletion unit 201. FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, when the input control unit 106 accepts pressing of the “DEL” key on the display screen displayed on the PC 120, the deletion unit 201 deletes all data by the inspector 2 registered as normal. . In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, “DEL” for the old date (20xx year 09 monthxx day) among the data determined differently by the same inspector by the input control unit 106. When the key press is accepted, the deletion unit 202 deletes the data determined on the old date.

  When inappropriate reexamination information is deleted from the HDD 110 by the deletion unit 201, the adjustment unit 105 adjusts the threshold based on the reexamination information after deletion (step S18). Note that the analysis unit 201 may return to step S16 and analyze the re-examination information after deletion again.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, inappropriate reexamination information is deleted from the reexamination information stored in HDD 110, and the threshold is adjusted based on the reexamination information appropriate for threshold adjustment. The occurrence of erroneous inspection can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by displaying inappropriate re-inspection information, it is easy to review the inspection method and present the inspection method to a new inspector.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, a predetermined number of data near the threshold is selected as the re-inspection image. However, normal and abnormal data are likely to be mixed in the vicinity of the threshold, and the data is often concentrated near the threshold. In contrast, in the present embodiment, when the abnormality determination is not concentrated in the vicinity of the threshold value on the axis of the density difference and the arrangement is constant regardless of the magnitude of the density difference, the re-inspection information selection criterion is set as the density reference. Switch to an inspection item other than the difference.

  FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printed matter inspection apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 28, the printed matter inspection apparatus 300 includes a print image acquisition unit 101, a document image acquisition unit 102, an inspection unit 303, a reinspection image selection unit 104, an adjustment unit 105, an analysis unit 301, A deletion unit 202, an input control unit 106, an output control unit 107, a selection receiving unit 302, and an HDD 110 are mainly provided, and are connected to a scanner 130, a printing machine 140, and a PC 120.

  Hereinafter, the analysis unit 301, the selection receiving unit 302, and the inspection unit 303 will be described. Since the functions and configurations of the respective units other than the analysis unit 301, the selection receiving unit 302, and the inspection unit 303 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

The analysis unit 301 analyzes the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110 according to a predetermined analysis item. Here, the analysis item is an item indicating whether or not re-examination information determined to be normal on the axis of density difference is arranged at a constant level. Specifically, the analysis unit 301 acquires the distribution on the axis of the density difference of the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110, and the reexamination information determined to be normal on the axis of the density difference is arranged with respect to the distribution. It is judged whether it is done.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of inappropriate reexamination information. In FIG. 29, re-examination information registered as normal on the axis of density difference is arranged in a constant manner. As described above, when the re-inspection information determined to be all normal on the density difference axis is in a fixed arrangement, the quality of the printed image cannot be inspected with the density difference as a reference.

  The HDD 310 stores data such as print images, document images, inspection information, and re-inspection information, inspection items, threshold values for each inspection item, and the like. For example, the inspection items include a density difference, a color difference, and an edge.

  The selection receiving unit 302 receives a selection of a new inspection item by the user when it is determined by the analysis unit 301 that the re-examination information determined to be normal on the axis of the density difference is regularly arranged. Specifically, the selection receiving unit 302 displays an inspection item selection screen on the PC 120 via the output control unit 107, and receives selection of the inspection item via the input control unit 106.

  Upon receiving the selection of the inspection item, the selection receiving unit 302 further receives a selection of whether the threshold setting of the selected inspection item is performed manually or automatically. The selection reception unit 302 receives an input of threshold setting via the input control unit 106 when a manual selection is received.

  The inspection unit 303 switches the inspection item currently set to the inspection item received by the selection reception unit 302 and inspects the print image again. When the manual acceptance threshold setting is accepted by the selection acceptance unit 302, the inspection unit 303 inspects the print image based on the input threshold value. On the other hand, when the automatic threshold setting is received by the selection receiving unit 302, the inspection unit 303 inspects the print image based on the threshold stored in the HDD 310.

  Next, a printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 300 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printed matter inspection process performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 300.

  The processing from step S30 to step 35 is the same as that from step S1 to step S6 of the printed matter inspection processing according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In step S36, when the analysis unit 301 receives an input in step S35, the analysis unit 301 analyzes the reexamination information stored in the HDD 110 according to a predetermined analysis item (step S36). The analysis unit 301 confirms whether or not the distribution of data on the analyzed concentration difference axis is uniform (step S37). Here, the uniform data distribution indicates that the re-examination information determined to be normal on the axis of density difference is arranged uniformly.

  When the analysis unit 301 confirms that the distribution is uniform (step S37: Yes), the selection receiving unit 302 receives a selection of a new inspection item by the user (step S38). FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection item selection reception screen. As illustrated in FIG. 31, the selection reception unit 302 displays a selection reception screen for receiving selection of a selection item via the output control unit 107 on the PC 120. In FIG. 31, an edge is selected as a new inspection item, and automatic is selected as a threshold setting. The selection accepting unit 302 accepts these selections when the user presses the registration button at the upper right of the examination item selection acceptance screen.

When the selection of a new inspection item is received, the process returns to step S32, and the inspection unit 303 switches the inspection item currently set to the new inspection item received by the selection reception unit 302 and inspects the print image again. (Step S32). FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of inspection items switched by the inspection unit 303. As shown in FIG. 32, the density difference inspection item set in the inspection unit 303 is switched to the edge inspection item. In FIG. 32, the re-examination information registered as normal is constant when placed on the axis indicating the density difference, but when placed on the edge axis, the re-examination information can be discriminated based on the threshold value. Yes.

  On the other hand, when the analysis unit 301 does not confirm that the distribution is uniform (step S37: No), the adjustment unit 105 adjusts the threshold based on the re-examination information stored in the HDD 310 (step S38). ).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the eligibility of the inspection item is determined from the distribution status of the re-inspection information on the axis of the concentration difference, and when it is determined that the inspection item is ineligible, the inspection item is switched to a new inspection item and reinspected. Therefore, the occurrence of erroneous inspection can be reduced by inspection based on appropriate inspection items.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since a plurality of inspection items are saved and the set inspection items can be switched, even if the conventional inspection items are difficult to inspect, Inspection items that can be detected are stored, and inspection can be performed by switching to the inspection item.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a hardware configuration of the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

A printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, and a RAM (Random Access).
Memory) 53, a communication I / F 54 that communicates by connecting to a network, and a bus 61 that connects each unit.

  A printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in the ROM 52 or the like.

  The printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD- You may comprise so that it may record and provide on computer-readable recording media, such as R (Compact Disk Recordable) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

  Furthermore, the printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Good. The printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a computer program for each part of the printed matter inspection apparatus 100 (print image acquisition unit, document image acquisition unit, inspection unit, re-inspection image selection unit, adjustment). Part). In this computer, the CPU 51 can read and execute a printed matter inspection program from a computer-readable storage medium onto a main storage device.

  Further, the printed matter inspection apparatus shown in the present embodiment may be realized in a multifunction machine. FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 34, this multi-function device has a configuration in which the controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire MFP, drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a 1-drum color plotter, a 4-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access).
Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral, and has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 18, and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that rotate image data using hardware logic. (Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 16 includes an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute) via a PCI bus.
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
1394) The interface 50 is connected. The operation display unit 20 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  Note that the printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  A printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus of the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. It may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The printed matter inspection program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (print image acquisition unit, document image acquisition unit, inspection unit, re-inspection image selection unit, adjustment unit). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes a printed matter inspection program from a ROM so that the above-described units are realized on the main computer.

100, 200, 300 Printed matter inspection apparatus 101 Print image acquisition unit 102 Document image acquisition unit 103, 303 Inspection unit 104 Reinspection image selection unit 105 Adjustment unit 106 Input control unit 107 Output control unit 110, 330 HDD
120 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 Scanner 140 Printing machine 201, 301 Analysis part 202 Deletion part 302 Selection reception part

Japanese Patent No. 3579182 Japanese Patent No. 3488499

Claims (11)

An inspection unit that compares a density based on the density of the print image and the density of the original image that is the basis of the print image with a predetermined threshold;
Based on the result of comparison in the inspection unit, a re-inspection image selection unit that selects any of the print images as a re-inspection image to be re-inspected by an inspector;
An output control unit for causing the output unit to output the reinspection image;
An input receiving unit that receives input of re-inspection information indicating a result of re-inspection by an inspector for the re-inspection image;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of the re-examination information;
Among the plurality of reexamination information stored in the storage unit, an analysis unit that identifies the reexamination information inappropriate as the threshold adjustment reference,
A deletion unit that deletes the inappropriate reexamination information identified by the analysis unit from the storage unit;
An adjustment unit that adjusts the threshold based on the reexamination information stored in the storage unit;
With
The inspection unit determines whether a density difference, which is a difference between the density of the printed image and the density of the document image, exceeds the threshold value, and determines that the density is normal when the density difference is equal to or less than the threshold value. When the density difference exceeds the threshold, it is determined as abnormal,
The storage unit stores the reexamination information in association with the identification information of the inspector who has input the reexamination information,
The analysis unit determines that the re-inspection information associated with the identification information of the inspector who has input re-inspection information that makes all the re-inspection images normal regardless of the density difference is inappropriate for the re-inspection information. Identifying as inspection information,
Printed product inspection device characterized by. The re-inspection image selection unit includes the print image in which the density difference is included in a predetermined range including the threshold value, or a predetermined number of the print images in order of the density difference being close to the threshold value. Selecting it as a re-inspection image,
The printed matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1. The reinspection image selection unit selects, as the reinspection image, the print images having a predetermined ratio in order of the density difference being close to the threshold;
The printed matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1. The adjustment unit adjusts the threshold to a value larger than the density difference for all the reexamination images for which the reexamination information is normal;
The printed matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1. The adjustment unit adjusts the threshold to a value smaller than the density difference for all the reexamination images in which the reexamination information is abnormal;
The printed matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1. The adjustment unit has a value that is greater than the density difference with respect to the reexamination image in which the reexamination information is normal and smaller than the density difference with respect to the reexamination image in which the reexamination information is abnormal. Adjusting to
The printed matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1. The storage unit stores the reexamination information in association with the date and time of the reexamination,
The analysis unit, for the same re-inspection image, to specify the re-inspection information having different inspection results depending on the date and time of re-inspection, as inappropriate re-inspection information;
The printed matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1. The storage unit stores the predetermined threshold value,
A selection receiving unit that receives a selection of a new inspection item different from the threshold value stored in the storage unit and an input of a threshold value setting;
Further comprising
The inspection unit compares the threshold setting of the new inspection item received by the selection receiving unit with reference to
The printed matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1. A test step for comparing the density of the print image and a value based on the density of the original image that is the basis of the print image with a predetermined threshold;
Based on the result of comparison in the inspection step, a re-inspection image selection step of selecting any of the print images as a re-inspection image to be re-inspected by an inspector;
An output control step for causing the output unit to output the reinspection image;
An input receiving step for receiving input of reinspection information indicating a result of reinspection by an inspector for the reinspection image;
Among the plurality of re-examination information and the plurality of re-examination information stored in the re-inspection information stored in the storage unit that associates and stores the identification information of the inspector who inputs the re-examination information. An analysis step for identifying the reexamination information inappropriate as an adjustment criterion;
A deletion step of deleting the inappropriate reexamination information identified in the analysis step from the storage unit;
An adjustment step of adjusting the threshold based on the reexamination information stored in the storage unit;
Including
In the inspection step, it is determined whether or not a density difference, which is a difference between the density of the printed image and the density of the document image, exceeds the threshold value. If the density difference is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined to be normal. When the density difference exceeds the threshold, it is determined as abnormal,
In the analysis step, the re-inspection information associated with the identification information of the inspector who has input re-inspection information that makes all the re-inspection images normal regardless of the density difference is changed to the inappropriate re-inspection information. Identifying as inspection information,
A printed matter inspection method characterized by the above. On the computer,
A test step for comparing the density of the print image and a value based on the density of the original image that is the basis of the print image with a predetermined threshold;
Based on the result of comparison in the inspection step, a re-inspection image selection step of selecting any of the print images as a re-inspection image to be re-inspected by an inspector;
An output control step for causing the output unit to output the reinspection image;
An input receiving step for receiving input of reinspection information indicating a result of reinspection by an inspector for the reinspection image;
Among the plurality of re-examination information and the plurality of re-examination information stored in the re-inspection information stored in the storage unit that associates and stores the identification information of the inspector who inputs the re-examination information. An analysis step for identifying the reexamination information inappropriate as an adjustment criterion;
A deletion step of deleting the inappropriate reexamination information identified in the analysis step from the storage unit;
An adjustment step of adjusting the threshold based on the reexamination information stored in the storage unit;
And execute
In the inspection step, it is determined whether or not a density difference, which is a difference between the density of the printed image and the density of the document image, exceeds the threshold value. If the density difference is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined to be normal. When the density difference exceeds the threshold, it is determined as abnormal,
In the analysis step, the re-inspection information associated with the identification information of the inspector who has input re-inspection information that makes all the re-inspection images normal regardless of the density difference is changed to the inappropriate re-inspection information. A program for identifying as inspection information.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 10.

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