JP6464722B2 - Information processing apparatus, defect transmission method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a defect transmission method, and a program.

  In printing that requires high quality such as production printing, quality inspection for printed matter is required. For example, a printed material inspection system that inspects the quality of a printed material by comparing a master image generated from an original image from which the printed material is generated and an inspection image generated by electrically reading the printed material is known.

  For images that are determined to be defective by such a printed matter inspection system, it is often possible to identify the cause of the defect by having a specialist engineer check it. It is valid.

  However, since the printing contents printed by production printing are requested by the printing company from the customer, and the printing company is often obliged to maintain confidentiality, even a defective image is a third party. In many cases, it cannot be disclosed to engineers.

  For this reason, a method of disclosing a part of an image with a defect to an engineer and requesting specification of the cause of the defect is conceivable. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for transmitting a defect that satisfies a predetermined condition among a plurality of defects present in an image to a server.

  However, in the above-described prior art, if the defect is not concentrated in each divided area obtained by dividing the image, the image of the defective portion of the divided area is transmitted to the outside, and if the defect is concentrated, the divided area If it is not necessary to transmit images of all the defective portions, the defect is merely transmitted by replacing these defects with area position data in order to reduce the data transfer amount.

  In other words, the above-described prior art method does not transmit the defective image itself to the outside, but transmits a part of the defective image to the outside, but the purpose is to reduce the data transfer amount. Therefore, as a result, there is a possibility that contents that are not preferable to be disclosed to a third party are transmitted to the outside.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and prevents content that is not desirable to be disclosed to a third party from being transmitted to the outside even if a portion of a defective image is transmitted to the outside. An object of the present invention is to provide a possible information processing apparatus, defect transmission method, and program.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an inspection image acquisition unit that acquires an inspection image obtained by reading a printed material, and a plurality of defects present on the printed material. A defect area information acquisition unit that acquires defect area information about an area where the defect is located on the inspection image, and the defect from the inspection image for each defect based on the plurality of defect area information. An extraction unit that extracts a defect region image of a region where the position is located, and a selection unit that selects one or more defect region images to be transmitted from among the plurality of defect region images that satisfy a disclosing condition When a transmission section for transmitting the defective area information of one or more defect area image and one or more defect area image of the transmission target of the transmission target to the external device, Motozukuma the generator of the original image of the printed matter Comprising a master image acquisition unit that acquires coater image, and the disclosable condition indicates that regions on said master image corresponding to the defect area image is disclosed region, the selection unit, the plurality One or more defect area images to be transmitted are selected from the defect area images in which the corresponding area on the master image is the disclosing area .

  According to the present invention, even if a part of an image having a defect is transmitted to the outside, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent content that is not preferable to be disclosed to a third party from being transmitted to the outside.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printed matter inspection system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printed matter inspection system of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of print job information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of inspection processing performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a quality inspection threshold according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a procedure in the previous stage of the quality inspection process in step S305 in the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of defect area information generated by the quality inspection according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the difference image of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a defect evaluation value calculation method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating examples of specific values of the defect region area, the defect determination area, and the defect evaluation value according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing steps subsequent to the quality inspection processing in step S305 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure flow of additional information generation processing in step S507 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of additional information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the classification / saving process in step S509 of the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of index information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of defect information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a selection / transmission process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second master image list display screen according to the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a non-disclosure area setting screen in the first master image of the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the selection process in step S803 of the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user confirmation screen according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an information setting screen that can be set by the user in the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus and the printed matter inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a defect transmission method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a server 5 (an example of an external device) and a printed matter inspection system 10.

  The server 5 and the printed matter inspection system 10 are connected via the network 2. The network 2 can be realized by, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The server 5 is a server used by an engineer who analyzes the cause of the defect on the image, and an image to be analyzed (specifically, a part of the image to be analyzed) is transmitted and accumulated from the printed matter inspection system 10. The engineer displays the image stored in the server 5 on a display device (not shown) such as a display of the server 5 and analyzes the cause of the defect on the image s.

  The printed matter inspection system 10 is a system that generates (prints) a printed matter and inspects the quality (such as the presence or absence of defects) of the generated printed matter.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the printed matter inspection system 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printed matter inspection system 10 includes a printing device 100, a printed matter inspection device 200 (an example of an information processing device), and a stacker 300.

  The printing apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 101, photosensitive drums 103Y, 103M, 103C, and 103K, a transfer belt 105, a secondary transfer roller 107, a paper feeding unit 109, a conveyance roller pair 111, and a fixing roller 113. , And an inversion path 115.

  The operation panel 101 is an operation display unit that performs various operation inputs to the printing apparatus 100 and displays various screens.

  Each of the photosensitive drums 103Y, 103M, 103C, and 103K forms a toner image by performing an image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process, transfer process, and cleaning process), and the formed toner image. Is transferred to the transfer belt 105. In this embodiment, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 103Y, a magenta toner image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 103M, a cyan toner image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 103C, and the photoreceptor drum 103K is formed. Although a black toner image is formed, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The transfer belt 105 conveys the toner image (full color toner image) transferred from the photosensitive drums 103Y, 103M, 103C, and 103K to the secondary transfer position of the secondary transfer roller 107. In this embodiment, a yellow toner image is first transferred to the transfer belt 105, and then a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image are sequentially superimposed and transferred. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is not to be done.

  The paper feeding unit 109 stores a plurality of recording papers, and feeds the recording papers.

  The transport roller pair 111 transports the recording paper fed by the paper feed unit 109 in the direction of arrow s on the transport path a.

  The secondary transfer roller 107 collectively transfers the full-color toner image conveyed by the transfer belt 105 onto the recording paper conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 111 at the secondary transfer position.

  The fixing roller 113 fixes the full color toner image on the recording paper by heating and pressing the recording paper on which the full color toner image is transferred.

  In the case of single-sided printing, the printing apparatus 100 discharges a printed matter, which is a recording sheet on which a full-color toner image is fixed, to the printed matter inspection apparatus 200. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing, the printing apparatus 100 sends the recording paper on which the full-color toner image is fixed to the reverse path 115.

  The reverse path 115 reverses the front and back surfaces of the recording paper by switching back the fed recording paper and conveys it in the direction of the arrow t. The recording paper conveyed by the reverse path 115 is re-conveyed by the conveying roller pair 111, the full-color toner image is transferred to the surface opposite to the previous one by the secondary transfer roller 107, fixed by the fixing roller 113, and printed. The paper is discharged to the printed product inspection apparatus 200.

  The printed matter inspection apparatus 200 includes reading units 207A and 207B. The reading unit 207A electronically reads one side of the printed material ejected (paper fed) from the printing apparatus 100, and the reading unit 207B reads the other surface of the printed material ejected (paper fed) from the printing apparatus 100. Read electronically. The reading units 207A and 207B can be realized by, for example, a line scanner. Then, the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 discharges the printed matter that has been read to the stacker 300.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the operation panel 101 also serves as an operation display unit of the printed matter inspection apparatus 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 includes an original operation panel. Also good.

  The stacker 300 includes a tray 301. The stacker 300 stacks the printed material discharged by the printed material inspection apparatus 200 on the tray 301.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the printed matter inspection system 10 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 100 includes a RIP (Raster Image Processor) unit 121, a print control unit 123, and a printing unit 125. The printed matter inspection apparatus 200 includes an acquisition unit 201, a master image generation unit 203, a buffer 205, a reading unit 207, an inspection unit 209, a priority setting unit 211, a selection unit 213, and a transmission unit 215. Prepare.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 100 and the printed material inspection apparatus 200 are connected by a local interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express). The connection form between the apparatus 100 and the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 is not limited to this, and may be connected through a network such as a LAN, for example.

  The RIP unit 121 receives print data from an external device such as a host device (not shown), and generates an original image that is a generation source of a printed material (based on printing) from the received print data. Specifically, the RIP unit 121 performs RIP processing on the print data and generates an RIP image (bitmap image) as an original image.

  In the present embodiment, the print data includes data described in a page description language (PDL) such as PostScript (registered trademark), image data in a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the original image is CMYK RIP image data, and each pixel of the RIP image data of C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow), and K (Black) is 1 bit at 600 dpi. It shall be, but is not limited to this.

  The print control unit 123 transmits the print job information specified from the data described in the page description language and the original image generated by the RIP unit 121 to the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 and transmits the original image to the print unit 125. To do.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of print job information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the print job information includes job identification information, page identification information, printing surface information, paper information, paper size, post-processor information, variable data area information, and the like. Note that the print job information exists for each original image (for each page).

  The job identification information is information for identifying a job output source, and indicates whether the job is an output job from an external apparatus (external job) or an output job from the printing apparatus 100 (internal job). The page identification information is an identification number of the original image, and is incremented (+1) for each page output since the power is turned on. The printed surface information indicates which image is the upper surface (front surface) or the lower surface (back surface) of the printed material when the printed material is conveyed to the printed material inspection apparatus 200. The paper information indicates the type of paper. The paper size indicates the size of the paper. The post-processing machine information indicates information necessary for an apparatus (a stacker 300 in the present embodiment) connected downstream of the printed material inspection apparatus 200. The variable data area information indicates the upper left coordinates and lower right coordinates of the variable area during variable printing (printing in which the contents of the variable area can be changed). The variable data area information is included in the number of variable areas.

  Further, the print control unit 123 uses the defect information transmitted (feedback) from the printed material inspection apparatus 200 to specify, for example, the discharge destination of the printed material that has not passed the quality inspection for the stacker 300 or the quality inspection. The printed material that does not pass is marked, or the printing unit 125 is instructed to perform replacement printing.

  The RIP unit 121 and the print control unit 123, for example, may be realized by software by causing a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, or may be realized by software, IC (Integrated Circuit), or ASIC (Application It may be realized by hardware such as (Specific Integrated Circuit) or may be realized by using software and hardware together.

  The printing unit 125 executes a printing process such as an image forming process, and generates a printed material by printing a print image based on the original image on a recording sheet. That is, the printing unit 125 generates a printed material based on the original image.

  In this embodiment, the printing unit 125 is realized by the photosensitive drums 103Y, 103M, 103C, and 103K, the transfer belt 105, the secondary transfer roller 107, the fixing roller 113, and the like, but is not limited thereto. . As described above, in this embodiment, an image is printed by an electrophotographic method, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an image may be printed by an inkjet method.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the printing apparatus 100 includes the RIP unit 121 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a device independent of the printing apparatus 100 such as a DFE (Digital Front End) may include the RIP unit 121. Also good. In this case, the RIP unit 121 may transmit the print job information and the original image to the printed matter inspection apparatus 200.

  The acquisition unit 201 acquires the original image of the printed matter generated by the printing unit 125 and the information of the print job. Specifically, the acquisition unit 201 acquires C, M, Y, and K RIP images from the printing apparatus 100 (print control unit 123). Note that the acquisition unit 201 transmits information necessary for the stacker 300 (for example, post-processing machine information in FIG. 4) of the acquired print job information to the stacker 300.

  The master image generation unit 203 generates a first master image and a second master image having a resolution lower than that of the first master image based on the original image acquired by the acquisition unit 201.

  Specifically, the master image generation unit 203 performs multi-value conversion processing, smoothing processing, resolution conversion processing, and color conversion processing on each of the C, M, Y, and K RIP images acquired by the acquisition unit 201. The first master image and the second master image of the page are generated.

  In the present embodiment, the first master image and the second master image are RGB image data, the first master image is an 8-bit 200 dpi pixel for each of the R, G, and B image data, In the master image, each pixel of R, G, and B image data is 8 bits and 25 dpi, but is not limited thereto.

  The acquisition unit 201 and the master image generation unit 203 may be realized by causing a processing device such as a CPU to execute a program, that is, by software, or by hardware such as an IC or an ASIC. However, software and hardware may be used in combination.

  The buffer 205 stores the first master image and the second master image generated by the master image generation unit 203 and the print job information acquired by the acquisition unit 201. Note that the first master image and the second master image generated from the same original image and the print job information of the original image are stored in the buffer 205 in association with each other. The buffer 205 can be realized by, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

  The reading unit 207 reads the printed matter generated by the printing unit 125 and generates an inspection image.

  Specifically, the reading unit 207 electronically reads the print image from the page of the printed matter on which the print image based on the original image is printed, and generates an inspection image of the page. The reading unit 207 associates the generated inspection image and the print job information of the original image of the printed material that is the generation source of the inspection image with the inspection image generated and the print job information acquired by the acquisition unit 201 in association with the inspection unit 209. Output. In the present embodiment, the reading unit 207 is realized by the reading units 207A and 207B.

  In the present embodiment, the inspection image is RGB image data, and each pixel of the R, G, and B image data has an 8-bit 200 dpi, but is not limited thereto.

  The inspection unit 209 compares the inspection image generated by the reading unit 207 with the first master image generated by the master image generation unit 203, and inspects the quality of the printed matter generated by the printing apparatus 100. The inspection unit 209 includes an inspection image acquisition unit 209A, a master image acquisition unit 209B, a defect area information acquisition unit 209C, and an extraction unit 209D.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of inspection processing performed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.

  First, the inspection image acquisition unit 209A acquires an inspection image or the like from the reading unit 207 (step S301), and the master image acquisition unit 209B uses the print job information (for example, page identification information) to correspond to the first master. An image or the like is acquired from the buffer 205 (step S302).

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 performs alignment between the received inspection image and the acquired first master image (step S303).

  Subsequently, the inspecting unit 209 compares the inspected inspection image and the first master image in units of pixels, calculates a difference value of pixel values of each RGB color 8 bits for each pixel, and the inspection image and the first master image Is generated (step S304).

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 inspects the quality of the printed material generated by the printing apparatus 100 using the generated difference image and the threshold value for quality inspection (step S305), and the quality inspection result of the printed material is displayed on the printing apparatus. 100 is transmitted (feedback).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a quality inspection threshold according to the present embodiment. The threshold includes a page defect determination threshold for performing defect determination as a page, and an area threshold, a density difference threshold, and a defect determination coefficient for each defect type. The quality inspection threshold value can be set (changed) from the operation panel 101 or the host device.

  The density difference threshold is a threshold for each pixel of the difference image, and a pixel exceeding this threshold is determined as an abnormal pixel. When there are a plurality of abnormal pixels within a certain range, they are treated as one abnormal pixel group.

  The area threshold is a threshold for the number of pixels determined to be abnormal for one abnormal pixel group. When the abnormal pixel determined for one image exceeds this area threshold, It is determined as a defective part.

  The defect determination coefficient is a coefficient used for calculation of the defect determination value, and is multiplied by the total value of the absolute value of the difference between the value of each pixel determined to be a defect and the threshold value.

  The page defect determination threshold is a threshold for the defect determination value, and a page (printed material) exceeding this threshold is determined to have a defect.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a procedure in the previous stage of the quality inspection process in step S305 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the inspection unit 209 performs a point threshold difference determination on the generated difference image (step S402), and performs a point defect area threshold determination on the point defect difference threshold determination result. (Step S403).

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 performs linear defect difference threshold determination on the generated difference image (step S404), and performs linear defect area threshold determination on the linear defect difference threshold determination result. This is performed (step S405).

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 performs a planar defect difference threshold determination on the generated difference image (step S406), and performs the planar defect area threshold determination on the planar defect difference threshold determination result. This is performed (step S407).

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 obtains a defect determination value by multiplying the total value of the area threshold determination result of the point defect, the area threshold determination result of the linear defect, and the area threshold determination result of the planar defect by the defect determination coefficient. The page defect determination is performed in comparison with the page defect determination threshold (step S408).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of defect area information generated by the quality inspection according to the present embodiment. The defect area information is information regarding an area where the defect is located on the inspection image for each of the plurality of defects existing on the printed matter, and is generated for each of the plurality of defects. The defect area information includes a defect occurrence position, a defect area area, a defect determination area (an example of a defect area actual area), a defect evaluation value, and a defect aspect ratio for each detected defect.

  9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of the defect region area, the defect determination area, and the defect evaluation value according to the present embodiment, FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the difference image, and FIG. 10 illustrates the defect evaluation value. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a calculation method, and FIG. 11 illustrates an example of specific values of a defect area area, a defect determination area, and a defect evaluation value.

  In FIG. 9, hatched pixels indicate pixels where defects have occurred, that is, pixels whose pixel values exceed the density difference threshold, and the total area (total number) of the hatched pixels is the defect determination area. (See FIG. 11). The evaluation value of the hatched pixel becomes the defect evaluation value. Specifically, the total value of the difference between the pixel value of the hatched pixel and the defect determination threshold (specifically, the density difference threshold) is the defect evaluation. Value (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Further, in FIG. 9, the area of the rectangular region indicated by the thick line including the hatched pixels (specifically, the total area (total number of pixels) included in the rectangular region) is the defect region area (FIG. 11). reference).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing steps subsequent to the quality inspection processing in step S305 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

  First, the inspection unit 209 determines whether the job for which the quality inspection has been performed is an external job or an internal job based on the acquired print job information (job identification information) (step S502). In the case of an internal job (No in step S502), the process ends.

  On the other hand, in the case of an internal job (Yes in step S502), the defective area information acquisition unit 209C acquires all the defective area information generated by the process illustrated in FIG. 7 (step S503).

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 refers to all the acquired defect area information. As a result, if no defect is detected and there is no defect (No in step S504), the process ends.

  On the other hand, if any of all acquired defect area information has a defect (Yes in step S504), the inspection unit 209 confirms defect area information (defect area area) with a defect and is a defect to be collected. Whether or not (step S505). Whether or not it is a defect to be collected is an example of a disclosure possible condition to be described later. For example, the defect to be collected includes a defect whose defect area size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit size.

  If it is not a defect to be collected (No in step S505), the subsequent steps S506 and S507 are not performed.

  On the other hand, if the defect is a defect to be collected (Yes in step S505), the extraction unit 209D extracts a defect area image of the area where the defect is located from the inspection image based on the information regarding the defect in the defect area information ( Step S506). Specifically, the extraction unit 209D enlarges the region on the inspection image specified by the defect region area of the defect in the defect region information by a preset size, and extracts the enlarged region as a defect region image. .

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 generates additional information of the extracted defect area image (Step S507).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of additional information generation processing in step S507 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of additional information according to the present embodiment. The additional information includes defect area type information and defect area image information.

  First, the inspection unit 209 determines whether a variable area is included from information (variable data area information) of an acquired print job (step S601).

  If the variable area is included (Yes in step S601), the inspection unit 209 determines whether the area of the first master image corresponding to the defect area image extracted in step S506 overlaps the variable area (step S602). ), And the determination result is used as defect area type information.

  On the other hand, if the variable area is not included (No in step S601), the process of step S602 is not performed.

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 extracts a master area image that is an area of the first master image corresponding to the defect area image (step S603).

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 generates defect area image information indicating variations in pixel values of the master area image (step S604). Specifically, the inspection unit 209 calculates the standard deviation of the pixel value of the master area image and sets it as defective area image information. The standard deviation is a small value when the master area image is a uniform area, and a large value when the fluctuation of the pixel value including characters and the like is large.

  Returning to FIG. 12, the inspection unit 209 repeats the processes in steps S505 to S507 until all defect area information with defects is processed (No in step S508). That is, the extraction unit 209D extracts, for each defect, a defect region image of a region where the defect is located based on the plurality of defect region information, and the inspection unit 209 performs the extraction for each defect region image extracted. , Generate additional information.

  Subsequently, when the inspection unit 209 has processed all defect area information with a defect (Yes in step S508), the inspection unit 209 performs defect classification and storage processing (step S509).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the classification / saving process in step S509 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, using the second master image of the first master image corresponding to the defect area image extracted in step S506, the inspection unit 209 searches for similar second master images with respect to the defect information classified and stored. (Step S701). The defect information classified and stored will be described later. A known technique may be used as an algorithm for determining a similar image. For example, in two images, the image size is enlarged or reduced so as to match, a difference value is calculated for each pixel, and if the average value of the difference values is less than or equal to a threshold value, an algorithm that determines similarity is cited. .

  When there is no similar second master image (Yes in step S702), the inspection unit 209 newly issues a master ID that is the ID of the first master image of the second master image used for the search, and Index information is generated (step S703).

  On the other hand, when there is a similar second master image (No in step S702), the inspection unit 209 specifies the issued master ID of the first master image of the searched second master image, and the index of the master ID. Information is acquired from the classified and stored defect information (step S704).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of index information according to the present embodiment, and includes a master ID, a second master image, and defect detection information. The defect detection information indicates the number of defects detected from the detected image compared with the first master image indicated by the master ID.

  Subsequently, the inspection unit 209 generates defect information by associating the index information with the defect area information and additional information of the defect area image for each defect area image, and stores the defect information in a storage unit (not illustrated) (step S705). ). Thereby, defect information is produced | generated for every defect area | region image, and is classified and preserve | saved according to master ID.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of defect information of the present embodiment, in which a master ID, a page ID, a defect detection ID, defect area information, additional information, and a defect area image are associated with each other. The index information is not shown. The page ID is page identification information of print job information, and the defect detection ID is an identifier for identifying a defect in a page (in an inspection image). Although the description of the defect area information is omitted, since the defect detection ID is also generated when the defect area information is generated, the defect detection ID of the defect information may be used.

  The priority setting unit 211 sets a priority for each of the plurality of defect area images based on at least one of the plurality of defect area information and the plurality of defect area images.

  For example, the priority setting unit 211 uses each of a plurality of defect region images by using at least one of a plurality of defect region areas, a plurality of defect determination areas, and a plurality of defect evaluation values included in the plurality of defect region information. Set the priority. In this case, when the defect area area is used, the priority is higher as the value of the defect area is larger. When the defect determination area is used, the priority is higher as the value of the defect determination area is larger. The higher the value, the higher the value.

  For example, the priority setting unit 211 sets the priority for the defect area image included in the defect information using the defect evaluation value included in the defect information for each defect information.

  Further, for example, the priority setting unit 211 sets a priority for each of the plurality of defect area images using the defect area image information for each defect area image. In this case, the priority becomes higher as the value of the defect area image information is smaller.

  For example, for each defect information, the priority setting unit 211 uses the defect area image information included in the defect information to set a priority for the defect area image included in the defect information.

  The priority of the defect area image is also the priority of defect information including the defect area image.

  The selection unit 213 selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from among the defect area images satisfying the disclosure possible condition among the plurality of defect area images.

  Specifically, the selection unit 213 selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted based on the priority from the defect area images satisfying the disclosure possible condition among the plurality of defect area images. For example, the selection unit 213 selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from the defect area images satisfying the disclosure possible condition among the plurality of defect area images in descending order of priority.

  For example, the disclosing condition is that the master area image of the defect area image is the disclosing area. In this case, the selection unit 213 selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from among the defect area images in which the master area image is an openable area among the plurality of defect area images.

  Further, for example, the disclosure possible condition is that, in variable printing in which variable information that is variable for each page, such as personal information, is printed in a prepared format, the master area image of the defective area image does not include the variable information printing area. For example, it is a non-variable area that is an area of the prepared format, that is, it indicates that the defect area type information included in the defect information does not overlap the variable area. In this case, the selection unit 213 selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from the defect area images whose master area image is a non-variable area among the plurality of defect area images.

  Further, for example, the disclosing condition is that there is no defect area image to be transmitted within a predetermined range of the defect area image. In this case, the selection unit 213 selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from defect area images having no defect area image to be transmitted within a predetermined range among a plurality of defect area images.

  Further, for example, the disclosing condition is that the number of one or more defect area images to be transmitted is equal to or less than the upper limit number. In this case, the selection unit 213 selects a defect area image equal to or less than the upper limit number among the plurality of defect area images as one or more defect area images to be transmitted.

  In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 12, if the defect is not a collection target defect, a defect area image is not generated. For this reason, selecting one or more defect area images to be transmitted from a plurality of defect area images is transmitted from the defect area images having a defect area area equal to or smaller than the upper limit size among the plurality of defect area images. This corresponds to selecting one or more defect area images of interest.

  The transmission unit 215 transmits one or more defect area images to be transmitted and defect area information of the one or more defect area images to be transmitted to the server 5. The transmission unit 215 may further transmit the defect area image information of one or more defect area images to be transmitted to the server 5.

  In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 215 transmits defect information including each of one or more defect area images to be transmitted to the server 5.

  The inspection unit 209, the priority setting unit 211, the selection unit 213, and the transmission unit 215 may be realized by causing a processing device such as a CPU to execute a program, that is, software, IC, ASIC, or the like. It may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by using software and hardware together.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a selection / transmission process according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 18 is executed at a preset timing such as once per day or once a week for each job.

  First, the selection part 213 makes a user perform a disclosure possible area | region setting process, when implementing a disclosure possible area | region setting (it is Yes at step S801) (step S802).

  Since the disclosure possible area setting process is performed in units of the first master image, first, as shown in FIG. 19, the second master image is displayed as a list, and the second master image of the first master image for setting the disclosure possible area is displayed. Let them choose. When the second master image is selected, as shown in FIG. 20, the first master image of the second master image is displayed, and a non-disclosure area is set in the first master image. In the example shown in FIG. 20, a rectangular area indicated by a dotted line is set as a non-disclosure area. As a result, an area that is not set as a non-disclosure area in the first master image becomes a disclosure possible area, and an area set as a non-disclosure area in the first master image becomes a non-disclosure area.

  Note that when the disclosure possible area setting is not performed (No in step S801), the process of step S802 is not performed.

  Subsequently, the selection unit 213 performs a selection process of selecting one or more defect area images to be transmitted from the plurality of defect area images in descending order of priority (step S803).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the selection process in step S803 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the selection unit 213 sorts a plurality of defect area images (defect information) in descending order of priority (step S901).

  Subsequently, when there is a master area image of the area set as the non-disclosure area (Yes in step S902), the selection unit 213 determines the master area including the non-disclosure area from the plurality of sorted defect area images (defect information). The defect area image (defect information) of the image is excluded (step S903). If there is no master area image of the area set as the non-disclosure area (No in step S902), the process in step S903 is not performed.

  Subsequently, when the transmission prohibition of the variable area is set (Yes in step S904), the selection unit 213 has the defect area type information overlapped with the variable area from the plurality of sorted defect area images (defect information). The defect area image (defect information) indicating this is excluded (step S905). If variable area transmission prohibition is not set (No in step S904), the process in step S905 is not performed.

  Subsequently, when the prohibition of transmission of the proximity image is set (Yes in step S906), the selection unit 213 selects a defect area image with higher priority (defect information) from the plurality of sorted defect area images (defect information). ) Is excluded from a defect area image (defect information) existing within a predetermined range (step S907). Here, whether or not the defect area image having a higher priority is within a predetermined range is determined by whether or not the distance between the defect occurrence positions of both defect area images is within the predetermined range. it can. If the prohibition of transmission of the proximity image is not set (No in step S906), the process of step S907 is not performed.

  Then, the selection unit 213 selects the upper limit number of defect area images (defect information) in descending order of priority from the defect area images (defect information) that are sorted in descending order of priority and remain without being excluded. Then, one or more defect area images to be transmitted are selected.

  Returning to FIG. 18, when performing the pre-transmission confirmation (Yes in step S804), the selection unit 213 performs a user confirmation process (step S805). When confirmation before transmission is not performed (No in step S804), user confirmation processing is not performed.

  In the user confirmation process, as shown in FIG. 22, one or more selected defect area images to be transmitted are displayed, and the user is confirmed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the selected defective area image to be transmitted from being transmitted or to transmit a defective area image instead.

  Subsequently, the transmission unit 215 transmits defect information including each of one or more defect area images to be transmitted to the server 5 (step S806).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an information setting screen that can be set by the user in the present embodiment. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the image size to be collected, the number of images to be transmitted in the same image, the priority order of the collection target, the variable area, the disclosure possible area setting, the transmission prohibition of the proximity image, the server transmission timing, and the transmission image Confirmation can be set.

  In the image size to be collected, an upper limit size of the defect area area for determining whether or not the defect is a defect to be collected can be set. With the number of images transmitted as the same image, the upper limit number of defect area images (defect information) that can be transmitted from one inspection image can be set. In the priority order of collection targets, it is possible to set which of the defect area area, the defect determination area, the defect evaluation value, and the defect area image information is used as the priority. The variable area can set whether or not to exclude the defect area image (defect information) from the selection target when the master area image of the defect area image overlaps the variable area. The disclosure possible area setting can set whether or not to perform the disclosure possible area setting. Prohibition of transmission of proximity image sets a predetermined range for determining whether or not to exclude a defect area image (defect information) from the selection target when there is a proximity image and whether or not there is a proximity image it can. The server transmission timing can set the transmission timing of the defect area image (defect information). For confirmation of the transmission image, it is possible to set whether or not to perform user confirmation before transmission of the defect area image (defect information).

  According to the present embodiment, one or more defect area images to be transmitted are selected from the defect area images satisfying the disclosure possible condition among the plurality of defect area images, and transmitted to the server. Even if a part of the information is transmitted to the outside, it is possible to prevent content that is not desirable to be disclosed to a third party from being transmitted to the outside.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, one or more defect area images to be transmitted are selected in descending order of priority in analyzing the defect, so that the efficiency of the analysis work is prevented from being reduced, and the downtime of the printed matter inspection system is reduced. Can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the printed matter inspection apparatus selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted and transmits them to the server. Any device can be used as long as it can acquire information necessary for selecting one or more defect area images to be transmitted and transmitting them to the server and can communicate with the server.

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 100 and the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the printing apparatus 100 and the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 have a configuration in which a controller 910 and an engine unit (Engine) 960 are connected by a PCI bus. The controller 910 is a controller that controls the entire control of the printing apparatus 100 or the printed matter inspection apparatus 200, drawing, communication, and input from the operation display unit 920. The engine unit 960 is an engine that can be connected to a PCI bus. In the case of the printing apparatus 100, for example, a printer engine such as a black and white plotter, a one-drum color plotter, or a four-drum color plotter. A scanner engine such as a scanner. The engine unit 960 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to the engine part.

  The controller 910 includes a CPU 911, a north bridge (NB) 913, a system memory (MEM-P) 912, a south bridge (SB) 914, a local memory (MEM-C) 917, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 916 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 918, and the North Bridge (NB) 913 and the ASIC 916 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 915. The MEM-P 912 further includes a ROM 912a and a RAM 912b.

  The CPU 911 performs overall control of the printing apparatus 100 or the printed matter inspection apparatus 200, has a chip set including the NB 913, the MEM-P 912, and the SB 914, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 913 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 911 to the MEM-P 912, SB 914, and the AGP bus 915, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 912, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 912 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing printers, and the like, and includes a ROM 912a and a RAM 912b. The ROM 912a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM 912b is a writable and readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like.

  The SB 914 is a bridge for connecting the NB 913 to a PCI device and a peripheral device. The SB 914 is connected to the NB 913 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 916 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 915, the PCI bus, the HDD 918, and the MEM-C 917, respectively. The ASIC 916 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 916, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 917, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform image data rotation by hardware logic and the like. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 960 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 916 is connected to a USB 940 and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface (I / F) 950 via a PCI bus. The operation display unit 920 is directly connected to the ASIC 916.

  The MEM-C 917 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer, and the HDD 918 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

  The AGP bus 915 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP bus 915 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 912 with high throughput. It is.

  Note that the program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 of the above-described embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 according to the above embodiment is an installable format or executable format file, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. The information may be provided by being recorded on a storage medium that can be read by the user.

  Furthermore, the program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 according to the above-described embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 according to the above embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the printed matter inspection apparatus 200 according to the embodiment has a module configuration for realizing the above-described units on a computer. As actual hardware, the CPU 911 reads out a program from the ROM 912a onto the RAM 912b and executes it, whereby the above-described units are realized on a computer.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 System 2 Network 5 Server 10 Printed matter inspection system 100 Printing apparatus 101 Operation panel 103Y, 103M, 103C, 103K Photosensitive drum 105 Transfer belt 107 Secondary transfer roller 109 Paper feed part 111 Conveying roller pair 113 Fixing roller 115 Reverse path 121 RIP Unit 123 print control unit 125 printing unit 200 printed matter inspection apparatus 201 acquisition unit 203 master image generation unit 205 buffer 207, 207A, 207B reading unit 209 inspection unit 209A inspection image acquisition unit 209B master image acquisition unit 209C defect area information acquisition unit 209D extraction Unit 211 priority setting unit 213 selection unit 215 transmission unit 300 stacker 301 tray 910 controller 911 CPU
912 System memory 912a ROM
912b RAM
913 North Bridge 914 South Bridge 915 AGP Bus 916 ASIC
917 Local memory 918 Hard disk drive 920 Operation display unit 940 USB
950 IEEE1394 interface 960 engine part

JP 2011-128030 A

Claims (13)

An inspection image acquisition unit for acquiring an inspection image obtained by reading a printed matter;
For each of a plurality of defects present on the printed matter, a defect area information acquisition unit that acquires defect area information regarding an area where the defect is located on the inspection image;
Based on the plurality of defect area information, for each defect, an extraction unit that extracts a defect area image of an area where the defect is located from the inspection image;
A selection unit that selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from defect area images satisfying the disclosure possible condition among the plurality of defect area images;
A transmission unit that transmits one or more defect area images to be transmitted and defect area information of the one or more defect area images to be transmitted to an external device;
A master image acquisition unit for acquiring a master image based on the original image of the generation source of the printed matter;
Equipped with a,
The disclosure possible condition indicates that an area on the master image corresponding to the defect area image is a disclosureable area,
The selection unit selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from among the defect area images whose corresponding areas on the master image are the disclosureable areas among the plurality of defect area images.
Information processing device. A master image acquisition unit that acquires a master image based on the original image of the printed material;
In the variable printing in which variable information that is variable for each page is printed in a format prepared in advance, an area on the master image corresponding to the defect area image includes a print area for the variable information. Indicates that it is a non-variable area that is not a pre-formatted area,
The selection unit selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from defect area images in which a corresponding area on the master image is the non-variable area among the plurality of defect area images. The information processing apparatus according to 1 . The disclosure possible condition indicates that there is no defect area image to be transmitted within a predetermined range of the defect area image,
The selection unit selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from defect area images having no defect area image to be transmitted within a predetermined range among the plurality of defect area images. The information processing apparatus according to 1 or 2 . The disclosure possible condition indicates that the number of one or more defect area images to be transmitted is equal to or less than an upper limit number,
The information according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the selection unit selects, as the one or more defect area images to be transmitted, the defect area images having the upper limit number or less among the plurality of defect area images. Processing equipment. A priority setting unit configured to set a priority for each of the plurality of defect area images based on at least one of the plurality of defect area information and the plurality of defect area images;
The said selection part selects one or more defect area images of the said transmission object based on the said priority from the defect area images which satisfy | fill the said disclosure possible condition among these defect area images. The information processing apparatus according to any one of to 4 . The defect area information includes a defect area area indicating an area of a rectangular area including one or more pixels in which the defect has occurred, a defect area actual area indicating an area of the one or more pixels, and the one or more pixels. Including at least one of defect evaluation values indicating evaluation values of
The priority setting unit uses the at least one of the plurality of defect area areas, the plurality of defect area actual areas, and the plurality of defect evaluation values included in the plurality of defect area information, to determine the plurality of defects. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein a priority is set for each area image. The defect evaluation value is a total value of a difference between a pixel value of each of the one or more pixels and a defect determination threshold value,
When using the defect area, the priority is higher as the value of the defect area is larger, and when using the defect area actual area, the priority is higher as the value of the defect area is larger. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein when the defect evaluation value is used, the value increases as the defect evaluation value increases. The disclosing condition indicates that the size of the defect region area is not more than an upper limit size,
The selection unit, from the defect region image of the defect area of the region below the upper limit size of the plurality of defective area images, according to claim 6 or 7 selects one or more defect area image of the transmitted Information processing device. A master image acquisition unit that acquires a master image based on the original image of the printed material;
For each of the plurality of defect area images, the priority setting unit uses, for each defect area image, defect area image information indicating variation in pixel values of an area on the master image corresponding to the defect area image. Set the priority,
And the transmission unit, the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6-8 for transmitting the defect area image information of one or more defect area image of the transmitted further to the external device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the priority is higher as the value of the defect area image information is smaller. The selection unit, from the defect region image that satisfies the disclosure enable condition among the plurality of defect area image, the higher the priority order, according to claim 8 for selecting one or more defect area image of the transmitted Or the information processing apparatus according to 10 . An inspection image acquisition step of acquiring an inspection image obtained by reading a printed matter;
For each of a plurality of defects present on the printed matter, a defect area information acquisition step for acquiring defect area information regarding an area where the defect is located on the inspection image;
Based on the plurality of defect area information, for each defect, an extraction step of extracting a defect area image of an area where the defect is located from the inspection image;
A selection step of selecting one or more defect area images to be transmitted from among the defect area images satisfying the disclosure possible condition among the plurality of defect area images;
A transmission step of transmitting one or more defect area images to be transmitted and defect area information of the one or more defect area images to be transmitted to an external device;
A master image acquisition step of acquiring a master image based on the original image from which the printed material is generated;
Only including,
The disclosure possible condition indicates that an area on the master image corresponding to the defect area image is a disclosureable area,
The selecting step selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from defect area images in which a corresponding area on the master image among the plurality of defect area images is the disclosing area.
Defect transmission method. An inspection image acquisition step of acquiring an inspection image obtained by reading a printed matter;
For each of a plurality of defects present on the printed matter, a defect area information acquisition step for acquiring defect area information regarding an area where the defect is located on the inspection image;
Based on the plurality of defect area information, for each defect, an extraction step of extracting a defect area image of an area where the defect is located from the inspection image;
A selection step of selecting one or more defect area images to be transmitted from among the defect area images satisfying the disclosure possible condition among the plurality of defect area images;
A transmission step of transmitting one or more defect area images to be transmitted and defect area information of the one or more defect area images to be transmitted to an external device;
A master image acquisition step of acquiring a master image based on the original image from which the printed material is generated;
A program for causing a computer to execute the,
The disclosure possible condition indicates that an area on the master image corresponding to the defect area image is a disclosureable area,
The selecting step selects one or more defect area images to be transmitted from defect area images in which a corresponding area on the master image among the plurality of defect area images is the disclosing area.
Program .