WO2020031451A1

WO2020031451A1 - Print inspection device and printing device with print inspection function

Info

Publication number: WO2020031451A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/019449
Authority: WO
Inventors: 裕子栗原; 佐藤　隆; 宗明渡邊
Original assignee: 株式会社日立産機システム
Priority date: 2018-08-10
Filing date: 2019-05-16
Publication date: 2020-02-13
Also published as: JP7089593B2; JPWO2020031451A1

Abstract

This print inspection device inspects the print on an object which was printed by a printing device, and comprises: an input means for inputting, as an image, a print status of the object; an external connection means for delivering, by communication with the printing device, a printing information parameter related to printing; a storage means for storing the image; an image processing means for recognizing the image that has been inputted; and a control means for controlling the print inspection device and performing calculations. If the condition of the print printed on the object deviates from an allowable condition that has been set, the control means recalculates the printing information parameter, and sends the recalculated printing information parameter to the printing device. Due to this configuration, in the print inspection device, when the printing device is to print on a product the printing setting can be carried out simply and the writing start position and character width, which are horizontal direction parameters, can be set with regard to information for ideal printing on a product.

Description

Print inspection equipment and printing equipment with print inspection function

The present invention relates to a print inspection device and a printing device with a print inspection function, and more particularly to a print inspection device and a printing device suitable for adjusting printing information and performing feedback control of desired printing information to the printing device for the printing device. The present invention relates to a printing device with an inspection function.

In various manufacturing fields such as food and industrial products, the printing device prints the expiration date, manufacturing number, etc. on the product using a printing device such as an ink jet recording device or laser printer, and inspects the printing result with a printing inspection device. The technology is widely known. When the printing result is considered as an element of the customer's product, it is important to inspect the printing on the product because producing a product that deviates from the printing quality required by the customer deteriorates the product image. For this reason, usually, a print inspection device inspects a print result that deviates from the print quality required by the customer, such as a character to be printed on a product protruding from a print space to be printed.

However, in the inspection by the conventional print inspection apparatus, it is necessary to re-operate the printing apparatus and reset the parameters so as to obtain an optimum printing result each time. There was a situation in which the resetting work of the customer had an effect on the customer's manufacturing situation. One example of solving this problem is a feedback control technique for a printing device. For example, in Patent Document 1, a set value of a print character height is input to an ink jet recording apparatus, a print inspection apparatus reads a print character photographed by a camera, performs image processing, and determines the height of the photographed print character. There is disclosed an ink jet recording system capable of confirming a setting of a print character height and a change in the print character height during production by measuring.

JP, 2017-71077, A

インクジェット The ink jet recording system described in Patent Document 1 is to provide a technique that facilitates adjustment of a print character height to be printed on an object and notifies a change in the print character height. However, in Patent Literature 1, when associating the setting of the minimum and maximum print character height with the value of the print character actually printed, the number of times the character height is measured on a scale is 2 times. There is no consideration of simplifying the setting. Further, only the setting of the character height, which is a parameter in the vertical direction, is mentioned, and the printing parameters in the horizontal direction such as the writing position and the character width are not considered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a feedback control such that when a printing device prints on an object, the printing setting can be easily performed with respect to the ideal printing information on the object, and the horizontal printing parameter can be set. An object of the present invention is to provide a print inspection device.

The configuration of the print inspection apparatus of the present invention is preferably a print inspection apparatus for inspecting printing on an object by a printing device, and input means for inputting a printing state of the object as an image, and communication with the printing device. Having external connection means for transferring print information parameters related to printing, storage means for storing images, image processing means for recognizing the input image, and control means for controlling the print inspection device and performing calculations, The control means recalculates the print information parameters and transmits the recalculated print information parameters to the printing device when the print state printed on the object deviates from the set allowable state. It is like that.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, when printing apparatus prints on an object, it is possible to easily perform print setting for ideal print information on the object and perform feedback control such that horizontal print parameters can be set. A print inspection device can be provided.

FIG. 5 is a layout diagram of a case where a product flowing on a transport line is printed with a print content by an ink jet recording device and is inspected by a print inspection device. It is a block diagram of a printing inspection device. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating various cases of a printing result when a product flowing on a transport line is printed by an inkjet recording apparatus (part 1). It is the figure which showed the various cases of the printing result when the product which flows on the conveyance line is printed by the inkjet recording device (No. 2). 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting a reference parameter. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image capturing screen for performing image capturing, among the setting screens for feedback control. It is a figure showing an example of a test inspection screen which performs an image inspection among a setup screens of feedback control. It is a figure showing the example of the identification area setting screen which registers an identification area among the setting screens of feedback control. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an allowable range setting screen for registering an allowable range in a setting screen of feedback control. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication setting / acquisition screen for setting a target device of feedback control and processing contents in a setting screen of feedback control. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the print inspection apparatus implements feedback control.

An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the present embodiment, the case where the printing apparatus is an ink jet recording apparatus will be described. However, other printing apparatuses, for example, other types of printing apparatuses such as a laser printer, a thermal printer, and a dot impact printer may be used. .

First, with respect to a product flowing on a transport line using FIGS. 1 to 3, a print content is printed by an ink jet recording device and an inspection is performed by a print inspection device, and a configuration of the print inspection device and the ink jet recording device is described. explain.
The arrangement diagram shown in FIG. 1 is a manufacturing method in which a product 1 (product 1A to product 1D in FIG. 1) flowing on a transport line 2 is printed by an ink jet recording device 3 and inspected by a print inspection device 4. This is for a line.

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus of the production line includes an inkjet recording device 3 and a print inspection device 4. The printed contents are printed, and inspection is performed by the print inspection device 4. The print inspection device 4 is connected to a host device 100 such as a personal computer and the inkjet recording device 3. The encoder 16, the print sensor 21, and the print head 22 are connected to the inkjet recording apparatus 3. Further, an encoder 16, a camera 12, and an inspection object sensor 14 are connected to the print inspection device 4.

First, the configuration of the print inspection device 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the print inspection device 4 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 5, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 6, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 7, a display IF (InterFace) 8, a display 9, a panel It has an IF 10, a touch panel 11, an image processing unit 13, an inspection object detection unit 15, a line speed tracking unit 17, and an external communication control unit 19, which are connected by a bus line 20 for communicating data and signals.

The MPU 5 is a semiconductor device that controls the entire print inspection device 4 and gives instructions to each unit. The RAM 6 is a volatile semiconductor device that temporarily stores data in the print inspection device. The ROM 7 is a nonvolatile semiconductor device such as a flash memory that stores a print inspection program 72, a feedback control program 73, a product image 71, and the like in advance. The display 9 is a device that displays an inspection result, a product image 71, and the like via the display IF8. The touch panel 11 is an input / output device for setting inspection settings and the like via the panel IF 10. The image processing unit 13 processes an image captured by the camera 12. The inspection object detection unit 15 acquires a detection signal from the inspection object sensor 14 that detects the passage of the products 1A to 1D flowing on the transport line 2. The line speed follower 17 acquires a speed pulse from the encoder 16 that measures the operating speed of the transport line 2. The external communication control unit 19 connects to the inkjet recording device 3 and the host device 100 via the communication external path 18.

The print inspection program 72 stored in the ROM 7 is a program relating to print inspection, and the feedback control program 73 is a program for performing feedback control of the present embodiment.

Next, the configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the inkjet recording apparatus 3 includes an MPU 301, a RAM 308, a display IF 304, a display 305, a panel IF 306, a touch panel 307, a printing unit 303, an external communication control unit 302, a ROM 309, a sensor IF unit 310, and a line speed tracking. It has a unit 311 and these are connected by a bus line 300 for communicating data and signals.

The MPU 301 is a semiconductor device that controls the entire inkjet recording apparatus 3 and gives instructions to each unit. The RAM 308 is a volatile semiconductor device that temporarily stores data in the print inspection device. The ROM 309 is a non-volatile semiconductor device such as a flash memory that stores the inspection device IF program 3091 and the like in advance. The display 305 is a device that displays setting information, an error, and the like via the display IF 304. The touch panel 307 is an input / output device for setting print settings and the like via the panel IF 306. The external communication control unit 302 is connected to the print inspection device 4 and the like via the communication external path 18. The printing unit 330 performs a function of printing on a print target using ink. The printing unit 303 includes an ink circulation unit 3031 and a nozzle head unit 3032. The ink circulation unit 3031 circulates ink from several types of ink tanks and supplies the ink to the nozzle head unit 3032. The nozzle head unit 3032 charges the ink with the charging electrode, changes the ink with the deflection electrode, and ejects the ink from the print head 22 to the printing target. The sensor IF section 310 performs an interface process with the print sensor 21. The line speed follower 311 acquires a speed pulse from the encoder 16 that measures the operating speed of the transport line 2.

The RAM 308 stores a print information parameter pmpr. The print information parameter pmpr is a parameter of information regarding printing of the ink jet recording apparatus 3, and includes a write start position, a character width, a character height, a character space, a space between steps, and the like. The print information parameter pmpr is read from the print inspection device 4 and may be updated with information transmitted from the print inspection device 4 (details will be described later).

The inspection device IF program 3091 held in the ROM 309 is a program for performing input / output between the print inspection device 4 and the print information parameter pmpr, and receiving and displaying error information. The print information setting program 3092 is a program for setting print information according to the print information parameter pmpr.

In the above description, the print inspection device 4 and the ink jet recording device 3 are described as separate devices, but may be integrated into an ink jet recording device 3 having a print inspection function. In this case, the apparatus becomes compact, and the transfer of the print information parameters using an external communication line is not required.

Next, a description will be given of a flow in a case where the print content is printed by the inkjet recording device 3 and the inspection is performed by the print inspection device 4 in this production line.
First, when the product 1B passes in front of the print sensor 21, the ink jet recording apparatus 3 detects a signal flow 21S of the print sensor 21. Thereby, the ink jet recording apparatus 3 sends the ink to the print head 22 via the print head cable 22S, and the print head 22 prints out the product 1B by skipping the ink particles that have been internally granulated and charged. Do it.

(4) The product continues to flow on the transport line 2 and then passes before the inspection object sensor 14, and the print inspection device 4 detects the signal flow 14 S of the inspection object sensor 14 by the inspection object detection unit 15. Thereby, the print inspection device 4 causes the camera 12 to perform photographing of the product 1C. The photographed image of the product 1C reaches the image processing unit 13 as an image communication flow 12S, and the print inspection device 4 causes the display 9 to display the image via the display IF8. For this image, the MPU 5 performs print inspection using the inspection parameter pmchk stored in the RAM 6 and the print inspection program 72 stored in the ROM 7. The inspection parameter pmchk is set in advance from the touch panel 11 via the panel IF 10. The inspection result is displayed on the display 9 and the captured image of the product 1C is stored in the ROM 7. The details of the inspection parameter pmchk will be described later.

Here, the operating speed of the transport line 2 is notified to the inkjet recording device 3 and the print inspection device 4 by the encoder signal flows 16S1 and 16S2 from the encoder 16, so that the operating speed of the transport line 2 is suddenly changed. In this case, printing and inspection work without delay. When the ink jet recording device 3 and the print inspection device 4 are connected via the communication external path 18 during the above-described series of flows, the date, print content, character width, character height, and the like are mutually set according to the settings. Information can be transmitted and received.
The data fed back by the print inspection device 4 is transmitted to the host device 100 or the inkjet recording device 3. This processing will be described later in detail.

Next, in order to explain the print feedback control of the print inspection apparatus of the present embodiment, first, various examples of printing results when printing is performed by the inkjet recording apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating various cases of a printing result when a product flowing on a transport line is printed by an inkjet recording apparatus (part 1).
FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating various cases of a printing result when a product flowing on the transport line is printed by the inkjet recording apparatus (part 2).

Printing result example 23A is a case where printing was performed normally. On the other hand, the print result examples 23B to 23D are cases in which the state of the ink jet recording apparatus 3 or the transport line 2 has been changed for some reason or an abnormality has occurred, resulting in abnormal printing.

In the print result example 23B, the write start position is shifted due to the fact that the ink jet recording apparatus 3 was unable to cope with the change in the speed of the transport line 2 or the detection position of the product 1 was shifted, and thus the user wants to print. This is an example in which the frame has run out.

The print result example 23C shows that the ink jet recording device 3 could not cope with a sudden change in the speed of the transport line 2 and that the state of ink particles changed during printing. This is an example in which the width has become large and the frame to be printed has protruded.

Printing result example 23D is an example in which the character height has increased due to a change in the ink particle state during printing, and the frame to be printed has protruded.

Printing result example 23E is an example in which the space between characters becomes large at the time of printing, and the frame to be printed is protruded.

Printing result example 23F is an example in which the space between steps becomes large when printing is performed, and the frame to be printed is protruded.

In order to prevent the above-described examples of the print results 23B to 23F from occurring and maintain the normal state as in the print result example 23A, the writing position, character width, It is necessary to change the character height according to the printing condition.

Next, a process in which the print inspection apparatus of the present embodiment sets reference parameters and a user interface thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.
The print inspection device 4 sets a reference parameter pmbs when performing feedback control regarding printing. The reference parameter pmbs is a parameter that indicates whether or not the printing state of the ink jet recording apparatus 3 is optimal and indicates various information regarding printing, such as a writing position and a character width for performing feedback control regarding printing.

First, the print inspection device 4 captures an image of a print result printed on the product 1 by the inkjet recording device 3 as an inspection image, and performs character recognition of the image (S101).

Next, the image of the print result captured in S101 is inspected using the inspection parameter pmchk (S102). The inspection using the inspection parameter pmchk is a formal check such as whether the printing keyword is correct, whether the prefix of the serial number is correct, whether the arrangement information is correct, and whether the date of manufacture is correctly printed. Then, it is determined whether or not the inspection result of the whole image is “inspection OK” using various inspection parameters pmchk set in advance (S103). If the inspection result is not “OK” (S103: No), the image The various inspection parameters pmchk in the print inspection apparatus are changed and set until the overall inspection result becomes “inspection OK” (S104). In the print inspection apparatus, the inspection result of the entire image does not become "inspection OK" unless the inspection result of all inspection characters becomes "inspection OK". For this operation, it is assumed that the same operation as the basic operation procedure of the print inspection device is performed.

If the inspection result of the entire image is “Inspection OK” (S103: Yes), the print inspection device 4 determines one block (hereinafter, “Inspection”) composed of all the inspection characters from the cutout frame coordinates of the inspection characters. Character group)). In addition, the print inspection device 4 includes all the cutout frames of the inspection character, the length is the entire length of the inspection character group, the height is the entire height of the inspection character group, and the outer frame and one side of the image are The parallel rectangle is recorded as the "check character group area" (S105). That is, it is intended that all check characters are included in the check character group area.

Next, an area where the location of the inspection character group can be easily specified by coordinates, such as the print layout of the product exterior reflected in the image of the print result, is registered as an “identification area” (S106). After registering the identification area, the print inspection apparatus 4 calculates the interval between the identification area and the inspection character group area (S107). Thereafter, an allowable range when the check character group checked at the time of feedback control exceeds (or deviates from) the check character group area set in S105 is registered (S108). Further, a target device and processing contents of the feedback control performed when the value deviates from the allowable range are set (S109). Finally, the print inspection device 4 acquires print information parameters pmpr such as the writing start position, character width, and character height of the inkjet recording device 3 through communication (S110). The print information parameter pmpr acquired at this time is information when the print result inspected in S102 is printed. The obtained print information parameter pmpr, the input identification area, the allowable deviation range, the behavior at the time of feedback control, and the check character group area obtained by calculation, the interval between the identification area and the check character group area are represented by a reference parameter pmbs. Define and save (S111). Then, the print inspection device 4 uses these acquired reference parameters pmbs to monitor the print state of the ink jet recording device from the inspection result of the print inspection device.

Next, a user interface when the print inspection apparatus sets the reference parameters will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 shows an image capture screen 24A for feedback control displayed in the process of S101 for capturing an image of a print result. The image capturing screen 24A includes an image capturing frame 25, an inspection image 26, an image capturing option 27, selection buttons 27A to 27C, a setting execution button 28, and a return button 29.

When performing image capture, the user can freely select the state of the transport line 2 or a past image, such as a continuous capture button 27A, a sensor capture button 27B, and an image call button 27C, to capture an image. can do.

FIG. 7 shows a test / inspection screen 24B for feedback control displayed in the processing of S102 to S105 for capturing an image of a print result. The test inspection screen 24B is displayed when performing a procedure for calculating the entire length and total height of the inspection character group and the “inspection character group area” including these from the inspection character cutout frame coordinates of the image of the printing result. Screen.

In step S102, when the print inspection device 4 captures and inspects the image of the print result, the image of the inspection result is displayed on the test inspection screen 24B. The test inspection screen 24B includes an image capturing frame 25, an inspection image 26, an inspection character 30, an inspection result 31 of the entire image, a parameter change button 32 for transitioning to a setting screen, a setting execution button 28, and a return button 29. Unless the inspection result of all the inspection characters 30 becomes “Inspection OK”, the inspection result 31 of the entire image does not become “Inspection OK”.

Therefore, first, the user changes and sets various inspection parameters pmchk in the print inspection device 4 as shown in the process of S104 until the inspection result 31 of the entire image becomes “Inspection OK”. The operation after the setting is assumed to be the same as the operation procedure of a normal print inspection apparatus, and the contents of various inspection parameters pmchk and the setting procedure are the same as those in the related art.

When all the characters are “OK”, the print inspection device 4 determines the entire inspection character group from the cutout frame coordinates of the inspection character 30 displayed in the image capturing frame 25 as shown in the processing of S105. Calculate for length and overall height.

The specific calculation formula is as follows:
Length of inspection character group = (maximum value of cutout frame abscissa of rightmost character) − (minimum value of cutout frame abscissa of leftmost character) +1
Inspection character group height = (maximum value of cutout frame ordinate of lower end character)-(minimum value of cutout frame ordinate of upper end character) + 1
Becomes

This image unit can be freely set, such as pixels or mm, and does not specify a specific image unit.
In addition, using the entire length and overall height of the check character group, the vertical length is the overall length, the horizontal width is the overall height, and all the cutout frames of the check character 30 are included. A rectangle whose length and height are the entire height of the inspection character group and whose one side is parallel to the image capturing frame 25 is recorded as an inspection character group area. That is, it is intended that all check characters are included in the check character group area.

When the inspection character group is the inspection image 26A which is parallel to the image capturing frame 25A, the length 33A of the inspection character group, the height 34A of the inspection character group calculated using the above formula, and the inspection The character group area 35A is as shown in FIG. The check character group area 35A includes all check characters, and one side is parallel to the image capturing frame 25A and the cutout frame of the check character.

Also, when the inspection character group is the inspection image 26B which is oblique to the image capturing frame 25B, the inspection character group length 33B and the inspection character group height 34B, The check character group area 35B is as shown in FIG. The inspection character group area 35B includes all the inspection characters, and one side is parallel to the image capturing frame 25B, but is oblique to the cutout frame of the inspection character. Further, the size is larger than that of the inspection character group area 35A. As described above, the check character group area is set even if it is not parallel to the cutout frame of the check character.

As described above, the size of the inspection character group area changes depending on the rotation direction of the image inspected at the time of the image capture inspection in S102, but in FIG. 7, the purpose is to determine the inspection character group area. This is set regardless of whether the cutout frame is oblique.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the identification area setting screen 24C displayed in the processing of S106 to S107. Using the identification area setting screen 24C, an area in which the location of the inspection character group can be easily specified by coordinates, such as the print layout of the product exterior reflected on the image of the printing result, is registered as an “identification area”. Calculate the interval between the identification area and the check character group area.

The identification area setting screen 24C includes an image capturing frame 25, an inspection image 26, an identification area coordinate 36, an upper left coordinate display 37 of the identification area, a lower right coordinate display 38 of the identification area, an identification area display frame 39, a setting execution button 28, and a return. It comprises a button 29. The identification area coordinates 36 can be set by a numeric keypad 40A composed of numeric keys and +-keys or a numeric keypad 40B composed of arrows, and the numeric keypad 40A and the numeric keypad 40B can be switched by a specific button such as a Lock button. Shall be.

(4) When registering the identification area, the registration is performed by setting the four items of the identification area coordinates 36 (the four items of the vertical and horizontal coordinates of the identification area lower left and lower right) with the upper left coordinate of the inspection image 26 as the origin (0, 0). As a method of setting the coordinates, a method of directly touching and dragging the upper left coordinate display 37 or the lower right coordinate display 38, selecting an arbitrary item of the identification area coordinates 36, and selecting one of the displayed

numeric keys

40A and 40B. It is assumed that a method of inputting, moving, and setting coordinates is used. The identification area coordinates 36 thus set are shown in the identification area display frame 39.

When the identification area coordinates 36 are set, the print inspection apparatus 4 calculates the interval (horizontal direction 41, vertical direction 42) between the identification area display frame 39 and the inspection character group area 35 as shown in the processing of S107. The specific calculation formula is as follows:
Interval horizontal direction 41 = (upper left horizontal coordinate of inspection character group area 35) − (upper left horizontal coordinate of identification area display frame 39) +1
Interval vertical direction 42 = (upper left vertical coordinate of inspection character group area 35) − (upper left vertical coordinate of identification area display frame 39) +1
Becomes

This image unit can be freely set, such as pixels or mm, and does not specify a specific image unit.
Also, according to the calculation formula, a negative value can be set for the interval (the horizontal direction 41 and the vertical direction 42).

As an example, when the identification area display frame 39C is located at the upper left of the inspection character group area 35C in the image capturing frame 25C, the intervals (horizontal direction 41C, vertical direction 42C) are as shown in FIG. 8B. . Further, when the identification area display frame 39D is present above the inspection character group area 35C in the image capturing frame 25D, the intervals (horizontal direction 41D, vertical direction 42D) are as shown in FIG. 8C. . As shown in these figures, it is assumed that any arrangement of the identification area is acceptable as long as the location of the inspection character group can be easily specified by coordinates.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the allowable range setting screen 24D displayed in the process of S108. On the allowable range setting screen 24D, an allowable range when the inspection character group inspected during the feedback control exceeds (deviates from) the inspection character group area 35 set in S105 is registered. When registering the permissible range shown in the process of S108, the permissible range is set on the permissible range setting screen 24D on which the image of the print result is displayed. The difference between FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B is that the allowable range is set by a ratio or by coordinates.

The allowable range setting screen 24D includes an image capturing frame 25, an inspection image 26, a coordinate display 43 of the inspection character group area 35, an upper left coordinate display 44 of the inspection character group area 35, a lower right coordinate display 45 of the inspection character group area 35, A range setting value area 68A or allowable range setting value area 68B, an allowable range setting method option 47, an allowable range area 48, an allowable range set value illustrated image 49, a setting execution button 28, and a return button 29 are provided. Further, the allowable range setting value area 68A or the allowable range setting value area 68B can be set by using a numeric keypad 40A composed of numerals and +-keys or a numeric keypad 40B composed of arrows. It can be switched by a specific button such as.

As a setting method of the allowable range, a method of directly touching and dragging the allowable range area 48, a method of selecting an arbitrary item in the allowable range set value area 68A or the allowable range set value area 68B, and displaying the ten keys 40A, A method of inputting / moving coordinates using any one of the ten keys 40B and setting the coordinates is assumed. After setting the allowable range setting value area 68A or the allowable range setting value area 68B, the display position of the allowable range area 48 and the allowable range setting value illustrated image 49 is changed as needed in a manner that follows the setting. When setting the allowable range, first, an allowable range setting means is selected by the allowable range setting method option 47. The allowable range setting method options 47 include <ratio> <coordinate>.

When <Ratio> is selected in the allowable range setting method option 47, an allowable range setting value area 68A is displayed as in an allowable range setting screen 24D shown in FIG. 9A, and each set value is a check character group. When the position of the area 35 is 100%, the ratio can be set with four items (upward, downward, leftward, rightward). For example, when it is desired to widen the allowable range from the check character group area 35 in the upward direction, if the upper limit is set to 120%, the upper side of the allowable range is set 20% above the upper side of the check character group area 35 as 100%. You.

When <coordinate> is selected in the allowable range setting method option 47, an allowable range setting value area 68B is displayed as in an allowable range setting screen 24D shown in FIG. With the upper left coordinate of as the origin (0, 0), four items of the allowable range area 48 (four lower left and lower right vertical and horizontal coordinates) can be set. For example, when it is desired to widen the allowable range upward from the inspection character group area 35, if the upper left Y coordinate is set to the upper coordinate, the upper side of the allowable range is set based on the set coordinates.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a communication setting / acquisition screen 24F for setting the processing from S109 to F111. The communication setting / acquisition screen 24F is an example of a screen for setting a target device and processing content of the feedback control, and acquiring print information parameters pmpr such as a writing position, a character width, and a character height of the inkjet recording device 3 by communication. .

The communication setting / acquisition screen 24F shown in FIG. 10A is a screen when the <IJP> option 51A is selected in the feedback target setting item 50, and includes the feedback target setting item 50 and the NG processing setting item 52. , A setting value display area 54 of the ink jet recording apparatus, a setting execution button 28, and a return button 29.

As the processing setting item 52 for NG, an option of an option 53A or an option 53B is prepared.
In the setting value display area 54 of the ink jet recording apparatus, the start position 56, character width 57, character height 58, character space 59, and space 60 between the columns of the ink jet recording apparatus 3 are communicated from the ink jet recording apparatus 3. The acquired print information parameter pmpr is displayed. The data capture button 55 is a button selected to acquire from the inkjet recording apparatus 3 by communication.

The communication setting screen 24F in FIG. 10B is a screen when the <higher-level device> option 51B is selected in the feedback target setting item 50, and includes the feedback target setting item 50, the NG processing setting item 52, and the setting. It comprises an execution button 28 and a return button 29.

As the process setting item 52 at the time of NG, only an option 53B is prepared.
On this screen, first, as shown in the process of S109, the target device of feedback control and the content of the process are set. First, the feedback control target device is selected from the feedback target setting items 50. When the <IJP> option 51A is selected, feedback control is performed on the inkjet recording apparatus 3, so that the set value display area 54 of the inkjet recording apparatus for acquiring and displaying the print information parameter pmpr of the inkjet recording apparatus 3 is displayed. Appears.

Here, as shown in the processing of S110, when the data capture button 55 is pressed, communication is performed between the print inspection device 4 and the inkjet recording device 3, and the writing position, which is the print information parameter pmpr of the inkjet recording device 3, is written. , Character width, character height, character space, and space between columns can be obtained, and are displayed at the writing position 56, character width 57, character height 58, character space 59, and space 60, respectively. . The value of the acquired print information parameter pmpr is displayed and updated in the set value display area 54 each time it is acquired. When performing this communication, the print information parameter pmpr of the ink jet recording apparatus 3 is kept under the conditions for printing the image of the print result captured in FIG. On the other hand, if the <higher-level device> option 51B is selected, feedback control is performed on the higher-level device 100, so that the setting value display of the inkjet recording apparatus that acquires and displays the print information parameter pmpr of the inkjet recording apparatus 3 Area 54 does not appear. The feedback control for the host device 100 is a process of only displaying an error on the host device 100 as described later.

印字 Further, the print position is not preferable, and the processing content of the feedback control when the print inspection apparatus 4 performs the feedback control on the feedback target is set in the processing setting item 52 for NG. <Communication> When the option 53A is selected, if the inspection result deviates from the reference parameter pmbs, the feedback control is recalculated from the reference parameter pmbs and corrected so that the print result will be in the optimum state next time. Feedback control for performing communication by outputting new values of the writing position, character width, character height, character space, and space between columns is performed. This is supposed to be selected especially when feedback control is performed on the inkjet recording apparatus 3. In response to this, the inkjet recording apparatus 3 corrects the value of the print information parameter ppmr. On the other hand, when the <error display> option 53B is selected, if the inspection result deviates from the reference parameter pmbs set in the image of the print result, feedback control is not performed, and the inspection Control to display an error. This is assumed to be selected when performing feedback control on either the inkjet recording apparatus 3 or the host device 100.

When all the above settings are completed and the setting execution button 28 is pressed, as shown in the processing of S111, each parameter set and calculated in the processing of S105 to S108 is defined as a reference parameter pmbs, and the print inspection device 4 To save. Thus, the reference parameter pmbs is set, and preparation for performing feedback control according to the set parameter is completed.

Next, a process in which the print inspection apparatus implements feedback control will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the print inspection apparatus implements feedback control.
First, the print inspection device 4 executes a print inspection process on the product 1 (S201).
Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the print inspection processing is OK (S202). If at least one of the inspection characters 30 (FIG. 7) is also a print inspection NG (S202: No), the entire image is checked. The inspection result 31 is displayed as "inspection NG" (S203), and the process is terminated. If the inspection result of all the inspection characters 30 is OK (S202: Yes), the printing inspection apparatus 4 calculates the inspection character group area α for the current inspection result (S204). Thereafter, the identification area shown in FIG. 8 is searched (S205), and the position and the interval between the identification area display frame 39 and the inspection character group area 35 (horizontal direction 41, vertical direction 42) are used as a reference parameter pmbs. Based on the inspection character group area β to be originally arranged in the inspection image of the product 1 based on the inspection character group area β and the allowable range setting value area 68A or the allowable range setting value area 68B, The allowable range γ of the inspection character group area β is calculated (S205).

Next, the print inspection device 4 performs an area comparison between the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ (S206), and if the inspection character group area α does not protrude from the allowable range γ (is within the range) (S206). S206: No) Since the inspection result of the product 1 does not require feedback control, the inspection result 31 of the entire image is displayed as "Inspection OK" (S207), and the process is terminated. If it is outside the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ (outside the range) (S206: Yes), the inspection result of the product 1 needs feedback control. When the user arrives at this route, the inspection result 31 of the entire image is changed to “Inspection OK”, but the inspection result 31 of the entire image is regarded as “Inspection OK”. Inspection NG "is displayed (S208).

Next, the print inspection device 4 checks the feedback target setting item 50 (S209), and when the option 51A is selected (S209: IJP), the print inspection device 4 In order to perform the feedback control, the process proceeds to S211. If the option 51B is selected (S209: higher-level device), the higher-level device only performs an error display, so the process proceeds to S210.

Next, the print inspection device 4 checks the processing setting item 52 for NG at the time of feedback control (S211). If the option 53A is selected (S211: communication), the print inspection device 4 communicates with the inkjet recording device 3. In order to perform the processing and perform the feedback control of the print parameter value, the processing after S212 is performed. When the option 53B is selected (S211: error display), the print inspection device 4 Alternatively, an error message is displayed on the host device 100 (S210), and the process ends.

When the print inspection device 4 performs feedback control on the print parameter 3d with respect to the inkjet recording device 3, any of the print information parameters pmpr (write start position, character width, character height) of the inkjet recording device 3 is determined by the processes of S212 to S223. , The space between characters, the space between columns) are to be changed by the feedback control.

The processing of S212 to S217 is a determination in the horizontal direction.
First, it is determined whether the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ protrude in the horizontal direction (S212). If the check character width is outside the horizontal direction (S212: Yes), it is determined whether or not the check character width of each check character 30 is different from the check character width of each character of the reference parameter pmbs (S213). If it is not different from the reference parameter pmbs (S213: the same as the “reference”), it is determined whether the check character horizontal direction interval of each check character 30 is different from the check character horizontal direction interval of each character of the reference parameter pmbs. Is determined (S214).

The inspection result character width of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 is laterally protruded from the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ (S212: Yes), and the inspection result character width of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 is within the reference parameter pmbs. If the width is different from the width (S213: different from “reference”), it is necessary to perform feedback control on the character width 57, so the print inspection apparatus 4 records “feedback target: character width” ( S215). The inspection result character width of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 is laterally protruded from the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ (S212: Yes), and the inspection result character width of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 is within the reference parameter pmbs. The width is the same as the width (S213: the same as the "reference"), and the width of the check character lateral direction of the check character 30 in the product 1 is different from the width of the check character 30 in the reference parameter pmbs. (S214: Difference from “reference”), it is necessary to perform feedback control on the inter-character space 59, and the print inspection apparatus 4 records “feedback target: inter-character space” in S216 ( S216). The inspection result character width of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 is laterally protruded from the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ (S212: Yes), and the inspection result character width of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 is within the reference parameter pmbs. The width is the same as the width (S213: the same as the “reference”), and the width of the check character 30 in the product 1 is the same as the width of the check character 30 in the reference parameter pmbs. (S214: Same as the “reference”), it is necessary to perform feedback control on the writing start position 56, so the print inspection device 4 records “feedback target: writing start position” (S217).

It is determined whether or not the check character group area α and the allowable range γ protrude in the horizontal direction (S212). If not protrude in the horizontal direction (S212: No), the process proceeds to S218.

S218 to F223 are determinations in the vertical direction.
First, it is determined whether or not the check character group area α and the allowable range γ protrude in the vertical direction (S218). If it protrudes in the vertical direction (S218: Yes), it is determined whether or not the check character height of each check character 30 differs from the check character height of each character of the reference parameter pmbs (S219). . If it is not different from the reference parameter pmbs (S219: same as “reference”), it is determined whether the check character vertical direction interval of each check character 30 is different from the check character vertical direction interval of each character of the reference parameter pmbs. A determination is made (S220).

The inspection result of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 protrudes in the vertical direction with respect to the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ (S218: Yes), and the inspection result of the inspection character 30 in the reference parameter pmbs is the character height. If the height is different from the character height (S219: different from the “reference”), it is necessary to perform feedback control on the character height 58. Therefore, the print inspection apparatus 4 determines in S221 that “feedback target: character height Is recorded (S221). The inspection result of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 protrudes in the vertical direction with respect to the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ (S218: Yes), and the inspection result of the inspection character 30 in the reference parameter pmbs is the character height. The height is the same as the character height (S219: the same as the “reference”), and the check character vertical direction interval of the check character 30 in the product 1 is different from the check character vertical direction interval of the check character 30 in the reference parameter pmbs. If the height is equal to the height (S220: different from the “reference”), it is necessary to perform feedback control on the inter-stage space 60, so the print inspection apparatus 4 records “feedback target: inter-stage space” in S222. (S222). The inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ protrude in the vertical direction (S218: Yes), and the inspection result character height of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 is lower than the inspection character 30 in the reference parameter pmbs. The height of the inspection character is the same as the inspection result character height (S219: the same as the “reference”), and the inspection character vertical spacing of the inspection character 30 in the product 1 is the inspection character vertical spacing of the inspection character 30 in the reference parameter pmbs. (S220: the same as the "reference"), it means that the product 1 has drifted when flowing on the transport line 2, which is determined to be a product transport deviation. (S223). This is outside the scope of feedback control.

判定 It is determined whether or not the check character group area α and the allowable range γ protrude in the vertical direction (S218). If not protrude in the vertical direction (S218: No), the process proceeds to S224.

In the above description, the print information parameter ppmr to be fed back is described in the case of two patterns in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. However, there may be a plurality of character direction patterns.

From the results determined in S212 to S223, the print inspection device 4 calculates a new value of the print information parameter ppmr so that the print result does not protrude from (exist within) the inspection character group area α and the allowable range γ. (S224).

Then, the print data is transmitted to the inkjet recording device 3, and the inkjet recording device 3 performs feedback control of updating the print information parameter ppmr stored therein based on the value (S225).

As described above, even when the print quality is deviated from the print quality required by the customer, the print information parameter pmpr held by the ink jet recording device 3 corrects the print inspection device 4, so that the print quality is improved. Can be kept constant. In addition, since the setting is simple, the operability is improved, and the parameters in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction can be set.

In the above embodiment, as an example, the operation has been described with respect to the procedure of the feedback control when the printing apparatus is an ink jet recording apparatus. However, other printing apparatuses such as a laser printer, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, etc. The same feedback control can be expected for a printing device of the type described above.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: product, 2: transport line, 3: inkjet recording device,
4 ... Print inspection device, 5 ... MPU (Micro Processing Unit),
6 RAM (Random Access Memory), 7 ROM (Read Only Memory),
8 display IF, 9 display, 10 panel IF, 11 touch panel,
12 camera, 13 image processor, 14 object sensor
15: inspection object detection unit, 16: encoder, 17: line speed tracking unit,
18: communication external path, 19: external communication control unit, 20: bus line, 21: print sensor, 22: print head,
23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E, 23F... Examples of printing results with an ink jet recording apparatus;
24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24F,... Feedback control setting screen,
25, 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D ... image capturing frame,
26, 26A, 26B: inspection image, 27: image capturing option,
30: inspection character, 31: inspection result of the whole image, 32: parameter change button,
33A, 33B: length of inspection character group, 34A, 34B: height of inspection character group,
35, 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D ... check character group area, 36 ... identification area coordinates,
39, 39C, 39D: identification area display frame, 40A, 40B: numeric keypad,
41C, 41D: the space between the identification area display frame and the check character group area in the horizontal direction;
42C, 42D: interval length between the identification area display frame and the inspection character group area;
43 ... Coordinate display of inspection character group area
68A, 68B: allowable range setting value area; 47: allowable range setting method options;
48: allowable range area, 49: allowable range set value image currently selected,
50: Feedback target setting item, 52: NG processing setting item,
54: setting value display area, 55: data import button,

Claims

A printing inspection device for inspecting printing on an object by a printing device,
Input means for inputting the printing state of the object as an image,
An external connection unit that communicates printing information parameters related to printing by communicating with the printing device,
Storage means for storing the image,
Image processing means for recognizing the input image;
Control means for controlling the print inspection device and performing calculations,
The control means recalculates the print information parameter when the state of printing printed on the object deviates from the set allowable state, and recalculates the recalculated print information parameter. A printing inspection device for transmitting to a printing device.
The storage unit holds a reference parameter related to print information,
2. The print inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether a print area of the print based on the reference parameter is in an identification area.
From the printing device, receiving the printing information parameters currently held by the printing device,
The control means adjusts a character width or a character height, a character space or a space between columns, and a writing position in the printing based on information on a printing area of printing based on the reference parameter and a printing information parameter received from the printing device. 3. The print inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print information parameter is recalculated.
A printing device with a print inspection function having a function of printing on an object and inspecting a printing state thereof,
Input means for inputting the printing state of the object as an image,
An external connection unit that communicates printing information parameters related to printing by communicating with the printing device,
Storage means for storing the image,
Image processing means for recognizing the input image;
Control means for controlling the print inspection device and performing calculations,
The printing device with a print inspection function, wherein the control unit recalculates the print information parameter when a state of printing printed on the object deviates from a set allowable state.
The storage unit holds a reference parameter related to print information,
The printing device with a print inspection function according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines whether a printing area of printing based on the reference parameter is in an identification area.
The control means adjusts a character width or a character height, a character space or a space between columns, and a writing position in the printing based on information on a printing area of printing based on the reference parameter and a printing information parameter received from the printing device. The printing device with a print inspection function according to claim 5, wherein the print information parameter is recalculated.