JP2018194460A - Inspection apparatus and inspection method - Google Patents

Abstract

An inspection based on a reference image captured on a printing press can be performed. By using an image captured on the printing press as well, the burden and time required for an inspection of a printed matter by an operator at the start of printing can be reduced. An inspection apparatus or the like that can be reduced is provided. A first inspection is performed based on a reference image that is a part of an image captured by a camera on a printing machine and an image captured by the camera at a predetermined timing, and the camera at least starts printing of the printing machine. The second inspection is executed based on the image picked up at any timing including and the plate making data. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus that inspects printed matter.

  Conventionally, quality inspection of printed matter has been performed by an inspection device. For example, as a method of inspecting a printed matter printed by an offset rotary printing press on a printing press (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “on-press”), a captured image obtained by picking up the printed matter that the operator has determined to have no problem on the press is used. As a reference image, for non-image areas, the reference image is compared with an inspection image obtained by picking up a printed material to be inspected on the machine to detect a background stain. For the image area, the reference image and the inspection image are detected. There is an inspection method for detecting a defect in density change by comparing the two.

  In such inspection, when all the printed materials printed at a high speed are inspected on the machine, there is a limit to the time that can be spent on the comparison processing between the reference image and the inspection image, and the comparison inspection between the reference image and the inspection image is performed at a low resolution (for example, 1mm square per pixel). However, there is a problem that a defect in details cannot be detected in the conventional comparative inspection of low-resolution images.

  In order to deal with such a problem, in Patent Document 1, in addition to performing 100% inspection using a low resolution image, a comparative inspection using a high resolution image is intermittently performed on a part of the printed matter. An inspection method is disclosed in which an additional inspection relating to a defect candidate detected by the comparative inspection is also performed by a 100% inspection using a low resolution image.

JP-A-2015-189216

  In the inspection method of Patent Document 1, the comparative inspection of the high resolution image is an intermittent inspection, and the total inspection is the inspection using the low resolution image as in the conventional case. Even if it is performed in the comparative inspection of low-resolution images, there is a problem that wasteful time and waste paper are generated until a defect is detected and printing is stopped. However, with respect to this problem, it has become possible to perform a comparative inspection between a reference image and an inspection image using a high-resolution image due to recent advances in image processing apparatuses.

  By the way, in the conventional inspection method, at the start of printing, the operator checks the color tone (whether the color is correct), the folding check (whether the folding is correctly folded), and the registration check (each color of CMYK is printed at the correct position). Then, the operator checks the stamp (printing plate) by inspecting it (checks whether the stamp is correct. For example, whether the letters are correct, and the stamp is not scratched or dusty. If there is no problem after checking, etc., 100% inspection by the actual printing and inspection apparatus is started. That is, in the conventional inspection method, a total inspection by the inspection device is started after the advance check by the operator. Here, it takes a considerable amount of time for the advance check by the operator, and in particular, it takes about several minutes for the check, and if a defect is found by the check, the printed matter printed during the check must be discarded. There are thousands of copies.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an example of the problem is that an inspection based on a reference image captured on the machine can be performed, and an image captured on the machine is also the same. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inspection apparatus and the like that can reduce the burden and time required for the inspection of printed matter by an operator at the start of printing.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a reference image that is a part of an image captured by a camera that captures an image of an inspection target area including a pattern printed by a printing machine on the printing machine; A first inspection unit that executes a first inspection for comparing images captured by the camera at a predetermined timing, and a second image based on the image and the plate making data that are captured at an arbitrary timing including at least when the printer starts printing. And a second inspection unit that executes an inspection.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the blanket cylinder of the printing machine prints a predetermined number of identical images during one rotation, and the camera continuously captures images. And a third inspection unit that performs a third inspection for comparing the predetermined number of images with each other.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the inspection apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first inspection includes a color tone inspection, and the second inspection does not include a color tone inspection. And

  Invention of Claim 4 is an inspection apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3, Comprising: The said image used for the said 1st test | inspection, the said reference image, and the said image used for a said 2nd test | inspection The resolution of the plate making data is 100 dpi or more.

  Invention of Claim 5 is an inspection apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4, Comprising: The said 1st test | inspection part imaged the said camera after the said reference image for a predetermined period. The first inspection is performed on all images.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a method for inspecting a printed matter, wherein a reference image that is a part of an image captured by a camera that captures an inspection target area including a pattern printed by a printing machine on the printing machine; A first inspection step for performing a first inspection for comparing images captured by the camera at a predetermined timing, and an image captured by the camera at an arbitrary timing including at the start of printing of the printing press and plate making data. And a second inspection step for executing two inspections.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the 1st test | inspection based on the reference | standard image imaged on the machine and the image image | photographed after the said reference | standard image can be performed. In addition, by performing a second inspection based on an image captured at a predetermined timing including the start of printing on the machine and the plate-making data which is the original data of the printing plate, the operator at the start of printing (printing plate) It is possible to eliminate the check, and as a result, the burden and time required for the operator to inspect the printed matter at the start of printing can be reduced, and the waste paper when a defect is found by the check (printing plate) check. Can also be reduced.

It is a figure which shows an example of the printing press S in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the test | inspection apparatus T in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the test | inspection at the time of printing in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement at the time of the printing start of the test | inspection apparatus T in this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment described below is embodiment at the time of applying this invention with respect to the inspection apparatus installed in the offset rotary printing press.

[1. Configuration of offset rotary printing press and inspection device]
The configuration of the rotary offset printing press S (hereinafter referred to as “printing press S”) and the inspection apparatus T in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[1.1. Configuration of printing press S]
First, the configuration of the printing press S will be described with reference to FIG. The printing machine S is a multi-color printing machine, and printing units U1-U4 are provided for each ink color (C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black)). Since the printing machine S is a double-sided printing machine, each printing unit U1-U4 is provided with a blanket cylinder (upper cylinder, lower cylinder) so as to sandwich a paper conveyance path, and a plate cylinder (upper cylinder) with respect to each blanket cylinder. , Lower cylinder) and an ink supply device (upper cylinder side, lower cylinder side). A plate with a pattern for one sheet is formed on the plate cylinder, and ink for a pattern with two sheets is placed on the blanket cylinder. When the plate cylinder rotates twice, the blanket cylinder rotates once. (The so-called “double cylinder type blanket cylinder”). That is, the pattern for two sheets is printed while the blanket cylinder rotates once.

  A dryer U5 is provided downstream of the printing units U1-U4. In addition, downstream of the dryer U5 is an inspection target area (image line portion and non-image line portion constituting the pattern) including a pattern (symbol, figure, photograph, pattern, etc.) printed on a roll paper as a printing medium. For example, a front camera 31A and a front illumination 32A, and a rear camera 31B and a rear illumination 32B are provided to capture an image of a newspaper page. The front camera 31A and the rear camera 31B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as “camera 31”) are, for example, line sensor cameras capable of capturing a line image of 4096 pixels every 25 μsec, and a pattern is provided for each sheet. A camera signal obtained by imaging the printed roll paper is output. The front surface illumination 32A and the back surface illumination 32B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as “illumination 32”) irradiate with sufficient light for the front surface camera 31A and the back surface camera 31B to capture a high resolution image, respectively.

  A folding machine U6 for folding the roll paper on which the image is printed is provided further downstream of the part where the camera 31 and the illumination 32 are installed.

[1.2. Configuration of inspection apparatus T]
Next, the configuration of the inspection apparatus T will be described with reference to FIG. The inspection apparatus T includes a system controller 11, a pipeline image processing unit 12, a parallel image processing unit 13, a front camera branch board 14, a rear camera branch board 15, an encoder branch board 16, a HUB 17, a camera 31, an illumination 32, and an encoder 33. It is configured to include. The inspection device T is connected to the inspection server 20, the plate making server SV, and the offset printing machine S.

  The system controller 11 is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) that receives various signals from each part inside the printing press S and the inspection apparatus T and controls each part of the inspection apparatus T.

  The pipeline image processing unit 12 has two sets for the front side and the back side, for a total of four image processing boards (front image processing board 121A, front image processing board 122A, back image processing board 121B, back image A processing board 122B) is mounted. The operations of the front image processing board 121A and the front image processing board 122A are switched alternately (the same applies to the back image processing board 121B and the back image processing board 122B). Each image processing board is equipped with a plurality of parallel processing chips, and for example, processes 20 million × 4 color images every 45 msec. The front image processing board 121 </ b> A and the front image processing board 122 </ b> A receive the camera signal from the front camera 31 </ b> A via the front camera branch board 14, and the surface image processing board 121 </ b> A is 100 dpi or more on the surface based on the pulse signal received from the encoder branch board 16. A high resolution image (an example of an “image captured by a camera on a rotary printing press”) is generated (refer to Japanese Patent No. 3811565 for a specific generation method), and the high resolution image is used for a predetermined period described later. 100% inspection (inspection for all printed materials). Similarly, the back image processing board 121B and the back image processing board 122B also receive camera signals from the back camera 31B via the back camera branch board 15 and perform 100% inspection.

  Next, the contents of 100% inspection will be described. The pipeline image processing unit 12 performs 100% inspection based on an image (which may be referred to as an inspection image) taken after the start of 100% inspection, using a high-resolution image that has been previously determined by the operator as having no problem as a reference image. Specifically, a defect is detected by comparing a difference image obtained by subtracting the reference image from the inspection image or a difference image obtained by subtracting the inspection image from the reference image with a threshold image. The pipeline image processing unit 12 can improve inspection accuracy by performing position correction processing and distortion correction processing on the inspection image before performing inspection using the inspection image and the reference image.

There are the following eight items as inspection items for the total inspection, for example.
(1) Defective stain: Defect due to adhesion of ink, tar, oil, etc.
(2) Dirt Hicky: Dirt failure caused by dust adhering to the blanket cylinder (for example, paper dust deposit) sucking ink and transferring the portion.
(3) Missing defect: The missing defect that ink does not get on as per the plate making data.
(4) Missing Hicky: A chipping defect in which ink does not get on the hole due to dust (for example, ink fountain) having made a hole in the blanket cylinder.
(5) Paper failure: Dirty failure with the roll paper itself attached.
(6) Color tone defect: Defect related to density fluctuation different from plate making data.
(7) Thin smudge 1 defect: Pale smudge generated on roll paper (for example, smudge that thinly gets ink due to failure in moisture adjustment).
(8) Thin stain 2 defect: Pale stain (for example, stain on which ink is thinly deposited due to failure in moisture adjustment) generated on roll paper.
* For the light stain 1 defect of (7), an inspection is performed based on the total amount of variation in color tone in a narrow area (for example, 1 cm square), and for the light stain 2 defect of (8), a wide area (for example, The inspection is performed based on the sum of the amount of variation in the color tone of the non-image line area divided into 5 mm strips. By calculating the total amount of variation in color tone, light colors are integrated, and light dirt can be detected as dirt.

  The parallel image processing unit 13 is mounted with two image processing boards (front image processing board 131A and back image processing board 131B), one for the front side and one for the back side, and a pipeline image processing unit 12 in parallel. Each image processing board is equipped with a plurality of parallel processing chips, and for example, processes 20 million × 4 color images every 45 msec. The front image processing board 131A receives a camera signal from the front camera 31A via the front camera branch board 14, generates a high resolution image of 100 dpi or more on the surface based on the pulse signal received from the encoder branch board 16, Collation inspection with plate-making data (image represented by plate-making data) and double cylinder inspection are performed. The plate-making data is the original data used when generating the plate to be attached to the plate cylinder. Check if there is any).

  On the other hand, the inspection between double cylinders is an inspection for comparing high resolution images (that is, continuous high resolution images) obtained by imaging two sheets (printed matter) printed when the blanket cylinder rotates once. For example, if the images do not match, a defect in which a part of the blanket cylinder has scratches or dust is detected.

  In the inspection (collation inspection and double cylinder inspection) by the parallel image processing unit 13, the color tone inspection is excluded from the inspection object. By removing the color tone inspection from the inspection target, it becomes the inspection target that has clear contrast, and it is not necessary to match the color with the plate-making data, and the inspection can be performed at high speed. Further, the inspection by the parallel image processing unit 13 is performed by using a high-resolution image obtained by capturing the printed material on the machine at a predetermined timing among all the printed materials.

  The front camera branch board 14 branches the camera signal from the front camera 31A simultaneously to the front image processing board 121A, the front image processing board 122A, and the front image processing board 131A.

  The back camera branching board 15 branches the camera signal from the back camera 31B to the back image processing board 121B, the back image processing board 122B, and the back image processing board 131B simultaneously.

  The encoder branch board 16 is attached to a plate cylinder in the offset printing press S, and is an encoder pulse signal (A, B, Z phase) output from an encoder 33 that is linked to the plate cylinder (linked 1: 1 with the plate rotation). The encoder pulse signal (A, B, Z phase) of 0.05 to 0.1 mm / P is branched and output to the pipeline image processing unit 12 and the parallel image processing unit 13.

  The HUB 17 is a HUB for LAN connection with the system controller 11, the pipeline image processing unit 12, the parallel image processing unit 13, the inspection server 20, the plate making server SV, and the printing press S.

  The inspection server 20 performs functions such as storage of a reference image, storage of a defective image at the time of defect detection, storage of operation records and inspection log data at the start and stop of the inspection. The inspection server 20 is used when browsing inspection results via the LAN as necessary. The plate-making server SV stores plate-making data and the like. When the operator sets the printing press S to print a new printed matter, the contents of the setting are acquired and the inspection device T performs inspection. Necessary information (including plate making data) is set in the inspection apparatus T.

[2. Flow of inspection during printing]
Next, the flow of inspection during printing will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the operator performs setting of the printing press S (setting of item information etc. of printed matter), automatic setting (registration of plate making data, etc.) of the inspection apparatus T is performed by the plate making server SV. Next, when the operator performs a preparatory printing start operation for starting the preparatory printing on the printing press S, the printing press S starts the preparatory printing (however, the printing speed is limited to about half of the normal time). ). When the printing press S detects the preparatory printing start operation, the printing press S outputs a preparatory signal indicating that the preparatory printing start operation has been detected to the inspection device T. In response to this, the inspection apparatus T starts a collation inspection and a double cylinder inspection. In parallel with this, the operator performs a color tone check, a folding check, and a registration check for the printed matter printed by the preparation printing.

  Next, when no defect is detected by the collation inspection and the double cylinder inspection by the parallel image processing unit 13 of the inspection apparatus T, and there is no problem in the color tone check, the folding check, and the registration check by the operator, the operator The actual printing start operation for starting the actual printing is performed. When the printing press S detects the actual printing start operation, the printing press S starts the actual printing (the printing speed is increased to the normal speed), and a production signal indicating that the production printing start operation is detected for the inspection device T. Is output. The inspection device T starts 100% inspection based on the production signal.

  The inspection apparatus T performs 100% inspection for a predetermined period. The start of the “predetermined period” is, for example, when a production signal is received, or when the printing speed of the printing press S becomes less than a predetermined speed (for example, 300 rpm) and again becomes a predetermined speed or higher. . On the other hand, the end of the “predetermined period” is, for example, when a print end signal indicating the end of printing is received from the printing machine S (or when an inspection interruption operation on the inspection apparatus T by the operator is detected), or For example, when the printing speed is higher than a predetermined speed and lower than a predetermined speed. A speed signal indicating the printing speed of the printing press S is input from the printing press S to the inspection device T as needed, and the system controller 11 performs the pipeline image processing unit 12 and the parallel image processing unit 13 based on the speed signal. Control various inspections.

  The inspection apparatus T performs the collation inspection and the double cylinder inspection at a predetermined interval (for example, every time a predetermined number of printed materials are printed) after the start of the actual printing (the collation inspection and the double cylinder inspection are performed). They do not have to be executed at the same time or at different times). However, the inspection apparatus T of the present embodiment interrupts 100% inspection and does not execute collation inspection and double cylinder inspection during paper splicing (switching paper without stopping the printing press). Further, the inspection apparatus T according to the present embodiment interrupts the 100% inspection even when the printing speed of the printing press S is lower than the predetermined speed, and does not execute the collation inspection and the double cylinder inspection. When resuming the total inspection from the interruption, the reference inspection is not updated, and the comparative inspection is restarted with the reference image retained at the time of interruption. On the other hand, in the collation inspection and the double cylinder inspection, the subsequent inspection is executed by the image captured at the time of the initial inspection.

[3. Operation of inspection device T]
Next, the operation of the inspection apparatus T will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations from the start of the preparatory printing to the start of the actual printing and the 100% inspection.

  First, when the inspection apparatus T receives a preparation signal from the printing press S, under the instruction of the system controller 11, the parallel image processing unit 13 obtains one row of captured images acquired from the camera 31 (line sensor camera) by using an encoder branch board. Editing is performed based on the encoder pulse signal (A, B, Z phase) received from 16 to form one high-resolution image (step S1).

  Next, the parallel image processing unit 13 performs image processing on the high resolution image formed in step S1 (step S2). Specifically, two-dimensional filter processing (to smooth out defects (such as irregularities) in a high-resolution image formed by editing an image captured by a line sensor camera), seeding processing (aberration due to the lens of the camera 31) Color balance correction processing (to correct the balance of RGB values of a color image), monochrome image generation processing (a monochrome image is generated from a high-resolution image (color image) represented by RGB values) For use in position correction processing and the like.

  Next, when the system controller 11 detects that the process of step S2 by the parallel image processing unit 13 is completed, the system controller 11 refers to the result of the seeding process and the color balance correction process by the parallel image processing unit 13, and the light source (illumination 32). ) Is determined whether or not adjustment is necessary (step S3). At this time, if the system controller 11 determines that light source adjustment is necessary (step S3: YES), the system controller 11 adjusts the output of the light source (illumination 32) (step S4), and proceeds to the processing of step S1. On the other hand, if the system controller 11 determines that light source adjustment is not necessary (step S3: NO), the system controller 11 then causes the parallel image processing unit 13 to execute the process of step S5.

  In response to this, the parallel image processing unit 13 compares the plate-making data acquired in advance from the plate-making server SV with the high-resolution image that has been subjected to the image processing in step 2 (step S5). At this time, the parallel image processing unit 13 performs comparison processing after aligning the plate-making data and the high-resolution image.

  Next, the parallel image processing unit 13 performs high-resolution image formation processing in the same manner as in step S1, and acquires two consecutive high-resolution images (step S6). That is, the parallel image processing unit 13 acquires high-resolution images respectively corresponding to two printed materials printed by one blanket cylinder. Next, the parallel image processing unit 13 performs processing (inter-double cylinder processing) for comparing the two high-resolution images acquired in step S6 with each other (step S7).

  Next, the parallel image processing unit 13 outputs the result of the pre-comparison process (the process in step S5 and the process in step S7) (step S8). For example, when a defect is detected by the pre-comparison process, an image indicating the content (type) and position of the defect is displayed on a display (not shown).

  Next, when the system controller 11 detects that the process of step S8 by the parallel image processing unit 13 is completed, the system controller 11 then determines whether or not a production signal has been received from the printing press S (step S9). At this time, if the system controller 11 determines that the production signal has not been received (step S9: NO), then whether or not the interruption signal (a signal indicating that printing is interrupted) has been received from the printing press S. Is determined (step S10). If the system controller 11 determines that the interruption signal has not been received (step S10: NO), the system controller 11 proceeds to the process of step S9. On the other hand, when it is determined that the interruption signal has been received (step S10: YES), the system controller 11 ends the processing shown in the flowchart. In the present embodiment, when the system controller 11 determines that the interruption signal has been received, the high-resolution image compared with the plate-making data in the process of step S5 is stored in a storage device (not shown) as a reference image used for 100% inspection. Remember.

  On the other hand, if the system controller 11 determines in step S9 that the production signal has been received (step S9: YES), the system controller 11 causes the pipeline image processing unit 12 to start exhaustive processing (step S11). The process shown in FIG.

  Although not shown, the system controller 11 causes the parallel image processing unit 13 to perform collation inspection and double cylinder inspection every time the number of print completions input from the printing press S as needed reaches a predetermined number. However, based on the paper splicing timing and printing speed input from the printing machine S as needed, the system controller 11 performs 100% inspection, verification inspection, and doubling when the paper splicing timing and printing speed are less than a predetermined speed. The pipeline image processing unit 12 and the parallel image processing unit 13 are controlled so as not to perform the torso inspection.

  As described above, in the inspection apparatus T (an example of “inspection apparatus”) according to the present embodiment, the pipeline image processing unit 12 (an example of “first inspection unit”) is operated by the printing press S (“rotary printing machine”). The reference image, which is a part of the image captured by the camera 31 that captures the inspection target area including the pattern printed in the printing machine S on the printing machine S, and the image captured after the reference image by the camera 31 The inspection (an example of the “first inspection”) is executed, and the parallel image processing unit 13 (an example of the “second inspection unit”) takes an image at any timing including at least when the printing press S starts printing. A collation inspection (an example of “second inspection”) is executed based on the image and the plate-making data.

  Therefore, according to the inspection apparatus T, it is possible to perform a 100% inspection based on a reference image captured on the machine and an image captured after the reference image. In addition, the operator performs a check (printing plate) check at the start of printing by performing a collation inspection based on the image captured at a predetermined timing including the start of printing on the machine and the plate-making data that is the original data of the printing plate. As a result, the burden and time required for the operator to inspect the printed matter at the start of printing can be reduced. Can be reduced.

  In addition, the blanket cylinder of the printing press S prints two (an example of “predetermined number”) of the same pattern during one rotation, and the parallel image processing unit 13 (“third inspection unit”) of the inspection apparatus T An example) performs an inspection between double cylinders (an example of “third inspection”) in which two images acquired in succession are compared with each other. Therefore, according to the inspection apparatus T, it is possible to inspect the scratches on the blanket cylinder and the adhesion of dust overwhelmingly more than the plate cylinder with high accuracy by the on-board inspection, and the operator's scoring inspection becomes unnecessary.

  Further, in the inspection apparatus T, the 100% inspection includes a color tone inspection, and the collation inspection does not include a color tone inspection. By removing inspection items related to color tone (for example, color color verification) from the color verification, it is possible to perform the color verification before the operator performs color adjustment. If the printing press S is operated at a certain speed or more and the cylinder is inserted, it can be inspected after several tens of sheets, and while the colors are matched, the front and back imposition, dimensions, calibration, plate scratches, and inspection with dust should be completed. Can do. Therefore, even if it is determined that the printing is unsuitable, it is possible to suppress the waste paper within the range during the color adjustment.

  Furthermore, in the inspection apparatus T, the pipeline image processing unit 12 (an example of “acquisition unit”) and the parallel image processing unit 13 (an example of “acquisition unit”) generate and acquire images of 100 dpi or more. Therefore, according to the inspection apparatus T, it is possible to detect a fine defect by inspection on the machine.

  Furthermore, in the inspection apparatus T, the pipeline image processing unit 12 performs inspection (that is, 100% inspection) for all images captured by the camera 31 after the reference image for a predetermined period. Therefore, according to the inspection apparatus T, it is possible to inspect the printed matter by the printing press S without omission. Note that the 100% inspection does not mean that all 1000 copies are inspected when 1000 copies are printed, but the 100% inspection referred to in the present invention also includes inspections performed on the majority of all printed materials. For example, inspections performed on most of 1000 copies are also within the technical scope of the present invention.

[4. Modified example]
Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. Note that the modifications described below can be combined as appropriate.

[4.1. High-resolution image generator]
In the above embodiment, the pipeline image processing unit 12 and the parallel image processing unit 13 each generate a high-resolution image, but instead, for example, an image processing board such as a front image processing board 121 is used. A high-resolution image generation unit may be provided separately to receive camera signals from the front camera branch board 14 and the back camera branch board 15 and generate a high-resolution image based on the pulse signal received from the encoder branch board 16. . Then, the high-resolution image generated by the high-resolution image generation unit is transferred to the pipeline image processing unit 12 and the parallel image processing unit 13, where the pipeline image processing unit 12 performs 100% inspection, and the parallel image processing unit 13 performs collation inspection and double cylinder. Interim inspection may be performed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the double processing burden of generating high-resolution images in both the pipeline image processing unit 12 and the parallel image processing unit 13.

[4.2. Printing press other than rotary offset printing press]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the printing machine is an offset rotary printing machine has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to other types of printing machines such as an offset sheet-fed printing machine, a dry offset printing machine, a laser printing machine, and an inkjet printing machine. Can be applied.

[4.3. Imaging timing of inspection images in 100% inspection]
In the above-described embodiment, the pipeline image processing unit 12 starts a 100% inspection after determining a high-resolution image that the operator has determined in advance as a reference image as a reference image, and converts the reference image and the inspection image captured after the start of the 100% inspection. Based on the 100% inspection, the inspection image may be captured before the reference image is captured. That is, it is also possible to capture a test image to be subjected to a total inspection, determine a reference image, and compare test images captured before the reference image. Further, another camera having the same function is separately installed at a position different from the position of the camera 31 (for example, a position after the printing unit U4 and before the dryer U5). A reference image and an inspection image may be taken.

T inspection apparatus 11 system controller 12 pipeline image processing unit 13 parallel image processing unit 14 front camera branch board 15 back camera branch board 16 encoder branch board 17 HUB
31A Front surface camera 31B Back surface camera 32A Front surface illumination 32B Back surface illumination 33 Encoder S Offset rotary printing press U1-U4 Printing unit U5 Dryer U6 Folder

Claims (6)

A first inspection in which a reference image that is a part of an image captured by a camera that captures an inspection target area including a pattern printed by a printing press on the printing press is compared with an image captured by the camera at a predetermined timing. A first inspection unit to be executed;
A second inspection unit that performs a second inspection based on an image captured by the camera at an arbitrary timing including at least the printing start time of the printing press and plate-making data;
An inspection apparatus comprising: The inspection apparatus according to claim 1,
The blanket cylinder of the printing machine prints a predetermined number of identical patterns during one rotation,
An inspection apparatus further comprising a third inspection unit that performs a third inspection that compares the predetermined number of images continuously captured by the camera. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first inspection includes an inspection related to a color tone, and the second inspection does not include an inspection regarding a color tone. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An inspection apparatus, wherein the resolution of the image and the reference image used for the first inspection, the image used for the second inspection, and the plate-making data is 100 dpi or more. An inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first inspection unit performs the first inspection on all images captured after the reference image for a predetermined period. A method for inspecting printed matter,
A first inspection in which a reference image that is a part of an image captured by a camera that captures an inspection target area including a pattern printed by a printing press on the printing press is compared with an image captured by the camera at a predetermined timing. A first inspection step to be performed;
A second inspection step in which the camera performs a second inspection based on an image captured at an arbitrary timing including at the start of printing of the printing press and plate making data;
The inspection method characterized by including.