Adjustable Background Members for Image Edge Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the edge position of recording media and images due to variations in medium thickness, leading to focus issues and magnification errors, especially when using reference marks with low color contrast.

Innovation Solution

An image inspection apparatus is designed with adjustable background members of varying heights and colors to maintain consistent image focus, using color information to determine the appropriate background and reference mark color for accurate edge detection, regardless of recording medium type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed background member height is used for reading, then the reading device structure is simple, but focus accuracy deteriorates when recording medium thickness varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading device structureVSAvoidfocus accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The background member height is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the reading device to adapt to different recording medium thicknesses. The control unit dynamically changes the background member height based on detected medium thickness, maintaining optimal focus accuracy across varying medium types while managing device complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If reference marks with low color contrast are used, then the recording medium can accommodate more varied content, but edge detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording medium content varietyVSAvoidedge detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A background member with a specifically controlled color is introduced as an intermediary element. This background member provides a high-contrast reference that facilitates accurate edge detection of the recording medium and its contents, even when the recording medium itself has low color contrast or varied content. The background member acts as a mediator between the reading device and the recording medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If magnification correction is applied for thick recording media, then measurement accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge position detection accuracyVSAvoidimage processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the detected recording medium thickness to automatically adjust the magnification correction factor. When a thick recording medium is detected, the system applies appropriate magnification correction to maintain accurate edge position measurements. This feedback-based approach automates the correction process, managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If the background member color is fixed, then the background member design is simple, but color contrast with diverse recording mediums deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackground member designVSAvoidcolor contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The background member color is made variable rather than fixed, allowing the system to change the background member's color parameter based on the detected recording medium color. This enables the background member to maintain high color contrast with diverse recording mediums, improving measurement precision while managing design complexity through automated color adjustment controlled by the control unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution ensures accurate detection of recording medium and image edge positions, preventing focus issues and magnification errors, and allows for precise image formation across different types and thicknesses of media.

Implementation Method 1

a reader provided facing one side of the recording medium and configured to output an image signal obtained by reading the recording medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10931844B2Image inspection apparatus and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image inspection apparatus includes a first outputter that outputs color information of an image to be formed on a recording medium determined according to the type of recording medium; a reader provided facing one side of the recording medium and configured to output an image signal obtained by reading the recording medium; a second outputter that outputs an edge position of the recording medium and/or the image formed on the recording medium detected based on the image signal; first background members configured to face and contact another side of the recording medium and having different heights; second background members configured to face and contact the another side of the recording medium and having different colors; and an arranger that brings one member, selected according to the recording medium type from among the first and second background members, into contact with the another side of the recording medium.