Banding Diagnosis via Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient method for diagnosing image-quality unevenness, specifically banding issues, in image forming apparatuses, as they require manual analysis and lack precision in identifying the cause of banding.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device equipped with an acquiring unit for image data, a displaying unit, a receiving unit for analysis position input, a detecting unit for pitch information via frequency analysis, and a controlling unit that displays and stores analysis results, allowing for precise identification and display of banding causes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual analysis method is used for diagnosing image-quality unevenness, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis with automated frequency analysis using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithms. The detecting unit automatically processes image data to extract pitch information, eliminating the need for manual measurement and analysis while significantly improving precision and consistency in identifying banding causes.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnosis system performs self-service through automated detection and analysis. The detecting unit independently executes frequency analysis on acquired image data, and the storing unit automatically stores results without requiring manual intervention. This automation maintains high measurement precision while reducing operational complexity compared to manual methods.
2Productivity
If automated frequency analysis is implemented, then productivity and measurement precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnosis system into distinct functional units: an acquiring unit for collecting image data, a detecting unit for executing frequency analysis, a controlling unit for coordinating operations, and a storing unit for saving results. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity while keeping the system architecture manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically acquiring and pre-processing image data before the actual analysis. The acquiring unit collects image information and the controlling unit prepares it for frequency analysis, ensuring that when the detecting unit executes the analysis, all necessary data is ready, thereby improving diagnosis efficiency without adding significant complexity.
3Reliability
If pitch information and image information are stored in association with analysis position, then reliability and measurement precision improve, but loss of information and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores only the essential information needed for diagnosis: pitch information derived from frequency analysis, along with associated image data and analysis position coordinates. By extracting only the necessary components rather than storing all possible data, the system maintains high reliability and measurement precision while minimizing information storage requirements and avoiding unnecessary complexity.
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
Enables accurate and efficient diagnosis of banding issues by performing frequency analysis and displaying analysis results, facilitating quick identification of the cause and potential solutions, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a detecting unit that detects pitch information by performing frequency analysis of the image information received by the receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device includes: an acquiring unit that acquires image information; a displaying unit that displays the image information acquired by the acquiring unit; a receiving unit that receives an analysis position of image-quality unevenness from the image information displayed by the displaying unit; a detecting unit that detects pitch information by performing frequency analysis of the image information received by the receiving unit; a controlling unit that controls the displaying unit to display the pitch information detected by the detecting unit; and a storing unit that stores, as history information, the image information and the pitch information in association with the analysis position. The controlling unit controls the displaying unit to display the analysis position stored in the storing unit.