Code Inspection Apparatus Using Position-Based Image Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing printing apparatuses, the time required for quality inspection of code symbols, such as bar codes, delays due to the need for high-resolution scanned images, leading to incomplete quality inspection by the time printing is completed.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus with a conveyor, reader, and controller that processes images by reading a prescribed image, acquiring position information for code printing positions, and extracting processing ranges for code inspection, allowing for efficient quality assessment of codes across multiple printing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution scanned images are used to accurately inspect code quality, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection process into two stages: first, reading a reference image to acquire position information of the code; second, extracting only the relevant processing range based on the position information for actual quality inspection. This segmentation allows the system to avoid processing the entire high-resolution image, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary reading of a reference image to obtain position information before the actual quality inspection. This preliminary action enables the system to pre-determine the processing range, allowing subsequent inspection to focus only on relevant areas, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining measurement precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution scanned images are processed for code inspection, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection process by first determining the processing range through reference image reading, then extracting only the necessary portions for quality inspection. This segmentation enables faster processing of multiple labels without compromising precision, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of processing the entire high-resolution image, the patent applies partial action by extracting only the processing range where the code is located. This partial processing approach maintains manufacturing precision while significantly reducing the time required, thus improving inspection throughput.
3Measurement precision
If the entire read image is processed for code inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the processing range containing the code from the entire read image, based on position information obtained from reference image reading. This extraction eliminates unnecessary processing of irrelevant areas, reducing the time lost while maintaining measurement precision for the code inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary reading to acquire position information before actual inspection. This preliminary action enables subsequent extraction of only the relevant processing range, avoiding time-consuming processing of the entire image while ensuring accurate code quality inspection.
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 reduces the time required for quality inspection, enabling the inspection to be completed concurrently with printing and ensuring that only necessary image processing ranges are subjected to quality inspection, thereby minimizing waste and optimizing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reader configured to read images printed in the plurality of printing areas on the medium conveyed by the conveyer
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus includes a conveyer configured to convey a medium having a plurality of printing areas in a conveying direction, a reader configured to read images printed in the printing areas, and a controller. When a plurality of images, each of which a printing position of a code in the printing area is the same as the other images, are respectively printed in the printing areas, the controller causes the reader to read a prescribed image, inspects whether the code satisfies a prescribed condition, acquires position information for specifying a printing position of the code, causes the reader to read an upstream image in a printing area upstream of the prescribed image, extracts a processing range in which the code is included from a read image of the upstream image based on the position information, and inspects whether the code included in the processing range satisfies the prescribed condition.