Dual-Surface Reader Inspection for Automated Print Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require manual transport of printed paper for image inspection, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and lack effective methods for diagnosing malfunctions in both the upper and lower surfaces of printed sheets.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system with an image forming unit that forms test images on both sides of a sheet and includes upper and lower surface readers, along with a controller that analyzes the read images to diagnose malfunctions, particularly focusing on dirt detection in the readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual transport of printed paper to image reader is required, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image forming unit and reading unit into a single integrated apparatus. The image forming unit forms test images on both sides of paper, and the reading unit immediately reads them without requiring manual transport. This merging eliminates the time loss and productivity decrease associated with manual transport while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-diagnosis by automatically forming test images and reading them without user intervention. The controller automatically inspects the reading unit by comparing read images with reference images, eliminating the need for users to manually transport paper for inspection purposes.
2Measurement precision
If single surface reading is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases for diagnosing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The reading unit is segmented into multiple independent reading components: an upper surface reader for reading the first surface and a lower surface reader for reading the second surface. This segmentation allows each reader to be optimized for its specific function while enabling comprehensive inspection of both surfaces, improving diagnosis accuracy without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system transitions from single-surface reading to dual-surface reading by adding the lower surface reader. This dimensional expansion from one surface to two surfaces enables detection of malfunctions that affect either surface, significantly improving measurement precision for diagnosis accuracy.
3Loss of time
If automated inspection process is implemented, then loss of time is reduced and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically controls the entire inspection process including forming test images on both sides of paper and reading them. By preparing and executing the inspection sequence automatically without requiring user intervention, the system reduces inspection time and eliminates manual transport steps while managing control complexity through automated sequencing.
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate diagnosis of malfunctions in image forming apparatuses by automating the inspection process and enabling detection of defects on both sheet surfaces, reducing user intervention and improving diagnostic precision.
Implementation Method 1
an image forming unit configured to form a test image on both sides of a sheet of paper
Implementation Method 2
a reading unit that is disposed downstream of the image forming unit in a paper conveyance direction and is configured to read the sheet of paper, the reading unit including an upper surface reader configured to read an upper surface of the sheet of paper conveyed by the reading unit, and a lower surface reader configured to read a lower surface of the sheet of paper conveyed by the reading unit
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system includes an image forming unit configured to form a test image on both sides of a sheet of paper, a reading unit that is disposed downstream of the image forming unit in a paper conveyance direction and is configured to read the sheet of paper, the reading unit including an upper surface reader configured to read an upper surface of the sheet of paper conveyed by the reading unit, and a lower surface reader configured to read a lower surface of the sheet of paper conveyed by the reading unit, and a controller having a processor which executes instructions stored in a memory or having circuitry, the controller being configured to inspect the lower surface reader based on the test image read by the lower surface reader.