Dynamic Inspection Area Adjustment for Image Reading Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image inspecting apparatuses fail to adequately prevent erroneous detection during image inspection due to variations in sheet posture and deformation, as the pre-set image inspection exclusion areas may not be appropriate for all sheets.

Innovation Solution

An image reading device with an image reading unit, an output unit, and a setting unit that dynamically adjusts the area to be inspected by excluding areas prone to flapping or deformation based on the sheet's conveyance state and type, thereby improving inspection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a pre-set image inspection exclusion area is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inappropriate exclusion areas for varying sheet postures and deformations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage inspection accuracyVSAvoidinspection area setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the image inspection exclusion area based on the actual sheet conveyance state. The control unit dynamically determines the exclusion area by detecting sheet position and deformation characteristics, allowing the inspection parameters to adapt in real-time to varying sheet conditions, thereby maintaining high measurement precision without requiring complex manual setup procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically determining the appropriate exclusion area based on detected sheet characteristics. The control unit autonomously adjusts inspection parameters without user intervention, using feedback from sheet position detection to self-optimize the exclusion area settings, thus improving accuracy while keeping the interface simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a fixed image inspection exclusion area is set in advance, then the ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when sheets vary in posture or have deformed end portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors sheet conveyance state and deformation characteristics, then adjusts the exclusion area settings accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures reliable inspection across varying sheet conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes inspection parameters, specifically the exclusion area boundaries, based on detected sheet characteristics. By adjusting these parameters in response to actual sheet conditions rather than using fixed settings, the system achieves high reliability across different sheet postures and deformations while keeping the user interface simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4163724B1Image reading device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4163724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4163724B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4163724B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

An image reading device (30) includes an image reading unit(30F1), an output unit (30F2), and a setting unit (30F3). The image reading unit (30F1) reads an image on a recording medium. The output unit (30F2) inspects the image and outputs an inspection result. The setting unit (30F3) excludes an area of the recording medium as a first area from an area to be inspected by the output unit (30F2), based on a type of the recording medium or a position of the recording medium with respect to a reading position at which the image reading unit (30F1) reads the image, to determine a second area to be inspected. The output unit (30F2) outputs the inspection result based on the second area.