Dynamic Patch Reading for Image Inspection Across Media Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming devices face challenges in accurately reading patches on a wide variety of media or combination media, due to differences in light transmission characteristics, patch shadow formation, and the use of special toners, which can lead to inaccuracies in image correction.

Innovation Solution

The image forming device adapts by changing at least one of the patch generation method, patch reading method, or image correction method based on the type of medium, combination of media, type of toner, or toner configuration, utilizing a hardware processor to control image formation and adjust print settings accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard patch reading method is used on various media, then the device can read patches on normal white paper, but it cannot accurately read patches on transparent films, colored separators, metal vapor deposited films, or hologram paper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia type compatibilityVSAvoidpatch reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of reading conditions based on medium type detection. The system automatically changes illumination wavelength, reading power, and processing parameters according to the detected medium characteristics (transparent film, colored separator, metal vapor deposited film, hologram paper, etc.), enabling accurate patch reading across diverse media without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple reading parameters including illumination wavelength (using different LEDs for different media), reading power levels, and processing thresholds based on the medium type. For example, it uses specific wavelength ranges for transparent films versus colored separators, and adjusts processing parameters for metal vapor deposited films and hologram paper to achieve accurate reading across all media types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed patch generation method is used, then the process is simple, but it cannot accommodate different toner configurations and medium types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner and medium adaptabilityVSAvoidpatch generation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patch generation system dynamically adjusts patch characteristics including color, density, and composition based on the detected toner configuration (color toner, white toner, transparent toner) and medium type. The system automatically selects appropriate patch generation parameters for each combination, enabling accurate correction without requiring manual configuration or complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes patch generation parameters such as toner concentration, patch color, and layer composition based on the specific toner and medium combination. For example, it generates different patch types for color toner versus white toner, and adjusts patch characteristics for transparent films versus colored separators, achieving accurate reading across all configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the same reading conditions are used for all media, then the device structure is simple, but patch shadows form on white backgrounds and reading accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading system simplicityVSAvoidpatch reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reading system dynamically adjusts illumination conditions, reading power, and processing parameters based on medium type detection. It automatically changes reading conditions for transparent films versus colored separators, and adjusts for metal vapor deposited films and hologram paper, eliminating patch shadow issues and achieving accurate reading without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes reading parameters including illumination wavelength, reading power levels, and processing thresholds based on the detected medium type. It uses specific wavelength ranges for different media, adjusts reading power for transparent versus opaque materials, and modifies processing parameters for various surface characteristics, achieving accurate reading across all media types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12309332B2Image inspection system for print setting correction

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image inspection system includes: a hardware processor that controls image formation by an image former based on a read image generated by reading, by a reader, a medium on which a patch is formed, wherein the hardware processor causes the image former to form, on the medium, a patch corresponding to an image formed on a medium by the image former.