Dynamic Reference Image Count for Print Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques for inspecting printed products are inefficient due to high time and cost associated with visual inspections, and the method discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-179073 may lead to excessive or erroneous detection due to unadjustable signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio in reference images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that determines the presence or absence of print abnormalities by comparing a target image with a reference image or images, where the number of reference images is set based on specific inspection conditions, such as print quality and inspection sensitivity, to adjust the S/N ratio and improve detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single reference image is used for inspection, then the inspection process is simple and fast, but the detection accuracy decreases leading to excessive or erroneous detections
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of reference images to be used based on the inspection conditions. When high detection accuracy is required, more reference images are employed; when inspection speed is prioritized, fewer reference images are used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between inspection speed and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection condition serves as a controllable parameter that determines the number of reference images. By changing this parameter, the system can switch between different operational modes (fast inspection vs. high-accuracy inspection), effectively managing the trade-off between productivity and measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple reference images are used to improve detection accuracy, then the S/N ratio improves and erroneous detections decrease, but the inspection time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of reference images based on inspection conditions. When high reliability is needed, more reference images are processed; when time is constrained, fewer reference images are used. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and resolve the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection condition parameter controls the number of reference images to balance reliability and time. By adjusting this parameter, the system can optimize the trade-off between detection reliability and inspection time based on specific operational needs.
3Measurement precision
If the number of reference images is increased to adjust S/N ratio, then detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of reference images based on inspection conditions rather than using a fixed number. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain detection precision while avoiding unnecessary processing complexity when high precision is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection condition serves as a control parameter that adjusts the number of reference images. This parameter change mechanism allows the system to optimize detection precision while managing processing complexity based on actual inspection needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus is configured to determine presence or absence of print abnormality in a target image by comparing a reference image or reference images, each of which is a print result to be a reference, and the target image, which is a print result to be an inspection target. The image processing apparatus includes a setting unit configured to set an inspection condition for a printed product, and a comparison unit configured to compare the reference image or reference images and the target image using a number of the reference images set based on the inspection condition.