Image Defect Simulation in Print Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems fail to effectively identify and display image defects caused by non-discharge nozzles before an image is printed, making it difficult to grasp the positional relationship between images and defects.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a creation unit for output image data, an acquisition unit for defect position data, and an output unit for display image data, allowing for the visualization of potential defects on a screen before printing, enabling operators to assess and address issues related to non-discharge nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If image processing is performed without actual printing, then time and material costs are reduced, but the ability to accurately identify and locate image defects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the image data in memory and processes this copy through simulation of the image forming unit's characteristics. By copying the original image data and applying defect simulation algorithms to the copy, the system can identify defects without consuming physical recording material or requiring actual printing operations, thus resolving the contradiction between time efficiency and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that simulates the image forming unit's characteristics and defect patterns on digital image data before actual printing. This intermediary simulation layer acts as a mediator between the digital image data and the physical printing process, allowing defect identification in a virtual environment while maintaining accurate position information that would be observable in actual printing.
2Loss of substance
If defect detection is performed before printing, then material waste is reduced, but the complexity of the image processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing system performs self-service by automatically simulating image forming unit characteristics and detecting defects within the digital data processing pipeline. The system uses built-in algorithms to model nozzle discharge patterns, density variations, and other image forming characteristics, eliminating the need for external test printing and manual inspection, thus reducing material waste while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing defect detection and image processing operations before the actual printing process. The system pre-processes the image data, simulates potential defects based on the image forming unit's characteristics, and identifies issues in advance. This preliminary processing allows correction or adjustment before material consumption, reducing waste while the complexity is justified by the preventive nature of the processing.
3Measurement precision
If actual printing is performed to identify defects, then defect detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to rework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the simulated defect detection results to guide adjustments in the actual printing process. The system analyzes the virtual defect patterns, provides feedback information about potential issues, and enables pre-correction of image data or printing parameters. This feedback loop maintains high defect detection accuracy while preventing the need for rework in actual printing, thereby preserving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a creation unit creating output image data to be used in an image forming unit forming an output image on a recording material by using original image data input from an outside, an acquisition unit acquiring defect position data related to a position of a defect on the recording material which is attributable to the image forming unit, and an output unit outputting display image data to be used for display on a screen of a display unit by using the output image data and the defect position data.