Image Diagnosis Sheet-Width Control for Complete Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image diagnosis methods are limited by the size of the sheet used, leading to undiagnosed regions when the sheet width is smaller than the maximum printable width, potentially causing printing abnormalities.

Innovation Solution

An image diagnosis apparatus and method that supports users in setting appropriate sheet sizes by comparing the selected sheet width with the maximum printable width and notifying users of undiagnosed regions, ensuring comprehensive image diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sheet with smaller sheet width is used for image diagnosis, then the sheet can be easily accommodated in the feeder and handled conveniently, but an undiagnosed region is produced on the outer part of the sheet width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet handling convenienceVSAvoiddiagnosis completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit provides feedback to the user by displaying information about undiagnosed regions on the sheet. When a sheet with smaller width is selected, the system notifies the user that outer regions cannot be diagnosed, allowing informed decision-making about whether to proceed with diagnosis or choose a different sheet size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before the image diagnosis is executed, the control unit performs preliminary checking of the sheet width and determines in advance whether undiagnosed regions will be produced. This preliminary action allows the user to understand the limitations before the actual diagnosis occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a sheet with larger sheet width is used for image diagnosis, then the entire region can be diagnosed, but the sheet may not fit properly in the feeder or cause handling issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis completenessVSAvoidsheet feeding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback information to the user about the relationship between sheet width and diagnosis coverage. By displaying whether the selected sheet width is suitable for complete diagnosis or if it will cause feeding issues, the system enables users to make informed choices about sheet selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the test pattern image is efficiently disposed on the diagnosis chart, then the diagnosis region is maximized, but an undiagnosed region is still produced on the outer part of the sheet when sheet width is smaller than maximum printable width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis efficiencyVSAvoiddiagnosis coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Even when the test pattern is efficiently disposed to maximize the diagnosis region, the system provides feedback to inform users that outer regions remain undiagnosed when using sheets with smaller width. This ensures users understand the limitation despite optimal pattern placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4611356A1Image diagnosis apparatus, method for controlling same, and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 CANON KK
  • EP4611356A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4611356A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4611356A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image diagnosis apparatus comprises diagnosis means for reading, by reading means, a sheet with an image formed conveyed from image forming means and diagnosing an abnormality of an apparatus by detecting an abnormality in a read image; setting means for performing setting relating to image diagnosis according to a user operation, and controlling means for supporting a user in setting a sheet more suitable as a sheet to be used in image diagnosis when performing setting for a sheet to be used in image diagnosis.