Image Forming Unit Diagnosis Using Printed Images Instead of Test Charts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming technologies require outputting a test chart for predicting image abnormalities, which decreases printing productivity.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic apparatus and method that determines whether to perform sign diagnosis processing on read images, allowing for automatic repair of image forming units before abnormalities reach a predetermined level, without the need for test chart output during printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test chart output is used to predict image abnormalities, then image quality can be maintained, but printing productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnosis by detecting signs of abnormality in images that are already being printed, rather than requiring separate test chart output. The control unit executes sign diagnosis processing on read images to predict image defects before they occur, enabling preventive maintenance without interrupting the printing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copies of images already being printed (read images from the printing process) for diagnosis purposes, instead of requiring separate test charts. The image reading unit reads images from the printed recording medium, and these read images are used for sign diagnosis processing to detect abnormalities.
2Reliability
If continuous sign diagnosis processing is performed on all images, then image defects can be detected early, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines whether to execute sign diagnosis processing based on predetermined conditions, rather than continuously processing all images. This selective execution reduces the processing load while still maintaining effective abnormality detection by performing diagnosis only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sign diagnosis processing at periodic intervals or based on predetermined conditions (such as after a certain number of sheets are printed), rather than continuously analyzing every single image. This periodic execution reduces processing load while maintaining effective monitoring of image quality trends.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to diagnostic apparatus comprising: one or more memory devices that store a set of instructions; and one or more processors that execute the set of instructions to: determine whether or not to execute sign diagnosis processing for detecting a sign of abnormality of an image forming unit when an image is formed on a recording medium by the image forming unit; execute the sign diagnosis processing on a read image obtained by a reading unit reading the image formed by the image forming unit, in a case where it is determined that the sign diagnosis processing is to be executed; and in a case where the sign of abnormality is detected, perform automatic repair of the image forming unit before the sign of abnormality becomes an abnormality of a predetermined level.