Image Inspection Apparatus Edge Blur Line Width Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image inspection and forming apparatuses fail to accurately determine the line width of images when the distance between the image and the optical reading unit changes, leading to incorrect output settings for image writing.
Innovation Solution
An image inspection apparatus that uses a light source, optical lens system, separating unit, and control unit to calculate edge blurs and widths of test images at different wavelengths, correcting for focal length differences to determine the accurate line width, and an image forming apparatus that sets output based on these calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance between the image and the optical reading unit changes, then the image data becomes blurred and edges cannot be accurately detected, but maintaining a fixed distance reduces adaptability to different imaging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing different wavelength bands of light to read the same test image. Each wavelength band provides a different focal length, allowing the system to capture image data at multiple focus depths. By comparing edge blurs across these different wavelength bands, the system can determine the actual line width accurately regardless of the distance between the image and the optical reading unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension by adding the wavelength band parameter to the reading process. Instead of relying on a single focal length (one-dimensional approach), the system uses multiple wavelength bands (adding a spectral dimension) to obtain image data at different focal lengths, thereby solving the problem of distance variability.
2Measurement precision
If a single wavelength band is used for reading, then the device complexity is reduced, but the line width determination accuracy deteriorates when distance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single optical reading unit that can read images across multiple wavelength bands. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware to perform accurate line width measurements under varying distance conditions by switching between different wavelength bands, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated reading units for different focal lengths.
3Measurement precision
If edge blur calculation is performed for all wavelength bands, then the line width determination becomes more accurate, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by calculating edge blurs for only the necessary wavelength bands required to determine the actual line width. Rather than processing all possible wavelength data equally, the system identifies and processes the critical wavelength bands that provide the most useful information for accurate line width measurement, reducing unnecessary computational overhead.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate line width determination and correct output setting for image writing, even when the distance between the image and the optical reading unit changes, stabilizing image formation quality.
Implementation Method 1
a separating unit configured to separate light having passed through the optical lens system in accordance with wavelength bands
Implementation Method 2
an optical lens system configured to receive light reflected by the paper sheet
Implementation Method 3
an optical lens system configured to receive light reflected by the paper sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image inspection apparatus includes: a light source configured to emit white light onto a test image formed on a paper sheet; an optical lens system configured to receive light reflected by the paper sheet, the reflected light being of the white light emitted from the light source; a separating unit configured to separate light having passed through the optical lens system; a reading unit configured to receive the separated light at the different wavelengths, and optically read the test image of the light; and a control unit configured to calculate edge blurs at a rising edge and a falling edge of each set of image data of the light obtained by the reading unit reading the test image, calculate widths of the test image, and determine the width calculated from the set of image data having the smallest edge blur to be the width of the test image.