Image Inspection Apparatus Noise Source Differentiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image inspection apparatuses face challenges in determining the source of noise, which leads to false inspections and reduced precision due to stains on the contact glass and reference white plate, especially when the inspection cannot be stopped immediately, causing degradation in image and inspection precision.
Innovation Solution
An image inspection apparatus and method that includes a noise detector to differentiate between stains on the contact glass and reference white plate by scanning a blank area and the reference white plate separately, determining the source of noise and allowing uninterrupted inspection by identifying whether the noise originates from the contact glass or the reference white plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If inspection is conducted using a sheet-through type image scanner with contact glass and reference white plate, then image scanning can be performed continuously, but stains on the contact glass and reference white plate cause noise in scanned images, degrading scanning and inspection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process into two distinct modes: normal inspection scanning and reference white plate scanning. By separating the detection of document images from the detection of the reference white plate, the system can identify the source of noise (stains) and compensate for it, thereby maintaining scanning precision while enabling continuous inspection without stopping for manual cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the scanned image of the reference white plate is analyzed to detect stains. When stains are detected, the system automatically compensates for their effect on subsequent document scans by adjusting the reference values, thus maintaining inspection precision without interrupting the continuous inspection process.
2Measurement precision
If periodic stain removal is conducted by stopping the image inspection apparatus, then inspection precision can be maintained, but processing performance decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the image inspection apparatus to perform self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically detecting stains on the reference white plate through scanning and compensating for their effect on inspection results. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and stopping the apparatus, thereby maintaining both high inspection precision and processing performance through continuous automatic operation.
3Productivity
If the source of noise is not identified, then continuous inspection can be maintained, but false inspection or miss-inspection occurs due to inability to distinguish between poor image quality and stains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the reference white plate as an intermediary element that serves as a control sample. By scanning this known reference object separately, the system can identify whether detected anomalies are due to stains on the contact glass/reference plate or actual defects in the inspected documents. This intermediary enables reliable differentiation between false signals and real defects, maintaining both continuous operation and inspection accuracy.
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
This solution enhances inspection precision and processing performance by accurately identifying the source of noise, enabling continuous image inspection and maintaining high image quality without unnecessary interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor having an opening disposed at a given position along the transportation route detects light reflected from the document sheet to scan the printed image
Data Source
AI summary
An image inspection method and apparatus for inspecting images output on sheets including a reference white plate disposed at a position of the transport route of sheet while facing a scan position for scanning a sheet; a contact glass disposed opposite the reference white plate; an image scanning device fixed facing the scan position to conduct a scanning operation through the contact glass, a noise detector to detect a first noise image in a blank area of the inspection sheet by scanning the blank area of the inspection sheet, and a second noise image in the reference white plate by scanning the reference white plate; and a stain source determination unit to determine a noise origin from the contact glass or the reference white plate.