Image Inspection Offset Correction for Print Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image inspection techniques fail to perform highly reliable inspections as they compare the original image after RIP processing directly with the read image, neglecting image processing adjustments, leading to potential inaccuracies in assessing the print quality of images formed on sheets.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes an image former, an image reader, and a hardware processor, which compares raster data with uncorrected read image data by offsetting the adjustments made during image processing, allowing for accurate inspection of the print state by reflecting the image processing adjustments in the comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the original image after RIP processing is directly compared with the read image, then the inspection process is simple, but the image inspection reliability is insufficient because image processing adjustments are not reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating corrected read image data through image processing before comparison. The controller applies the same image processing to the read image that was applied to the original image during printing, ensuring both images are in equivalent states for accurate comparison. This preliminary processing of the read image enables reliable inspection by accounting for all image processing adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If image processing is performed after RIP processing before forming the image, then the print quality is improved, but the conventional inspection method cannot reflect these adjustments leading to potential inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the image processing information (correction data) that was applied to the original image and applying the same correction to the read image. This creates a closed-loop system where the inspection process receives feedback about the processing applied and adjusts accordingly, ensuring that the comparison accurately reflects the actual print quality including all processing adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image former that forms an image on a sheet on the basis of print image data obtained by performing image processing on raster data subjected to raster image processing; an image reader that reads the image formed on the sheet on the basis of the print image data by the image former to acquire uncorrected read image data; and a hardware processor that compares the raster data with read image data generated from the uncorrected read image data acquired by the image reader to inspect a print state of the image formed on the sheet, wherein the hardware processor, when inspecting the print state of the image formed on the sheet, offsets an amount of adjustment adjusted by the image processing performed on the raster data.