Image Inspection Reference Generation for Faster Print Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image inspection methods require complex user processing to generate a reference image before main printing, prolonging the time required for inspection.

Innovation Solution

An image inspection apparatus that allows for the designation of inspection regions and exclusion regions before the completion of the reference image generation, enabling parallel processing of reference image generation and image formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the reference image is generated before main printing through proof mode, then the inspection quality is ensured, but the processing time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by receiving inspection region designation information before the reference image generation is completed. This allows the inspection process to be prepared in advance while the reference image is being generated, enabling parallel processing and reducing overall processing time without compromising inspection quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuity of useful action by allowing the main printing process to proceed without waiting for the reference image generation to complete. The inspection process continues seamlessly by using the designation information received during reference image generation, ensuring that no time is lost in idle waiting while maintaining continuous productive action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If the user executes main printing after reference image preparation through proof mode, then accurate inspection is achieved, but the number of processing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reference image generation process with the main printing process by allowing both to proceed simultaneously. The inspection region designation is integrated into the main printing workflow rather than being a separate preliminary step, reducing the number of distinct processing phases while maintaining inspection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the main printing process to serve dual purposes: producing the printed output and simultaneously supporting the inspection process. The system handles both reference image generation and main printing through a unified process flow, eliminating the need for separate proof mode execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250209611A1Image inspection apparatus, image inspection method, and computer-readable recording medium storing image inspection program

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

This image inspection apparatus includes a hardware processor that, generates a reference image to be used for inspection of an image formed on a recording medium; executes inspection of the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image; and receives inspection region designation information indicating designation of an inspection region for which inspection is executed by the image inspector and/or designation of an inspection exclusion region for which inspection is not executed. The hardware processor receives the designation before generation of the reference image is completed.