Image Inspection System for Preprinted Sheet Position Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image inspection systems fail to accurately assess the quality of images formed on sheets by not considering the relative position between preprinted and additionally printed images, leading to potential inaccuracies in print quality determination.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes an image forming unit, a reading unit, and processors to generate reference data and image data, determining the relative position between preprinted and additionally printed images on a sheet, allowing for accurate overlap and displacement analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the preprinted area is masked and inspection is performed on the entire area excluding the masked area, then the inspection coverage is maximized, but the relative position between preprinted and additionally printed images cannot be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection process into two separate reading operations: first reading the preprinted area to generate reference data, then reading the entire area including both preprinted and additionally printed images to generate inspection data. This segmentation allows the system to preserve and compare positional information between the two image types without masking the preprinted area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference data as an intermediary element that captures the preprinted image information. By comparing this reference data with inspection data from the entire area, the system can determine relative positions without directly overlaying or masking the preprinted images, thus preserving positional information while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage.
2Measurement precision
If relative position determination is implemented between preprinted and additionally printed images, then inspection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the preprinted image data as reference data. This copy can be stored and repeatedly compared against inspection data without requiring physical access to the preprinted sheet during the inspection phase, simplifying the processing workflow while maintaining high positional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary reading and reference data generation for the preprinted area before the actual inspection of additionally printed images. This preliminary action prepares the reference framework in advance, enabling efficient and accurate position determination during the inspection phase without adding complexity to the main inspection workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A first surface of a first sheet has a second image formed in advance. An image forming system generates reference data based on a result of reading an image on the first surface of the first sheet on which a first image is not formed, generates first image data that represents a result of reading an image on the first surface of the first sheet having the first image formed on the first surface, and determines, based on the reference data and the first image data, a relative position between the first image and the second image on the first surface of the first sheet.