Image Inspection with Parallel Reference Image Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image inspection methods require significant time for generating a reference image before starting the main printing process, and there is no parallel processing of generating and inspecting inspection images, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An image inspection apparatus and method that allows for simultaneous generation and inspection of reference and inspection images, with a determiner checking the state of reference image generation before inspection, enabling parallel processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If reference image generation is performed sequentially before inspection processing, then the reference image can be generated with high quality, but the total processing time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The reference image generation process is started in advance before the inspection processing begins. The reference image generator creates the reference image using document images while the inspection process is being prepared, so that the reference image is ready when needed for comparison with read images.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference image generation and inspection processing are performed in parallel simultaneously. The system continues generating reference images for subsequent pages while inspection processing continues for previously generated reference images, maximizing resource utilization and eliminating idle time.
2Loss of time
If parallel processing of reference image generation and inspection is implemented, then processing time is reduced, but the reference image may not be ready when inspection is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The determiner continuously monitors the generation status of reference images and provides feedback to the inspection process. When a reference image is generated and meets quality criteria, the system receives notification and proceeds with inspection processing, ensuring that inspection only occurs when the reference image is ready.
Solution Approach 2:
The determiner acts as an intermediary component between the reference image generator and the inspection process. It receives generation status information from the reference image generator and controls when the inspection process should proceed, coordinating the parallel operations to ensure proper synchronization.
3Manufacturing precision
If user inspection work is required to generate reference images, then the reference image quality can be ensured, but the operation complexity and time requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reference image generator automatically generates reference images from document images without requiring manual user inspection or intervention. The system uses image processing algorithms to create high-quality reference images autonomously, eliminating the need for users to perform time-consuming inspection work while maintaining reference image quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an image inspection apparatus, an image inspection method, and an image inspection program with which it is possible to shorten the time required for processing from generation of a reference image to image inspection and to recognize the state of generation of the reference image before the image inspection. An image inspection apparatus 300 includes an image former 330, a reference image generator 380, an image inspector 350, and a determiner 310. The image former 330 forms an image on a recording medium based on image data. The reference image generator 380 generates, based on the image data, a reference image to be used for inspection of the image formed on the recording medium. The image inspector 350 inspects the image formed on the recording medium based on the reference image. The determiner 310 determines whether or not a state of generation of the reference image by the reference image generator 380 satisfies a predetermined state before the image inspector 350 inspects the image.