Image Processing Apparatus for Fold Crease Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual position adjustment of fold creases and fold lines in paper processing is inefficient due to differences in paper characteristics, leading to potential misalignment and suboptimal folding results.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a post-process instruction unit, a reading unit, an image analysis unit, and a correction information output unit to automatically detect and align the positions of fold creases and fold lines by analyzing images of creased and folded paper, providing correction information to adjust the creasing and folding positions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual position adjustment is performed, then alignment of fold crease and fold line can be achieved, but productivity is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical-mechanical system. A reading unit captures images of the paper, an image analysis unit processes these images to detect fold crease and fold line positions, and a control unit automatically calculates and applies position corrections. This substitution of manual operation with automated image processing and control systems resolves the contradiction by achieving precise alignment without manual intervention, thereby maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image copying to represent the physical paper and its features. The reading unit creates digital copies (images) of the paper containing fold creases and fold lines. The image analysis unit then processes these copies to detect positions and calculate corrections. This copying approach enables automated analysis and correction without physically handling or manually measuring the paper, thus improving both precision and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual position adjustment is performed, then alignment can be achieved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing images of the paper and pre-calculating position corrections before the actual folding process. The reading unit acquires images, the image analysis unit detects fold crease and fold line positions, and the control unit calculates correction amounts in advance. This preliminary automated analysis eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during the folding process, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual measurement and adjustment with automated image processing and computational analysis. The system rapidly captures images, processes them through image analysis algorithms, and calculates corrections automatically. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces the time required for position alignment compared to manual methods, while achieving consistent precision.
3Productivity
If automatic image analysis is implemented, then productivity is improved and time is saved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple functions into a unified automated system. The reading unit serves both as an image capture device and a positioning reference source. The image analysis unit performs multiple tasks including detecting fold creases, detecting fold lines, and calculating position corrections. The control unit coordinates all these functions and applies corrections to the folding device. This universal approach improves productivity by automating what would otherwise require multiple separate manual operations, while the integrated nature of the system manages complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing images, detecting positions, calculating corrections, and applying adjustments without external manual intervention. The reading unit automatically captures images, the image analysis unit autonomously processes them to identify fold features and compute corrections, and the control unit self-regulates the folding position based on calculated corrections. This self-service capability maximizes productivity by eliminating manual operations, while the automated feedback loop manages system complexity through closed-loop control.
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
Automatically aligns fold creases and fold lines, improving the accuracy and quality of the folding process by minimizing errors and ensuring proper alignment, even with varying paper characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a reading unit that acquires a read image by reading paper that has been subjected to the creasing process and the folding process
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes: a unit that provides an instruction on creasing and folding positions on paper set such that the distance between fold crease and fold line positions is meaningful; a unit that acquires a read image by reading paper that has been subjected to creasing and folding processes in accordance with the creasing and folding positions in an open state; a unit that analyzes the read image to detect two streaks corresponding to the fold crease and the fold line from the read image, and that specifies the position of one of the two streaks as the fold crease position and the position of the other as the fold line position on the basis of the creasing and folding positions; and a unit that outputs correction information about at least one of the creasing and folding positions such that the fold crease and fold line positions match each other.