Image Quality Evaluation Using Sheet Surface Roughness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately evaluating image quality due to the lack of consideration for the properties of the sheet on which the image is formed, particularly the surface roughness, which affects the quality of the printed material.
Innovation Solution
The proposed image forming apparatus includes a reading device to acquire information about the sheet, an identifier to determine the sheet type based on surface roughness, and a decider to assess image quality using reference thresholds specific to each sheet type, improving the accuracy of image quality evaluation by incorporating sheet properties into the decision process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed threshold is used for image quality evaluation, then the evaluation process is simple, but the accuracy is reduced because sheet properties like surface roughness are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of sheet type and determination of appropriate thresholds before conducting image quality evaluation. The reading device reads sheet information, the identifier identifies sheet type based on surface roughness, and the determiner sets appropriate thresholds in advance, so that when evaluation occurs, the correct parameters are already prepared, improving accuracy without adding complexity to the evaluation moment
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the evaluation parameters (thresholds) based on the identified sheet type. Different sheet types (smooth, rough, embossed) have different predetermined thresholds stored in the storage device. The decider selects and applies the appropriate threshold corresponding to the identified sheet type, enabling accurate evaluation adapted to each sheet's properties
2Measurement precision
If sheet information reading is added to improve evaluation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading device serves multiple functions: it reads both sheet information (for identification) and image data (for quality evaluation). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, minimizing the increase in device complexity while still enabling accurate sheet-based evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the sheet's own information (surface roughness characteristics) to determine the evaluation criteria for that same sheet. The sheet essentially evaluates itself by providing the characteristics that the system uses to set appropriate thresholds, reducing the need for external reference materials or complex calibration systems
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a reading device, an identifier, a determiner, and a decider. The reading device reads, from a sheet, information related to the sheet. The identifier identifies a type of the sheet, on a basis of the information related to the sheet. The determiner determines a threshold for quality of an image, on a basis of the information related to the sheet, and the identified type of the sheet. The decider decides the quality of the image formed on the sheet, on a basis of the threshold.