Image Verification Apparatus Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image verification systems fail to accurately detect defects due to streaks caused by paper dust, leading to incorrect registration of defective images as correct answer images, which can result in false detection of printing failures.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a detection unit that identifies defective images, excluding them from the display and registration process, allowing users to select or generate a correct answer image from a set of displayed images, ensuring accurate verification by comparing printed images with a registered correct answer image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a printed sheet is read by the verification apparatus to obtain a correct answer image, then the verification accuracy is improved, but streaks may occur on the read image due to paper dust adhering to the read sensor, leading to erroneous defect detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidstreaks on read image
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing defect detection on the candidate correct answer image before registering it as the final correct answer image. The verification apparatus reads the printed sheet, detects defects in the read image, and only registers images without defects as correct answer images. This preliminary defect detection prevents streaks caused by paper dust from being included in the correct answer image, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving verification accuracy and avoiding harmful streaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple printed sheets are read to select a correct answer image, then the reliability of verification is improved, but the time and effort required for selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification reliabilityVSAvoidselection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the verification apparatus to automatically detect defects and select appropriate correct answer images without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously reads multiple printed sheets, performs defect detection on each, and automatically selects images without defects as correct answer images. This automated process maintains high verification reliability while significantly reducing the time and effort required for correct answer image selection compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a correct answer image with defects is registered, then the registration process is simplified, but false detection of printing failures occurs during verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration simplicityVSAvoidverification reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a defect detection mechanism that provides feedback on the quality of candidate correct answer images before registration. The verification apparatus reads the printed sheet, detects defects in the read image, and uses this feedback to determine whether to register the image as a correct answer image. Images with detected defects are excluded from registration, ensuring that only high-quality images are stored. This feedback loop maintains verification reliability while keeping the registration process simple and automated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach reduces the time and effort required to select a correct answer image, enhances the accuracy of image verification by excluding defective images, and prevents false detection of printing failures, thereby improving the reliability of the verification process.

Implementation Method 1

a reading unit configured to read the image printed on the recording sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection/absorption: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11343383B2Image forming apparatus with registered correct answer image to verify printed image, image forming method, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 CANON KK
  • US11343383B2 patent drawing
  • US11343383B2 patent drawing
  • US11343383B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image printed on a recording sheet is read, and read images excluding a defective image are displayed on a display unit. An instruction to use a displayed image as a correct answer image is accepted, and an image generated from the accepted image is registered as a correct answer image to be used for verification.