Image Verification Using Print Setting-Matched Reference Images

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems face issues where image quality defects are incorrectly detected when print settings for generating a master image differ from those used for printing a verification target image, even if the verification target image is of high quality.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a printing unit, reading unit, registration unit, selection unit, and verification unit that registers and selects correct images based on print settings, allowing for accurate verification by comparing the verification target image with the selected correct image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a master image is reused for verification, then verification efficiency is improved, but image quality detection accuracy deteriorates when print settings differ

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary registration of correct images with their corresponding print settings before verification occurs. When verification is needed, the system first matches the current print settings with registered settings to select the appropriate correct image, ensuring that the comparison is made between images printed under identical conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the selection parameter from simply reusing any stored correct image to selecting based on matching print settings parameters. The selection unit compares print settings (such as resolution, color mode, paper type) between the verification target and registered correct images, choosing only those with matching parameters to ensure accurate comparison.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If print settings are not considered in master image selection, then device complexity is reduced, but verification reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidverification reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Print settings are recorded and stored together with each correct image during the preliminary registration phase. This preliminary action ensures that when verification occurs, the settings information is already available for comparison without adding complex real-time analysis during the verification process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy of the print settings information and stores it alongside the correct image data. This copying approach allows the system to reference and compare settings without modifying the original image or settings data, maintaining simplicity while enabling reliable matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11487977B2Image forming apparatus and image forming method to verify target image using corrected image

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 CANON KK

AI summary

A correct image and print settings are registered in association with each other, the registered correct image is selected based on print settings of a verification target image, and verification is performed by comparing the verification target image with the selected correct image.