Inspection Apparatus Automatic Edge Coordinate Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image quality inspection of printed materials relies on subjective human evaluation and manual setting of inspection regions, leading to variability and inefficiency, particularly due to challenges in aligning thin sheets and optical effects with thick sheets, resulting in overdetection and difficulty in maximizing inspection regions.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus and method that automatically extracts coordinate groups to define the outside edge and inspection region of a correct image, avoiding overdetection by setting the inspection region inside the edge coordinates, allowing for a maximized inspection area without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the entire print sheet including edge portions is inspected, then the inspection region is maximized, but overdetection occurs due to alignment issues and optical effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and excludes the edge portions of the print sheet from the inspection region. By automatically detecting the edge coordinates and defining the inspection region to exclude these edges, the system removes the problematic areas that cause overdetection while maintaining inspection of the valid content areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the inspection region parameters based on detected edge coordinates. By changing the boundary parameters of the inspection region to exclude edge portions, the system adapts to different print sheets and avoids fixed-region limitations while preventing overdetection.
2Reliability
If manual setting of inspection region is performed to avoid edge portions, then overdetection is reduced, but it is difficult to maximize the inspection region due to image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting edge coordinates and calculating the optimal inspection region without requiring manual intervention. The automatic edge detection and region definition processes enable the system to independently maximize the inspection region while excluding edge portions that cause overdetection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary edge detection and inspection region definition before the actual inspection process. By pre-calculating the optimal inspection region boundaries based on detected edge coordinates, the system prepares the correct inspection area in advance, avoiding the need for manual adjustment during operation.
3Productivity
If automatic inspection is implemented, then inspection speed and consistency are improved, but complex setting operations are required for region definition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting edge coordinates and calculating the optimal inspection region without requiring manual intervention. The automatic edge detection and region definition processes enable the system to independently maximize the inspection region while excluding edge portions that cause overdetection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (mouse dragging, click-based region setting) with automated image processing algorithms. By substituting the manual setting mechanism with automatic edge detection and coordinate extraction algorithms, the system eliminates complex setting operations while maintaining accurate region definition.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention directs to an inspection apparatus, comprising: an obtaining unit that obtains a correct image for comparison against an inspection target image read from a print sheet; a first extraction unit that extracts a first coordinate group indicating an outside edge of the correct image from a feature point of the correct image; and a second extraction unit that extracts a second coordinate group indicating an inspection region inside the correct image that does not include the extracted first coordinate group of the correct image.