Line Sensor Array for Image Quality Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently judging the quality of images across different models due to the need for managing multiple types of line sensors, which increases complexity and costs, while also requiring effective error processing for image abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a configuration with multiple line sensors disposed along the width direction, reading images of partial areas with overlapping and non-overlapping sections, and utilizes an image judgment portion to assess data against reference images, with error processing for abnormalities, allowing for shared line sensors across models and effective image quality assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple types of line sensors are used to judge image quality across different models, then image quality assessment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal line sensor platform that can be shared across different image forming apparatus models. The control device stores multiple types of reference image data corresponding to different models and selects the appropriate reference data based on the current model being inspected. This allows a single physical line sensor to perform quality assessment for multiple different models, eliminating the need to manage multiple specialized sensors while maintaining assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of reference image data based on the model being inspected. The control device selects different reference image data from storage depending on which model's image quality is being assessed. This parameter change approach allows the same hardware to adapt to different models by simply changing the reference data, rather than changing the physical sensor itself.
2Measurement precision
If line sensors are disposed with overlapping positions to read partial areas, then image quality coverage is improved, but sensor arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image reading task into multiple segments by using multiple line sensors positioned at different locations along the width direction. Each sensor reads a specific partial area of the sheet, and the control device integrates these segmented readings to form a complete image quality assessment. The overlapping positioning ensures that all areas including edges are covered without requiring complex mechanical arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial overlap between sensor reading areas to ensure complete coverage. By positioning sensors so their reading areas partially overlap, the system ensures that no portion of the sheet escapes inspection, particularly at the edges. This excessive coverage approach simplifies the arrangement by using a regular overlapping pattern rather than attempting to precisely tile sensor areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reference image data is stored for multiple models, then adaptability across models is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions by storing and managing reference image data for multiple different models within a single system. The same control device that operates the line sensors also manages the reference data storage and selection, eliminating the need for separate data management systems for each model and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing reference image data for multiple models before actual image quality inspection begins. This advance preparation allows the control device to quickly select the appropriate reference data during operation without needing to process or generate it in real-time, simplifying the runtime data management process.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of line sensors are disposed along a width direction intersecting a sheet conveying direction with respective positions in the width direction partially overlapping with each other, and configured to read images of a plurality of partial areas from the sheet, each of the partial areas including a non-overlapping area which does not overlap with an adjacent area and an overlapping area which overlaps with an adjacent area, each of which is a part of a sheet passing area in the width direction. An image judgment portion judges whether or not data of each of a plurality of read images obtained by the plurality of line sensors satisfies a tolerance condition based on a corresponding reference image data item. An error processing portion executes predetermined error processing when it is judged that the data of any of the plurality of read images does not satisfy the tolerance condition.