Information Processing for Image Inspection with Nozzle Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection apparatuses fail to consider non-ejection correction information when inspecting images formed by image forming apparatuses, leading to inadequate inspection performance.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that transmits correction information related to non-ejection correction, including execution, position, and user-set accuracy information, to an inspection apparatus to enable informed inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the inspection apparatus scans the image without considering non-ejection correction information, then the inspection process is simple and fast, but the inspection accuracy deteriorates because it cannot distinguish between actual defects and areas affected by non-ejection correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidinspection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection apparatus receives correction information about non-ejection nozzles and their positions before performing the inspection. This preliminary acquisition of correction data allows the inspection process to account for non-ejection correction areas, improving accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustments during scanning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Correction information acts as an intermediary between the image forming apparatus and the inspection apparatus. This intermediate data layer provides context about non-ejection correction areas, enabling the inspection apparatus to interpret scan results accurately without directly modifying its scanning mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the inspection apparatus transmits and processes correction information, then the inspection accuracy improves, but the information transmission and processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidinformation transmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential correction information needed for inspection - specifically data about non-ejection nozzles and their positions - rather than transmitting complete image data or all operational parameters. This selective extraction minimizes information overhead while maintaining inspection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The correction information focuses on specific local areas where non-ejection correction is applied, rather than providing global image data. This localized approach transmits only the necessary information about affected regions, reducing overall data transmission requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4624178A1Information processing system, information processing program, and inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4624178A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624178A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4624178A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing system includes a processor configured to, in a case of executing non-ejection correction of increasing an ejection amount of a nozzle adj acent to a non-ejection nozzle in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting liquid droplets from plural nozzles based on image data, transmit correction information related to the non-ejection correction to an inspection apparatus that scans an image formed by the image forming apparatus and inspects the image.