Parallel Scanner Image Inspection for Unified Large-Format Results
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image inspection systems struggle to generate a comprehensive inspection result when the read image is divided in the sheet width direction, particularly for large printers with maximum sheet sizes exceeding A3, such as B2 or larger, where two imaging units are used in parallel, leading to inefficiencies in processing and difficulty in generating a unified inspection result.
Innovation Solution
An image inspection apparatus comprising two scanners arranged side by side to read left and right halves of a printed sheet, with dedicated processors for each scanner to inspect and generate inspection data independently, followed by a report generator that alternately arranges these data in a double-page spread format for comprehensive viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two imaging units are connected in parallel to read large-format sheets, then the device can handle larger sheet sizes (B2 and above), but the complexity of generating a unified inspection result increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into separate inspection units, with each imaging unit having its own inspection unit that independently processes read images. The division is organized such that each imaging unit reads a specific region (left or right half of the sheet) and its corresponding inspection unit processes only those images, avoiding the need to generate a single unified inspection result across all imaging units.
2Productivity
If two image processors analyze two read images in parallel, then the processing speed requirement for each processor is reduced to half, but the difficulty of integrating results increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into independent inspection units, each handling a specific portion of the read images. Each image processor analyzes only the read images from its corresponding imaging unit, eliminating the need to integrate results from multiple processors while maintaining parallel processing benefits.
3Device complexity
If a single image processor analyzes one read image, then the processing requirement is high, but the system structure is simple
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the inspection task into multiple independent inspection units, each with its own image processor. This allows parallel processing of read images from different imaging units, increasing overall processing capacity while keeping each individual processor's workload manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging units and their corresponding inspection units are merged into a single integrated inspection system. The imaging units are connected in parallel, and their inspection results are combined through the segmented inspection units, achieving both parallel processing efficiency and systematic organization.
Data Source
AI summary
An image inspection apparatus includes: a reader that reads an image formed on a recording medium; a first processor that: inspects a first read image including one of divided images obtained by dividing the image at a predetermined position in a main scanning direction, and generates first inspection image data based on an inspection result of the first read image; and a second processor that: inspects a second read image including another of the divided images obtained by dividing the image, and generates second inspection image data based on an inspection result of the second read image.