Pattern Holder for Consistent Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image abnormality detecting devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in ensuring accurate inspection of the detecting operation of abnormality detectors due to variable check image quality, which depends on machine conditions and sheet types, leading to insufficient inspection accuracy and increased toner and sheet consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a novel image abnormality detecting device that includes an image reader, an abnormality detector, and a pattern holder with pre-defined check patterns, where the pattern holder is disposed within the reading area of the image reader, allowing for consistent inspection of the detecting operation based on read information from the check patterns, independent of machine conditions and sheet types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If check images are formed on recording media by the image forming device for inspection, then the detecting operation of the abnormality detector can be inspected, but the inspection accuracy is insufficient due to variable check image quality depending on machine conditions and sheet types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the check pattern from the variable environment of machine-formed images on recording media and places it on a dedicated pattern holder with fixed, pre-defined patterns. This separation removes the check pattern from the influence of machine conditions and sheet types, ensuring consistent quality for reliable inspection of the abnormality detector's detecting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the image forming device to create check images for inspection (which introduces variability), the patent inverts the approach by using a pattern holder with fixed check patterns that are read directly by the image reader. This reversal eliminates the source of quality variation and provides stable inspection references.
2Measurement precision
If check images are formed on recording media for inspection, then the detecting operation can be inspected, but toner and sheet consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inspection function from the image forming process by placing check patterns on a dedicated pattern holder. This eliminates the need to consume toner and recording media for creating check images, as the patterns are already present on the holder and can be repeatedly read without material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern holder serves itself by providing check patterns that are permanently affixed and reusable. The system inspects the abnormality detector by reading these self-contained patterns rather than requiring external resources like toner and sheets to generate inspection images.
3Measurement precision
If check images are formed on recording media for inspection, then the detecting operation can be inspected, but productivity deteriorates due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection function with the normal image reading operation by placing the pattern holder in the reading area where the image reader already operates. The check patterns are read during regular operation without requiring separate inspection processing steps, thus maintaining productivity while achieving accurate inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern holder enables continuous inspection capability that does not interrupt the image forming workflow. The check patterns are readily available for reading at any time during normal operation, allowing the abnormality detector to be inspected continuously without stopping production or adding processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
An image abnormality detecting device includes an image reader, an abnormality detector, a pattern holder, and circuitry. The image reader is configured to read an image on a recording medium. The abnormality detector is configured to detect abnormality of the image based on read information of the image on the recording medium, read by the image reader. The pattern holder has a check pattern and is disposed within a reading area of the image reader. The circuitry is configured to inspect a detecting operation of the abnormality detector based on read information of the check pattern read by the image reader.