Print Inspection Apparatus Using Adaptive Density Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print inspection systems struggle to detect defects with high density and small size, as well as low density and large size, due to limitations in threshold settings.
Innovation Solution
A print inspection apparatus that generates a difference image between a read image and a reference image, using a plurality of size thresholds and density thresholds, allowing for more accurate defect detection by varying density thresholds based on size thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single density threshold is used for defect inspection, then the inspection process is simple, but defects with high density and small size or low density and large size cannot be properly detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the defect inspection process by dividing defects into different size categories (small size and large size) and applying different density thresholds to each category. This segmentation allows the system to accurately detect both high-density small defects and low-density large defects that would be missed by a single threshold approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by varying the density threshold based on the size of the defect being inspected. The inspection apparatus automatically selects appropriate density thresholds corresponding to different size thresholds, making the inspection criteria adaptive rather than static.
2Measurement precision
If multiple density thresholds corresponding to different size thresholds are used, then defect detection accuracy improves, but the inspection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus performs self-service by automatically selecting and applying the appropriate density threshold based on the detected defect size. The system autonomously manages the complexity of multiple thresholds without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the defect size measurement to dynamically adjust the density threshold applied during inspection. The apparatus first determines defect size, then uses this information to select the appropriate density threshold for final defect determination, creating a feedback loop that simplifies the overall process while improving accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A print inspection apparatus include circuitry that generates a difference image based on a comparison between a read image obtained by reading printed matter printed by a printer and a reference image, and inspects a defect of the printed matter using the difference image, a plurality of size thresholds, and a plurality of density thresholds corresponding to each of the plurality of size thresholds.