Print Image Inspection Area Control for Flexible Defect Criteria
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print image inspection systems struggle to balance inspection criteria to avoid both under-inspection and over-inspection, leading to either shipping defective prints or unnecessary re-checks, as they lack flexibility in setting inspection areas and levels based on specific user requirements.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system with a reading unit and controllers that allow for registering reference images, setting inspection areas, and enabling partial deletion of inspection areas to customize inspection settings, thereby improving the flexibility and accuracy of print image inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inspection criterion is set strictly to detect all defects, then the reliability of defect detection is improved, but the number of discarded sheets increases and unnecessary re-checks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection area is divided into multiple regions, and different inspection criteria can be applied to different regions. This allows strict inspection where defects are critical and more lenient inspection where defects are less significant, thereby maintaining high defect detection reliability while reducing unnecessary discards.
Solution Approach 2:
Different inspection criteria are applied to different areas of the printed matter based on local requirements. Critical areas receive strict inspection criteria while non-critical areas receive more lenient criteria, optimizing the balance between defect detection and reducing waste.
2Loss of substance
If the inspection criterion is set loosely to reduce discarded sheets, then the loss of substance is reduced, but printed matters with defects may be shipped
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection area is segmented into multiple regions with different inspection criteria. Critical regions maintain strict inspection to ensure defect detection reliability, while non-critical regions use more lenient criteria to reduce unnecessary discards.
Solution Approach 2:
Different inspection criteria are applied locally to different areas based on their importance. This ensures that defect detection reliability is maintained in critical areas while reducing waste in non-critical areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual inspection is used to flexibly adjust inspection criteria, then the adaptability to different user requirements is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system allows dynamic adjustment of inspection criteria and areas through user input. Users can specify inspection areas and criteria based on their requirements, and the system automatically configures the inspection parameters, providing both flexibility and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to self-configure inspection parameters by inputting their specific requirements. The system then automatically sets up the inspection areas and criteria, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining adaptability to different user needs.
4Productivity
If automated inspection is used to increase productivity, then the productivity is improved, but the adaptability to different user requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated inspection system incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities where users can input their specific requirements, and the system automatically adjusts inspection areas and criteria. This maintains high productivity through automation while providing adaptability to different user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is designed to handle multiple types of printed matters and inspection requirements through a single automated platform. Users can configure different inspection parameters for different applications, making the system universally applicable while maintaining automation and productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances inspection setting operability and accuracy by allowing users to tailor inspection criteria to specific business forms and printed matters, reducing defects and unnecessary re-checks.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor located inside the inspection apparatus reads the image printed out on the sheet
Implementation Method 2
a sensor located inside the inspection apparatus reads the image printed out on the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system includes a reading unit configured to acquire a scanned image by reading a recording medium on which an image is formed, and one or more controllers having one or more processors and one or more memories, the one or more controllers being configured to register a reference image, perform an inspection on the scanned image by comparing the scanned image with the reference image, set an inspection area to be inspected in the inspection, and delete a part of the inspection area.