Print Image Inspection Calibration for Color and Position Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image inspection systems fail to notify users of the need for calibration before a color value deviation occurs, leading to continued printing with abnormalities, and do not account for deviations in print position.
Innovation Solution
An image inspection apparatus that includes a calibration unit to adjust lookup tables and distortion parameters based on calibration charts, align scanned and reference images, and perform image comparison to detect abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calibration is performed only after color value deviation is confirmed, then the inspection system maintains simple operation, but printing abnormalities occur and quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by predicting color value deviations based on sheet information before actual printing occurs. The calibration determination unit predicts deviations using stored prediction values associated with different sheet types, and the calibration execution unit performs calibration in advance when predicted deviations exceed thresholds, preventing printing abnormalities before they occur.
2Reliability
If the inspection system only checks color values, then the system remains simple, but it cannot detect print position deviations that also affect quality
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is enhanced to perform multiple types of inspections simultaneously. The same inspection apparatus that checks color values now also detects print position deviations, sheet distortion, and other abnormalities. The determination unit integrates multiple prediction models (color value deviation, print position deviation, distortion) to comprehensively assess whether calibration is needed, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated devices.
3Reliability
If calibration is performed frequently to prevent abnormalities, then print quality improves, but productivity decreases due to more calibration operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts calibration frequency based on predicted deviation parameters. Different sheet types have different prediction values stored in advance, allowing the system to determine calibration needs quantitatively. The calibration determination unit compares predicted deviations against thresholds to make data-driven decisions about when calibration is necessary, optimizing the balance between quality and productivity by calibrating only when needed rather than on fixed schedules.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image inspection apparatus (102) comprises an image inspection means (506) that scans, via a scanning means (403), a sheet on which an image is formed conveyed from an image forming means (202) and detecting an abnormality in a formed image via comparison with a reference image. The image inspection apparatus (102) determines whether or not to execute calibration to adjust the reference image of the formed image, in a case where it is determined to execute calibration, execute calibration and store calibration data thereof in the one or more memory devices, in a case where it is determined not to execute calibration, read out calibration data from the one or more memory devices, and based on calibration data stored in the one or more memory devices or calibration data obtained by execution of the calibration, perform adjustment of the reference image or the formed image.