Print Inspection Reference Image Handling for Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems face challenges in efficiently registering and utilizing correct answer images for print defect detection, particularly when the registered images are not found or need to be generated on the fly.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus equipped with a reception unit to receive inspection jobs, an analysis unit to determine if a correct answer image is needed, and a control unit to transmit or register the image as required, ensuring seamless integration with an inspection apparatus for effective print defect detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the inspection apparatus searches for registered correct answer images and generates new ones when not found, then the inspection can be performed, but the time and complexity for determining whether to register or select images increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection performanceVSAvoidtime for image registration and selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus proactively transmits the correct answer image to the inspection apparatus before the inspection is actually needed. By analyzing the inspection job in advance and determining that a correct answer image is required, the system prepares the reference image beforehand, eliminating the need for time-consuming image generation or selection during the inspection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the image source and the inspection apparatus. It receives the inspection job, analyzes whether a correct answer image is needed, and then either transmits the image or sends an instruction for selection. This intermediary role streamlines the workflow by centralizing the decision-making and image management functions in one device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the printing apparatus transmits the correct answer image to the inspection apparatus, then the inspection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and operational steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of image transmission and control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the printing apparatus: it serves as both the print device and the image management system. The printing apparatus integrates the reception unit for inspection jobs, the analysis unit for determining image needs, and the control unit for transmitting images or sending selection instructions. This merging reduces overall system complexity by consolidating functions that would otherwise require separate devices or manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus autonomously performs the analysis of the inspection job and determines whether a correct answer image needs to be transmitted or if a selection instruction should be sent. The system self-manages the image transmission process without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining high inspection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the user manually selects the correct answer image from registered images, then the inspection can be performed with existing images, but the ease of operation is reduced due to additional manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of inspection setupVSAvoidautomation of image selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus automatically analyzes the inspection job and determines whether a correct answer image needs to be transmitted or if a selection instruction should be sent to the inspection apparatus. This automation eliminates the need for manual image selection by the user, thereby improving ease of operation while ensuring the correct image is used for inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12596510B2Printing apparatus for comparing a read image to a correct image to determine if the read image is free of abnormalities

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus connectable to an inspection apparatus in a communicable manner according to the present invention includes a reception unit configured to receive an inspection job including at least information indicating whether a correct answer image is to be registered, an analysis unit configured to analyze the received inspection job, and, a control unit configured to perform control so that the correct answer image is transmitted to the inspection apparatus in a case where the correct answer image is to be registered, and to perform control so that an instruction to select the correct answer image is transmitted to the inspection apparatus in a case where the correct answer image is not to be registered, as a result of the analysis.