Printed Matter Inspection Setup Using Auto Reference Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection systems require manual registration of reference images and setting of detection regions and threshold values, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An integrated system that automates the registration of reference images and detection settings, allowing for efficient and automated inspection of printed materials using both scan and RIP inspection methods, with options for real-time defect identification and recovery modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual reference image registration and inspection setting are used, then defect detection can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidinspection setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing images of printed matters and pre-processing them to generate reference images before actual inspection. This preliminary image capture and processing eliminates the need for manual reference image registration during inspection setup, reducing time loss while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection apparatus performs self-service by automatically capturing its own reference images and generating inspection settings without requiring external manual intervention. The system autonomously completes tasks that previously required operator input, such as reference image registration and inspection parameter configuration, thereby reducing setup time while preserving defect detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual reference image registration is performed, then inspection can be conducted, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates manual reference image registration by implementing self-service functionality where the inspection apparatus automatically captures and processes reference images. This automation removes human intervention from the process, eliminating operational errors while maintaining inspection reliability through consistent automated procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physical reference image registration and setting configuration) with automated electronic/image processing systems. The inspection apparatus uses its own imaging capabilities and processing algorithms to automatically establish reference images and inspection parameters, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with electronic automation that improves both reliability and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive inspection settings are configured, then defect detection accuracy improves, but user intervention and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidinspection setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection apparatus performs self-service by automatically generating inspection settings and reference images without requiring users to configure complex parameters. The system autonomously completes the setup process, maintaining high detection accuracy through automated algorithms while eliminating the complexity of manual configuration for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automatic processing of reference images and inspection parameter generation before actual inspection begins. This preliminary automated setup establishes comprehensive inspection settings without requiring user intervention, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through pre-configured automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4262182B1Inspection system, inspection apparatus, and control method of inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 CANON KK
  • EP4262182B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4262182B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4262182B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An inspection apparatus includes receiving means for receiving an image to be registered as a reference image together with a job setting, reception means for receiving an inspection setting for the received reference image, storage means for storing an inspection setting in a storage device, and inspection means for, if a scan image obtained by scanning of a printed matter is received, inspecting the scan image based on the received inspection setting, if the job setting is a predetermined job setting, wherein the inspection apparatus executes inspection based on the inspection setting stored in the storage device without the reception means receiving the inspection setting.