Flat Print Quality Inspection Using Support Element Geometric Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quality inspection and testing of flat print products cannot detect irregularities in the products themselves, as the surface is invisible to image detection units, limiting the ability to assess the product's condition during production.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that illuminate both the print product and its support element, using image recording units to capture images of structural elements, determine geometric objects, and compare actual values to desired values, allowing for the detection of irregularities and optimal positioning for inspection, which includes a support element with air-permeable openings, a blast air unit, and a circulating guide belt for flexible handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the print product surface is inspected using existing image detection methods, then the position and contours of the print product can be detected, but the surface irregularities of the print product itself cannot be detected because the surface is invisible to the image detection unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support element with a structured surface pattern as an intermediary between the print product and the image detection unit. This support element serves as a mediator that allows the detection system to indirectly detect print product surface irregularities by comparing the detected support element pattern with the expected pattern, thereby resolving the contradiction of being unable to directly detect the print product surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the support element surface structure through the print product. By detecting this copied pattern with the image detection unit and comparing it to the known support element structure, the system can infer surface irregularities of the print product that would otherwise be invisible, thus recovering the lost surface information.
2Extent of automation
If the print product is positioned on a conveying device for inspection, then automated detection of position and contours is possible, but the inspection system cannot detect dirt particles or irregularities in the conveying section
Solution Approach 1:
The support element acts as an intermediary reference object that is placed between the conveying device surface and the print product. By detecting the support element's known surface structure, the system can identify contaminants or irregularities on the conveying section that would otherwise be obscured by the print product itself, enabling automated detection of harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is positioned in advance on the conveying device before the print product is placed on top. This preliminary placement ensures that the support element's surface structure is already in position to reveal any contaminants or irregularities on the conveying section, allowing the inspection system to detect harmful factors before they affect the print product quality assessment.
3Measurement precision
If the print product surface is made visible for inspection, then surface irregularities can be detected, but the inspection system loses the ability to detect irregularities in the conveying section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection target into two distinct components: the print product and the support element. The support element is designed with a specific surface structure that serves as a reference pattern. By segmenting the inspection对象, the system can separately analyze the print product surface and the conveying section through the support element's known structure, thereby detecting both surface irregularities and conveying section contaminants simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the inspection system by introducing a support element with a known surface structure that has different optical properties than the print product surface. This parameter change allows the image detection unit to distinguish between the support element pattern and print product surface features, enabling simultaneous detection of both print product surface irregularities and conveying section contaminants through comparative analysis.
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
Enables automatic detection of irregularities and improved quality inspection by evaluating geometric objects of both the print product and its support element, ensuring accurate positioning and controlling further processing based on comparisons with desired values.
Implementation Method 1
the print product and the support element are illuminated by at least one light source. Following this, at least one image of the illuminated print product, containing a structural element of the print product, is recorded with at least one image recording unit
Implementation Method 2
which includes a support element with air-permeable openings, a blast air unit, and a circulating guide belt for flexible handling
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for the quality inspection and testing of a flat print product. A print product, including at least one structural element, is initially deposited on a support element and illuminated by at least one light source. At least one image of the illuminated print product is generated using at least one image recording unit. An image is also generated of at least one structural element on the support element and a geometric object of the support element is determined from the at least one structural element of the support element. Actual values for the at least one geometric object of the support element are compared to predetermined desired values for this geometric object and the result of the comparison is used for controlling the further processing of the print product.