Printed Image Inspection Using Auto-Set Regions and Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection systems require manual user input for specifying inspection regions and levels, which becomes time-consuming as the number of inspection sections increases.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically sets inspection regions and levels based on information included in a reference image, utilizing image processing and user input to define content types and inspection criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual user input is used for setting inspection regions and levels, then inspection accuracy can be customized, but the time and effort required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidsetting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection apparatus automatically determines inspection regions and levels by analyzing reference image data without requiring manual user input. The system extracts text regions, image regions, and graphic regions from the reference image and autonomously sets inspection parameters, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the reference image to pre-determine inspection regions and levels before actual inspection begins. By processing the reference image in advance to identify content types and their locations, the system prepares inspection parameters beforehand, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual setup during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of inspection sections increases to cover more areas, then inspection comprehensiveness improves, but the time required to specify inspection regions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection comprehensivenessVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus automatically identifies and segments multiple inspection sections by analyzing the reference image content. It autonomously determines text regions, image regions, and graphic regions, and sets appropriate inspection levels for each section without user intervention, enabling comprehensive multi-section inspection to be configured instantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the inspection area into multiple independent sections based on content type segmentation. By automatically identifying different region types (text, image, graphic) and their locations in the reference image, the system creates multiple inspection sections with customized parameters, allowing comprehensive coverage without manual configuration for each section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If automated methods are used to reduce manual input, then efficiency improves, but the complexity of the inspection system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single automated process: reference image analysis, region segmentation, content type identification, inspection level determination, and parameter setting. This multi-functional integration achieves high inspection efficiency through automation while managing system complexity by consolidating functions rather than adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical configuration operations with automated image processing and analysis. By using computational methods to analyze reference images and determine inspection parameters, the system substitutes human manual input with automated algorithms, improving efficiency while the complexity is managed through software-based solutions rather than additional hardware components.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4250704B1Inspection system, inspection apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 CANON KK
  • EP4250704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4250704B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4250704B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention related to an inspection apparatus (108) that executes an inspection by comparing an image of a printed material printed by a printing apparatus and a reference image. The inspection apparatus extracts (226, S1204) a region corresponding to a content type on a basis of content information of the reference image, sets (226, S1208) an inspection level for the region extracted in the extracting; and presents (226, S1210, S1211), to a user, the region extracted in the extracting and the inspection level set in the setting, associated with the reference image.