Printed Matter Inspection With On-the-Fly Defect Threshold Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems require interruption of printing to adjust defect detection levels or non-detection ranges, leading to reduced productivity and difficulty in inspecting printed matters effectively.

Innovation Solution

An inspection system and method that allows for changing defect detection levels and setting non-detection ranges without interrupting the operation of the image forming apparatus, using an inspection apparatus to display defects and reflect these changes on the image forming apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the detection level or non-detection range is reset after printing interruption, then the user can check the defect detection results, but productivity is reduced and the user needs to check how many sheets have been successfully printed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidprinting productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection level and non-detection range settings during printing operations without requiring interruption. The inspection apparatus allows users to modify detection parameters on-the-fly, making the system adaptable to different inspection needs while maintaining continuous printing operations, thus resolving the contradiction between detection precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-setting multiple detection levels and non-detection ranges that can be selected during printing. Users can configure different detection scenarios in advance, allowing them to switch between detection modes without interrupting the printing process, thereby maintaining both high detection accuracy and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If printing is interrupted to reset detection settings, then the user can adjust the detection level, but it reduces productivity and causes operational downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection level adjustmentVSAvoidprinting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous printing operations while allowing detection level adjustments. The inspection apparatus maintains uninterrupted printing by implementing a mechanism where detection parameters can be modified and applied to subsequent pages without stopping the printing process, thus eliminating time loss while preserving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the detection parameter adjustment function from the printing operation in a different dimensional space. Users can adjust detection levels through a separate interface that operates independently from the printing process, allowing parameter changes to be applied without affecting the continuous printing workflow, thereby resolving the time loss issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the detection level is fixed, then the inspection apparatus can operate continuously, but the user cannot inspect printed matter at an ideal detection level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection throughputVSAvoiddetection level flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements multiple detectable parameters including detection level, non-detection range, and defect types. The inspection apparatus allows dynamic modification of these parameters during operation, enabling users to adjust detection sensitivity and scope according to specific inspection requirements while maintaining continuous operation, thus achieving both high throughput and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle various detection scenarios. It can operate at different detection levels, apply different non-detection ranges, and detect multiple defect types within a single continuous printing run, making the system universally applicable to diverse inspection needs while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260025471A1Inspection system, inspection method, and non-transitory recording medium

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An inspection system includes an image forming apparatus to form an image on a printed matter and an inspection apparatus to detect a defect of the printed matter. The image forming apparatus has a display to display the defect and circuitry. The display displays the defect. The circuitry changes a detection level of the defect at the display. The circuitry sets a change of the detection level. The circuitry reflects a setting result of the detection level on the inspection apparatus without interrupting operation of the image forming apparatus.