Integrated Inspection Job for Printing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems lack an efficient method for integrating inspection image registration and inspection processes, leading to inefficiencies in detecting printing defects.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus and inspection system that allow for the registration of inspection images and the execution of inspection jobs in a coordinated manner, using a flowchart process to manage the registration and inspection steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If inspection image registration and inspection processes are performed separately, then each process can be executed independently, but the overall efficiency of defect detection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection efficiencyVSAvoidtime for inspection processes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the inspection image registration process and the inspection process into a single integrated inspection job. The printing apparatus receives one job that performs both registration and inspection sequentially, eliminating the need for separate processes and improving overall defect detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection image registration is performed as a preliminary action within the same job before the actual inspection takes place. This ensures that the reference inspection image is prepared in advance, allowing the inspection process to proceed immediately without waiting for a separate registration step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate jobs are used for inspection registration and inspection, then each job can be managed independently, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection process managementVSAvoidjob management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inspection image registration job and the inspection job into a single integrated job structure. This reduces the number of jobs that need to be managed separately and simplifies the overall system operation while maintaining all necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If inspection image registration is performed manually, then flexibility is maintained, but the productivity of the inspection system decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection throughputVSAvoidautomation of inspection registration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus automatically performs the inspection image registration process as part of the inspection job without requiring separate manual intervention. The system self-manages the registration of inspection images by utilizing the printed output and inspection apparatus coordination, thereby increasing inspection throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4219173B1Inspection system, printing apparatus, method for controlling inspection system
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 CANON KK
  • EP4219173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4219173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4219173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printing apparatus capable of communicating with at least an inspection apparatus and a processing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising one or more controllers having one or more processors and one or more memories, the one or more controllers configured to receive a registration job for registration of image data in the inspection apparatus and an inspection job for execution of an inspection, to transmit, in a case where the registration job is received, image data based on the registration job to the inspection apparatus, to receive a notification of completion of the registration of the image data from the inspection apparatus, and to perform, in a case where the notification is received, control to perform printing based on the inspection job and to transmit an inspection instruction to the inspection apparatus.