Image-Forming and Reading Defect Diagnosis via Read-Image Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distinguishing between defective images caused by the image forming section or the reading section requires multiple read images, increasing user time and effort in diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that acquires a read image with a first and second range, generating a screen indicating the cause of defective images within these ranges, allowing for efficient diagnosis without multiple image preparations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple read images with different reading directions are used to diagnose defective images, then the accuracy of identifying the defect source (image forming section or reading section) is improved, but the time and effort required for users to prepare the read images increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidimage preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the read image into multiple ranges (first range and second range) along the reading direction. The processor analyzes defective images in the first range to diagnose the image forming section, and defective images in the second range to diagnose the reading section. This segmentation allows accurate diagnosis using a single read image, eliminating the need to prepare multiple read images with different reading directions while maintaining high diagnosis accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple read images with different reading directions are used to diagnose defective images, then the reliability of defect source identification is improved, but the operational complexity for users increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect source identification reliabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the read image into a first range and a second range based on the reading direction. The processor automatically identifies defective images in each range and generates appropriate diagnosis information. This segmentation approach maintains high reliability in defect source identification while simplifying user operation, as users only need to provide a single read image rather than multiple images in different reading directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processor automatically performs the diagnosis by analyzing the read image and identifying defective images in different ranges. The system self-services the diagnosis process by automatically determining whether defects originate from the image forming section or the reading section, eliminating the need for users to manually prepare multiple read images or perform complex analysis operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a single read image is used for diagnosis, then the time and effort for image preparation is reduced, but the ability to distinguish between image forming section and reading section defects is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis efficiencyVSAvoiddefect source discrimination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the read image into a first range and a second range along the reading direction. The processor is configured to diagnose the image forming section based on defective images in the first range and diagnose the reading section based on defective images in the second range. This segmentation enables accurate defect source discrimination using only a single read image, thereby maintaining high diagnosis efficiency without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4422155B1Information processing system and program
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4422155B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4422155B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4422155B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing system includes a processor configured to: acquire a read image that is an image obtained in a manner that an image reading section reads a diagnosis image of a recording medium, which is output by an image forming section, the read image including a first range that is a range of the recording medium and a second range that is a range extending from the first range in a reading direction of the image reading section; and generate a screen including information regarding the image forming section in a case where a defective image is in the first range as a result of diagnosing the acquired read image, and including information regarding the image reading section in a case where the defective image is in the second range as the result of diagnosing the acquired read image.