Reference Image Generation for Automatic Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In production printing, creating a reference image for automatic inspection is cumbersome, especially when papers like embossed, index, or unprinted papers are involved, as existing systems require users to pre-select pages not subject to inspection, leading to potential erroneous detections.
Innovation Solution
A reference image generating apparatus that includes a reader and a hardware processor to automatically determine whether each paper is subject to inspection, storing a reference image as valid or invalid based on this information, thereby eliminating the need for user pre-selection and preventing erroneous inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference image is created using paper that is not subject to automatic inspection (e.g., embossed paper, index paper), then the reference image may be determined to be scraped due to shape unevenness, but the user must manually select which pages are not inspected, increasing operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines whether each page should be subject to inspection by checking paper type information, eliminating the need for manual user selection. The apparatus serves itself by autonomously managing the inspection validity determination based on paper characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of inspection validity for each page before the actual inspection process. By checking paper type information in advance and setting inspection validity accordingly, the system prevents erroneous inspections from occurring in the first place
2Reliability
If manual selection of non-inspection pages is required, then inspection accuracy can be maintained, but the process must be performed both when creating reference images and during inspection, increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages inspection validity determination without requiring user intervention at any stage. The apparatus checks paper type information and autonomously determines which pages should be inspected, eliminating repetitive manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the determination of inspection validity once during reference image creation by checking paper type information. This preliminary action stores the validity status, which is then automatically applied during subsequent inspection processes, eliminating the need to repeat the selection process
3Productivity
If all pages are subjected to automatic inspection, then comprehensive quality control is achieved, but pages with embossed or uneven surfaces cause erroneous detections
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different inspection policies to different pages based on their paper type characteristics. Pages with embossed or uneven surfaces are marked as invalid for inspection, while normal pages are inspected, creating localized quality control strategies for different parts of the printed matter
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the inspection parameter (validity status) based on paper type information. By checking characteristics such as embossed surfaces and adjusting the inspection validity parameter accordingly, the system adapts the inspection process to match the physical properties of each page
Data Source
AI summary
A reference image generating apparatus includes: a reader that reads a printed matter transported from an image forming apparatus; a reference image generator that generates a reference image for automatically inspecting the printed matter based on a read image generated by reading the printed matter; and a hardware processor, wherein the hardware processor acquires, from the image forming apparatus, information on whether or not each paper of the printed matter to be transported to the reader is subject to automatic inspection.