Reference Image Generation for Print Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection techniques for print products face challenges in generating high-quality reference images, leading to reduced inspection accuracy due to issues like stains, misalignment, and density variations, especially when combining multiple images.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that obtains multiple scanned images, determines their suitability for generating a reference image using a master image, and combines suitable images to create a high-quality reference image, minimizing the impact of defects and misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple scanned images are simply combined to generate a reference image, then the reference image can be created from available data, but the quality of the reference image reduces due to stains, misalignment, and density variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by evaluating and selecting suitable scanned images before combining them to generate the reference image. The determination unit assesses each scanned image for quality criteria (stain absence, alignment accuracy, density consistency) and selects only suitable images for combination, preventing defective images from degrading the reference image quality and subsequent inspection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different scanned images differently based on their individual quality characteristics. Instead of uniformly combining all scanned images, the system evaluates each image's local properties (presence of stains, alignment precision, density uniformity) and selectively includes only those meeting quality thresholds, ensuring high-quality regions contribute to the reference image while defective regions are excluded.
2Quantity of substance
If a scanned image of a badly stained print product is included in the combination, then more images are available for reference image generation, but the effect of the print product is reduced and reference image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing quality threshold parameters for scanned images (stain area ratio, alignment deviation, density variation) and using these parameters to filter suitable images. The determination unit compares each scanned image against these parameter thresholds, selecting only those that meet the quality criteria, thereby maintaining reference image quality while utilizing an adequate quantity of suitable images.
3Ease of manufacture
If the median value of densities of multiple images is used to generate the reference image, then the combination process is simplified, but inspection accuracy is hindered when images include significant density variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing quality evaluation and selection of scanned images before the combination process. The determination unit assesses each image for density consistency and suitability, selecting only images with acceptable density characteristics. This preliminary filtering ensures that the subsequent median value calculation is performed on high-quality images only, maintaining inspection accuracy while keeping the combination process simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus obtains a plurality of scanned images, determines whether each of the plurality of scanned images is suitable for use in generating a reference image, by using a master image for generating the reference image, and generates the reference image by combining a plurality of scanned images determined to be suitable for use in generating the reference image.