Automated Streaky Image Abnormality Detection in Electrophotographic Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses require manual intervention to identify the cause of streaky images, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that prints a predetermined inspection image and uses detection processing units to automatically detect streaky images and determine the cause of abnormalities in the image forming unit, reducing the need for manual identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used to identify the cause of streaky images, then the identification can be performed with simple detection means, but the labor intensity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus automatically determines the cause of streaky images by analyzing inspection images without requiring manual intervention. The determination unit self-services the abnormality identification process by comparing detected streaky images against stored cause-information pairs, eliminating the need for operator involvement while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of visual inspection and cause identification with an automated image processing system. The determination unit uses image data analysis and pattern matching algorithms to substitute human operators, thereby improving efficiency without complicating the detection means
2Productivity
If automated detection processing is implemented to identify streaky image causes, then productivity and efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit serves multiple functions: it detects streaky images, analyzes their characteristics, compares them against stored reference data, and identifies causes. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated unit, improving productivity while controlling device complexity by avoiding separate specialized components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing cause-information pairs in advance before actual inspection occurs. When a streaky image is detected, the system compares it against pre-stored reference data, enabling rapid automated determination without requiring complex real-time analysis algorithms, thus improving efficiency while managing system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus(10) includes an image forming unit(3) of an electrophotographic method, a detection processing unit(53), and a determination processing unit(54). The detection processing unit(53) detects a streaky image along a sub-scanning direction from a first image and a second image among images indicated by image data. The first image has a print density equal to or more than a predetermined reference print-density value, and the second image has a print density less than the reference print-density value. The determination processing unit(54) determines a cause of abnormality in the image forming unit(3) based on a detection result of the streaky image by the detection processing unit(53) for each of the first image and the second image.