Image Processing for Transparent Substrate Mark Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting marks on transparent substrates with visible light transparency are prone to inaccuracies due to unstable luminance values, leading to incorrect detection and positioning of print starts on sheets with transparent properties.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that calculates the distance conveyed by a transparent substrate while maintaining a stable luminance value range to determine the position of a mark, using a mark detection sensor to ensure accurate detection and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If luminance information is used to detect marks on transparent substrates, then detection speed is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to unstable luminance values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidmark detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A reference luminance value is introduced as an intermediary to compare against the detected luminance value. This reference value serves as a stable benchmark that compensates for the instability of luminance readings on transparent substrates, enabling accurate mark detection without sacrificing detection speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from relying solely on absolute luminance values to comparing luminance values against a reference. This parameter transformation converts an unstable measurement into a stable detection method while maintaining high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional mark detection methods are used on transparent substrates, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidprint start position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by comparing the detected luminance value with a reference luminance value. This feedback mechanism continuously adjusts the detection process to account for variations in transparency, ensuring accurate mark detection and correct print positioning without adding complex hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise detection of marks on transparent substrates, allowing for correct print start positions and image formation on sheets with visible light transparency, ensuring accurate print positioning and image placement.

Implementation Method 1

obtain a luminance value obtained by reading a transparent substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminance detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250308056A1Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit to obtain a luminance value obtained by reading a transparent substrate, which is a transparent substrate conveyed by a conveyance unit included in a printing apparatus configured to print an image on each page, and, on which a mark indicating a leading position of the page is already printed, a calculation unit to calculate a distance by which the transparent substrate is conveyed by the conveyance unit while the luminance value obtained by the obtaining unit is being kept within a certain range, and a determination unit to determine a position of the mark on the transparent substrate based on the distance calculated by the calculation unit.