Variable Print Quality Inspection Using Job Layout Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print product inspection methods, particularly in variable printing, are inefficient and labor-intensive due to the need for printing, scanning, and registering reference images for each print product.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus that compares an image scanned from the print product with a reference image using layout information from the print job, eliminating the need for printing and scanning reference images by utilizing image data and layout information from the print job generation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference images are printed, scanned, and registered for each print product, then inspection accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming repeated printing and scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining layout information from the print job data before the actual printing occurs. The inspection apparatus pre-processes the print job to extract image data and its corresponding layout information, creating a reference framework in advance. This eliminates the need to print and scan reference images after each print job, significantly improving productivity while maintaining inspection accuracy through pre-established coordinate mapping.
2Reliability
If print products are printed, scanned, and registered as reference images for variable printing, then inspection reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated printing and scanning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a digital reference model from the print job data itself rather than physically printing and scanning reference images. The layout information extracted from print job data serves as a virtual copy that represents the expected print output. This digital reference can be instantly reproduced and compared without any physical printing or scanning, eliminating time loss while ensuring inspection reliability through accurate coordinate-based image comparison.
3Measurement precision
If image data is divided into characters and other regions for inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming division processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the image division and coordinate mapping during the print job data processing stage, before actual inspection occurs. The layout information is extracted and stored with coordinate data that pre-defines character regions and other areas. During inspection, the apparatus simply retrieves this pre-divided layout information and performs direct comparison, achieving high measurement precision without time-consuming division processes during production.
Data Source
AI summary
A client computer which has generated a print job related to printing of a print product to be inspected transmits image data and layout information used for generating the print job to an inspection apparatus. The inspection apparatus receives and stores image data and layout information used for generating the print job from the client computer. The image scanned from the print product printed based on the print job and image data used for generating the print job are compared based on the layout information to inspect the print quality of the print product.