Verification Image Printing for Printer Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems cannot guarantee normal operation unless a printed image is defective, failing to detect abnormalities in the verification apparatus and lack of assurance in normal printing states.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus and method that includes an output unit for printing a verification image, an obtainment unit for comparing the printed verification image with a correct answer image, and a control unit to control printing based on the verification result, enabling verification printing at predetermined conditions to ensure system normalcy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If verification is performed only when a printed image is defective, then the defective sheet can be detected and separated, but the system cannot guarantee normal operation or detect abnormalities in the verification apparatus itself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality assurance certaintyVSAvoidverification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by printing a verification image before normal printing operations to check whether the verification apparatus and printing system are functioning normally. This preliminary verification step ensures that the system is ready for quality assurance before actual production begins, preventing undetected abnormalities from affecting subsequent printing quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The verification apparatus performs self-verification by printing a verification image and then verifying it itself. This self-service mechanism allows the system to autonomously detect abnormalities in its own operation without requiring external intervention, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a test pattern is printed to verify printing system operation, then system normalcy can be checked, but this adds additional printing steps and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting system operation verificationVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the verification image printing with the normal printing process by integrating the verification step into the existing printing workflow. The verification image is printed using the same printing apparatus and process as normal images, combining two functions (verification and production) into a single integrated system operation, thereby reducing additional time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11489973B2Apparatus and method for performing sheet discharge control of a printed material based on a determination result

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 CANON KK

AI summary

An apparatus includes an output unit configured to output a printed material of a verification image in a case where a condition is satisfied, an obtainment unit configured to obtain a verification result based on a comparison between a read image of the printed material of the verification image and a correct answer image, and a control unit configured to control printing based on the verification result.