Virtual tech rep by remote image quality analysis
US6912071B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N1/00087
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A virtual tech rep system that can assist in reducing service call visits and customer complaints by readily analyzing image quality of an output image device, such as a copier or printer. The system generates a hardcopy test pattern output from the copier or printer and then scans the test pattern using either the platen of the digital copier or an external scanner to form a digital raster image. Test targets in the digital raster image are then determined using pattern recognition software and image quality analysis is then performed on the test targets based on the sensitivity of the human visual system. It is preferable that the image quality analysis is based on human vision systems rather than a direct comparison between original and printed images as many differences may go unnoticed by a human viewer whereas other types of differences may be readily noticed, even if only slight. The system optionally sends the test results and possibly part or all of the scanned test pattern to a service or diagnostic facility (remote or local) for further analysis when potential defects are identified. This process may be performed at start-up or automatically initiated after a predetermin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.