Automatic Output Metadata Determination for Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in color output across different output devices and substrates leads to poor results and user dissatisfaction, as users face challenges in accurately reproducing content due to differences in devices and substrates.
Innovation Solution
An automatic system that identifies the substrate and output device by reading identifiers from packaging, such as QR codes or barcodes, and retrieves corresponding metadata to determine optimal output parameters, ensuring accurate color representation without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually adjust output parameters for different devices and substrates, then color accuracy can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex user intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the substrate type through packaging codes and retrieves corresponding output parameters without requiring user intervention. The substrate identifier (barcode/QR code) on packaging enables the system to self-determine the correct output settings, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust parameters while maintaining color accuracy across different substrates and devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports a wide variety of substrates and output devices, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage diverse configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate identifier (barcode or QR code) on packaging serves as an intermediary that bridges the user and the complex system of multiple substrates and devices. Instead of requiring users to navigate complex device settings, they simply place the substrate in the device, and the identifier automatically communicates the substrate type to the system, which then retrieves the appropriate output parameters. This intermediary mechanism enables wide adaptability while maintaining simple user interaction.
3Manufacturing precision
If output parameters are customized for each substrate and device combination, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of information increases due to the need to store and manage extensive metadata
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing output parameters in a database associated with each substrate identifier. During the printing process, the system simply retrieves the pre-configured parameters based on the substrate's barcode or QR code, rather than requiring real-time determination or extensive on-device storage. This approach enables precise customization for each substrate-device combination while minimizing the information processing burden during actual operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various different output devices (e.g., printers, display devices) can be used to output content on various different substrates (e.g., paper, projector screens, painted walls or wallpaper). A data store stores output metadata for various output device and substrate combinations. The output metadata for an output device and substrate combination describes various different aspects of how that output device is to output color on that substrate. A computing device coupled to an output device obtains an identifier of the output device and an identifier of the substrate. The computing device communicates uses these identifiers to retrieve from the data store (e.g., directly or via a service) the output metadata for the output device and the substrate. The computing device uses the output metadata to generate output parameters for use when outputting content to the substrate.