Bar Code Rasterization with Embedded Correction Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
In variable printing, the line width of bar codes can vary significantly due to different printing methods and paper types, leading to reduced reading accuracy and the need for repeated data preparation when switching output machines or paper, resulting in large data amounts and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A print data processing system that defines bar-code constituent elements as common objects outside content information, allowing for embedded correction information to adjust line widths based on printing resolution, enabling optimal bar code printing without re-creating page data for each machine or paper type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bar code line width is adjusted to account for ink blotting in inkjet printing, then reading accuracy is improved, but page data must be recreated for each output machine and paper type, increasing data preparation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of actual printed bar code line widths under various printing conditions (inkjet, electrophotographic, different paper types) and pre-calculates the required thinning amounts. These measurement results are stored in advance, so when printing is performed, the pre-measured data can be directly referenced without needing to recreate page data for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of bar code line width in the digital data to compensate for physical printing variations. By adjusting the line width parameter (thinning) based on pre-measured characteristics of different printing methods and paper types, the system compensates for ink blotting and other printing-induced width variations to maintain optimal reading accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If bar code constituent elements are defined as common objects outside content information, then data amount is reduced and processing efficiency is improved, but flexibility to adapt to different printing conditions must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments bar code data into two parts: common constituent elements (defined once outside content information) and variable parameters (line width adjustments for different printing conditions). The common elements are reused across multiple pages and printing jobs, while the variable parameters are adjusted based on pre-measured printing characteristics, achieving both data reduction and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The common object definition of bar code constituent elements serves multiple functions: it reduces data amount by avoiding repetition, maintains processing efficiency through reuse, and adapts to different printing conditions through parameter adjustment based on pre-measured characteristics. This universal definition works across inkjet, electrophotographic, and different paper types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different bar codes are printed for every page by variable printing, then customization is achieved, but data amount becomes very large when including thinned bar-code patterns for each page
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of bar code printing characteristics under various conditions and pre-calculates thinning amounts. These pre-measured results are stored and reused when generating variable bar codes for different pages, avoiding the need to recalculate and recreate thinned bar code patterns for each page, thus reducing overall data amount while maintaining variable printing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating unique thinned bar code patterns for each page, the system creates a single set of thinned bar code constituent elements as common objects. These copied and reused elements are then assigned to different pages with variable content, significantly reducing data amount while maintaining the ability to print different bar codes for each page through variable data assignment.
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
A print data processing apparatus 4 includes a page data creating apparatus 1 and a rasterization processing apparatus 2. The page data creating apparatus 1 includes, as functional elements thereof, a common object defining unit 11, an allocating condition setting unit 12, a correction information embedding unit 13, and a page data generating unit 14. The rasterization processing apparatus 2 includes, as functional elements thereof, an analyzing unit 20 having a correction information searching unit 21 and a resolution acquiring unit 22, a correcting unit 23, and a raster data generating unit 25.