Barcode Image Quality Correction via Intermediary Support Program
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technology for controlling printers using a general-use printing program within an operating system often fails to accurately print barcode images, as the algorithms for generating print data differ between the OS-standard general-use printing program and the printer driver, leading to potential barcode unreadability.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containing a support program that, when executed, determines if an image contains a barcode and generates substitute print data to optimize the image quality, using an auxiliary program to correct print data by binarizing grayscale areas and adjusting the thickness of barcode bars based on printer and sheet type information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a general-use printing program is used to print barcode images, then printing can be performed without a printer driver, but the barcode image may not be of sufficient quality to be read by a barcode reader
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary program as an intermediary between the general-use printing program and the printer. This auxiliary program detects barcode images in the print data and generates corrected print data with proper binarization and bar thickness adjustment, thereby mediating between the simple general-use printing program and the requirement for high-quality barcode output without requiring users to manually use complex printer drivers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the barcode image data processing: it applies binarization to convert grayscale images to binary (black and white only) and adjusts the thickness of barcode bars to appropriate dimensions. These parameter changes ensure that the barcode image meets readability requirements while being generated through the simple general-use printing program interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If the OS-standard general-use printing program is used, then printer driver compatibility issues are avoided, but barcode images may be incorrectly printed due to different algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary program serves as an intermediary that sits between the OS-standard general-use printing program and the printer. It intercepts print data, detects barcode images, applies corrections (binarization and thickness adjustment), and outputs corrected print data. This allows the system to maintain printer compatibility through the general-use program while ensuring barcode accuracy through the auxiliary program's algorithmic corrections
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary program performs preliminary action by detecting and correcting barcode images in the print data before it is sent to the printer. By pre-processing the image data to ensure proper binarization and bar thickness, the system guarantees barcode accuracy upfront, preventing printing errors before they occur
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the present disclosure, when a print instruction is input from an editing application to a general-use printing program, and image data included in the print instruction contains barcode information indicating a barcode, a support program corresponding to a printer generates substitute image. The substitute image is generated by the general-use printing program and substitutes for an image of the barcode.