Code Image Background Control for Legible Low-Ink Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies consume excessive color materials when printing code images, such as barcodes, due to the unnecessary printing of backgrounds, which affects reading accuracy and material efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that determines, based on the legibility estimation of the code image on the print target base material, whether to print a background, thereby optimizing the use of color materials like white ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a background is printed for code images using white ink, then reading accuracy of the code image is improved, but color material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively printing backgrounds only for code images that require them for readable accuracy, rather than printing backgrounds for all code images. The control unit determines which code images need background printing based on their specific characteristics and the base material properties, thereby reducing unnecessary white ink consumption while maintaining reading accuracy where needed.
2Measurement precision
If a background is printed for code images, then reading accuracy is maintained, but printing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the control unit automatically determines whether background printing is needed for each code image based on analyzing the base material characteristics and code image properties. This automated decision-making process simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring reading accuracy is maintained through data-driven decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The apparatus receives a print job. The apparatus determines, based on a result of estimating legibility of a code image printed on a print target base material, whether or not to print a background of a code image included in a print image. The print image is to be printed in accordance with the print job. The apparatus provides an instruction to print in accordance with the print job and a result of the determination.