Controller for Distinguishing Identical Characteristic Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printers lack an efficient method to differentiate and print characteristic images, such as barcodes, on a printing sheet, particularly in distinguishing between identical and non-identical images to facilitate easy differentiation and improve user workability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a controller in an information processing apparatus receives and analyzes image data for characteristic images, generating print data to print images in a boundary-distinguishable manner when they are not identical and in a non-boundary-distinguishable manner when they are identical, allowing for proper differentiation and cutting of the printing sheet between different commodity labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printer prints all characteristic images with clear boundaries, then all images are distinguishable, but identical images cannot be differentiated which reduces user workability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the boundary display characteristic different for different image relationships: identical images have no boundary displayed between them while non-identical images have clear boundaries. This local differentiation in boundary visibility allows the system to preserve image identity information while maintaining ease of operation for both identical and non-identical image groups.
2Measurement precision
If the printer adds boundary markers to differentiate all images, then image differentiation is improved, but the complexity of the printing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not adding boundaries to all images. Instead, it selectively omits boundaries only between identical images, using the absence of a boundary as the differentiating feature. This inversion simplifies the system compared to adding markers to all images while still achieving accurate image differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If the printer processes each image individually with full analysis, then image identity determination is accurate, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image analysis and determining image relationships before the actual printing process. The controller analyzes image data, compares images to determine if they are identical or non-identical, and stores this relationship information in advance. This preliminary processing allows the printing stage to simply follow the predetermined boundary display instructions, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accurate image identity determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of an information processing apparatus is configured to receive image data representing a compound image including at least first characteristic data and second characteristic data, extract first and second characteristic image data respectively representing the first and second characteristic images, determine, by analyzing the first and second characteristic image data as extracted, whether the first and second characteristic images are identical. When it is determined that the first and second characteristic images are not identical, the controller generates arranged image data subjected to be printed and representing the first and second characteristic images in a boundary-distinguishable manner, while, when it is determined that the first and second characteristic images are identical, the controller generates arranged image data subjected to be printed and representing the first and second characteristic images not in a boundary-distinguishable manner. Then, the controller outputs the arranged image data.