Dimensional Printing Selective Image Texturing via Bump Maps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimensional printing techniques lack the flexibility to selectively texture images within a page, automate texture construction, visualize texture application, and adjust texturing parameters, limiting their ability to produce variable heights and mimic specific image textures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves extracting images from Postscript or PDF files, constructing textures using image processing techniques, visualizing textures through bump or normal maps in openGL and DirectX, and inserting clear textures back into PDF files for printing, allowing for selective image texturing and adjustable texturing parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dimensional printing techniques are used, then a clear raised layer is created on the page element, but selective texturing of individual images within a page is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process by separating image extraction, texture construction, and dimensional application into distinct stages. Individual images within a page are extracted and processed separately, allowing selective texturing while maintaining overall system manageability through automated workflow integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing files and software components that act as mediators between the original page layout and the final dimensional print. These intermediaries enable selective image identification, individual texture generation, and controlled application of dimensional effects without requiring complete process redesign.
2Extent of automation
If manual texture construction is used, then texture can be applied to images, but automation of texture construction from images is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the system automatically constructs textures by analyzing image content and generating appropriate dimensional patterns without manual intervention. The software autonomously performs image processing, texture generation, and parameter optimization based on the input image characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical texture construction processes with automated computational image processing algorithms. Digital image analysis and computer-generated texture patterns substitute for manual crafting methods, enabling rapid automation while reducing human labor requirements.
3Ease of operation
If texture parameters are fixed, then printing process is simple, but adjustment of texturing parameters via visual feedback is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms that allow users to preview texture effects and adjust parameters interactively. The system displays real-time or near-real-time previews of dimensional effects on images, enabling users to fine-tune texture parameters based on visual assessment before final printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms fixed texture parameters into dynamic, adjustable variables. Users can modify texture characteristics such as height, pattern density, and distribution based on visual feedback, allowing the system to adapt to different design requirements while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive controls.
4Manufacturing precision
If uniform clear ink layer is applied, then dimensional effect is achieved, but variable heights and specific image texture mimicry are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying clear ink application across different regions of an image based on desired dimensional characteristics. Different areas receive different ink densities, layer thicknesses, or application patterns to create variable heights and mimic specific textures, with each region optimized for its intended visual and tactile effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in clear ink application, including variations in layer thickness, ink composition, application pressure, and drying conditions. These parameter adjustments enable precise control over dimensional effects, allowing creation of variable heights and texture mimicry while managing application complexity through systematic parameter control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Limitations of conventional dimensional printing techniques are addressed to provide features and flexibility not presently available, including extracting images selectively from a Postscript® or PDF file and thus enable texturing of individual images within a page; constructing the texture automatically directly from the image using image processing techniques; visualizing the texture to be applied to an image via construction of a bump map or normal map in openGL and DirectX®; adjusting texturing parameters via visual feedback in openGL and DirectX®; and inserting a clear texture back into a PDF file for printing automatically.