Encoded Image Detection and Addition Control in Document Output

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing document management systems face issues with unauthorized duplication and output control when encoded images, such as QR Codes, are used, leading to potential loss of tracking information and contradictory output control information, which disrupts accurate document history tracking and output control.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a control unit that detects encoded images and adds a new encoded image only if instructed to do so, preventing the overwriting or addition of encoded images with contradictory control information, thereby maintaining accurate output control and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operation mode of not performing detection of an encoded image is set, then output control flexibility is improved, but encoded image integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput control flexibilityVSAvoidencoded image integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the detected operation mode. When 'not performing detection' mode is detected, the control unit skips encoded image detection and directly adds new encoded images. When other modes are detected, normal detection and validation processes are performed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible enough to accommodate different operational requirements while maintaining integrity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a new encoded image is added to a document, then output control information is updated, but tracking information may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput control updatingVSAvoidtracking information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary detection of existing encoded images before adding new ones. By detecting and validating the presence of existing encoded images containing tracking information, the system prepares the document state in advance, ensuring that new encoded images are added only when appropriate, thus preventing unnecessary loss of tracking information while still enabling output control updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If encoded image detection is performed, then output control accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput control accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the detected operation mode. When 'not performing detection' mode is detected, the control unit skips encoded image detection and directly adds new encoded images. When other modes are detected, normal detection and validation processes are performed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible enough to accommodate different operational requirements while maintaining integrity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8976382B2Apparatus for managing output of encoded image-added document, control method thereof, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 CANON KK

AI summary

In a digital multifunction peripheral having a function of preventing unauthorized duplication, a situation is prevented in which a document to which encoded images having contradictory contents are added is created. An apparatus having a control unit configured to perform detection processing of an encoded image for a document image and add a different encoded image to a document image form which an encoded image is detected by the detection processing and output the document image, characterized in that the control unit does not perform output of a document image to which the different encoded image is added upon receipt of an instruction not to perform the detection processing from a user.