Flatbed Printer Preview Generation for Jig Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flatbed printers face difficulties in accurately positioning print images on three-dimensional mediums held by jigs, leading to setting errors due to the need for users to manually calculate and specify coordinates, making it hard to visualize the print position before printing.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that acquires a jig template and print image data to generate preview image data, allowing users to superimpose the print image onto the jig template, facilitating accurate positioning and visualization of the print location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually calculate and specify coordinates on RIP software to position print images on mediums held by jigs, then positioning capability is achieved, but setting errors occur and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy (preview image) of the print image superimposed on the jig template, allowing users to see the exact position before printing. This eliminates the need for manual coordinate calculation and reduces setting errors by providing visual feedback of the positioning result.
Solution Approach 2:
The preview image serves as an intermediary between the user's positioning intent and the actual print output. By displaying the superimposed print image on the jig template, it mediates the positioning process, making coordinate specification unnecessary and reducing operation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If users manually calculate coordinates for jig positioning on RIP software, then print position specification is enabled, but setting errors increase and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary visualization by generating a preview image that shows the print image superimposed on the jig template before actual printing. This preliminary action allows users to verify positioning without manual coordinate calculation, reducing both setup time and setting errors.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a visual copy (preview) of the final print result on the jig template, the system eliminates the time-consuming manual coordinate calculation process while maintaining positioning accuracy, thus reducing setup time without sacrificing positioning ease.
3Ease of operation
If coordinate calculation is performed manually on RIP software, then print position is specified, but setting errors occur and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The preview image creates a visual copy of the print image positioned on the jig template, allowing users to verify the exact position before printing. This visual confirmation eliminates setting errors caused by manual coordinate calculation, thereby improving positioning reliability while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The preview image provides visual feedback showing where the print image will be printed on the medium held by the jig. This feedback mechanism eliminates the reliability issues associated with manual coordinate calculation by allowing users to visually verify positioning accuracy before actual printing.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is configured to process information about a flatbed printer that prints an image on a medium held on a mounting table by a jig. The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit and a preview generation unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire a jig template indicating an image of the shape of the jig and print image data representing a print image to be printed on the medium. The preview generation unit is configured to generate, by using the jig template and the print image data, preview image data representing a preview image formed by superimposing the print image to be printed on the medium onto the image indicated by the jig template.