Hidden Information Printing Control With Coloring Material Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to prevent hidden information from being printed using a second coloring material when a first coloring material, predetermined for printing such information, is replaced with the second material.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes a control device to manage the use of multiple coloring materials, ensuring that hidden information is printed only with the predetermined first coloring material and not with a second material, even if the first material is replaced during the printing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the first coloring material is replaced with the second coloring material, then the printing process can continue with available materials, but the hidden information cannot be printed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting material flexibilityVSAvoidhidden information printing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device determines in advance whether the first coloring material is available before initiating the printing process. This preliminary check ensures that hidden information printing is only attempted when the required first coloring material is present, preventing failed printing operations and maintaining reliability while allowing flexibility when materials are available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the first coloring material is not available, then the printing process should be cancelled or modified, but this affects productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting process reliabilityVSAvoidprinting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary determination of first coloring material availability before starting the printing process. This advance check prevents mid-process interruptions and material substitutions that would reduce productivity, while still maintaining reliability by ensuring the correct material is present before printing begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If hidden information is printed with the second coloring material, then the printing process completes successfully, but the hidden information becomes invisible or incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting completionVSAvoidhidden information visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors which coloring material is being used during the printing process and provides feedback to determine whether hidden information should be printed. When the second coloring material is detected, the system feedback-adjusts by preventing hidden information printing, ensuring information integrity while maintaining printing completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between the printing process and the coloring materials. It mediates the interaction by determining material availability and compatibility, preventing the second coloring material from being used for hidden information printing while allowing the printing process to complete successfully with appropriate materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250301081A1Information processing system, non-transitory computer readable medium storing information processing program, and information processing method

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing system includes at least one processor configured to: print hidden information by using a predetermined first coloring material in a case of executing printing of image information on a recording medium using plural coloring materials; and not print the hidden information in a case in which the first coloring material is replaced with a second coloring material.