Image Forming Device Code Image Readability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming devices fail to read code images previously embedded in original document images when additional code images are added during printing, leading to incomplete or incorrect decoding.

Innovation Solution

An image forming device and method that includes a control portion to manage user authentication, information extraction, and code image processing, allowing for the detection and decoding of embedded code images, and the addition of new code images to prevent interference and ensure readability of the original embedded code.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a code image is added to an image document during printing, then the document can be identified or tracked, but the previously embedded code image in the original document cannot be read

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode image addition capabilityVSAvoidcode image readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the code image addition process into distinct phases: first detecting and preserving the original code image location and content, then adding the new code image in a separate operation. This segmentation allows both code images to coexist without interference, resolving the contradiction between adding new code images and maintaining readability of original code images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and recording the position and content of the originally embedded code image before adding the new code image. This preliminary detection and preservation ensures that the original code image remains readable even after the new code image is added, thus resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If code image detection and preservation measures are implemented, then original code images can be read, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode image readabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the printing device to automatically detect, analyze, and preserve original code images during the printing process. The device performs self-diagnosis of code image presence and automatically adjusts its processing to maintain readability, reducing the need for external intervention or complex manual configuration while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2299687B1Image forming device and image forming method
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 CANON KK
  • EP2299687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2299687B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2299687B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Another code image is added so that a code image previously embedded in an original document image can be read. An image forming device (3001) includes: a generation means (S111) configured to use, when a second code image is combined with the original document image including a first code image, a result of decoding of the first code image to generate a third code image; and means (S112) configured to combine the second code image with the original document image and combine the third code image on the second code image.