Image Forming Apparatus Printing Position Codes for Digitizing Handwritten Notes
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of convenient means to obtain and utilize special paper with position coding patterns for electronizing handwritten notes, especially when such paper is not readily available, leading to difficulties in digitizing information handwritten on ordinary memo paper.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that generates a document image and a code image, with the ability to print either both or just the code image on a medium, allowing for the creation of memo paper that can be used to electronize handwritten notes, using a combination of visible and invisible toner to encode position and identification information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special paper with position coding patterns is used for electronizing handwritten notes, then the ability to digitize information is improved, but the convenience of obtaining such paper deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables ordinary copying paper to be transformed into electronization-capable memo paper by printing position coding patterns onto it using the copying machine itself. This copying approach eliminates the need for specialized pre-printed paper while maintaining the electronization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The copying machine provides a self-service function where users can obtain electronization-capable memo paper directly from the machine by selecting the appropriate mode. The machine prints the necessary position coding patterns on ordinary paper, allowing users to conveniently create functional memo paper without needing separate special paper supplies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If position coding patterns are printed on ordinary copying paper, then the availability of memo paper is improved, but the precision of position identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs position coding patterns with specific parameter designs that enable accurate position identification even when printed on ordinary copying paper. The coding pattern structure and distribution parameters are optimized to maintain identification precision across different paper types and printing conditions.
3Loss of information
If the image forming apparatus prints both document image and code image, then the completeness of information is improved, but the versatility of paper usage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic printing mode selection system that allows users to switch between different printing configurations based on their needs. Users can select whether to print only position coding patterns for blank memo paper, or print both document images and position coding patterns, providing flexible adaptability for different usage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a document image generating portion that generates a document image which is instructed to be printed; a code image generating portion that generates a code image indicating a position on a medium; an accepting portion that accepts information indicating at least one of a first mode and a second mode, wherein a print image including the document image and the code image being printed in the first mode and a print image including the code image but not including the document image being printed in the second mode, and a printing portion that prints the print image on the medium in the mode pointed by information that the accepting portion accepts.