Image Generation Apparatus Embedding Control Codes in Document Partitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image generation technologies lack efficient methods for embedding control information within recorded data on a medium to control machine operations, such as in copiers and scanners, while ensuring secure and reliable identification of document information.

Innovation Solution

An image generation apparatus that includes an additional image information generation section and a superposition information generation section, where control information is embedded as second image information within partitions formed by two-dimensionally placing position information, allowing for the generation of superposition information by combining document and additional image information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control information is embedded within image data recorded on a medium, then machine operation control and data protection are improved, but the complexity of image processing and data embedding increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine operation control reliabilityVSAvoidimage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control information is nested within the image data structure itself. The image data is divided into multiple blocks, and control information is embedded in specific blocks while maintaining the overall image structure. This allows the control function to be integrated without completely redesigning the image processing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The image data is segmented into multiple blocks, with specific blocks designated for control information embedding. This segmentation allows independent processing of control information from the main image data, reducing the complexity burden on the overall system while maintaining reliable control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If control information is embedded in recorded data, then data protection and operational security are improved, but the processing time and computational resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protection reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Control information is embedded in the image data during the initial recording process rather than being added later. This preliminary action ensures that control functions are already built into the data structure before processing begins, reducing the computational overhead during subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Control information is embedded only in specific blocks of image data rather than throughout the entire dataset. This localized embedding approach minimizes the amount of data that requires processing, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining secure control functionality where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If multiple types of information are superimposed on a single medium, then information density and storage efficiency are improved, but the difficulty of accurate reading and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation densityVSAvoidreading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The recorded data is divided into distinct blocks, with specific blocks containing control information and other blocks containing image or document data. This segmentation creates clear boundaries between different information types, enabling accurate reading and processing even when multiple information types are superimposed on the same medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8073188B2Image generation apparatus, computer readable medium, computer data signal, information generation method, information reading system, electronic pen and recording medium

Publication Date: 2011.12.06 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image generation apparatus includes an additional image information generation section and a superposition information generation section. The additional image information generation section generates additional image information in which control information, which controls operation of a machine for reading information recorded on a recording medium, is placed as second image information in partitions formed by two-dimensionally placing position information, which are unique to positions on the recording medium or unique to recording positions of a document image recorded on the recording medium as first image information. The superposition information generation section converts acquired document information into third image information and superposes the third image information and the additional image information generated by the additional image information generation section to generate superposition information.