Image Printing System Combining Embedded Metadata with Photos
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct print systems for digital still cameras limit users to printing a single image per sheet with basic layouts, lacking the ability to create complex documents or outputs that include embedded information, requiring PC-based application software for advanced printing tasks.
Innovation Solution
An image printing system that includes an information printing determining unit, an information analyzing unit, a storage unit for form data, an image combining unit, and an image output unit, allowing embedded information from image files to be extracted and combined with image data within predefined form areas for direct printing without a PC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct print system is used to print image files from digital still camera, then printing process is simplified and PC is not required, but only single image per sheet with basic layouts can be printed
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet is divided into multiple printable areas including main image areas and sub-image areas, allowing different images and embedded information to be arranged in specific regions. This segmentation enables complex document layouts while maintaining direct print simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the Exif header information dimension (metadata) to extract and print additional information such as imaging conditions, dates, and memos alongside the main image. This adds an informational dimension to the output without requiring PC-based processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PC-based application software is used to print images with embedded information, then complex documents and multiple images per sheet can be created, but printing process becomes complicated and requires PC
Solution Approach 1:
The printer device autonomously extracts embedded information from the Exif header of the image file and automatically combines it with the main image for printing. This self-service capability eliminates the need for PC-based application software while achieving complex document output.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer device performs multiple functions including image printing, Exif information extraction, text recognition, and document layout generation within a single device. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate PC-based image editing and document preparation software.
3Adaptability or versatility
If embedded information is extracted and printed from image file, then output flexibility is enhanced, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Exif header serves as an intermediary structure that organizes embedded information in a standardized format. The printer device extracts information from this intermediary structure, making processing systematic and reducing complexity compared to handling unstructured data.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, when embedded information, which is information embedded into received image file, is to be printed, the embedded information is extracted from the image file, form data for preparing a form that includes an information-embedding area where extracted embedded information is to be arranged and an image-data area where the image data in the received image file is to be arranged is prepared, a combined image is generated by combining the extracted embedded information in the information-embedding area and the image data in the image-data area, and the combined image is printed.