Image Processing Apparatus for Printed Document Embedded Information Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing techniques for extracting embedded information from printed documents using auxiliary lighting often result in poor image quality, leading to failures in extracting embedded information, particularly due to variations in printing methods.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that obtains and processes image data from printed documents using both lit and unlit conditions, allowing for the extraction of embedded information based on the printing method, employing a system with multiple image processing units and specific masking techniques to enhance image quality and pattern detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If auxiliary light is applied to read the printed document, then the embedded information can be read within focal length, but the image quality deteriorates for certain printing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lighting condition variable rather than fixed. The light application is dynamically adjusted based on the detected printing method - using light for electrophotographic prints and avoiding light for inkjet prints. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for embedded information reading when appropriate while avoiding image quality deterioration when inappropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lighting parameter based on the printing method detection. By detecting whether the document was printed using electrophotographic or inkjet method, the system adjusts the lighting parameter (applied or not applied) accordingly. This parameter change enables the system to maintain high measurement precision for embedded information while ensuring reliability across different printing methods.
2Loss of information
If light is applied to capture the printed document image, then embedded information can be extracted, but extraction accuracy decreases for inkjet printed documents
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the lighting condition based on the printing method detection. For inkjet printed documents, the system determines not to apply light during image capture, preserving the embedded information patterns. For electrophotographic documents, light is applied to enhance the visibility of embedded information. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between extraction capability and extraction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting parameter is changed based on the printing method. The system detects the printing method and accordingly changes the lighting parameter from 'light applied' to 'light not applied' or vice versa. This parameter adaptation ensures that embedded information is extracted with high accuracy regardless of the printing method used.
3Ease of operation
If a single reading method is used for all printed documents, then the process is simple, but extraction reliability varies across different printing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the printing method before executing the embedded information extraction process. By detecting whether the document was printed using electrophotographic or inkjet method in advance, the system can pre-determine the appropriate reading method. This preliminary action maintains operational simplicity while ensuring extraction reliability across different printing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading method parameter is changed based on the detected printing method. The system automatically adjusts the lighting parameter (applied or not applied) according to the printing method detection result. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain simple operation - the user只需 place the document - while achieving reliable extraction across different printing methods through automatic parameter adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves the accuracy and reliability of extracting embedded information by accounting for different printing methods and lighting conditions, ensuring robust pattern detection and enhanced image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a second obtaining unit capable of obtaining first image data by reading the printed document while applying light to the printed document
Implementation Method 2
a third obtaining unit capable of obtaining second image data by reading the printed document without applying light to the printed document
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image processing apparatus for extracting embedded information from a printed document, including: a first obtaining unit configured to obtain a printing method of the printed document; a second obtaining unit capable of obtaining first image data by reading the printed document while applying light to the printed document; a third obtaining unit capable of obtaining second image data by reading the printed document without applying light to the printed document; and an extraction unit configured to extract the embedded information by using at least one of the first image data and the second image data according to the printing method obtained by the first obtaining unit.