Image-Shape-Based Media Type Selection for Flatbed Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flatbed printers face challenges in accurately selecting the correct media type and corresponding print settings due to the vast number of media types available, leading to potential mismatches between print data and media characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that includes a type information storage, image shape information storage, and correspondence information storage to associate media types with image shapes and print settings, enabling the selection of appropriate type information and settings based on print image data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of media types supported is increased to improve versatility, then the media type selection becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the print image data to determine the required media type before the user needs to select it. By pre-determining the appropriate media type based on image characteristics, the system eliminates the need for users to manually search through numerous media types, thus maintaining versatility while reducing selection complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (image shape information storage and correspondence information storage) that mediates between the print image data and the media type selection. This intermediary layer automatically matches image characteristics with appropriate media types, reducing the cognitive load on users while supporting diverse media types
2Device complexity
If manual media type selection is used to simplify the system, then mismatches between print data and media type occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the print image data is analyzed to determine image shape characteristics, which then feed into the media type selection process. The correspondence information storage provides feedback matching between image shapes and media types, ensuring that the selected media type accurately corresponds to the print data requirements, thereby preventing mismatches
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically determining the appropriate media type based on the print image data without requiring user intervention. The image shape information and correspondence information work together to autonomously select the correct media type, maintaining system simplicity while improving reliability through automated matching
3Measurement precision
If automated media type selection based on image shape is implemented to improve accuracy, then additional information storage and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the media type selection process into distinct components: image shape information storage for storing shape characteristics, correspondence information storage for storing matching rules, and processing logic for analyzing print image data. This segmentation allows each component to focus on a specific task, improving selection accuracy while managing complexity through modular organization
Data Source
AI summary
An image shape information storage stores a plurality of pieces of image shape information each indicating image shapes different from each other of a print image to be printed on a medium. A correspondence information storage stores correspondence information associating a plurality of pieces of type information with the plurality of pieces of image shape information. A print image data receiver acquires print image data to be set in a print job. By referring to the correspondence information, a type selector selects, from the plurality of pieces of type information, type information corresponding to the image shape information of the print image data acquired by the print image data receiver. An action executor executes at least one action based on the type information selected by the type selector.