Digital Image Splitting for Seamless Thermal Transfer Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for printing thermal heat transfers are limited by print size and result in visible seams when applying large designs, as they cannot efficiently split images into seamless segments for larger-than-printable-area applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze digital images using edge detection and non-printing background colors to divide them into sub-images, which are then printed on translucent media and aligned visually for seamless application on substrates, avoiding seams by using a splitting path that follows non-printing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional print methods are used, then printing process is simple, but print size is limited and visible seams appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large digital image into multiple smaller image segments that can be printed within the printable area limits of conventional printers. The segmentation is performed intelligently by detecting edges and non-printing background colors in the original image, ensuring that segments are divided along natural boundaries rather than arbitrary grid lines. This allows the overall print size to exceed the limitations of individual print devices while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions of the image based on local characteristics. Edge detection identifies regions with significant visual information that require careful segmentation, while non-printing background colors identify regions where segmentation can occur without visual impact. This local quality approach ensures that segmentation occurs in visually appropriate locations, preventing visible seams.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple image tiling is used, then segmentation is easy, but visible seams and artifacts appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes non-printing background colors as segmentation boundaries. By identifying regions where the background color appears (which will not be printed anyway), the system can divide images along these color boundaries without creating visible seams. The segmented images are then printed and the background color regions naturally mask the segmentation lines, eliminating visible artifacts while maintaining ease of automated segmentation.
3Manufacturing precision
If edge-based segmentation is used, then segmentation follows image features, but fails for large solid areas without edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two segmentation approaches into a universal system that handles all image types effectively. Edge detection provides accurate segmentation for images with distinct features and boundaries, while non-printing background color detection provides a fallback mechanism for solid areas without edges. The system can adaptively choose or combine these methods based on the image characteristics, making the segmentation process universally applicable to photographs, graphics, solid color regions, and mixed-content images.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of facilitating printing of a digital image based on image splitting is disclosed. The method may include receiving, using a communication device, the digital image from a user device. Further, the method may include analyzing, using a processing device, the digital image. Further, the method may include determining, using the processing device, at least one image characteristic based on the analyzing of the digital image. Further, the method may include generating, using the processing device, a plurality of image segments based on the at least one image characteristic. Further, the method may include storing, using a storage device, the plurality of image segments. Further, the method may include transmitting, using the communication device, the plurality of image segments to the user device.