Invisible Two-Dimensional Code Integration in Printing Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing technologies cannot seamlessly integrate two-dimensional codes into print data without altering the layout of the original image, leading to visible changes in the printed layout when two-dimensional codes are added.

Innovation Solution

A printing system comprising a terminal apparatus and an image forming apparatus that allows for the conversion of a print target image into a two-dimensional code and the addition of a printing command to invisibly print the two-dimensional code using infrared or ultraviolet toner, ensuring the original image layout remains unchanged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a two-dimensional code is added to print data, then the code can be printed together with the original data, but the layout of the original image is altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of two-dimensional codeVSAvoidlayout of original image

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the two-dimensional code within the existing print data structure by converting it to a transparent image format and integrating it into the same spatial plane as the original image, rather than adding it as a separate element. This allows the code to be printed together with the original data without requiring additional space that would alter the layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The two-dimensional code is converted into a transparent image format, allowing it to be integrated into specific regions of the print data without affecting the overall layout. The transparency enables the code to be placed locally within the image structure, maintaining the original design while embedding the code in designated areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If a two-dimensional code is visibly printed, then the code can be seen on the printed material, but it changes the appearance of the original print

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of two-dimensional codeVSAvoidappearance of original print

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs transparent images for the two-dimensional code, making it visually blend with the background or surrounding elements of the original print. This allows the code to be present on the printed material without creating a noticeable visual disruption, maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the original design while ensuring the code is still readable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Shape

If the original image layout is maintained, then the print appearance remains unchanged, but the two-dimensional code cannot be integrated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout of original imageVSAvoidintegration of two-dimensional code

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the two-dimensional code into an image format that can be overlaid or embedded within the existing print data structure. This copying approach allows the code to be integrated into the print layout without requiring modifications to the original image structure, maintaining the layout while embedding the code as an additional layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables the invisible integration of two-dimensional codes into print data without altering the original image layout, providing a seamless printing experience while maintaining the visibility of the two-dimensional code only when read with appropriate light sources.

Implementation Method 1

invisibility of the printed two-dimensional code image is enabled by using infrared or ultraviolet toner for invisible printing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

invisibility of the printed two-dimensional code image is enabled by using infrared or ultraviolet toner for invisible printing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS12137193B2Printing system for performing visible and invisible printing, terminal apparatus for the printing system, and non-transitory computer-executable medium for the printing system

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A printing system includes an image forming apparatus capable of performing visible printing and invisible printing and a terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus includes first circuitry. The first circuitry adds a printing command instructing to invisibly print an image of a two-dimensional code obtained by two-dimensionally encoding a print target image to print data generated based on the print target image. The first circuitry transmits, to the image forming apparatus, the print data to which the printing command is added. The image forming apparatus including second circuitry. The second circuitry visibly prints the print target image based on the print data transmitted from the terminal apparatus, and invisibly prints the image of the two-dimensional code according to the printing command added.