Multi-Surface Label Orientation Correction via Sample Image Preview

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer technologies face challenges in efficiently printing labels that span multiple surfaces of a solid object, requiring image orientation adjustments and combinations across different surfaces, which is cumbersome and lacks intuitive user control.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device generates sample images for each surface of a label attachment target object, allowing users to adjust image orientations and sizes via a print setting screen, enabling easy visualization and generation of labels with desired orientations, and automatically decides image orientations based on surface designations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If images are manually combined and oriented for multiple surfaces, then label printing capability is achieved, but operation complexity increases and user efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel printing capabilityVSAvoiduser efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the label printing process by surface, generating separate sample images for each surface of the solid object. This allows users to view and adjust images for each surface independently, eliminating the need to manually combine multiple images and significantly simplifying the operation while maintaining versatility across multiple surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies (sample images) of how the label will appear on each surface before actual printing. These sample images allow users to preview and adjust orientations without committing to the final print, reducing operational complexity and enabling easy experimentation with different layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If image orientations are manually adjusted for each surface, then precise alignment is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage alignment precisionVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by automatically deciding and setting image orientations for each surface before the user finalizes the print job. The system pre-calculates the optimal orientation based on surface geometry and automatically applies it, allowing users to review and adjust only if needed, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically decide image orientations without requiring manual user input for each surface. The system autonomously analyzes the solid object's geometry and configures images appropriately, freeing users from time-consuming manual adjustment while ensuring precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple images are combined into one file, then label spanning multiple surfaces is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-surface label capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-surface label into separate visual representations for each surface, displayed individually on the screen. This segmentation approach enables multi-surface capability without requiring complex image file combinations, as each surface can be viewed and configured independently while the system manages the overall layout automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If automatic orientation decision is implemented, then user effort is reduced, but control flexibility may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser effortVSAvoidcontrol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by displaying automatic orientation decisions as visible sample images that users can review and modify. The system provides visual feedback showing how images will appear on each surface, allowing users to accept the automatic arrangement or manually adjust it if different preferences are needed, thus maintaining both ease of operation and control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11373072B2Information processing device and information processing method for correcting orientation of images

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An information processing device includes: a generation unit generating a sample image showing each of a first surface and a second surface that are next to each other of a label attachment target object having a plurality of surfaces, and a first image and a second image allocated to the first surface and the second surface, respectively, in association with each other; and a display processing unit performing control to display, on a display unit, a print setting screen for a printer printing a label, the print setting screen including the sample image.