Information Processing Apparatus Multiplexing Document Data for Image Restoration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to effectively restore the original color and shape accuracy of digital documents after they undergo printing and scanning, leading to image deterioration.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that connects an image forming unit and a reading unit, using multiplexing techniques to embed document data into image data during printing, allowing for accurate restoration of the document data during scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If color information is restored using multiplexed data from printed images, then color deterioration is improved, but shape restoration accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor restoration accuracyVSAvoidshape restoration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the restoration process into two distinct parts: color restoration using multiplexed data and shape restoration using PDL data. By separating these functions, the system can optimize each independently - using multiplexed color information for color accuracy while using PDL vector data for precise shape restoration, thus resolving the contradiction between color and shape restoration accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces PDL (Page Description Language) data as an intermediary element that carries shape information independently of the printed image. This intermediary allows the system to restore shapes with high accuracy from the original PDL data while separately handling color restoration from multiplexed data, eliminating the trade-off between color and shape accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If document data is multiplexed on image data, then image deterioration is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality preservationVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the information processing apparatus multi-functional by integrating both printing and scanning capabilities with data multiplexing and restoration functions. This universal device can handle the entire workflow from original document to printed copy and back to restored document, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by embedding multiplexed document data into the image data during the printing phase. This pre-embedded data is then readily available for restoration during scanning, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis and reducing processing complexity during the restoration phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12219112B2Information processing apparatus, image processing method, and medium
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 CANON KK
  • US12219112B2 patent drawing
  • US12219112B2 patent drawing
  • US12219112B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming unit and a reading unit is provided. The apparatus generates image data based on document data described in a page description language, encodes the document data to be multiplexed on the image data, outputs the image data to the image forming unit, restores the multiplexed document data from the image data read by the reading unit, and saves the image data read by the reading unit and the document data restored by a restoration unit.