Print Job Segmentation for Surplus Region Setup in Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems require significant time and effort to set up processing apparatuses due to the need for surplus regions on the medium for adjustments, which are printed with extra images of the product, complicating the processing workflow.

Innovation Solution

A printing system that includes a printing apparatus and an information processing apparatus, where the latter stores multiple print jobs and can transmit instructions to print target and surplus regions efficiently, allowing for automated control and reduced setup time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If extra images of the product are printed in the surplus region to provide adjustment space for the processing apparatus, then the surplus region is provided to the medium, but it requires much time and effort for processing setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidprocessing setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image data into target image data (for the target region) and surplus image data (for the surplus region). This segmentation allows the printing apparatus to independently process and print different types of images in different regions, enabling efficient use of the surplus region for adjustments without requiring manual setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the surplus region with surplus image data that contains adjustment information and settings. This preliminary setup is automatically printed on the medium before processing, eliminating the need for manual adjustment setup time during actual processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the number of prints including the extra image of the product is set in the printing apparatus, then the surplus region is provided, but it requires much time and effort for processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of printsVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus automatically determines and prints the required number of target images and surplus images based on the printed matter data and surplus data. The system performs self-service by automatically configuring the print job without requiring manual intervention to set the number of prints, thereby reducing processing complexity and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the printing system by introducing surplus data that specifies the number and configuration of surplus images. This parameter change enables the system to automatically adjust the number of prints including extra images, simplifying the operation by removing manual configuration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the printing apparatus prints both target region and surplus region with appropriate images, then setup time is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle both target region printing and surplus region printing with different types of image data. This universal capability allows the single apparatus to perform multiple functions (printing product images, adjustment images, and configuration information) without requiring additional specialized equipment, thereby improving productivity while managing system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces surplus data as an intermediary element that mediates between the printing apparatus and the processing apparatus. This surplus data contains all necessary information about the surplus images and adjustment parameters, allowing the printing apparatus to automatically configure the surplus region without complex direct communication or integration with the processing apparatus, thus improving efficiency while controlling system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4708018A1Printing system, printing apparatus, printing method, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4708018A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708018A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4708018A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printing system includes a printing apparatus and an information processing apparatus, the printing apparatus includes a printing unit and a controller, the information processing apparatus includes an information storage unit and an information controller, the information controller executes receiving a target print instruction, receiving a surplus print instruction, and transmitting surplus data and one or more print jobs to the printing apparatus, and the controller executes acquiring target image data representing a target image including a product image, acquiring surplus image data representing a surplus image not including the product image and having a size matching a size of the target image, printing a target region by printing the target images as many as a number represented by the print job, and printing a surplus region by printing the surplus images as many as a number represented by the surplus data.