Printed Material Check via Section Segmentation and Embedded Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking printed materials generated by image forming apparatuses cannot detect errors occurring during the rasterization process, as they only compare bitmap data generated during printing with scan data from the printed material, missing potential issues like smear or solid black with white microdots.
Innovation Solution
A printed-material check apparatus that includes a processor to acquire check information and section information from printed materials, generates an image of the inner part of sections, and determines validity by comparing this information with embedded check data, allowing for the detection of rasterization errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bitmap data generated by rasterizing print data is compared with scan data from the printed material, then printing errors such as smear can be detected, but rasterization errors cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printed material into multiple sections, each containing check information (such as check patterns or reference data) that was originally embedded in the print data before rasterization. By dividing the verification process into section-level comparisons rather than whole-image comparisons, the system can detect localized errors including those introduced during rasterization, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability of validity determination.
2Measurement precision
If the entire printed material is scanned and compared with generated bitmap data, then comprehensive error detection is possible, but the complexity of the checking process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The checking process is divided into multiple independent section-level comparisons. Each section contains check information that can be verified independently, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive error detection without requiring complex whole-image processing. This segmentation reduces computational complexity while maintaining detection completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
Check information is embedded in the print data before the rasterization process. This preliminary placement of verification data allows the checking system to compare against known reference patterns without needing to perform complex reconstructions or analyses during the verification phase, thereby reducing checking process complexity.
3Reliability
If check information is embedded in the print data and verified after printing, then rasterization errors can be detected, but the time required for the checking process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed material is divided into multiple sections with distributed check information. The verification process can compare these sections independently and in parallel, significantly reducing the total checking time while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive section-level validation.
Solution Approach 2:
Check information is prepared and embedded in the print data before rasterization occurs. This preliminary preparation means that during verification, the system only needs to perform straightforward pattern matching and comparison operations rather than complex analysis, thereby reducing checking process time while ensuring accurate detection of rasterization errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A printed-material check apparatus includes a processor configured to: acquire check information including section information and first comparison information from a printed material printed on a basis of print data with check information, the section information identifying a section in print data, the first comparison information being generated from data identified by the section, the print data with check information being generated by adding the check information to the print data; acquire an image of an inner part of a section on the printed material, the section being identified by the acquired check information; and determine whether the printed material is valid by using the first comparison information and the image of the inner part of the section on the printed material.