Scanner Agnostic Digital Watermark Print Quality Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating print quality of digital watermarks are scanner-dependent and lack efficiency in detecting changes in print quality, particularly in environments where quick and cost-effective assessments are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A scanner-agnostic digital watermarking quality measuring tool that utilizes a decode ratio and size ratio of test patches within a reading window, allowing for the evaluation of print quality by determining the distance and size of the watermark patch relative to the camera, and using these metrics to assess the quality of both exemplary and test patches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanner-dependent methods are used to evaluate print quality, then measurement precision may be maintained for specific scanner types, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple scanner types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement tool that works across multiple scanner types and digital imaging devices. By establishing scanner-agnostic metrics (decode ratio and reading window size ratio) that are independent of specific scanner hardware, the system achieves multi-functionality across different device types while maintaining measurement precision through standardized evaluation criteria
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies and simulations of scanner behavior to evaluate print quality. Instead of requiring physical access to multiple scanner types, the system creates virtual scanner models and uses decode ratio metrics that replicate scanner performance characteristics, eliminating the need for diverse physical scanning devices
2Measurement precision
If traditional verifier devices are used to detect print quality deteriorations, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming evaluation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of test patches with known digital watermarks before actual print quality evaluation. By pre-preparing reference patches with embedded decodeable signals, the system enables rapid comparison between printed test patches and reference standards, significantly reducing evaluation time while maintaining detection accuracy through pre-established baseline metrics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical verifier devices with digital signal processing methods. Instead of using complex optical measurement systems, the system uses decode ratio calculations and digital image analysis to detect print quality issues, substituting mechanical verification with computational evaluation that is both faster and equally accurate
3Reliability
If expensive verifier devices are deployed to ensure print quality, then reliability of quality assessment is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, sophisticated verifier devices with simple, low-cost digital imaging tools such as standard cameras or smartphone cameras. The system uses inexpensive decode ratio calculations and reading window measurements that can be performed with basic digital image processing, eliminating the need for costly specialized verification equipment while maintaining assessment reliability through robust metric definitions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to signal encoding and decoding, such as digital watermarking. One aspect of the technology relates a method of evaluating print quality of a test digital watermarking patch. The method includes: determining a reading window representing a distance in inches or centimeters from the test digital watermark patch and a camera utilized to collect a set of image frames depicting the test digital watermark patch, the test digital watermark patch comprising a first plural-bit payload, the reading window comprising a close edge and a far edge, the close edge representing a closest distance between the test digital watermark patch and the camera at which the first plural-bit payload can be decoded, and the far edge representing a farthest distance between the test digital watermark patch and the camera at which the first plural-bit payload can be decoded; determining a size ratio representing a size of the test digital watermark patch relative to the close edge and a size of the test digital watermark patch relative to the far edge; and utilizing the size ratio to evaluate the print quality of the test digital watermarking patch. Other aspects are described as well.