Encoded Signal Detectability Prediction for Printed Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in accurately predicting how colors will interact and blend when printed over various substrates, leading to subpar encoded signal robustness and visibility in digital watermarking for product packaging and printed objects.

Innovation Solution

The development of an image processing system that generates reflectance spectra estimates for layered colors, transforms these estimates into a grayscale image representation, and produces a visibility map to influence signal encoding, using modules such as a blend module, image warping module, and signal strength module to predict encoded signal detectability and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If digital watermarking is applied to printed packaging, then encoded signal robustness and visibility are improved, but accurate prediction of color interaction and blending behavior remains challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoded signal robustnessVSAvoidcolor blend prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by predicting color blend behavior and encoded signal detectability before the actual printing process. The system uses a blend module to simulate how inks will interact on the substrate and a signal strength module to evaluate watermark detectability in advance, allowing designers to adjust the digital design before printing to ensure robust encoded signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary prediction system that acts as a mediator between the digital design and the physical printing process. This system includes a blend module that models ink-substrate interactions and a signal strength module that evaluates encoded signal behavior, providing feedback that bridges the gap between digital design intentions and actual print outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If ink blend prediction is improved, then encoded signal detectability is enhanced, but signal visibility may increase making the design aesthetically less appealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoded signal detectabilityVSAvoidsignal visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by evaluating encoded signal strength and visibility at different locations across the printed design. The signal strength module analyzes detectability in specific regions where encoded signals are placed, allowing optimization of signal properties in local areas without compromising the overall aesthetic quality of the entire design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting encoded signal properties such as modulation depth, frequency, or spatial distribution based on predictions from the signal strength module. These parameter adjustments enhance detectability in regions where signals may be weak while maintaining aesthetic appeal by keeping signal visibility low in visually sensitive areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If complex prediction models are used to predict color interaction, then prediction accuracy is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor interaction prediction accuracyVSAvoidprediction system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the prediction system into distinct functional modules: a blend module for predicting color interactions, a signal strength module for evaluating encoded signal detectability, and a visibility module for assessing signal visibility. Each module handles a specific aspect of the prediction, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional prediction system that simultaneously evaluates color blend behavior, encoded signal detectability, and signal visibility using a unified framework. The blend module and signal strength module work together to provide comprehensive predictions across multiple parameters, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.

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

Data Source

PatentUS20240314252A1Predicting detectability and grading prior to printing
Publication Date: 2024.09.19 DIGIMARC LLC
  • US20240314252A1 patent drawing
  • US20240314252A1 patent drawing
  • US20240314252A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to image signal processing, including encoding signals for image data or artwork. A color blend/print model is used to predict signal detectability and visibility as is printed on a particular substrate, which facilitates object grading prior to print runs.