Thermal Print Head Multiplexing for Embedded Image Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming methods using thermal print heads and color development layers with different heating temperatures and times can result in varying sizes of color development regions, making it difficult to embed and read additional information, such as watermarks, within images.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a print head to apply energy to a forming member with multiple color development layers, where the multiplexing unit generates recording data to embed information by utilizing the color development layer that develops a dot in the shortest time, ensuring the information is recognizable and readable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color development layers with different heating temperatures and times are used to form color images, then color image quality is improved, but additional information embedded in the image becomes unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the color development process into separate layers (yellow, magenta, cyan) with different heating characteristics. Each layer can be independently controlled during thermal processing, allowing the embedded information to be preserved in layers that do not require extended heating, while color development occurs in layers optimized for quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the multi-layer forming member are designed with distinct color development characteristics. The layer containing embedded information has optimized properties for rapid, uniform development, while other layers are tailored for superior color quality, allowing simultaneous achievement of both goals in different parts of the system.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If extended heating time is used to develop color in all layers, then color development completeness is improved, but embedded information becomes unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The color development function is segmented across multiple layers with different thermal response characteristics. This allows the forming member to be processed with heating parameters optimized for information preservation, while still achieving complete color development through the cumulative effect of multiple layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters (heating time, temperature profile) for different color layers. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves complete color development without subjecting the embedded information layer to excessive heating that would render it unreadable.
3Loss of information
If rapid heating is used to preserve embedded information readability, then information readability is improved, but color development completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The forming member is segmented into multiple color layers, each capable of contributing to the final image. Rapid heating preserves embedded information in the first layer, while subsequent layers continue to develop color through thermal diffusion and cumulative heating effects, achieving completeness without compromising readability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each color layer serves multiple functions: developing color quickly to preserve embedded information readability, while also contributing to overall color development completeness. The multi-layer structure provides universal functionality that satisfies both competing requirements simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the successful embedding and reading of additional information within images by controlling the energy application to the color development layers, specifically using the layer that develops color in the shortest time, thereby overcoming the challenges of varying development region sizes and improving the readability of embedded data.
Implementation Method 1
a print head configured to apply energy to the forming member, the forming member including a plurality of color development layers each having a different color development characteristic and configured to cause color development depending on the applied energy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a generation unit and a multiplexing unit. The generation unit generates image data for recording by a forming apparatus that forms an image on a forming member using a print head that applies energy to the member. The multiplexing unit performs multiplexing processing to generate recording data in which predetermined information to be recognized by a reading apparatus as information different from an image to be recorded on the member is embedded in the image data.