Tint Block Image Application Area Control for Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing images with tint block patterns to prevent copying often degrade the quality of the original image and are not easily adaptable to different layouts or areas within a page, leading to increased costs and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that allows users to specify areas for tint block image application or non-application on a single physical page, enabling precise control over where the tint block image is printed, thereby avoiding overlap with the original image and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tint block image is printed on the entire page, then copying prevention effect is maximized, but the quality of the original image is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the page into multiple regions, allowing tint block images to be printed only in specific areas rather than across the entire page. This segmentation approach maintains copying prevention effectiveness in critical areas while preserving image quality in the original content areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different printing characteristics to different regions of the page. Tint block images are printed with specific properties in designated areas, while other areas maintain standard printing quality for the original image, thus achieving local optimization of both security and quality.
2Reliability
If tint block image is printed on the entire page, then copying prevention coverage is maximized, but the adaptability to different layouts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables selective application of tint block images to specific regions based on the document layout and content requirements. Users can define which areas should have tint block patterns and which should not, allowing adaptation to various layout configurations while maintaining copying prevention where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides dynamic control over tint block image placement, allowing the printing system to adapt to different document layouts and content arrangements. The tint block application can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of each document type and layout configuration.
3Reliability
If tint block image is printed on the entire page, then security coverage is maximized, but the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the amount of tint block imaging material used by applying it only to specific regions rather than the entire page. This selective application maintains security coverage in critical areas while reducing material consumption and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies tint block images partially rather than completely, using the minimum necessary coverage to achieve effective copying prevention. This partial action approach reduces material usage and cost while maintaining adequate security coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus specifies an area wherein a tint block image is applied, or an area wherein a tint block is not applied. A user selects either an application mode or a non-application mode in an area 2250 to specify a tint block application area or a tint block non-application area, and selects, in an area 2251, a shape for a tint block application area or a tint block non-application area. Then, the user employs, for example, a mouse to adjust the size and the location of the selected figure, and specifies the tint block application area or the tint block non-application area. The printer driver employs the selected area information to generate tint block application/non-application area information, and employs this information to create tint block image data while taking into account the area.