Software Tint Block Image Generation for Copy Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tint block print function, which prevents unauthorized copying of paper documents by using dedicated hardware, is costly and cannot be easily implemented in low-cost image forming apparatuses, reducing their cost advantage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable storage medium that enables the generation and implementation of a tint block image using software, comprising a tint block image generation unit, script generation unit, and print data processing, allowing the formation of a tint block image without dedicated hardware, using a page description language script that includes both a visually recognizable and a disappearing pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware is used to implement the tint block print function, then the functionality of preventing unauthorized copying is achieved, but the cost of the image forming apparatus increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the dedicated hardware system with a software-based solution. The tint block image generation is achieved through software processing that creates patterns in the printed output, eliminating the need for specialized hardware components while maintaining the copy prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the image forming apparatus universally capable of generating tint block images using existing software components and standard printing functions. The same apparatus can perform both regular printing and copy-prevention printing without requiring separate dedicated hardware, thus achieving multi-functionality.
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware for tint block printing is provided, then the tint block print function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/hardware-based tint block generation system with a software-based image processing system. The software generates the tint block patterns by processing image data and controlling the standard printing mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If software-based tint block image generation is used, then the cost advantage of low-cost machines is maintained, but the manufacturing precision of the tint block pattern may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the software processing to optimize the tint block pattern generation. By adjusting parameters such as dot size, spacing, and distribution patterns during software processing, the system achieves sufficient pattern precision for copy prevention while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a computer readable storage medium storing a program to make a computer realize functions of an image storage unit to store image data for generating a tint block image, a tint block image generation unit to generate the tint block image based on the image data, a script generation unit to generate a script for forming the tint block image based on the tint block image generated by the generation unit, a script adding unit to add the script to print data and a print data input unit to input the print data in which the script is added by the adding unit to an image forming apparatus.