System and method for managing output path with context preservation

Abstract

A system and related techniques expose color printing resources to applications, utilities, operating system and other resources, to automatically detect output capabilities as well as to permit integrated print functions which preserve metadata and other context within the printing workflow. According to embodiments of the invention in one regard, a set of applications may invoke or access a print subsystem to transmit one or more image files to a laser, inkjet, dye sublimation or other printer or other output device. According to embodiments of the invention, the print subsystem may interface to a color management engine and / or a non-color image management engine to automatically negotiate a set of enhanced or optimized print parameters, such as gamma correction, white balance correction, media selection or other options or parameters, for instance for color printing on photographic paper. Because those print or other output capabilities may be automatically detected or discovered, those enhanced settings may in many cases be generated transparently, without user intervention. In addition, metadata surrounding the image file including for instance file size, date and time information, editing status, printing status and other parameters may be preserved and made available to print drivers and other levels of resources in the printing chain, in both directions so that context may be consistently preserved and applications may enjoy extensive or complete control over the image printing process.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic printing, and more particularly to a platform where color image printing or other output activities can be managed end-to-end along the output path to automatically detect output capabilities and negotiate output settings while preserving image file context. Background technique

[0002] The proliferation of imaging devices such as digital cameras, digital video cameras, and other image capture hardware has led to growth in the photo printing and other printing and output markets. Home, business, and professional users are increasingly printing their digital photographs and other image files using a variety of output devices such as inkjet printers, color laser printers, dye sublimation, and other output technologies.

[0003] However, although the output hardware has been developed in many aspects, the necessary software and platform resources required for high-quality color printouts have not b...

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