Adaptive Data Format Transfer for Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rate at which data is transferred between a data transfer apparatus and a printing apparatus can limit the speed of the printing process, necessitating a method to accelerate data transfer and thereby enhance printing speed.
Innovation Solution
The printing system adapts by transferring image data in different formats based on the connection means between the host computer and the printer, using lossless or lossy compression methods depending on the data transfer rate, to minimize data amount and optimize transfer time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image data is transferred using a high data transfer rate connection (first connection means), then the data transfer speed is improved, but the data amount remains large requiring faster transfer capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the data format parameters based on connection type. For wireless connections (second connection means), image data is converted to a second data format with reduced data amount through selective color component representation. For wired connections (first connection means), the original first data format is used. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching data size to transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the data format used for transmission based on the detected connection type. The printer driver or control unit determines whether the connection is wired or wireless and automatically selects the appropriate data format, making the data transfer system adaptable to different transfer rate conditions.
2Loss of time
If image data is compressed to reduce data amount for wireless transfer, then the data transfer time is shortened, but the printing image quality may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels to different color components based on human visual sensitivity. The third color component (e.g., blue) to which the second coefficient is applied has lower visual sensitivity, allowing greater compression without noticeable quality loss. This selective approach maintains overall image quality while achieving sufficient data reduction for wireless transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the original image data suitable for wireless transmission. Instead of transmitting the full-resolution first data format, it generates a second data format copy with reduced precision in less critical color components, achieving acceptable quality at lower data rates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the data format is changed to reduce data amount, then the adaptability to different connection means is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printer driver or control unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both first data format (for wired connections) and second data format (for wireless connections). This universal processing capability allows the same device to adapt to different connection types without requiring separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system provided with a printer and a host computer which transfers image data to the printer includes a data transfer unit configured to transfer the image data as image data of a first data format in the case where a connection between the printer and the host computer is first connection means, and transfer the image data as image data of a second data format in the case where a connection between the printer and the host computer is second connection means, wherein the second connection means has less data communication amount per unit time than the first connection means, and when given image data is transferred, image data of the second data format, corresponding to the given image data, has less data amount than image data of the first data format, corresponding to the given image data.