Adaptive Image Data Compression for Special Ink Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing image data size before printing do not consider switching processing parameters based on the properties of the image data, leading to potential mismatches in ink usage and suboptimal printed products.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that acquires print setting information to determine different data size reduction methods based on whether special ink or process color ink is used, adjusting compression parameters and formats accordingly to ensure accurate ink usage during the conversion of image data into an image file format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image data is compressed to reduce data size before printing, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but ink usage accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compression method adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects between first compression method (lossless or low-loss) and second compression method (higher loss tolerance) based on whether special ink is detected in the image data. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing both data transfer efficiency and ink usage accuracy for different image types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes compression parameters based on image content analysis. When special ink is detected, the system uses compression parameters that preserve color accuracy (first compression method). When only process colors are present, it uses parameters that achieve higher compression ratios (second compression method). This parameter change strategy simultaneously improves data transfer efficiency while maintaining ink usage accuracy where critical.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single compression method is used for all image data, then processing simplicity is improved, but printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression process into two distinct pathways: first compression method for images containing special ink, and second compression method for images with only process colors. This segmentation is triggered by detecting whether special ink values exist in the image data. By dividing the processing based on content type, the system maintains simplicity in the decision logic while achieving high printing quality through appropriate method selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different types of image data differently during compression. Instead of applying a uniform compression approach, the system identifies regions or characteristics (presence of special ink values) and applies appropriate compression quality levels locally. This ensures that images requiring high color fidelity receive appropriate treatment while allowing more aggressive compression where it won't impact quality.
3Quantity of substance
If compression is applied to reduce data size, then memory usage is optimized, but color accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts compression intensity based on the presence of special ink values. When special ink is detected, the system switches to first compression method with higher color fidelity. When only process colors are present, it applies second compression method with higher compression ratios. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between data size reduction and color accuracy preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes compression parameters based on the detected presence of special ink. For images with special ink, parameters are set to preserve color accuracy (lower compression ratios, higher quality settings). For images without special ink, parameters are adjusted to achieve greater data size reduction. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between minimizing data size and maintaining color accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises acquiring print setting information related to printing of image data, and, in a case where the print setting information specifies printing using at least special ink, which is ink other than ink for a process color, during printing of the image data, determining a first method as a method of processing for reducing a data size of the image data and, in a case where the print setting information specifies printing using ink for the process color without using the special ink during printing of the image data, determining a second method different from the first method as a method of processing for reducing the data size of the image data.