Bitmap Image Data Generation via Adaptive Object Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The scanline algorithm used for generating bitmap image data from print jobs with large quantities of continuously arranged small objects results in a heavy processing load due to the calculation of numerous edges and levels, which is not efficiently reduced by simple object combination without considering the load increase.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes an analysis unit to identify objects for combination, an optimization unit to combine objects into a single object based on an upper limit number specific to the object type, and an intermediate data generation unit to produce data for high-speed image data generation, thereby managing the processing load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the scanline algorithm is used to generate bitmap image data from print jobs with large quantities of continuously arranged small objects, then the processing speed is improved, but the processing load increases due to the calculation of numerous edges and levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple continuous line objects into a single composite object when they share the same fill color and are positioned adjacently. This merging reduces the total number of edges and levels that require calculation in the scanline algorithm, thereby decreasing processing load while maintaining high-speed bitmap generation capability
2Device complexity
If objects are combined to reduce the number of edges and levels, then the processing load is reduced, but the load of object combining processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies object combining selectively based on local characteristics of objects. It combines objects only when they meet specific criteria (same fill color, continuous positioning), rather than combining all objects universally. This localized approach reduces processing load without requiring heavy combining operations across all objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for object combination by considering multiple attributes simultaneously (fill color, position continuity, object type). By evaluating objects based on these parameter combinations, the system efficiently identifies which objects to merge, reducing overall processing load while maintaining combining effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If software applications use multiple overlapping objects to form one line, then the flexibility and expressiveness are improved, but the number of edges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple overlapping objects that form a continuous line and share the same fill color into a single composite object. This merging operation reduces the number of edges from multiple individual objects to a single composite object, while preserving the visual appearance and flexibility achieved through the original multiple-object configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus including at least one processor that executes a program, includes an analysis unit configured to analyze a print job, an optimization unit configured to, based on a result of the analysis performed by the analysis unit, combine a plurality of objects included in the print job into one object according to an upper limit number, which is different according to a type of the objects to be combined, an intermediate data generation unit configured to generate intermediate data based on the objects combined by the optimization unit, and an image data generation unit configured to generate image data from the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation unit.