Color Detection in Print Job Analysis Using Selective Rasterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting color content in print jobs are computationally intensive, affecting performance, especially when processing documents with large embedded images, and do not provide sufficient flexibility in managing print jobs between color and black and white printers.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented on a server that analyzes page elements by determining if raster images are colored, using predefined areas and partitions to efficiently identify color content, and allows users to adjust DPI for rasterization, optimizing the color detection process and providing more control over the analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the server rasterizes the entire page at high resolution to detect color content, then color detection accuracy is improved, but computational intensity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the page into multiple regions (e.g., header, footer, body) and processes them separately. It also segments the color detection process by first analyzing page elements at lower resolution and only rasterizing regions where color is detected, thereby reducing overall computational intensity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of page elements (text, images, graphics) at reduced resolution before performing full rasterization. This preliminary action identifies potential color content locations, allowing the system to perform full high-resolution rasterization only where necessary, thus improving processing speed without sacrificing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the server processes all page elements in detail to detect color content, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by analyzing only the necessary portions of page elements for color detection. Instead of processing every pixel and element at full resolution, it selectively processes regions based on element type and location, reducing processing time while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of page elements and their characteristics before full color detection. This allows it to skip detailed analysis of elements that are definitely black and white, reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy for elements that require full analysis.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the server uses fixed DPI settings for rasterization, then processing consistency is improved, but flexibility in handling different document types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rasterization DPI setting dynamic rather than fixed. It allows the system to automatically adjust the DPI level based on document characteristics, element types, and detected color content. This dynamic adjustment provides flexibility for different document types while maintaining processing consistency through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the DPI parameter dynamically based on analysis of page elements. It can select different DPI values (e.g., low DPI for text-only pages, high DPI for pages with images or graphics) to optimize both processing speed and color detection accuracy for different document types.
Data Source
AI summary
In a print shop system including a plurality of printers and a print shop management server which manages print jobs, an improved method is described for detecting color components in a document page for purposes of assigning the document to appropriate printers for printing. First, each page element is analyzed without rasterizing the page. If a raster image is colored, its location and size are added to an image information list. If a non-raster graphical element overlaps a raster image previously stored in the image information list, the overlapped raster image is removed from the list. After analyzing all page elements of the page, if any raster image remains in the image information list, the page is marked as colored. Otherwise, the page is rasterized to detect colored using a conventional method. The resolution used for page rasterization may be controlled by a user.