Data Processing Apparatus for Monochrome to Color Printing Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems for printers lack the ability to dynamically change the output form of printed materials, such as converting monochrome printing to color printing, without requiring a complete system replacement, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus that distinguishes between different command systems, allowing it to generate recording data using templates from a second command system that includes attributes not defined in the first system, enabling the conversion from monochrome to color printing without altering the printer or host computer configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a whole system replacement is performed to improve output expression performance (e.g., monochrome to color printing), then the output expression performance is improved, but cost and time are consumed and business operations are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into two independent parts: the existing printer hardware (first printing system) and a new processing apparatus (second printing system). The processing apparatus receives print data from the existing system, processes it with enhanced capabilities (colorization, layout adjustments), and outputs to the printer. This segmentation allows upgrading functionality without replacing the entire system, thus avoiding business interruption and cost expenditure while improving output expression performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a whole system replacement is performed to improve output expression performance (e.g., monochrome to color printing), then the output expression performance is improved, but cost is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The processing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle various printing enhancement tasks including colorization, layout adjustment, and format conversion. It can process print data from different sources and adapt to different printer capabilities. This universal design allows the system to achieve enhanced output expression performance without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing implementation cost while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing print data is processed to add graphic effects or colorize, then output expression is improved, but the ability to change the output form of the whole printed material is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The processing apparatus performs preliminary actions by analyzing the original print data structure and pre-processing it before sending to the printer. It identifies printable areas, determines appropriate color schemes, and prepares layout adjustments in advance. This preliminary processing enables comprehensive output form changes (colorization, background addition, layout modification) without requiring complex real-time processing during printing, thus improving output form flexibility while managing processing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A data processing apparatus includes a processing unit that distinguishes a command of a first command system including commands designating attributes of a printing form and a command of a second command system including commands designating attributes that are not defined in the first command system. When a recording instruction including an instruction designating the printing form by a command of the first command system and data arranged in accordance with the printing form designated by the command of the first command system are input, the processing unit arranges the data included in the recording instruction in accordance with a printing form designated by the command of the second command system to generate recording data.