Image Forming Apparatus Multi-PDL Drawing Processor Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently converting and comparing print data from various page description languages (PDLs) to detect print faults and ensure interoperability between different rendering engines, leading to potential print errors and security breaches.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a receiving unit for multiple PDLs, multiple drawing processors to convert specific drawing objects into print image data, and a comparison unit to detect faults by comparing raster data generated from different rendering methods, allowing for early detection of print faults and ensuring data security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple drawing processors are used to convert print data from different PDLs, then interoperability and fault detection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the drawing processing function by providing multiple drawing processors (first drawing processor for PDL1, second drawing processor for PDL2, etc.), where each processor is specialized for a specific PDL type. This segmentation enables independent processing and comparison of different PDL formats, improving fault detection capability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each drawing processor is designed with multi-functionality to handle its specific PDL type universally, and the comparison processor universally compares output from any combination of drawing processors. This universal design allows the system to support multiple PDL types without requiring completely separate processing chains for each format.
2Measurement precision
If print data is converted to raster data for comparison, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conversion of print data to raster data by multiple drawing processors before the comparison stage. By preparing multiple raster versions in advance from different PDL interpretations, the system enables direct pixel-level comparison that ensures high fault detection accuracy, while the parallel processing architecture minimizes the time penalty of this preliminary conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of the print data through different drawing processors, each generating raster data from the same input PDL. These copies are then compared to detect deviations. The copying approach allows exhaustive comparison of rendering interpretations without requiring reprocessing of the original PDL data multiple times.
3Reliability
If all print data is converted and compared, then comprehensive fault detection is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial comparison by allowing selective comparison of specific drawing objects or regions within the print data, rather than requiring complete conversion and comparison of all data. The comparison processor can focus on critical areas or objects that are more likely to contain faults, achieving comprehensive fault detection for important elements while maintaining productivity by avoiding unnecessary processing of entire documents.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rendering engines are used to ensure interoperability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rendering function is segmented into multiple independent drawing processors, each dedicated to a specific PDL type (PDL1, PDL2, etc.). This segmentation provides adaptability to handle various PDL formats while keeping each rendering engine relatively simple and focused, rather than requiring a single complex universal renderer.
Solution Approach 2:
The comparison processor acts as an intermediary that receives and coordinates output from multiple drawing processors with different rendering engines. It mediates between the diverse PDL interpretations and provides unified fault detection, allowing the system to maintain high adaptability while managing the complexity of multiple rendering engines through a central coordination point.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives plural pieces of print data described in plural types of page description languages, plural drawing processors that respectively correspond to the plural types of page description languages, extract specific drawing objects from the plural pieces of print data, and convert the specific drawing objects into print image data, and an output unit that compares the print image data that the drawing processors have converted the specific drawing objects into, and outputs comparison results.