Image Processing Device Reprint Color Mode Redetermination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses waste resources by always performing color printing during reprint operations, even if only a part of the original document is to be printed, due to not reevaluating the color content of the print area when printing conditions change.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and program that reevaluate whether to perform color or monochrome printing based on the actual color content of the part of the original document to be reprinted, determining this by calculating the number or ratio of color pixels within the specified print area and adjusting the printing mode accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If color printing is always performed during reprint operations based on the first printing determination result, then the printing mode is consistent with the original printing, but printing costs increase and resources are wasted when the reprint area contains no color content
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the color pixel distribution information (positions, numbers, ratios) for different printable areas of the original document before reprinting. When reprinting, it directly retrieves and uses this pre-computed information to quickly determine whether color printing is needed, avoiding the need to re-analyze the entire document and enabling fast reprint mode determination without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the original document into different printable areas and independently analyzes the color pixel distribution in each area. It determines the printing mode (color or monochrome) based on the specific color content of each local area rather than applying a uniform mode to the entire document, allowing monochrome printing for areas without color content while maintaining color printing only where necessary
2Measurement precision
If the printing mode is determined based on the entire original document during the first printing, then the determination is simple, but it cannot accurately reflect the color content of a partial reprint area
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the color pixel analysis and calculation in advance during the first printing operation, storing the results (color pixel positions, counts, and ratios for different areas) for later reuse. This preliminary computation eliminates the need to re-analyze image data during reprinting, achieving both high measurement precision for partial areas and fast retrieval without time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the color pixel distribution information (positions, numbers, ratios) from the first printing analysis and stores it for reuse during reprinting. This copied data allows the system to quickly determine the printing mode for partial areas without re-processing the original image, maintaining accuracy while reducing time consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device to receive print data generated based on image data of an original document, the original document including color pixels and being determined to be printed by color printing, and to store the received print data in a storage unit in preparation for a possible reprinting operation based on the received print data, the device including: a redetermination unit configured to redetermine whether to carry out color printing or monochrome printing to achieve a printing operation to print a part of the original document by using the stored print data.