Image Processing Apparatus Selective Rasterization for Prohibited Image Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image processing apparatuses, the detection processing for avoiding the printing of prohibited images is often delayed due to the presence of large white data regions, which do not require conversion from vector to raster form, leading to inefficient processing times.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus selectively generates image data in a raster form using PDL data and excludes regions without printing data from detection processing, while adding a white image between linked RIP bands to prevent erroneous detections, thereby reducing the detection processing target and enhancing processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection processing is performed on the entire image data including white regions, then printing prohibition can be ensured, but processing time increases due to unnecessary detection in white regions
Solution Approach 1:
The image data is divided into multiple regions, and pattern recognition is selectively applied only to regions that contain printing data. This segmentation approach allows the system to process only relevant areas, reducing overall processing time while maintaining detection reliability for prohibited images.
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing approaches are applied to different regions of the image based on their characteristics. Regions with printing data undergo pattern recognition for prohibition detection, while white regions without printing data are excluded from detection processing, optimizing the quality and efficiency of the detection process.
2Reliability
If pattern recognition is executed on all image data, then comprehensive prohibition detection is achieved, but productivity decreases due to processing overhead in non-printing areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and identifies regions containing printing data from the overall image data, then applies pattern recognition only to these extracted regions. This extraction process eliminates unnecessary processing in white regions, thereby improving productivity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability for prohibited images.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing pattern recognition on the entire image data (excessive action), the system applies pattern recognition only to the extent necessary - specifically to regions containing printing data (partial action). This partial action approach maintains sufficient detection reliability while significantly improving processing efficiency.
3Loss of time
If white regions are excluded from detection processing, then processing speed increases, but erroneous detection may occur at boundaries between regions
Solution Approach 1:
A white image is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent regions containing printing data. This intermediary white image prevents direct adjacency of printing data regions, thereby eliminating erroneous detection at boundaries while maintaining the efficiency benefit of excluding pure white regions from detection processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a hardware processor that: generates image data in a raster form on the basis of PDL data described in a page description language; stores the image data generated by the hardware processor; and outputs a predetermined signal in a case where an image of the image data stored in the hardware processor is determined as an image including a predetermined pattern, wherein the hardware processor executes pattern recognition with respect to a region, which includes printing data, in the image of the image data, and does not execute the pattern recognition with respect to a region, which does not include printing data, in the image of the image data.