Image Scaling Processing for Print Data Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in processing speed and data size when handling large numbers of minute image data blocks, particularly due to excessive data transmission and time-consuming processes in detecting single-color images.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that determines if an image data block's width and height are below a threshold and if the scaling factor is one or less, and if so, determines if all pixels have the same color value, transmitting a replacement image data block of reduced size, thereby simplifying the reduction process and reducing data processing load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image data is divided into many minute areas and processed individually, then rendering precision is improved, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameter from individual pixel-by-pixel rendering to block-based rendering. By dividing the image into blocks and determining whether each block is a single-color block, the system processes multiple pixels simultaneously when conditions are met, thereby improving processing speed while maintaining rendering precision through selective application of optimization techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image data into multiple blocks and processes each block independently. This segmentation allows the system to apply different processing strategies to different blocks (single-color vs. multi-color), optimizing both processing speed and rendering precision through localized treatment of image regions.
2Quantity of substance
If reduction processing is applied to minute image data blocks, then data size is reduced, but processing complexity increases due to interpolation algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reduction approach by detecting single-color blocks and handling them differently from multi-color blocks. For single-color blocks, the system uses simple color copying instead of complex interpolation algorithms, thereby reducing data size while minimizing processing complexity through parameter-based selective processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing quality levels to different regions of the image based on their characteristics. Single-color blocks receive simplified processing (copying the color value), while multi-color blocks receive full interpolation processing. This local quality approach reduces overall processing complexity while maintaining necessary image quality where required.
3Reliability
If all image data is transmitted from printer driver to image processing apparatus, then completeness of data is ensured, but transmission time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and identifies single-color blocks within the image data and processes them through an optimized path that bypasses unnecessary transmission and processing steps. By taking out these specific blocks and handling them differently (using simple color copying instead of full reduction processing), the system ensures data completeness for the overall image while improving transmission speed through selective optimization.
4Productivity
If single-color detection is performed for all image blocks, then processing optimization is achieved, but detection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a threshold parameter for block size to optimize the detection process. By setting a predetermined threshold, the system only performs detailed single-color detection on blocks that meet specific size criteria, thereby achieving processing optimization for relevant blocks while minimizing detection time by excluding smaller blocks from intensive analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus transmits a print job including input image data to an image processing apparatus connected thereto, and includes: a determination unit that determines whether a width and/or height of the input image data is smaller than a predetermined threshold, and whether a scaling factor for the image data at a time of output is one or less; a color value determination unit that determines color values of pixels constituting the image data in the case that it has been determined that the width and/or height of the image data is smaller than the predetermined threshold and that the scaling factor for the image data at the time of output is one or less; and a transmission unit that, in the case that it has been determined that the pixels constituting the image data have the same color value, transmits replacement image data having a smaller size.