Line Width Correction in Print Data After RIP Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional technologies fail to inspect and correct variations in line width after RIP processing of PDF data, leading to potential waste and rework in printing, as they cannot accurately assess or handle line width variations post-processing.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that inspects line widths in print data after image processing and corrects them based on inspection results, using a processor and memory to analyze and adjust line widths within specified allowable values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If RIP processing based on PostScript is applied to PDF data, then the print job can be processed through standard image processing workflows, but line width variation occurs after processing due to coordinate alignment with dots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of print job processingVSAvoidline width consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preflight inspection before printing to detect line width variations caused by RIP processing. By simulating the RIP processing and measuring line widths in advance, the system identifies potential line width issues before actual printing occurs, allowing for preventive correction without compromising the standard PS-based workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the preflight inspection results are used to notify the operator about line width variations. The system provides inspection results that include actual line width measurements compared to specified line widths, enabling the operator to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with printing or adjust the print job

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If conventional preflight inspection methods are used, then general print quality can be checked, but line width variation after RIP processing cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint quality inspectionVSAvoidline width measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional RIP processing with a simulated RIP processing approach for inspection purposes. Instead of relying on the actual RIP processor's black-box behavior, the system creates a simulation that allows precise measurement of line widths at specific coordinates, enabling accurate detection of line width variations without altering the standard RIP processing workflow for actual printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If inspection results are only notified without correction guidance, then line width issues can be detected, but operators do not know how to handle the inspection results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline width inspection accuracyVSAvoidoperator guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the preflight inspection system to automatically calculate and provide correction suggestions based on measured line width variations. The system determines the difference between specified and actual line widths, then suggests appropriate correction values that operators can apply to compensate for RIP processing effects, making the inspection results actionable without requiring external expert intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240193355A1Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 CANON KK

AI summary

The present invention is directed to an information processing apparatus comprising: at least one memory device that stores a set of instructions; and at least one processor that executes the set of instructions to: inspect a line width of an object included in print data after image processing is applied on input data for printing, and correct a line width of the object based on an inspection result.