Parallel Analysis and Print Data Indexing for Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional print processing methods delay the start of printing due to the time required for generating and applying image correction values, as they involve creating a low-resolution analysis image before generating a high-resolution print image.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that generates and processes analysis data and print data in parallel, using index files to manage the storage destinations and link information, allowing the image forming apparatus to acquire and process these data in the correct order, thereby transferring the analysis image quickly to the printer and reducing the delay in starting the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image correction processing is performed by generating analysis image before print image, then image quality is improved, but printing start time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates the analysis image in advance before the print image is ready, and stores it with link information. This preliminary action allows the correction values to be calculated ahead of time, so when the print image is ready, the correction can be applied immediately without waiting for analysis image generation, thus improving printing start time while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary file structure (index files containing link information) that connects the analysis image and print image generation processes. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to manage the sequential dependency between analysis and print image generation while enabling parallel processing preparation, resolving the time delay contradiction
2Measurement precision
If analysis image is generated and processed sequentially before print image, then correction accuracy is ensured, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis image is generated in advance and stored with link information pointing to the future print image location. This preliminary generation ensures that when the print image is ready, the correction values are already available, maintaining correction accuracy while enabling faster processing by eliminating the sequential wait time
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by generating the analysis image as soon as the print document data is available, and keeping it ready in storage with link information. This continuous preparation ensures that no time is wasted when the print image becomes available, improving processing efficiency while ensuring correction accuracy through continuous readiness
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus that generates data to be processed by an image forming apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus generates and stores analysis data and print data for each page, wherein the analysis data is generated before the print data, and wherein the generated analysis data is used for correction processing performed by the image forming apparatus; and generates index files, each of the generated index files including a storage destination of the generated analysis data or a storage destination of the generated print data, a category indicating whether data corresponding to the included storage destination is the analysis data or the print data, and link information to a next index file, wherein when the index file is generated, link information to the generated index file is described in an index file generated immediately before.