Preview Image Generation for High-Performance Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems fail to provide users with realistic and detailed preview images, especially when using high-performance image forming apparatuses, leading to potential wasteful outputs that do not meet user expectations, as previous methods do not accurately reflect settings changes in preview images and require regenerating data for every modification.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that generates image data for a preview image corresponding to document data, displays this preview on a display section, and modifies it based on received settings, allowing for immediate reflection of changes without regenerating data, thereby providing a more realistic representation of the output and matching the image quality of high-performance apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a simplified preview image is created using document data, then the preview can be displayed quickly, but the preview does not enable users to confirm the details of the output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates image data for the preview image in advance before actual printing occurs. This preliminary generation of high-quality image data allows the preview to display detailed output information without requiring full processing during the printing stage, thus maintaining both speed and information quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the document data in the form of image data that replicates the visual appearance of the final printed output. This image data copy preserves all visual details including formatting, images, and layout, allowing users to confirm output details on the preview without needing to see the actual physical print.
2Productivity
If document data is converted to PCL form for image forming apparatus processing, then the output can be produced, but the user cannot visually recognize the output before being outputted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image data as an intermediary representation between the document data and the final printed output. This image data serves as a visual mediator that allows users to preview the output appearance on screen before the actual printing process converts the data to PCL form and produces the physical output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for physical output inspection with a digital image display system. Instead of requiring users to physically handle and inspect printed outputs to verify appearance, the system substitutes this mechanical inspection process with electronic image rendering and display, allowing visual recognition before actual printing.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-performance image forming apparatuses are used to provide high image quality, then the output quality is improved, but the preview image does not match the high-performance output quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for preview image generation to match the high-performance output capabilities. By adjusting the image data generation parameters (such as resolution, color depth, and rendering quality) to correspond with the high-performance image forming apparatus capabilities, the preview image quality is elevated to match the actual output quality, eliminating the discrepancy between preview and final output.
Data Source
AI summary
When an image formation instruction for created document data is received, image data for a preview image corresponding to the document data is generated, the preview image based on the image data is displayed on a display, and an image is formed using data for image formation based on the image data for the preview image.