Print Control Apparatus Sketch Image Conversion for Toner Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing draft-printing methods reduce image quality and inefficiently use toner, as they are based on density reduction and struggle with converting whole images into sketch images, especially with vector-based composite graphics and rasterized images, leading to ineffective toner-saving rules and poor visual quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that extracts graphical primitives from print data, groups them based on geometrical vicinity, and converts them into a sketch image format, allowing for improved visibility and toner savings by modifying print data to include a sketch image representation, which can be used for draft-printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If draft-printing is performed using density reduction, then toner usage is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image is segmented into edge components and non-edge components. Edge components are printed with high density to maintain visibility, while non-edge components are printed with reduced density to save toner. This segmentation allows selective application of toner-saving rules without compromising overall image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different printing densities are applied to different regions of the image based on their importance. Edge regions receive high-density printing to preserve structural information, while non-edge regions receive low-density printing for toner savings. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between image quality and toner efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If vector-based composite graphics are converted into sketch images, then draft-printing visibility is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vector-based composite graphics are segmented into individual graphical primitives before conversion to sketch images. This segmentation simplifies the conversion process by handling each primitive separately, reducing processing complexity while maintaining the ability to generate high-quality sketch representations for improved draft-printing visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Graphical primitives are pre-processed and organized into groups based on their spatial relationships before sketch image conversion. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent processing steps and reduces overall computational complexity while enabling effective draft-printing visualization.
3Productivity
If graphical primitives are processed independently, then processing efficiency is improved, but image integrity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Graphical primitives are processed independently for efficiency, then merged into groups based on spatial proximity and visual relationships. This merging preserves image integrity by maintaining the holistic structure while benefiting from the efficiency of independent primitive processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing is segmented into two phases: independent primitive processing for efficiency, followed by grouping for integrity. This segmentation allows both processing efficiency and image integrity to be achieved at different stages of the workflow.
4Ease of manufacture
If rasterized images are used for draft-printing, then processing simplicity is improved, but toner efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rasterized images are segmented into edge and non-edge components, allowing selective application of toner-saving rules. This segmentation maintains the processing simplicity of rasterization while improving toner efficiency by reducing toner usage in non-edge regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different toner densities are applied to different regions of the rasterized image based on local characteristics. Edge regions maintain high density for visibility, while non-edge regions use reduced density for toner savings, resolving the contradiction between processing simplicity and toner efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus, a print controlling apparatus, and an image forming method using the same are provided. The image forming method includes extracting at least one graphical primitive from print data, forming an image by arranging the graphical primitive according to whether the extracted graphical primitives are close to each other or not, converting the formed image into a sketch image, modifying the print data by replacing the sketch image and some of the graphical primitives constituting the sketch image, and draft-printing using the modified print data.