Print Control Apparatus for Variable Data Imposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print control systems cannot accurately print specific records from variable data, as they lack the ability to identify and print each page of a record during imposition printing, leading to incomplete printing of records when multiple pages are printed on a single sheet.
Innovation Solution
A print control apparatus and method that determines the imposition method for arranging stationary and variable content on a physical page, generating print data that includes information for identifying each page of each record, and ensures correct printing by linking each page with its physical page location through a page list in the print data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pages of variable data are printed on a single sheet (imposition printing), then printing efficiency and cost are improved, but the ability to accurately identify and print specific records is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print data into distinct record units, where each record maintains its page information as a separate identifiable entity. Even when multiple pages are imposed on a single sheet, each record's pages are tracked independently through data structures that preserve record identifiers and page number associations, enabling selective printing of specific records while maintaining printing efficiency.
2Device complexity
If only first page information is included in print data for variable data records, then data structure simplicity is maintained, but complete record printing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested data structure where page information is nested within record structures. Each record contains an array or list of page objects, where each page object stores its number and positioning information. This nested organization allows the system to maintain a hierarchical structure that preserves complete record information while enabling efficient access and selective printing of any subset of pages within or across records.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user-designated imposition information is used for physical imposition data, then flexibility in layout arrangement is improved, but automation and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the imposition data structure can adapt to different printing scenarios. The page list within each record can be dynamically configured to reflect various imposition methods (one-page-per-sheet, multiple-pages-per-sheet, booklet binding, etc.). This dynamic structure automatically adjusts to user needs without requiring manual reconfiguration, as the system can generate appropriate imposition information based on the selected printing parameters while maintaining the flexibility to handle diverse layout requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A print control apparatus may include a determination unit and a print data generation unit to process variable data. The determination unit determines an imposition method used for defining layout of the variable data including a plurality of pages where stationary content used for a plurality of records and variable content that differs for each record are arranged on one physical page. The print data generation unit generates print data used for arranging the layout of the plurality pages and performs printing. The print data generation unit acquires information for identifying a physical page on which each page of each record included in the variable data is printed based on the variable data and the imposition method determined by the determination unit and generates the print data including the acquired information used for identifying the physical page on which each page of each record is printed.