Print Control Apparatus Vector Data Enlargement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing poster print technologies compromise image quality when enlarging images for printing across multiple sheets, resulting in coarse printed matter.
Innovation Solution
A print control apparatus that generates first vector data for a single sheet and second vector data for enlarging images across multiple sheets, converts these data into bitmap format, divides the enlarged data into sheet units, and outputs them to a printing device, ensuring high image quality by performing coordinate conversion in outline data format before bitmap conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the print image is enlarged after conversion to bitmap data, then the image can be printed on multiple sheets, but the image quality becomes coarse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the enlargement operation on vector data before converting to bitmap data. The generation unit creates enlarged vector data (second vector data) from the original vector data (first vector data) while still in outline format, then converts this already-enlarged vector data to bitmap data. This preliminary enlargement before bitmap conversion preserves image quality while enabling multi-sheet printing capability.
2Ease of operation
If division lines are added to the whole print image, then the operator can easily combine sheets, but the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by automatically dividing the enlarged vector data into multiple separate bitmap data units corresponding to individual sheets. The division unit segments the second bitmap data into first through fourth bitmap data based on the enlargement dimensions, and the output control unit outputs these as separate print data sets. This automatic segmentation provides both division lines for easy sheet combination and manages processing complexity through automated division.
Data Source
AI summary
A print control apparatus is connected to a printing device, and includes: a generation unit that generates first vector data for printing an image on a single sheet and second vector data for enlarging the image and printing the enlarged image on a plurality of sheets in a divisional manner; an conversion unit that converts the first vector data and the second vector data generated by the generation unit into first bitmap data and second bitmap data, respectively; a division unit that divides the second bitmap data into units corresponding to each of the plurality of sheets; and an output control unit that outputs the first bitmap data and the divided second bitmap data to the printing device.