Converting Apparatus for Print Data Imposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in converting print data from one page description language to another, particularly when using printers from different manufacturers, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment of imposition processes.
Innovation Solution
A converting apparatus, including a conversion process server that converts print data from a specific page description language to a versatile format, extracts command information for imposition processes, and generates filename information to specify optimal imposition processes stored in printers, ensuring compatible and optimal printing operations across different printers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If print data is converted between different page description languages using existing printing systems, then compatibility between different printer manufacturers is improved, but the imposition process becomes misaligned and requires manual recoding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an imposition process conversion unit as an intermediary component that automatically converts imposition processes between different page description languages. This intermediary extracts imposition information from the source PDL, transforms it according to conversion rules specific to the target PDL, and generates the converted imposition process, thereby eliminating the need for manual recoding while maintaining compatibility across different printer manufacturers.
2Productivity
If print data conversion is performed without automatic imposition process conversion, then device complexity is reduced, but printing efficiency decreases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print data conversion system into distinct functional units: an extraction unit that retrieves imposition information, a conversion unit that transforms the imposition process according to PDL-specific rules, and an integration unit that combines the converted imposition with converted print data. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex conversion tasks through modular, manageable components, improving printing efficiency without overwhelming device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary extraction of imposition information from the source page description language before the main conversion process. By pre-identifying and separating imposition parameters, the system prepares the data for automatic conversion, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing overall printing efficiency while keeping the conversion mechanism systematic and manageable.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual recoding of imposition processes is performed, then precision of imposition is maintained, but the conversion process becomes slower and more error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the conversion unit references conversion rules that are established based on the characteristics of different page description languages. The system automatically adjusts the imposition conversion process by applying these rules, ensuring that the converted imposition maintains the precision required for the target PDL while reducing manual intervention and associated errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A converting apparatus includes a converter, an extractor, and a generating unit. The converter converts print data described in a first description language into print data described in a second description language. The extractor extracts command information related to an imposition process from the print data described in the first description language. The generating unit analyzes the command information extracted by the extractor so as to generate information for specifying print-layout definition information to be used from multiple pieces of print-layout definition information stored in a printer that is to execute a printing process. The multiple pieces of print-layout definition information have different imposition processes defined therein.