Print Processor Raster Data Layering for Foreground Drawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in generating print data that allows for additional drawing processing in front of the drawing content issued by an application, especially in environments constrained by the operating system.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an information processing apparatus with a print processor and a printer driver, which generates print data by calculating the allocation of a logical page to a physical page and combining first raster data with second raster data to create third raster data, enabling additional drawing processing in a drawing region separate from the printing region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional drawing processing is performed using existing technology (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-298717), then ground pattern and image can be printed with overlap, but additional drawing processing cannot be performed in front of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drawing region into two separate regions: a first drawing region for application-generated content and a second drawing region for additional drawing processing. This segmentation allows independent control of each region, enabling additional drawings to be positioned in front of application content without interfering with the original drawing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by creating a separate second drawing region that operates independently from the first drawing region. This dimensional separation in the drawing space allows additional processing to occur at a different level, enabling foreground placement of additional drawings relative to application content.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ground pattern bitmap data and image bitmap data are supplied to print unit separately, then ground pattern can be added under any image, but additional drawing in front of image cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print data generation process into distinct stages: first generating raster data for the application drawing region, then generating separate raster data for the additional drawing region. This segmentation simplifies the overall process by avoiding the need to manually layer multiple bitmap data types, while still achieving the desired visual effect of patterns under images and additional drawings in front.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that combines the first raster data and second raster data to generate third raster data. This intermediary process acts as a mediator between the separate drawing regions, automatically handling the complexity of combining ground patterns, application content, and additional drawings in the correct visual hierarchy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate drawing regions are used for application content and additional drawing, then additional drawing in front of content can be achieved, but more complex data processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a combining unit that acts as an intermediary to automatically merge the first raster data and second raster data into third raster data. This intermediary process handles the complexity of coordinate transformations, transparency calculations, and layer compositing, reducing the burden on the user while maintaining precise control over drawing layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing the complex processing of multiple raster data layers. The combining unit autonomously handles coordinate system conversions, transparency blending, and final composition without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the sophisticated processing required.
Data Source
AI summary
In a host computer, a print processor generates, in a drawing region of a memory device context, additional raster data for drawing an additional drawing in addition to drawing information regarding a logical page included in an Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF) spool file, and a graphics driver (GD) module of a printer driver combines document raster data generated in a drawing region of a printer device context with the additional raster data, and generates print data based on post-combination raster data.