Print Server Intermediate Image Data Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print server technologies face issues with image quality degradation during lead-in printing, particularly when converting intermediate image data to print data, and are limited to compatibility with general-purpose formats like PDF, and may lose fine lines during resolution conversion.
Innovation Solution
A print server system that converts job data into intermediate image data with a minimum pixel count suitable for multiple printers, allowing for flexible printer selection and adaptation to various printing conditions, including color and page settings, to generate print data without reducing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If job data is converted to print data directly for lead-in printing, then printing execution speed is improved, but image quality degradation occurs during conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate image data as a mediator between job data and printer-specific print data. The first conversion unit converts job data to intermediate image data with a standardized pixel count, which then serves as the basis for generating printer-specific print data through the second conversion unit. This intermediary approach allows for quality preservation while enabling flexible adaptation to different printers without direct quality-lossy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion process is segmented into two distinct stages: (1) conversion of job data to intermediate image data with standardized pixel count, and (2) conversion of intermediate image data to printer-specific print data. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with the first stage focusing on quality preservation and the second stage on printer-specific adaptation, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If job data is converted to printer-specific print data immediately, then image quality is maintained, but adaptability to multiple printers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate image data serves as a universal intermediate format that can be converted to print data for multiple different types of printers. The second conversion unit takes the same intermediate image data and generates printer-specific print data adapted to various printer types, resolutions, and capabilities. This universal intermediate format enables a single job data conversion to serve multiple printer purposes, thereby achieving both quality maintenance and multi-printer adaptability.
3Quantity of substance
If intermediate image data is converted to print data with reduced resolution, then processing volume is reduced, but fine lines are lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary conversion of job data to intermediate image data with a standardized, sufficiently high pixel count before any printer-specific processing. This preliminary action establishes a quality baseline that preserves fine lines and detailed information. Subsequent conversions to printer-specific print data then occur from this pre-processed intermediate state, ensuring that resolution reduction only happens after quality has been secured, thereby preventing fine line loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A print server connected to printers includes a job data receiving unit configured to receive job data subject to printing, a first conversion unit, an instruction receiving unit, a second conversion unit, and a transmission unit. The first conversion unit is configured to convert the job data into intermediate image data having a pixel count of a minimum pixel count or less among pixel counts of print data to be input to each of the printers. The instruction receiving unit is configured to, after the job data is received, receive an instruction specifying a printing execution printer. The second conversion unit is configured to generate the print data corresponding to the printing execution printer by converting the intermediate image data to data of the pixel count to be input to the printing execution printer. The transmission unit is configured to transmit the print data to the printing execution printer.