Threshold-Based Load Balancing for Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face inefficiencies when converting complex vector-graphics objects to simpler formats, particularly due to limitations in page description languages that do not support advanced graphics functionality, leading to incorrect rendering or forced image rendering of entire pages when transparency or alpha compositing is involved.
Innovation Solution
A filter module is introduced that simplifies instructions for printing by setting thresholds and flags based on the capabilities of the output device, allowing for efficient conversion of complex objects into a subset of instructions that can be handled by legacy page description languages, including core conversions and optimizing processes to handle transparency and path optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the entire page is rendered to an image to handle transparency objects, then transparency rendering accuracy is improved, but printing productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the page into multiple bands and processes transparency objects band-by-band rather than rendering the entire page to an image. This segmentation allows selective rendering only where transparency objects are present, improving productivity while maintaining rendering accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing methods to different regions of the page based on local characteristics. Pages containing transparency objects are processed with image rendering in those specific regions, while pages without transparency objects are processed using efficient vector conversion, optimizing both quality and productivity locally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex vector graphics objects are converted to image format to support transparency, then graphics functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects the processing method (vector conversion or image rendering) based on the content characteristics of each page or band. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle complex graphics functionality when needed while maintaining simplicity for standard cases, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate analysis step that examines page content for transparency objects before deciding on the rendering method. This intermediary process acts as a mediator between the input data and the rendering engine, enabling intelligent route selection without requiring the entire system to be designed for the most complex case.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single transparency object forces entire-page image rendering, then transparency accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the page into multiple bands and processes only the bands containing transparency objects. This prevents a single transparency object from forcing entire-page rendering, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining transparency accuracy in the affected regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies image rendering only partially - specifically to the bands or regions containing transparency objects rather than the entire page. This partial action provides sufficient transparency accuracy where needed while avoiding the excessive processing time of full-page rendering.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system (700) for printing a page description comprising a set of instructions, conforming to an interface, to draw at least one object on a page. The system comprises a filter module (705) for simplifying the set of instructions to an output set of instructions that is a subset of the interface, and an output device (711) for printing said output set of instructions. The system also has a set of thresholds (915) and flags (913) controlling the method by which the filter module simplifies said set of instructions, the flags and thresholds being dependent on the capabilities of the output device.