Rasterizing Variable Data Pages via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital printing systems face unpredictability in print time and color management issues when handling multiple page elements with variable and non-variable data, leading to undesirable results in overlapping regions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that divide pages into non-overlapping parts, rasterize variable and non-variable content separately, and combine them to form rasterized images, allowing for predictable print times and accurate color management by processing only parts with variable content, thereby resolving overlapping element issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If color management is applied separately to variable data regions and fixed data regions, then color management can be performed on each element, but overlapping regions produce undesirable results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the page into multiple non-overlapping parts, each containing either variable or fixed data elements. By segmenting the page layout before rasterization, the system avoids overlapping regions and enables separate color management processing for each part, resolving the contradiction between ease of color management application and color accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of page elements varies from page to page, then variable data printing flexibility is achieved, but print time becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by dividing the page into non-overlapping parts and rasterizing fixed data elements before variable data elements are finalized. This preliminary rasterization of stable components allows the system to prepare predictable processing steps in advance, reducing variability in total print time while maintaining flexibility for variable content.
3Reliability
If all page elements are rasterized and merged during printing, then complete page rendering is achieved, but processing time increases and becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the page rendering process into distinct phases: first dividing the page into non-overlapping parts, then rasterizing fixed data elements in those parts, and finally merging with variable data elements. This segmented approach ensures complete page rendering while improving print speed by processing stable elements separately and efficiently before final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and computer-readable medium with instructions to carry out a method. The method is to rasterize variable and non-variable content for multiple instances of a page and includes dividing a page is into a plurality of non-overlapping parts including variable content. The method includes rasterizing the page with no variable content present into a rasterized fixed page that includes for at least any part that has no variable content a rasterized fixed image. The method further includes identifying one or more parts of the plurality of parts of the page that have variable content, and rasterizing each instance of the page with the variable elements of the page instance into a rasterized instance that includes, for each part that has variable content, a rasterized variable image that includes the variable content and any non-variable content of the instance. The generated rasterized fixed images and rasterized variable images for each instance are combinable.