Visual Tree Object for Resolution-Independent Printing Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face issues with inconsistencies and errors due to dependencies on output resolution and the need for special preparation by source applications, leading to misaligned pages, improperly formed characters, and limited effects, caused by the complex processing and conversion steps in the printing chain.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating resolution-independent output via a visual tree object, where an application creates and transmits an abstracted visual tree object to the operating system for conditioning, allowing direct manipulation without intermediate APIs, ensuring consistent visual displays and printed outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional printing chain with multiple processing steps is used, then output can be generated, but inconsistencies and errors occur due to dependencies on output resolution and intermediate conversions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resolution-dependent processing steps from the printing chain by introducing a resolution-independent visual tree object format. The visual tree object separates the logical document structure from the physical rendering, removing the source of inconsistencies caused by multiple conversion steps and intermediate APIs.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual tree object serves as a universal intermediate representation that can be directly processed by multiple output devices (printers, displays, etc.) without requiring device-specific preparation or conversion. This multi-functional object eliminates the need for manufacturer-specific driver chains and resolution-dependent processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If application performs special preparation for printing, then output can be generated, but this requires additional complexity and is not always accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The visual tree object is self-sufficient as it contains all necessary structural and stylistic information in a resolution-independent format. The object can be directly transmitted to the output device without requiring the application to perform special preparation or conversion, eliminating both the complexity and potential inaccuracies of manual preparation.
3Reliability
If intermediate APIs are used for transmission, then data can be passed through the system, but this introduces additional conversion steps and potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate API layer by having the visual tree object transmitted directly from the application to the output device. This extraction eliminates the conversion steps and potential errors that occur at each interface boundary in the conventional printing chain.
4Adaptability or versatility
If resolution-dependent processing is used, then output can be generated, but this limits adaptability to different output devices and resolutions
Solution Approach 1:
The visual tree object uses resolution-independent parameters to describe all visual elements. Instead of storing fixed-resolution data, the object contains scalable descriptions that can be accurately rendered at any resolution, maintaining character formation accuracy while adapting to different output devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and related techniques generate printing and other output operations via a resolution-independent visual tree object. According to embodiments the operating system or other resource may receive the visual tree object and related data from applications or other sources, and perform logic to scale or process the visual output for resolution, effects or other purposes directly from that object. The operating system or other resource itself may be configured to receive the componentized visual tree object and condition or render that object for output to a printer, facsimile machine, copy machine or other output device. The operating system may serialize or spool that object from the source object in native form, relieving applications of the need to prepare documents or other output objects to generate specified resolutions, effects or to adapt the output to specific output drivers.