US 5,473,741 AGranted

Method for determining the time to perform raster image processing

AssigneeGraphic Systems Technology, Inc.

InventorsThomas J. Neufelder, Ann M. Neufelder

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A method is provided for determining the approximate time required to perform Raster Image Processing (RIP) of page description language file, such as PostScrip.TM. files, which is useful information before the actual RIP is scheduled to be executed. The provided method takes elements of image data and determines the estimated time for processing that image data (via RIP) into a format that can be used by an imagesetter. A timing data profile is created based upon information determined by actual RIPing certain page description language test data files. This timing data profile can be used to estimate the actual time required to perform RIPing of an actual page description language file. The actual page description language file (that is to be printed) is then compared to the timing data profile in different steps: for scanned images, comparisons are made with all non-scaled, non-rotated, scaled, and rotated elements of the actual page description language file. For computer generated data, comparisons are performed for graduated fills, patterned fills, and radial fills. In addition, other characteristics of the actual page language file are analyzed to determine criteria such as the total file size and the number of plates or pages to be processed.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A method for determining an estimated amount of time required to complete raster image processing of an actual page description language file having a predetermined size, without performing actual raster image processing of the actual page description language file, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a test data file that includes a first non-rotated, non-scaled image file, a rotated, non-scaled image file, a non-rotated, scaled image file, each of these files having substantially the same file size, and a second non-rotated, non-scaled image file of a different file size;
(b) performing raster image processing on each of said above files, performing raster image processing on each of two graduated fills of two different areas, performing raster image processing on each of two patterned fills of two different areas, performing raster image processing on each of two radial fills of two different areas, and performing raster image processing on each of two page description language files of two different file sizes, thereby creating a timing data profile that includes performance information in units of processing time per file size for each type of said above files, including image files and page description language files, and in units of processing time per unit area for each of said above types of fills, including a graduated fill, a patterned fill, and a radial fill;
(c) examining said actual page description language file by determining, for each image of said actual page description language file, its size, whether it is scaled or non-scaled, and whether it is rotated or non-rotated, and determining the area for each computer generated graduated fill, patterned fill, and radial fill;
(d) determining the total combined size of all image files of the actual page description language file and multiplying said total combined size by said performance information of the timing data profile in processing time per file size, and determining the total combined area of all computer generated fills by respective type and multiplying said total combined area by said performance information of the timing data profile in processing time per unit area by respective type, thereby creating an estimated first time period;
(e) measuring the size of said actual page description language file and multiplying said actual page description language file size by said performance information the timing data profile in said page description language file processing time per file size, thereby creating an estimated second time period;
and
(f) combining said first time period and said second time period to create an estimate of the total time required to complete raster image processing.

4 more elements

A method for determining an estimated amount of time required to complete raster image processing of an actual page description language file having a predetermined size without performing actual raster image processing off the actual page description language file, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a manufacturer's data file that includes performance information for a first non-rotated, non-scaled image file, a rotated non-scaled image file, a non-rotated, scaled image file, each of these files having substantially the same file size, and a non-rotated, non-scaled image file of a different file size, two graduated fills of two different areas, two patterned fills of two different areas, two radial fills of two different areas, and two page description language files of two different file sizes, thereby creating a timing data profile that includes performance information in units of processing time per file size for each type of said above files, including image files and page description language files, and in units of processing time per unit area for each of said above types of fills, including a graduated fill, a patterned fill, and a radial fill;
(b) examining said actual page description language file by determining, for each image of said actual page description language file, its size, whether it is scaled or non-scaled, and whether it is rotated or non-rotated, and determining the area for each computer generated graduated fill, patterned fill, and radial fill;
(c) determining the total combined size of all image files of the actual page description language file and multiplying said total combined size by said performance information of the timing data profile in processing time per file size, and determining the total combined area of all computer generated fills by respective type and multiplying said total combined area by said performance information of the timing data profile in processing time per unit area by respective type, thereby creating an estimated first time period
(d) measuring the size of said actual page description language file and multiplying said actual page description language file size by said performance information of the timing data profile in said page description language file processing time per file size, thereby creating an estimated second time period;
and
(e) combining said first time period and said second time period to create an estimate of the total time required to complete raster image processing.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/113,734Filed 30 Aug 1993
Granted: 5 Dec 1995
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

G06K 15/00
Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data
G06K 15/1823
Analysing the received data before processing: for evaluating the resources needed, e.g. rasterizing time, ink, paper stock
G06K 2215/0014
Accepting output data; Preparing data for the controlling system: transforming the printer input data into internal codes
G06K 2215/0065
Combining generic and host data, e.g. filling a raster: page or partial page composition