Abstract: A method for outputting a print job includes accessing a file representing a previously created document at a client computer. The method includes accessing a catalog tree residing in the document and including metadata corresponding with a job ticket embedded in the file for rendering the document. The method includes splitting pages in the document into multiple chunks using a splitter located in the client computer. The method includes splitting by the splitter the catalog tree into a set of branches each corresponding with one of the chunks of the finished document. The method includes embedding corresponding branch information into the each chunk. The method includes generating a package of chunks. The method includes streaming the package to a digital front end (DFE) of an output device.

Abstract: A processor receives a print job, identifies possible extension marking materials to use to print the print job, and optimizes the order in which the extension marking materials will be used in multiple printing passes. A user interface outputs instructions to insert, into a receptacle, a first interchangeable supply container containing a first extension marking material that is in addition to base marking materials. A printing engine prints first markings (using the first extension marking material) that comprise a first portion of the print job. The user interface outputs instructions to return the partially printed print media to a sheet supply and to insert a second interchangeable supply container containing a second extension marking material. The printing engine prints second markings (using the second extension marking material) that comprise a second portion of the print job, on the partially printed print media, to produce the finally printed print media.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system of rendering clear texturing on a media substrate. According to one exemplary method, one or more parameters are provided by a user, via a UI (User Interface), to control the clear texturing process, wherein the parameters are associated with, but are not limited to, media sheet area coverage, object type the clear texturing process is to be performed on and maximum/minimum percentage of clear material to be used for rendering the clear texturing.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for enhancing an edge of a non-saturated object are disclosed. For example, the method detects a plurality of transition pixels, determines a gray value for one or more of the plurality of transition pixels is greater than a threshold value, identifies one or more edge pixels from the one or more of the plurality of transition pixels that has the gray value greater than the threshold value when the one or more of the plurality of transition pixels is not within an input block of pixels having all of the pixels in the input block with a respective gray value greater than the threshold and applies an edge enhancement to each one of a plurality of input blocks containing the one or more edge pixels.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for enhancing an edge of a non-saturated object are disclosed. For example, the method detects a plurality of transition pixels, determines a gray value for one or more of the plurality of transition pixels is greater than a threshold value, identifies one or more edge pixels from the one or more of the plurality of transition pixels that has the gray value greater than the threshold value when the one or more of the plurality of transition pixels is not within an input block of pixels having all of the pixels in the input block with a respective gray value greater than the threshold and applies an edge enhancement to each one of a plurality of input blocks containing the one or more edge pixels.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing toner usage on an output device capable of rendering in five or more colorants includes receiving a print job for rendering a print job. The method includes generating at least one candidate colorant combination using multiple colorants. The method includes determining at least one factor including (i) a toner usage, (ii) a toner cost, and (iii) an accuracy of the at least one candidate colorant combination for rendering a select object of the print job. The method further includes selecting an ideal candidate colorant combination based on a comparison of the at least one factor with one of a second candidate colorant combination and an original CMYK colorant combination.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method for creating a document print stream. The method includes receiving a first image in a first color model. The method includes generating a modified first image by extending original separation channels in the first image to include a fifth separation channel. The method includes generating a bitmap of the modified image. The method includes storing the modified image as a separation form. The method includes receiving a print job in the first color model. The method includes merging the separation form with the print job.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method for creating a document print stream. The method includes receiving a first image in a first color model. The method includes generating a modified first image by extending original separation channels in the first image to include a fifth separation channel. The method includes generating a bitmap of the modified image. The method includes storing the modified image as a separation form. The method includes receiving a print job in the first color model. The method includes merging the separation form with the print job.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing toner usage on an output device capable of rendering in five or more colorants includes receiving a print job for rendering a print job. The method includes generating at least one candidate colorant combination using multiple colorants. The method includes determining at least one factor including (i) a toner usage, (ii) a toner cost, and (iii) an accuracy of the at least one candidate colorant combination for rendering a select object of the print job. The method further includes selecting an ideal candidate colorant combination based on a comparison of the at least one factor with one of a second candidate colorant combination and an original CMYK colorant combination.

Abstract: A method of operating a printer includes identifying coordinates in a device independent color space for a spot color, identifying color components in a device dependent full color profile in a printer model for an association between the spot color in the device independent color space and a device dependent color space, and emitting a pattern of colorants with reference to the color components to reproduce the spot color in a printed image. The colorant pattern has a colorant density exceeding a predetermined colorant limit threshold associated with printed colors other than spot colors.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing a printing system. The approach involves determining at least one printer of the printing system is capable of at least five-color printing. The approach also involves determining a print job to be processed by the printing system includes using a custom colorant. The approach further involves determining if the custom colorant is ready for use, if an alternative colorant is ready for use, or if any custom colorants or alternative colorants are within a predetermined proximity of the printer. The approach additionally involves causing a preview of an output of the print job to be rendered and displayed, causing the print job to be processed or held, and causing one or more colorants to be ordered or made ready for use if the print job is held.

Abstract: A method of operating a printer includes reducing a first plurality of coverage parameters in a first continuous tone (contone) pixel by a predetermined amount if a combination of at least two of the coverage parameters is below a predetermined threshold and reducing a second plurality of coverage parameters in a second pixel by a smaller amount if the combination of coverage parameters in the second pixel is greater than the predetermined threshold. The method further includes generating half-tone image data from the first and second pixels and forming printed marks corresponding to the first and second pixels on an image receiving surface.

Abstract: A method of operating a printer includes reducing a first plurality of coverage parameters in a first continuous tone (contone) pixel by a predetermined amount if a combination of at least two of the coverage parameters is below a predetermined threshold and reducing a second plurality of coverage parameters in a second pixel by a smaller amount if the combination of coverage parameters in the second pixel is greater than the predetermined threshold. The method further includes generating half-tone image data from the first and second pixels and forming printed marks corresponding to the first and second pixels on an image receiving surface.

Abstract: A method for rendering a clear toner layer is disclosed for a received print job description that is provided in multiple channels, including a clear channel and a color channel. A program selection is executed for a multiple pass operation. Image processing is performed on the print job description to generate a ready-to-print file. A layer of an image is rendered in a first pass using a clear toner applying component and a pigmented toner applying component. The values of the color channel are modified, and the ready-to-print file is modified using the values. The modified ready-to-print file is saved in a ready-to-print format. A layer of the image is rendered in a select pass using only the clear toner applying component.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing a printing system. The approach involves determining at least one printer of the printing system is capable of at least five-color printing. The approach also involves determining a print job to be processed by the printing system includes using a custom colorant. The approach further involves determining if the custom colorant is ready for use, if an alternative colorant is ready for use, or if any custom colorants or alternative colorants are within a predetermined proximity of the printer. The approach additionally involves causing a preview of an output of the print job to be rendered and displayed, causing the print job to be processed or held, and causing one or more colorants to be ordered or made ready for use if the print job is held.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor-implemented method for processing image data using an image processing apparatus. The processor is configured to receive a PDL file of image data and raster image process (RIP) the PDL file to determine pixels representing text. The ripped file is then segmented to determine at least any pixels representing text that were not initially indicated or identified by the ripped file. The results are combined to determine locations for marking onto a substrate by the output device using substantially colorless marking material over text pixels (to coat marked text pixels). In some instances, locations for covering text pixels with substantially colorless marking material can be tagged during segmenting image data, using a tag plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor-implemented method for processing image data using an image processing apparatus. The processor is configured to receive a PDL file of image data and raster image process (RIP) the PDL file to determine at least pixels representing text of a predetermined colorant. The ripped file is then segmented to determine at least any text pixels of the predetermined colorant not initially indicated by the ripped file. The results are combined to determine text pixels of the predetermined colorant for marking onto a substrate using marking material (e.g., ink). In some instances, pixels of the predetermined colorant can be tagged during segmenting using a tag plane to determine text pixels for marking by the output device.

Abstract: A method for forming a variable data job includes a fixed original image provided by original image data in a first multiple channel color plane and content provided by variable image data in a second multiple channel color plane. The original image data is converted to fixed image data in a clear channel color plane. Raster image processing is performed on the fixed image data to translate the fixed image data into a first ready-to-print file. The ready-to-print file is saved in a memory as a post-RIP file. The variable image data is subsequently provided in at least the second multiple channel color plane. Image processing is performed on the variable image data to obtain a second ready-to-print file. The post-RIP file is merged with the second ready-to-print file for forming the variable data job. The variable data job is printed to render output.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor-implemented method for processing image data using an image processing apparatus. The processor is configured to receive a PDL file of image data and raster image process (RIP) the PDL file to determine at least pixels representing text of a predetermined colorant. The ripped file is then segmented to determine at least any text pixels of the predetermined colorant not initially indicated by the ripped file. The results are combined to determine text pixels of the predetermined colorant for marking onto a substrate using marking material (e.g., ink). In some instances, pixels of the predetermined colorant can be tagged during segmenting using a tag plane to determine text pixels for marking by the output device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor-implemented method for processing image data using an image processing apparatus. The processor is configured to receive a PDL file of image data and raster image process (RIP) the PDL file to determine pixels representing text. The ripped file is then segmented to determine at least any pixels representing text that were not initially indicated or identified by the ripped file. The results are combined to determine locations for marking onto a substrate by the output device using substantially colorless marking material over text pixels (to coat marked text pixels). In some instances, locations for covering text pixels with substantially colorless marking material can be tagged during segmenting image data, using a tag plane.