Patent ID: 7551299
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for processing print data, comprising: operating a rasterization pipeline comprising multiple different rasterization pipeline stages for converting raster formatted print data or image formatted print data into a printer swath; selecting one of the pipeline stages as an entry point into the pipeline for the received print data according to a level of rasterization of the received print data; and receiving the raster formatted print data or image formatted print data at the selected pipeline stage entry point; generating an image object for monitoring and controlling the multiple-stage rasterization pipeline during processing of the raster formatted or image formatted print data; sending the raster formatted print data generated in the rasterization pipeline to a color enhancement stage in the rasterization pipeline; sending color raster data output from the enhancement stage to a color conversion stage in the rasterization pipeline; sending grayscale raster data output from the enhancement stage and device specific raster data output from the color conversion stage to a halftoning stage in the rasterization pipeline; and sending bi-tonal raster data output from the enhancement stage and sending printer swath data output from the halftoning stage to a marking engine; wherein the foregoing sending steps for steering the data through the rasterization pipeline are directed by the image object.