Patent ID: 8648862

Claim:
A method for proofing a graphical data input file for output to an output device, the method comprising automatically adjusting, using a computer programmed to perform such adjusting, at least one graphics feature in the input file to compensate for a predetermined resolution limit corresponding to the output device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) automatically identifying, using the computer, in at least a selected area of the input file, one or more portions of at least one graphics feature meeting a first set of predetermined criteria for adjustment, the first set of predetermined criteria including criteria for determining that the one or more portions has an initial thickness less than the predetermined resolution limit, the automatically identifying comprising: (i) converting, using the computer, the at least one graphics feature to an initial outline comprising a plurality of points, if the at least one feature is not already defined in an outline format; (ii) generating, using the computer, at least a partial skeleton corresponding to one or more portions of the at least one graphics feature in which a first radial value from the partial skeleton to one or more nearest points on the initial outline is less than half the predetermined resolution limit, wherein said one or more nearest points to said partial skeleton define said identified one or more portions; (b) automatically modifying with the computer only the identified one or more portions to have an adjusted thickness greater than the initial thickness, said modifying comprising pruning the partial skeleton with the computer to conform with a second set of predetermined criteria, said second set of predetermined criteria comprising rules for identifying areas to be thickened or not thickened in the graphical object, and defining a modified outline in which each nearest point to the pruned partial skeleton on the modified outline has a distance from the pruned partial skeleton corresponding to a second radial value; and (c) creating, using the computer, an output file comprising the at least one graphics feature having the identified one or more portions having the adjusted thickness.