Color Map Wrapper Structure for Low-Memory Printer Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print systems face challenges in efficiently storing and converting color maps due to limited memory space in replaceable print components, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in color conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
A novel layered wrapper-and-packet structure is implemented on a print cartridge memory to store and locate DCT-type color maps, allowing for quick construction of color maps at runtime by the printer controller, utilizing a combination of first and second-level wrappers and packets, along with a recipe to facilitate efficient data compression and decompression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If color maps are stored on EEPROM memories of replaceable print components, then color conversion can be performed, but memory space is limited and cost per unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color map data is segmented into multiple compressed components including wrappers and packets that can be stored in smaller memory units. The wrapper structure divides the color map into manageable sections with metadata, allowing efficient storage in limited EEPROM space while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested wrapper structure where wrappers contain packets, and packets contain compressed color map data. This nested organization allows maximum data compression and storage efficiency within the limited memory capacity of replaceable print components.
2Quantity of substance
If color maps are compressed to fit limited memory space, then storage capacity is improved, but processing time for color conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color map data is pre-compressed and pre-organized into wrappers and packets before storage. This preliminary processing allows the printer to quickly retrieve and decompress only the necessary portions of color map data during operation, reducing processing time while maintaining compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapper structure enables dynamic access to different portions of the color map data based on the specific printing requirements. The system can selectively decompress and process only the necessary packets rather than loading the entire color map, optimizing processing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a layered wrapper-and-packet structure is used to store color maps, then storage efficiency and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapper structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides data compression, organization, metadata storage, and selective access capabilities. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability for various color conversion tasks while managing complexity through a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapper acts as an intermediary layer between the raw color map data and the printer's color conversion processing. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies data access and manipulation, reducing the complexity burden on the printing system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A memory structure stores a plurality of color maps, the entity, when decompressed by a printer controller, comprising a plurality of first level wrappers, each first level wrapper including at least one characteristic to identify a corresponding color map, and a recipe to define and locate packets for constructing the color map, the recipe having at least one locator for each second level wrapper; and a plurality of second level wrappers of different types, each second level wrapper wrapping a corresponding packet.