Distributed Image Processing Control System for Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems for printing face high management loads due to the need for centralized management of multiple raster image processors, which can lead to bottlenecks in parallel printing operations.
Innovation Solution
A distributed image processing control system that includes multiple image processing units and a control unit, where control information is used to direct input data through a series of processing stages, reducing the management load by allowing each unit to execute specific image processes independently and sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a manager allocates jobs to multiple raster image processors and manages the entire parallel processing workflow centrally, then parallel processing capability is achieved, but the management load on the manager becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized management function into distributed autonomous image processing units. Each unit independently executes image processing tasks without requiring centralized coordination, thereby maintaining parallel processing capability while eliminating the excessive management load on a central manager.
Solution Approach 2:
Image processing units are designed to be self-sufficient, autonomously acquiring input data, executing image processing, and outputting results without external management intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling parallel processing through autonomous units rather than centrally-managed components.
2Productivity
If multiple image processing units are coordinated through a central manager, then parallel processing is enabled, but processing bottlenecks occur due to the manager's management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the management function from the image processing units themselves, allowing each unit to operate independently without external coordination. This removal of the central manager eliminates the processing bottleneck while preserving parallel processing throughput through autonomous unit operation.
3Productivity
If centralized management is used to coordinate image processing units, then job allocation is achieved, but waiting times increase due to management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
Autonomous image processing units eliminate waiting times by independently acquiring tasks and executing processing without centralized coordination delays. Each unit self-manages its workflow, thereby maintaining high job processing capacity while minimizing idle waiting periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing control system includes a plurality of image processing units configured to execute an image process for performing printing in a printing apparatus and a control unit configured to cause the plurality of image processing units to execute the image process. The control unit outputs control information to a first image processing unit, the control information including information indicating input data to be processed and the image processing unit that performs a next process on processed output data. The first image processing unit executes a first image process on the input data based on the control information and outputs the output data to the image processing unit that performs a next process.