FIFO Memory Buffer for Image Processing Data Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience long waiting times during the image generation process due to the slow data retrieval from general-purpose RAM, particularly when dealing with large back image data, which hampers processing speed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a first-in first-out (FIFO) memory scheme for acquiring data, specifically for the back image, reduces the time required for data acquisition by eliminating the need for address identification and minimizing the devices through which data must pass, thereby enhancing data loading speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drawing objects are stored in general-purpose RAM and managed using address information, then data can be stored flexibly, but the image generation process takes a long time due to address identification and loading process delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into two distinct parts: a first memory (general-purpose RAM) for storing drawing objects with address information, and a second memory (FIFO memory) for storing back image data without address information. This segmentation allows each memory to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between flexible storage and fast access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a FIFO memory as an intermediary between the general-purpose RAM and the image generation processing unit. The FIFO memory acts as a buffer that receives and holds back image data, eliminating the need for the processing unit to wait for data loading from RAM during the combination process, thus reducing image generation time.
2Quantity of substance
If a large amount of back image data is read from general-purpose RAM, then complete image data can be obtained, but the waiting time increases due to the loading process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by transferring and storing the back image data in the FIFO memory before the image generation process begins. This allows the back image data to be readily available when needed, eliminating the waiting time that would occur if the data had to be loaded from general-purpose RAM during the combination process.
Solution Approach 2:
The FIFO memory serves as an intermediary buffer that holds large amounts of back image data, allowing the image generation processing unit to access this data immediately without waiting for loading operations from the general-purpose RAM, thus maintaining data quantity while reducing waiting time.
3Ease of operation
If address information is used to manage drawing objects in RAM, then data can be accessed selectively, but the loading process requires more time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data management approach by using address-based management for drawing objects in general-purpose RAM while using a simplified FIFO-based management system for back image data. This allows selective access to drawing objects to be maintained while achieving high-speed data loading for back images through the FIFO mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The FIFO memory acts as an intermediary that bypasses the address identification and loading process delays. By transferring back image data to the FIFO memory in advance, the system maintains the ability to selectively access drawing objects through address information while achieving high-speed data transfer for the back image portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes at least one of one or more processors configured to implement instructions stored in a memory device and an integrated circuit that execute a first acquiring task of acquiring data of a first object from a first memory by designating an address in the first memory, a second acquiring task of acquiring data of a second object from a second memory by a first-in first-out (FIFO) scheme, and a bitmap image generation task of generating a bitmap image including at least the first object and the second object based on the data acquired in the first acquiring task and the data acquired in the second acquiring task.