Image Processing Apparatus Buffer Extension for Parallel Rasterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in performing parallel processes for determining specific images in print data, leading to standby times due to the longer processing time for image determination compared to output generation, which restricts the speed at which multiple pages can be processed.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a raster data output, a data transferer for generating and storing image determination-purpose data, and a hardware processor to determine if the time schedule satisfies an overflow condition, allowing for buffer extension to manage overlapping processes and enhance processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If both the process of determining whether print data contains a specific image and the process of generating output image data are performed in parallel, then the processing speed is improved, but standby time arises because the determination process takes longer than the output generation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the determination process into multiple sub-processes that can be executed in parallel across different processing units. By segmenting the image determination task, the system can process multiple pages simultaneously without creating standby time, as each processing unit works independently on its assigned portion of the data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the parallel processing by implementing a scheduling mechanism that overlaps the determination process and output generation process across multiple pages. This allows the system to maintain continuous processing by starting the determination process for the next page before the current page's determination is complete.
2Productivity
If the buffer size is increased to accommodate overlapping processes, then parallel processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic buffer management system where the buffer size and allocation are adjusted based on the current processing state and overflow conditions. The buffer expands or contracts automatically to match the actual needs of parallel processing, avoiding the complexity of a permanently large buffer while maintaining parallel processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor buffer usage and processing progress, using this information to dynamically adjust buffer allocation and scheduling decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to optimize buffer utilization without requiring complex manual configuration or oversized buffers.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a raster data output that executes a first process of outputting raster data; a data transferer that generates image determination-purpose data, and executes a second process of storing the generated image determination-purpose data in a buffer; and a hardware processor that: executes a third process of determining whether an image presented by the image determination-purpose data contains a specific image, generates schedule information indicating a time schedule of the first, second, and third processes, determines each set of raster data on whether the time schedule satisfies an overflow condition, and performs control to extend the buffer, wherein the overflow condition is a condition that a part of a period of the second process overlaps with a part of a period during which the image determination-purpose data for which the third process has not been completed occupies an entire area of the buffer.