Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Buffer Memory Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face memory overflow issues when performing variable-magnification processes, especially at high magnification ratios, due to increased data amounts and constant scanning speeds, requiring large buffer memory capacities even with data compression.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that dynamically adjusts memory size based on the set variable-magnification ratio, using a setting unit, discriminating unit, deciding unit, and storing unit to manage memory allocation efficiently, allowing for reduced buffer memory usage even at constant optical system scanning speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the scanning speed of the optical system is held constant and magnification by image process is executed, then control of the motor is simplified, but the buffer memory overflows when magnification exceeds the predetermined variable-magnification ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the buffer memory capacity adjustable rather than fixed. The buffer memory capacity is dynamically changed based on the variable-magnification ratio setting, allowing the system to adapt to different magnification requirements. When high magnification is selected, the buffer memory capacity is increased to prevent overflow, while for lower magnifications, the capacity is reduced to optimize resource usage. This resolves the contradiction by enabling constant scanning speed operation (simple motor control) while dynamically preventing buffer memory overflow through adaptive capacity adjustment.
2Reliability
If the buffer memory capacity is increased to prevent overflow at high magnification ratios, then memory overflow is prevented, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts buffer memory capacity based on the selected variable-magnification ratio. Instead of providing maximum capacity for all scenarios, the capacity is optimized for each specific magnification level. This reduces the overall device complexity and cost while maintaining reliability, as the buffer memory is sized appropriately for each operating condition rather than being oversized for all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of buffer memory capacity based on the variable-magnification ratio setting. By adjusting this parameter according to the actual magnification requirement, the system avoids the need for a permanently large buffer memory, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while preventing overflow at high magnification ratios when needed.
3Quantity of substance
If data compression is applied to reduce buffer memory usage, then memory capacity requirements are reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts buffer memory capacity based on the variable-magnification ratio, and compression processing is applied selectively. For higher magnification ratios where overflow risk is greater, compression is used to reduce the data amount stored in the buffer. For lower magnification ratios, compression may be reduced or omitted to minimize processing time. This dynamic approach balances memory usage and processing time based on actual operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus sets a variable-magnification ratio of image data, discriminates whether or not the set variable-magnification ratio is larger than a predetermined threshold value, and decides a memory size of a memory device for storing the image data in accordance with a discrimination result in the discriminating. The Apparatus stores the image data of an amount corresponding to the decided memory size into the memory device, and executes a variable-magnification process to the image data stored in the memory device by using the set variable-magnification ratio.