Image Processing Apparatus Parallel Data Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses for inkjet printers with shared memory configurations face complexity and increased costs due to the need for limiting simultaneous access to buffer regions, which complicates the system and reduces throughput.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs two processing devices connected via a communication interface, where one device processes CMY data through binarization at the pixel level and transmits K data for processing by the other device, allowing for parallel processing and efficient distribution of pixel-level binarization tasks, especially when nozzle densities differ, thus improving overall throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple data processing units access a shared memory simultaneously, then processing throughput can be improved through parallel processing, but it becomes necessary to provide each data processing unit with new functionality for limiting free access to the shared memory, which complicates the configuration and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing system into two separate data processing units (main and sub), each with its own dedicated memory. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex access control mechanisms while enabling parallel processing of different data types (raster data in main memory, print data in sub memory), thus improving throughput without increasing configuration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the memory structure for each data processing unit. Instead of having multiple units share a single memory with complex access control, each unit has its own memory buffer, allowing independent access without conflict. This copying approach maintains the ability to process data in parallel while avoiding the need for access limitation functionality
2Reliability
If the apparatus uses a shared memory configuration with access limitation functionality, then data processing can be controlled, but the configuration becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent processing units with dedicated memory resources. The main data processing unit handles raster data in its own memory buffer, while the sub data processing unit handles print data in its own buffer. This segmentation provides reliable data processing control without requiring complex access limitation mechanisms, as each unit operates independently with its own memory space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a shared memory structure that contains both main buffer region and sub buffer region, accessible by respective processing units through defined interfaces. This intermediary memory structure enables controlled data transfer between units while maintaining simple configurations, avoiding the need for complex access limitation functionality in each processing unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus, connected to an ejection head in which a nozzle group configured of nozzles that eject CMY inks of the CMYK color system and a nozzle group configured of nozzles that eject K ink of the CMYK color system are formed at different nozzle densities, that converts inputted image data into print data and outputs the print data to the ejection head, and includes: a first processing device that inputs the image data; and a second processing device communicably connected to the first processing device via a predetermined communication interface.