Image Processing Apparatus Memory Aggregation for Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing methods for inkjet printing require significant memory capacity for data aggregation and increased DMA processing, leading to inefficient memory utilization and reduced system performance when transferring image data to a printhead.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that efficiently aggregates print data from multiple image processing units using a small memory capacity by generating and composing first and second print data in separate memories and transferring them to a continuous area in a third memory, thereby reducing memory utilization and DMA processing load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image data is aggregated in one image processing ASIC after parallel-distributed processing, then the printhead can be controlled based on processed image data, but the necessary memory capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image data processing into multiple parallel ASICs, each handling a specific area. The segmented data is stored in separate memory regions (first memory area and second memory area) rather than aggregating all data in one location, thus reducing the peak memory capacity requirement while maintaining processing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to data aggregation by transferring data from first memory area to second memory area in a staged manner. This dimensional approach allows data to be aggregated over time rather than requiring simultaneous storage of all data, effectively reducing the memory capacity needed at any given moment
2Stability of the object's composition
If data copy processing is performed to sort data after data aggregation, then the data can be properly organized, but the DMA processing increases and processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data organization during the parallel processing stage, where each ASIC prepares its data in the correct format and sequence before transfer. This preliminary action eliminates the need for extensive post-aggregation sorting and copying, reducing DMA processing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data sorting and organization function from the post-aggregation processing stage and integrates it into the individual ASIC processing stages. Each ASIC independently organizes its own data output, removing the burden of centralized data sorting and reducing the complexity of DMA processing
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of this invention, an image processing apparatus generates image data to be used to print an image on a print medium, based on a print job transmitted from a host, generates first print data by performing image processing on part of the generated image data, stores the first print data in a first memory, generates second print data by performing image processing on a remaining part of the generated image data, and stores the second print data in a second memory. The apparatus further transfers the first print data from the first memory to the second memory, composes the first print data and the second print data stored in the second memory, and transfers the composite data as print data to a continuous area of a third memory.