Masked Indexed Image for Print Job Memory Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rendering devices face memory mismanagement and slow print job processing due to the large memory requirements for intermediate representation of to-be-printed objects, leading to potential print overruns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Constructing display list objects for to-be-printed objects and determining if multiple sequential objects are combinable, replacing them with a masked indexed image that matches the overall bounding box size, allowing for efficient memory usage while retaining color information for potential blending with subsequent objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If display list objects are constructed for all to-be-printed objects, then complete representation of print objects is achieved, but memory consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential display list objects into a single composite object when they share common attributes (transparent background, identical halftone screens, similar color intensities, limited color palette). This merging reduces the number of individual objects stored in memory while preserving the complete visual representation needed for accurate printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lookup table (LUT) that serves multiple objects simultaneously. Instead of storing color information separately for each object, a single LUT contains color mappings that can be referenced by multiple composite objects, reducing redundant data storage while maintaining complete color representation.
2Reliability
If many display list objects are maintained in memory, then all print objects are represented, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging sequential objects with common attributes into composite objects, the patent reduces the total number of objects that need to be processed through the rendering pipeline. This decreases processing overhead and improves rendering speed while maintaining complete visual fidelity through the use of LUTs for color preservation.
3Productivity
If memory space is reduced for display lists, then processing efficiency improves, but color information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a compressed representation by copying color information into a shared lookup table (LUT) that can be referenced by multiple composite objects. This copying mechanism preserves all necessary color data in a compact form, preventing information loss while reducing memory consumption and improving processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for processing print jobs in rendering devices include constructing display list objects for to-be-printed objects and determining if two or more sequential objects are combinable. If so, a masked indexed image replaces the objects and has dimensions matching the overall bounding box size of the combinable objects. Indexed image values of the masked indexed image correspond to look up table entries, in turn, corresponding to color values of pixels of the combined object. In this manner, memory space is made available. Determining combinability of objects occurs by examining whether the objects are opaque, have regions as stencils, have similar color intensities, have the same halftone screens, share comparably sized or proximate bounding boxes or for other reasons. Head and tail pointers delineate sequential objects on the display list. The masked indexed image can be uni- or multi-dimensional. Computer readable media and graphics engines in printers are preferred implementation structures.