Memory Control Apparatus PDL Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory control methods for low-end image-forming apparatuses face challenges in resource management when switching between multiple page description languages (PDLs), particularly with PCL, where resource data is deleted upon power OFF/ON, leading to issues with rendering text or images when switching PDLs without actual power changes.
Innovation Solution
A memory control apparatus with a developing unit, determination unit, and control unit that processes PDL data, determines activation information values to decide whether to release and delete resources in specific memory areas, ensuring PCL resource data is not deleted during PDL switching unless it mimics power ON/OFF conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If work memory is shared between multiple PDLs and activation processing is performed when switching PDLs, then memory usage is reduced, but PCL resource data is deleted causing rendering failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory management by creating separate work memory areas for different PDLs (PCL work memory area and other PDL work memory area) while sharing a common resource storage area. This segmentation allows independent management of PCL resources versus other PDL resources, preventing unwanted deletion of PCL resource data when switching between PDLs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a resource storage area as an intermediary between the work memory areas and the resource data. Resource data is stored in this intermediate area during activation processing, allowing the system to switch PDLs and release work memory without deleting the actual resource data. The resource storage area acts as a buffer that preserves resources across PDL switches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PCL resource data is deleted during activation processing to satisfy PCL specifications, then power OFF/ON compliance is achieved, but text and image rendering fails during PDL switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource management where the deletion of resource data is conditional rather than absolute. The control unit determines whether to delete resource data based on the current operational context - deleting only when actual power OFF/ON occurs, but preserving resources during PDL switching operations. This dynamic approach satisfies PCL specifications while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of resource data persistence by introducing a condition-based deletion mechanism. Instead of always deleting resource data during activation processing, the system checks whether this is a genuine power OFF/ON event or merely a PDL switch. This parameter change allows the system to adapt resource deletion behavior to the specific operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
When the type of PDL data is switched, a resource that is already developed cannot be used. A memory control apparatus configured to process received PDL data includes a developing unit configured to develop the received PDL data in a first memory area, and develop a resource to be used by the PDL data in a second memory area, a determination unit configured to determine whether stored activation information is a first value or a second value, and a control unit configured to perform control for releasing the first memory area and deleting the resource developed in the second memory area, in a case where the activation information is determined to be the first value, and configured to release the first memory area and not deleting the resource developed in the second memory area, in a case where the activation information is determined to be the second value.