Page Representation Caching for Printer Data Transfer Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer systems face challenges in minimizing data transfer and processing time due to the need for PDL interpretation and high data volumes in host-based systems, which increases complexity and cost, while PDL-based systems require significant resources for interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A method of generating a page representation by partitioning it into non-overlapping regions, determining optimized fill sequences, and referencing these sequences to reduce data transfer and processing load, allowing for cost-effective printer design without PDL interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If PDL interpretation is implemented in the printer, then the amount of data transferred over the interface is minimized, but the printer complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The page description is segmented into multiple levels of abstraction. Instead of transferring complete pixel data or requiring full PDL interpretation capability, the system uses an intermediate representation that divides the processing tasks between host and printer, allowing the printer to be simpler while still achieving efficient data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate data structure serves as a mediator between the PDL description and the final pixel output. This intermediate representation allows the printer to process page descriptions without requiring full PDL interpretation capability, reducing printer complexity while maintaining efficient data transfer compared to host-based approaches.
2Device complexity
If host-based printing system is used to generate pixel data, then the printer complexity is reduced, but the amount of data transferred over the interface increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The rendering process is segmented into stages performed at different locations. The host generates an intermediate representation rather than complete pixel data, and the printer completes the rendering process. This segmentation reduces the amount of data that must be transferred compared to host-based approaches while keeping the printer simpler than PDL-based approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the dimension of data representation from complete pixel arrays (2D image data) to a hierarchical structure with multiple levels of abstraction. This dimensional change in data organization allows for compact representation that reduces transfer volume while maintaining the ability to generate high-resolution output.
3Productivity
If PDL interpretation is performed in the printer, then printing speed is maintained, but the processing resources and cost of the printer increase
Solution Approach 1:
Processing tasks are segmented between host and printer based on their respective capabilities. The host performs initial processing to generate an intermediate representation, reducing the computational burden on the printer while maintaining overall printing speed. This segmentation allows the printer to have fewer processing resources while still achieving high printing speeds.
4Quantity of substance
If compressed pixel data is transferred from host to printer, then data transfer volume is reduced, but transfer time and memory resources in the printer increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of data representation from compressed pixel formats to an intermediate symbolic representation that requires less processing time for decompression and rendering. This parameter change in data format allows for faster overall processing while maintaining reduced data transfer volumes compared to uncompressed approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (1500) of generating a representation of a page (1000) to be rendered is disclosed. The page (1000) comprises one or more graphic objects (1080, 1090), each being defined by two or more edges bounding a fill. The method (1500) operates by partitioning the page (1000) into a plurality of regions, each region having a corresponding sequence of fills adapted to be composited to generate a colour for each pixel location within the region upon rendering. Then, the representation is generated such that at least two regions reference a common fill sequence.