Parallel Image Processing via Band Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face inefficiencies in parallel processing due to the lack of clear methods for transmitting divided image data to multiple image processing ASICs, leading to potential idling of controllers and reduced print data generation speed.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that divides image data into areas and transmits it to multiple image processing controllers, allowing for efficient parallel processing by using PCIe protocol and DMA control for inter-ASIC data transfer, ensuring continuous data transmission and minimizing idle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image data is divided into areas and transmitted to multiple image processing ASICs for parallel processing, then processing speed and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated data transmission and controller synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The image data is divided into multiple areas (first area and second area) that are processed by different image processing ASICs simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel processing of different portions of the image data, increasing overall processing throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through clear spatial division of work
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-transmits the divided image data to the respective image processing ASICs before actual processing begins. This preliminary data transmission ensures that all controllers have their required data ready, preventing idle time and synchronization delays during the parallel processing phase
2Productivity
If multiple image processing controllers operate in parallel, then processing efficiency is improved, but loss of time occurs due to potential idle periods and coordination overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that all image processing ASICs receive their designated image data portions in advance and process them continuously without idle periods. The coordinated transmission and processing approach eliminates waiting time between data reception and processing, maximizing the utilization of all parallel controllers throughout the operation
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to cause a plurality of image processing controllers to operate in parallel without idling them. The present invention is an image processing apparatus (900, 940) that processes data made use of for printing an image by relatively moving a printing unit including a plurality of ink ejection ports arranged in a first direction and a printing medium in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the image processing apparatus including: an acquisition unit (900, 901) configured to acquire image data corresponding to one page; a plurality of processing units (910, 920); and a transmission unit (901) configured to perform repetitive transmission processing that repeats transmission of image data acquired by the acquisition unit in order to each of the plurality of image processing units by taking band data as a unit.