Memory Control Unit for PDL Processing Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent switching between PDL processing modules in image forming apparatuses leads to increased overhead and decreased productivity due to the time required for activation and deactivation, especially when multiple pieces of PDL data are continuously received.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a memory control unit that allocates and releases memory areas to interpretation units based on elapsed time after print data interpretation, rather than immediately after each print job, allowing for optimized timing of PDL processing module activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If memory is released immediately after each print job completion, then memory usage is optimized, but frequent switching between PDL processing modules increases overhead and decreases productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by determining in advance whether to release memory based on future job predictions. Before releasing memory, the system predicts whether another print job will arrive within a predetermined time period, and only releases memory if no job is expected, thereby avoiding frequent switching overhead while maintaining memory optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the memory release decision adaptive rather than static. Instead of immediately releasing memory after each job, the system dynamically adjusts the release timing based on predicted job arrival patterns, creating a flexible memory management strategy that balances optimization with productivity.
2Quantity of substance
If PDL processing modules are activated only when needed, then memory is saved, but the activation and deactivation process creates switching overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting future job requirements before making module activation decisions. It determines in advance whether to maintain module activation based on predicted job arrival, thereby avoiding unnecessary deactivation and reactivation cycles that cause switching overhead and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping PDL processing modules activated when jobs are predicted to arrive soon. This prevents interruption of the processing workflow by avoiding repeated activation/deactivation cycles, thereby reducing switching overhead and maintaining continuous productive operation.
3Productivity
If all PDL processing modules are activated continuously, then switching overhead is eliminated, but memory consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting job arrival patterns in advance. Based on these predictions, it proactively determines which modules to keep activated and which to release, achieving an optimal balance between maintaining processing speed and managing memory consumption without requiring all modules to be continuously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the activation state of PDL processing modules based on predicted job characteristics and arrival patterns. This allows the system to optimize memory consumption by deactivating unused modules while maintaining high processing speed by keeping frequently needed modules activated.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a interpretation unit, a memory control unit, and an execution unit. The interpretation unit is configured to interpret print data described in a page description language. The memory control unit is configured to control allocation a memory area to the interpretation unit. The execution unit is configured to execute printing by making the interpretation unit to which the memory area is allocated interpret the print data. The memory control unit releases the allocated memory area according to a time elapsed after the print data is interpreted without at least interpretation of print data being performed using the interpretation unit to which the memory area is allocated.