Parallel PDL Data Stream Segmentation for High-Speed Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for parallel processing of page description language (PDL) data streams are complex, require modification to the source code of PDL interpreters, and are limited in handling overlapping image segments, leading to increased processing time and complexity in high-speed printing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves segmenting a PDL data stream into multiple segments based on rules, creating associated data files, and assigning them to PDL processors optimized for specific tasks, allowing for parallel processing without modifying the PDL interpreter, and enabling the handling of overlapping segments by scheduling and combining them appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If PDL data stream is parsed into multiple segments and processed in parallel, then RIP processing time is reduced, but system complexity increases due to need for maintaining translation state across segments
Solution Approach 1:
The PDL data stream is divided into multiple independent segments that can be processed in parallel by different RIP processes. Each segment contains complete PDL commands for a specific portion of the document, allowing simultaneous processing without requiring complex state management across segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation state management complexity is extracted and eliminated by ensuring each segment is self-contained with all necessary translation state information embedded within it, rather than requiring external state maintenance mechanisms.
2Productivity
If PDL interpreter source code is modified to support parallel processing, then processing speed increases, but adaptability decreases due to limitation of existing interpreters
Solution Approach 1:
The PDL data stream is segmented into independent portions that can be distributed to multiple RIP processes, enabling parallel processing without requiring modifications to the PDL interpreter source code. Each segment can be processed by standard interpreters independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A segmentation and distribution mechanism acts as an intermediary between the PDL data stream and the PDL interpreters, handling the parallel processing coordination without requiring changes to the interpreter itself.
3Productivity
If PDL data stream is processed sequentially, then system complexity is low, but productivity is limited by single processor bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The PDL data stream is divided into multiple independent segments that can be processed simultaneously by multiple RIP processes, transforming sequential processing into parallel processing to increase printing speed without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing architecture transitions from single-processor sequential processing to multi-processor parallel processing, adding a temporal and computational dimension to the processing model to increase productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for processing a page description language (“PDL”) data stream are provided. The methods and apparatus divide the PDL data stream to provide a plurality of PDL segments, create associated first and second data files for each of the PDL segments, and assign the first data file or the second data file associated with each of the PDL segments to at least one of a plurality of PDL processors.