Print Data Generation Timing for Reduced Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer technologies experience delays between inputting a print instruction and the start of printing due to the time required for generating print data, which can be lengthy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where print data generation starts after a data selection instruction is input but before a print instruction is received, and only providing the print data to the printing device after the print instruction is obtained, allowing for parallel or sequential processing methods based on available resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If print data generation is performed sequentially after print instruction is input, then processing accuracy is ensured, but time from print instruction to printing start becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs print data generation in advance during the period between data selection instruction input and print instruction input. By completing the image processing (JPEG processing, resizing, image quality correction) before the user finalizes the print instruction, the system ensures that when printing starts, the data is already ready, thus reducing the waiting time without compromising processing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the processing workflow based on the timing of user instructions. It monitors whether print data generation is complete when the print instruction is received, and accordingly either uses the pre-generated data or continues generation, allowing flexible adaptation to different user behaviors while maintaining both speed and accuracy.
2Productivity
If print data generation starts before print instruction is received, then processing time is reduced, but risk of unintended printing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the state of print data generation and the timing of user instructions. It provides feedback control by checking whether generation is complete when the print instruction arrives, and only proceeds with printing when both the data is ready and the user has confirmed the print instruction, thus preventing unintended printing while maintaining high processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares print data in advance during the interval between data selection and print instruction, but implements a confirmation mechanism where printing only occurs after the user explicitly inputs the print instruction. This preliminary preparation combined with user confirmation ensures both speed and reliability.
3Loss of time
If print data generation is performed in parallel with preview display, then overall time is reduced, but system resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs print data generation continuously in parallel with preview display operations. By utilizing multiple processing threads or cores, the image processing (JPEG processing, resizing, image quality correction) proceeds simultaneously with preview generation, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing total processing time without requiring additional hardware resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-readable instructions executable by a hardware processor communicably connected with a printing device and a user interface. The instructions are configured to, when executed by the hardware processor, cause the hardware processor to perform one or more printing processes. Each printing process includes, after obtaining a data selection instruction via the user interface, obtaining a print instruction corresponding to the data selection instruction via the user interface. Each printing process further includes starting generating the print data using target image data selected based on the data selection instruction, after obtaining the data selection instruction and before obtaining the print instruction. Each printing process further includes, even after the print data has been generated, not starting providing the print data until obtaining the print instruction, but starting providing the print data to the printing device after obtaining the print instruction.