Printer Buffering for Structured Document Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face increased loads and inefficiencies when processing and printing structured document data like PDF, as they require significant processing and data conversion before printing can commence, leading to prolonged processing times.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a receiving section, storage, print data judging section, controlling section, image converting section, and printing section that prioritizes the processing and printing of structured document data, particularly PDF, by identifying document structure information and optimizing data reception and conversion based on detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If PDF data is divided into data blocks and sent sequentially from the last block, then the printer can start processing earlier, but the host apparatus and printer require additional processing members increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The printer performs preliminary actions by allocating a reception buffer and preparing to receive document structure information in advance, even before the complete PDF data is received. This allows the printer to start processing the document structure as soon as it becomes available, reducing overall processing time without requiring complex host-side processing members.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer serves itself by having its own reception buffer and processing capabilities for document structure information, eliminating the need for the host apparatus to perform complex preprocessing. The printer independently manages the reception and initial processing of PDF data blocks, reducing system complexity while maintaining efficient processing.
2Reliability
If the printer receives complete PDF data before processing, then data integrity is ensured, but processing time increases due to sequential reception requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The PDF data reception process is segmented into two independent parts: document structure information and actual content data. The document structure information is received and processed separately in advance, while the content data follows. This segmentation allows the printer to begin processing with the structure information while ensuring data integrity through the buffered reception mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer performs preliminary reception and buffering of document structure information before receiving the complete PDF data. This preliminary action ensures that when the content data arrives, the printer is already prepared with the document structure, enabling immediate processing without compromising data integrity.
3Productivity
If round-robin processing is used to alternate between receiving data and executing other processes, then resource utilization improves, but PDF processing time increases due to alternating interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The processing workflow is segmented into distinct phases: a reception phase dedicated to receiving and buffering PDF data blocks, and an execution phase for processing. This segmentation eliminates the need for round-robin switching during data reception, allowing continuous uninterrupted reception while maintaining high resource utilization through the buffered approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer performs preliminary reception and buffering of all PDF data blocks before executing the processing phase. This preliminary action consolidates the reception operations, allowing the printer to utilize resources efficiently during reception and then focus entirely on processing without alternating interruptions, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment may comprise an image forming apparatus comprising: a receiving section which receives a print data; storage which stores the received print data; a print data judging section which judges whether the received print data is a structured document data or not; a controlling section which operates the receiving part preferentially when it is judged that the print data is a structured document data, compared to a case that the print data is a non-structured document data; an image converting section which converts the stored print data to image data; and a printing section which prints the image data to a predetermined recording medium.