Printer Memory Management for Multi-Page Server Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers face challenges in efficiently printing images represented by files stored on a server due to limited memory capacity, as they need to store all partial data for multiple pages, which exceeds the available storage space.
Innovation Solution
The printer employs a communication interface and controller to receive and store partial data from the server in a memory with limited capacity by repeating a process that involves specifying, transmitting, and releasing partial data for each page, allowing it to print images without storing all data simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printer stores all partial data for multiple pages in memory, then complete page images can be printed, but the memory storage capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing process into segments corresponding to individual pages. Instead of loading all N pages into memory simultaneously, the printer loads, processes, and releases memory for each page sequentially. This segmentation allows the system to print complete multi-page documents while using only the memory space required for a single page at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by receiving and analyzing print settings (such as page ranges, copy counts, and sorting requirements) before actually loading page data into memory. This allows the system to pre-determine the exact memory requirements and loading sequence, ensuring that only necessary pages are loaded in the optimal order while maintaining complete printing functionality.
2Productivity
If the printer loads all page data at once, then printing can proceed without repeated data requests, but memory usage increases beyond available capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by implementing a seamless page-by-page processing pipeline. As one page is being printed, the next page is being prepared in memory, ensuring that the print engine never idles while memory is being filled. This continuous workflow maintains high printing productivity while restricting memory usage to single-page amounts through systematic release of processed page data.
3Ease of manufacture
If the printer uses a small memory capacity, then device cost is reduced, but the ability to store all page data simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by systematically releasing (discarding) memory allocated for pages that have been printed or are no longer needed in the current printing sequence. This recovered memory is then reallocated for subsequent pages. This approach allows the use of small, cost-effective memory components while maintaining the capability to handle multi-page printing jobs through continuous memory reuse.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer receives print setting information from a server, and executes a one-set process repeatedly in accordance with the print setting information. The one-set process includes: a specifying process for specifying a page number which is to be requested to the server, a transmitting process for transmitting the request including the specified page number to the server, a storing process for storing a partial data in the memory in a case where the partial data is received from the server, a printing process for printing using the partial data, and a releasing process for releasing an area in the memory.