Printing Apparatus Band Data Transmission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently controlling the transmission of image data to multiple image processing units, leading to increased processing load and reduced throughput due to limitations in buffer memory and decoder performance.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a controller that selectively alternates or sequences the transmission of band data between first and second image processing units based on sheet size settings, optimizing data transfer methods to manage processing loads and improve throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image data is transmitted to multiple image processing units in parallel, then processing speed is improved, but the processing load on the controller increases and throughput may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission control that adapts the data transmission method based on real-time buffer status and processing conditions. The controller switches between alternate transmission and sequential transmission modes depending on whether the buffer can accommodate the entire image data or only partial data, optimizing the balance between processing speed and throughput under varying system states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter (method) based on buffer capacity conditions. When the buffer can hold the entire image data, sequential transmission is used; when only partial data can be held, alternate transmission is used. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by selecting the optimal transmission mode for each system state.
2Power
If image data is divided and transmitted to multiple ASICs, then processing capability is improved, but buffer memory capacity becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into multiple bands and distributes them to different ASICs. The controller divides the image data into first image data for a first ASIC and second image data for a second ASIC, enabling parallel processing. This segmentation allows the system to overcome buffer capacity limitations by transmitting data in manageable portions rather than requiring the entire image data to fit in a single buffer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to data transmission by using alternate transmission methods. Instead of transmitting all data sequentially (time dimension), the system alternates between transmitting different portions of data to different ASICs, effectively utilizing multiple dimensions (spatial distribution + temporal alternation) to manage buffer constraints while maintaining high processing capability.
3Productivity
If alternate transmission method is used for band data, then data distribution is optimized, but transmission control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based transmission control where the controller continuously monitors buffer status and processing conditions to determine the optimal transmission method. This feedback mechanism simplifies control complexity by using automatic condition-based decision making rather than complex manual control, allowing the system to switch between transmission modes based on real-time system state.
Data Source
AI summary
Each of a first image processing unit and a second image processing unit is configured to generate print data to be used by a printing unit based on image data generated by a controller. The controller comprises a transmission control unit configured to select, based on a sheet size which is a print setting corresponding to a print job as a condition, one of first transmission control of controlling a transmission unit to alternately transmit band data included in first image data and band data included in second image data and second transmission control of controlling the transmission unit so that the band data included in the second image data will be transmitted after the band data included in the first image data has been transmitted.