Rasterization Control Unit for Print Data Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-core processor systems in image forming apparatuses, such as printers, inefficiently utilize multiple arithmetic operation parts and memory regions, leading to temporary processing stops due to lack of memory and ineffective distribution of processing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A print data generation device and method that dynamically sets arithmetic operation parts for rasterization processing based on the status of use and available memory regions, ensuring effective utilization of multiple cores and memory by managing rasterization regions and assigning tasks accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple arithmetic operation parts are used for parallel rasterization processing, then processing speed is improved, but processing stops occur when memory region is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of arithmetic operation parts engaged in rasterization processing based on real-time memory availability. When memory region becomes insufficient, the control unit reduces the number of active cores; when memory is sufficient, more cores are utilized. This dynamic adaptation prevents processing stops while optimizing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the state of memory regions and uses this feedback information to adjust the allocation of arithmetic operation parts. By detecting memory status and responding accordingly, the system maintains processing continuity while maximizing utilization of available computational resources.
2Loss of time
If data is distributed to multiple CPUs for processing, then total processing time for multiple pages is reduced, but processing time per page cannot be reduced and memory state is not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments rasterization processing into band units and assigns different bands to different arithmetic operation parts simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel processing within a single page, reducing processing time per page while also maintaining ability to process multiple pages efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the parameter of the number of active arithmetic operation parts based on memory conditions. This allows the system to optimize between total processing time and per-page processing efficiency by adjusting computational resource allocation according to available memory capacity.
3Ease of operation
If arithmetic operation parts are assigned only by determining processor states, then assignment is simple, but memory region status is not considered causing processing stops
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it determines processor states, evaluates memory region status, and makes assignment decisions based on both factors. This multi-functional approach maintains relative simplicity while ensuring processing stability by considering both computational and memory resources.
Solution Approach 2:
Before assigning rasterization tasks, the control unit preliminarily checks both processor state and memory region availability. This preliminary assessment prevents processing stops by ensuring that task assignment does not exceed available memory capacity, thereby maintaining processing stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a print data generation device comprising: a storage unit including: a region in which there are temporarily stored data in an intermediate language format between data in a page description language format and print data, and the print data to be generated based on the data in the intermediate language format; and a rasterization region for use at a time when rasterization processing in which the print data is to be generated based on the data in the intermediate language format is executed; and a control unit that includes a plurality of arithmetic operation parts, sets arithmetic operation parts which execute the rasterization processing based on a status of use of the arithmetic operation parts and a status of a free region of the storage unit, and executes the rasterization processing for each of the set arithmetic operation parts.