Using a processor enhanced memory module to accelerate hardcopy image processing within existing printer controller
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorsJames Glenn Bearss, Judd E. Heape
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The processor enhanced memory module PEMM can be incorporated into the hardcopy image processing pipeline of existing printer controllers by using the smart memory model. Here the data generated from RISC based PDL interpretation or pre-rasterized data can be processed in an accelerated fashion into page bit maps, color space converted, and compressed by the PEMM. Since the DSP on the PEMM is programmable, the resolution, color space, and type of compression along with other printer specific processing can have formats other than those determined by the fixed functionality of the ASIC devices present in the pipeline.
Claims12
A smart memory device for use in a printer comprising:
- a standard memory module connector adapted for interface of a plurality of electrical leads with a memory module socket;
- a controllable switch having a first set of leads connected to said plurality of electrical leads of said connector, a second set of leads and a third set of leads, said controllable switch selectively connecting said first set of leads to either said second set of leads or to said third set of leads;
- a memory connected to said second set of leads of said controllable switch;
- and
- a digital signal processor connected to said third set of lead of said controllable switch, said digital signal processor programmed to render data stored in said memory into printer specific raster image data and store said rendered data in said memory.
A printer controller comprising:
- a input port for receiving input print data;
- an input first-in-first-out memory having an input connected to said input port and an output;
- an output first-in-first-out memory having an input and an output;
- an output port for outputting printer specific raster image data to a print engine;
- a memory module socket;
- a smart memory module including
- a standard memory module connector adapted for interface of a plurality of electrical leads with said memory module socket,
- a controllable switch having a first set of leads connected to said plurality of electrical leads of said connector, a second set of leads and a third set of leads, said controllable switch selectively connecting said first set of leads to either said second set of leads or to said third set of leads,
- a memory connected to said second set of leads of said controllable switch, and
- a digital signal processor connected to said third set of lead of said controllable switch, said digital signal processor programmed to render data stored in said memory into printer specific raster image data and store said rendered data in said memory;
- and
- a data processor connected to said input first-in-first-out memory, to said output first-in-first-out memory and to said memory module socket, said data processor programmed to
- transfer data out of said input first-in-first-out memory via said output to said smart memory module,
- interpret print data into a display list equivalent and store the display list equivalent in said smart memory module, and
- transfer data rendered by said smart memory module to said input of said output first-in-first-out memory.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.