Page printer having adaptive data compression for memory minimization

摘要: A peripheral unit converts an input data flow to page-arranged outputs and includes a random access memory capacity that is insufficient in size accommodate entire page of raster data. The also processor control holds plurality compression procedures, each procedure exhibiting different performance characteristic. performs method for compressing portions the steps of: allocating flow; determining when amount available such allocation; employing first on produce compressed portion; testing portion determine if level has been achieved exceeds threshold and, not, succeeding procedures repeating test against threshold, whereby enables be employed compress portion. Improved methods techniques handling flows with both integral independent image descriptors are described.