Avoiding memory fragmentation in printers

Details Avoiding memory fragmentation in printers Avoiding memory fragmentation in printers

1996-01-24

1998-08-25

Burr, Edgar S.

Typewriting machines

Including selection of type-face by...

Including error detection

400 61, 395115, 395116, G06F 1200

Patent

active

057976899

ABSTRACT:
Memory fragmentation in a page printer is avoided by assessing the current extent of memory fragmentation and memory utilization before allocating memory for describing a portion of a next page to be printed. In one embodiment, the assessment includes a weighted average of a normalized standard deviation of current free memory block sizes (indicating fragmentation) and the current percent utilization of memory. A page printer in one embodiment has insufficient memory for bit for bit images of entire pages to be printed. However, a high page printing rate is nonetheless maintained by avoiding interruptions in interface communications and data processing that result when there is insufficient memory to support an allocation request for a contiguous block size. Memory allocation for a new page to be printed is deferred until an assessment of memory fragmentation and utilization is favorably compared to a limit. Processing of a new page with consequential increased fragmentation and increased utilization is, therefore, begun at a time when a memory-out condition and subsequent delays are less likely to arise.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5413419 (1995-05-01), Oami et al.
patent: 5479587 (1995-12-01), Campbell et al.
"Measuring Fragmentation" by James Harrington, Dr. Dobb's Journal, Apr. 1993, v 18, n 4, pp. 66,68,70,92.
"The Art of Computer Programming", Donald E. Knuth, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, pp. 434-454, 596-605.

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