Patent ID: 8665482

Claim:
A method implemented in a raster image processor for producing images using a banding mode, wherein the images comprise multiple image units, the method comprising: (a) setting an initial value for a band size used to produce an image, wherein the band size is a size of a block of image smaller than a full frame; (b) automatically and continuously adjusting the band size; (c) generating one or more images, the images being generated in a plurality of blocks, each block having the adjusted band size; and (d) storing past values of a data throughput of the raster image processor and corresponding past values of the band size, the data throughput being an amount of image data produced per unit time; wherein in step (b), the band size is adjusted based on a current data throughput value and stored past values of the data throughput and the corresponding band size, wherein step (b) comprises: at a start of at least some of the image units, (b1) determining whether the current data throughput value is lower than any past data throughput value; (b2) if the current data throughput value is lower than a past data throughput value, setting the band size to a value corresponding to the best past data throughput value; and (b3) if the current throughput is not lower than any past throughput, recomputing the band size value by adjusting it in a direction that is the same as a last band size adjustment.