An ordinary PDL (page description language) analyzes the received print data (e.g., text, graphics, photos), converts the data into rendering data (a collection of dots), and then transmits it to the laser scanner. If any of these processes are slow, fast printing cannot be achieved. By using a main processor for data analysis and a dedicated rendering chip for bitmap conversion, the most time-consuming process, Canon realized fast processing speeds.

Canon also developed Color CAPT (Canon Advanced Printing Technology), which leverages increasingly powerful PC CPUs, sending rendering data processed by the PC to the printer for printing. Utilizing the PC rather than the printer controller to handle the rendering process reduces the load on the printer CPU, facilitating the printing of large volumes of image data, even with limited printer memory.

Overview of Color CAPT Data Processing