Canon large-format printers, which print over a wide surface area, must process high volumes of image data at high speeds while controlling the print head and managing the ejection of 12 ink colors. To meet these requirements, Canon capitalized on its strength in the field of SOC (System On Chip) technology to develop L-COA, a processor specially designed for large-format printers.

L-COA integrates protocol processing, image processing and printer control — functions that had been handled by multiple chips — onto a single chip for faster signal processing and high-resolution printing.

Image Processor L-COA and Conceptual Overview