Control Substrate Communication Failover Using Unused Signal Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems in image forming apparatuses fail to continue operation when errors occur in data communication between control substrates, leading to disruption until the error is resolved.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing unused signal lines in the communication interfaces, such as PCIe's PRSNT1, PRSNT2, WAKE, and PERST signals, for backup communication when errors are detected, allowing continuous operation through serial communication methods like UART or I2C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data communication is performed through communication interfaces connecting control substrates, then high-speed data transmission is achieved, but system operation stops when communication errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring backup communication paths using unused signal lines before errors occur. When communication errors are detected, the system immediately switches to the pre-prepared backup channels (PRSNT1, PRSNT2, WAKE, PERST lines) to maintain continuous operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary backup communication channels as mediators between control substrates. When the primary communication interface fails, the unused signal lines act as intermediary paths that enable continued data exchange, ensuring system reliability while maintaining the high-speed capability of the primary interface during normal operation.
2Device complexity
If communication interfaces are designed with standard signal lines only, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to error conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the unused signal lines serve multiple functions. These lines are designed to be part of the standard communication interface structure but can be activated as backup communication channels when errors occur, providing both simplicity in normal operation and adaptability in error conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the communication interface to adapt its configuration based on operational conditions. The system dynamically switches between primary and backup signal lines depending on whether communication errors are detected, allowing the interface structure to evolve from a static design to a dynamic, error-resilient system.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a first control substrate including a processor and a communication interface; and a second control substrate including a processor and a communication interface. The first control substrate and the second control substrate are connected through the communication interfaces. When occurrence of an error in data communication through the communication interfaces is detected, at least one of the processor of the first control substrate and the processor of the second control substrate performs the data communication using unused signal lines among signal lines provided in the communication interfaces.