Controller Setting Data Update Logic for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face communication load issues and prolonged operation with outdated settings due to infrequent updates, especially when unable to obtain update data at scheduled intervals, leading to extended periods of operation with old settings.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a controller that updates setting data using update data from a server, determining whether the connection start time is later than the scheduled update time to decide on updating, and includes mechanisms for non-periodic updating processes to ensure timely data refreshment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus receives data to update the setting information every time when an update interval has elapsed, then the communication load with the server is reduced, but the setting information becomes outdated for a long time if the update cannot be obtained at the scheduled timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by checking whether the apparatus is connected to the network at the scheduled update timing. If connected, it proactively obtains update data before the setting becomes outdated. This preliminary check and acquisition mechanism ensures that updates are obtained as soon as possible rather than waiting for the next scheduled interval, resolving the contradiction between reducing communication load and maintaining setting freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the outcome of the scheduled update attempt (success or failure) triggers a different behavior. If the update succeeds, normal periodic updates continue. If the update fails due to network disconnection, the system feeds back this information and switches to obtaining updates at connection timing, ensuring setting information is refreshed promptly when network conditions improve.
2Productivity
If the image forming apparatus updates setting data only at scheduled intervals, then the communication frequency is controlled, but the setting data remains outdated for extended periods when network connection is unavailable at update timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its update strategy based on network availability conditions. When the apparatus is connected to the network at scheduled update timing, it operates in periodic update mode. When disconnected and missing updates, it dynamically switches to connection-triggered update mode, obtaining updates immediately upon reconnection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between controlled communication frequency and maintaining current setting data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically detecting network connection status and autonomously deciding when to obtain update data without requiring external intervention or manual configuration. The controller monitors connection status and autonomously triggers update operations at appropriate times, enabling the system to maintain current settings while adapting to varying network conditions.
3Loss of energy
If the update interval is set to a relatively long period such as one week or one month, then the communication load is minimized, but the apparatus operates with old settings for a long time if an update is missed
Solution Approach 1:
By performing preliminary checks at scheduled update timing to detect network availability, the system takes preliminary action to obtain updates immediately when possible, preventing the accumulation of outdated settings over long intervals. This preliminary detection mechanism ensures that even with long scheduled intervals, updates are obtained as soon as network conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism detects when scheduled updates are missed due to network unavailability and triggers a compensatory update action upon reconnection. This feedback loop ensures that the time spent with outdated settings is minimized by automatically initiating updates as soon as the network becomes available again, counteracting the effect of long update intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus according aspects of the present disclosure includes an image processor, a storage, a network interface and a controller. The controller is configured to update, at the setting update time, setting data and update the setting update time in response to completion of update of the setting data. Further, the controller is configured to determine, at a connection start time when a connection between the network interface and a server is established, whether the connection start time is later than the setting update time, and, when the connection start time is later than the setting update time, update the setting data, otherwise not update the setting data.