Distributed Control Modules for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses using electrophotography face processing delays and complex wiring due to a single central processing unit handling multiple functions, leading to inefficient serial communication and potential jamming issues during sheet conveying.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system using multiple control modules with peer-to-peer serial communication buses, where a master control unit coordinates sub-master and slave control units to ensure reliable data transmission and motor control through CRC verification and continuous read protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single central processing unit controls all functions, then the control structure is simple, but the processing load increases and overall processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control modules, each with its own sub-CPU that handles specific functions. This segmentation distributes the processing load across multiple units, improving overall processing speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
2Reliability
If serial communication is used for data transmission between control modules, then data exchange is achieved, but communication delays occur when checking establishment and acquiring information regularly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring communication status and pre-acquiring information before it is actually needed for control decisions. This allows the system to maintain communication reliability through proper establishment checks while reducing delays by having data ready in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-CPU continuously executes communication checks and information acquisition without interruption, ensuring that communication establishment is always verified and information is regularly updated. This continuous operation eliminates gaps in monitoring and reduces overall communication delays by maintaining constant data flow.
3Manufacturing precision
If the motor speed is determined through serial communication, then proper speed control is achieved, but jamming may occur if communication is not established before motor rotation starts
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by continuously verifying communication establishment and determining motor speed before the motor rotation actually begins. This preventive approach ensures that communication is fully established and speed parameters are correctly set, preventing jamming and operational failures before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary determination of motor speed through serial communication before initiating motor rotation. By ensuring communication establishment and speed calculation are completed in advance, the system prevents operational errors and jamming while maintaining precise speed control.
4Productivity
If distributed control modules are used, then processing speed improves, but wiring arrangement becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Each control module is designed as a universal unit with integrated communication capabilities and standard interfaces. This multi-functionality allows modules to be interconnected using standardized wiring patterns, reducing overall wiring complexity despite the distributed architecture, while maintaining improved processing speed through parallel operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus that executes processes necessary for image formation in a distributed manner. An image forming module (304) executes a process assigned by a sub master control unit (330) and a slave control unit (331) which are connected to each other by a pair of serial communication buses (380tx, 380rx). The sub master control unit (330) transmits first data for executing a process assigned to the slave control unit (331) via the serial communication bus (380tx). The slave control unit (331) transmits second data to the sub master control unit (330) via the serial communication bus (380rx) in a period during which the slave control unit (331) does not receive the first data.