Dual Controller Image Processing System for Cost Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed image processing in image recording apparatuses requires expensive components, leading to increased costs and resource inefficiencies as the processing load on controlling devices increases, necessitating more costly components to manage non-image processing tasks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual-controller system where a first controller receives image data, generates driving data, and a second controller performs image processing, reducing the processing load on the first controller by transferring driving data and specific information to manage recording operations efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single controller performs both image processing and other control tasks, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed and image processing capability deteriorate due to resource competition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller structureVSAvoidimage processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the controller into two separate controllers: a first controller dedicated to image processing and a second controller for other control tasks. This segmentation allows each controller to be optimized for its specific function, with the first controller having dedicated resources (CPU, memory, arithmetic circuits) for high-speed image processing without interference from other control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If processing speed of the controlling device is increased to handle high-speed image processing, then image processing capability is improved, but component costs increase due to requirement of expensive components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing speedVSAvoidcomponent cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the controller functions, the patent allows the first controller to be a specialized, high-performance device with expensive components (dedicated CPU, memory, arithmetic circuits) while the second controller can be a simpler, lower-cost device for general control tasks. This segmentation justifies the cost of expensive components by concentrating them only where needed for image processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data transmission mechanism between the first and second controllers. The first controller transmits processed image data to the second controller through defined communication interfaces, allowing the expensive first controller to offload non-critical tasks and reduce its effective computational burden, thereby reducing the overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If more expensive components are added to the controlling device to handle non-image processing tasks, then overall processing capability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments processing capabilities between two controllers: the first controller handles image processing with specialized high-performance components, while the second controller handles other control tasks with simpler components. This segmentation achieves versatility without requiring both controllers to have expensive components, as each only needs the capabilities required for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second controller is designed as a universal controller that can handle various control tasks (paper feed, ink supply, heating, cooling, fan control) without requiring expensive image processing components. This multi-functionality at the lower cost level allows the system to achieve versatility while keeping overall device cost manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9235421B2Systems, methods, and non-transitory, computer-readable media for performing image processing using controllers that perform distinct functions

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image recording apparatus includes a first controller, a second controller, and a recording device. The first controller receives image data. The first controller transmits the image data to the second controller in response to receiving the image data. The second controller generates driving data based on the image data in response to receiving the image data. The recording device transmits a driving data transmission request to the first controller. The first controller transmits a driving data transmission instruction to the second controller in response to receiving the driving data transmission request from the recording device. The second controller transmits the driving data to the recording device in response to receiving the driving data transmission instruction from the first controller. The recording device records the image on the recording medium based on the driving data in response to receiving the driving data from the second controller.