Dual Controller Communication Device with Proxy Program Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices in multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) face challenges in flexibly and precisely switching between main and sub CPUs for responding to received packets due to varying network protocols and configurations, necessitating pre-arranged design choices that may not adapt well to changing network conditions.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a first controller acting as a main controller and a second controller that responds to received data based on a proxy program, which is generated and applied independently of the first controller, allowing for flexible and precise response processing by storing data attributes and response details, and using these to determine response patterns and generate a proxy program for the second controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a sub CPU is used to respond to received packets in power-saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the adaptability to changing network protocols and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which CPU (main or sub) should respond to received packets based on the packet type, network protocol, and operational mode. This dynamic allocation allows the sub CPU to handle specific packet types independently while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing network conditions through programmable response rules
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the main CPU's response processing logic in the form of a response program that can be executed by the sub CPU. This copying enables the sub CPU to independently handle packets according to predefined patterns, reducing main CPU wake-ups while maintaining protocol adaptability through programmable response rules
2Reliability
If the main CPU handles all packet responses, then response precision and protocol handling are maintained, but power-saving capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The packet processing function is segmented between the main CPU and sub CPU based on packet type and processing requirements. The sub CPU handles routine or predefined packet types independently, while the main CPU handles complex or unexpected protocols. This segmentation maintains response accuracy for handled packets while enabling power-saving mode for the main CPU
Solution Approach 2:
A response program acts as an intermediary between received packets and the sub CPU's response mechanism. This program contains the logic and rules for determining appropriate responses, ensuring that sub CPU responses maintain the same precision and protocol compliance as main CPU responses while enabling independent handling
3Device complexity
If fixed design choices are made for CPU response allocation, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility to adapt to changing network conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses programmable response rules and patterns that can be modified to adapt to different network protocols and configurations. By changing the parameters in the response program rather than the hardware architecture, the system maintains simple control structure while achieving flexibility through software-based adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a main controller and a second controller that responds, independently of the main controller, to received data based on a proxy program. The communication device also includes a storage that stores, every time data is received, a combination of attributes of the data and details of a response to the data made by the main controller. The communication device also includes a generating circuit that determines at least one pattern with which a response, independently of the main controller, is possible based on a plurality of combinations stored in the storage to generate the proxy program based on the pattern determined. The communication device also includes an applying circuit that applies the proxy program generated by the generating circuit to the second controller.