Dual Non-Volatile Memory Backup for Image Formation Start-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation apparatuses face challenges in shortening the start-up time while extending the lifetime of non-volatile storage devices, as frequent backups to extend device lifetime increase the number of write operations, and frequent backups to flash ROM for quicker start-ups reduce device longevity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual backup strategy using a first non-volatile memory with higher rewrite limits (EEPROM) and a second with faster read rates (flash ROM), where control data is backed up less frequently to the flash ROM and read from it when matching, and from the EEPROM when not matching, to balance start-up speed and device longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If control data is frequently backed up to flash ROM to shorten start-up time, then the reading speed improves, but the lifetime of the flash ROM decreases due to increased write operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the backup function into two separate storage systems: EEPROM for frequent backups and flash ROM for infrequent backups. This segmentation allows each storage medium to be optimized for its specific use case, with EEPROM handling the frequent write operations and flash ROM providing fast reading when data is already present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional qualities to different storage media based on their characteristics. EEPROM is used for its high write endurance to store updated control data, while flash ROM is used for its fast read speed to provide data during startup. Each storage medium operates in its optimal performance zone.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If control data is frequently backed up to extend the lifetime of non-volatile storage devices, then the device longevity improves, but the start-up time increases due to slower reading from EEPROM
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary backup actions to EEPROM which has high write endurance. By pre-storing control data in EEPROM with its superior rewrite capability, the system prepares data in advance without compromising the lifetime of flash ROM, enabling fast startup when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
EEPROM acts as an intermediary storage medium between the volatile memory and flash ROM. It receives frequent backups from volatile memory and can quickly provide data to the system during startup, mediating between the need for frequent writes and fast reads without damaging flash ROM.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus includes a first non-volatile memory, a second non-volatile memory smaller in allowable number of times of rewriting of data than the first non-volatile memory and higher in rate of reading of data than the first non-volatile memory, and a processor. The processor backs up control data for the image formation apparatus to the first non-volatile memory, backs up the control data to the second non-volatile memory less frequently than to the first non-volatile memory, and reads the control data from the second non-volatile memory when the control data stored in the first non-volatile memory matches with the control data stored in the second non-volatile memory at the time of start-up of the image formation apparatus and otherwise reads the control data from the first non-volatile memory.