Dual Non-Volatile Memory Job Log Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses, such as inkjet printers, face challenges in accurately storing job execution history information, particularly the number of sheets printed, due to power-off errors during job log writing, leading to potential inaccuracies in consumables management and services.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual non-volatile memory system, where job information is stored in a first memory and consumables usage is stored in a second memory, allowing for the generation of a job log even after errors, by separating data storage and using faster memory for consumables updates to prevent data loss during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If job log information is stored in a single non-volatile memory, then the storage structure is simple, but data loss may occur during power-off errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two separate non-volatile memories: a first non-volatile memory for storing job information and a second non-volatile memory for storing consumables usage amounts. This segmentation ensures that if one memory experiences a power-off error, the other memory remains intact, thereby preventing complete data loss while maintaining a relatively simple overall storage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a backup mechanism where job information is stored in the first non-volatile memory and consumables usage amounts are stored in the second non-volatile memory. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that even if a power-off error occurs during writing, at least one copy of the critical data is preserved, providing a safety buffer against data loss.
2Measurement precision
If consumables usage amount is updated continuously during job execution, then accurate consumables management is achieved, but data loss risk increases during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the storage of consumables usage amounts into a dedicated second non-volatile memory, distinct from the job information stored in the first non-volatile memory. This segmentation allows continuous updating of consumables usage data during job execution while ensuring that this critical data is preserved even if a power-off error occurs, as it is stored in a separate, protected location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent updates the consumables usage amount in the second non-volatile memory continuously during job execution, performing the update action in advance before the job completes. This preliminary action ensures that the consumables usage data is already recorded and saved in a safe location before any potential power failure can occur, preventing data loss.
3Measurement precision
If job log is generated only after successful job completion, then data accuracy is maintained, but error recovery capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables job log generation in two scenarios: when the job is successfully completed (using data from both memories) and when an error occurs (using available data from the first non-volatile memory). This segmentation of log generation paths maintains data accuracy for successful jobs while providing adaptability for error recovery scenarios, allowing the system to generate partial logs even when errors occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by allowing job log generation not only after successful completion but also after error recovery. Instead of waiting for successful completion as a prerequisite, the system generates logs in the alternative scenario of error recovery, using the data preserved in the first non-volatile memory to create accurate error logs.
Data Source
AI summary
A first storage unit, in a case of starting an execution of a job, stores job information in a first non-volatile memory; and a second storage unit stores, in a second non-volatile memory that, a consumables usage amount that changes over a course of the execution of the job. When the execution of the job does not successfully end due to an error of the image processing apparatus, after recovering from the error, a job log including a job execution result up until an occurrence of the error is generated using the job information stored in the first non-volatile memory and the consumables usage amount stored in the second non-volatile memory.