Dual Processor Image Forming Apparatus Command Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses with two sections, there is a challenge in ensuring that both sections execute the same image formation command on a single sheet, as the order of receiving commands can vary between controllers, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies in the image forming process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first processor to control a transporter and a first image forming section, and a second processor to control a second image forming section, where the first processor transmits preparation commands to the second processor for image formation preparation, and upon completion, executes the image forming process, ensuring both sections align their operations based on received commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two controllers independently receive image formation commands from external sources, then the image forming apparatus can process multiple commands simultaneously, but the order of receiving commands may vary between controllers, causing misalignment in executing image forming processes on the same sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the command reception function into a single controller (first controller) while maintaining separate control of image forming sections. The first controller receives all image formation commands from external sources and transmits them to both itself and the second controller, ensuring both controllers process commands in the identical sequence. This combining of command reception functions resolves the misalignment issue while preserving parallel processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first controller acts as an intermediary between external sources and the second controller. It receives commands externally, processes them, and then transmits the same commands to the second controller. This intermediary role ensures synchronized command distribution to both controllers, preventing execution order divergence while enabling simultaneous image forming operations.
2Productivity
If two image forming sections execute different image formation commands on a single sheet, then the apparatus can utilize both sections for processing, but this leads to process errors and wasted energy
Solution Approach 1:
The second controller transmits completion notifications back to the first controller after executing image forming processes. The first controller uses this feedback to track the execution status of each command and ensures that both image forming sections are processing the same command at corresponding stages. This feedback mechanism prevents energy wastage by enabling real-time synchronization verification.
3Device complexity
If the controllers operate independently without coordination, then the system structure remains simple, but time lag occurs between image forming processes in different sections
Solution Approach 1:
The first controller transmits commands to the second controller in advance, before the second controller would independently receive them. This preliminary transmission ensures that the second controller is already prepared to execute commands simultaneously with the first controller, eliminating time lags. The preparation and transmission of commands in advance coordinates the operations of both image forming sections without adding complex real-time coordination mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first processor and a second processor. The first processor controls a transporter that transports a sheet and a first image forming section that forms an image on the sheet transported by the transporter. The second processor controls a second image forming section that forms an image on the sheet transported by the transporter. When the first processor and the second processor receive a single image formation command from an external source, the first processor transmits a preparation command for performing image formation preparation in the second image forming section to the second processor, the second processor, when receiving the preparation command, performs the image formation preparation in the second image forming section and transmits a completion notification to the first processor upon completion of the image formation preparation, and the first processor, after receiving the completion notification, subsequently executes an image forming process including causing the transporter to transport the sheet and causing the first image forming section to form the image. If the first processor receives multiple image formation commands from the external source before transmitting the preparation command to the second processor, the first processor transmits multiple preparation commands corresponding to the multiple image formation commands to the second processor and executes the image forming process in a sequence in which multiple completion notifications corresponding to the multiple preparation commands are received from the second processor.