Dynamic Buffer Switching in Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in data storage and processing due to the reliance on a single buffer method, leading to slowed reading and starting operations when toggle buffers are not employed, resulting in delayed next job processing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller that dynamically switches the output buffer in the primary storage between input and output processing based on the job requirements, allowing for the use of the output buffer as a toggle buffer during input processing to enhance storage speed and reduce processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the reading buffer of the main memory is used as the second storing buffer in the toggle buffer method, then the storage speed of storing image data into the mass storage device can be increased, but the image forming apparatus cannot start the reading operation with use of the reading buffer until the previous storing operation is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches the function of buffers between input and output based on operational phase. During storing operations, the reading buffer is reassigned as a second storing buffer to accelerate data transfer to mass storage. During reading operations, the buffer assignment is switched back to enable reading operations. This dynamic reassignment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for storage speed when needed while maintaining the ability to start reading operations when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of buffers by switching their functional roles. The reading buffer's parameter changes from being exclusively for reading operations to being usable as a storing buffer during specific phases. This parameter change enables the system to increase storage speed without permanently sacrificing reading capability, as the buffer can be reconfigured for reading operations when needed.
2Productivity
If the image forming apparatus performs the printing operation for the later print job in parallel with the reading operation for the previous job, then the productivity can be improved, but the order of job processing becomes different from the order of job receiving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffer resources into multiple buffers (first storing buffer, second storing buffer, reading buffer) that can be independently assigned and managed. This segmentation allows different jobs to use different buffer assignments, enabling parallel processing while maintaining job order through careful buffer management and switching strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses buffer switching as an intermediary mechanism to coordinate between parallel job processing and job order maintenance. By controlling which buffer is assigned to which operation and when switching occurs, the system can allow parallel execution while ensuring that job completion order matches reception order through controlled buffer release and reassignment timing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus having a second storage device such as an HDD mounted thereon, when it receives an input of a job, determines a necessity of an input processing of image data into the second storage device, a necessity of an output processing of image data from the secondary storage device, and a timing of the input processing and the output processing in the job. Then, the image forming apparatus switches an output buffer, which is an area set in a primary storage of the image forming apparatus and is used for the output processing of image data from the secondary storage device, to a buffer for use in the input processing or to a buffer for use in the output processing in accordance with a result of the determination.