Dynamic Memory Allocation for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in optimizing memory size allocation to functions without adding new memory, especially in limited memory environments, which affects performance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus adjusts memory size allocation by removing memory allocated to disabled functions and reallocating it to other functions or a solution memory pool, allowing temporary use of disabled functions under limited conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If memory size is increased to support more functions, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic memory allocation where the memory size for each function is not fixed but can be adjusted based on whether the function is enabled or disabled. When a function is disabled, its memory allocation is automatically reduced or released, allowing the system to adapt memory resources to actual usage needs rather than maintaining fixed allocations for all possible functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the memory allocation parameter dynamically based on function enablement status. By modifying the memory size parameter according to whether functions are enabled or disabled, the system optimizes resource utilization without requiring physical hardware changes, thus improving functionality while controlling device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory is allocated to all functions by default, then functionality is ensured, but memory efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes memory allocation from disabled functions. When a function is disabled, the system extracts the memory allocation associated with that function and makes it available for other purposes or releases it entirely, preventing waste of memory resources on unused functions while ensuring functionality is maintained for enabled functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards memory allocation for disabled functions and recovers this memory for use by enabled functions or the system. This process ensures that memory efficiency is improved by not maintaining allocations for unused functions while preserving the ability to provide full functionality when needed.
3Loss of energy
If memory is reallocated when functions are disabled, then memory efficiency is improved, but system stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing clear rules and procedures for memory reallocation before function enablement/disability changes occur. The system pre-determines how memory will be redistributed when functions are disabled, ensuring that the reallocation process is controlled and predictable, thereby maintaining system stability while improving memory efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An example image forming apparatus includes an input interface, an output interface, a memory, and a processor. The processor is to output information related to whether a function of the image forming apparatus is enabled through the output interface, based on the function of the image forming apparatus being disabled, output information indicating whether a size of the memory corresponding to the disabled function is allocated, and based on receiving a signal to remove a memory size allocated to the disabled function through the input interface, remove the memory size allocated to the disabled function and adjusts an allocation state of the memory size to a user setting state.