Dynamic Transfer Rate Control for Image Processing Data Bus Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems face data transfer limitations when executing multiple image processing operations in parallel, leading to potential delays or stops in data processing, especially when printing the first page of a document without waiting for its completion, which can exceed the data bus's processing capacity.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a control unit that dynamically adjusts the transfer rate of image data from the reading unit to the image processing unit, determining whether to execute image processing in parallel with other operations, and setting the transfer rate accordingly to prevent data bus overload, either by maintaining a predetermined rate if printing starts after the first page is read or reducing it if printing begins before the first page is completed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image reading and printing are executed in parallel to reduce first copy output time, then productivity is improved, but the data bus may be overloaded causing data transfer delays or stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transfer rate adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the transfer rate between high-speed and normal modes based on real-time operational conditions, specifically whether printing is executed in parallel with image reading. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for speed when safe, and prioritize stability when parallel operations occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transfer rate parameter based on operational mode. When parallel execution of image reading and printing is detected, the transfer rate is reduced from high-speed to normal mode. This parameter change prevents data bus overload while still allowing parallel operations to proceed, thus maintaining productivity improvements without sacrificing data transfer reliability.
2Speed
If high-speed transfer mode is used for single image reading operations, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but data bus capacity is wasted when parallel operations are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static transfer rate to a dynamic one that adapts to operational requirements. The control unit monitors whether parallel operations are occurring and adjusts the transfer rate accordingly, enabling the system to be both fast when appropriate and adaptable when parallel processing is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer rate parameter is changed based on the operational context. The system switches between high-speed transfer mode for single operations and normal transfer mode for parallel operations, providing both high speed capability and operational flexibility depending on the job requirements.
3Reliability
If transfer rate is reduced to prevent data bus overload, then data transfer stability is improved, but overall processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed low transfer rate, the system employs dynamic adjustment. The transfer rate is high when parallel operations are not occurring, maintaining productivity. When parallel operations are detected, the rate is reduced to ensure stability. This dynamic approach prevents the permanent productivity loss that would result from a consistently low transfer rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer rate parameter is selectively changed based on operational mode. The system maintains high-speed transfer for single operations to preserve productivity, and only reduces the rate when parallel operations require it for stability. This selective parameter change minimizes the impact on overall processing speed while ensuring data bus reliability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
In a case where it is determined that image processing on image data is executed not in parallel with other image processing different from the image processing and printing of an image of the document is started after reading of an image of a first page of the document is completed, a transfer rate of image data from an image reading unit to an image processing unit is set to a predetermined transfer rate. Whereas in a case where it is determined that the image processing on image data is executed not in parallel with the other image processing different from the image processing and printing of the image of the document is started without waiting for the reading of the image of the first page of the document to be completed, the transfer rate is set to a transfer rate lower than the predetermined transfer rate.