External Storage Switching in Separated Image Processing Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image processing apparatuses with separated main and operations units, the existing methods require manual switching of external storage devices, which is inefficient and lacks operability, especially since the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not applicable to such configurations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a determination unit that automatically switches the connection of an external storage device between the main unit and the operations unit based on activated functions or applications, eliminating the need for users to manually open a setting screen for device switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual switching of external storage device connection is implemented, then users can control which device uses the external storage, but the operability becomes poor and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines which device should use the external storage device based on the current active application or function, and switches the connection without requiring user intervention. The determination unit monitors the active application state and the switching unit automatically reconfigures the connection, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameter (which device is connected to the external storage) based on changes in the active application or function state. When the determination unit detects a change in the active application that indicates a different device should use the external storage, it triggers a switching action to change the connection parameter accordingly.
2Speed
If the operations unit is separated from the main unit, then response latency is reduced, but the complexity of managing external storage device connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit acts as an intermediary between the separated main unit and operations unit, monitoring the active application state and deciding which device should use the external storage. The switching unit serves as another intermediary that physically reconfigures the connection based on the determination unit's decisions, thereby managing the complexity of connection control without affecting the operational independence and fast response of the separated units.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit and switching unit combine the functions of monitoring application state and managing external storage connections into a unified automated system. This merging of control functions simplifies the overall system architecture by providing centralized intelligent control over the external storage device, eliminating the need for separate manual control mechanisms at each device.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an operations unit configured to be directly operated by a user; a main unit configured to operate based on a request from the operations unit; a determination unit configured to determine a device that is to use an external storage device of the operations unit, in accordance with one of a function of the main unit that is activated through the operations unit and an application of the operations unit; and a switching unit configured to switch a current connection of the external storage device to a connection between the determined device and the external storage device.