Image Forming Apparatus Buffer Speedup via Dual-Frequency Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital multifunction peripherals face challenges in speeding up printing operations without disrupting real-time processing, as the transfer rate of image data from the short-term buffer to the printer is insufficient, requiring either shortening the interval between printing sheets or increasing data transfer frequency, both of which are difficult to implement without design changes to the controller.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a temporary storage unit between the image generating unit and the image forming unit, where data is transferred at different frequencies, allowing for accelerated printing without requiring design changes to the controller, by accumulating data in the storage unit and then transferring it at a higher frequency to the image forming unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the transfer rate of image data from the short-term buffer to the printer is increased to speed up printing operations, then the printing speed is improved, but the controller's processing capability becomes insufficient requiring design changes
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer path is segmented into two stages: first from the controller to the storage unit at the controller's original processing speed, then from the storage unit to the printer at the higher required speed. This segmentation allows the controller to operate within its capability while achieving faster overall printing through the second transfer stage.
Solution Approach 2:
A storage unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the controller and the printer. This storage unit acts as a buffer that receives data from the controller at one speed and transfers it to the printer at a different, higher speed, thereby decoupling the controller's processing speed from the printer's required data rate.
2Productivity
If the interval between printing sheets is shortened to increase data transfer rate, then the printing speed is improved, but it becomes difficult to satisfy restrictions on printing sheet conveyance and secure time for properly fixing images
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer process is segmented into two independent stages with different timing characteristics. The first stage (controller to storage unit) operates independently from the second stage (storage unit to printer), allowing the printer to receive data at optimal intervals for reliable image fixation while the overall system throughput is increased by the buffered storage capability.
3Power
If the frequency of data transfer from the controller is increased to compensate for insufficient transfer rate, then the data transfer capability is improved, but design changes to the controller circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit serves as an intermediary that handles the high-frequency data transfer to the printer, while the controller maintains its original, simpler design for transferring data to the storage unit. This intermediary approach allows high data transfer rates without requiring complex modifications to the controller's circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer function is segmented between the controller and the storage unit, with the controller performing simpler, lower-frequency transfers and the storage unit handling the more complex, higher-frequency transfers to the printer. This segmentation maintains controller manufacturing simplicity while achieving high data transfer rates overall.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus capable of coping with speedup of a printing operation without requiring a design change of a controller is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image generating unit configured to generate image data, an image forming unit configured to control image formation based on the image data, a storage unit that is provided between the image generating unit and the image forming unit and temporarily stores the image data, a first connecting unit that connects the image generating unit and the storage unit and performs transferring of the image data at a first operating frequency, and a second connecting unit that connects the storage unit and the image forming unit and performs transferring of the image data at a second operating frequency higher than the first operating frequency. When a predetermined data amount is accumulated in the storage unit, the accumulated image data is transferred to the image forming unit.