Image-Forming Communication Interface for Separate or Common Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in solid-state exposure apparatuses lack flexibility in switching between sending separate and common setting information to light-emitting chips, leading to increased communication load and unsuitability for real-time operations during job execution in image-forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a first storage unit for separate setting information and a second storage unit for control information, allowing flexible switching between sending separate and common setting information to multiple devices based on the control information mode, thereby reducing communication load and enabling real-time operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate setting information is sent to each light-emitting chip, then individual device control precision is improved, but communication load and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments setting information into two categories: common setting information (applied to all devices) and individual setting information (applied to specific devices). The communication interface reads control information to determine whether to send separate setting values to each light-emitting chip or common setting values to all chips, thereby reducing communication time while maintaining necessary control precision.
2Loss of time
If common setting information is sent to all devices, then communication time is reduced, but operational flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication mode selection mechanism where the communication interface can switch between separate setting mode and common setting mode based on control information. This allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements in real-time, maintaining flexibility while optimizing communication efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching is implemented through UI specification, then system adaptability is improved, but real-time operation capability during job execution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures control information in the communication interface that enables mode switching without requiring UI specification during operation. The control information is prepared in advance and stored in the communication interface, allowing immediate mode switching during job execution without interrupting the workflow or requiring administrator intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a plurality of devices, a communication interface connected to the devices, a first memory storing setting information to be sent to the devices, a second memory storing control information indicating an operating mode, and a processor that controls operations of the communication interface by writing information into the second memory. The first memory stores first information to be applied separately to the devices, and second information to be applied in common to the devices. The communication interface is configured to: when the control information in the second memory indicates a first mode, read out the first information from the first memory and send it to the devices; and when the control information in the second memory indicates a second mode, read out the second information from the first memory and send it to the devices.