Image Forming Apparatus Dynamic Data Bus Bandwidth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face bandwidth limitations in their data buses, leading to processing speed issues and potential malfunctions when handling large amounts of image data, resulting in errors or apparatus stops.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that adjusts the output cycle of pixel data based on whether it is operating a reading or printing process, reducing the frequency of the image clock signal and increasing the cycle of the horizontal synchronizing signal to prevent data bus bandwidth overload, thereby managing data transfer efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image data is transferred at high speed via the common image data bus, then processing speed is improved, but the data bus bandwidth is overloaded causing errors or apparatus stop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the data bus bandwidth adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the bandwidth based on the type of data being transferred (reading operations vs. printing operations) and the current system state, allowing the system to adapt between high speed and stability requirements as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of the common image data bus based on operational conditions. When reading operations are detected, the bandwidth is reduced to prevent overload, while maintaining high speed during printing operations, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability through parameter adaptation
2Productivity
If the output cycle of pixel data is shortened to increase processing speed, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but the data bus bandwidth is exceeded causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The output cycle is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the output cycle length based on whether the system is performing reading or printing operations, and whether the data bus is currently overloaded, allowing the system to optimize between productivity and reliability in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the data bus load state and using this information to adjust the output cycle. When the data bus approaches its bandwidth limit, the controller lengthens the output cycle to reduce data transfer rate, preventing malfunctions while maintaining efficiency during normal operations
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a forming unit, a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction, a reading unit configured to read an image based on the instruction, a memory configured to store a plurality of pieces of pixel data, a first output unit configured to output the plurality of pieces of pixel data at an output cycle, a data bus configured to transfer the pixel data, and a controller configured to operate a first process and a second process. The forming unit forms an image based on the plurality of pieces of pixel data transferred via the data bus. In a case where the receiving unit receives the instruction, the controller sets the output cycle as a first cycle if the controller is not operating the second process, or sets the output cycle as a second cycle longer than the first cycle if the controller is operating the second process.