Image Forming Device Hardware Control via Segmented Processing Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices face efficiency issues due to increased driver management burdens, leading to overloaded image memory handlers and inconsistent timing in operations, particularly during continuous printing tasks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a processing part that manages operation specifications as queues independently of the image memory handler, utilizing a united driver library and dispatcher to associate commands and responses, and providing a common descriptor pool for efficient hardware control, including virtual drivers for functions not mounted as hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image memory handler controls all drivers to achieve comprehensive hardware management, then the control coverage is improved, but the processing burden increases and the handler becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driver control function into two independent parts: the image memory handler (IMH) that manages memory allocation and the processing part that manages operation specifications and driver control. This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific tasks, reducing the processing burden on the IMH while maintaining comprehensive control coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing part as an intermediary component between the IMH and the drivers. This processing part receives operation specifications from the IMH and independently controls the drivers, acting as a mediator that reduces the direct control burden on the IMH while ensuring proper driver management.
2Reliability
If the image memory handler performs scheduling and timing control for multiple drivers, then the operation coordination is improved, but the processing time increases and timing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates scheduling functions into the processing part, which independently manages operation specifications and timing for multiple drivers. This segmentation allows the IMH to focus on memory management while the processing part handles timing-critical driver coordination, reducing overall processing time and maintaining timing consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing part independently controls the drivers and performs self-scheduling without requiring continuous intervention from the IMH. This self-service capability allows the processing part to efficiently manage driver timing and coordination autonomously, reducing processing delays and maintaining operation consistency.
3Reliability
If the image memory handler manages all operation specifications, then the centralized control is improved, but the processing efficiency decreases under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management of operation specifications by creating a dedicated processing part that independently handles driver control and operation specification management. This segmentation maintains centralized control through the processing part while improving processing efficiency by removing these tasks from the IMH's workload, especially under heavy printing loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing part acts as an intermediary that handles operation specification management between the IMH and drivers. This intermediary role maintains centralized control architecture while improving processing efficiency by distributing the control workload to a specialized component designed for this purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming device, a hardware performs operations to image data. An image memory handler performs allocation of a memory to software execution entities which execute the operations, and performs execution control of the software execution entities. A processing part manages as queues operation specifications to respective functions of the hardware demanded from the software execution entities, and performs execution control of the operation specifications independently of the image memory handler.