Image Forming Apparatus Dual Channel Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face issues with data transmission delays, leading to incorrect printing and resource wastage due to the inability to differentiate between page data and virtual data transmitted through the same channel, resulting in timeouts and data loss for high-complexity documents.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves establishing separate channels for transmitting page data and virtual data, allowing concurrent data transmission without interrupting each other, and using virtual data to prevent timeouts during data rendering, thereby simplifying firmware development and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If page data and virtual data are transmitted through the same channel, then the transmission channel is simple, but data concurrent problems occur and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transmission channel into two separate channels: one for page data and another for virtual data. This segmentation eliminates data concurrent problems by isolating the two data types, allowing them to be transmitted independently without interference or confusion in handling.
2Reliability
If the image forming apparatus waits for complete page data rendering, then data accuracy is ensured, but timeout errors occur for high-complexity documents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by transmitting virtual data before the complete page data rendering is finished. The virtual data contains preliminary information that allows the image forming apparatus to start processing early, while the complete page data follows later. This prevents timeout errors for high-complexity documents while maintaining data accuracy through the subsequent complete data transmission.
3Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus discards data on timeout, then resource wastage is prevented, but high-complexity document data is mistakenly deleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual data as an intermediary that bridges the gap between incomplete page data and the timeout mechanism. When virtual data is received, it serves as a mediator that resets the timeout counter, signaling to the image forming apparatus that data transmission is in progress. This prevents the erroneous deletion of high-complexity document data while still allowing resource cleanup when transmission truly fails.
4Productivity
If separate channels are established for page data and virtual data, then concurrent transmission is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the interface unit to handle both page data and virtual data transmission through a unified architecture. The interface unit serves multiple functions: it can transmit page data through one channel, virtual data through another channel, and also manages the timeout control logic. This universal design enables concurrent transmission while keeping the overall device structure manageable through shared control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus and a method thereof are disclosed. The image forming apparatus comprises: a first interface unit, which includes a first port and a second port, respectively used for establishing a first channel and a second channel between the image forming apparatus and a driving device of the image forming apparatus; an imaging controller, used for receiving data from the first channel as page data to be imaged, and acquiring data from the second channel as virtual data; and a timer, used for calculating a first duration from a last time when the image forming apparatus receives either page data from the first channel or virtual data from the second channel, whichever comes later, wherein when the first duration reaches a first predetermined duration, the imaging controller performs timeout handling for ceasing a present imaging job. The image forming apparatus can save resources and improve user friendliness.