Image Forming Apparatus Communication Interface with Multi-Port Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus can only connect one external apparatus at a time due to the limitation of a single connector, despite supporting multiple USB versions, which increases system complexity and cost when trying to connect multiple devices using different USB versions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a communication interface with a switch and multiple pin ports to support both USB 3.0 and earlier versions, allowing simultaneous connection of multiple devices by selectively connecting each connector to the appropriate pin port based on the detected interface method used by the external apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connector is used to support multiple USB versions, then compatibility with various USB versions is maintained, but the number of simultaneous connections is limited to one external apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller is segmented into multiple pin ports (first pin port for USB 3.0, second pin port for USB 2.0), allowing each pin port to handle different USB versions independently. This segmentation enables multiple external apparatuses to be connected simultaneously through different connectors while maintaining version-specific compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication controller is designed with multi-functionality to support both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interface methods through different pin ports. The controller can selectively activate appropriate pin ports based on the connected external apparatus, providing universal compatibility across multiple USB versions while enabling simultaneous connections.
2Productivity
If the number of connectors is increased to allow simultaneous connections, then connectivity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to hub chip requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller is divided into multiple pin ports that can be independently activated. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple connection capabilities without requiring a hub chip, as each pin port can handle connections independently based on the detected interface method.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which pin port to activate based on the interface method detected from the connected external apparatus. This dynamic switching capability allows the same physical connector to serve multiple USB versions without requiring additional hardware, reducing system complexity while maintaining multiple connection capabilities.
3Productivity
If multiple pin ports are provided in the communication controller, then simultaneous connections are enabled, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller is designed with multi-functionality to support both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interface methods through different pin ports. The controller can selectively activate appropriate pin ports based on the connected external apparatus, providing universal compatibility across multiple USB versions while enabling simultaneous connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a communication interface configured to receive printing data and an image forming unit configured to perform a printing operation by using the received printing data. In addition, the communication interface includes a communication controller configured to support a first interface method and a second interface method, and include a first pin port for communication in the first interface method and a second pin port for communication in the second interface method, a first connector configured to be connected to one of the first pin port and the second pin port, and a second connector configured to be connected to the first pin port or the second pin port which is not connected to the first connector.