Image Processing Apparatus Single Hard Disk Bus Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing apparatuses face performance issues due to bus bandwidth limitations and increased transfer buffer size when processing high-quality color images at high speeds, and the use of multiple hard disks leads to higher failure rates and costs.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a single mass storage device, where a first control unit determines the type of access request and prioritizes data transfers between control units and storage units to optimize access, reducing the need for multiple hard disks and minimizing bus load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general-purpose PCI bus is used to connect the PC system and image processing system, then the apparatus can process relatively small image data at low speed, but when processing high quality color images at high speed, bus bandwidth-related problems and increased transfer buffer size occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two independent paths: a first storage device connected to the general-purpose PCI bus for file management and control data, and a second storage device directly connected to the image processing system for high-speed image data. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between versatility and high-speed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage controller as an intermediary device that manages data transfer between the two storage devices and coordinates access from both the PC system and image processing system. This intermediary enables efficient data routing, allowing high-speed access for image processing while maintaining file management capabilities through the general-purpose bus.
2Productivity
If multiple hard disks are provided for image storage on the expansion board side, then image input/output performance is improved, but failure rate and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image storage function into the existing storage system by providing a second storage device that is directly accessible by the image processing system. This consolidation allows high-speed image I/O performance without requiring multiple separate hard disks, thereby maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a storage device is provided on the motherboard of the general-purpose PC and exchanges image data via the PCI bus, then the apparatus can operate with standard PC components, but bus bandwidth limitations and increased transfer buffer size occur when processing high quality color images at high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage architecture into two independent paths: a first storage device on the PC side for file management, and a second storage device on the image processing side for high-speed data access. This segmentation eliminates the need for large transfer buffers and reduces bus bandwidth requirements while maintaining compatibility with standard PC components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that realizes fast image processing in a distribution system equipped with a single mass storage device that reduces the cost for required hardware, and a method for controlling such an image processing apparatus. To accomplish this, the image processing apparatus includes a mainboard, a subboard connected to the mainboard via a bus, and a hard disk 6 that is connected to the subboard and indirectly connected to the mainboard via the subboard and that stores image data. When an access request to the hard disk is generated, in the case of data transfer between the hard disk and the mainboard, normal access is employed. On the other hand, fast access is employed in the case of data transfer between the hard disk and the subboard.