Image Recording Device Memory Segmentation for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording devices face challenges in achieving power saving while maintaining high security, as volatile memory used for work memory results in deletion of image data when power is stopped, preventing the printer from entering a sleep mode.
Innovation Solution
An image recording device configuration that includes a volatile memory for storing drive and image data, a second non-volatile memory for data storage, and a control unit to manage data transfer between the two, allowing data to be retained in the non-volatile memory during power restriction and enabling secure printing upon authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volatile memory is used as work memory to improve security, then image data is deleted when power is stopped, but power saving becomes difficult to realize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into two separate memory units: a first volatile memory for storing image data during processing, and a second non-volatile memory for secure long-term storage. This segmentation allows the system to enter sleep mode with power restricted to only essential components while preserving image data in the non-volatile memory, thus resolving the contradiction between security and power saving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by transferring image data from the volatile first memory to the non-volatile second memory before power is completely stopped or the system enters sleep mode. This preliminary data transfer ensures that security is maintained (data is not lost) while enabling power saving mode, as the critical data is already secured in non-volatile storage before power restriction occurs.
2Loss of energy
If power supply is stopped to save energy, then image data in volatile memory is deleted, but power saving cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a duplicate copy of image data from the volatile first memory to the non-volatile second memory. This copying mechanism ensures that even when power is stopped and the volatile memory loses its data, a complete copy exists in the non-volatile memory, preventing information loss while enabling energy saving through sleep mode operation.
3Ease of operation
If volatile memory is used for work memory, then authentication can be performed, but sleep mode cannot be entered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory functions into two distinct units with different characteristics: the first volatile memory supports authentication operations during active processing, while the second non-volatile memory enables sleep mode by providing persistent storage. This functional segmentation allows the system to maintain both authentication capability and sleep mode capability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording device is provided with a first memory which is a volatile memory, a second memory, an input unit through which authentication information is input, an authentication judging unit. The recording unit is controlled to print an image on the printing sheet based on the drive data, which is converted from the image data stored in the first memory or the second memory and is stored in the first memory or the second memory. The drive data or the image data is stored in each of the first memory and the second memory is transmitted therebetween. The image recording device further includes a restricting unit capable of restricting power supply to the converting unit and the first memory in a sleep mode.