Image Transfer Clock Frequency Control for Parallel Job Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Multi Function Peripherals (MFPs) face resource bottlenecks when executing parallel jobs due to excessive data transfer on the image bus, leading to delays or interruptions in scan and other jobs, as they constantly monitor execution statuses to prevent data transfer exceeding the bus's upper limit.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that dynamically adjusts the image transfer clock frequency based on whether a scan job is executed alone or in parallel with another image process, maintaining a lower frequency during parallel execution to reduce resource usage and prevent data bus congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the data transfer amount of the image bus is increased to improve scan speed and parallel job execution, then productivity is improved, but the data transfer amount exceeds the upper limit causing delays or interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image bus data transfer capability adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the upper limit of the data transfer amount based on the execution status of other jobs. When no other jobs are executing, the upper limit is set higher to enable fast scanning. When other jobs are executing, the upper limit is reduced to prevent bus congestion, thus resolving the contradiction between scan speed and job execution continuity.
2Reliability
If the controller always monitors the execution statuses of other jobs to prevent data transfer exceedance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the controller to automatically adjust the image bus upper limit based on job execution status without requiring complex external monitoring mechanisms. The controller itself monitors and responds to job status changes, adjusting the data transfer limit autonomously. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable data transfer control.
3Reliability
If the controller always monitors the execution statuses of other jobs, then data transfer control is improved, but loss of time and CPU resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the controller monitor and adjust the image bus upper limit at specific intervals or trigger points (e.g., when job status changes occur) rather than continuously. This periodic monitoring approach maintains reliable data transfer control while significantly reducing the time and CPU resources consumed compared to constant monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus that executes jobs in parallel using a small number of resources. A controller includes an image processor that applies an image process to image data. A scanner controller includes storage for storing image data generated by scanning a document with a scanner and transfers the image data stored to the controller through a data bus. A processor executes instructions to set a frequency of an image transfer clock to a first frequency when a first job including a process that transfers image data generated by scanning documents to the controller is executed alone, and set the frequency of the image transfer clock to a second frequency lower than the first frequency when the first job is executed in parallel to a second job including an image process. The frequency of the image transfer clock is maintained at the second frequency until finishing the first job.