Image Reading Apparatus Layered Screen Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading apparatuses face challenges in efficiently displaying screens based on newly requested screen data while reading images from a medium, as existing systems struggle to manage and transition between multiple layers of screen data effectively.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a communication device, storage devices, and processors that allow for the receipt and management of screen data divided into layers, enabling seamless transition and display of screens by requesting and transmitting the appropriate screen data between processors when a user requests a change in the displayed layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If screen data is stored in a single processor's memory, then data access is simple, but processing load concentrates on one processor and switching between screen layers is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides screen data into multiple layers (first layer, second layer, etc.) and stores them in separate memory regions associated with different processors. When a screen switch is requested, the system quickly retrieves data from the corresponding layer without complex processing, enabling fast screen transitions while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture through structured data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-loads and stores screen data for multiple layers in advance within the storage device, organized by layer. This preliminary preparation allows the system to immediately retrieve and display the requested screen layer without delay, improving switching speed while keeping the processor architecture manageable through pre-organized data structures.
2Productivity
If all screen data layers are loaded into memory at once, then screen switching is fast, but memory consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments screen data into multiple layers and stores them in a storage device with structured organization. Only the currently needed layer data is actively used, while other layers remain stored but not loaded into full memory. This segmentation enables fast switching between layers without requiring all layer data to reside simultaneously in high-speed memory, thus reducing overall memory capacity requirements.
3Productivity
If a single processor handles both image reading and display control, then device structure is simple, but processing efficiency decreases during simultaneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides processing functions between two processors: a first processor dedicated to image reading operations and a second processor dedicated to display control and screen layer management. This functional segmentation allows both image reading and display operations to proceed simultaneously without interfering with each other, improving overall processing efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple dual-processor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device serves multiple functions: it stores screen data for multiple layers, provides data to the display processor, and maintains data structure organization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, allowing the system to achieve high processing efficiency through a moderately complex but versatile architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes a first processor to control a communication device to receive a plurality of screen data divided into a plurality of layers from an information processing apparatus, and store the received plurality of screen data in a storage device, and a second processor to control a reading device to read an image from the medium and display a screen based on the plurality of screen data on the display device. The second processor transmits a request signal to the first processor when, while a screen based on screen data of a first predetermined layer among the plurality of screen data is displayed on the display device, displaying a screen based on screen data of a second predetermined layer is requested. The first processor reads the screen data of the second predetermined layer to transmit the screen data to the second processor based on the request signal.