Image Processing Controller Log Storage via Dedicated Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in cost-effectively storing logs from the engine control unit due to the need for expensive and large-capacity non-volatile memory, leading to limitations in log collection and analysis, especially when the CPU resets or during abnormal operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an engine controller, an image processing controller with constant log storage, a network controller, and dedicated communication lines to temporarily store and transfer logs from the engine controller to a network device, utilizing existing image processing memory and minimizing additional hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive and large-capacity non-volatile memory is used to store logs from the engine control unit, then log storage reliability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing controller as an intermediary component between the engine control unit and the network controller. This intermediary includes a constant log storage unit that temporarily stores logs from the engine control unit, and a transfer control unit that manages log transfer. This mediator approach allows the system to use volatile memory (which is cheaper) instead of expensive non-volatile memory, while still achieving reliable log storage and transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a log copying mechanism where logs are first stored in the constant log storage unit of the image processing controller, and then transferred to the network controller or external storage. This copying approach allows the original log data to be preserved in a temporary storage location while being replicated to destination storage, enabling the use of cheaper volatile memory for the primary storage function.
2Device complexity
If existing communication lines are used to transfer logs, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to potential interference with other data transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function by introducing a dedicated exclusive-use communication line specifically for log transfer between the image processing controller and the network controller. This segmentation separates log communication from other data transmissions, ensuring that log data receives dedicated bandwidth and is not interfered with by other communication activities, thereby maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing controller serves multiple functions: it acts as an image processor, a log storage device (constant log storage unit), and a log transfer manager (transfer control unit). By making this component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliable log transfer capabilities through the exclusive communication line.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an engine controller configured to control an operation of the image forming apparatus; an image processing controller including a constant log storage configured to temporarily store a log of the engine controller; a network controller configured to store the log, which is stored in the constant log storage, in another device via a network or in a storage of the image forming apparatus, according to a command from the engine controller; a communication line configured to communicably couple the engine controller to the image processing controller, and to communicably couple the image processing controller to the network controller; and an exclusive-use communication line configured to communicably couple the engine controller to the network controller, and to be used to report the command from the engine controller to the network controller.