MFP Codec Switching for Job Priority Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunctional printers (MFPs) face resource constraints when switching between jobs like IP-FAX communication and print jobs, as the hard codec is tied up during IP-FAX communication, preventing simultaneous execution of print jobs due to resource allocation limitations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a job execution control unit that determines and switches between hard and soft codec units to allocate resources efficiently, allowing the MFP to prioritize print jobs by switching from the hard codec to the soft codec during IP-FAX communication when necessary, thereby freeing up resources for other jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the hard codec is used for IP-FAX communication to reduce processing time, then the encoding-decoding speed is improved, but the hard codec becomes unavailable for other jobs such as print jobs, reducing overall system productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between hard codec and soft codec based on real-time job requirements and resource availability. The job execution control unit monitors codec usage and automatically selects the appropriate codec module, making the system adaptable rather than static in its resource allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple codec modules (both hard codec and soft codec) that can perform the same encoding-decoding function. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle different job types with appropriate codec selection, ensuring that print jobs can use the hard codec while IP-FAX communication can use the soft codec, and vice versa
2Speed
If the hard codec is reserved for high-speed processing jobs, then processing speed for those jobs is maintained, but resource availability for other jobs decreases, increasing job execution delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic resource allocation where the job execution control unit continuously monitors codec availability and job requirements. When a print job arrives and the hard codec is occupied with IP-FAX communication, the system dynamically switches the print job to use the soft codec, preventing execution delays while maintaining hard codec availability for time-sensitive communications
Solution Approach 2:
The job execution control unit acts as an intermediary that manages codec allocation between competing jobs. It mediates resource conflicts by selecting appropriate codec modules for each job based on current system state, ensuring that high-speed processing is maintained where critical while allowing other jobs to proceed with available resources
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus which is capable of reducing situations in which a job cannot be executed because resources are being in use for another job. The image processing apparatus has a soft codec unit that carries out an encoding process on image data, and a hard codec unit that carries out an encoding process on the image data at high speed compared with the soft codec unit. When a second job received while the hard codec unit is in use for a first job for which use of the soft codec unit is allowed requires use of the hard codec unit, control is provided to switch a codec unit for use in the first job from the hard codec unit to the soft codec unit.