MFP Memory Capacity Display Across Independent Controller Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing apparatuses face issues with memory capacity representation, as the total memory capacity of a Multifunction Peripheral (MFP) is not accurately displayed when units with independent CPUs and memories are involved, leading to incorrect processing and user notification challenges.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires and displays the storage capacity based on the combined capacities of its own storage unit and connected units, including reader, printer, and system controllers, ensuring accurate representation of total memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only the memory capacity provided in the system controller is displayed as a product specification of the MFP, then the display is simple and straightforward, but the amount of memory provided in the MFP as a whole is not accurately represented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the memory capacity information from multiple independent units (system controller, reader unit, printer unit, FAX unit) into a single total memory capacity value that is displayed to the user. This combining approach ensures accurate representation of the MFP's overall memory capability while maintaining a simple single-value display format.
Solution Approach 2:
The display mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can show individual unit memory capacities, total memory capacity, and potentially other configuration information. This multi-functional display approach resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive information without requiring multiple separate displays.
2Reliability
If the memory capacity is not accurately represented, then the product specification is simple to display, but the user cannot be properly notified of the memory insufficient state
Solution Approach 1:
By combining memory capacity data from all units, the system ensures that the total memory information is complete and accurate, enabling reliable detection and notification of memory insufficient states during image processing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each unit is provided with an independent CPU and memory, then each unit can operate independently, but the total memory capacity of the MFP is not accurately represented when only system controller memory is displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains unit independence for operational flexibility while merging the memory capacity information from all independent units into a single total value for accurate representation in product specifications and user notifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an image processing apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores a set of instructions; and one or more processors that execute the set of instructions to: acquire a capacity of another storage unit, the other storage unit being a storage unit of at least one unit connected to the image processing apparatus; and cause a display unit to display a storage capacity based on the capacity of the acquired other storage unit and a capacity of the storage unit of the image processing apparatus.