Multi-Core Processor OS Switching for Real-Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation apparatuses using a single multi-core processor struggle to satisfy the high real-time performance requirements for mechanism controller processing while also performing controller processing efficiently, as general-purpose OSes are not optimized for real-time tasks.
Innovation Solution
An image formation apparatus with a multi-core processor that switches between real-time OS and general-purpose OS based on operation modes, prioritizing mechanism controller processing and distributing tasks across cores to optimize performance and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single multi-core processor performs both mechanism controller processing and controller processing, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but real-time performance required for mechanism controller processing cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-core processor into two distinct groups: a first group of cores dedicated to mechanism controller processing with real-time requirements, and a second group of cores for controller processing without real-time constraints. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized independently, with the first group guaranteeing real-time performance while the second group handles general processing tasks, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and real-time reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the processor system. The first group of cores is configured with real-time operating system and scheduling mechanisms optimized for deterministic timing, while the second group uses general-purpose operating systems. This local differentiation of quality attributes enables the system to achieve both real-time reliability where needed and overall device simplicity through shared hardware resources.
2Reliability
If separate processors are used for mechanism controller processing and controller processing, then real-time performance is satisfied, but device complexity increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate real-time processor and general-purpose processor into a single multi-core processor unit. By combining multiple cores with different operational characteristics into one integrated device, the system achieves real-time performance through the dedicated first group of cores while avoiding the increased complexity and cost associated with completely separate processor systems. The shared memory and control logic further reduce overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If general-purpose OS is used for controller processing, then processing speed and productivity are improved, but real-time performance for mechanism control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating system deployment by assigning real-time operating system to the first group of cores for mechanism controller processing, and general-purpose operating system to the second group of cores for controller processing. This segmentation allows the second group to achieve high processing speed and productivity through general-purpose OS capabilities, while the first group maintains deterministic real-time performance through specialized real-time OS scheduling and management.
Data Source
AI summary
The image formation apparatus includes: a multi-core processor having a plurality of cores; and an image forming mechanism configured to form an image on a recording medium. At least one of the plurality of cores includes a switching controller configured to switch a first OS run by the core for performing a mechanism controller processing to control the image forming mechanism and a second OS run by the core for performing a controller processing.