NAND Flash Memory Initialization for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital multi-functional image forming apparatuses face increased hardware costs and complexity due to large and complex programs stored in NOR flash memory, requiring expensive control signals and large Printed Circuit Boards, with initialization times prolonged by the need to copy data from NAND flash memory to RAM for code interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a NAND flash memory to store boot and system control programs, with a driving unit that reads and executes the boot and engine control programs from NAND flash memory, then loads remaining programs into RAM, maintaining a busy signal for data reception priority until ready for printing, thereby reducing initialization time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If programs are stored in NOR flash memory, then program execution is enabled, but hardware costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies only the necessary boot program and engine control program from NAND flash memory to RAM memory for execution, rather than storing all programs in NOR flash memory. This reduces the requirement for expensive NOR flash memory and simplifies the circuit configuration while maintaining program execution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses NAND flash memory (cheaper) to store programs that can be temporarily copied to RAM memory for execution. This replaces the need for expensive NOR flash memory, reducing hardware costs while maintaining the necessary program execution functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If mask ROM is used to store font data, then data storage is enabled, but hardware costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies font data from NAND flash memory to RAM memory when needed, rather than using mask ROM. This eliminates the need for expensive mask ROM and reduces the number of control signals required, while maintaining the necessary font data storage and access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mask ROM with NAND flash memory combined with RAM memory for font data storage. This substitution reduces hardware costs and simplifies the control signal requirements while maintaining adequate font data storage capacity.
3Speed
If all system control programs are loaded into RAM at startup, then program execution speed is improved, but initialization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by loading only the essential boot program and engine control program into RAM memory at startup, enabling immediate execution. The remaining system control programs are loaded into RAM progressively as they are needed during operation, thereby reducing initialization time while maintaining program execution speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system control programs into two groups: essential programs (boot program and engine control program) that are loaded into RAM at startup for immediate execution, and non-essential programs that are loaded progressively as needed. This segmentation reduces initialization time while maintaining program execution speed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex data bus and address bus are formed on PCB, then data input and output capability is improved, but hardware costs increase and noise vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies programs from NAND flash memory to RAM memory for execution, eliminating the need for complex data bus and address bus connections between NOR flash memory and the processor. This simplifies the PCB design, reduces hardware costs, and decreases noise vulnerability while maintaining adequate data input and output capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for controlling the initiation of an image forming apparatus are provided using a NAND flash memory. The device for controlling initiation of an image forming apparatus includes: a NAND flash memory for storing a boot program and system control programs for initiating the image forming apparatus; a random-access-memory (RAM) for temporarily storing an execution program and data; and a driving unit arranged to first read the boot program and an engine control program among the system control programs from the NAND flash memory, execute the boot program and the engine control program, then read remaining system control programs from the NAND flash memory and store the remaining system control programs in the RAM when the boot program and the engine control program are being executed. Since the remaining system control programs and data that have not been read during printing preparation are read by driving a driving unit of the image forming apparatus, the preparation time for the image forming apparatus to begin printing operation can be greatly shortened.