Nonvolatile Memory Snapshot Allocation for Image Processing

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing techniques for image processing apparatuses require dedicated snapshot storage areas in nonvolatile memory, leading to increased memory capacity and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The image processing apparatus uses areas other than dedicated snapshot storage in the nonvolatile memory for storing snapshots, such as the firmware download area or unused spaces, to reduce the need for dedicated snapshot storage, allowing snapshots to be stored in existing memory allocations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated snapshot storage area is secured in the nonvolatile memory, then the operation state can be reproduced quickly using snapshots, but the capacity of the nonvolatile memory required increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation state reproduction capabilityVSAvoidnonvolatile memory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the nonvolatile memory to serve dual purposes: storing both snapshot data and firmware updates. The controller dynamically allocates storage space, allowing the same memory resource to fulfill multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated areas for each purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the snapshot storage function with the firmware storage function by allowing snapshot data to be stored in the same nonvolatile memory area used for firmware updates. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated snapshot storage, reducing overall memory capacity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a dedicated snapshot storage area is secured in the nonvolatile memory, then the operation state can be reproduced quickly using snapshots, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation state reproduction capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the nonvolatile memory to serve dual purposes: storing both snapshot data and firmware updates. The controller dynamically allocates storage space, allowing the same memory resource to fulfill multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated areas for each purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the snapshot storage function with the firmware storage function by allowing snapshot data to be stored in the same nonvolatile memory area used for firmware updates. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated snapshot storage, reducing overall memory capacity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10715695B2Image processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: a volatile storage device; a hardware processor that executes an information process using the volatile storage device; and a nonvolatile storage device that stores data to be used for the information process, wherein in response to a condition that makes it impossible to continue the information process being satisfied while the information process is being executed, the hardware processor generates a snapshot of the volatile storage device and stores the snapshot in an area of the nonvolatile storage device having a use other than snapshot storage, and in response to a condition that makes it possible to resume the information process being satisfied, the hardware processor reads the snapshot from the nonvolatile storage device and resumes the information process.