Dynamic Protocol Switching in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In server-contained image forming apparatuses, the conventional communication protocols used between the image forming unit and the server, such as TCP, result in prolonged data transfer times and increased communication circuit burdens, especially when handling large volumes of image data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data transfer method that selectively uses either a first communication protocol ensuring reliability, like TCP, or a second protocol without reliability provisions, like UDP, based on the type and destination of the data being transmitted, to optimize data transfer efficiency within the local network circuit connecting the image forming unit and the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP protocol is used for data transmission between image forming unit and server, then communication reliability is ensured, but data transfer time increases and communication circuit burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between TCP and UDP protocols based on the type of data being transmitted. For image data and large files, UDP is selected to reduce transfer time, while for control commands and small data requiring acknowledgment, TCP is used to ensure reliability. This dynamic protocol selection resolves the contradiction by adapting the communication method to the specific requirements of each data type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication protocol parameter based on data characteristics. By analyzing the data type (image data, control command, status information) and adjusting the protocol parameter accordingly, the system achieves optimal balance between reliability and transfer speed for different communication scenarios.
2Reliability
If TCP protocol is used for data transmission between image forming unit and server, then communication reliability is ensured, but communication circuit burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication circuit dynamically adapts its operation mode by selecting different protocols. When UDP is selected for bulk data transfer, the communication circuit operates in a simplified mode with fewer processing steps, reducing circuit burden. When TCP is needed for critical communications, the circuit activates full reliability features. This dynamic adaptation reduces overall circuit complexity and processing load.
3Reliability
If conventional communication protocol is used for transferring large volume image data, then communication reliability is maintained, but processing performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the communication protocol parameter based on data volume and type. For large-volume image data transfer, the protocol is changed to UDP which eliminates overhead operations like acknowledgments and retransmissions, significantly improving processing performance. For smaller critical data, TCP parameters are used to maintain reliability. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including a scanner and a printer, a server, and a local network circuit connecting the image forming unit and the server. In each of the image forming unit and the server, a hardware processor selects one of a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol in accordance with data to be transmitted by a transceiver. The first communication protocol includes a provision for ensuring reliability of communication, and the second communication protocol does not include a provision for ensuring reliability of communication.