Ring-Connected Data Processing Modules for Priority-Based Packet Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing apparatuses with multiple modules face complexity and increased buffer capacity issues when implementing priority-based packet transfer, leading to inefficient data processing and increased control circuit size.

Innovation Solution

A data processing apparatus with modules connected in a ring shape, where each module prioritizes packet transfer based on transmission source identification (ID), allowing for efficient pipeline processing by determining the priority of packets and simplifying the determination mechanism, reducing the need for separate priority bits and collective management circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If priority-based packet transfer is implemented using collective management, then packet transfer priority is improved, but control circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the priority determination function into individual modules, where each module independently determines priority based on its own transmission source ID rather than using a centralized collective management system. This segmentation reduces control circuit complexity while maintaining packet transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each module performs self-service by autonomously determining the priority of packets based on transmission source ID comparison without requiring complex centralized control. The module independently decides whether to transfer or discard packets based on simple ID comparison, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If all modules copy and store all transmitted packets to determine non-discard status, then packet transfer reliability is improved, but buffer capacity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket transfer reliabilityVSAvoidbuffer capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the priority determination logic from the buffer storage function. Instead of requiring all modules to store copies of all packets, the system only stores packets that are determined to be high priority based on transmission source ID comparison, significantly reducing buffer capacity requirements while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary priority determination based on transmission source ID before packets are stored in buffers. By pre-identifying high-priority packets through simple ID comparison, the system avoids the need to store and manage all packets, reducing buffer capacity while ensuring reliable transfer of important data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2312457B1Data processing apparatus, data processing method and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 CANON KK
  • EP2312457B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2312457B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2312457B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

An apparatus, in which a plurality of modules is connected with each other and processes a packet having information, includes a storage unit for storing first information indicating an order of processing performed by its own module and second information indicating an order of modules which perform processing, a reception unit for receiving a first packet and transmitting the first packet including information corresponding to the first information, a processing unit for processing data included in the first packet, a generation unit for generating a second packet including the processed data and the second information, and a transmission unit for comparing the information included in the first packet with the second information included in the second packet, and transmitting the packet having a latter processing order.