Scanner Clock Frequency Control for Data Bus Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing data bus load when controlling image reading apparatuses, as the adjustment of control clocks is limited, leading to suboptimal scan speeds and increased data flow, especially when the control clocks exceed the image processing or printing speed.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a reading unit, an image processing unit, a first acquisition unit to acquire identification information, a determination unit to check if the information is in a clock frequency table, and a setting unit to set the clock frequency based on the table, using a default minimum value if not found, thereby optimizing clock frequencies for each image forming apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the control clocks are adjusted to higher frequencies to increase scan speed, then the productivity is improved, but the data bus load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment by introducing a clock frequency determination unit that selects from multiple preset clock frequencies based on the actual image processing capability and data bus load conditions. This allows the system to transition from fixed clock frequencies to dynamically adjustable frequencies, optimizing the balance between scan speed and data bus load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock frequency parameter based on determined image processing capability. By establishing a relationship between image processing capability and optimal clock frequency, the system adjusts the clock frequency parameter to match actual processing demands, thereby reducing unnecessary data bus load while maintaining appropriate scan speeds.
2Device complexity
If multiple modes are prepared in the scanner with fixed clock frequencies, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different image forming apparatuses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic clock frequency selection mechanism that adapts to different image forming apparatuses. The determination unit evaluates the connected apparatus's capabilities and selects the most appropriate clock frequency from available options, enabling the scanner to adaptively configure itself for different devices without requiring complex manual setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the determination unit continuously monitors the image forming apparatus's processing capability and adjusts the clock frequency accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures optimal performance across different device configurations while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing a load on a data bus therein when controlling an image reading apparatus depending on its image processing capability. When acquired identification information about the image forming apparatus is included in a clock control table 600, a clock frequency for controlling hardware of the image reading apparatus in accordance with the clock control table 600, while setting the clock frequency therefor to a default setting of the clock control table 600 when the acquired identification information is not included in the clock control table 600, wherein a minimum value of clock frequencies in the clock control table 600 is set as the default setting of the clock control table 600.