Video Buffer Release Timing for Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Delays occur in image forming apparatuses due to the timing of video buffer release and allocation during sequential printing processes, as the next page's printing process is initiated only after the output of the previous page's paper sheet is completed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that stores image data in a video buffer, reads it out, and releases the buffer upon receiving a transfer-completion or image-forming-completion notice, allowing the next page's printing to start without waiting for the output of the current page's paper sheet, thereby reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the video buffer is released after finishing output of the paper sheet, then the printing process of the next page waits for the current page output, but this causes delay in starting the next page printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The video buffer is released at the transfer completion timing rather than waiting for paper sheet output completion. This preliminary release action allows the next page's video buffer allocation to occur earlier, eliminating the delay in starting the next page printing process while ensuring the current page printing is already complete
2Productivity
If the video buffer is released early to enable next page printing, then delay is reduced, but the current page may not be fully output yet
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the transfer completion notice to determine the optimal timing for video buffer release. The controller receives confirmation that transfer is complete before releasing the buffer, ensuring that the printing process for the current page is already finished while enabling early preparation for the next page
Data Source
AI summary
This image forming apparatus includes: a development device configured to develop a toner image of a print image; an image carrier configured to transfer the toner image to a paper sheet; a print engine configured to control the development device and the image carrier; and a controller configured to control the print engine to perform printing. The print engine is further configured to provide a transfer-completion notice to the controller upon detecting completion of transferring the toner image from the image carrier to the paper sheet. The controller is further configured to store image data of the print image in a video buffer, read out the image data from the video buffer, provide control information based on the image data to the print engine, and release the video buffer upon receiving the transfer-completion notice.