{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854128","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854128","title":"Image forming apparatus and image forming method for detecting bad blocks in auxiliary memory","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-01-22T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":4,"abstract":"Image forming apparatus 1 that shortens warm-up time is provided. Accordingly, image forming apparatus 1 is an asymmetrical multiprocessing configuration provided with auxiliary memory part 21 shared between main control part 10 and sub control part 11. Use area 300 is an area accessed by main control part 10. Use area 301 is an area accessed by sub control part 11. Use area specifying part 100 specifies for use area 300 and use area specifying part 101 specifies for use area 301, respectively, by use area specifying table 210. Defective area table making part 110 makes defective area table 200 by searching whether or not a defective area only for use area 300 and set as a defective area for the other area. Defective area table making part 111 makes defective area table 201 by searching use area 301, similarly, and set as the defective area for the other area."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method for Detecting Bad Blocks in Auxiliary Memory patent introduces a novel approach to memory management in image forming devices, specifically targeting the reduction of warm-up times and the enhancement of overall system reliability. The core innovation lies in its asymmetrical multiprocessing configuration, where a shared auxiliary memory is utilized between a main control part and a sub control part. This setup enables efficient resource allocation and parallel processing, leading to faster boot times and improved responsiveness.\n\nThe problem being solved is the inefficiency and unreliability of existing memory management systems in image forming devices. These systems often suffer from slow warm-up times due to extensive memory checks and are prone to errors caused by defective memory blocks. The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method for Detecting Bad Blocks in Auxiliary Memory addresses these issues by implementing defective area tables that identify and isolate faulty memory blocks. This is achieved by searching for defective areas within each control part's designated use area and marking them as defective for the other area.\n\nThe key technical approach involves the creation of these defective area tables and their integration into the device's firmware. This requires careful consideration of memory allocation, interrupt handling, and error reporting mechanisms. The firmware must be designed to efficiently manage the defective area tables and ensure that faulty memory blocks are effectively isolated.\n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are significant. By minimizing warm-up times and ensuring reliable operation, this patent can significantly enhance user experience and reduce operational costs. This is particularly important in high-volume printing environments where efficiency and reliability are paramount. Furthermore, the innovative approach to defect detection and management can potentially extend the lifespan of auxiliary memory, reducing the need for frequent replacements and further minimizing costs.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as the demand for faster and more reliable image forming devices continues to grow. Manufacturers who adopt this technology will be able to offer products that are more efficient, more reliable, and more cost-effective, giving them a competitive advantage in the marketplace.","layman_explanation":"The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method for Detecting Bad Blocks in Auxiliary Memory patent addresses a common problem in image forming devices like printers: slow warm-up times and unreliable performance due to faulty memory. Existing solutions often involve extensive memory checks during startup, which can significantly delay the printing process. Additionally, undetected defective memory blocks can lead to errors and inconsistent print quality.\n\nThis invention offers a more efficient approach. Instead of checking the entire memory every time the device starts, it uses a system to identify and isolate defective memory blocks. Think of it like having a map that shows you which roads are closed due to construction. Instead of trying to drive down those roads and getting stuck, you can simply avoid them and take a faster route.\n\nThe system works by dividing the memory into different areas and assigning them to different control parts within the device. Each control part is responsible for checking its own area for defects. Once a defective area is identified, it's marked in a table, and both control parts know to avoid it. This allows the device to start up much faster and operate more reliably, as it's not wasting time trying to use faulty memory.\n\nThis technology matters because it can significantly improve the user experience. Faster warm-up times mean less waiting around for the printer to start. More reliable performance means fewer errors and wasted prints. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced operational costs. The market impact is substantial, as consumers and businesses alike are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce waste.\n\nIn the future, this technology could be further refined to automatically repair or replace defective memory blocks, further extending the lifespan of image forming devices. As the demand for faster and more reliable printing solutions continues to grow, this invention is well-positioned to become a standard feature in future image forming devices.","technical_analysis":"The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method for Detecting Bad Blocks in Auxiliary Memory patent details a system designed to improve the performance and reliability of image forming devices by optimizing memory management. The technical architecture is centered around an asymmetrical multiprocessing configuration, featuring a main control unit and a sub-control unit sharing an auxiliary memory space. This shared memory is logically partitioned into use areas, each assigned to a specific control unit. The core of the innovation lies in the implementation of defective area tables, which map out and isolate faulty memory blocks within these use areas.\n\nThe system works by having each control unit independently scan its assigned memory region for defects. This scan identifies unusable memory blocks, which are then marked in the defective area tables. These tables are crucial because they inform both control units about the location of bad blocks, preventing them from being accessed and causing errors. The algorithm employed for defect detection can vary but typically involves writing and reading patterns to verify memory integrity.\n\nImplementation details involve careful management of memory allocation and access permissions. The firmware must ensure that each control unit only accesses its designated use area, preventing accidental corruption of data in other regions. Interrupt handling is another critical aspect, as the system must respond promptly to memory errors and take corrective action, such as reallocating tasks to different memory locations.\n\nThe integration pattern involves embedding the defective area table creation and management routines within the device's boot sequence. This ensures that the memory is scanned for defects and the tables are populated before the system becomes fully operational. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of memory-related errors during normal operation.\n\nPerformance characteristics are significantly improved by this design. By isolating defective memory blocks, the system avoids the performance degradation that would otherwise occur due to repeated attempts to access faulty memory. The asymmetrical multiprocessing configuration also allows for parallel execution of tasks, further enhancing performance.\n\nThe code-level implications involve the development of specialized memory management routines that can efficiently access and update the defective area tables. These routines must be optimized for speed and memory usage to minimize their impact on overall system performance. The code must also be designed to handle error conditions gracefully, ensuring that the system remains stable even in the presence of memory defects.","business_analysis":"The Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method for Detecting Bad Blocks in Auxiliary Memory patent presents a significant business opportunity in the image forming industry. The market for image forming devices, including printers, scanners, and multifunction peripherals, is substantial and continues to grow, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality, efficient, and reliable imaging solutions. This patent addresses a key challenge in this market: memory management and defect detection, which directly impact device performance, reliability, and lifespan.\n\nThe competitive advantage offered by this technology is clear. By minimizing warm-up times and ensuring reliable operation, image forming devices incorporating this patent can provide a superior user experience compared to those relying on traditional memory management techniques. This can translate into increased sales, higher customer satisfaction, and stronger brand loyalty.\n\nThe revenue potential associated with this patent is substantial. Manufacturers can license the technology for use in their products, generating licensing fees and royalties. They can also incorporate the technology into their own products, increasing their market share and profitability. The business model can be structured in various ways, including upfront licensing fees, per-unit royalties, or a combination of both.\n\nFrom a strategic positioning perspective, this patent allows manufacturers to differentiate their products from those of their competitors. By highlighting the benefits of faster warm-up times, improved reliability, and extended memory lifespan, they can attract customers who are looking for the best possible imaging solutions.\n\nROI projections for this technology are highly favorable. The cost of implementing the defective area table creation and management processes is relatively low compared to the potential benefits in terms of increased sales, reduced warranty costs, and improved customer satisfaction. The payback period for the investment is likely to be short, making this a highly attractive opportunity for manufacturers and investors alike.\n\nOverall, the Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method for Detecting Bad Blocks in Auxiliary Memory patent offers a compelling business proposition for manufacturers, investors, and end-users. Its innovative approach to memory management, coupled with its potential to enhance performance, reduce costs, and improve user experience, makes it a valuable asset in the competitive image forming industry.","faqs":null,"topics":["image forming apparatus","memory management","defect detection","warm-up time","asymmetrical multiprocessing"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method for Detecting Bad Blocks in Auxiliary Memory - Patent US-9854128","description":"Discover how the Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Method for Detecting Bad Blocks in Auxiliary Memory patent reduces warm-up time in image forming devices. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["image forming apparatus","memory management","defect detection","warm-up time","asymmetrical multiprocessing","patent","patent US-9854128"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854128","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854128","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image forming apparatus and image forming method for detecting bad blocks in auxiliary memory\" (US-9854128). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854128","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854128","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854128","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T17:21:23.012Z"}