JP2010072978A - System and device for analyzing particle behavior, information output device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent degradation of processing efficiency caused by file output of analysis results of the entire nodes aggregated by any one node configuring a force matrix, when performing particle behavior analysis by means of a force decomposition method. <P>SOLUTION: A decomposition processor 250 decomposes particles by the force decomposition method using the force matrix, and assigns each decomposed portion to each node. While performing information communication with other nodes, a data processor 230 provided in each node calculates particle behavior in regard to the decomposed portion assigned by the force decomposition method, taking into consideration an interaction force between with other substance acting on the particle. For each row direction in the force matrix, a row-direction processing result output processor 260 performs file output to an information presenter 240 by aggregating the analysis results obtained from each node. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a particle behavior analysis system, a particle behavior analysis device, an information output device, and a program.

  A mechanism for analyzing the behavior of powder and granules (both meaning the aggregate of individual particles) by simulation is considered. For example, a state in which one or more kinds of particles are mixed in powder (toner particles, carrier particles, etc.) used in an image forming apparatus such as a printer device, a facsimile device, or a multifunction device having the functions thereof Analyzes the behavior of particles in the simulation.

  For example, when an electrophotographic system is used in an image forming apparatus, generally, a uniform electrostatic charge is applied to a photoconductive insulator such as a photosensitive drum, and the photoconductive insulator is applied to the photoconductive insulator by various means. An electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a light image, and then the formed latent image is developed and visualized using a magnetic powder using a developing device, and the toner powder image is transferred to a recording medium such as paper. Fix to obtain printed matter.

  In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the magnetic powder contained in the container is agitated, conveyed to the magnetic roller, adsorbed to the magnetic roller, and charged according to the recorded image to form a latent image. The behavior such as flight to the existing photoconductor affects the quality of the recorded image. Therefore, analysis of the behavior of the magnetic powder is important for the development of the electrophotographic apparatus main body and the developing apparatus.

  A method called individual element method or discrete particle method is widely used for behavior simulation of individual particles. The discrete element method is a method of accurately simulating the behavior of powder by tracking the behavior of individual particles constituting the powder based on the equation of motion. Particle behavior analysis that handles the properties of powder as individual particles is also called particle simulation.

  However, in the particle behavior calculation algorithm based on the discrete element method, the analysis load increases approximately by the square of the number of particles. Therefore, if the number of particles increases, the amount of calculation becomes enormous and the performance of the computer improves. However, it is often difficult to perform calculations with the same number of particles as the actual system.

  Therefore, as a conventional particle behavior simulation method, for the purpose of shortening the calculation time, it has been proposed to use a plurality of computers with installed programs and perform distributed processing by parallel operation of each program (patent) References 1 and 2).

JP 2007-265143 A JP 2007-193152 A

  In the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, when performing parallel processing by a multiprocessor, one of the processors divides a plurality of files to be processed into a plurality of file groups, and each file group divided by a grouping step. Are assigned to at least one target processor of the plurality of processors, and a read buffer corresponding to each file group divided by the set steps is set in the main memory. Further, one processor instructs the target processor to which the file group is allocated in the allocation step to start the processing program, and stores it in the nonvolatile storage for the storage controller that controls reading and writing of data to and from the nonvolatile storage. In the setting step, the processed files that have been processed are read out to the reading buffers set in the main memory in association with the file group to which the processed files belong. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required to read a plurality of processing target files stored in the nonvolatile storage, thereby reducing the processing time and improving the processing efficiency.

  In the mechanism described in Patent Document 2, the magnetic force, electrostatic force, and contact force interaction between particles is calculated by using a separate force matrix and distributed to specific processors. The sum of interaction forces calculated by communication and dispersion is obtained, and the position coordinate is calculated by solving the equation of motion of each particle. The position coordinates of each particle are communicated to the specific processor, the calculation information is updated, and the same processing is repeated until a predetermined calculation step is reached. Thereby, the communication amount between processors can be reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of preventing a reduction in output processing efficiency of an analysis result when a particle behavior analysis is performed by applying a force division method.

  The invention according to claim 1 is provided in each of the particle behavior analysis devices and a division processing unit that divides the particles by a force division method using a force matrix and assigns each divided portion to each particle behavior analysis device. In addition, while performing information communication with the other particle behavior analysis devices, the interaction force with other substances acting on the particles is considered for the divided portion allocated by the force dividing method. A particle behavior calculation unit that calculates the behavior of the particles, and a row direction processing result output processing unit that collectively outputs the analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analysis device for each row direction in the force matrix. Particle behavior analysis system.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the row direction processing result output processing unit is configured so that each of the particle behavior analysis devices that constitute the force matrix for each row direction in the force matrix. It is provided in either.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the row direction processing result output processing unit is provided in the particle behavior analysis apparatus of the same column in the force matrix.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, when analyzing the behavior of the particles by the force splitting method, each particle behavior analysis other than the row is analyzed. In addition to the main communication line for performing information communication with the apparatus, a sub communication line for performing information communication with each particle behavior analysis apparatus in the row direction in the force matrix is provided.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the particle behavior analysis devices in the row direction in the force matrix are accommodated in the same casing, and the sub communication line is in the casing. It is in.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the row direction processing result output processing unit includes, for each row direction in the force matrix, each particle behavior analysis device constituting the force matrix; Is provided separately.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the row direction processing result output processing units for each row direction in the force matrix has an analysis result. Output processing is performed in the order of the particle numbers.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the invention, each of the row direction processing result output processing units performs an output process in the order in which the analysis results are arranged in the order of the particle numbers in the column direction.

  The invention according to claim 9 is an information communication with another particle behavior analysis apparatus, and an interaction with another substance acting on the particles with respect to the divided portion assigned by the force division method. The particle behavior calculation unit that calculates the behavior of the particles considering the force, and the analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analyzer for each row direction in the force matrix when performing the particle behavior analysis by force splitting method are summarized. Is a particle behavior analysis apparatus including a row direction processing result output processing unit that outputs the result.

  The invention according to claim 10 is obtained by each particle behavior analysis device separately from each particle behavior analysis device constituting the force matrix for each row direction in the force matrix when performing the particle behavior analysis by the force division method. It is an information output device provided with the row direction processing result output processing part which collects and outputs the analysis result collected.

  The invention according to claim 11 is an information communication with another particle behavior analysis apparatus, and an interaction with another substance acting on the particles with respect to the divided portion assigned by the force division method. The particle behavior calculation unit that calculates the behavior of the particles considering the force, and the analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analyzer for each row direction in the force matrix when performing the particle behavior analysis by force splitting method are summarized. Is a program that causes a computer to function as a row direction processing result output processing unit that outputs the result.

  The invention according to claim 12 is obtained by each particle behavior analysis device separately from each particle behavior analysis device constituting the force matrix for each row direction in the force matrix when performing the particle behavior analysis by the force division method. This is a program that causes a computer to function as a row direction processing result output processing unit that collectively outputs the analysis results.

  According to the first, second, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth aspects of the present invention, any one of the particle behavior analysis devices constituting the force matrix collects all the particle behavior analysis devices and outputs an analysis result. As compared with the case of performing the above, it is possible to prevent the output processing efficiency of the analysis result from being lowered.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the output processing time of the analysis result performed by each particle behavior analysis device can be shortened as compared with the case where the configuration according to the third aspect of the present invention is not provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the processing efficiency is further improved as compared with the case where the information communication for the output processing of the analysis result uses only the main communication band of the calculation information for the analysis processing.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the usability is improved as compared with the case where the configuration of the invention according to claim 5 is not provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the influence of the overhead of the output process on the analysis process can be reduced as compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention according to the sixth aspect is not provided.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, compared with the case where the configuration of the invention according to claim 7 is not provided, information presentation based on the analysis result in each particle behavior analysis device in the row is smoothly performed. Can do.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to smoothly present information based on the analysis results of all the particle behavior analysis devices, compared with the case where the configuration of the present invention according to the eighth aspect is not provided. it can.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, an image forming apparatus such as a printer apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, or a multifunction machine having these functions will be described as an example of an apparatus in which particles to be analyzed exist.

  In relation to the analysis target particles, attention is paid to developer behavior analysis in a developing device of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using only toner particles or a developer composed of carrier particles and toner particles. However, this is merely an example, and an apparatus to which the mechanism of the present embodiment is applied is not limited to an image forming apparatus.

<Outline of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a printing apparatus (printer) or a copying apparatus (copier). As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a charging device 20 including a DC power source 22, an AC bias power source 24, and a charging unit 26 arranged around the photoreceptor 10, a laser light source 32, and a polygon mirror. 34, a developing device 40 having a stirring mechanism (not shown), a transfer device 50 having a transfer power source 52 and a transfer unit 54, a cleaning device 60 having a blade mechanism, and a paper transport path. And a fixing device 70 having a roll mechanism arranged at a predetermined position on the wake side.

  The developing device 40 is filled with developer particles 102. In the figure, one developer particle 102 is indicated by one circle for convenience. Actually, the developer particle 102 is, for example, a two-component system constituted by containing carrier particles made of magnetic materials having different physical properties and particle sizes and non-magnetic toner particles (for example, black toner particles). Is. A magnetic powder is formed as a whole by a pair of carrier particles and toner particles. The toner particles are adsorbed to the carrier particles by electrostatic force. In general, the particle size of the carrier particles is larger than the particle size of the toner particles. Note that magnetic toner may be used as the toner particles.

  The developing device 40 includes a developing roll 140 (also referred to as a mag roll, a magnet roller, or a magnetic transport roller), which is an example of a carrying roll carrying the developer particles 102 on the surface, in the storage container 101, and a peripheral surface having an opening 101a. Prepare to stick out a little. A predetermined number of magnets 142 are arranged in the developing roll 140 at predetermined intervals along the inner peripheral edge thereof.

  Further, the developing device 40 includes a regulating blade 150 that functions as a height regulating member or a layer forming member in the vicinity of the developing roll 140, and a magnetic brush (earing up) of the developer particles 102 formed along the lines of magnetic force of the magnet 142. ) Height is regulated.

  The developing roll 140 rotates together with the photoconductor 10 rotated in the direction of arrow X, and the rotational movement direction of the surface on the side facing the photoconductor 10 rotates in the same direction as the movement direction X of the photoconductor 10 (arrow Y direction). Is done. The photosensitive member 10 may be driven to rotate in the direction opposite to the moving direction X.

  The developer particles 102 are conveyed to the developing roll 140 side while being agitated and frictionally charged by an agitating and conveying roll (not shown) having an agitating function. The amount of adsorption of the developer particles 102 to the developing roll 140 is regulated by the regulating blade 150, and the developer particles 102 adhere to the periphery of the developing roll 140 at a certain height. The carrier particles constitute a magnetic brush by a magnetic field from a magnet 142 built in the developing roll 140. The toner particles are transported together with the carrier particles to a portion facing the photoreceptor 10.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 is configured as a copying apparatus, first, the charging device 20 generates a charging potential (initial potential) by superimposing the AC bias voltage from the AC bias power source 24 on the DC voltage from the DC power source 22. With this charging potential, the surface of the photoreceptor 10 is charged to a uniform surface potential.

  After that, a polygon mirror 34 that is rotated by a motor 36 with a laser beam emitted from a laser light source 32 provided on the exposure device 30 on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 in accordance with image data obtained by scanning the original with a reading device (not shown). Scanning, the surface of the photoconductor 10 is exposed to form an electrostatic latent image having a desired latent image potential.

  Subsequently, the developing device 40 forms the toner particles in the developer particles 102 on the surface of the photoconductor 10 while mixing the developer particles 102 such as output color toner particles and carrier particles in a stirring mechanism (not shown). A toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 10 by being superimposed on the electrostatic latent image.

  That is, the developing roller 140 is provided to face the photoconductor 10, and the toner particles among the developer particles 102 adsorbed to the developing roller 140 are charged and are adsorbed to the photoconductor 10 by electrostatic force. The At this time, the surface of the photoconductor 10 is charged according to the recorded image to form an electrostatic latent image, and the toner particles are adsorbed according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 10. The As a result, the latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 10 is developed. The carrier particles after the development processing and the toner particles that have not been ejected to the photoconductor 10 are collected in the storage container 101.

  Thereafter, the transfer device 50 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 onto the printing paper conveyed from the outside. A predetermined range where the photoconductor 10 and the transfer unit 54 face each other is referred to as a transfer region.

  The transferred sheet is conveyed to the fixing device 70 side, and the fixing device 70 fixes the toner image onto a printing sheet as a transfer body by heating, melting and pressing. The fixed paper is discharged out of the image forming apparatus 1 by a discharge device (not shown).

  On the other hand, the cleaning device 60 removes residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 after being transferred by the transfer device 50. Although the residual potential remains on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 after cleaning, it is used in the next electrophotographic process after the initial potential is applied by the charging device 20.

  In the case where the image forming apparatus 1 for color image formation is configured, as a configuration of a main part related to image formation, for example, the toner image of the photoconductor 10 is directly applied to a sheet by a transfer device 50 on a sheet as a transfer body. For example, a plurality of engines corresponding to output colors of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) are inlined in the order of K → Y → M → C, for example. The K, Y, M, and C images are processed in parallel (simultaneously) by four engines, that is, the photosensitive member 10 is placed on the intermediate transfer belt one color at a time according to the arrangement position. The toner image may be transferred (particularly referred to as primary transfer), and then the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt may be transferred onto the paper (particularly referred to as secondary transfer). .

  In such an electrophotographic process, charging of the photoconductor 10, exposure of a scanned original image, development, that is, toner superimposition on the photoconductor 10, toner transfer to a sheet and toner fixing, and cleaning of the photoconductor 10 are performed. Become. In the electrophotographic process, for example, by applying a powder behavior analysis simulation in each process such as stirring, development, and transfer, an image to be formed is predicted and evaluated without actually performing an image forming experiment. Analysis of the behavior of carrier particles and toner particles is an important factor for the development of the electrophotographic apparatus main body and the developing apparatus 40.

  For example, in the analysis of the developing device 40, an agitation process, a development process, and the like are analyzed. For example, a predetermined range area on the stirring and conveying roll side of the regulating blade 150 is referred to as a layer formation area, and in the particle behavior analysis for the developer particles 102, the effects of a magnetic field and a gravitational field are considered. In addition, a predetermined range area stirred and conveyed by the agitating and conveying roll is referred to as an agitating and conveying area, and the action of the gravitational field is considered in the particle behavior analysis for the developer particles 102.

  A predetermined area where the developer particles 102 between the agitating and conveying area and the layer forming area are magnetically attracted to the developing roll 140 is referred to as a pickup area. In the particle behavior analysis of the developer particles 102, the action of a magnetic field and a gravitational field Consider.

  A range area where the peripheral edges of the photoconductor 10 and the developing roll 140 face each other and a developing action is performed is referred to as a developing nip area. . A predetermined range area in which the developer particles 102 are collected is referred to as a pick-off area. In the particle behavior analysis of the developer particles 102, the effects of a magnetic field and a gravitational field are taken into consideration.

  The surface of the photoconductor 10 is charged according to the recorded image, and the toner particles fly to the surface of the photoconductor 10 by electrostatic force. The flying toner particles adhere to the surface of the photoconductor 10, and a toner image corresponding to the recorded image is formed. At this time, the image quality of the recorded image depends on how the toner particles are attracted to the photoreceptor 10. Since the toner particles are conveyed to the photoconductor 10 by the carrier particles, how the toner particles are adsorbed to the photoconductor 10 is determined by the carrier particles in the developing nip region between the developing roll 140 and the photoconductor 10 and It is determined by the behavior of the toner particles.

  Further, in the transfer process in the transfer device 50, while changing condition parameters in the transfer process such as the surface roughness of the photoreceptor, the speed difference between the transfer bodies such as the photoreceptor / intermediate transfer belt and paper, and the contact width of the transfer body, By repeating the powder behavior analysis simulation, the image quality formed is evaluated while reproducing the transfer process. Incidentally, in the particle behavior analysis for the transfer process, an electric field and a gravitational field acting on the developer particles 102 (particularly toner particles) are considered.

<Particle Behavior Analysis System; First Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the first embodiment of the particle behavior analysis system. The particle behavior analysis system 200A of the first embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of particle behavior analysis devices 202 each having a particle behavior analysis function to a network. Each particle behavior analysis device 202 is different from the fourth embodiment described later in that the core portion (so-called CPU portion) that performs calculation processing is one single core.

  Each particle behavior analysis apparatus 202 communicates main processing data to each other via a network 208, and can execute particle behavior analysis processing in parallel. The particle behavior analysis system 200A is practically the same. It is configured as a parallel computing device (cluster computer). The network 208 is managed by a network management device 208a whose communication state has a routing function.

  As an example, each particle behavior analysis device 202 may be configured by the same as a general electronic computer. In the illustrated example, one of the particle behavior analysis devices 202 constituting the particle behavior analysis system 200A functions as a main particle behavior analysis device 202a having a function of a calculation management node that controls the whole. ing. The remaining particle behavior analysis device 202 is connected to the main particle behavior analysis device 202a as a sub particle behavior analysis device 202b controlled by the main particle behavior analysis device 202a.

  Here, although the details of the secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b of this embodiment will be described later, each secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b for each row direction in the force matrix (force matrix) used when applying the force splitting method. For the representative node (representative secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_1) having a function unit (row direction processing result output processing unit) that collectively outputs the analysis results obtained by the above (for the other general nodes ( And a general secondary particle behavior analyzer 202b_2).

  In the figure, for convenience, one network line is drawn from the network management device 208a, and the main particle behavior analysis device 202a and the secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b are connected to the network line. Each particle behavior analysis device 202 is connected to an individual port provided in the network management device 208a, and communication between each particle behavior analysis device 202 is performed via the network management device 208a. .

  Connected to the main particle behavior analysis device 202a are an instruction input device 210 such as a keyboard and a mouse for performing various operations for particle behavior analysis processing, and a display device 212 for presenting the processing results as image information to the operator. Has been.

  By adopting such a basic system configuration, when performing particle behavior analysis processing for a system with multiple types of multi-particle interactions, each particle's magnetic interaction, electrostatic interaction, or mechanical interaction For each interaction such as an action (contact force; contact force between a wall or the like and contact between particles), a behavior analysis is executed by parallel processing by applying a predetermined division method. The mechanical interaction is, for example, a contact force between a wall or other object and particles, or a contact force due to contact between particles.

  For example, the magnetic force is calculated for carrier particles using a magnetic field analysis method based on the Maxwell equation, the electrostatic field analysis focusing on the Coulomb force is performed for the toner particles, and the contact between the carrier particles and the toner particles is further performed. The force is calculated from the contact amount of the particles, and finally, the equations of motion are solved by combining the acting forces to predict the behavior of the developer particles 102 with high accuracy.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, when each interaction analysis is performed in each particle behavior analysis apparatus 202, a region decomposition method (SD) or a particle decomposition method (PD: Particle Decomposition Method or RD: Replicated Data Method) is used. By using a force division method (algorithm using a force matrix) instead, the amount of calculation data communication among all the processors (each particle behavior analysis device 202 of the present embodiment) is reduced. By reducing the amount of communication of calculation data, the parallelization performance of the program when using multiple processors is improved, and the calculation time is greatly shortened.

  In the basic configuration of the particle behavior analysis system 200A shown in FIG. 2, the configuration of a practical parallel computer (cluster computer) is shown, but this is only an example. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of particle behavior analysis systems each configured with a plurality of particle behavior analysis devices each having a particle behavior analysis function connected to the first network as a parallel computer are further separated. It is good also as what was connected and comprised by the 2nd network. In this case, each particle behavior analysis system can transmit main processing data to each other via an external network (second network), and can execute different particle behavior analysis processing for different objects in parallel. The particle behavior analysis system of a modified example is configured as a grid-type computing device formed by connecting a virtual parallel computing device over a network.

<Particle behavior analysis apparatus; first embodiment>
3 to 3A are block diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the particle behavior analysis apparatus 202 according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 3 shows a main particle behavior analysis apparatus 202a (including a representative secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1 of a representative node) having a function of a calculation management node. FIG. 3A shows a general secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_2 having a function of a general node other than the representative node.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main particle behavior analysis device 202a uses a command input device 210 or the like to input data to be processed 220, a data processing unit 230 for performing particle behavior analysis processing, and a processing result. And an information presentation unit 240 that presents the operator with the display device 212 or the like. The data input unit 220 and the information presentation unit 240 are provided in a portion corresponding to the calculation management node of the main particle behavior analysis apparatus 202a.

  Each of the calculation systems (processors) each configured by a calculation device and performing particle behavior analysis by the force splitting method is used to divide the processing target element into the portion corresponding to the calculation management node of the main particle behavior analysis device 202a by the force splitting method. In FIG. 1, the particle behavior analysis apparatus 202) is provided with a division processing unit 250 that assigns each divided portion. The division processing unit 250 is set so as to use a vertical N / horizontal N force matrix.

  The data input unit 220 accepts commands and data input by the operator via the keyboard and mouse constituting the instruction input device 210 and passes them to the data processing unit 230.

  The data processing unit 230 performs a particle behavior analysis process described later based on the data input from the data input unit 220. More specifically, the data processing unit 230 includes a data receiving unit 232, a numerical operation processing unit 234 (particle behavior calculation unit), an output data processing unit 236, and a data storage unit 238.

  The data processing unit 230 is included in the secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b. Here, when the main particle behavior analysis device 202a corresponds to a representative node, as shown in the figure, the secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b includes a representative secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_1. On the other hand, when the main particle behavior analyzer 202a does not correspond to the representative node, the general subparticle behavior analyzer 202b_2 is used instead of the representative subparticle behavior analyzer 202b_1.

  The data receiving unit 232 includes a data storage unit (not shown), stores the data input from the data input unit 220 in the data storage unit, and supplies data necessary for numerical calculation to the numerical operation processing unit 234. To do. The data storage unit of the data receiving unit 232 stores, for example, data on the configuration of the developing device 40 to be analyzed, the coordinates of the developer particles 102, physical property values, and the like.

  The data storage unit 238 is a device that stores parameter table data for calculating the interaction, and is connected to the numerical operation processing unit 234 via a memory bus. Here, the data storage unit 238 is also referred to as a temporary storage unit 238a similar to a built-in memory (also referred to as a cache memory) built on the same semiconductor substrate as a so-called CPU and a so-called main memory. It is composed of an external semiconductor storage medium (for example, having a capacity of several hundred MB to several GB) and an external storage device 238b such as a hard disk drive (HDD) having a larger capacity (several hundred GB or more) than the main memory. As is well known, the CPU access is faster in the cache memory than in the main memory.

  Based on the data supplied from the data receiving unit 232, the numerical calculation processing unit 234 performs magnetic interaction, electrostatic interaction, or the like on the developer particles 102 (specifically, carrier particles and toner particles) that are examples of particles. Analyze the particle behavior that considers multiple interactions such as mechanical interaction (contact force) at the same time by applying the force splitting method. The numerical operation processing unit 234 supplies the analysis result to the output data processing unit 236.

  The output data processing unit 236 receives the calculation result in the numerical calculation processing unit 234, converts the calculation result in the numerical calculation processing unit 234 into display data, and supplies the display data to the display device 212. The display device 212 displays a processing result image based on the display data supplied from the output data processing unit 236. The behavior prediction of the developer particle 102 is visualized and displayed on the display device 212 so that the behavior of the developer particle 102 that is actually difficult to confirm can be visually grasped.

  Furthermore, as a characteristic part of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the representative secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1 includes a row direction processing result output processing unit 260. The row direction processing result output processing unit 260 acquires each analysis result from the output data processing unit 236 of each general secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_2 in the same row to which it belongs. Then, the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 collectively outputs each analysis result of the row including the analysis result from its own output data processing unit 236 to the information presentation unit 240 of the calculation management node.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the general secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_2 does not include the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 in the representative secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1. The output data processing unit 236 transfers each analysis result to the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the representative secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1 on the same row to which the output data processing unit 236 belongs.

[Problems with file output processing]
4A to 4A are diagrams for explaining problems of the file output process for outputting the analysis result obtained at each node in the force division method of the comparative example to which the present embodiment is not applied.

  For example, when calculating the interaction of a plurality of particles such as a long-distance force and a short-distance force, the analysis processing time is shortened by adopting a particle behavior analysis process using the force division method without using the region division method. However, in the particle behavior analysis process using such a force division method, particle information (coordinates) is communicated every step in order to calculate the short distance force, so the communication load is less than when applying region division. It becomes large and high parallelization performance cannot be obtained.

  It is not limited to the force division method that the communication load increases when the division method is applied to perform parallel processing on a plurality of computers. As a general problem in parallel processing, when a plurality of processors are used, the ratio of the data communication time for calculation in the total processing time increases according to the parallel number, and the effect of parallelization becomes saturated.

  The numerical calculation processing unit 234 of each node supplies the output data processing unit 236 with a processing result (analysis result) obtained by analyzing the particle behavior in the simulation processing by applying the force division method. The output data processing unit 236 of each node outputs the analysis result to the output data processing unit 236 of any one calculation node (here, the main particle behavior analysis device 202a) constituting the force matrix in order to output the analysis result file. Transfer the result. The output data processing unit 236 of the secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b constituting the primary particle behavior analysis device 202a collectively outputs the analysis results of the secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b including itself as a file.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, in the parallel processing by force division in the particle behavior analysis system 200 </ b> X of the comparative example, one calculation node (CPU) collectively outputs the analysis results of each particle behavior analysis device 202 and outputs a file. The computation node adds not only the computation data communication load but also the file output data communication load, resulting in a large overhead. Therefore, the computation node takes a longer time for behavior analysis processing than the other nodes. Since this influence extends to the entire particle behavior analysis system 200, the behavior analysis processing time as a whole takes a long time.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the bandwidth of the communication line (network 208) connecting the calculation nodes (particle behavior analysis device 202) in the particle behavior analysis system 200X of the comparative example is calculated data and file output data. Used by both. Since the calculation data communication band that greatly affects the calculation speed is also used for file output data communication, parallel calculation performance deteriorates. As a result, the behavior analysis processing time is long.

  In this embodiment, paying attention to the characteristics of the force matrix used in the force division method, a technique that can reduce the communication load of file output (file write processing) than before is adopted. Specifically, for each row direction in the force matrix, the analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analysis device 202 are collectively output as a file. That is, in parallel processing using a force matrix, when performing file output, communication is performed in order to collect file output data in parallel computing elements (particle behavior analysis device 202) in the same row, and file output processing is performed for each row. To do.

  Here, various system modes can be adopted depending on which node (CPU, particle behavior analysis apparatus 202) that performs the file output process for each line is assigned. In the first embodiment, the one in charge of the file output is any particle behavior analysis apparatus 202 belonging to the row constituting the force matrix. Among the nodes constituting such a force matrix, a node that collects analysis results for one line and outputs a file is particularly referred to as a representative node, and the particle behavior analysis device 202 of the representative node is represented as a representative secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_1. And The particle behavior analysis device 202 other than the representative secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_1 is referred to as a general secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_2.

[Processing Example: First Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining file output processing of the particle behavior analysis system 200A of the first embodiment.

  Here, as in FIGS. 7 to 12 of Patent Document 2, an example of processing when 32 particles are calculated in parallel by 16 processors (16 particle behavior analyzers 202: 16 CPUs) is shown. The mechanism itself for performing the particle behavior analysis using the force splitting method may be the same as that described in Patent Document 2, and the description thereof is omitted here. The same applies to the description of file output processing of other embodiments described later.

  The numerical calculation processing unit 234 of each node supplies the output data processing unit 236 with a processing result (analysis result) obtained by analyzing the particle behavior in the simulation processing by applying the force division method. The output data processing unit 236 of the general secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_2 (general node) excluding the representative secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_1 (representative node) among the secondary particle behavior analysis devices 202b of each row constituting the force matrix is analyzed. In order to output the result file, each analysis result is transferred to the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the representative secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1 on the same row.

  The row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the representative secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_1 collects the analysis result from its own output data processing unit 236 and the analysis result of each general secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_2, and A file is output to the information presentation unit 240. That is, in the file output process of the first embodiment, output data is communicated in the row direction of the force matrix, and each representative node performs file output.

  The representative node (representative subparticle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1) in each row performs output processing in the order in which the analysis results are arranged in the order of particle numbers in the output file relating to the row. That is, the file output is performed in the order in which the analysis result data is arranged in the order of the particle numbers. The representative node (representative subparticle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1) in each row sequentially outputs the analysis result of each row as a file.

  Various combinations can be adopted as a combination of the method of assigning the representative node of each row and the file output order from the representative node of each row. FIG. 5 shows a most preferable example, and the representative nodes in each row are at the same position in the column direction in the force matrix. In the illustrated example, the node # 0 is in charge of data output # 0 (data of particles # 0 to # 7) on the 0th row. Therefore, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 2 and 3 between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 1 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 0. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 2 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 0, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 4 and # 5. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 3 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 0, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 6 and # 7. As a result, the analysis results of the particles # 0 to 7 including the particles # 0 and 1 that are their own charge are collected at the node # 0.

  Node # 4 is in charge of data output # 1 (data of particles # 8 to 15) in the second row. Therefore, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 10 and 11 between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 5 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 4. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 6 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 4, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 12 and # 13. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 7 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 4, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 14 and 15. Thereby, the analysis result of particle | grains # 8-15 containing particle | grains # 8 and 9 which are its own charge is collected by node # 4.

  Node # 8 takes charge of data output # 2 (data of particles # 16 to 23) in the second row. Therefore, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 18 and 19 between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 9 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 8. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 10 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 8, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 20 and 21. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 11 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 8, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 22 and 23. As a result, the analysis results of the particles # 16 to 23 including the particles # 16 and 17 that are assigned to the node # 8 are collected at the node # 8.

  Node # 12 is in charge of data output # 2 (data of particles # 24 to 31) in the third row. Therefore, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 26 and 27 between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 13 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 12. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 14 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 12, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 28 and 29. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 15 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 12, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 30 and 31. As a result, the analysis results of the particles # 24 to 31 including the particles # 24 and 25, which are their own charge, are collected at the node # 12.

  Each row direction processing result output processing unit 260 arranges the data in the order of particle numbers in the output file each of which is in charge of the information presentation unit 240 so that the information presentation unit 240 smoothly performs information presentation based on the analysis result at each node of the row. Output files sequentially in order. Further, each row direction processing result output processing unit 260 performs output processing in an order in which the analysis results are not arranged in the order of particle numbers, for example, data output # 0 → data output # 2 → data output # 3 → data output # 1. May be performed. Each row direction processing result output processing unit 260 preferably performs data output # 0 → data output # 1 → data output # 2 so that the information presenting unit 240 smoothly presents information based on the analysis results at all nodes. → As in data output # 3, the output processing is performed in the order of the particle numbers in the column direction as well.

  Although not shown, the representative nodes in each row may be at different positions in the column direction in the force matrix. For example, node # 0 is responsible for data output # 0 (data for particles # 0-7) on the 0th row, and node # 5 is responsible for data output # 1 (data on particles # 8-15) for the first row. Node # 10 is in charge of data output # 2 (data of particles # 16 to 23) in the second row, and node # 15 is in charge of data output # 3 (data of particles # 24 to 31) in the third row. To do. Also in this case, preferably, each row direction processing result output processing unit 260 performs the output processing in the order in which the analysis results are arranged in the order of the particle numbers also in the column direction.

[Processing Example: Comparison between Comparative Example and First Embodiment]
FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a comparison between each file output process of the comparative example and the first embodiment. In the file output process of the comparative example to which the first embodiment is not applied, each calculation node performs numerical calculation by parallel processing for the Nth step (S110), and then performs data communication for file output to the node # 0 (S110). S112). Thereafter, in node # 0, the file output process is performed for all the calculation nodes including itself (S114). Thereafter, each calculation node performs numerical calculation by parallel processing for the (N + 1) -th step (S116). The same applies hereinafter.

  On the other hand, in the file output process of the first embodiment, each calculation node performs numerical calculation by parallel processing for the Nth step (S120). Thereafter, data communication for file output is performed in parallel to each representative node for each row (S122). For example, the other calculation nodes (# 1 to # 3) in the same row as the node # 0 perform data communication for file output to the node # 0 (S122_ # 0). The other calculation nodes (# 5 to # 7) in the same row as the node # 4 perform data communication for file output to the node # 4 (S122_ # 4). The other calculation nodes (# 9 to # 11) in the same row as the node # 8 perform data communication for file output to the node # 8 (S122_ # 8). Although not shown, other calculation nodes (# 13 to # 15) in the same row as node # 12 perform data communication for file output to node # 12 (S122_ # 12).

  Thereafter, in each representative node, the file output processing is performed in order for the calculation nodes in the same row including itself (S124). For example, in the node # 0, the file output process is performed for all the calculation nodes (# 0 to # 3) including itself (S124_ # 0). Thereafter, in node # 4, the file output processing is performed for all the calculation nodes (# 4 to # 7) including itself (S124_ # 4). Thereafter, in node # 8, the file output processing is performed for all the calculation nodes (# 8 to # 11) including itself (S124_ # 8). Although not shown, the node # 12 thereafter performs file output processing for all the calculation nodes (# 12 to # 15) including itself (S124_ # 12).

  Thereafter, each computation node performs numerical computation by parallel processing for the (N + 1) th step (S126). The same applies hereinafter.

  As described above, in the file output process of the first embodiment, for each row of the force matrix, any calculation node constituting the force matrix is used as a representative node, and output data is communicated in the row direction of the force matrix. The representative node performs file output in order. That is, the first embodiment is different from the comparative example in which the file output processing is centrally processed by one node in that the file output processing is distributed by a plurality of representative nodes. As a result, one node can communicate with 3 units per representative node, compared to the comparative example in which file output data from the other 15 computation nodes is received and the files are output collectively for 16 units. Communication waiting time is shortened. In addition, since file output is performed sequentially at each representative node in the order in which data is arranged in the order of particle numbers, the file output processing time performed by each node is also shortened.

  As a whole, overhead during file output is reduced, so that even if the file output interval is reduced (even under high-frequency file output conditions), the delay in behavior analysis processing is suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, since the node that performs the file output process for each row is set as any node in the row for each row direction of the force matrix, the system scale is the same as the comparative example (previous). Even if the system scale is not increased, it is possible to prevent a reduction in processing efficiency due to any one node constituting the force matrix performing the file output processing for all nodes.

<Particle Behavior Analysis System; Second Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the particle behavior analysis system. In the particle behavior analysis system 200B of the second embodiment, the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 responsible for file output for each row is not used for any of the particle behavior analysis devices 202 belonging to the row constituting the force matrix. , Which is arranged in another processor. That is, a node for performing file output processing for each line (referred to as a file output node) is provided separately from the calculation node for performing particle behavior analysis. The device in charge of this file output node is called an information output device.

  That is, the particle behavior analysis system 200B of the second embodiment includes an information output device 204 serving as a file output node in addition to the plurality of general secondary particle behavior analysis devices 202b_2 each having a particle behavior analysis function. In addition to the computation nodes that make up the force matrix, a file output node that performs only file output processing asynchronously is prepared. The calculation nodes constituting the force matrix do not perform file output processing for one line. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

<Particle Behavior Analysis Device; Second Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the particle behavior analysis apparatus 202 used in the particle behavior analysis system 200B of the second embodiment. Here, the main particle behavior analysis apparatus 202a having the function of the calculation management node is particularly shown. Since it is not necessary to provide the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 in the particle behavior analysis device 202, all are the general secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_2.

  The output data processing unit 236 of the general secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_2 transfers each analysis result to the information output apparatus 204 in charge of file output of the row to which the output data processing unit 236 of the general subparticle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_2 belongs.

<Information Output Device; Second Embodiment>
FIG. 7A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information output device 204 used in the particle behavior analysis system 200B of the second embodiment.

  Each information output device 204 in charge of file output of each row includes a row direction processing result output processing unit 260. The function of the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment.

  That is, the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 collects the analysis results from the output data processing unit 236 of each general secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_2 for the row that it is in charge of, and stores it in the information presentation unit 240 of the calculation management node. Output. That is, the file output process of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the output data is communicated in the row direction of the force matrix, but instead of each representative node, the calculation nodes constituting the force matrix A file output node different from that performs file output.

  The file output node (information output device 204) of each line performs output processing in the order in which the analysis results are arranged in the order of particle numbers in the output file relating to the line. That is, the file output is performed in the order in which the analysis result data is arranged in the order of the particle numbers. The file output node of each line sequentially outputs the analysis result of each line to a file.

[Process Example: Second Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating file output processing of the particle behavior analysis system 200B of the second embodiment.

  The numerical calculation processing unit 234 of each node supplies the output data processing unit 236 with a processing result (analysis result) obtained by analyzing the particle behavior in the simulation processing by applying the force division method. The output data processing unit 236 of the general secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_2 (general node) of each row constituting the force matrix is in the row direction of the information output device 204 in charge of the file output processing of that row in order to output the analysis result file. Each analysis result is transferred to the processing result output processing unit 260.

  In the illustrated example, node # 16 is in charge of data output # 16 (data of particles # 0 to # 7) on the 0th row. Therefore, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 0, 1 between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 0 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 16. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 1 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 16, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 2 and # 3. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 2 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 16, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 4 and # 5. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 3 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 16, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 6 and # 7. As a result, the analysis results of the particles # 0 to # 7 in the 0th row are collected at the node # 16.

  Node # 17 is in charge of data output # 17 (data of particles # 8 to 15) in the second row. Therefore, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 8 and 9 between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 4 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 17. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 5 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 4, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 10 and 11. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 6 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 17, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 12 and # 13. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 7 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 17, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 14 and 15. Thereby, the analysis results of the particles # 8 to 15 in the first row are collected in the node # 17.

  Node # 18 is in charge of data output # 18 (data of particles # 16 to 23) in the second row. Therefore, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 16 and 17 between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 8 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 18. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 9 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 18, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 18 and 19. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 10 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 18, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 20 and 21. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 11 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 18, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 22 and 23. Thereby, the analysis results of the particles # 16 to 23 in the second row are collected at the node # 18.

  Node # 19 is in charge of data output # 19 (data of particles # 24 to 31) in the third row. Therefore, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 24 and 25 between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 12 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 19. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 13 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 19, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 26 and 27. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 14 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 19, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 28 and 29. Between the output data processing unit 236 of the node # 15 and the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the node # 19, there is data communication for file output for the particles # 30 and 31. As a result, the analysis results of the particles # 24 to # 31 in the third row are collected at the node # 19.

  The row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the information output device 204 collects the analysis results of the general secondary particle behavior analysis devices 202b_2 and outputs the results to the information presenting unit 240 of the calculation management node. That is, the file output process of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the output data is communicated in the direction of the force matrix, but each row provided separately from the calculation nodes constituting the force matrix. The file output nodes (nodes # 16 to # 19) perform file output. Each computation node constituting the force matrix performs data communication for file output, but does not perform file output processing. Therefore, the influence of the file output processing overhead on the behavior analysis processing is eliminated, and the behavior analysis processing time as a whole is shortened.

  The information output devices 204 (nodes # 16 to # 19) of each row perform output processing in the order in which the analysis results are arranged in the order of particle numbers in the output file relating to the row. That is, the file output is performed in the order in which the analysis result data is arranged in the order of the particle numbers. The representative node (representative subparticle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1) in each row sequentially outputs the analysis result of each row as a file.

  In the illustrated example, each row direction processing result output processing unit 260 is configured so that the analysis results are not arranged in the order of particle numbers, for example, data output # 0 → data output # 2 → data output # 3 → data output # 1. The output process may be performed by Each row direction processing result output processing unit 260 is preferably arranged in the order in which the analysis results are arranged in the order of particle numbers in the column direction as well, such as data output # 0 → data output # 1 → data output # 2 → data output # 3. Perform output processing.

[Processing Example: Comparison between Comparative Example and Second Embodiment]
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are diagrams for explaining a comparison between the file output processes of the comparative example (first embodiment) and the second embodiment. Here, FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing the synchronous processing of the comparative example (first embodiment), and FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing the asynchronous processing of the second embodiment. The processing steps are shown in the 200th series, and the same 10th and 1st series numbers as in the first embodiment are assigned to the same processing steps as in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in the file output process of the comparative example (first embodiment) to which the second embodiment is not applied, each calculation node performs numerical calculation by parallel processing for the Nth step (S220). Each time, data communication for file output is performed in parallel to each representative node (S222_ # 0, S222_ # 4, S222_ # 8, S222_ # 12).

  Thereafter, in each representative node, file output processing is performed in order for the calculation nodes in the same row including itself (S224_ # 0, S224_ # 4, S224_ # 8, S224_ # 12). At this time, as shown in the first embodiment, the file output processing at the representative node in each row is performed in order. Numerical calculation processing cannot be performed during the file output processing period in each representative node. Therefore, after completion of the file output process in each representative node, the numerical calculation by the parallel processing is performed for the (N + 1) -th step (S226), so the file output process and the numerical calculation process by the parallel processing are synchronized.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the file output process of the second embodiment, each calculation node performs numerical calculation by parallel processing for the Nth step (S230). Thereafter, data communication for file output is performed in parallel to the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the file output node (information output device 204) of each row for each row. In the figure, file output nodes # 16 to # 19 are referred to as representative nodes # 16 to # 19.

  After that, the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of each file output node collectively performs the file output processing for each calculation node in the same row (S234). For example, in the file output node # 16, the file output processing is performed for all the calculation nodes (# 0 to # 3) (S124_ # 16). Thereafter, in the file output node # 17, the file output processing is performed for all the calculation nodes (# 4 to # 7) (S124_ # 17). Thereafter, the file output node # 18 performs file output processing for all the calculation nodes (# 8 to # 11) (S124_ # 18). Thereafter, the file output node # 19 performs file output processing for all the calculation nodes (# 12 to # 15) (S124_ # 19).

  In each calculation node, in parallel with the file output processing at the file output node, numerical calculation is performed by parallel processing for the (N + 1) -th step (S236). The same applies hereinafter.

  As described above, in the file output processing of the second embodiment, for each row of the force matrix, a file output node dedicated to the file output processing is prepared separately from each calculation node constituting the force matrix, and the direction of the force matrix row The output data is communicated with each other, and each file output node sequentially outputs the file. That is, the second embodiment is different from the comparative example in which the file output processing is centrally processed by one node in that the file output processing is distributed by a plurality of file output nodes. As a result, one node can communicate four files per file output node as compared to the comparative example in which the file output data from the other 15 calculation nodes is received and the files are output collectively for 16 nodes. Therefore, the communication waiting time is shortened. In addition, since file output is performed sequentially at each representative node in the order in which data is arranged in the order of particle numbers, the file output processing time performed by each node is also shortened.

  In addition, since a file output node dedicated to file output processing is provided separately from each calculation node constituting the force matrix, data processing and file output at each calculation node are performed after the analysis result is transferred to the file output node. File output processing at a node can be processed asynchronously. The file output node processes input / output of file data in the background of each calculation node, and each calculation node starts calculation of the next step. As a result, the influence of the overhead of the file output processing on the behavior analysis processing is reduced, and the behavior analysis processing time as a whole is shortened as compared with the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the information output device 204 provided separately from the particle behavior analysis device 202 constituting the force matrix is prepared for each row, but this is not essential. Any information output device 204 may perform file output for each line as long as the file output is performed for each line.

<Particle Behavior Analysis System; Third Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the particle behavior analysis system. In the particle behavior analysis system 200C of the third embodiment, when analyzing the behavior of particles by the force division method, a row in the force matrix is separated from the main communication line that performs information communication with each calculation node other than the row. A sub-communication line for performing information communication with each direction calculation node is provided for each row.

  That is, in the particle behavior analysis system 200C of the third embodiment, a plurality of particle behavior analysis devices 202 each having a particle behavior analysis function are connected to a network by a subnetwork 209_1 that is an example of a sub-communication line. A plurality of particle behavior analysis systems 200 configured as is further connected by a main network 209_2 which is an example of a main communication line. In terms of configuration, it is close to a grid type computing device formed by connecting virtually parallel computing devices over a network.

  The sub-network 209_1 is managed by a network management device 208_1 whose communication state has a routing function. The main network 209_2 is managed by a network management device 208_2 whose communication state has a routing function.

  In the figure, for convenience, one network line is provided from the network management device 208_2, and the main particle behavior analysis system 200a and the secondary particle behavior analysis system 200b (specifically, the network management device 208_1) are connected to the network line. Although shown in the embodiment, in reality, the network management device 208_1 of each particle behavior analysis system 200 is connected to an individual port provided in the network management device 208_2, and communication between each particle behavior analysis system 200 is performed by network management. It is made via the device 208_2.

  In the third embodiment, the communication specifications of the sub-network 209_1 and the main network 209_2 are unquestioned. For example, the communication protocol may be the same or different. Also, the communication speed may be the same or different.

  In the illustrated example, one of the particle behavior analysis systems 200 constituting the particle behavior analysis system 201 (one parallel computing device) functions as a main particle behavior analysis system 200a that controls the whole. The remaining particle behavior analysis system 200 is connected to the main particle behavior analysis system 200a through the main network 209_2 as secondary particle behavior analysis systems 200b1, 200b2,... Controlled by the main particle behavior analysis system 200a.

  The main particle behavior analysis system 200a includes a main particle behavior analysis device 202a including an instruction input device 210 and a display device 212 in the configuration of the first embodiment. On the other hand, all of the secondary particle behavior analysis systems 200b are configured by the secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b.

  As described in the first embodiment, the particle behavior analysis systems 200a, 200b1, 200b2,... Use the force division method instead of the particle division method when analyzing each interaction.

  The particle behavior analysis system 200C transmits main processing data to each other via the sub-network 209_1 and the main network 209_2, and executes the particle behavior analysis processing in parallel. Here, the computation node is assigned so that the sub-network 209_1 contributes to the file output process in the row direction in addition to the data communication in the row direction with the force matrix. The basic idea is that the calculation nodes belonging to the particle behavior analysis systems 200a, 200b1, 200b2,... Are assigned so as to be in the same position in the row direction of the force matrix.

  For example, as in FIGS. 7 to 12 of Patent Document 2, when 32 particles are calculated in parallel by 16 processors, there are four calculation nodes for one row, so two particle behavior analysis systems 200 ( 200a, 200b1, 200b2, 200b3) constitute a particle behavior analysis system 200D, and each particle behavior analysis system 200a, 200b1, 200b2, 200b3 is assigned in the row direction of the force matrix.

[Processing Example: Third Embodiment]
FIGS. 10A to 10A are diagrams illustrating file output processing of the particle behavior analysis system 200C of the third embodiment.

  The numerical calculation processing unit 234 of each node supplies the output data processing unit 236 with a processing result (analysis result) obtained by analyzing the particle behavior in the simulation processing by applying the force division method. The output data processing unit 236 of the general secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_2 (general node) excluding the representative secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_1 (representative node) among the secondary particle behavior analysis devices 202b of each row constituting the force matrix is analyzed. In order to output the result file, the sub-network 209_1 is used to perform data communication for file output to the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the representative secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1 on the same line, and each analysis result is transferred. To do.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the analysis results of the particles # 0 to 7 including the particles # 0 and 1 that are their own charge are collected at the node # 0. In node # 1, the analysis results of particles # 8 to 15 including particles # 8 and 9 that are assigned to them are collected. In node # 2, the analysis results of the particles # 16 to 23 including the particles # 16 and 17 that are their own charge are collected. In node # 3, the analysis results of the particles # 24 to 31 including the particles # 24 and 25, which are their own charge, are collected. Hereinafter, it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, each particle behavior analysis system 200 (200a, 200b1, 200b2, 200b3) does not perform file output communication across lines during file output processing. The file output data does not use the communication band of the main network 209_2 for calculation data communication, and the parallel processing is performed as usual in the behavior analysis processing. Since the calculation data communication bandwidth that greatly affects the calculation speed is not used for file output data communication, parallel calculation performance degradation and behavior analysis processing time due to file output processing are increased. Nor.

<Particle Behavior Analysis System; Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the particle behavior analysis system. The particle behavior analysis system 200D of the fourth embodiment is a modification example of the third embodiment. Specifically, each of the particle behavior analysis systems 200a, 200b1, 200b2,... Of the third embodiment has a multi-core in which a plurality of core parts (so-called CPU parts) are accommodated in one housing (semiconductor chip). The particle behavior analyzer 202 is used instead. Therefore, the portion of the sub-network 209_1 does not go outside the housing, and is effectively the internal wiring 209_3 accommodated in the same housing.

  For example, as in FIGS. 7 to 12 of Patent Document 2, when 32 particles are calculated in parallel by 16 processors, there are four calculation nodes for one row, so four CPUs in the same casing. 4 particle behavior analysis apparatuses 202 having quad core (Quad Core) CPUs containing 4 are used, and each particle behavior analysis apparatus 202 (that is, quad core CPUs # 0 to # 3) is arranged in the row direction of the force matrix. assign.

[Processing Example: Fourth Embodiment]
12A to 12A are diagrams illustrating file output processing of the particle behavior analysis system 200D of the fourth embodiment.

  The numerical calculation processing unit 234 of each node supplies the output data processing unit 236 with a processing result (analysis result) obtained by analyzing the particle behavior in the simulation processing by applying the force division method. The output data processing unit 236 of the general secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_2 (general node) excluding the representative secondary particle behavior analysis device 202b_1 (representative node) among the secondary particle behavior analysis devices 202b of each row constituting the force matrix is analyzed. In order to output the result file, data communication for file output is performed using the internal wiring 209_3 to the row direction processing result output processing unit 260 of the representative secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus 202b_1 on the same row, and each analysis result is transferred. To do.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the analysis results of the particles # 0 to # 7 including the particles # 0 and 1 that are their own charge are collected at the node # 0. In node # 1, the analysis results of particles # 8 to 15 including particles # 8 and 9 that are assigned to them are collected. In node # 2, the analysis results of the particles # 16 to 23 including the particles # 16 and 17 that are their own charge are collected. In node # 3, the analysis results of the particles # 24 to 31 including the particles # 24 and 25, which are their own charge, are collected. Hereinafter, it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, particle behavior analysis apparatuses 202a and 202b (that is, quad core CPUs # 0 to # 3) configured by multi-cores do not perform file output communication across lines during file output processing. The file output data does not use the communication band of the main network 209_2 for calculation data communication, and the parallel processing is performed as usual in the behavior analysis processing. Similar to the third embodiment, since the calculation data communication band that greatly affects the calculation speed is not used for file output data communication, parallel calculation performance degradation and behavior caused by file output processing The analysis processing time does not take long. Unlike the third embodiment, since the data communication line for file output processing is provided by the internal wiring 209_3 in the housing (semiconductor chip), it is not necessary for the user to provide the communication line. Usability is better than form. The particle behavior analysis system 200D is also compact.

<Particle behavior analyzer; computer configuration>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of each particle behavior analysis device 202 and information output device 204. This configuration uses an electronic computer such as a personal computer constructed from a microprocessor or the like that executes software, and shows a more realistic hardware configuration of the particle behavior analysis apparatus 202 that performs particle behavior analysis.

  That is, in this embodiment, the mechanism for analyzing the behavior of particles is not limited to being configured by a hardware processing circuit, but is realized by software using a computer (computer) based on a program code that realizes the function. It is also possible. Therefore, a program suitable for realizing the mechanism according to the present embodiment by software using an electronic computer (computer) or a computer-readable recording medium (storage medium) storing this program is extracted as an invention. By adopting a mechanism that is executed by software, the calculation process procedure of the particle behavior analysis can be easily changed without changing the hardware of the existing computer system.

  The above-described series of particle behavior analysis processing (including file output processing) is not limited to hardware or software alone, and can be realized by a combined configuration of both. When executing processing by software, a program showing the processing procedure is installed (installed) in a storage medium in a computer embedded in hardware and executed, or a general-purpose electronic computer capable of executing various types of processing is used. Incorporate and execute the program.

  A program for causing a computer to execute the particle behavior analysis function is distributed through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, this program may be stored in an FD (flexible disk) instead of a CD-ROM. In addition, an MO drive may be provided to store the program in the MO, or the program may be stored in another recording medium such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory card such as a flash memory. Furthermore, the program constituting the software is not limited to being provided via a recording medium, but may be provided via a wired or wireless communication network. For example, the program may be obtained by downloading from another server or the like via a network such as the Internet, or may be updated. Furthermore, the program is provided as a file describing a program code for realizing the function of performing the particle behavior analysis. In this case, the program is not limited to being provided as a batch program file, and the system hardware configured by the computer Depending on the configuration, it may be provided as an individual program module.

  For example, the computer system 900 includes a controller unit 901 and a recording / reading control unit 902 for reading and recording data from a recording medium such as a hard disk device, an FD drive, a CD-ROM drive, and a semiconductor memory controller. . In addition, the computer system 900 includes an operation unit 903 as a functional unit that forms a user interface, and an interface unit (IF unit) 909 that performs an interface function between the functional units. Note that an image forming unit that outputs the processing result to an output medium (for example, printing paper) may be provided so that the analysis processing result is printed out and presented to the user.

  The controller unit 901 includes a CPU 912, a ROM 913 that is a read-only storage unit, a RAM 915 that is an example of a volatile storage unit that can be written and read at any time, and a RAM (NVRAM) that is an example of a nonvolatile storage unit. 916).

  The operation unit 903 is for accepting an operation by an operator or for providing various types of information with a display device. As an instruction input device of the operation unit 903, for example, an operation key on the operation panel may be used, or a keyboard, a mouse, or the like may be used. As a display device of the operation unit 903, for example, an operation panel may be used, or another display unit such as a CRT or LCD may be used. In addition, by setting it as the display part which has a touchscreen on a display surface, it is good also as a structure which inputs information not only with a display but with a fingertip or a pen.

  The interface unit 909 includes, for example, a communication IF unit 999 that mediates transfer of communication data with a network in addition to a system bus 991 that is a transfer path of processing data and control data. The communication IF unit 999 performs data transmission / reception with another computer system 900 by being connected to an external network such as the Internet, LAN, and WAN. Thus, by applying a predetermined division method and executing parallel processing by cooperative processing of a plurality of computer systems 900, the analysis time is shortened. Although not shown, the interface unit 909 includes, for example, a printer IF unit that functions as an interface with an image forming unit and other printers.

  With such a configuration, the particle behavior analysis program is stored in the RAM 915 from a readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which a program for executing the particle behavior analysis method is stored in accordance with an instruction from the operator via the operation unit 903. The particle behavior analysis program is activated by an instruction or automatic processing by an operator via the operation unit 903.

  The CPU 912 controls the entire system via the system bus 991 and performs calculation processing associated with the particle behavior analysis method according to the particle behavior analysis program. The ROM 913 stores a control program for the CPU 912 and the like. The RAM 915 is configured by SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and stores program control variables, data for various processes, and the like. The RAM 915 includes an area for temporarily storing data obtained by calculation according to an application program, data obtained from the outside, and the like. The processing result is stored in a storage device such as a RAM 915 or a hard disk, and information on the processing result is output to an operation panel, a display device such as a CRT or LCD.

  Here, the control configuration of the particle behavior analysis apparatus 202 is described as a configuration example that is realized by software on a computer. However, each part (functional block) of the control configuration for realizing the particle behavior analysis of the present embodiment. The specific means (including the above) can be hardware, software, communication means, a combination thereof, and other means, and this is obvious to those skilled in the art. Moreover, the functional blocks may be combined and integrated into one functional block. Also, software that causes a computer to execute program processing is installed in a distributed manner according to the combination.

  For example, a processing circuit 908 may be provided in which not all processing of each functional part for particle behavior analysis processing is performed by software, but a part of these functional parts is performed by dedicated hardware. Although the mechanism performed by software can flexibly cope with parallel processing and continuous processing, the processing time becomes longer as the processing becomes complicated, so that a reduction in processing speed becomes a problem. On the other hand, when constructed with a hardware processing circuit, even if the process is complicated, a reduction in processing speed can be prevented, and an accelerator system capable of achieving high throughput can be constructed.

  For example, as the processing circuit 908, the data receiving unit 908a corresponding to the data receiving unit 232, the numerical operation processing unit 908b corresponding to the numerical operation processing unit 234, and the output data constituting the data processing unit 230 shown in the above embodiment. The output data processing unit 908c corresponding to the processing unit 236 may be configured by hardware. Further, the row direction processing result output processing unit 908d corresponding to the row direction processing result output processing unit 260, which is a functional unit for reducing the communication load of the file output processing, may be configured by hardware. If the main particle behavior analysis apparatus 202a that controls the whole is configured, the division processing unit 908x corresponding to the division processing unit 250 may be configured by hardware.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which such changes or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Further, the above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration from which these some constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  The mechanism of the embodiment for reducing the communication load of file output processing may be applied to, for example, a transfer process in an electrophotographic transfer device, a stirring process or a development process in the developing device 40, and a cleaning process in a cleaning device. . Moreover, you may apply similarly to the simulation of the system which handles all particle | grains (powder) irrespective of a particle | grain kind and action force. Other than the electrophotographic method, the present invention may be applied to rock fall simulation of rocks, powder flow simulation in a hopper, powder flow simulation in a pharmaceutical preparation device, and the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a particle behavior analysis system. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the main particle behavior analysis apparatus of 1st Embodiment which comprised the function of the calculation management node. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the general secondary particle behavior analysis apparatus of 1st Embodiment provided with the function of general nodes other than a representative node. It is FIG. (1) explaining the problem of the file output process in the force division method of the comparative example which does not apply this embodiment. It is FIG. (2) explaining the problem of the file output process in the force division method of the comparative example which does not apply this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the file output processing of the particle behavior analysis system of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the comparison of each file output process of a comparative example and 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of a particle behavior analysis system. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the particle behavior analysis apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the information output device of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the file output processing of the particle behavior analysis system of a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the file output process (synchronization process) of a comparative example (1st Embodiment). It is a flowchart explaining the file output process (asynchronous process) of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 3rd Embodiment of a particle behavior analysis system. It is FIG. (1) explaining the file output process of the particle behavior analysis system of 3rd Embodiment. It is FIG. (2) explaining the file output process of the particle behavior analysis system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 4th Embodiment of a particle behavior analysis system. It is FIG. (1) explaining the file output process of the particle behavior analysis system of 4th Embodiment. It is FIG. (2) explaining the file output process of the particle behavior analysis system of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example when comprising a particle behavior analysis apparatus and an information output device using an electronic computer.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 10 ... Photoconductor, 20 ... Charging apparatus, 30 ... Exposure apparatus, 40 ... Developing apparatus, 50 ... Transfer apparatus, 60 ... Cleaning apparatus, 70 ... Fixing apparatus, 102 ... Developer particle, 140 ... Development 200, particle behavior analysis system, 202 ... particle behavior analysis device, 204 ... information output device, 208 ... network (communication line), 209_1 ... subnetwork (sub communication line), 209_2 ... main network (main communication line), 209_3... Internal wiring (sub-communication line), 210. Instruction input device, 212. Display device, 220... Data input unit, 230... Data processing unit, 232. 236 ... Output data processing unit, 238 ... Data storage unit, 240 ... Information presentation unit, 250 ... Division processing unit, 260 ... Row direction processing result output processing unit 900 ... computer system

Claims (12)

A division processing unit that divides particles by a force division method using a force matrix and assigns each divided part to each particle behavior analysis device;
While performing information communication with the other particle behavior analysis devices provided in each of the particle behavior analysis devices, the divided portion allocated by the force division method and other substances acting on the particles A particle behavior calculation unit for calculating the behavior of the particles in consideration of the interaction force between,
For each row direction in the force matrix, a row direction processing result output processing unit that collectively outputs the analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analysis device;
Particle behavior analysis system with The particle behavior analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the row direction processing result output processing unit is provided in any of the particle behavior analysis devices constituting the force matrix for each row direction in the force matrix. The particle behavior analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the row direction processing result output processing unit is provided in a particle behavior analysis device of the same column in the force matrix. In addition to the main communication line that performs information communication with each particle behavior analysis device other than the row when analyzing the behavior of the particle by the force splitting method, each particle behavior analysis device in the row direction in the force matrix The particle behavior analysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a sub-communication line for performing information communication is provided. The particle behavior analysis system according to claim 4, wherein each particle behavior analysis device in the row direction in the force matrix is accommodated in the same casing, and the sub communication line is in the casing. The particle behavior analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the row direction processing result output processing unit is provided separately from each particle behavior analysis device configuring the force matrix for each row direction in the force matrix. The row direction processing result output processing unit for each row direction in the force matrix performs output processing in the order in which the analysis results are arranged in the order of particle numbers, The particle behavior analysis according to any one of claims 1 to 6. system. 8. The particle behavior analysis system according to claim 7, wherein each of the row direction processing result output processing units performs output processing in the order in which the analysis results are arranged in the order of particle numbers in the column direction. While performing information communication with other particle behavior analyzers, the behavior of the particles in consideration of the interaction force with other substances acting on the particles for the divided portion assigned by the force division method A particle behavior calculator for calculating
A particle behavior analysis device comprising: a row direction processing result output processing unit that collectively outputs the analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analysis device for each row direction in a force matrix when performing particle behavior analysis by force splitting method . A separate line that outputs the analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analysis device separately from each particle behavior analysis device that constitutes the force matrix for each row direction in the force matrix when performing particle behavior analysis by force splitting. An information output device including a direction processing result output processing unit. While performing information communication with other particle behavior analyzers, the behavior of the particles in consideration of the interaction force with other substances acting on the particles for the divided portion assigned by the force division method A particle behavior calculator for calculating
A program that causes the computer to function as a row direction processing result output processing unit that collectively outputs the analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analysis device for each row direction in the force matrix when performing particle behavior analysis by force splitting method . A program that causes a computer to function as a row direction processing result output processing unit that collectively outputs analysis results obtained by each particle behavior analysis device for each row direction in a force matrix when performing particle behavior analysis by force splitting.

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