Conditional Communication for Image Forming Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses fail to enter a power saving state due to periodic communications with image processing controllers and often return from this state prematurely, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a first information processing apparatus that can shift into a lower power state and a second information processing apparatus that periodically acquires information from the first apparatus, stopping such acquisition if conditions for the lower power state are met, and transmits information to facilitate the power state change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image processing controller periodically acquires information from the image forming apparatus, then the user can monitor the apparatus status, but the apparatus cannot enter or maintain the power saving state
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements conditional periodic communication where the image processing controller acquires information from the image forming apparatus only at specific intervals when certain conditions are met, rather than continuously or at fixed periodic intervals. This allows status monitoring while enabling the apparatus to enter power saving states during periods when no acquisition is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication frequency between the image processing controller and image forming apparatus is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the periodic acquisition timing based on the operational state and power state of the apparatus, allowing flexible adaptation between active monitoring and power saving modes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the image forming apparatus enters the power saving state, then power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus returns from the power saving state due to periodic communications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions to coordinate power state transitions with communication timing. Before the image forming apparatus enters the power saving state, the system pre-arranges the next information acquisition timing, ensuring that communications are scheduled appropriately to maintain power saving states while still enabling status monitoring when necessary.
3Loss of information
If the image processing controller continuously monitors the image forming apparatus, then real-time status information is available, but the apparatus cannot maintain power saving state
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial monitoring by acquiring information at selective intervals rather than continuously. The image processing controller obtains sufficient status information to monitor apparatus state while allowing longer periods between acquisitions, enabling the image forming apparatus to maintain power saving states for extended durations.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system includes a first information processing apparatus, and a second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus periodically acquires information from the first information processing apparatus, and stops periodically acquiring information if there is a factor for shifting a power state of the first information processing apparatus into a power saving state. The second information processing apparatus transmits information to the first information processing apparatus in a case where periodically acquiring information from the first information processing apparatus is stopped. The first information processing apparatus shifts into the second power state if the information is received.