Controller Sleep Transition via Preliminary Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for acquiring part counter data in image forming apparatuses are limited, leading to potential failures in data acquisition when transitioning to a sleep state, especially when power supply is stopped to both printer and scanner controllers, resulting in prolonged transition times.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus with a control unit that determines communication feasibility with function units and acquires part counter data only when communication is possible, allowing for timely transition to a sleep state without activating power supply to engine controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main controller acquires part counter data from the scanner controller at timing of transition to sleep state, then the data can be notified to service engineer, but the transition to sleep state takes a long time when the scanner controller is still in sleep state
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner controller performs preliminary action by storing part counter data in a predetermined storage area before power supply is stopped. This allows the main controller to acquire the data immediately upon transition to sleep state without waiting for the scanner controller to be activated, thus resolving the contradiction between data acquisition reliability and transition time.
2Reliability
If the main controller repeatedly tries to acquire part counter data when the scanner controller is in sleep state, then data acquisition reliability is maintained, but the transition to sleep state is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner controller performs preliminary action by storing part counter data in a predetermined storage area before power supply is stopped. This eliminates the need for repeated acquisition attempts by the main controller, thus resolving the contradiction between data acquisition reliability and transition speed to sleep state.
3Loss of energy
If the scanner controller and scanner engine remain in sleep state during print job, then power consumption is reduced, but the main controller cannot acquire scanner part counter data
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner controller performs preliminary action by storing part counter data in a predetermined storage area before power supply is stopped. This allows the data to be preserved and made available to the main controller even when the scanner controller and engine remain in sleep state, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption reduction and data availability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided that can promptly make a transition to a sleep state without acquiring data of a part counter from an engine controller, power supply to which is stopped. The image forming apparatus includes a printer unit, and a controller unit that acquires, from the printer unit, data of a parts counter of at least one of a plurality of parts of the printer unit. The controller unit determines whether communication with the printer unit is performable when a sleep transition factor is received that transitions the image forming apparatus to the sleep state. Further, when the controller unit determines that communication with the printer unit is performable, the controller unit acquires the data of the part counter of the at least one of the parts of the printer unit.