Networked Device Power State Scaling via Usage Trend Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networked data devices, such as multifunction peripherals, face inefficiencies in power management due to varying usage levels and energy consumption needs, leading to wasted user time and energy wastage, as devices often enter sleep mode without optimizing power states based on actual usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a processor, memory, and network interface to monitor and analyze power consumption trends of networked devices, recommending optimal power consumption level states to minimize energy wastage by selectively placing devices in various wait states based on usage data and error information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a device enters sleep mode to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but device readiness and user time are worsened due to warm-up delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption states based on learned usage patterns rather than using fixed sleep modes. The MFP transitions between different operational states (sleep, warm, ready) based on predicted user needs, optimizing the balance between energy savings and readiness time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from monitored usage patterns to continuously improve predictions of when the device will be needed. This feedback loop allows the MFP to anticipate user requirements and adjust its power state accordingly, reducing both energy waste and unnecessary warm-up times.
2Loss of time
If a device remains always on to ensure immediate printing capability, then device readiness is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous heating of components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by warming up the device in advance based on predicted usage patterns. Instead of continuously heating components, the MFP selectively activates heating functions before they are actually needed, based on learned user behavior patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power states, heating levels) based on analyzed usage data. Rather than maintaining fixed parameters, the MFP adjusts its operational characteristics dynamically according to predicted demand, optimizing the trade-off between readiness and energy consumption.
3Loss of energy
If sleep mode is used for power savings, then energy consumption is reduced, but printing speed is worsened due to warm-up time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between sleep mode and warm mode based on predicted printing speed requirements. By analyzing usage patterns, the system determines whether the user is likely to need fast printing immediately or can tolerate a brief warm-up period, thus optimizing both energy consumption and printing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary warming actions when high printing speed is predicted to be needed. This allows the device to be ready at optimal speed when the user actually needs it, rather than maintaining high speed continuously or always starting from cold state.
4Speed
If the toner fuser roller is maintained at sufficient temperature continuously, then printing speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous heating, the system uses periodic or on-demand heating based on predicted usage patterns. The toner fuser roller is heated selectively before anticipated printing tasks rather than maintaining constant temperature, reducing energy consumption while ensuring readiness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on predicted printing requirements. Rather than maintaining a fixed high temperature, the MFP adjusts the fuser roller temperature according to learned usage patterns, optimizing the balance between printing speed and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for networked device power management includes a processor, memory and a network interface to communicate with a one or more networked data devices. Each networked data device includes one or more of selectable power consumption level states. Data corresponding to power consumption of each networked data device is captured and analyzed to determine power usage trends for each of the devices. The processor then generates a device power consumption level state recommendation for each of the networked data devices in accordance with the power usage trends.