Dynamic Power State Management for Print Data Access

Solution Overview

Problem

In printing systems without a dedicated print server, there is a delay in accessing print data from the main apparatus to the sub apparatus due to power-saving states, leading to potential communication timeouts and interrupted printing processes.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus includes a control unit that manages multiple power states, transitioning from a quick response available state to a response available state if an external apparatus is not capable of communication, ensuring reliable and rapid access to print data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If the main apparatus is set to a power saving state to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but access to print data becomes delayed and communication timeouts may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidaccess reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power state management where the main apparatus automatically transitions between power saving state and quick response available state based on real-time communication status. When a sub apparatus is detected to be in a shutdown state, the main apparatus dynamically switches from power saving mode to quick response mode to enable immediate data access, thereby resolving the contradiction between power consumption and access reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the power states of sub apparatuses and adjusting the main apparatus's power state accordingly. The control unit receives status information from sub apparatuses and uses this feedback to determine whether to maintain power saving state or switch to quick response available state, ensuring reliable print data access when needed while minimizing power consumption when not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the main apparatus remains in a quick response available state to ensure rapid access to print data, then access speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power state management where the main apparatus automatically transitions between power saving state and quick response available state based on real-time communication status. When a sub apparatus is detected to be in a shutdown state, the main apparatus dynamically switches from power saving mode to quick response mode to enable immediate data access, thereby resolving the contradiction between power consumption and access reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power state parameter of the main apparatus based on the operational status of sub apparatuses. When sub apparatuses are active, the main apparatus operates in power saving state with lower power consumption. When sub apparatuses enter shutdown state, the main apparatus changes its power state parameter to quick response available state to ensure rapid data access, thus optimizing the balance between speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by stationary object

If the main apparatus autonomously transitions to power saving state based on predetermined conditions, then power saving performance is improved, but communication reliability with sub apparatuses deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower saving performanceVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the power states of sub apparatuses and adjusting the main apparatus's power state accordingly. The control unit receives status information from sub apparatuses and uses this feedback to determine whether to maintain power saving state or switch to quick response available state, ensuring reliable print data access when needed while minimizing power consumption when not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The main apparatus performs preliminary actions by proactively switching to quick response available state before a sub apparatus attempts to access print data. When the control unit detects that a sub apparatus is in a shutdown state, it pre-emptively transitions the main apparatus from power saving state to quick response mode, ensuring that the communication channel is ready and avoiding communication timeouts or access failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10521163B2Image forming apparatus, state controlling method for the apparatus, and image forming system

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 SHARP KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a communication device that receives print data from an external information device; a storage device that stores the print data; an image forming unit that prints out the print data; and a control unit that performs control so as to select any of multiple power states at least including a quick response available state and a response available state. The control unit transmits the print data to an external image forming apparatus in response to a request from the external image forming apparatus, determines whether at least one external certain image forming apparatus is capable of communication if a power-off request is submitted in the quick response available state, and makes the transition to the response available state if the external certain image forming apparatus is not capable of communication.