Dynamic Standby Time Control for Image Forming Apparatus Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in power management, consuming unnecessary power when idle and requiring a long time to wake up from power saving mode, which affects immediate printing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus transitions to a power saving mode based on a preset standby time after a print job, with shorter transition times if no unexecuted print jobs satisfy execution conditions, optimizing power usage and usability by distinguishing between users with previous records and new users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus transitions to power saving mode immediately after use, then power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus cannot execute printing as immediately as requested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the standby time adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the standby time period based on whether unexecuted print jobs are detected in the print queue. When print jobs are present, the standby time is extended to ensure immediate printing capability; when no print jobs are present, the standby time is shortened to maximize power savings. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and wake-up time.
2Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus maintains normal operation mode, then immediate printing is available, but unnecessary power is consumed when idle
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the standby time parameter based on print queue status. When unexecuted print jobs are detected, the apparatus maintains a longer standby period to ensure printing availability. When the print queue is empty, the standby time is reduced to minimize power consumption. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt between power saving and printing availability based on actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the print queue for unexecuted print jobs and uses this feedback information to adjust the standby time. The system checks whether print jobs are present and modifies the power saving transition timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the apparatus maintains optimal balance between power consumption and printing readiness based on real-time queue status.
3Device complexity
If a fixed standby time is used for power saving mode transition, then power management is simple, but it cannot optimize for both immediate printing and power savings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the standby time parameter based on print queue conditions. The control unit automatically extends or shortens the standby period depending on whether unexecuted print jobs are detected, eliminating the need for manual configuration while optimizing both power efficiency and printing responsiveness. This dynamic approach improves productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a normal mode and a power saving mode in which power consumption is less than that in the normal mode and includes a processor. The processor is configured to acquire information about unexecuted print jobs via a communication interface or the like. The processor transitions the apparatus to the power saving mode after a preset standby time elapses after a completion of a print job by the apparatus if an unexecuted print job satisfies predetermined conditions that indicate that the unexecuted print job can be executed on the apparatus. The processor transitions the apparatus to the power saving mode sooner than the elapse of the preset standby time after the completion of the print job if none of the unexecuted print jobs satisfies the predetermined conditions.