Ethernet USB Powered Printer Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Power over Ethernet (PoE) standards, such as IEEE 802.3af, do not provide sufficient power for high-speed printing and data-intensive operations, and conventional AC electrical connections are prone to outages, leading to interruptions and data loss in printer operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of interface-powered printing devices that utilize Ethernet or USB connections for primary and backup power, incorporating energy storage units and power converters to supply the necessary power for high-speed printing and to maintain data and configuration settings during outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Power over Ethernet (PoE) is used to supply power to the printer, then the need for additional AC electrical outlets is eliminated and installation cost is reduced, but the power delivery capability (12.95 watts maximum) is insufficient for high-speed printing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Ethernet power delivery with USB power delivery to create a hybrid power system. The Ethernet connection provides primary power for basic operations while the USB connection provides supplemental power for high-power printing operations, merging two power sources to achieve both ease of installation and sufficient power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer device is designed to accept power from multiple interfaces (Ethernet and USB), making the power supply system universal. This multi-functionality allows the same device to operate with different power sources depending on the requirements, eliminating the need for dedicated AC outlets while providing sufficient power for all printing operations.
2Power
If conventional AC electrical connections are used to supply power to the printer, then sufficient power is available for high-speed printing, but power outages occur routinely causing interruptions and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Ethernet and USB connections as intermediary power sources between the AC electrical grid and the printer. These intermediary connections provide alternative power paths that are more reliable than direct AC connections, as they can be maintained through network infrastructure that is less susceptible to outages and can provide power even when AC power is interrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameters by transitioning from AC electrical power to DC power through Ethernet and USB interfaces. This parameter change enables the printer to draw power from networked devices and servers that maintain stable power delivery, improving reliability while maintaining sufficient power levels for high-speed printing operations.
3Power
If AC electrical power is used for printer operations, then high-power printing is supported, but data and configuration settings are lost during power outages requiring resetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the printer continuously monitors power availability through Ethernet and USB connections. When power outages are detected, the system activates backup power sources or enters power-saving modes that preserve critical data and configuration settings, preventing information loss while maintaining the ability to perform high-power printing operations when AC power is restored.
4Reliability
If USB power connection is used, then AC electrical connection is eliminated avoiding outages, but the power delivery (2.5 watts maximum) is insufficient for typical printer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges USB power delivery with Ethernet power delivery, where Ethernet provides the primary power source for high-power operations and USB provides supplemental power for additional operations. This combination achieves both reliability (through networked power delivery) and sufficient power capability (through aggregated power sources) to support all printer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB) powered printing devices are provided. In particular, Ethernet and USB powered printers and methods of Ethernet powering of printers that support high speed printing and/or data intensive printing. Such high-speed and/or data intensive printing operations are able to be Ethernet or USB powered by providing for a power storage unit within the printer device that is able be charged during non-printing periods and provide for necessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. In addition, the present invention provides for devices and methods that allow for printers to operate with main power provided by conventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to be supplied by Ethernet or USB power. Additionally, the invention provides for Ethernet or USB powering, both primary and back-up, of the data and configuration settings in the printer control and image generating electronics. In the back-up power mode, the Ethernet or USB power insures that data and configurations are not lost during periods of main power outage. The invention also provides a printer and method that can optimize a printing operation, e.g., by adjusting the speed of the printing operation according to the power required for the operation and/or the power available.