Image Forming Apparatus Deep Sleep Mode Read Disturb Error Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face low power saving due to frequent switching between sleep and normal status modes, and are prone to read disturb errors in non-volatile memory when frequently initializing the processor.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a system control unit that switches between normal and deep sleep status modes, processing data only in deep sleep mode if it is processable, and transitioning to normal mode if not, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption and minimizing read disturb errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus frequently switches between sleep status mode and normal status mode, then power saving is improved, but read disturb errors occur in the controller program stored in non-volatile memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a determination before entering deep sleep status mode to check whether the processor can be turned off. This preliminary check prevents premature mode switching that would cause read disturb errors, while still enabling power saving when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the reception speed of data and using this information to determine whether to switch to deep sleep status mode. The system adjusts its operation based on real-time feedback about data reception conditions, preventing mode switching when it would cause read disturb errors.
2Productivity
If the processor is initialized every time data is received in sleep status mode, then data processing capability is maintained, but power saving is reduced due to frequent mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring the reception speed of data and using this parameter to determine whether to switch to deep sleep status mode. When reception speed is below a threshold, the system remains in normal mode to maintain processing capability. When reception speed exceeds the threshold, it switches to deep sleep mode to save power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the operational state flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts between normal and deep sleep modes based on real-time conditions (data reception speed), allowing it to optimize between power saving and processing capability as needed.
3Productivity
If the main system is started upon receiving data in sleep status mode, then data processing can proceed, but processing speed is reduced due to the time required for system initialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining in advance whether the processor can be turned off before entering deep sleep mode. This preliminary determination prevents unnecessary system restarts, allowing the system to remain in a low-power state without compromising future processing speed when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a communication interface receiving data; a buffer storing the data; a main system processing the stored data; a subsystem controlled by the main system to perform a function of the image forming apparatus; a system control unit; and a data processing unit. The system control unit switches an operation status mode of the image forming apparatus between a normal status mode and a deep sleep status mode. When the image forming apparatus is in the deep sleep status mode, the data processing unit processes the data received from the buffer if the data is determined to be processable by the data processing unit and causes the system control unit to switch the operation status mode from the deep sleep status mode to the normal status mode if the received data is determined not to be processable by the data processing unit.