Image Forming Apparatus Startup Using Pre-Saved System Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses take significant time to startup after being turned off and then quickly turned back on, which delays user tasks such as printing.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a non-volatile memory and hardware processor to differentiate between first and second data sets, using the second data set for startup if progress exceeds a predetermined standard during shutdown, and the first data set if progress falls short, thereby optimizing the startup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the image forming apparatus performs a complete shutdown and restart process, then the system can be properly powered off and on, but the startup time becomes excessively long when power is turned off and immediately turned back on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a snapshot of the system state during shutdown before the power is completely turned off. This snapshot is stored in advance in non-volatile memory, so when the power is immediately turned back on, the system can restore from this pre-prepared snapshot rather than performing a complete startup sequence, thereby significantly reducing startup time while maintaining system reliability.
2Productivity
If the system uses conventional shutdown and startup methods, then the system operates reliably, but the startup process takes significant time that delays user tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions during the shutdown process by capturing and storing a snapshot of the current system state in non-volatile memory before power is completely removed. This allows the system to bypass the lengthy conventional startup sequence and quickly restore to the pre-shutdown state, thereby reducing startup time and enabling faster task initiation without compromising operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a non-volatile memory and a processor. The processor obtains first data stored in the non-volatile memory at a predetermined point in time from when startup of a system starts to when the startup finishes before a shut-off command is given. The processor determines progress of predetermined processing in response to a connection command to turn on the power given during the time. When the progress exceeds a predetermined standard, the processor starts continues obtaining second data which is greater than the first data and is stored in the non-volatile memory at a point in time when the startup finishes. After the system finishes, if obtaining the second data is finished, the processor starts up the system by using the second data. Otherwise, the processor starts up the system by using the first data.