Image Forming Apparatus Power Control via Memory Copy and Frequency Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly in standby mode, as they continue to consume power even when not actively performing tasks, which is becoming a regulatory concern due to increasing demands for energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus operates using volatile memory in normal mode and switches to power-saving modes by stages based on external signal input, duplicating information from volatile memory to internal memory, and adjusting operating frequencies to minimize power usage, with multiple power-saving modes allowing for progressive reduction in power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the image forming apparatus operates in normal mode using volatile memory, then processing speed and performance are maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically switches between normal mode and multiple power saving modes based on external signal input status. The control part adjusts operating frequency and memory usage patterns in real-time, transitioning from high-performance volatile memory operations to low-power internal memory operations when no external signals are received within predetermined time periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different operating frequencies and memory configurations. In power saving modes, the apparatus operates at reduced frequencies and uses internal memory instead of volatile memory, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to return to high-performance mode when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If the apparatus switches to power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but system responsiveness and performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into multiple distinct power saving modes (first, second, and third power saving modes) with progressively lower power consumption. This segmentation allows the apparatus to select the appropriate level of power reduction based on external signal activity, rather than forcing a single power saving state that would always compromise performance
Solution Approach 2:
The control part monitors external signal input status in advance and switches to power saving modes before significant performance degradation occurs. By detecting periods of no external signal activity and proactively transitioning to lower-power modes, the system reduces power consumption while maintaining responsiveness during active operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power saving modes are implemented with progressive frequency reduction, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control part continuously monitors external signal input status and uses this feedback to determine appropriate power saving mode transitions. The predetermined time period measurements provide feedback loops that automatically trigger frequency reduction and mode switching, reducing the need for complex manual control logic while achieving progressive power savings
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a volatile memory and an SoC part. The SoC part includes an internal memory, a CPU for accessing the volatile memory in the normal mode; an interface part for receiving a external signal, and a control part for, when the interface part has no input during a first preset time, copying information stored to the volatile memory to the internal memory and converting to a first power saving mode to lower an operating frequency of the volatile memory and an operating frequency of the CPU, and when a normal mode switch signal is not input during a second preset time in the first power saving mode, controlling the CPU to access the information copied to the internal memory and converting to a second power saving mode to change the volatile memory to a self-refresh mode.