Image-Forming Apparatus Module-Level Power Measurement by Time Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately estimating power consumption due to variations among different modules, leading to low estimation accuracy and increased CO2 emissions, as they lack a method to efficiently and accurately measure power consumption for each module.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is divided into function modules, with a controller accumulating power consumption values for each module along a time axis, allowing for precise calculation of accumulated power consumption amounts without the need for multiple power meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power consumption is estimated based on data amount of print data and monochrome/color print settings, then the estimation process is simple, but the estimation accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is divided into multiple function modules (fixing module, image forming module, etc.), and power consumption is measured separately for each module. This segmentation allows accurate measurement of power consumption for each component while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
A current detection circuit serves as an intermediary component that measures current values for each function module. This intermediary device enables accurate power consumption measurement without requiring complex direct measurement systems, as it converts electrical current into measurable data that can be processed by the control unit.
2Measurement precision
If multiple power meters are used to measure power consumption of each module, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single current detection circuit acts as an intermediary that interfaces with multiple function modules through switching mechanisms. This intermediary approach enables one measurement device to effectively measure power consumption across multiple modules by controlling current flow paths, thereby reducing the need for multiple separate power meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The current detection circuit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple measurement purposes. By incorporating switching elements that can direct current flow through different function modules, a single measurement device performs the work of multiple dedicated meters, achieving both accuracy and simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises plurality of function modules including a first function module configured to fix a toner image to a sheet a second function module used for forming the toner image on the sheet. The apparatus acquires a power consumption value of the first function module and a power consumption value of the second function module, respectively, acquires an accumulated power consumption amount of the first function module by accumulating power consumption values of the first function module in a time axis direction, and acquires an accumulated power consumption amount of the second function module by accumulating power consumption values of the second function module in the time axis direction.