Image Forming Apparatus Power Control for Packet Type Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face delays and excess power consumption when recovering from a sleep state due to inadequate power control, as they cannot determine if received network packets require printing operations or mere inquiries, leading to unnecessary device activation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is configured with a power control unit that differentiates between packet types, supplying power only to necessary devices based on packet analysis, using a first power supply for control units and a second for image forming units, optimizing power states for efficient recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power is supplied to every device at the time of recovery from the sleep state, then the image forming apparatus can handle any type of packet (job packet or inquiry packet), but this causes excess power consumption when the received packet is merely an inquiry
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supply units, each controlling power to specific devices. The power control unit selectively activates only the necessary power supply units based on packet type analysis, avoiding full system activation for simple inquiries while maintaining full capability for job packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control unit analyzes the received packet type before activating power to various devices. By determining whether the packet is a job packet or inquiry packet in advance, the system prepares the appropriate power state proactively, preventing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring readiness for required operations.
2Loss of energy
If power is supplied only to some devices in the sleep state recovery, then power consumption is reduced, but this causes delay in printing operation when a job packet requires all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The power control unit performs preliminary analysis of the received packet to determine its type before activating power supplies. This preliminary action ensures that the correct set of devices is activated in advance, avoiding delays caused by sequential power activation while maintaining energy efficiency by not activating unnecessary devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply configuration is made dynamic and adaptive based on the packet type. The system transitions from a static all-or-nothing power activation approach to a dynamic selective activation approach, where the power state of each device is adjusted according to the specific requirements identified in the received packet.
3Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus cannot determine the packet type, then power control is simplified, but this leads to unnecessary power supply to all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The power control functionality is segmented into a dedicated power control unit that operates independently from the main control unit. This segmentation allows the power control unit to focus specifically on packet analysis and power supply decisions, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling intelligent power management based on packet type.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control unit acts as an intermediary between the network interface and the various devices in the image forming apparatus. It receives packets, analyzes their types, and mediates power supply to appropriate devices, thereby preventing unnecessary full-system activation while ensuring proper devices are powered for the specific task at hand.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first power state of an image forming apparatus in which a first power supply unit supplies power to a network I/F but does not supply power to a central processing unit (CPU), if a received packet is a first type packet, a power supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to a second power state in which the first power supply unit supplies power to the CPU but the second power supply unit does not supply power to the image forming unit. If the received packet is a second type packet, the power supply control unit shifts the image forming apparatus to a third power state in which the first power supply unit supplies power to the CPU and the second power supply unit supplies power to the image forming unit.