Image Forming Apparatus Power Control for Quieter Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses waste power and generate noise during preparation operations when transitioning from a power saving state without determining the need for specific functions, and users have to wait for devices to stabilize before use.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a power supply control unit that selectively powers only necessary components based on detected return factors, such as user input or sensor detections, reducing unnecessary power consumption and noise by ensuring devices are ready for use only when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power is supplied to the printer unit and scanner unit upon detecting a return factor, then the devices can be used immediately, but unnecessary power is consumed and noise is generated when the functions are not actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent supplies power to the printer unit and scanner unit in advance when a return factor is detected, before it is determined whether the functions will actually be used. This preliminary power supply ensures that when the user subsequently selects a function, the devices are already powered and ready for immediate use, eliminating the need to wait for power stabilization and preparation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply strategy where the power supply state is adjusted based on the detection of return factors. The system transitions from a power-saving state to a powered state upon detecting user presence or input, and then further adjusts which specific devices receive power based on the subsequently determined function selection. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both readiness and energy efficiency.
2Loss of time
If power is supplied to the printer unit and scanner unit before determining function usage, then device readiness is improved, but preparation operations consume useless power and generate noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the power supply action in advance when a return factor is detected, but delays the preparation operations (such as motor driving and system reset) until after the function selection is determined. This timing optimization ensures that power is available immediately when needed, while avoiding unnecessary preparation operations that would consume power and generate noise if the functions turn out not to be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls not only when power is supplied but also when preparation operations are executed. Based on the function determination result, the controller activates preparation operations only for the selected device, minimizing both time loss and harmful factors like noise and unnecessary power consumption during preparation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power is supplied to all devices upon detecting a return factor, then all functions are immediately available, but power is wasted on devices that will not be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent supplies power to both the printer unit and scanner unit in advance when a return factor is detected, ensuring that both functions are immediately available if needed. This preliminary power supply maintains adaptability and versatility while the system waits for function determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on the determined function. After the user selects either print or scan function, the controller deactivates power to the unselected device, ensuring that power is consumed only by the actually used function. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining versatility and reducing power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (10) includes a motor configured to rotate a photosensitive drum (1323) of the image forming apparatus; a human sensor (310) capable of sensing a human without contacting the human; a display control means (305) for displaying a screen including at least an instruction portion for selecting a copy function and an instruction portion for selecting a facsimile function on a display on a basis of a sensing result of the human sensor, without driving the motor on the basis of the sensing result of the human sensor; and a control means (301) for driving the motor on a basis of an operation on the instruction portion for selecting the copy function displayed on the screen, and after the operation on the instruction portion for selecting the copy function, executing copying on a basis of an operation on a copy execution instruction portion for executing the copy function.