Image Forming Apparatus Power Management During Outage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with server functions face reduced operational time during power outages due to high power consumption, as they need to limit functions to conserve energy, leading to unclear communication to users about usable and non-usable functions during a power outage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a power storage apparatus and a display controller that specifies which functions to run or stop during a power outage, displaying a screen that indicates which functions are usable and non-usable, allowing users to understand the available functions during a power outage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power is supplied to all functions (image forming functions and server functions) during a power outage using the power storage apparatus, then all functions remain operational, but the operational time period is significantly reduced due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functions of the image forming apparatus into two categories: stoppage target functions (which consume significant power) and running target functions (which are essential and consume less power). During a power outage, the system selectively stops the stoppage target functions while maintaining the running target functions, thereby extending the operational time period within the limited power storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by not maintaining all functions during a power outage, but only the essential running target functions. This partial operation mode allows the system to extend its operational duration by consuming only the necessary amount of power required for critical functions, rather than maintaining full functionality.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the system limits functions to only running target functions during a power outage to extend operational time, then power consumption is reduced and operational time is extended, but users cannot clearly recognize which functions are usable and which are unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing a display that shows operation screens indicating the status of different functions. The display controller presents information about which functions are stoppage target functions and which are running target functions, giving users real-time feedback about the current operational state and enabling them to understand which functions are available and which are restricted during a power outage.
3Device complexity
If the display shows only a general power outage state, then the display is simple, but users do not receive sufficient information about which specific functions are available or restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation screen into multiple sections that separately display information about stoppage target functions and running target functions. This segmented display approach provides comprehensive function status information without creating a single complex interface, allowing users to clearly understand which functions are affected by the power outage.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a function providing unit, a display, a power storage apparatus, a holding unit, and a display controller. The function providing unit provides multiple functions including an image forming function and one or more server functions. The display displays a first operation screen for operating the multiple functions. The power storage apparatus performs power supply to the image forming apparatus when power supply from an external power supply is absent. The holding unit holds setting information in which a stoppage target function and a running target function among the multiple functions are specified. The stoppage target function and the running target function are respectively stopped and run during the power supply from the power storage apparatus. The display controller performs control during the power supply from the power storage apparatus. The control is performed to display, on the display, a second operation screen indicating that the stoppage target function is unusable and the running target function is usable.