Image Forming Apparatus Power Control via User Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses lack user control over operation units in standby mode, leading to inefficient power consumption as users cannot adjust which units are turned on or off, causing inconvenience for frequent users and unnecessary energy savings for infrequent users.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that allow users to control the on/off states of operation units based on power consumption, enabling a power save mode where only necessary units are active, with automatic switching based on usage patterns and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the manufacturer determines which operation units are turned on/off in standby mode, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot adjust settings according to their needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of operation units by introducing user-specific profiles. Different users can have different settings for which operation units remain on during standby mode. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple manufacturing (single hardware design) while providing customized control flexibility to each user through software-based profile management.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to serve both manufacturing simplicity and user flexibility. It can operate in a default manufacturer-configured mode for ease of manufacture, while simultaneously providing user-configurable modes where users can select which operation units to keep on during standby, thus achieving universality across different user needs.
2Ease of operation
If operation units are kept on during standby mode, then the ease of operation is improved for frequent users, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of operation units based on user profiles and usage patterns. Instead of a fixed standby mode, the system dynamically adjusts which operation units remain on according to the logged-in user's preferences and historical usage behavior. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between convenience and energy consumption on a per-user, per-session basis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which operation units are active) based on user profiles and usage patterns. Different users have different parameter settings for standby mode, and the system automatically adjusts these parameters based on learned usage patterns, thereby optimizing the balance between ease of operation and energy consumption for each user scenario.
3Use of energy by moving object
If operation units are turned off during standby mode, then the use of energy is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to wake-up time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by keeping frequently used operation units in a ready state based on user profiles and usage patterns. Before a user needs an operation unit, the system has already pre-positioned it in an active or quickly-activatable state, thereby eliminating wake-up delays when needed while maintaining energy savings during periods of non-use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of usage patterns and automatically adjusts the standby configuration periodically. By analyzing usage data over time and periodically updating which operation units should remain on, the system optimizes the balance between energy savings and response time, ensuring that frequently used units are ready when needed while minimizing overall power consumption.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A method of controlling power consumption of an image forming apparatus includes outputting (S420) information regarding power consumption of a plurality of operation units if a power consumption check mode is set (S415), performing (S430) power save operation in which at least one operation unit from among the plurality of operation units is turned on and the remaining operation units are turned off if a power save mode is set. Accordingly, based on power consumption of each of the operation units, on/off of the many operation units may be controlled in the power save mode as set (S410) by the user.