Image Forming Apparatus Power Saving Shutdown Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems, the shutdown function is hindered when the power supply to the printer unit is stopped, preventing the image forming apparatus from sending end notifications to the finisher apparatus, which in turn cannot turn off due to lack of power, leading to incomplete system shutdown.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus temporarily supplies power to pathway devices to enable end notifications to be sent to the post-processing apparatus, ensuring the finisher apparatus can receive and act on shutdown commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is stopped to the printer unit to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the image forming apparatus cannot send end notifications to the finisher apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: a first power supply for the main body controller and a second power supply for the printer controller. This segmentation allows the printer controller to remain powered even when the main body controller is in sleep mode, enabling end notification transmission without requiring the entire system to remain powered.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer controller acts as an intermediary device that receives print jobs from the main body controller and maintains communication capability with the finisher apparatus. By keeping the printer controller powered through a separate power supply, it serves as a mediator that can transmit end notifications to the finisher apparatus even when the main system is in low-power state.
2Loss of energy
If the main body controller is shut down to save power, then power saving is achieved, but the finisher apparatus cannot receive shutdown commands
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent power domains where the printer controller has its own separate power supply from the main body controller. This allows the printer controller to remain operational and maintain communication functions while the main body controller enters sleep mode, ensuring shutdown commands can still be transmitted reliably to the finisher apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer controller is kept in a ready state with power supplied in advance through the second power supply, enabling it to immediately transmit end notifications to the finisher apparatus when needed, even though the main body controller may be in sleep mode. This preliminary power supply ensures communication capability is maintained when required.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) capable of communicating with the post-processing apparatus (700). The image forming apparatus (1) includes an execution means configured to execute a shift processing for shifting the image forming apparatus (1) into a power saving state, a notification unit configured to notify the post-processing apparatus (700) of an instruction to stop supply of power to the post-processing apparatus, and a power supply control means configured to control the supply of power to the execution unit. The notification means is configured, if the supply of power to the notification means is stopped in a case where the execution means executes the shift processing, control so that power is supplied power to the notification means. The notification means supplied with power by the power control unit notifies the post-processing apparatus (700) of the instruction.