Image Forming Apparatus Power Saving Control for Manual Stapling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with finishers often experience interruptions in the manual stapling function due to automatic power saving states, such as sleep or shut-down modes, which are inconvenient for users and disrupt the operation of the finisher.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed to prevent entering power saving states when the finisher is in use, ensuring continuous operation by inhibiting the power saving function during manual stapling and maintaining power to essential components, allowing the finisher to function without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the automatic sleep timer or automatic shut-down timer is enabled, then power consumption is reduced when the image forming apparatus is not in use, but the manual stapling function is interrupted when the apparatus enters power saving state during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines in advance whether the finisher is in manual stapling mode before allowing the apparatus to enter power saving state. By checking the operation state beforehand and preventing power saving transition when manual stapling is detected, the system avoids interrupting the stapling function while still enabling power saving during idle periods.
2Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus enters power saving state, then energy consumption is reduced, but the finisher operation is interrupted and user convenience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary check of the finisher's operation state before transitioning to power saving mode. When manual stapling mode is detected, the apparatus prevents entry into power saving state, thereby maintaining finisher usability without significant impact on overall energy consumption during active operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is capable of operating in a first power state and operating in a second power state in which less power is consumed than in the first power state, the apparatus comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet, acceptance means for accepting a user operation, power control means for shifting a power state of the apparatus from the first power state to the second power state after an elapse of a predetermined time from an acceptance of the user operation by the acceptance means, detection means for detecting that a sheet set by a user is placed at a predetermined position, and binding means for binding the sheet being placed at the predetermined position, wherein the apparatus is configured to not shift to the second power state even if the predetermined time elapses from the acceptance of the user operation by the acceptance means while the sheet is being detected, by the detection means, to be placed at the predetermined position in the first power mode.