Image Forming Apparatus Power Saving Mode Transition Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses face increased power consumption due to frequent transitions from power saving mode to normal mode and back when handling high-frequency print jobs, leading to inefficient energy usage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a signal delay unit that postpones the input of interrupt signals to the processor when in power saving mode, allowing batch printing processing to complete before switching back to normal mode, and adjusting delay times based on print job frequency and data amount to minimize unnecessary mode transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the image forming apparatus switches to normal mode immediately upon receiving a print job interrupt signal while in power saving mode, then the print job can be executed promptly, but the number of mode transitions increases leading to higher power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint job execution responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the fixing device and other printing components while in power saving mode, upon receiving an interrupt signal indicating a print job is coming. This preliminary preparation reduces the actual printing time when the job arrives, allowing the apparatus to remain in power saving mode longer and reduce mode transitions, while still maintaining quick execution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the image forming apparatus remains in power saving mode for extended periods to reduce power consumption, then energy usage is optimized, but the response time for executing incoming print jobs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprint job execution delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the fixing device and other printing components while in power saving mode, upon receiving an interrupt signal indicating a print job is coming. This preliminary preparation reduces the actual printing time when the job arrives, allowing the apparatus to remain in power saving mode longer and reduce mode transitions, while still maintaining quick execution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the image forming apparatus frequently transitions between power saving mode and normal mode to handle high-frequency print jobs, then print job execution is maintained, but the frequency of transitions increases causing inefficient energy usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint job handling capabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the fixing device and other printing components while in power saving mode, upon receiving an interrupt signal indicating a print job is coming. This preliminary preparation reduces the actual printing time when the job arrives, allowing the apparatus to remain in power saving mode longer and reduce mode transitions, while still maintaining quick execution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the fixing device and other components in a partially prepared state during power saving mode through preliminary heating. This allows the system to quickly transition to full operational capability without complete cold starts, reducing the frequency and energy cost of mode transitions while maintaining continuous print job handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11429322B2Image forming apparatus capable of reducing the number of times of returns from power saving mode

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming device is provided with a signal output unit which outputs an interrupt signal when storage of a print job input from the outside in a memory is completed, a processor which switches the operation mode to a normal mode when an operation mode of the own device is a power saving mode when an interrupt signal output from the signal output unit is input, executes each of the print jobs stored in the memory, and switches the operation mode to the power saving mode after the completion of printing, and a signal delay unit which can delay the input of the interrupt signal output from the signal output unit to the processor when the operation mode is the power saving mode.