Image Forming System Power Mode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming systems with external server type DFEs experience unnecessary power consumption due to the image forming apparatus returning to a normal power mode when a user interacts with the device, even if the DFE is not in use, leading to increased overall power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The image forming system is designed to maintain the DFE in a power saving mode unless specific conditions are met, such as user interaction or detection of a print job, allowing the image forming apparatus to transition from a power saving mode to a normal mode only when necessary, while keeping the DFE in a power saving mode even when the user is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus returns to normal power mode when a user touches the operation unit, then the user can operate the device, but the external server type DFE also returns to normal power mode causing unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power mode control of the image forming apparatus and the DFE into independent controllable units. The image forming apparatus can transition to normal power mode for user operation while the DFE remains in power saving mode, allowing independent control of each component's power state to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power mode management where the power states of the image forming apparatus and DFE are decoupled. The image forming apparatus can dynamically switch to normal mode when a user approaches (detected by human detection unit), while the DFE maintains its power saving state unless specifically triggered by print job data transmission, enabling flexible and adaptive power management.
2Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus and DFE both transition to normal power mode together, then the system is simple to control, but power consumption increases when the DFE is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent power management modules for the image forming apparatus and the DFE. This allows each component to be controlled independently based on its actual operational needs, reducing energy waste while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power mode parameters of the image forming apparatus and DFE independently based on different triggering conditions. The image forming apparatus responds to human detection with mode changes, while the DFE responds to print job data reception, allowing parameter optimization for each component's actual workload and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the DFE is kept in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the image forming apparatus must also remain in normal mode to ensure immediate responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic and independent power mode management for each system component. The image forming apparatus maintains normal power mode for immediate user interaction responsiveness, while the DFE dynamically transitions to power saving mode when no print jobs are being processed, achieving both energy efficiency and system reliability through decoupled control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independently controllable power management units. The image forming apparatus can remain in normal mode to ensure user interaction responsiveness, while the DFE is separated into its own power management domain that can independently enter power saving mode, allowing the system to maintain reliability where needed while reducing power consumption where possible.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes: an information processing apparatus configured to output information related to a print job to form an image on a recording medium, the image forming apparatus being configured to be operable in a plurality of power modes including a first normal power mode in which the information is output and a first power saving mode in which power consumption is less than the first normal power mode; and an image forming apparatus having: an image forming unit configured to form an image on the recording medium based on the print job output from the image processing apparatus, and an operation unit to be operated by a user to instruct to form the image by the image forming unit.