Image Forming Device Timing Control for Simpler Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices require complex and individual setting of multiple durations to transition from a standby state to an off-mode state, which consumes minimal power, complicating the process and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device with a user interface and communication interface that allows users to set durations for transitioning from a standby state to sleep and off-mode states, with the controller storing these durations in memory, simplifying the process and enabling easy configuration based on user intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple durations (T1 and T2) are individually set to control transitions to sleep and off-mode states, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to complex configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple duration settings (T1 for sleep state transition and T2 for off-mode state transition) into a single configurable parameter representing the total duration from standby to off-mode state. This merging simplifies the configuration process while maintaining the ability to control power consumption through the consolidated duration setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The single duration parameter serves multiple functions: it controls both the transition to sleep state and the transition to off-mode state. This universal parameter replaces the need for separate T1 and T2 settings, reducing configuration complexity while preserving power management capabilities.
2Loss of energy
If multiple durations (T1 and T2) are individually set to control transitions to sleep and off-mode states, then power consumption is reduced, but ease of operation worsens due to multiple individual settings required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration of multiple duration parameters (T1 and T2) into a single unified duration setting that users can configure. This consolidation improves ease of operation by reducing the number of individual settings users must adjust, while the underlying system maintains the multi-stage power management logic for optimal power consumption.
3Loss of energy
If the device enters off-mode state after a fixed sum of durations (T1 + T2), then power consumption is optimized, but adaptability worsens due to inability to individually adjust transition timings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic duration settings where the total duration from standby to off-mode state can be individually configured by users. This dynamic parameter allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios and user preferences, replacing fixed duration sums with flexible, user-adjustable timing that maintains power optimization while improving adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an image forming device, a controller transitions the image forming device to a sleep state from a standby state under a condition that a first duration elapses with the image forming device maintained in the standby state since a start of the standby state. The controller transitions the image forming device to an off-mode state from the standby state under a condition that a second duration elapses with the image forming device maintained in the standby state since the start of the standby state. The off-mode state is a state in which the image forming device consumes less power than in the sleep state. The controller individually sets the first duration and the second duration by storing the first duration and the second duration in the memory. Each of the first duration and the second duration is inputted via the user interface or the communication interface.