Image Forming Apparatus Dynamic Power State Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience reduced power saving effects due to frequent transitions from a sleep state to a normal state, often triggered by unnecessary timing settings, especially in devices without a display panel, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a calculation unit to determine the remaining time before the next communication with a server for each function, setting the shortest timer value, and transitioning to the normal state based on this, thereby preventing unnecessary power state releases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the time interval for returning to normal state from sleep state is set to a fixed value, then the touch panel or key operation can be detected, but the power saving effect deteriorates due to frequent unnecessary transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by changing the fixed time interval parameter into a variable one that adapts based on communication status. The control unit dynamically adjusts the time interval for returning to normal state according to whether communication with the server is currently in progress, thereby optimizing power saving while maintaining detection reliability only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of time interval from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on communication status. When communication is in progress, the time interval is extended; when not in progress, it is shortened. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive rather than static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the time interval for returning to normal state is uniformly set to a fixed value, then all functions can be detected, but the power saving effect is reduced when no communication is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the time interval setting based on the specific communication status of each function. Instead of a uniform fixed value for all functions, the system sets different time intervals according to whether each function is currently communicating with the server, thereby optimizing power saving for functions that don't require immediate detection.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus transitions to normal state frequently to detect operations, then user input can be responded to, but the power saving effect is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the control unit determine in advance whether communication with the server is in progress before deciding when to transition from sleep state. This preliminary determination allows the system to avoid unnecessary transitions while still being ready to detect user input when communication completes or when truly necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus dynamically determines the next communication timing with a server to thereby increase a power saving effect by preventing unnecessary release of the power saving state. The image forming apparatus having a first power state and a second power state in which power is saved more than in the first power state, and having a plurality of functions of periodically communicating with an external apparatus. A remaining time before the image forming apparatus next communicates with the external apparatus is calculated for each of the plurality of functions of periodically communicating with the external apparatus. There is set, in a timer, the shortest one from among the calculated plurality of remaining times. A power state of the image forming apparatus transits from the second power state to the first power state according to the remaining time set in the timer.