Image Forming Apparatus Power State Control via USB Usage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses often shift to a power saving state based on the class of connected USB devices, leading to user inconvenience, as they may not achieve power saving when USB devices are connected, or become unusable during USB over Network communication.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a connection unit for USB devices, a control unit for managing communication, and a shift unit that allows user settings to determine whether to shift to a power saving state, considering the use status of the USB device, thereby enabling flexible power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus shifts to power saving state based on USB device class, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates because the apparatus may not achieve power saving when USB devices are connected or becomes unusable during USB over Network communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power saving state transition conditional and flexible rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically determines whether to shift to power saving state based on real-time detection of USB device usage status, USB over Network communication activity, and user settings. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt power consumption reduction to actual operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of power state transition conditions from static class-based rules to dynamic multi-factor criteria. The control unit monitors multiple parameters including USB device class, usage status, communication activity, and user settings to determine the appropriate power state. This parameter change enables the system to achieve power saving only when appropriate conditions are met, preventing unnecessary transitions that would harm user convenience.
2Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus uniformly determines power state based on USB device class, then control simplicity is maintained, but power saving effectiveness is reduced because the apparatus does not shift to power saving state when USB devices are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different USB device classes and usage scenarios differently rather than applying a uniform rule. The control unit examines specific characteristics of connected USB devices (printing function, scanning function, USB over Network capability) and adjusts power state determination accordingly. This localized differentiation allows power saving to be achieved when USB devices are connected but not currently in use, while maintaining simplicity through automated detection and user setting-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors USB device usage status, communication activity, and system state to determine appropriate power state transitions. The system receives feedback about actual device operation and adjusts power saving behavior accordingly, rather than relying solely on predetermined class-based rules. This feedback loop enables more effective power saving while maintaining user-friendly operation.
3Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus shifts to power saving state when USB device is connected, then power consumption is reduced, but USB device usability deteriorates because the USB device cannot be sufficiently used using USBNW communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting USB over Network communication activity and usage status before determining power state transition. The control unit monitors for signs of active USB device usage, including communication packets and operational commands, and prevents power saving state transition when usage is detected. This preliminary detection ensures that power saving is only implemented when the USB device is truly idle, maintaining usability while achieving energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from USB device operation status to control power state transitions. The control unit continuously monitors USB device usage patterns, communication activity, and system state to determine when it is safe to transition to power saving mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that power saving does not interfere with USB device functionality, as the system responds to actual usage conditions in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a technique of appropriately shifting an image forming apparatus to a power saving state in consideration of the use status of an external device such as a connected USB device. When a condition for shifting to a sleep state is satisfied, the CPU of the image forming apparatus determines whether or not a setting of a sleep shift at the time of use of the USB device is “permit”. If it is determined that the setting of the sleep shift at the time of use of the USB device is “do not permit”, the CPU determines whether or not the connected USB device is in use. If it is determined that the USB device is not in use, the CPU shifts the image forming apparatus to the sleep state.