Image-Forming Print Data Power Modes Based on Processing Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems waste power in the Digital Front End (DFE) due to memory constraints, leading to increased power consumption when transitioning between print jobs.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and image forming apparatus operate in multiple power modes, transitioning between normal and power saving modes based on job progress information, such as job processing time or print queue counts, to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DFE continuously monitors and transmits image data to ensure print job completion, then print job reliability is improved, but power consumption increases during waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The DFE dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time monitoring of print job progress. When the image forming apparatus is busy with a previous job, the DFE transitions to a low-power state to minimize energy consumption. When the apparatus becomes available, it automatically resumes normal operation to transmit image data, ensuring reliable print job completion without continuous high power consumption.
2Loss of information
If the DFE stops transmitting image data when memory is full to avoid data loss, then data integrity is improved, but power is wasted during transmission pauses
Solution Approach 1:
The DFE implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the operational status of the image forming apparatus and adjusts its transmission behavior accordingly. When the apparatus indicates it is busy, the DFE pauses transmission and enters power-saving mode. When the apparatus signals availability, the DFE resumes transmission, ensuring complete data transfer without wasting power during necessary pauses.
3Speed
If the DFE remains in normal power mode to ensure immediate response to print jobs, then response speed is improved, but power consumption increases during idle waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of remaining continuously in normal power mode, the DFE employs periodic monitoring of the image forming apparatus status. It transitions to power-saving mode during waiting periods and periodically checks whether the apparatus is ready for new jobs. This periodic action ensures the DFE responds quickly when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes an information processing apparatus configured to output, to an image forming apparatus, information about an image forming 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 normal power mode in which the information is output and a power saving mode in which power consumption is less than the normal power mode; an image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store the information about two or more image forming jobs output from the information processing apparatus; and an image forming unit configured to form an image on the recording medium based on the information stored in the storage unit.