Image Forming Apparatus Power Control via Segmented Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face high power consumption even in power-saving mode due to the need for continuous operation of the ASIC to maintain communication with the image controller.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an engine controller that separates processing tasks and a power supply system allowing the second processing part to be powered down in a lower power mode, using a switch unit controlled by the image controller to resume power when transitioning to the normal mode, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ASIC is maintained in a turn-on-state to perform communication between the ASIC and the image controller, then communication functionality is preserved, but power consumption increases in power-saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The engine controller is divided into a first processing part (CPU) and a second processing part (ASIC), allowing independent power control for each component. This segmentation enables the system to power down the ASIC when not needed while keeping the CPU operational for basic communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on operational mode. A power supply switch unit controlled by the CPU enables or disables power to the ASIC depending on whether the system is in normal mode or power-saving mode, making the power consumption characteristic dynamic rather than static.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the ASIC is powered down to reduce power consumption in power-saving mode, then energy efficiency improves, but communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The first processing part (CPU) acts as an intermediary that maintains basic communication functionality even when the second processing part (ASIC) is powered down. The CPU can receive and process image data and transmit control signals to the image forming unit without requiring the ASIC to be operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the CPU pre-process image data and prepare control commands before the ASIC is powered up. When transitioning from power-saving mode to normal mode, the CPU can immediately resume full functionality without requiring the ASIC to be already operational.
3Productivity
If the ASIC is always kept operational to maintain communication, then system responsiveness is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the ASIC operates periodically - being powered up only when needed for specific image formation tasks and powered down during power-saving mode. This periodic action reduces energy waste while maintaining system responsiveness when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the ASIC based on real-time needs. The power supply switch unit responds to mode transitions, dynamically changing the power delivery state to optimize the balance between responsiveness and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes first through third control units, with the first for processing input image information and each of the second and third for controlling an operation of an image forming unit by communication with the first. In a first mode, in which power is supplied to the first through third control units, the first and third control units communicate via the second control unit. In a second mode, in which the first control unit does not communicate with the second control unit, the first and third control units communicate via a communication line without communicating via the second control unit. The power consumption of the second mode is lower than that of the first mode. In the second mode, the first and third control units can transmit information for transition from the second mode to the first mode to each other via the communication line.