Image Forming Apparatus Sleep Mode Initialization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face delays in starting up due to initialization processes that occur after determining device usage, leading to decreased user convenience and inefficiency in power management, especially when transitioning from sleep mode.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus adjusts initialization processing based on the function set as the initial screen when returning from sleep mode, powering on devices only when necessary for the selected function, thereby reducing unnecessary initialization and enhancing power saving and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image forming apparatus energizes and initializes all devices (printer, scanner, FAX) when returning from sleep mode, then the devices are ready for use, but power consumption increases and startup time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by energizing and initializing only the specific device corresponding to the selected function before the user needs it. For example, if printing is selected, only the printer is energized and initialized, while other devices remain in a lower power state, thus reducing overall power consumption while ensuring the needed device is ready.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power management states to different devices based on their specific usage requirements. Each device (printer, scanner, FAX) can be in a different power state simultaneously, with only the required device fully energized and initialized, while others remain in sleep or standby mode, optimizing the balance between readiness and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the image forming apparatus waits until user selection is made before energizing and initializing devices, then power saving is improved, but processing start time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energization and initialization of the specific device corresponding to the selected function immediately when the function is selected, rather than waiting. This preliminary action ensures that the device is ready as quickly as possible while still maintaining power savings by not energizing all devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power management strategy based on user selection. When a function is selected, the corresponding device transitions from a low-power state to a fully operational state, optimizing the timing of energization to balance power savings with minimal delay in processing start time.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the image forming apparatus returns from sleep with printer and scanner powered on, then power saving and silent property are satisfied, but user convenience decreases when copy screen is not set as default
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different power states to different devices based on the selected function. When a function like copying is selected, the corresponding devices (scanner and printer) are powered on, while other devices remain in a lower power state. This ensures power saving is achieved without compromising user convenience, as only the necessary devices are energized for the specific task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary energization of the specific devices needed for the selected function when returning from sleep mode. This ensures that the required devices are ready for immediate use, maintaining user convenience while avoiding the unnecessary energization of all devices, thus preserving power savings and silent operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus that shifts to a power saving state, includes a printing unit, a printing control unit configured to control the printing unit, and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the printing control unit when the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state, wherein the printing control unit, to which power is supplied by the power supply unit, executes initialization of the printing unit in a case where a printing screen for performing a printing function is set as a initial screen to be displayed when the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state, and wherein the printing control unit does not execute initialization of the printing unit in a case where a selection screen for selecting the printing function is set as a initial screen to be displayed when the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state.