Image Forming Apparatus Weekly Timer Sleep Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses do not effectively reduce power consumption when a user exceptionally uses the device during time slots set for power-off by the weekly timer.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that operates in multiple power modes, switching to a lower power mode after a preset standby period, and immediately transitioning to sleep mode when a sleep transition command is received, even if it's before the standby period has elapsed, to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the device enters sleep mode after the preset standby period following print job completion, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot respond to exceptional user usage during weekly timer set time slots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sleep mode transition flexible rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the sleep mode transition timing based on whether a sleep transition command is received during the weekly timer set time slot. When such a command is received, the system transitions to sleep mode immediately without waiting for the preset standby period to elapse, thereby adapting to exceptional user usage patterns while maintaining power savings.
2Loss of energy
If the device uses weekly timer to set power-off time slots, then power consumption is reduced during non-usage periods, but the device cannot accommodate unexpected print jobs during these time slots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit monitor for sleep transition commands during the weekly timer set time slots. When a sleep transition command is received (indicating exceptional usage intent), the system provides feedback by immediately transitioning from operational mode to sleep mode, thereby accommodating unexpected print jobs while maintaining the power-saving benefits of the weekly timer schedule.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device waits for the preset standby period before transitioning to sleep mode, then stable operation is ensured, but power consumption cannot be reduced when users need immediate access during timer slots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the control unit prepare for immediate sleep mode transition when a sleep transition command is received during the weekly timer set time slot. Instead of waiting for the preset standby period to naturally elapse, the system takes preliminary action by detecting the sleep transition command and initiating the transition process before the standby period ends, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining operational stability through controlled transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming method includes operating, receiving, and setting. The operating includes operating in an operation mode of a plurality of operation modes. The operation modes includes a first electric power mode configured to perform an image formation process and a second electric power mode configured to consume a power less than a power of the first electric power mode and not to perform the image formation process. The receiving includes receiving a print job. The setting includes switching the operation mode to the second electric power mode after a lapse of a preset first standby period after a completion of the print job. When the print job including a sleep transition command is received in the second time slot, the switching includes switching the operation mode to the second electric power mode before the lapse of the first standby period.