Image Forming Apparatus Standby Power Control via Voltage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses consume high power in standby mode due to the operation of control means, and there is a need to minimize power consumption while allowing for efficient power mode conversion between standby and normal modes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a switching unit to selectively supply operating voltage to the main control unit, using first and second voltage determining units with switching elements to change the control voltage level based on user operations and control signals, and a voltage maintaining unit to maintain the control voltage for a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standby mode control means is operated to enable power mode conversion, then power mode conversion can be controlled, but power consumption in standby mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power mode conversion control function from the main CPU and implements it through a dedicated standby mode control means comprising minimal components (processor and memory). This separation allows the main CPU to be completely powered down in standby mode while maintaining conversion capability through the simplified control means, thereby resolving the contradiction between having conversion capability and minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The standby mode control means uses a simplified processor and memory configuration that consumes minimal power compared to the full main CPU system. The control means is designed to operate only when needed for power mode conversion, remaining in a low-power state otherwise, effectively treating it as a lightweight, on-demand control mechanism.
2Use of energy by moving object
If main CPU is completely powered off in standby mode to minimize power consumption, then power consumption is minimized, but power mode conversion control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct parts: the main CPU that can be completely powered off, and a separate standby mode control means that remains operational with minimal power consumption. This segmentation allows the standby control means to handle power mode conversion tasks independently without requiring the main CPU to remain active, thus maintaining ease of operation while minimizing power consumption.
3Speed
If switching unit responds immediately to power mode selection, then response speed is fast, but control stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage determining unit determines the appropriate control voltage level in advance based on the power mode selection state before actually switching the power mode. This preliminary voltage determination ensures that when the switching unit activates the main CPU, the control voltage is already stable and appropriate, preventing voltage fluctuations that could compromise system stability during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The control voltage acts as an intermediary between the power mode selection and the main CPU activation. The voltage determining unit mediates the transition by adjusting the control voltage level according to the selected power mode, ensuring that the main CPU receives stable and appropriate voltage before full operation begins, thus balancing speed and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof includes an image forming unit to form images, a main control unit to control operations of the image forming unit; a switching unit to selectively supply an operating voltage to the main control unit according to a level of the voltage control, a power mode selecting unit to convert an on state or an off state according to a user's operation, a first voltage determining unit to determine a level of the control voltage according to the state of the power mode selecting unit, and a second voltage determining unit to determine the level of the control voltage in parallel with the first voltage determining unit, according to the control signal output from the main control unit.