Image Output Apparatus Automatic Power Status Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of image projection display apparatuses face inconvenience due to the need to separately connect external devices and turn on the apparatus, which is a common issue across various image output devices like projectors, televisions, PCs, and digital cameras.

Innovation Solution

An image output apparatus capable of switching between a normal power status and a low power status, automatically transitioning to the normal status when a signal is detected from an external device in the low power status, eliminating the need for manual power-on operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the apparatus remains in low power status to reduce energy consumption, then power savings are achieved, but the apparatus cannot automatically respond to external device connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidautomatic response to external device

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus monitors its own interface for external device connections and automatically transitions from low power status to normal status when a connection is detected, eliminating the need for manual user intervention to wake or power on the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The interface continuously monitors for external device connections even when the apparatus is in low power status, preparing to quickly transition to normal status when a connection is detected, thus reducing the response time between connection and full operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the apparatus requires manual power-on operation, then power consumption is controlled by user action, but user convenience is reduced due to separate connection and power-on steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidtime for connection and power-on operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection detection function and power status control function are merged into a single automated process, where detecting an external device connection automatically triggers the power status transition, combining what were previously separate user actions (connect then power on) into one seamless operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If the apparatus continuously monitors for signals in normal status, then immediate response to connections is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed to external deviceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The interface performs periodic or event-driven monitoring for external device connections rather than continuous full-power operation, allowing the apparatus to maintain low power status while still detecting connections through intermittent or trigger-based signal monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9905141B2Image output apparatus and computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image output apparatus is disclosed that is capable of switching between a normal status and a low power status in which consumption power is lower than that in the normal status. The image output apparatus includes an interface for acquiring an image signal; a signal detector configured to detect a signal at the interface; and a switching controller configured to switch a status from the low power status to the normal status based on a detection result of the signal in the low power status.