Image Processing Power Distribution Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining power supply during print jobs when no external device equipped with a power source is connected, as they rely on external power delivery to execute tasks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a power source, an image processing device, an external interface for power delivery, and a controller that determines if a print job exceeds the deliverable power. If exceeding, it reduces power delivery to connected devices based on their relevance to the job, ensuring job execution by prioritizing power allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the image processing apparatus delivers power to external devices through USB interface, then the external devices can be powered efficiently, but the apparatus cannot ensure power supply for print jobs when no external device with power source is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by continuously monitoring power consumption of external devices and adjusting power delivery in real-time. The controller dynamically switches between power delivery modes (power supply mode and power consumption mode) based on the connection status of external devices with power sources, ensuring the apparatus can maintain power supply for print jobs when needed
2Reliability
If the apparatus reduces power delivery to external devices to ensure power for print jobs, then power supply for jobs is maintained, but the external devices may experience power interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the power source status of connected external devices. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently adjusts power delivery - reducing or stopping power to devices that have their own power sources when print jobs require power, while maintaining power to devices that lack independent power sources, thus balancing job execution reliability with device operation continuity
3Productivity
If the apparatus prioritizes power allocation for print jobs, then job execution is ensured, but power distribution to other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality principle by differentiating power delivery strategies for different external devices based on their individual characteristics. The controller identifies which external devices have power sources and which don't, then applies different power management policies to each - prioritizing power for print jobs by reducing power only to devices with power sources, while maintaining adequate power distribution to other necessary components
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a power source, an image processing device, an external interface connectable with an external device and deliverable power from the power source to the connected external device, a power-consuming device driven by power delivered from the power source, and a controller. The controller determines whether a job is received, determines whether total power being a sum of job executable power and delivering power being delivered to the external device exceeds deliverable power being maximum power distributable from the power source, reduces driving power to be delivered to the power-consuming device based on relevance of the power-consuming device to the job, and executes the job with the driving power being reduced.