Image-Forming Power-Off Control Beyond Sleep State
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-forming apparatuses do not support transitioning to a power consumption state lower than the sleep state.
Innovation Solution
The image-forming apparatus includes a controller that stores an auto power-off time period and a power-off schedule, allowing it to turn off specific hardware when predetermined conditions are met, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the image-forming apparatus transitions to a sleep state after a predetermined period of non-use, then power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus cannot achieve lower power consumption than the sleep state
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple distinct power states (sleep state and power-off state) with different power consumption levels. The controller can selectively transition between these states based on user-defined conditions, allowing the apparatus to achieve lower power consumption by completely powering off hardware components rather than merely entering a sleep mode.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the apparatus provides multiple power states including a power-off state, then power consumption can be reduced further, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to manage both sleep state and power-off state transitions. It stores multiple types of information (auto power-off time period and power-off schedule) and executes corresponding processes based on user inputs, thereby handling complex power management requirements through a single integrated control unit rather than requiring separate control systems for each state.
3Extent of automation
If the apparatus stores auto power-off time period and power-off schedule information, then it can automatically transition to low power states, but the memory requirements and data management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary actions by storing the auto power-off time period and power-off schedule information in advance in the memory. This allows the controller to automatically determine whether to execute the auto power-off process or scheduled power-off process based on pre-stored user preferences, eliminating the need for real-time user input and simplifying the decision-making logic during power state transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus includes: a fuser; a memory; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: an auto power-off process when an auto power-off time period is stored in the memory; and a scheduled power-off process when a power-off schedule is stored in the memory. The auto power-off process includes: turning off, when a predetermined condition is met and the auto-power-off time period has elapsed after the image-forming apparatus transitions to a predetermined state, power to first hardware including the controller and the memory. The predetermined state is a state where power to second hardware other than the controller and the memory is off and power to the fuser is off. The scheduled power-off process includes: turning off, when the predetermined condition is met and a time point included in the power-off schedule has passed while the image-forming apparatus is in the predetermined state, power to the first hardware.