Image Processing Device Control Mode Switching Based on User Count

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing devices do not always select an efficient control mode suited to the status of use, leading to suboptimal performance and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device that includes a control unit capable of switching between control modes based on the number of users or connected devices, using two CPUs with different power consumption levels to adjust performance capacity accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a higher control mode with higher performance capacity is selected, then job execution speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejob execution speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically switches between first and second control modes based on the number of users. When the number of users exceeds a threshold, it transitions to the first control mode (higher performance, higher power consumption). When the number of users is at or below the threshold, it transitions to the second control mode (lower performance, lower power consumption). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching system performance to actual usage demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the control unit by switching between different control modes with different performance capacities. The control mode is selected based on the number of users, thereby adjusting the power consumption and processing speed parameters to suit the current usage scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a higher control mode is selected to handle more jobs, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejob execution capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on the number of users. When user demand is high (exceeding threshold), the first control mode provides higher productivity. When user demand is low (at or below threshold), the second control mode reduces energy consumption. This dynamic switching ensures productivity is optimized only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If the control unit operates in high-performance mode continuously, then waiting time for users is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser waiting timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the operational parameter of the control unit based on the number of users. When the number of users exceeds the threshold, the system switches to the first control mode to reduce waiting time. When the number of users is at or below the threshold, it switches to the second control mode to conserve energy, thereby optimizing the time-energy tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8934106B2Image processing device capable of switching control modes

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image processing device includes a processing unit that performs processing on image data, an obtaining unit that obtains a number of users, and a control unit that executes a job by controlling the processing unit to perform the processing in one of control modes. The control unit switches between the control modes based on the number of users.