Image Processing System Power Management via Dynamic Device Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems are not equipped to handle unstable power supplies effectively, leading to potential abrupt outages and inefficiencies in power management, especially during cluster printing operations where multiple devices are used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that includes a server computer and multiple image processing apparatuses, equipped with an information obtaining unit to monitor power supply/demand situations and a determining unit to adjust operations by suspending non-essential functions or excluding devices when power is tight, ensuring efficient job execution while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple image processing apparatuses are used simultaneously for cluster printing to increase output speed, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases and reliability deteriorates under unstable power supply conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active image processing apparatuses based on real-time power supply conditions. The server computer receives power supply information, determines the appropriate operational state, and controls the plurality of apparatuses to execute jobs in shared manner only when power supply is sufficient, otherwise excluding some apparatuses to reduce power consumption while maintaining productivity within available power constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the image processing apparatuses based on power supply conditions. When power supply is unstable or insufficient, the server computer modifies the execution parameters by excluding certain apparatuses from cluster printing operations, thereby adjusting the overall power consumption to match available power supply while maintaining optimal productivity
2Productivity
If multiple image processing apparatuses are used simultaneously for cluster printing to reduce processing time, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to abrupt outages from power shortage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the server computer continuously receives power supply information from external sources, determines the current power supply state, and adjusts the operational configuration of the image processing apparatuses accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that cluster printing operations are maintained only when power supply is stable and sufficient, preventing abrupt outages while optimizing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by determining the power supply state before initiating or continuing cluster printing operations. The server computer proactively assesses power supply conditions and pre-adjusts the number of active apparatuses to prevent power shortage-induced outages, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining optimal processing speed
3Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional energy-saving measures are implemented in each apparatus, then power consumption is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as systems cannot respond to unstable power supply conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The server computer serves multiple functions: it manages job distribution across the image processing apparatuses, monitors power supply conditions, determines operational states based on power availability, and controls the plurality of apparatuses to execute jobs in shared manner or excludes them based on power conditions. This multi-functional approach enables the system to adapt to varying power supply conditions while maintaining efficient energy management
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service by automatically adjusting its operational configuration in response to power supply conditions without requiring manual intervention. The server computer autonomously receives power supply information, determines the appropriate operational state, and controls the image processing apparatuses accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to unstable power supply conditions while managing power consumption efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes a server computer and a plurality of image processing apparatuses communicable with the server computer. The server computer has a function of causing the plurality of image processing apparatuses to execute one job in a shared manner, and if power supply/demand situation is good, it causes the plurality of image processing apparatuses to execute one job in a shared manner, and if the power supply/demand situation is tight, it excludes at least one of the image processing apparatuses and causes the remaining image processing apparatuses to execute one job in a shared manner. This reduces power consumption of the image processing system while it is possible to cause a plurality of image processing apparatuses to execute one job such as a cluster printing job.