Image Processing Apparatus Power Delivery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses suspend printing operations until users modify power delivery settings for external devices, leading to reduced productivity due to power shortages during printing operations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a controller that detects external device connections, receives power information, and automatically adjusts power delivery from a power source to deliver minimum operable power when the required power exceeds the available power, ensuring continuous operation without suspending tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image processing apparatus delivers regular operable power to external devices, then the external devices can operate normally, but the printing operation may be suspended due to power shortage
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes the power delivery parameter from regular operable power to minimum operable power when power shortage is detected during printing operations. This parameter change allows the system to prioritize printing operations while maintaining basic external device functionality, resolving the contradiction between external device reliability and printing productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user modifies power delivery settings through the user interface, then power allocation can be optimized, but the printing operation must be suspended until modification is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically detects power shortages and adjusts power delivery settings without requiring user intervention. The system monitors power consumption during printing operations and self-adjusts the power allocation to external devices, eliminating the need to suspend printing operations for user configuration and thus reducing time loss
3Reliability
If the image processing apparatus allocates sufficient power to external devices, then the external devices function properly, but the total power consumption exceeds the power source capacity during printing
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers partial power (minimum operable power) to external devices when power shortage is detected during printing operations, rather than attempting to deliver full regular operable power. This partial action approach ensures that the total power consumption remains within power source capacity while maintaining basic external device functionality and printing operation continuity
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus, including a power source, an image engine, an interface to communicate with an external device and deliver power from the power source to the external device, and a controller, is provided. The controller is configured to detect connection of the external device to the interface; receive power information, including a value of regular operable power and a value of minimum operable power, from the external device; receive a job execution command; in response to receiving the job execution command, determine whether a first power value including the value of the regular operable power exceeds a value of power available for the external device during a predetermined operation by the image engine; and in response to a determination that the first power value exceeds the value of power available for the external device, control the power source to deliver the minimum operable power to the external device.