Image Processing Apparatus Power Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunctional peripheral devices (MFPs) face increased power consumption and operational issues when returning to a higher power mode from a sleep mode due to unknown return factors, such as noise interference with call signals, leading to inefficient power management and potential missed incoming calls.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a first and second electric power mode system, where the MFP shifts from a low-power sleep mode to a higher-power standby mode based on detected shift factors and sets a re-shift time according to destination settings, ensuring normal operation and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MFP returns to standby mode from sleep mode when an unknown return factor is detected, then the device can respond to potential incoming calls, but power consumption increases due to extended standby time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the re-shift time variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the re-shift time based on the type of return factor that woke the device from sleep mode. For call signals, a longer re-shift time is set to ensure proper detection, while for other factors like button presses, a shorter re-shift time is used to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ensuring reliable call response and minimizing power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the re-shift time is set to several seconds to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the device may miss normal incoming calls due to insufficient time for call signal cadence pattern recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the re-shift time parameter based on the detected return factor type. When a call signal is detected as the return factor, the system sets a longer re-shift time that accommodates the call signal cadence pattern (typically several seconds to match the ON-OFF signal sequence). For other return factors, a shorter re-shift time is applied. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and reliable call detection.
3Reliability
If the MFP uses a fixed long standby time after returning from sleep mode, then it ensures normal operation for all possible return factors, but total power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by replacing the fixed standby time with a dynamic re-shift time that adapts to the specific return factor. The control unit determines the type of return factor (call signal, button press, external request, etc.) and sets the appropriate re-shift time accordingly. This ensures operational readiness for each specific scenario while avoiding unnecessarily long standby periods, thereby reducing total energy loss.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the MFP immediately returns to sleep mode after standby, then power consumption is minimized, but the device cannot properly handle return factors that require longer processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the re-shift time parameter based on the return factor type. For call signals requiring cadence pattern recognition, a longer re-shift time is set to allow proper signal processing. For simpler return factors like button presses, a shorter re-shift time suffices. This parameter adaptation ensures ease of operation for each scenario while minimizing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus, which is capable of preventing increase in power consumption and operating normally in a first electric power mode even when returning to the first electric power mode from a second electric power mode by an unknown return factor. A storage unit stores a destination setting of the image processing apparatus. A shift unit shifts the apparatus from the second electric power mode to the first electric power mode, when a shift factor is detected in the second electric power mode. A set unit sets a re-shift time for re-shifting the apparatus from the first electric power mode to the second electric power mode, according to the destination setting. A re-shift unit re-shifts the apparatus from the first electric power mode to the second electric power mode, when a predetermined event does not occur in the re-shift time in the first electric power mode.