Image Processor Startup Mode Resumption via Power State Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing apparatuses face challenges in determining the operation mode upon power restoration, as the sub-power-source operation unit is a soft switch, making it difficult to identify the previous mode and thus affecting user convenience and predictability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a main-power-source operation unit, a determining unit, and a controller that uses a human presence sensor to detect user presence and store operation mode information in memory, allowing the apparatus to resume the previous operation mode upon power restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a soft switch is used for the sub-power-source operation unit, then the device structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to identify the previous operation mode upon power restoration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidoperation mode information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by storing the operation mode information in memory before power shutoff occurs. The determining unit checks whether power shutoff was intentional or accidental, and if intentional, the current operation mode is saved to memory. This ensures that when power is restored, the previously stored operation mode information is available for resumption, preventing information loss while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces memory as an intermediary component between the soft switch and the control system. The memory stores operation mode information that would otherwise be lost when using a soft switch. This intermediary allows the system to retrieve previous operation modes upon power restoration, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and information retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the apparatus always resumes to a default operation mode upon power restoration, then the control logic is simplified, but user convenience and predictability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logicVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-storing operation mode information in memory before power shutoff. The determining unit identifies whether shutoff was intentional, and if so, saves the current mode. Upon power restoration, this pre-stored information enables the apparatus to resume the correct operation mode automatically, improving user convenience without significantly complicating control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the determining unit continuously monitor the power shutoff state and the controller adjusting operation mode based on stored information. The system feedbacks the previous operation mode to the user upon power restoration, creating a predictable and convenient user experience while maintaining manageable control logic through automated mode selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the apparatus distinguishes between intentional and accidental power shutoff, then operation mode resumption accuracy is improved, but the detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower shutoff detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the determining unit assess the power shutoff state before complete power loss occurs. It checks whether the shutoff was intentional by evaluating system state and user input patterns. This preliminary assessment enables accurate distinction between intentional and accidental shutoff, improving resumption accuracy without requiring complex post-restoration detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The determining unit performs self-service by autonomously evaluating the power shutoff state and making decisions about mode storage. It uses existing system resources and data to determine whether shutoff was intentional, eliminating the need for additional complex detection hardware or external systems, thus improving accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8928909B2Startup operation control apparatus, image processing apparatus, startup operation control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2015.01.06 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US8928909B2 patent drawing
  • US8928909B2 patent drawing
  • US8928909B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A startup operation control apparatus includes a main-power-source operation unit, a determining unit, a memory, and a controller. The main-power-source operation unit is operated to supply and shut off power from a power source. The determining unit determines whether or not the main-power-source operation unit has been operated. The memory stores, every time an operation mode of a processing device that operates by receiving power supply from the power source changes, information representing the changed operation mode in an updating manner. If the determining unit determines, upon a shift from a power shutoff state to a power supply state, that the main-power-source operation unit has not been operated, the controller performs control so that the processing device operates in the operation mode represented by the information stored in the memory.