Image Reading Control for USB Power-Constrained Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses experience increased power consumption when transitioning from a power-saving mode to a higher power mode upon receiving an image reading instruction, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
The image reading apparatus includes a control section that manages power consumption by switching between low, medium, and high output modes based on the type of USB device coupled, allowing for different reading speeds and enabling/disabling features to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the image reading apparatus transitions from power-saving mode to high power mode upon receiving an image reading instruction, then the reading speed and functionality are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating mode adjustable and transitionable based on power source availability. The control section dynamically switches between low output mode (when USB power is available) and high output mode (when AC power is available), allowing the system to adapt its reading speed and power consumption characteristics to the current power feeding scenario rather than being fixed in a single state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (reading speed, power consumption level) based on the detected power source type. When AC power is detected, the system transitions to high output mode with higher reading speeds; when USB power is detected, it transitions to low output mode with reduced reading speeds, thereby optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption according to available power
2Speed
If the image reading apparatus operates continuously in high power mode to maintain fast reading speed, then the reading performance is improved, but the power consumption remains high even when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through automatic mode switching based on power source detection. The control section continuously monitors the power feeding state and periodically transitions between operating modes - switching to low output mode when USB power is available and to high output mode when AC power is available. This periodic adaptation prevents continuous high power consumption while maintaining readiness for fast reading when appropriate power sources are connected
3Ease of operation
If the image reading apparatus uses a low power-feeding USB device, then the portability and ease of operation are improved, but the available reading speeds are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reading speed dynamic based on the detected USB device power capability. When a low power-feeding USB device is connected, the system automatically operates in low output mode with reduced reading speeds that match the available power budget. This dynamic adjustment allows the portable device to function effectively with limited power while still providing usable reading capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operating parameters (reading speed) according to the power capabilities of the connected USB device. By detecting the power feeding capability of the USB device and adjusting the reading speed accordingly, the patent enables portable operation with low-power devices while maintaining acceptable performance within the power constraints
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image reading apparatus in which a low output mode is a mode that can be controlled in a coupling state where a low power-feeding USB device is coupled, a high output mode is a mode that can be controlled in a coupling state where a high power-feeding USB device capable of feeding power higher than the low power-feeding USB device is coupled, and a control section does not perform image reading at a second reading speed faster than a first reading speed and performs image reading at the first reading speed in the low output mode.