Independent Power Supply Control for Image Processing Units

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing apparatuses with power-saving functions cannot properly supply power to image processing and image output units from individual power supplies without a control instruction, leading to potential power inconsistencies.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a control unit and a determination unit that analyze the type of data received to independently control power supply to the image processing and image output units from respective power supplies, eliminating the need for a control instruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a common power supply is used for both image processing unit and image output unit, then device complexity is reduced, but power management precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply structureVSAvoidpower supply control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply system into two independent power supplies: a first power supply for the image processing unit and a second power supply for the image output unit. This segmentation allows each power supply to be controlled independently based on the operational state and data type, resolving the contradiction by providing both structural simplicity (through modular design) and control precision (through independent management).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power supply control where the power state of each unit is adjusted based on real-time operational conditions. The control unit determines whether to supply power to the image output unit by analyzing data types and operational states, enabling flexible and precise power management that adapts to changing system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If two separate power supplies are provided for image processing unit and image output unit, then power management precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply control precisionVSAvoidpower supply structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single control unit that manages both power supplies. The control unit performs multiple functions: determining data types, assessing operational states, and controlling both the first and second power supplies based on comprehensive system state analysis. This multi-functional control approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining precise power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the control functions for both power supplies into a single control unit that operates the image processing apparatus. This consolidation of control functions reduces the complexity of having two independent control systems while preserving the precision benefits of separate power supplies, as the unified control unit coordinates both power supplies based on overall system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If power supply is controlled based on a single control instruction, then ease of operation is maintained, but power supply reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply controlVSAvoidpower supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors operational states and data types to dynamically adjust power supply decisions. The control unit receives information about the current state of the image processing unit and image output unit, and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate power state for each unit, ensuring reliable power management while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs preliminary analysis of data types and operational states before making power supply decisions. By evaluating the nature of the data and the current operational state in advance, the control unit can proactively determine the appropriate power configuration, preventing power supply issues before they occur and ensuring reliable operation without requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11543869B2Information processing apparatus having power saving function, control method for information processing apparatus, storage medium, and information processing system
Publication Date: 2023.01.03 CANON KK
  • US11543869B2 patent drawing
  • US11543869B2 patent drawing
  • US11543869B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus which is capable of properly supplying power to an image processing unit and an image output unit from respective different power supplies without using a control instruction. The image processing unit obtains data from an external apparatus. A type of the obtained data is determined, and supply of power to the image processing unit and the image output unit is controlled based on the determined type of the data.