Dedicated Transmission Line for MFP Power Mode Signal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience prolonged reset times when transitioning from power-saving mode to normal mode due to the need for establishing communication between the controller and engine via a universal bus before mode shifting, which lengthens the process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dedicated transmission line that allows for the immediate sending of a mode signal from the control unit to the engine unit to set the power mode, enabling activation of components and subsequent communication via a universal transmission line for mode switching, thereby bypassing the need for initial communication establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication establishment via universal bus is performed before mode shifting, then reliable communication between control unit and engine unit is ensured, but reset time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line is segmented into two types: universal transmission line for data communication and dedicated transmission line for mode signal transmission. This segmentation allows mode signal to be transmitted independently without waiting for communication establishment, resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and reset time.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated transmission line acts as an intermediary channel specifically for mode signal transmission between control unit and engine unit. This intermediary enables direct mode signal communication without requiring the universal bus communication establishment, thereby reducing reset time while maintaining communication reliability through the dedicated channel.
2Reliability
If mode signal transmission waits for communication establishment, then data communication reliability is improved, but power mode switching speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into dedicated transmission line for mode signals and universal transmission line for data communication. This allows mode signal transmission to proceed independently and concurrently with data communication establishment, improving power mode switching speed without compromising data communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated transmission line enables preliminary mode signal transmission before data communication is fully established. The control unit can send mode signals through the dedicated line immediately upon power-on, allowing the engine unit to prepare for mode switching in advance, thereby increasing power mode switching speed while maintaining data communication reliability through the universal bus.
3Productivity
If all components are activated immediately, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power mode system is made dynamic with multiple modes (normal mode, power-saving mode, and intermediate modes). The engine unit can activate components dynamically based on received mode signals, allowing the system to adjust power consumption levels according to operational requirements, thereby balancing productivity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power consumption parameter dynamically by implementing multiple power modes. Through the dedicated transmission line, mode signals can quickly change the power state of components, allowing the system to transition between high productivity (normal mode) and low power consumption (power-saving mode) states as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
In an MFP, a system controller is connected to an engine via a universal transmission line and a dedicated transmission line. When MFP is powered, the system controller sends a mode signal to the engine via the dedicated signal line. If the mode signal indicates that the power mode is to be set to a normal mode, the engine activates predetermined components. The system controller and the engine then establish communication via the universal bus. After establishing the communication, if the mode signal indicates that the power mode is to be set to a mode other than the normal mode, the system controller sends a setting command to the engine via the bus to set the power mode to any of a plurality of power-saving modes.