MFP Power Controller Balances USB PD Supply via Battery Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses face challenges in ensuring sufficient power supply when power consumption increases during USB Power Delivery (USB PD) to external devices, as the need for electric power varies significantly among devices with or without batteries.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that receives battery information from external devices and adjusts the power supply, reducing power to devices without batteries or those not charging their batteries to maintain overall power balance, prioritizing power to devices with batteries in need.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the information processing apparatus supplies electric power to external devices according to USB PD standard, then external devices can receive sufficient power, but the apparatus itself may not have enough power remaining when power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply adjustment by continuously monitoring battery status and power consumption levels. The controller dynamically changes power allocation to external devices based on real-time conditions, switching between different power supply modes (charging mode, power-saving mode, shutdown mode) to maintain system reliability while providing adequate power to devices that need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by detecting battery status information from external devices and using this information to adjust power supply decisions. The controller receives feedback about device power needs and battery states, then modifies power allocation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances power distribution between the apparatus and external devices.
2Reliability
If the information processing apparatus reduces supply power to secure electric power, then power stability is improved, but external devices may not receive sufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating power supply treatment based on device characteristics. Instead of uniformly reducing power to all external devices, the system selectively adjusts power allocation based on individual device battery status and power needs. Devices with low battery or charging requirements receive maintained or increased power, while devices without such needs have their power reduced, creating localized optimized power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power supply parameters dynamically based on detected device states. The controller modifies voltage, current, or power level parameters according to battery status information received from external devices, transitioning between different power supply configurations to balance system stability with device power requirements.
3Reliability
If the information processing apparatus supplies power to all external devices, then device functionality is maintained, but overall power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by providing full power supply only to external devices that demonstrably need it (those with low battery or charging requirements). For devices without such needs, the system provides reduced or no power, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining operation continuity for devices that require power support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments external devices into different power supply categories based on their battery status and power needs. The controller divides the external device population into groups (devices needing power, devices not needing power) and applies different power supply strategies to each segment, optimizing overall energy utilization while maintaining necessary device functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A CPU of an MFP receives battery information from a first external device via a first interface, determines whether a total amount of electric power supplied to a plurality of interfaces from a power supply is maintained, and reduces an amount of the electric power supplied to the first external device via the first interface in a case where determining that the first external device has no battery based on the battery information in response to determining that the total amount of the electric power supplied to the plurality of the interfaces from the power supply is not maintained.