MFP Power State Control Based on Operation Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image formation devices waste energy by maintaining a normal power state during operations not directly connected to job execution, such as screen transitions or information retrieval, even when a copy job is not being executed.
Innovation Solution
An image formation system with a terminal device that determines the power state of the image formation device based on the type of operation being performed, shifting to a power saving state for operations not directly connected to job execution, thereby conserving energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image formation device maintains normal power state during remote operation, then handleability and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power state adjustment by transitioning between normal and power saving states based on real-time operation type detection. The system dynamically changes power consumption characteristics according to whether the operation is directly connected to job execution or not, resolving the contradiction between maintaining responsiveness and reducing power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power state parameter (normal vs. power saving state) based on the operation type. By detecting whether an operation is directly connected to job execution, the system adjusts the power consumption parameter accordingly, achieving both energy efficiency and operational responsiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the image formation device shifts to power saving state during operations not directly connected to job execution, then power consumption is reduced, but responsiveness to user operations may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from operation type detection to control power state transitions. By monitoring whether an operation is directly connected to job execution, the system provides feedback to the power state control unit, which adjusts power state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the system maintains responsiveness during critical operations while saving power during non-critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power state is dynamically adjusted based on operation context. The system transitions to power saving state only during operations not directly connected to job execution, while maintaining normal state during critical operations, thus dynamically optimizing both power consumption and responsiveness based on real-time conditions.
3Reliability
If the image formation device maintains normal power state during all operations, then job execution readiness is improved, but energy waste occurs during non-execution operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the power state parameter based on operation type detection. During operations not directly connected to job execution, the system transitions to power saving state to avoid energy waste. During operations directly connected to job execution, the system maintains normal state to ensure job execution readiness, thus optimizing both energy efficiency and operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments operations into two categories: those directly connected to job execution and those not directly connected. By segmenting the operation types, the system can apply different power states appropriately - normal state for critical operations and power saving state for non-critical operations - eliminating energy waste while maintaining necessary readiness.
4Loss of energy
If the image formation device shifts to power saving state during remote operation, then energy saving is achieved, but operation responsiveness may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from operation type detection to control power state transitions during remote operations. By detecting whether an operation is directly connected to job execution, the system provides feedback to maintain appropriate power state, ensuring responsiveness during critical operations while achieving energy saving during non-critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power state is dynamically adjusted during remote operations based on operation context. The system transitions to power saving state only during operations not directly connected to job execution, while maintaining normal state during critical operations, thus dynamically optimizing both energy saving and operation responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
When “operation which is not directly connected to job execution” is performed in an operation screen of a terminal device, by setting an image formation device to a power saving state, energy saving is achieved. An image formation system has: a power mode determining unit determining a shift condition of shifting to any of power states on the basis of an operation directly connected to job execution and an operation which is not directly connected to job execution, which is input to an operation screen displayed in an operation terminal; and a power state control unit shifting an MFP to any of the power states on the basis of the shift condition determined by the power mode determining unit.