MFP Power Supply Control for Multi-Function USB Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunctional printers (MFPs) face challenges in determining whether a return request signal from a USB device with both Wi-Fi and BLE communication functions is due to Wi-Fi or BLE, leading to improper power supply to associated components.
Innovation Solution
An MFP equipped with both Wi-Fi and BLE communication functions, featuring a determination unit to identify the source of the return instruction and a decision unit to accurately decide on power supply destinations, ensuring proper power distribution based on the communication function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP receives a return request signal from a USB device with both Wi-Fi and BLE functions, then the MFP can return from power saving mode, but the MFP cannot determine which communication function triggered the return request, leading to improper power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply decision process by separating power supply destinations into distinct groups: Wi-Fi associated destinations (e.g., wireless LAN interface, printer section) and BLE associated destinations (e.g., console panel). The determination unit selectively activates only the power supply path corresponding to the identified communication function, preventing improper power distribution to unrelated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit acts as an intermediary between the received return request signal and the power supply decision. It receives the ambiguous return request, determines the triggering communication function by checking communication state, and mediates the power supply decision by selecting the appropriate power supply destination group, thus resolving the information loss problem.
2Reliability
If the MFP supplies electric power to all possible power supply destinations upon receiving a return request signal, then the MFP ensures all components are ready, but the MFP wastes energy by powering components not needed for the specific communication function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different power supply behaviors for different destination groups based on the identified communication function. When Wi-Fi is determined as the triggering function, only Wi-Fi associated destinations receive power; when BLE is determined, only BLE associated destinations receive power. This localized power supply approach ensures component readiness for the specific function while avoiding energy waste on unrelated components.
3Device complexity
If the MFP uses a simple return request signal handling mechanism, then the MFP maintains simplicity in power saving mode operation, but the MFP cannot properly handle USB devices with multiple communication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the determination unit check the communication state of both Wi-Fi and BLE functions before processing the return request signal. This preliminary determination of which function triggered the return request enables the system to properly handle multi-function USB devices while maintaining relatively simple power saving mode operation, as the complexity is resolved in advance before power supply decisions are made.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus capable of properly supplying electric power to a power supply destination associated with each function of a USB device. An MFP as the information processing apparatus is capable of operating in a power saving mode. A USB device having both of a Bluetooth communication function and a wireless LAN communication function is connected to the MFP. When an instruction for returning from the power saving mode is received from the USB device, it is determined whether the return instruction is an instruction generated due to the Bluetooth communication function or an instruction generated due to the wireless LAN communication function. Electric power supply destinations to which electric power is to be supplied when the information processing apparatus returns from the power saving mode are decided based on a result of the determination.