Server-Managed MFP Power State Switching via User Schedule Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses, especially MFPs, face challenges in further reducing power consumption while maintaining operational efficiency and security, as they often remain in standby or power-saving modes for extended periods due to shared usage and varying user schedules, leading to wasteful energy usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes an information processing apparatus for inputting user schedule information and a server apparatus capable of analyzing this information to switch the image forming apparatus between standby and power-saving states based on user presence or absence, thereby optimizing power usage during meetings or when the device is unused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming apparatus is kept on for a long time to be available for multiple users, then the productivity is improved, but the use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The server apparatus preliminarily determines user presence/absence status before the image forming apparatus needs to switch states. By analyzing schedule information in advance and determining when users will be absent, the system can proactively switch to power-saving mode without delaying user access, thus resolving the contradiction between availability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the server apparatus continuously monitors user presence/absence status and adjusts the power state of the image forming apparatus accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the apparatus is on when needed and off when not needed, optimizing both productivity and energy usage
2Use of energy by moving object
If the image forming apparatus is switched to power-saving mode after a prescribed time period, then the use of energy is reduced, but the loss of time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The server apparatus determines user absence in advance based on schedule information, allowing the image forming apparatus to switch to power-saving mode before the actual absence occurs. This preliminary determination prevents unnecessary wait time when users return, as the apparatus is already in the appropriate power state
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback about user presence/absence status to dynamically adjust power state transitions. When users are detected as absent, the system immediately switches to power-saving mode without delay, minimizing time loss while maximizing energy savings
3Ease of operation
If automatic power-saving mode is implemented based on time period, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus performs self-service by automatically switching between power states based on server instructions derived from user schedule information. The system monitors its own usage patterns and autonomously adjusts power consumption without requiring manual user intervention, maintaining ease of operation while reducing energy usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of power state based on determined user presence/absence status. By transitioning between standby and power-saving states according to actual usage conditions rather than fixed time periods, the system optimizes energy consumption while maintaining automatic operation
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes: an MFP switchable between a standby state and a power-saving state; a plurality of client computers outputting a print instruction to the MFP; and a server computer managing the MFP and the client computers. To the plurality of client computers, schedule information is input by the users of respective client computers. The server computer obtains the schedule information from the client computers and analyzes the schedule information. Based on the information resulting from the analysis, the server computer outputs an instruction to switch the MFP from the standby state to the power-saving state, to the MFP.