Mode Switching Part for Power Saving Mode Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses fail to transition to power consumption saving modes effectively after job completion, leading to unnecessary high power consumption when the user remains near the device, as mode transitions rely on user movement away from the device, which may not occur within the set time period.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus and method that communicate with a mobile terminal to automatically switch from an ordinary operation mode to a power saving mode based on a specified time period after communication termination, ensuring timely transition to power saving modes without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If the device waits for the user to move away before transitioning to power saving mode, then the transition timing is accurate, but the device cannot achieve power saving when the user remains nearby within the set time period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmode transition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses communication with the mobile terminal as feedback to determine when to transition to power saving mode. When the mobile terminal disconnects or stops communicating, this feedback signal triggers the mode transition, replacing the unreliable distance-based detection method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors its own communication state with the mobile terminal and automatically makes mode transitions based on this self-detected information, eliminating the need for external distance detection and enabling autonomous power management decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If the device transitions to power saving mode after an arbitrary fixed time period, then the transition is automatic, but it causes unnecessary high power consumption when the user remains near the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic mode transitionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses communication state feedback from the mobile terminal to trigger automatic mode transitions. Instead of relying solely on fixed time periods, the automatic transition is activated by the feedback signal of communication termination, making the automation more intelligent and context-aware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mode transition timing becomes dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the transition moment based on the actual communication state with the mobile terminal, allowing flexible adaptation to different usage scenarios while maintaining automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device relies on user movement away from the device to trigger mode transition, then the transition reflects actual usage needs, but it fails when the user does not move away within the set time period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage-based mode adaptationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical distance-based detection method with an electronic communication-based detection method. Instead of measuring physical distance or user movement, the system monitors the communication state with the mobile terminal, providing a more reliable and versatile trigger for mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal communication state serves as an intermediary indicator of user presence and usage needs. Rather than directly detecting user movement or position, the system uses the communication state as a mediator to infer when the user has finished using the device and should transition to power saving mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3130472B1Electronic device, operation mode control method, and operation mode control system

Publication Date: 2021.08.11 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

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AI summary

There is provided a further saving in power consumption which is achieved by establishing an optimal transition from an ordinary operation mode to a power consumption saving mode. A mode switching management part (11c) as a mode switching part, while a communication of a managing part (11a) as a communication part to a mobile terminal (20) is being established, maintains an ordinary operation mode and when the communication of the management part (11a) to the mobile terminal (20) terminates, switches from the ordinary operation mode to a power consumption saving mode before an elapse of a specified power consumption saving time period.