Image Forming Apparatus Power Estimation Using Module-Specific Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately estimating power consumption due to variations across different modules, leading to low estimation accuracy and increased CO2 emissions, as they rely on data amount of print data without considering module-specific power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes processors to acquire power consumption values for each module, using a reference value and scaling factors based on print job information to estimate power consumption accurately, and displays accumulated power consumption on a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power consumption is estimated based on data amount of print data, then the estimation process is simple, but the estimation accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is divided into multiple functional modules (image reader, motor, light source, high-voltage power supply, heater), and power consumption is calculated separately for each module based on its specific operation characteristics and then accumulated to obtain total power consumption, thereby improving estimation accuracy without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The estimation method transitions from using only data amount as a parameter to using multiple parameters including operation time, module-specific power consumption values, and operational states (such as warm-up time for the heater), allowing for more accurate power consumption estimation across different printing scenarios
2Measurement precision
If module-specific power consumption values are acquired and accumulated, then the power consumption estimation accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power consumption calculation into distinct modules (image reader, motor, light source, high-voltage power supply, heater), where each module has its own power consumption characteristics and calculation method, allowing for accurate tracking of individual module consumption while maintaining clear system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages image formation control, tracks operation time for each module, calculates power consumption values, and accumulates total power consumption, thereby implementing a comprehensive power management system without adding separate dedicated hardware for each function
3Measurement precision
If the heater warm-up time is considered in power consumption calculation, then the accuracy for color print estimation is improved, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the warm-up time required for the heater to reach operational temperature for color printing, and uses this predetermined value in power consumption calculations, avoiding the need for complex real-time temperature monitoring and calculation during actual printing operations
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus accepts print job information for forming an image on a sheet, and form an image on a sheet according to a print mode designated by the print job information among a plurality of print modes. The apparatus acquires a power consumption value which indicates a power estimated to be consumed in forming an image in units of an operation of forming one image on the sheet. The apparatus acquires power consumption values corresponding to the plurality of print modes respectively designated by the print job information, based on a reference value which indicates a power estimated to be consumed in forming the image in a reference print mode which is selected from the plurality of print modes as a reference and a scaling factor corresponding to the print job information.