Networked Power Saving for Image Forming Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack a flexible and detailed power-saving mode setting, with current solutions offering limited control over power consumption and operational states, especially in network-connected multi-function peripherals.
Innovation Solution
An operation system that includes a server controlling multiple image forming apparatuses via a network, allowing them to operate in various power-saving modes with different power consumption levels, with the server setting the operation mode for each apparatus based on a preset policy and time band, enabling more granular control over power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple power-saving settings are provided with user-defined time, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The power-saving control is segmented into two levels: simple user-defined settings for immediate use, and detailed server-managed policies for comprehensive control. This segmentation allows users to access basic functionality easily while providing administrators with granular control over power consumption patterns, usage thresholds, and time-band specific settings for different apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between users and the power-saving control system. The server receives usage information from multiple image forming apparatuses, applies pre-configured power-saving policies, and automatically adjusts apparatus operation modes. This intermediary enables complex adaptive control without requiring users to directly manage detailed settings, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If overall power consumption is controlled by centralized management, then power consumption is reduced, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different power-saving policies and control strategies to different image forming apparatuses based on their individual usage patterns, locations, and functions. Each apparatus can have customized power-saving thresholds, time-band settings, and operation mode preferences. This local quality approach allows the system to reduce overall power consumption while adapting to the specific needs and usage patterns of each individual apparatus, rather than applying a uniform control algorithm to all devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detailed power-saving control is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of detailed power-saving control. It manages multiple apparatuses, stores usage information, applies power-saving policies, and sends control instructions. This concentrates the computational and control logic in the server, keeping individual apparatuses relatively simple while enabling detailed adaptive control across the entire system. The server handles policy configuration, usage analysis, and coordination, eliminating the need for complex logic in each individual device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and a server which controls the operation state of the image forming apparatuses via the network. The image forming apparatuses are operable in a normal operation mode and in one of plural power-saving modes with different power consumption. The server individually sets the operation mode of the image forming apparatuses in accordance with a preset power-saving operation policy, and controls the image forming apparatuses so that each of the image forming apparatuses operates in the preset operation mode in each predetermined time band.