Observation System Power Management for Immediate Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current observation apparatuses require a cumbersome process to initialize after power-on, involving waiting for the electrically driven units to reach a reference position, and existing solutions complicate configuration and increase costs by using absolute encoders.
Innovation Solution
An observation system with separate power source units for the observation apparatus and operation apparatus, featuring a control unit that initializes and powers the electrically driven units independently, allowing immediate operation after power-on and reducing the need for subsequent initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If an absolute encoder is used to manage the position of the electrically driven unit immediately after power-on, then the initialization time is reduced, but the device complexity and product cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by returning the electrically driven unit to the reference position before turning off the power. This ensures that when the power is turned on again, the sensor is already at the reference position, eliminating the need for initialization and allowing immediate observation without requiring complex absolute encoders
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-initialization by automatically returning to the reference position during the shutdown process. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external initialization operations or complex absolute positioning systems, reducing both time loss and device complexity
2Reliability
If the electrically driven unit is kept powered on continuously, then the initialization state is maintained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the patent uses periodic action by powering on the electrically driven unit only when needed (during observation) and turning it off when not in use. The unit is reliably returned to the reference position before shutdown, ensuring that the next startup requires no initialization, thus balancing power consumption with position accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the initialization action in advance by returning to the reference position before power-off. This preliminary action ensures that the unit is ready for immediate operation upon next startup without consuming power continuously, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing energy usage
Data Source
AI summary
When application software running on a PC is in the state of being terminated, a switch unit is turned OFF with the control of a CPU and individual motors, and in this state, a light source is not supplied with a motor/lamp-use power source. In this state, however, the CPU and individual I/Fs are supplied with a logic-use power source. Therefore, the switch unit is turned ON when the application software is started, and an initialization process for an individual electrically driven unit is no longer required.