Optical Disc Drive Power Control Circuit for Complete Power-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical disc drives face inefficiencies in power utilization due to always-on modules like microcontrollers, leading to increased power consumption, which is not effectively addressed by prior power supply control methods.
Innovation Solution
An optical disc drive system that includes a control circuit with a determination unit and a power supply control unit to transmit power-off instructions to the computer host when a valid power-off condition is detected, ensuring the entire optical disc drive is powered off, reducing energy consumption by stopping power supply to the control circuit and drive means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power supply control methods are applied to modules inside the optical disc drive, then power consumption is reduced to some extent, but necessary modules like microcontroller remain always in power consumption state, limiting further improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply control into two levels: module-level control (existing prior art) and drive-level control (new invention). By introducing a power supply control unit that can independently control the entire optical disc drive's power supply, the system achieves complete power-off capability while maintaining module-level control for fine-grained management during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power supply control unit as an intermediary component between the host computer and the optical disc drive modules. This control unit receives power-off instructions from the host and executes complete power-off by controlling the power supply to the entire drive, bridging the gap between partial module control and total drive power management.
2Speed
If the optical disc drive remains powered on for quick access, then response speed is improved, but power consumption increases continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by maintaining the optical disc drive in a ready state with the tray loaded but complete power-off enabled. The drive can quickly transition from complete power-off to operational state when needed, as the mechanical components (tray, spindle) remain in position while only electrical power is cut, eliminating the need for lengthy mechanical initialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic power cycling of the optical disc drive based on usage patterns. The drive alternates between complete power-off state (when not in use) and operational state (when accessed), creating a periodic on-off pattern that reduces average power consumption while maintaining availability when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If complete power-off is implemented for maximum power savings, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to power-on determination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through determination units that continuously monitor power-off conditions and tray states. These units provide feedback to the power supply control unit, enabling automatic power-on/determination based on simple criteria (tray presence, host instructions) without requiring complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical disc drive performs self-determination of power-off conditions through integrated determination units that automatically assess whether complete power-off is appropriate based on tray state and host computer status. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems while achieving energy-efficient automatic power management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical disc drive and computer. The optical disc drive comprises: a tray for laying a disc therein; a drive means connected to the tray; and a control circuit for connecting the drive means and a power supply of a computer connected to the optical disc drive, wherein the drive means establishes an electrical connection with the power supply via the control circuit. The control circuit comprises: a determination unit for determining whether a optical disc drive power-off condition is valid and acquiring a determination result; and a power supply control unit for transmitting a power-off instruction to a computer host when the determination result indicates that the optical disc drive power-off condition is valid. The power-off instruction is configured for instructing the computer to control the power supply to stop supplying power to the control circuit and the drive means. The present invention enables complete power-off of the optical disc drive so that electrical power consumption is reduced to a maximum degree.