Manipulation Panel Mode Switching for Power-Saving State Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In information processing systems where an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus share a manipulation panel, there is a need for a technique to allow the information processing apparatus to control the manipulation panel even when the image processing apparatus transitions to a power-saving state, rendering it unable to control the panel.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a manipulation panel with an input interface and a control circuit that can operate in two modes, one for communicating with the image processing apparatus and another for communicating with the information processing apparatus, with processors determining the state of the image processing apparatus and instructing the control circuit to switch modes when necessary, allowing the information processing apparatus to take control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the image processing apparatus transitions to a power-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus becomes unable to control the manipulation panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an information processing apparatus as an intermediary that takes over control of the manipulation panel when the image processing apparatus enters power-saving mode. The control circuit detects the power-saving state and switches to transmit input signals to the information processing apparatus instead, ensuring continuous operational control while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where inputs are transmitted to the image processing apparatus when it is active, and a second mode where inputs are transmitted to the information processing apparatus when the image processing apparatus is in power-saving mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting control routing based on the operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the image processing apparatus remains in active state to maintain control capability, then control capability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus serves as a mediator that assumes control responsibilities when the image processing apparatus enters power-saving mode. The control circuit detects this state transition and redirects input signals to the information processing apparatus, allowing the image processing apparatus to consume less energy while operational control is maintained through the intermediary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the control routing based on the operational state of the image processing apparatus. When in power-saving mode, the control circuit switches to the second mode, transmitting inputs to the information processing apparatus. This dynamic behavior enables energy reduction without sacrificing control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the manipulation panel is shared between two apparatuses, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel sharing capabilityVSAvoidcontrol switching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary that simplifies the sharing mechanism. Instead of implementing complex multi-apparatus control logic in the image processing apparatus, the system uses the information processing apparatus to handle control when the image processing apparatus is inactive, reducing the complexity burden on the image processing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulation panel is designed with universal functionality to serve both the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus. The control circuit automatically determines which apparatus should receive control based on operational states, enabling one panel to fulfill multiple functions without requiring separate control mechanisms for each apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10425544B2State transition management for information processing systems and apparatuses

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An information processing system includes an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a manipulation panel, and a first processor. The manipulation panel includes an input interface and a control circuit operable in a first mode in which the information input to the input interface is transmitted to the image processing apparatus or a second mode in which the information input to the input interface is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. When the first processor determines that the image processing apparatus transitions from a first state in which the input information input is able to be processed to a second state in which the input information is unable to be processed, the first processor instructs the control circuit to transition from the first mode to the second mode and outputs a transition notification to the information processing apparatus.