Power Control for Image Processing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image processing apparatuses, there is a trade-off between power saving and extending the life of connected devices like hard disk drives, as frequent power cycling shortens their lifespan but reduces power consumption, while controlling the power supply of communication relay units can lead to wasteful energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a control device that switches the power supply state between a first stop state, where power is maintained to the hard disk drive and stopped to the communication relay unit, and a second stop state where both are powered down, allowing for balanced power saving and extended device life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the power supply of the controlled device is repeatedly turned off and on for power saving, then power consumption is reduced, but the life of the controlled device is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlife of controlled device

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent control paths: one for the controlled device (hard disk drive) and one for the communication relay unit. This allows selective power control where the controlled device can maintain power while the communication relay unit is powered down, avoiding frequent power cycling of the controlled device while still achieving power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication relay unit acts as an intermediary component that can be independently powered down while maintaining communication functionality through the already-powered controlled device. This intermediary approach allows power savings without directly cycling the controlled device's power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the power supply of the communication relay unit is controlled to extend device life, then the life of the controlled device is extended, but power is wastefully consumed in the communication relay unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelife of controlled deviceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is divided into separate controllable units, allowing the communication relay unit to be independently powered down when not needed, while the controlled device remains powered. This segmentation enables power savings in the communication relay unit without affecting the controlled device's operation or life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply state of the communication relay unit is made dynamic and adjustable based on communication needs. The system can switch between powered and unpowered states for the communication relay unit, optimizing power consumption while maintaining necessary communication functionality through the controlled device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If power is supplied to both the controlled device and communication relay unit simultaneously, then communication functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments power supply control into independent channels for the controlled device and communication relay unit. This allows the communication relay unit to be powered down while the controlled device remains powered, maintaining essential communication functionality through the controlled device while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fully powering both units, the system applies partial power supply by keeping only the controlled device powered while shutting down the communication relay unit when full communication relay functionality is not required. This partial action approach maintains sufficient communication capability while reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11537192B2Power control for a controlled device and communication relay unit of an image processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a connection unit, a first power supply unit, a second power supply unit, and a control device. The connection unit is connected to an electronic apparatus including a controlled device and a communication relay unit. The first power supply unit can supply power to the controlled device. The second power supply unit can supply power to the communication relay unit. The control device is capable of switching a power supply state by the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit between at least a first stop state in which power supply by the first power supply unit is continued and power supply by the second power supply unit is stopped and a second stop state in which power supply by the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit is stopped.