Power Control System for Image Forming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Job processing apparatuses, such as image forming devices, consume excessive power during unused periods and require lengthy startup times when powered off, hindering immediate functionality upon resumption.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that dynamically adjusts power modes based on ambient illuminance and user-set time periods, shifting to lower power consumption modes or complete power-off states when illuminance is low outside designated usage times, allowing for rapid startup when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the job processing apparatus is powered off during unused periods to suppress power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the startup time increases and job processing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary actions by maintaining a partially-energized state during break time, keeping essential components powered on in advance. This allows the system to be ready for immediate operation when the user returns, avoiding the need for full startup processing while still reducing power consumption compared to a fully powered-on state.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control system dynamically adjusts the apparatus state based on time periods and illuminance conditions. During break time with low illuminance, the system transitions to a partially-energized state, while during normal operation it maintains full power, creating a dynamic adaptation to changing conditions that balances power saving with operational readiness.
2Productivity
If the apparatus maintains full power during all periods to ensure immediate operation, then job processing speed is maintained, but power consumption increases during unused periods
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining full power during break time, the system applies partial action by keeping only essential components powered on in a partially-energized state. This reduces power consumption significantly while maintaining enough functionality to enable quick resumption of work when the user returns.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control operates periodically based on time periods, switching between full power mode during normal operation and partially-energized mode during break time. This periodic adjustment aligns power consumption with actual usage patterns, reducing energy waste during unused periods while ensuring full productivity during active periods.
3Loss of energy
If the apparatus automatically powers off based on illuminance detection, then power saving is achieved, but the apparatus cannot respond promptly when the user returns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by anticipating the user's return during break time and maintaining a partially-energized state in advance. This ensures that when the user returns and turns on the lighting, the apparatus is already prepared to operate immediately without requiring full startup processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control system uses feedback from illuminance sensors and time period detection to automatically adjust the apparatus state. When lighting is turned on and illuminance exceeds the threshold during break time, the system detects this change and transitions from partially-energized to fully-powered state, enabling automatic adaptation to user presence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach balances power saving with prompt job processing capabilities by ensuring the apparatus can quickly transition to operational states in response to changing illuminance conditions, enhancing user convenience and reducing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a function of turning off the power supply of the apparatus when the ambient illuminance of the apparatus is determined to be lower than or equal to a predetermined level based on the detection result by an illuminance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus configured to have a first power mode and a second power mode having lower power consumption than that of the first power mode includes a detection unit configured to detect brightness around the information processing apparatus, a setting unit configured to set a time period for shifting the information processing apparatus to the second power mode, and a control unit configured to, if the brightness detected by the detection unit is lower than a threshold, when a time is within the time period set by the setting unit, shift the information processing apparatus to the second power mode, and, when the time is not within the time period set by the setting unit, not to shift the information processing apparatus to the second power mode.