Power Control Unit Mode Switching Timer Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in power management, particularly in switching between operational modes based on varying image processing requests, leading to suboptimal energy savings and increased overhead costs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a power control unit that switches between normal, first, and second power saving states, with a first timer suppressing transitions from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode until a set time is completed, even if packets are received, and a second timer managing transitions based on packet types and user inputs to optimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the operation mode control unit switches to the second power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy saving performance is improved, but the system may switch back to the first power saving mode too quickly when packets are received, reducing the effectiveness of power savings
Solution Approach 1:
The first timer is activated in advance when switching to the second power saving mode, and it pre-determines a minimum duration that must elapse before switching back to the first power saving mode. This preliminary timing action prevents premature mode transitions even if packets are received during the countdown, ensuring the system remains in the lower power state for the predetermined period and maximizing energy savings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system frequently switches between power saving modes to respond to packet receptions, then responsiveness to external requests is improved, but overhead and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the timing mechanism. The first timer creates a dynamic window during which the system prioritizes maintaining the second power saving mode over immediate responsiveness to packets. This dynamic timing-based control simplifies decision-making logic by using time as the primary factor, reducing the complexity of packet evaluation and mode transition decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A image forming apparatus includes a power control unit, an operation mode control unit, and a first timer. The power control unit performs control so as to switch between a normal power state for supplying the operation power supply voltage to the image forming unit, a first power saving state for not supplying the operation power supply voltage to the image forming unit, and a second power saving state having less power consumption than the first power saving state. The operation mode control unit performs control so as to switch a normal mode corresponding to a normal power state, a first power saving mode corresponding to a first power saving state, and a second power saving mode corresponding to a second power saving state.