Power Management Apparatus for Image Forming Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses in power management domains face inefficiencies in power consumption, as they often enter power saving modes unnecessarily, leading to uncontrolled power usage and increased costs, especially when the price of power is low, and users may be unable to print at desired times due to print inhibition flags or high power prices.

Innovation Solution

A power management apparatus that dynamically controls image forming apparatuses based on current power prices, switching them to normal mode when prices are low and power saving mode when prices are high, by comparing real-time power prices with standard prices, and prioritizing apparatuses with high usage frequency, low standby power, and proximity to terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If image forming apparatuses enter power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power cost is reduced, but printing availability and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprinting availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of image forming apparatuses based on real-time power prices. When power prices are low, apparatuses operate in normal mode for immediate printing availability. When power prices are high, apparatuses transition to power saving mode to reduce consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than statically fixed in one state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power management apparatus continuously monitors power prices and provides feedback to control the operational states of image forming apparatuses. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to changing power conditions, switching between normal and power saving modes appropriately, thereby maintaining printing availability when needed while reducing power consumption during high-price periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If image forming apparatuses operate at normal mode to ensure printing availability, then printing convenience is improved, but power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting convenienceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (power mode) of image forming apparatuses based on power price conditions. By switching between normal mode and power saving mode, the system adjusts its energy consumption parameter to align with economic conditions, thereby reducing power costs while maintaining printing convenience when economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If power management is based on threshold values rather than power prices, then control simplicity is maintained, but cost optimization capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoidpower cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If multiple image forming apparatuses are controlled at normal mode to meet printing demand, then printing availability is improved, but overall power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8947692B2Image forming apparatus, power management apparatus and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A power management apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a communication unit configured to receive information on a price of power and communicate with image forming apparatuses, and a control unit configured to control image forming apparatuses to operate at a normal mode and/or a power saving mode by comparing the information received on the price of power with information on a standard price of power. A user may conduct a printing at a desired time to minimize inconvenience. A mode of the power management apparatus is determined according to the price of power such that a plurality of image forming apparatuses are operated at a normal mode when the price of power is low, and at least one image forming apparatuses is operated at a normal mode when the price of power is high, thereby reducing cost and enhancing the efficiency in managing the power.