Power Mode Control for Data Processing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in switching between user-selected power modes when the power-supply switch is turned off, particularly in efficiently transitioning between low-power and high-speed startup modes, which affects power consumption and software activation times.

Innovation Solution

A data processing apparatus with multiple power modes (standby, low-power, high-speed startup off, and power-off) that includes a receiving unit for user instructions, a first transition unit to switch between modes, and a determination unit to decide between high-speed startup off and power-off modes, allowing users to set and change into a high-speed startup off mode when the power source is turned off in sleep mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If electric current is passed through DRAM when power-supply switch is turned off to reduce software activation time, then software activation time is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware activation timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power mode based on user needs and operational context. The CPU determines whether to enter high-speed startup off mode (passing current through DRAM) or power-off mode (completely cutting power) by evaluating transition instructions and current operational state, making the power consumption characteristic adaptable rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electrical parameter state of the DRAM based on the selected power mode. In high-speed startup off mode, the DRAM receives a hold voltage to maintain data, while in power-off mode, power is completely cut. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between speed and power consumption based on user selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If user is given choice between two power statuses (zero power consumption or passing current through DRAM), then power consumption control is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption controlVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The CPU automatically determines and executes the appropriate power mode transition based on the received transition instruction and current system state. The system performs the determination and switching operations autonomously without requiring user intervention in the technical details, making the complex power mode selection transparent to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power control system serves multiple functions: it receives transition instructions, determines the appropriate power mode based on current state, executes the mode switching, and manages the transition process. This multi-functional integration simplifies the user interface while handling complex power management internally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If AC power source is interrupted immediately when power-supply switch is turned off in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but inability to switch to user-selected status occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmode switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of the target power mode before actually interrupting the AC power source. The CPU evaluates the transition instruction and current state, determines whether high-speed startup off mode or power-off mode should be selected, and prepares the necessary conditions before cutting power, ensuring the user-selected status can be properly executed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power interruption is not immediate or fixed but is dynamically controlled based on the determined power mode. The system maintains power to necessary components during the transition period if high-speed startup off mode is selected, and only interrupts power after confirmation of power-off mode selection, making the power management adaptable rather than rigid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9513853B2Data processing apparatus capable of controlling power supply, control method therefor, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 CANON KK

AI summary

A data processing apparatus that has first to fourth power modes in which power consumption becomes larger in this order, and is capable of changing into a mode selected and set by a user. A receiving unit receives the instruction for bringing the data processing apparatus into the third power mode or the fourth power mode. A first transition unit brings, when the apparatus is working in the second power mode, the apparatus into the first power mode in response to the receiving unit receiving the transition instruction. A determination unit determines which mode the apparatus is to be brought into between the third power mode and the fourth power mode in response to the first transition unit bringing the apparatus into the first power mode. A second transition unit brings the apparatus into a power mode determined by the determination unit.