Independent Power Mode Control for Image Forming Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems, such as MFPs, do not effectively manage electric power consumption by separately controlling the power modes of their operation and main body parts, leading to potential inefficiencies in power usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with separate control units for the operation apparatus and main body, allowing independent switching of electric power modes based on specific process programs, enabling optimized power management by determining whether mode shifts are possible and controlling power supply accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electric power mode for the operation part and the main body part are managed together as a whole, then the system structure is simple, but further power reduction cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into two independent control units: a first control unit for the operation part and a second control unit for the main body part. Each control unit independently manages power modes for its respective component, enabling separate optimization of power consumption for each part based on its specific operational conditions and requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electric power mode is switched to control power supply, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to respond to operation instructions may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts power modes based on real-time operational conditions. When an operation instruction is received, the control units can rapidly switch from power-saving modes to active modes, ensuring that power consumption is optimized during idle periods while maintaining the ability to respond quickly when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessments to determine whether power mode switching is feasible before executing the switch. This allows the system to prepare for mode transitions in advance, minimizing delays when operation instructions are received while still maintaining power-saving benefits during stable operational states.
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate power mode control is implemented for operation part and main body part, then power consumption is further reduced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into modular, independent control units that each manage specific components. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by allowing each unit to operate autonomously with its own decision-making logic, rather than requiring a single complex centralized controller to manage all power decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control unit independently determines whether power mode switching is feasible based on its local operational conditions and constraints. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex inter-unit communication and coordination, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling fine-grained power optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a main body including a first control part controlling a power mode of the main body and an engine executing image processing, and an operation apparatus receiving an operation for instructing the engine to execute the image processing. The operation apparatus including a second control part controlling a power mode of the operation apparatus. When the operation apparatus receives an instruction to shift the power mode of the main body or the operation apparatus, the first control part determines whether shifting is possible based on a first program executed by the main body and controls a power supply of the main body according to the determination, and the second control part determines whether shifting is possible based on a second program executed by the operation apparatus and controls a power supply of the operation apparatus according to the determination.