Power Saving Mode Control in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming and reading apparatuses face challenges in efficiently switching between power saving and non-power saving modes, leading to increased user effort and reduced power conservation due to unpredictable mode changes and limited opportunities for power saving.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple stop conditions for mode switching, where the second condition is less likely to be satisfied than the first, allowing the apparatus to remain in power saving mode longer after user input, and incorporating user-settable conditions to enhance convenience and power conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the supply of power to the communication interface is cut in the power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but communication with external apparatus becomes unavailable and it is difficult to receive a job
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control is segmented into different levels: the communication interface can be selectively powered off while other essential components remain powered. This allows the system to cut power to specific high-consumption modules (communication interface) while maintaining basic functionality, resolving the contradiction between power savings and operational availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by checking communication interface usage status before transitioning to power saving mode. It predicts future job reception needs and adjusts power supply accordingly, preventing unnecessary power cutoffs that would hinder job reception while still enabling power savings when communication is not needed.
2Loss of energy
If the stop condition for changing to power saving mode is set to be easily satisfied, then the apparatus changes to power saving mode frequently and power consumption is reduced, but it takes a lot of time and effort for the user to input a job
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring communication interface activity and predicting when jobs are likely to be received. It adjusts the stop condition satisfaction threshold based on these predictions, allowing more aggressive power saving when communication activity is low while preventing premature transitions when job reception is anticipated, thus reducing user inconvenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring communication interface status and user interaction patterns. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust the stop conditions for power saving mode transitions, ensuring that power savings are maximized without causing excessive user inconvenience from frequent mode changes.
3Ease of operation
If the stop condition for changing to power saving mode is set to be less likely to be satisfied, then a chance to operate the apparatus in power saving mode is reduced, but it prevents frequent mode changes and reduces user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The stop conditions are made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the satisfaction threshold of stop conditions based on real-time monitoring of communication interface usage and predicted job reception needs. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between ease of operation and power consumption by making stop conditions easier to satisfy when power saving is beneficial and harder to satisfy when operational continuity is important.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a receiving unit; a printing unit; a power feed unit including a non-power saving mode and a power saving mode, the power feed unit configured to change the mode; an input unit configured to receive an input of a switching instruction; a switching unit configured to switch the mode from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode when a stop condition is satisfied, the switching unit configured to switch the mode when the switching instruction is input; and a change unit configured to change the stop condition to a second condition which is more likely not to be satisfied than a first condition, after the mode is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode and when the mode is switched from the power saving mode to the non-power saving mode by the switching instruction.