Power Sequence Control for Integrated Scanner and Image Forming Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing abnormal operation or user damage due to improper power sequencing, particularly when the special engine unit is powered before processor initialization is complete.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus first supplies power to the general engine unit and integrated scanner assembly before processor initialization, and only powers the special engine unit after the processor has completed its initialization, ensuring controlled power sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If power is supplied to the special engine unit before processor initialization is complete, then the apparatus can start operating faster, but abnormal operation or user damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing processor initialization before enabling power to the special engine unit. The power sequence control unit delays activation of the special engine unit until the processor has finished its initialization routine, ensuring the processor is ready to safely control high-power components. This resolves the contradiction by prioritizing reliability over fastest possible startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply process into distinct phases: general engine unit power supply occurs during processor initialization, while special engine unit power supply is separated and delayed until initialization completes. This segmentation allows different components to be powered at appropriate times, preventing premature activation of dangerous components while maintaining overall system startup efficiency.
2Speed
If power is supplied to the special engine unit immediately, then the apparatus becomes more responsive, but the processor may not be ready to control it safely
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processor initialization actions before enabling special engine unit power. The power sequence control unit monitors processor initialization completion and only then activates the special engine unit, ensuring the processor has adequate time to initialize its control capabilities before managing high-power components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power sequence control unit acts as an intermediary between the power supply system and the special engine unit. It mediates the power activation timing by intercepting power commands and delaying them until processor initialization is complete, ensuring control readiness without significantly impacting overall system response speed.
3Reliability
If the processor waits for complete initialization before powering any components, then control safety is ensured, but the overall startup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments power supply into two concurrent phases: general engine unit components are powered during processor initialization to perform useful work early, while special engine unit power is delayed until initialization completes. This segmentation maintains control safety for critical components while minimizing overall startup time through parallel processing of non-critical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by powering only the general engine unit components during processor initialization, rather than waiting for complete initialization before powering anything. This partial power activation allows non-critical components to operate early while critical components wait for processor readiness, optimizing the balance between safety and startup time.
Data Source
AI summary
A power control device includes a power supply, an integrated scanner assembly (ISA), an image forming engine including a general engine unit and a special engine unit, a main power switch, a special engine unit power switch, and a processor including an independent power controller, and the processor to control power supplied to the ISA and the general engine unit by closing the main power switch through the independent power controller, to receive specification information from the ISA activated by the supplied power, to receive state information on the image forming engine from the general engine unit activated by the supplied power, and to supply power to the special engine unit by closing the special engine unit power switch after receiving the specification information and the state information.