Power Supply Circuit for Image Forming Apparatus Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses consume unnecessary power when in a power saving mode, especially when not connected to a network, as they supply power to units that do not need to perform network response actions.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a power supply circuit and a second sub-control unit that determines the connection state to the network and blocks power supply to the main control unit, allowing the sub-control unit to manage power distribution and detect factors for resuming or blocking power to loads, thereby optimizing power saving modes based on network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is supplied to the sub-control unit to enable network response actions, then network responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply control where the sub-control unit's power supply is adjusted based on network connection status. When the image forming apparatus is disconnected from the network, the power supply to the sub-control unit is blocked, eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining network responsiveness when connected
2Use of energy by moving object
If the image forming apparatus is disconnected from the network, then power consumption is reduced, but network responsiveness is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects the network connection status in advance and proactively adjusts the power supply to the sub-control unit accordingly. By detecting disconnection and preemptively blocking power supply, the system avoids unnecessary power consumption while ensuring that power is available when network connection is established
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit receives power from a power supply and supplies the power to loads including a main controller and a first sub-controller performing response action through a network when the supply of power to the main controller is blocked and the image forming apparatus is connected to the network. A second sub-controller controls the blocking of the supply of power to the main controller. The sub-controller determines whether to block the supply of power to the main controller, determines a connection state of the image forming apparatus to the network when the first determination unit determines to block the supply of power, blocks the supply of power to the first sub-control unit according to the determination result, and detects a factor for resuming the supply of power to the main controller and a factor for blocking the supply of power to all or a part of the loads.