Power Supply Controller for Image Forming Apparatus Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in energy conservation as they supply power to all units continuously, even when not all functions are in use, leading to wasteful energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a power supply controller that starts power to the image forming mechanism only at a predetermined timing during preparation for image formation, and stops power supply when the device is not in use for a predetermined time, optimizing energy usage based on the usage state of the image formation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power is supplied to all units continuously so that all functions become usable, then the apparatus is ready for any operation, but power consumption increases wastefully when image formation function is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply control into different levels: the display unit and reading unit are powered on first for viewing screen operation, while the image forming mechanism remains powered off during viewing mode. Only when switching to formation screen does the image forming mechanism get powered on. This segmentation allows the system to supply power selectively based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between function readiness and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power supply control where the power supply state of the image forming mechanism changes based on the operational mode (viewing screen vs. formation screen). The power supply controller dynamically adjusts power delivery to match actual usage requirements, enabling the system to adapt between low-power viewing mode and full-power formation mode, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power is supplied to the image forming mechanism at the timing when image forming instruction is provided, then power consumption is reduced, but image formation cannot be performed smoothly due to lack of preparation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by powering on the image forming mechanism in advance when the formation screen is displayed, before the actual image forming instruction is executed. This advance preparation ensures that the mechanism is ready and can operate smoothly when the forming instruction is provided, while still maintaining low power consumption during viewing screen mode. The system balances early preparation with delayed full-power operation to resolve the contradiction between power savings and operational smoothness.
Data Source
AI summary
When power is turned “ON”, power starts to be supplied to a reading unit and a display unit so that images stored in a storage unit can be displayed, and when the images are instructed to be displayed, a viewing system screen is displayed. The power starts to be supplied to an image forming mechanism at a timing when an instruction for switching the viewing system screen to a formation screen, and when an instruction for forming the image being displayed on the formation screen is provided, the image is formed by the image forming mechanism. In this manner, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption caused when the power is supplied to the image forming mechanism while the image is displayed on the viewing system screen.