Power Supply Controller Standby Return Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses take time to return to a standby state after power switch-off due to the need to restore data from hard disk storage in energy saving modes, which delays the startup process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed to supply power only to the storage unit without the information processing unit in power saving modes, using stored status information to quickly shift from these modes back to the standby state, reducing the time required for return operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the apparatus stores return data in the hard disk in the second energy saving mode, then the apparatus can return to standby mode, but it takes time to restore the data from the hard disk to the RAM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing return data in the hard disk in advance during the second energy saving mode, so that when a return event occurs, the data is already prepared and can be quickly restored to the RAM without requiring time-consuming data retrieval operations from external storage devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hard disk as an intermediary storage medium between the power supply unit and the RAM. The hard disk serves as a temporary storage location for return data, allowing the system to balance between power saving requirements and quick return to operational state without directly connecting all components continuously
2Productivity
If the apparatus supplies power to the information processing unit in energy saving modes, then the apparatus can perform information processing, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply into different levels corresponding to different operational modes. The power supply unit selectively supplies power to specific components (information processing unit, storage unit, display unit) based on the current operational mode, allowing the system to maintain processing capability when needed while minimizing power consumption during energy saving modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power supply unit adjusts its power distribution in real-time based on the operational mode. The control unit dynamically controls which components receive power, enabling the system to transition smoothly between high-performance and low-power states without sacrificing processing capability when required
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the apparatus shifts to the second energy saving mode by turning off the power switch, then the apparatus saves power, but it takes time to return to the standby mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing return data in the hard disk during the second energy saving mode, so that when the power switch is turned on again, the data is already prepared and can be quickly restored to the RAM, significantly reducing the return time to standby mode while maintaining power saving benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hard disk as a copy storage medium for return data. Instead of requiring the system to reconstruct all necessary data from scratch or from slow storage devices, the system maintains a copy of the return data in the hard disk, allowing for rapid restoration and quick return to operational state
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus capable of reducing time taken to return to a standby state after turn-off of a power switch in a power saving state. A power supply supplies power to a CPU and a RAM in a standby state, supplies power to the RAM without supplying power to the CPU in a second waiting state caused by turning off the power switch, and supplies power to the RAM without supplying power to the CPU in the power saving state caused without having the power switch turned off when a shift-to-power saving state requirement defined in advance is satisfied. A power supply controller causes the apparatus to shift from the second waiting state to the standby state using a standby memory image. The CPU writes the standby memory image in the RAM for storage in the power saving state.