Power Supply Switching for Connected Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing apparatuses fail to manage power supply effectively when the number of connected devices exceeds the maximum number that can be simultaneously powered, leading to the failure of using connected devices beyond this limit.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus switches the power supply destination among connected devices to ensure that only the maximum predetermined number receives power at any given time, achieving a state where all devices can be powered by rotating power supply based on sequence and priority.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus provides power to all connected devices simultaneously, then all devices can operate, but the power supply capacity is exceeded when the number of devices exceeds the maximum predetermined number

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of connected devicesVSAvoidpower supply capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power supply by switching power supply destinations among connected devices in a cyclic manner. When the number of connected devices exceeds the maximum power supply capacity, the processor periodically switches power between devices, allowing all devices to eventually receive power over time rather than simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the power supply system dynamic by enabling the processor to switch power supply destinations based on real-time conditions. The system transitions from a static power distribution model to a dynamic one where power allocation changes over time, allowing the apparatus to adapt to varying numbers of connected devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the apparatus limits the number of simultaneously powered devices to the maximum predetermined number, then power supply capacity is not exceeded, but devices exceeding this limit cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidnumber of connected devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action to ensure that all connected devices can eventually be powered while maintaining the limit on simultaneous power supply. By cycling through devices in a periodic manner, the system guarantees that no device is permanently excluded while preventing power capacity overload at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by implementing a cyclic power supply mechanism that eventually powers all devices. Rather than leaving devices permanently unpowered, the system continuously cycles through the power supply list, ensuring that all devices receive power over time while maintaining stable power capacity limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11968340B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium that enable use of connected devices

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to, when connected devices whose number is greater than a predetermined number are connected to the information processing apparatus, the predetermined number indicating the maximum number of devices simultaneously supplied with power, switch a power supply destination between the connected devices so as to obtain a state in which the number of connected devices simultaneously supplied with power is equal to or less than the predetermined number.