Power Switch Control Unit Prevents Freezing via System Reboot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with automatic power-OFF functions due to mechanical relay failures, leading to freezing states where power cannot be turned off, causing unnecessary energy consumption and preventing user interaction.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that executes shutdown preparation and power-off drive controls, reboots the system if power is not turned off within a predetermined time, and notifies the user of failure through a display message, preventing freezing states and ensuring proper shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If automatic power-OFF function is executed using a mechanical relay, then power saving is achieved, but the apparatus may enter a freezing state if the relay drive fails
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors whether the power switch has actually turned off after executing the power-OFF drive. If the power switch fails to turn off (detected through feedback signals), the control unit identifies this as a failure state and takes corrective action by rebooting the system, thus preventing the freezing state from occurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit executes shutdown preparation control before attempting to turn off the power switch. This preliminary action ensures that the system is properly prepared for power-down, and if the power switch fails to turn off, the system can reboot and attempt the process again, preventing permanent freezing.
2Productivity
If the control unit completes shutdown preparation control, then power can be turned off, but the apparatus enters a freezing state if the power switch cannot be turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the power switch state after shutdown preparation is complete. If feedback indicates the power switch has not turned off, the control unit detects this failure condition and initiates a reboot, thereby restoring user interaction capability and preventing the freezing state.
Solution Approach 2:
When a power switch failure is detected, the control unit changes the system state by executing a reboot operation. This parameter change resets the system, allowing it to exit the freezing state and return to normal operation where user interaction is possible.
3Extent of automation
If mechanical relay is used for power switch control, then automatic power-OFF is achieved, but the system freezes if relay drive, wiring, or power switch fails
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the actual state of the power switch after automated power-OFF drive. When feedback shows the power switch failed to turn off (indicating relay or wiring failure), the control unit detects this and triggers a system reboot, maintaining operational continuity and preventing permanent freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-recovery when a power switch failure is detected. The control unit automatically identifies the failure condition and executes a reboot without requiring external intervention, allowing the system to service itself and restore normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents freezing states and ensures the apparatus can be safely powered down, reducing energy waste and allowing user interaction, even when mechanical relay failures occur.
Implementation Method 1
a power switch provided with a mechanical relay that drives a switch to an OFF position
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes switching means configured to switch between supply and cutoff of power to the information processing apparatus, driving means configured to cause the switching means to be OFF-state to cut off the supply of power to the information processing apparatus, and control means configured, in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied, to drive the driving means to cause the switching means to be OFF-state, in which, if the supply of power to the information processing apparatus is not cut off in response to the control means driving the driving means, the control means reboots the information processing apparatus.