Print Engine Power Control for Reliable Remote Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in remote control of power supply due to complex control sequences and communication failures between the controller and print engine, particularly affecting high-voltage components like the fixing unit and cooling fan.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is implemented to enable remote control of the power supply in the print engine by integrating the print engine control program and power supply control program on the same CPU, allowing for centralized management and reducing the risk of malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the controller has the power supply control program, then remote shutdown can be performed, but the control sequence becomes complicated and communication failures may cause loss of power supply control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two independent parts: the controller handles remote shutdown commands while the print engine control program independently manages power supply control. This segmentation allows remote operation capability while simplifying the control sequence by eliminating the need for the controller to track complex print engine states.
Solution Approach 2:
The print engine control program acts as an intermediary that receives both print control commands and power supply control commands. It integrates these functions locally, eliminating the need for complex communication protocols between the controller and power supply system, thereby reducing control sequence complexity while maintaining remote shutdown capability.
2Ease of operation
If the controller has the power supply control program, then remote shutdown can be performed, but communication failures between controller and print engine may cause loss of power supply control
Solution Approach 1:
By separating power supply control functionality from the remote controller and embedding it in the print engine control program, the system ensures that power supply control remains reliable even when communication between controller and print engine fails. The local integration means power control does not depend on continuous communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The print engine control program serves as a local intermediary that maintains autonomous control over power supply operations. This local mediation ensures that power supply control continues to function reliably even when the remote controller cannot communicate with the print engine, as the power control logic resides independently within the print engine system.
3Device complexity
If the print engine control program includes the power supply control program, then power supply is easily controlled and malfunctions are reduced, but remote control techniques are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The print engine control program is designed to perform multiple functions: both print engine control and power supply control. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simplified local control while also accepting remote shutdown commands, as the same control program handles both local and remote operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the control functions by having the print engine control program handle power supply control locally while maintaining the ability to receive remote shutdown commands. This segmentation enables the simplified local control architecture to coexist with remote control capabilities through independent functional boundaries.
4Reliability
If the print engine control program includes the power supply control program, then the print engine is unlikely to be affected by communication failures, but remote control for shutdown and restart has not been proposed
Solution Approach 1:
The print engine control program is designed with multi-functionality to handle both print engine operations and power supply control independently of remote controller communication. This universal design maintains print engine reliability while enabling remote shutdown and restart capabilities through the same control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments control functions by embedding power supply control within the print engine control program, creating an independent control pathway that does not depend on communication with the remote controller. This segmentation ensures print engine reliability while simultaneously enabling remote control operations through separate command interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus according to this embodiment includes a power supply that supplies power to constituent elements of the printing apparatus, a second controller that receives an instruction related to power supply control of the printing apparatus from an external terminal, and a first controller that controls an operation of the print engine, and controls supply and shutoff of power that is output from the power supply, to the constituent elements. Upon receiving the instruction from the external terminal, the second controller notifies the first controller of the instruction, and the first controller controls the power supply in accordance with the instruction.