Printer Controller Dynamic Standby Time for Power and Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image forming apparatuses using the storage print function often wait for the exit of a sleep mode, which can be lengthy, resulting in inefficient power usage and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a controller that determines whether a print job requires a user input for execution and adjusts power supply accordingly, entering sleep mode only after a longer standby time for storage print jobs and a shorter time for other print jobs, allowing for immediate printing without user input for certain jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus enters sleep mode after a short standby time to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but user wait time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the standby time adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the standby time duration based on whether authentication information is required for the print job. For authentication-required jobs, a longer standby time is set to prevent sleep mode entry during user preparation, while for other jobs, a shorter standby time is used to maximize power savings.
2Loss of time
If the image forming apparatus remains in standby state with power ON for immediate printing, then user wait time is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the standby time parameter based on the authentication requirement. The controller examines each print job to determine if authentication information is needed, and accordingly adjusts the standby time parameter - extending it for authentication jobs and keeping it short for non-authentication jobs. This selective parameter adjustment optimizes both power consumption and user wait time for different job types.
3Ease of operation
If the standby time is extended for storage print jobs requiring authentication, then user convenience is improved, but power saving effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing print jobs into two distinct categories: authentication-required jobs and non-authentication jobs. The controller separately handles these segments with different standby time settings. Authentication jobs receive extended standby time to ensure the apparatus remains ready when users arrive, while non-authentication jobs use short standby times to maximize power savings, thus segmenting the power management strategy according to job type.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprising: a receiver for receiving a print job; a printing unit; a storage unit; an input interface for receiving a print execution command from a user; a power source for supplying an electric power; and a controller configured to: control the power source to stop or reduce the power supply to the printing unit when the receiver has not received a next print job within an after-printing standby time from completion of the printing; and control the power source to stop or reduce the power supply to the printing unit when the print job is a print-execution-command-input required print job requiring the print execution command and the receiver has not received a next print job within an after-print-job-receipt standby time from the receipt of the print-execution-command-input required print job, the after-print-job-receipt standby time being longer than the after-printing standby time.