Printer Engine Activation via Network Packet Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses connected to networks face inefficiencies in activating the printer engine from power-saving modes, particularly with Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) technologies, where prompt activation is not considered, leading to suboptimal power management and potential unnecessary activation during non-printing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a network interface capable of transitioning between normal, first sleep, and second sleep states, utilizing a processor and power control unit to efficiently manage power states and activate the printer engine only when necessary, based on packet analysis and EEE settings, ensuring efficient resumption from power-saving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the printer engine is activated upon receiving any packet during power-saving mode, then the activation response is fast, but unnecessary activation occurs for non-printing tasks increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the reception packet's destination port number before activating the printer engine. By examining the packet content in advance and identifying printing-related port numbers, the system determines whether activation is necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption while maintaining ready-to-activate status
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of packet analysis depth based on power-saving mode status. During power-saving mode, only critical parameters like destination port number are analyzed to quickly determine activation necessity, rather than performing full packet analysis, thus balancing response speed and power consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the printer engine is activated only after full packet analysis, then power consumption is reduced, but the activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary extraction and analysis of the destination port number from the reception packet while in power-saving mode. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine whether the packet requires printing processing before full activation, reducing both unnecessary power consumption and activation delay by having the decision-ready state prepared in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The packet analysis process is segmented into critical preliminary analysis (destination port number extraction) and full analysis. The segmentation allows the system to perform only the essential preliminary check during power-saving mode to determine activation necessity, thereby reducing both power consumption and activation time by avoiding unnecessary full packet analysis
3Use of energy by moving object
If EEE technology is used to stop clock signals between PHY and MAC, then power saving effect is remarkable, but prompt activation of printer engine is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the destination port number in the reception packet while the network interface is still in EEE power-saving mode. This preliminary action is completed before the full system activation, allowing the printer engine to be activated immediately upon resumption without waiting for packet analysis, thus achieving both power saving and prompt activation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation sequence based on EEE mode status. When EEE is active, the system performs preliminary packet analysis before exiting EEE mode, then activates the printer engine immediately upon mode transition. This dynamic approach ensures the printer engine activation is as fast as the EEE resumption time allows, optimizing both power saving and activation speed
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printer engine and a network interface. A first controller communicates with the network interface, and a second controller controls power supply to the printer engine and the first controller. The first controller, when the printing apparatus makes a transition to a power-saving state, causes the network interface to be in a first sleep state or a second sleep state from the normal operation state and instructs the second controller to stop power supply to the first controller. The second controller supplies power to the first controller when the printing apparatus resumes from the first sleep state, and supplies power to the first controller and the printer engine when the printing apparatus resumes from the second sleep state.