Low-Power Microcomputer Standby Controller for Printing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing apparatuses consume excessive power in standby mode due to high-performance CPUs and power supply units, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a power controller that uses a microcomputer with low power consumption to manage the main power supply, including a USB controller, switch state output part, and buffer to reduce power usage and prevent malfunctions during standby mode, by receiving user instructions and controlling power distribution based on switch state signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-performance CPUs are used to improve printing quality, then printing quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into two separate units: a main controller (CPU) for processing printing operations and a power controller (microcomputer) for managing power supply. This segmentation allows the high-performance main controller to be switched off during standby mode while the low-power power controller maintains system monitoring and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The power controller acts as an intermediary between the main controller and the power supply unit. It receives printing instructions during standby mode and activates the main controller only when necessary, thereby reducing the main controller's power consumption while maintaining system responsiveness.
2Reliability
If the CPU and power supply always operate in standby mode to monitor and control power supply, then system responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a main controller that can be powered off during standby and a dedicated power controller that remains active with minimal power consumption. This allows the system to maintain monitoring and control capabilities while significantly reducing overall power usage during standby mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The power controller uses a microcomputer with inherently lower power consumption characteristics compared to the main CPU. By changing the operational parameters and hardware specifications of the standby controller, the system achieves responsive standby operation with reduced power consumption.
3Reliability
If power is supplied to the main controller during standby mode to receive printing instructions, then system responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power controller serves as an intermediary that handles printing instruction reception and processing during standby mode. It communicates with the host apparatus and manages the power supply to the main controller, enabling the main controller to remain powered off while maintaining system responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The power controller autonomously manages the standby operation, including receiving printing instructions, determining when the main controller needs to be activated, and controlling power supply accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for the main controller to remain powered on during standby.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus including at least one device unit to perform a printing operation; a main controller to control the device unit; a main power supply to supply power to the main controller; an instruction receiving part to receive a user's printing instruction and to transmit the user's printing instruction to the main controller; and a power controller with a power consumption lower than the main controller, to control the main power supply such that the power is supplied to the main controller when the instruction receiving part receives the printing instruction while the printing apparatus is in a standby state wherein supply of power to the main controller is interrupted.