Printer Wake Control via RFID User Policy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, such as printers, take time to transition from a sleep mode to an operational mode, causing users to wait unnecessarily in office environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses RFID tags and a server to detect user proximity and apply user policies to wake printers from sleep mode by mapping tag information to user lists and checking policies, initiating the printer's transition to operational mode when the user is likely to use it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the printer enters sleep mode to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the wait time for the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the user's approach via RFID before the user actually reaches the printer. The server receives the RFID tag information, maps it to a user, checks the user policy, and initiates the printer wake-up process in advance, so the printer is already operational when the user arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from RFID tag detection to dynamically control the printer's power state. The RFID reader continuously monitors for tags, and when a recognized user's tag is detected within a certain distance, the system responds by waking the printer, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user presence.
2Ease of operation
If the printer stays in operational mode to reduce wait time, then user convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the printer's power state dynamic rather than static. The printer transitions between sleep mode and operational mode based on real-time detection of user presence via RFID tags. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between energy savings and user convenience based on actual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the printer (power state) based on detected conditions (user presence). When an RFID tag is detected and the user policy permits, the printer's power parameter is changed from sleep mode to operational mode, and vice versa when no user is present.
3Speed
If the system wakes the printer for every detected RFID tag, then user responsiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a server as an intermediary between the RFID reader and the printer. The server handles the complex tasks of receiving RFID tag information, mapping tags to users, checking user policies, and deciding whether to wake the printer. This distributes the complexity away from the printer itself and centralizes it in the server, which is better suited for handling logical decision-making.
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
Reduces wait time for printers to become operational by anticipating user needs based on proximity and policies, ensuring the device is ready for use when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification tag of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags within a range is detected by a radio frequency identification reader
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method relating generally to controlling operation of one or more managed devices, such as printers, are disclosed. In such method, a radio frequency identification tag of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags within a first range is detected by a radio frequency identification reader of a printer. Tag information for the radio frequency identification tag is sent to a server. The tag information for a user is mapped to a user list on the server. A check for a policy for the user is made. The printer is waked from a sleep mode for operation by the user responsive to a determination the user is likely to use the printer responsive to the policy.