Printer Power Saving via USB External Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems where a printer apparatus supplies power to an external device via USB, there is a challenge in managing power consumption efficiently, leading to potential power shortages and reduced power conversion efficiency due to peak power consumption coinciding between devices, resulting in unnecessary power consumption and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
The printer apparatus includes a communication unit that transmits a power-saving-enabling instruction to the external device when printing, allowing it to enter a power-saving state, and a print control unit that confirms the power-saving state before initiating printing, thereby reducing power consumption and improving conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printer apparatus supplies power to the external device via USB, then the external device can operate without a separate power supply, but peak power consumption coinciding between devices causes power shortages and reduced power conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The printer control unit transmits a power-saving-enabling instruction to the external device before printing starts, allowing the external device to enter a power-saving state in advance. This preliminary action prevents peak power consumption coincidence by reducing external device power consumption before the printing operation begins.
2Speed
If the external device remains in normal operation state during printing, then it can process commands quickly, but power consumption increases causing unnecessary heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The external device dynamically changes its operational state based on printing status. During printing operations, the external device enters a power-saving state to reduce heat generation, while maintaining the capability to quickly process commands when printing is complete through the power-saving-enabling instruction mechanism.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the printer apparatus waits for the external device to naturally enter power-saving state, then power consumption is reduced, but printing operations may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The printer control unit actively manages power-saving state transitions by transmitting power-saving-enabling instructions to the external device. This feedback mechanism ensures the external device enters power-saving state at the appropriate timing during printing operations, balancing power consumption reduction with printing operation timing without unnecessary delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer apparatus that operates with power supplied by a power supply device includes: a printing unit that performs printing; a communication unit that is connected by USB to an external apparatus and supplies the power to the external apparatus; and a print control unit that causes the printing unit to perform printing in accordance with a print command received by the communication unit. When the printing unit performs the printing, the print control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a power-saving-enabling instruction that instructs the external apparatus to enter a power saving state.