Printing Control in Power Saving State

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to reduce electric power consumption in electronic devices, particularly in display devices, as existing technologies do not effectively minimize power usage without compromising functionality.

Innovation Solution

A storage medium and display system that allows a printing control program to manage power states, enabling the printing mechanism to operate without supplying electric power to the display device, using a physical key to execute processes in a power-saving state without shifting to a normal state, thereby reducing electric power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the display device is powered off to reduce electric power consumption, then energy savings are achieved, but the user cannot visually confirm operation status or interact with the interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoiduser interaction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power supply to different components: the display device can be in a low-power state while the processing unit remains operational to handle printing requests. This allows the display to be turned off or dimmed during printing operations, reducing power consumption while maintaining system functionality through alternative input methods like physical buttons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system transitions to normal state to respond to key operations, then full functionality is available, but electric power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on the type of operation requested. When a first key (printing trigger) is pressed, the system can execute printing in a simplified state without transitioning to the full normal state, thereby maintaining adaptability for essential functions while reducing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary activation of all system components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the display device remains powered on for user interaction, then ease of operation is maintained, but unnecessary electric power consumption occurs during automated printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidunnecessary power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The display device operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only when needed for user interaction and turned off during automated printing operations. This periodic operation pattern eliminates unnecessary power consumption during printing while maintaining ease of operation when the display is active, allowing users to interact with the system during designated operational windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10757285B2Display system having processor that executes first process when first key is operated in power saving state

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided a storage medium storing a printing control program that causes a processor controlling a printing apparatus which has a normal state, in which electric power is supplied to a display device, and a power saving state, in which the electric power is not supplied to the display device, to execute a process. The process includes causing a printing mechanism to execute a printing process in a state in which the electric power is not supplied to the display device when a first key that is a physical key is operated in the power saving state.