Printing Control Apparatus Power State Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems experience delays in initiating printing due to the need to resume power supply to the image forming unit and control unit after receiving raster image data, as they are typically shifted into a power saving state when idle, requiring time to reach the fixing temperature and prepare for printing.
Innovation Solution
A printing control apparatus that transmits return data to transition the printing apparatus from a power saving state to a standby state before sending raster image data, allowing the printing apparatus to prepare for printing more efficiently by resuming power supply to the necessary units without waiting for the image data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the printing apparatus is shifted into a power saving state when idle, then power consumption is reduced, but the time required to prepare for printing increases when a print job is received
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by transmitting return data before raster image data to trigger the printing apparatus to resume from power saving state in advance. This allows the image forming unit to begin preparation operations (such as heating the fixing device) before the actual print data arrives, thereby reducing the overall printing initiation time while maintaining power savings during idle periods
2Loss of energy
If the printing apparatus waits to resume power supply until receiving raster image data, then power is saved during idle time, but printing execution is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves this contradiction by performing preliminary action through sending return data that triggers the printing apparatus to resume power supply to the image forming unit before the raster image data is transmitted. This advance resumption allows preparation operations to start earlier, improving printing execution speed without significantly increasing overall power consumption, as the apparatus returns to power saving state after completing the print job
Data Source
AI summary
A printing control apparatus connected to a printing apparatus operated in a standby state and a power saving state includes a reception unit that receives a printing request for causing the printing apparatus to execute printing, a generation unit that generates printing data in accordance with the printing request received by the reception unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not the printing apparatus is in the power saving state, and a transmission unit that transmits return data for returning the printing apparatus from the power saving state to the standby state before the printing data generated by the generation unit is transmitted in a case where the determination unit determines that the printing apparatus is in the power saving state, and does not transmit the return data in a case where the determination unit determines that the printing apparatus is not in the power saving state.