Printing Device Power Control via Communication Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing devices require an external power supply to store setting information, making it inconvenient to store settings when the device is not connected to a power source, such as during storage or transportation.
Innovation Solution
A printing device that includes a volatile storage section, a nonvolatile storage section, a printing mechanism, a connector for both communication and power supply from an external device, and a control section, allowing operation using power supplied via a cable even when the external power supply is not connected, enabling storage and retrieval of setting information without an external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printing device operates using power from an external power supply, then the device can perform printing and store setting information, but the device cannot store setting information when not connected to external power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector is designed to serve dual functions: communication between the printing device and external device, and power supply from the external device. This multi-functionality allows the device to operate and store setting information without requiring a separate external power supply connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The external device (such as a computer) provides power to the printing device through the communication cable itself. The printing device utilizes the power already being supplied to it for communication purposes, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source during setup operations.
2Ease of operation
If the printing device requires external power supply to store setting information, then power management is simplified, but user convenience during storage and transportation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The existing communication cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both data communication and power supply. This eliminates the need for additional power connections during device setup while stored in packaging, greatly improving user convenience without adding complex power management systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is used for both communication and power supply, then the device can operate without external power supply, but power management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The external device that the printing device communicates with already provides power through the cable. The printing device simply utilizes this existing power flow for its operations, avoiding the need for complex internal power management circuits while still achieving power independence from traditional external power supplies.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device, which is communicable with an external device via a cable and performs printing by using first power supplied from an external power supply, includes a volatile storage section having a volatile storage region, a nonvolatile storage section having a nonvolatile storage region, a printing mechanism that performs the printing, a connector that is coupled to the cable and is used for both communication with the external device and supply of second power from the external device, a communication control section that controls communication with the external device via the cable, and a control section, in which, when the first power is not supplied from the external power supply and when the second power is supplied from the external device via the cable, the communication control section, the control section, the volatile storage section, and the nonvolatile storage section operate using the supplied second power.