Printing Power Mode Control for Accurate Remaining Sheet Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of printing apparatuses struggle to determine the number of sheets they can print based on the power supply source, whether it's a battery, an external power supply, or both, due to uncertainty about power availability.
Innovation Solution
A printing system with a battery level detection unit and calculation unit that determines the number of sheets that can be printed based on the remaining battery level and external power supply, allowing operation in multiple power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printing apparatus operates in multiple power modes (battery only, external power supply only, or both), then the versatility and adaptability of the device is improved, but the complexity of determining available printing capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total printing capacity is segmented into two distinct components: battery-only capacity (determined by remaining battery level) and external power contribution (determined by external power supply amount). The calculation unit separately evaluates these two components and combines them to provide the total available printing capacity, making the complex multi-power-mode determination manageable and transparent to users.
2Productivity
If the printing apparatus uses both battery and external power supply simultaneously, then the productivity and printing capacity are improved, but the user's ability to determine maximum printing sheets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The calculation unit continuously monitors the power mode, remaining battery level, and external power supply amount, then provides real-time feedback to the user about the total available printing capacity. This feedback mechanism ensures users have accurate, up-to-date information about how many sheets can be printed regardless of which power mode is active or how the power sources are combined.
3Ease of operation
If the printing apparatus relies on built-in battery for power, then the portability and ease of operation are improved, but the duration of printing operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The calculation unit performs preliminary calculation of available printing capacity based on the current state of battery charge and connected external power supply. This allows users to plan their printing operations in advance, knowing exactly how many sheets can be printed with the current power configuration, whether portable (battery only) or stationary (with external power).
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A printing system (1000) that enables a user to determine the number of sheets that a printing apparatus (100) can print, the number of sheets corresponding to a power supply source that supplies power to the printing apparatus (100), in any power mode. The printing apparatus (100) is configured to perform printing in any of a plurality of power modes including (i) a first power mode in which the printing apparatus (100) is supplied with power from the battery (170), and (ii) a second power mode in which the printing apparatus (100) is supplied with power supplied from both the battery (170) and an external power supply (300). In the second power mode, the number of sheets that the printing apparatus (100) can print is calculated based on the remaining battery level of the battery (170) and an amount of power supplied from the external power supply (300).