Reconfigurable Logic Circuit for Printer Network Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networked printer systems face inefficiencies in energy use during low power or standby modes due to the need for a fully operational network communication interface and frequent processor activations for network management requests, leading to increased electrical energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a reconfigurable or programmable logic circuit that can filter messages and provide responses while operating in low power mode, waking the main processor only when necessary, eliminating the need for a dedicated external Ethernet circuit and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network communication interface component remains fully operational to recognize network communication, then network communication capability is maintained, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network communication interface is segmented into two functional parts: a low-power mode detector that remains active in standby mode to monitor for wake-up events, and the full network communication interface that is activated only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain network communication capability while significantly reducing energy consumption during standby periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The network communication interface dynamically transitions between operational states based on system activity. The interface is fully operational during active mode to handle network communications, but transitions to a low-power monitoring state during standby mode, activating only when wake-up events are detected. This dynamic state transition resolves the contradiction between maintaining communication capability and reducing energy use.
2Reliability
If the processor enters full operational mode to service network communication requests, then communication requests are processed, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing function is segmented between the low-power mode detector and the main processor. The detector handles simple wake-up event detection and generates interrupt signals, while the main processor handles complex communication request processing only when necessary. This segmentation prevents the high-power processor from activating for every network management request.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-power mode detector acts as an intermediary between the network communication interface and the main processor. It monitors for wake-up events, generates appropriate interrupt signals, and triggers processor activation only when actual communication requests are detected, rather than continuously activating the processor for all network traffic.
3Reliability
If the processor periodically exits low power mode to handle network management requests, then network management is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of periodic processor activation, the system uses event-driven activation. The low-power mode detector continuously monitors for wake-up events in a power-efficient manner, and the processor activates only in response to actual events rather than on a fixed schedule. This event-driven approach eliminates unnecessary periodic processor wake-ups and their associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-power mode detector performs self-service by autonomously monitoring for wake-up events and generating interrupt signals without requiring main processor involvement. This allows the detector to handle routine monitoring tasks independently, keeping the main processor in low-power mode and improving overall energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are configured to reduce energy use in a printing or multi-function device. They include monitoring at least one characteristic associated with operation of a multi-function device in a first mode of operation. They further include determining when a value of the at least one characteristic exceeds a threshold value and communicating programming information associated with operation of the multi-function device in a second mode of operation to a programmable network interface device when it is determined that the value of the at least one characteristic exceeds the threshold. The programming information changing the operating conditions associated with network communication by the programmable network interface device. The printing or multi-function device then operates in the second mode of operation based on the conditions associated with the network communication by the reconfigurable network interface device.