Quick Launch Control via RTC Interrupt Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face increased launch times due to the complexity of hardware and software required for both power saving and high functionality, leading to unintended reversion during quick launch due to Real-Time Clock (RTC) interrupts, which violates power consumption regulations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that prevents RTC interrupts during quick off by clearing RTC settings and using a launch preparation reboot flag to manage power states, allowing for high-speed launch without reversion, and distinguishing between on-time and off-time interrupts to optimize quick launch processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If quick launch is implemented by maintaining power supply to main storage memory, then launch speed is improved, but unintended reversion occurs due to RTC interrupts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaunch speedVSAvoidunintended reversion
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by setting a power state flag to indicate that the apparatus is in quick off state before RTC interrupts can occur. This flag prevents RTC interrupts from triggering reversion to normal state, thereby eliminating the unintended reversion problem while maintaining the power supply to main storage memory for quick launch functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by clearing RTC settings and setting the power state flag to quick off state before the apparatus actually powers down. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the apparatus is restarted, RTC interrupts cannot cause unintended reversion, and the system can quickly resume from the saved state in main storage memory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardware and software complexity is increased to satisfy power saving and high functionality, then functionality is improved, but launch time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidlaunch time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power management system into distinct components: main storage memory that retains power for quick launch, RTC subsystem that is cleared and isolated, and power state flag that manages transitions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain complex functionality while reducing launch time by preventing RTC-related delays and unintended reversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by introducing a power state flag parameter that tracks whether the apparatus is in quick off state or normal off state. This parameter change enables the system to differentiate between different power states and adjust behavior accordingly, allowing quick launch to proceed without RTC interrupt interference while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2528314B1Information processing apparatus and method of controlling launch thereof
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 CANON KK
  • EP2528314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2528314B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2528314B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus is capable of quick launch, in which information of memory is held and the apparatus is launched using the information, and includes an RTC that keeps the time and generates an interrupt at a set time. The apparatus detects whether or not there is an instruction to turn a power supply on or off, and if an instruction to turn the power off is detected, determines whether or not the quick launch is active. If it is determined that the quick launch is active, the apparatus sets an interrupt generated by the RTC inactive.