Selective Controller Activation for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in power management, particularly in image forming devices, where both system and device controllers are often activated unnecessarily, leading to increased power consumption and longer job completion times due to the lack of selective control over power resumption.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a first controller for processes dependent on hardware, a second controller for processes independent of hardware, and a power controller that selectively activates either or both controllers based on the reason for resuming power supply, optimizing power usage by restricting power to idle components and activating only necessary controllers for specific tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both controllers are activated to ensure system readiness, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into two independent parts: a system controller for hardware-independent processes and a device controller for hardware-dependent processes. This segmentation allows the power controller to selectively activate only the necessary controller based on the reason for power resumption, rather than activating both controllers simultaneously, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining system reliability.
2Speed
If both controllers are activated unnecessarily, then system responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power controller dynamically adjusts the activation state of controllers based on real-time conditions. When power is resumed, the power controller determines which controller(s) need to be activated based on the specific reason for power resumption. This dynamic approach ensures system responsiveness is maintained only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
3Loss of time
If all controllers are activated upon power resumption, then job completion time is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of activating all controllers upon power resumption, the power controller applies partial action by activating only the necessary controller(s) based on the reason for power resumption. This selective activation reduces power consumption while still ensuring that the required controller is ready to process jobs, avoiding the excessive action of activating unnecessary controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first controller that performs a process dependent on hardware having a function, a second controller that performs a process independent of the hardware, and a power controller that, if there is a reason to resume supply of power to the second controller when supply of power to the first and second controllers has been restricted or stopped, activates both the first and second controllers or only the second controller depending on the reason.