SRAM Power Control for Image Processing Parameter Retention

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses do not efficiently manage power consumption during transitions between normal and power-saving modes, particularly due to the loss of image processing parameters when power is shut off, leading to delays in returning to normal mode.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a semiconductor integrated circuit with a control unit that distinguishes between SRAMs for temporary data and image processing parameters, allowing the SRAMs for parameters to remain powered in a resume standby mode while shutting off power to SRAMs holding temporary data, thus minimizing power consumption and data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If power supply is stopped to SRAM to save power during standby, then power consumption is reduced, but image processing parameters are lost requiring reinitialization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidreinitialization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the SRAM into two distinct functional areas: a storage area for image processing parameters and a control area for data writing operations. The power control unit can independently manage power supply to these areas, stopping power to the control area while maintaining power to the storage area. This segmentation allows the system to reduce power consumption by cutting power to the control area during standby while preserving critical parameter data in the storage area, thereby avoiding reinitialization delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If power supply is stopped to all SRAM areas, then power consumption is minimized, but data in control area is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol data

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the SRAM into two distinct functional areas: a storage area for image processing parameters and a control area for data writing operations. The power control unit can independently manage power supply to these areas, stopping power to the control area while maintaining power to the storage area. This segmentation allows the system to reduce power consumption by cutting power to the control area during standby while preserving critical parameter data in the storage area, thereby avoiding reinitialization delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If power supply is continued to all SRAM areas, then data integrity is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the SRAM into two distinct functional areas: a storage area for image processing parameters and a control area for data writing operations. The power control unit can independently manage power supply to these areas, stopping power to the control area while maintaining power to the storage area. This segmentation allows the system to reduce power consumption by cutting power to the control area during standby while preserving critical parameter data in the storage area, thereby avoiding reinitialization delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different power management strategies to different areas of the SRAM based on their specific functional requirements. The storage area maintains continuous power supply to preserve critical parameter data, while the control area receives interrupted power supply during standby since it does not require data persistence. This localized quality approach optimizes power consumption by tailoring power management to the specific needs of each SRAM area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10027906B2Semiconductor integrated circuit that stops power supply to at least a storage area of a first SRAM in a power-saving mode, and control method of semiconductor integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 CANON KK

AI summary

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is a semiconductor integrated circuit including: a first image processing module; a second image processing module; a first SRAM configured to temporarily store image data for which the first image processing has been performed by the first image processing module; a second SRAM configured to store a parameter for performing the second image processing for image data that is input to the second image processing module; and a control unit. The control unit stops power supply to the first SRAM, continues to supply power to a storage area of the second SRAM in which the parameter is stored, and stops power supply to a control area for writing data to the storage area of the second SRAM based on that a condition to cause the semiconductor integrated circuit to make a transition into a power-saving mode is satisfied.