Terminal Device Selective Control for Image Forming Apparatus Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with power wastage as they cannot selectively switch from energy-saving mode to normal mode, leading to unnecessary startup of all devices when in close proximity, due to reliance on motion sensors which activate all nearby devices.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device that communicates with multiple image forming apparatuses to display their operation modes and send request signals to switch specific devices from energy-saving mode to normal mode, allowing user selection and reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motion sensors are used to detect user approach and automatically startup image forming apparatus, then user convenience is improved, but all nearby devices are activated causing wasteful power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
A terminal device is introduced as an intermediary between the user and multiple image forming apparatuses. The terminal receives user input, identifies the target apparatus, and sends startup requests selectively, preventing unnecessary activation of other devices while maintaining automatic startup convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the terminal device receive operation mode information from each image forming apparatus, display the states to the user, and then send targeted request signals based on user selection. This feedback loop enables selective startup rather than blanket activation of all nearby devices
2Productivity
If all image forming apparatuses are switched to normal mode when user approaches, then ready-to-use availability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary startup of unused apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device acts as an intermediary that receives user input and selectively transmits startup requests only to the intended target apparatus, preventing unnecessary activation of other devices while maintaining ready-to-use availability for the selected device
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by enabling different operation modes for different image forming apparatuses based on user needs. The terminal device allows selective control, so only the specific apparatus the user intends to use is activated, while others remain in energy-saving mode
3Productivity
If wake-on request is sent from one MFP to another to switch from energy-saving to normal mode, then operational readiness is improved, but the system requires at least one MFP to remain in normal mode reducing energy saving potential
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device serves as an external intermediary that can selectively activate specific image forming apparatuses as needed, allowing all devices to remain in energy-saving mode until required, rather than requiring one device to permanently stay in normal mode
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device includes a communicator capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of switching an operation mode between an energy-saving mode and a normal mode, and a controller, wherein the controller, from the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communicator, receives information of each image forming apparatus including the operation mode, based on the information of each image forming apparatus, displays states of the operation modes of the image forming apparatuses, and sends a request signal, which switches the operation mode, via the communicator to the image forming apparatus selected from among the displayed image forming apparatuses.