USB Connection-State Detection for Information Processing Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses waste power due to incorrect determination of USB device connection state, leading to unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a power control unit that switches between power states based on USB device connection and user selection, including a determining unit to assess connection status and a power control unit to adjust power consumption accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the USB device connection state is determined simply based on whether the USB device has been connected to the USB port, then the determination process is simple, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary power supply to USB devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the USB device connection state and user operation status, using this feedback to dynamically adjust power supply. The determining unit receives feedback about whether the USB device is actually being used (through user operation detection) and adjusts power supply accordingly, preventing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining simple connection detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply state is made dynamic rather than static. The power control unit adjusts the power supply state based on real-time conditions - whether the USB device is connected, whether the user intends to use it, and current usage state. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to reduce power consumption when the USB device is connected but not being used, while maintaining the ability to supply power when needed.
2Reliability
If the USB device is supplied with power whenever connected to ensure availability, then the USB device is always ready for use, but power consumption increases when the USB device is not actually being used
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user operation intent before supplying power to the USB device. The determining unit checks whether the user has indicated intention to use the USB device (through operation section input) before the power control unit supplies power. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary power supply while ensuring power is available when the user actually intends to use the USB device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameter dynamically based on usage state. Instead of a fixed power supply policy, the power control unit adjusts the power supply state according to detected usage conditions - supplying power when the USB device is connected and user operation is detected, and stopping power supply when the USB device is connected but not being used. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between availability and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus capable of suppressing power consumption according to a usage state is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a power control unit that switches between a first power state and a second power state, an operation section that performs a selection operation that selects enabling or disabling use of the USB device, and a determining unit that determines whether the information processing apparatus is in a connected state or in an unconnected state. The determining unit, in a case where the USB device is connected to the information processing apparatus and use of the USB device is possible and disabling the use of the USB device has been selected by the operation section, determines that the information processing apparatus is in the unconnected state. The power control unit, when being determined that the information processing apparatus is in the unconnected state, switches to the second power state.