USB Host Power Segmentation for Rapid Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently transitioning from a power saving mode to a normal mode in response to print requests while minimizing power consumption during the sleep condition.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a USB interface with a voltage output portion that maintains rated voltage supply to a communication device, allowing the control portion to shift from power saving to normal mode upon receiving a notification signal, and includes a signal input and output portion to manage control signals for data communication, ensuring power efficiency and prompt mode transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the control portion stops power supply to the USB host portion in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the communication device cannot be activated promptly when a print request is received
Solution Approach 1:
The USB host portion is segmented into two functional parts: the main host portion (USB host portion) that is powered down in power saving mode, and a lightweight activation portion (signal input portion and signal output portion) that remains powered. This segmentation allows the system to maintain minimal functionality for immediate response while shutting down the power-intensive main host portion, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption and mode transition speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal input portion and signal output portion maintain power supply and operational readiness in advance during power saving mode, so when a print request is detected through the communication device, the control portion can immediately transition to normal mode without waiting for full system wake-up. This preliminary maintenance of critical activation components enables rapid mode transition while minimizing overall power consumption.
2Productivity
If the USB host portion is fully powered in normal mode, then data communication is fully functional, but power consumption increases during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The USB host portion is divided into a main host portion that provides full data communication functionality when powered, and a minimal activation portion that maintains only the necessary power supply control and signal interface capabilities. During idle periods, only the activation portion is powered, maintaining basic functionality while minimizing power consumption. When needed, the main host portion can be activated without requiring complete system wake-up.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully powering the USB host portion during idle periods, the system applies partial action by powering only the essential activation portion (signal input and signal output portions). This partial power supply maintains the ability to detect and respond to print requests while avoiding the excessive power consumption of fully powering the entire host portion, thus optimizing the balance between productivity and energy efficiency.
3Speed
If the control portion quickly transitions to normal mode upon receiving a print request, then responsiveness is improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into two independent power control paths: one for the main USB host portion and another for the activation portion (signal input and signal output portions). This segmentation allows the control portion to independently manage power states, simplifying the transition logic by only needing to reconfigure the main host portion power supply while the activation portion remains actively managed, thus reducing overall power management complexity despite enabling quick mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal input portion and signal output portion maintain power supply and operational readiness in advance during power saving mode, so when a print request is detected, the control portion can immediately transition to normal mode without complex wake-up sequences. This preliminary maintenance of critical activation components simplifies the mode transition process by eliminating the need for full system initialization, thus achieving fast responsiveness with reduced power management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A USB host portion is supplied with power in a normal mode, and the power supply is stopped in a power saving mode. The USB host portion can acquire print request data from a communication device while outputting a first control signal. Power is supplied to a signal input portion and a signal output portion in both modes. The signal input portion can receive a signal from the communication device. A control portion shifts to the normal mode when a notification signal is input to the signal input portion while operating in the power saving mode. The signal output portion outputs a second control signal in both the normal mode and the power saving mode. The voltage output portion outputs a rated voltage to the communication device when at least one of the first control signal and the second control signal is output.