USB Path Switch for Secure Power Exchange in Image Processors

Solution Overview

Problem

Image processing apparatuses face challenges in securely performing communication related to power exchange with external devices, particularly when transitioning from normal to power saving mode, as the PD controller cannot perform necessary communication when operating power is stopped.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a first controller for normal power mode communication and a second controller for power management, along with a path switch to maintain communication paths, allowing for secure power exchange even when the first controller is in a stopped state, enabling continuous communication with external devices via USB interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the image processing apparatus shifts to power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but communication with external devices via USB interface cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into two separate controllers: a first controller that handles communication functions and a second controller that handles power management functions. This segmentation allows the communication controller to remain active while the power management controller handles the power saving mode, thus maintaining communication reliability while reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a path switch as an intermediary component that dynamically routes USB interface connections between the first controller and second controller based on the power mode. In normal mode, the path switch connects the USB interface to the first controller for communication. In power saving mode, it connects the USB interface to the second controller, enabling it to handle communication independently while managing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the first controller is stopped in power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the controller cannot perform necessary communication with external devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into two separate controllers: a first controller that handles communication functions and a second controller that handles power management functions. This segmentation allows the communication controller to remain active while the power management controller handles the power saving mode, thus maintaining communication reliability while reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between controllers based on power mode through the path switch. In normal mode, the first controller is active for communication. In power saving mode, the system dynamically transitions to using the second controller for communication tasks, adapting the system's operational state to match power consumption requirements while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single controller is used for both communication and power management, then device complexity is reduced, but communication cannot be maintained during power saving mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller configurationVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into two separate controllers: a first controller that handles communication functions and a second controller that handles power management functions. This segmentation allows the communication controller to remain active while the power management controller handles the power saving mode, thus maintaining communication reliability while reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle both power management tasks and communication tasks. This universality allows the system to switch to the second controller during power saving mode, where it can independently manage both power consumption and communication without requiring the first controller to remain active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10728411B2Image processing apparatus with communication path switch to switch communication paths between controllers

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes: a power supply; a first interface; a first controller configured to control communication with the external device via the first interface, the communication including communication relating to image data and communication relating to power exchange to and from the external device; a second controller configured to control power fed from the power supply to the external device connected to the first interface, based on information obtained by the communication relating to power exchange to and from the external device; and a first path switch configured to: form a first communication path connecting the first controller and the first interface in a first power mode; and form a second communication path connecting the second controller and the first interface without via the first controller in a second power mode.