Image Processing Apparatus USB Power Supply Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image processing apparatuses cannot supply power to external devices via a USB interface when in sleep mode, as the power supply from the power source to the interface is stopped, preventing power delivery to connected external devices.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a controller that selects among multiple power supply modes, switching from a second mode with stopped power supply to a third mode where power is supplied only to the interface in response to a power request from an external device, allowing power delivery through the interface even when the power source is not supplying power to the image-data processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the image processing apparatus switches to sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to supply power to external devices via the USB interface is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower supply capability to external device

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supply paths: one path supplies power to the main devices (image-data processor) and another path supplies power to the USB interface. This segmentation allows the interface to remain powered even when the main devices are in sleep mode, enabling external devices to receive power while the apparatus is in low-power state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply mode is made dynamic by introducing a third mode that can be switched to from sleep mode when a power supply request is detected. The system dynamically adjusts its power distribution based on external device needs, transitioning from a static sleep state to an active power supply state for the interface only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If the power supply to the interface is stopped in sleep mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the USB interface cannot provide power delivery to connected external devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower delivery function

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting power supply requests from external devices before fully entering sleep mode, or by monitoring for such requests during sleep mode. When a request is detected, the system proactively switches to the third mode to supply power to the interface, ensuring reliable power delivery is maintained when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The USB interface acts as an intermediary component that can operate independently with its own power supply path. This intermediary structure allows the interface to mediate between the main system's power state and the external device's power needs, enabling power delivery even when the main system is in sleep mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus maintains full power supply to all devices, then power can always be supplied to external devices, but power consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the system have different power supply qualities: the main devices (image-data processor) can be in low-power state while the USB interface maintains full power supply capability. This local quality differentiation allows the system to optimize energy consumption by applying different power states to different components based on their functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power supply parameter dynamically by introducing a third power supply mode that differs from both normal mode and sleep mode. In this third mode, the power supply state of the interface is changed to 'on' while the image-data processor remains 'off', creating a distinct operational parameter set that balances energy efficiency with power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10819870B2Image processing apparatus, apparatus, method of switching mode of the image processing apparatus, and non-transitory storage medium storing program executable by computer of the image processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes an image-data processor, an interface, a power source, and a controller. The controller selects a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode as a power supply mode. In the first mode, electric power is supplied from the power source to the image-data processor and the interface. In the second mode, supply of the electric power from the power source to the image-data processor and the interface is in a stopped state. In the third mode, the electric power is supplied from the power source to the interface, but supply of the electric power to the image-data processor is in a stopped state. The controller switches the power supply mode from the second mode to the third mode in response to receiving a power supply request from an external device via the interface in the second mode.