USB Usage-State Detection for Low-Power Information Processing
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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
Implement a control method and system to determine the actual usage state of USB devices, enabling or disabling their functions based on user settings, and switching to lower power states when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the apparatus determines USB device connection state simply based on physical connection to USB port, then the determination process is simple, but power is supplied to USB devices even when not intended for use, resulting in increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit monitors both the connection state of USB devices and user operations (such as USB device selection operations) to dynamically determine whether USB devices are in a connected state requiring power supply. This feedback mechanism ensures power is supplied only when actually needed, resolving the contradiction between simple determination and power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus supplies power to USB devices whenever they are physically connected, then USB device functionality is always available, but power is wasted when USB devices are not intended for use
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power supply state of USB devices based on real-time determination of connected state and user operations. USB devices transition between powered and unpowered states according to actual usage needs, maintaining adaptability while eliminating energy waste from static power supply approaches.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the apparatus transitions to lower power consumption states frequently, then power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus may not be ready for immediate use when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from operation detection units to monitor user interactions and dynamically adjusts power states. When user operations indicating USB device usage are detected, the system transitions to appropriate power states to ensure readiness, while maintaining low power consumption during periods of no activity. This resolves the contradiction by making power state transitions responsive to actual usage conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus (101) capable of suppressing power consumption according to a usage state is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a power control unit (340) that performs switching control for switching between a first power state and a second power state, an operation section (500) by which a selection operation that selects enabling or disabling use of a USB device (407) is performed, and a determining unit (340) that determines whether the information processing apparatus is in a connected state or in an unconnected state. The determining unit, even in a case that the USB device is connected to the information processing apparatus and the use of the USB device becomes possible and when the disabling has been selected, 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.