Wireless Operation Unit Power Management for Image Forming Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems with wireless operation units do not efficiently transition to power-saving modes, leading to unnecessary power consumption as the wireless operation unit remains in standby mode even when the image forming apparatus enters a power-saving mode.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system where the wireless operation unit transitions to a power-saving mode by reducing power supply to its display when the image forming apparatus enters a sleep mode, inhibiting power consumption by adjusting the power supply from the battery based on predetermined conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the wireless operation unit remains in standby mode to maintain operational readiness, then the response capability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless operation unit dynamically adjusts its power state based on the operational state of the image forming apparatus. When the apparatus enters power-saving mode, the operation unit transitions from standby mode to a lower power state, reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to respond when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives state information from the image forming apparatus and adjusts the power supply to the display accordingly. When the apparatus enters power-saving mode, the controller reduces power supply to the display, creating a feedback loop that synchronizes power consumption with actual operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the wireless operation unit transitions to power-saving mode with the image forming apparatus, then the power consumption is reduced, but the operational independence is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperational independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless operation unit applies partial power-saving action by only reducing power to the display component when the image forming apparatus enters power-saving mode, rather than shutting down the entire operation unit. This maintains essential operational functionality while reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11805213B2Image forming system and wireless operation device

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus capable of transitioning between a standby mode and a sleep mode; and a wireless operation device capable of wireless communication with the image forming apparatus, the wireless operation device including: a display; a battery configured to perform power supply to the display; and a controller configured to control the power supply from the battery to the display, wherein, in response to transition of the image forming apparatus from the standby mode to the sleep mode with a predetermined amount of power being supplied from the battery to the display, the controller makes a supply amount of power from the battery to the display less than the predetermined amount.