18413373. IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS simplified abstract (Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha)
Contents
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Yuichi Kaku of Sakai City (JP)
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18413373 titled 'IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
The patent application describes an image forming apparatus with two image formation modes: normal mode and silent mode. The apparatus includes controllers and power-source controllers that manage the power source based on operation acceptance and standby times.
- The image forming apparatus has two image formation modes: normal mode and silent mode.
- Controllers and power-source controllers manage the power source based on operation acceptance and standby times.
- The power-source controllers transition to a sleep state after a predetermined standby time and to a shutoff state after a predetermined sleep time.
- The controllers control the power-source controllers to transition to the shutoff state after a predetermined first sleep time has elapsed.
- During the silent mode, the controllers transition the power-source controllers to the shutoff state after a predetermined second sleep time has passed.
Potential Applications: - This technology can be used in office printers and copiers to save energy when not in use. - It can also be implemented in home printers to reduce power consumption during periods of inactivity.
Problems Solved: - Reduces energy consumption by transitioning to sleep and shutoff states based on usage patterns. - Improves overall efficiency of image forming devices by managing power source effectively.
Benefits: - Energy savings and reduced environmental impact. - Prolongs the lifespan of the image forming apparatus by managing power usage efficiently.
Commercial Applications: Title: Energy-Efficient Image Forming Apparatus for Office and Home Use This technology can be marketed to companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and individuals seeking energy-efficient home office equipment.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the apparatus determine when to transition to the sleep and shutoff states? - The transition is based on operation acceptance and predetermined standby and sleep times. 2. What are the potential cost savings associated with using this energy-efficient technology? - By reducing energy consumption during periods of inactivity, users can save on electricity bills in the long run.
Original Abstract Submitted
An image forming apparatus includes: an operation acceptor that accepts an operation; an image former that has, to be switchable, two image formation modes that are a normal mode and a silent mode; one or more controllers; and one or more power-source controllers that control a power source, the power-source controllers transitioning to a predetermined sleep state when the operation acceptor has not accepted an operation for a predetermined standby time, and transitioning to a predetermined shutoff state when the operation acceptor has not accepted an operation for a predetermined sleep time, the controllers control the power-source controllers to transition to the shutoff state when a predetermined first sleep time has elapsed, and after transitioning to the sleep state during the silent mode, the controllers control the power-source controllers to transition to the shutoff state when a predetermined second sleep time has elapsed.
