System and method for controlling power modes in printers, photocopiers, and multi-function devices
US9317789B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/5016
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A printer, copier, or multi-function printing device (MFP) operates in a reduced power mode in which a controller identifies a path of motion of an object external to the printer with reference to signals from a proximity sensor housed in the printer. The controller connects one or more components to electric power to transition to an elevated power operating mode if the identified path corresponds to a path history that is stored in a memory of paths of object paths that have occurred prior to operation of the printer, copier or MFP. The activation of the components reduces a delay that an operator perceives as the printer, copier or MFP transitions from the reduced power operating mode to the elevated power operating mode thus significantly reducing power consumption during operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.