Adjustable Human Body Sensor Sensitivity for Power Saving Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in automatically returning from a power saving state due to varying user intentions and environments, leading to incorrect detection and inefficient power management, as the sensitivity of human body detection sensors is not adaptable to different usage environments.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a detection unit, control unit, and display unit that allows users to adjust the sensitivity of the human body detection sensor through a user interface, enabling the apparatus to return from a power saving state based on customizable detection conditions, thereby improving accuracy and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection range of the second sensor is widened to provide a wider user detection range, then the image forming apparatus can detect users more quickly when placed in a corner of a room, but the apparatus may erroneously return from power saving state when a person merely passes in front of the apparatus in a passageway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor sensitivity dynamic by allowing users to adjust it according to the installation environment. The system transitions from a static detection range to an adaptable one, where the detection sensitivity can be changed based on whether the apparatus is placed in a corner or passageway, thus resolving the contradiction between wide detection and false activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter (sensitivity/detection range) to adapt to different usage environments. By providing multiple sensitivity settings or adjustable detection thresholds, the system can optimize between detecting users quickly in corners while avoiding false activations in passageways.
2Reliability
If the detection range of the second sensor is narrowed to prevent erroneous return in passageway, then false activations are reduced, but the apparatus cannot detect users quickly when placed in a corner of a room
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts detection sensitivity based on installation location. When placed in a corner, higher sensitivity is applied for quick user detection; when placed in a passageway, lower sensitivity prevents false activations. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliable detection and avoiding false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection parameters are made changeable to suit different environments. The system offers multiple sensitivity levels or adjustable thresholds that can be configured according to whether the apparatus is in a corner or passageway, optimizing both reliability and detection accuracy for each scenario.
3Device complexity
If the sensitivity of the human body detection sensor is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the apparatus cannot adapt to different usage environments (corner vs. passageway)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the sensor sensitivity without significantly complicating the device structure. Through software-based sensitivity adjustment or pre-configured modes, the system adapts to different environments while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes detection parameters (sensitivity, threshold values) to adapt to different usage environments. This parameter-based adaptation allows the apparatus to function effectively in both corner and passageway installations without requiring complex structural modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for precise adjustment of the human body detection sensor's sensitivity, reducing false activations and improving user experience by ensuring the apparatus returns to the active state only when a user is present, thus optimizing power management and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit configured to detect a heat source
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus appropriately changes the sensitivity of a human body detection sensor according to its usage environment. The image forming apparatus includes at least a first power state and a second power state that is less in electric power consumption than the first power state, the image forming apparatus including a sensor that detects a heat source present in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, a control unit configured to shift the image forming apparatus into the first power state from the second power state if the position of the detected heat source satisfies a return condition causing the image forming apparatus to return to the first power state from the second power state, and a changing unit that changes the return condition based on a user operation.