Dual-Mode UV Sterilization Control for Information Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in ensuring effective sterilization using ultraviolet light sources due to insufficient control over irradiation parameters, leading to prolonged sterilization times and reduced lifetime of the light sources, which compromises user convenience and device longevity.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a sterilization unit, management unit, and control unit that manages lifetime and usage information of ultraviolet light sources, allowing for controlled operation in different modes to optimize irradiation time and output based on usage patterns, thereby extending the light source's lifespan and reducing user wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If ultraviolet light source operates at high output for short time sterilization, then sterilization time is reduced and user convenience is improved, but light source lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of ultraviolet light source operation by switching between two control modes: first control mode for normal operation with standard irradiation parameters, and second control mode for extended operation with adjusted irradiation time and/or output. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize sterilization effectiveness while managing light source degradation, resolving the contradiction between reducing sterilization time and preserving light source lifetime.
2Reliability
If ultraviolet light source irradiation time is extended to ensure sterilization effectiveness, then sterilization quality is improved, but user wait time increases and convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting irradiation time and irradiation output parameters based on operational conditions. The control unit modifies these parameters when switching between first and second control modes, allowing the system to achieve effective sterilization with optimized wait times. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between ensuring sterilization effectiveness and minimizing user wait time.
3Productivity
If ultraviolet light source output is increased to reduce sterilization time, then sterilization speed is improved, but light source deterioration accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled alternation between different irradiation output levels. By periodically adjusting the light source output based on operational mode and accumulated usage, the system achieves effective sterilization while distributing stress on the light source. This periodic adjustment resolves the contradiction between increasing sterilization speed and preserving light source lifetime.
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 ensures efficient sterilization while balancing user convenience and light source longevity by adjusting irradiation time and output, thus maintaining effective sterilization performance and extending the life of the ultraviolet light sources.
Implementation Method 1
Methods of sterilization by ultraviolet irradiation are becoming more common... sterilization with an ultraviolet light source... ultraviolet light source devices for sterilization with wavelengths of especially 200 nm to 290 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a sterilization unit that performs sterilization with an ultraviolet light source a part of the information processing apparatus that is operated on, a management unit that manages lifetime information corresponding to a product lifetime of the ultraviolet light source and usage information corresponding to an irradiation time and an irradiation output of the ultraviolet light source, and a control unit that controls the ultraviolet light source in a first control mode of controlling the ultraviolet light source with a first irradiation time and a first irradiation output or in a second control mode of controlling the ultraviolet light source with a second irradiation time shorter than the first irradiation time and a second irradiation output higher than the first irradiation output.