Dynamic Display Luminance Control for Image Forming Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users may not recognize that an image forming apparatus is activated due to its display remaining in an off state until manually turned on, leading to unnecessary power consumption and discomfort for passersby when the display inadvertently turns on during approach.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a presence determination unit and a light controlling unit that adjust the display's luminance based on user presence and apparatus operation, switching to a lower luminance 'first on state' when a user is detected and a higher luminance 'second on state' when the apparatus is in use, to ensure user recognition without unnecessary power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the display unit enters the on state when a person approaches the image forming apparatus, then the user can recognize that the apparatus is activated, but the display unit frequently enters the on state even when the apparatus is not being used, causing discomfort to passersby and unnecessary power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser recognition of apparatus activation statusVSAvoidDiscomfort to passersby and unnecessary power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing different luminance levels for different display scenarios. The display unit operates in a first on state with lower luminance when only presence is detected, and switches to a second on state with higher luminance when operation is detected. This localized adjustment of display brightness resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient visibility for users while minimizing disturbance to passersby and reducing power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the display luminance adjustable and switchable between multiple states. The light controlling unit dynamically adjusts the display luminance based on the operational state of the image forming apparatus, transitioning from a lower luminance first on state to a higher luminance second on state when needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond appropriately to different usage scenarios, resolving the contradiction between user recognition and minimizing unnecessary activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the display unit remains in the off state to save power and avoid disturbing passersby, then power consumption is reduced and passersby are not disturbed, but the user may not recognize that the apparatus has been activated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePower consumption of the display unitVSAvoidUser recognition of apparatus activation status
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing different luminance levels for different display scenarios. The display unit operates in a first on state with lower luminance when only presence is detected, providing minimal visual output to indicate activation while consuming less power compared to full brightness. This localized adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing just enough visibility for user recognition without the full power consumption of a traditionally always-on display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the display luminance adjustable and switchable between multiple states. The system dynamically transitions from an off state to a first on state with lower luminance when presence is detected, and can further transition to a second on state with higher luminance when operation is detected. This dynamic luminance adjustment allows the display to provide necessary information to users while significantly reducing power consumption during idle and low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If the display unit enters the on state with high luminance to ensure user recognition, then the user can clearly recognize the apparatus is activated, but the display consumes more power and may cause discomfort to passersby

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser recognition of apparatus activation statusVSAvoidPower consumption of the display unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing different luminance levels for different operational states. Instead of using high luminance for all display scenarios, the system uses a lower luminance first on state for basic activation indication and reserves higher luminance for the second on state when actual operation is detected. This localized luminance adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient user recognition at lower power consumption levels during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the display luminance adjustable and switchable between multiple states based on operational conditions. The system dynamically transitions from a first on state with lower luminance to a second on state with higher luminance when operation is detected, and can transition back to the first on state or off state when operation ceases. This dynamic luminance control allows the display to provide necessary visibility only when needed, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective user recognition during active use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10484562B2Image forming apparatus, control program, and method for controlling luminance of the image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.11.19 SHARP KK
  • US10484562B2 patent drawing
  • US10484562B2 patent drawing
  • US10484562B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a display, a human detection sensor, and a CPU. If the CPU determines that there is a person in a certain area with the display in an off state, the display enters a first on state in accordance with an instruction from the CPU. If the CPU determines that the image forming apparatus has been operated, the display enters a second on state.