Dynamic Human Detection Sensitivity for Power-Saving Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with erroneous detections by human sensors, leading to unnecessary transitions from a power-saving state, which can be caused by increased sensitivity leading to false returns or reduced detection accuracy due to decreased sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts the detection condition based on the distance between the human and the apparatus, using a human detecting sensor to transition from a power-saving state to a standby state when a human is detected within a predetermined area or has approached by a certain distance, thereby reducing erroneous returns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensitivity of the human detecting sensor is increased, then the detection accuracy of humans is improved, but the likelihood of erroneous detections increases causing false returns from power-saving state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection conditions adjustable and adaptable. The control unit dynamically adjusts detection parameters such as sensitivity thresholds, detection area size, and detection time based on the operational state of the information processing apparatus. This allows the system to optimize detection accuracy while minimizing erroneous detections by adapting to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying detection sensitivity, detection area, and time thresholds based on the power state of the apparatus. When in power-saving state, the system adjusts parameters to reduce false positives while maintaining adequate detection capability. This involves changing physical or operational parameters of the detection system to balance accuracy and reliability.
2Reliability
If the sensitivity of the human detecting sensor is reduced, then the erroneous detections are decreased, but the detection accuracy of humans is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts detection sensitivity based on operational context. Rather than using a fixed low sensitivity setting, the control unit modulates sensitivity levels according to the power state and environmental conditions, ensuring adequate detection accuracy is maintained while minimizing erroneous detections through context-aware parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes detection parameters including sensitivity thresholds and detection time windows based on operational state. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves a balance between reducing erroneous detections and maintaining sufficient detection accuracy for legitimate human presence detection.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus returns from power-saving state upon detecting a human, then the user convenience is improved, but the power consumption increases due to unnecessary returns caused by erroneous detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors detection results and adjusts detection parameters based on the operational state. The system uses feedback from the detection system to determine whether to return from power-saving state, and also uses feedback about false detections to refine detection algorithms and reduce unnecessary power consumption while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the transition between power-saving and operational states based on validated human detection. By making the power state transitions conditional on accurate detection rather than any detection, the system optimizes the balance between user convenience and power consumption, ensuring returns from power-saving state occur only when genuinely needed.
4Reliability
If the operator must wait in front of the apparatus for it to return from power-saving state, then the detection reliability is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing detection validation and parameter adjustment before triggering a return from power-saving state. The control unit preliminarily assesses detection reliability through multiple validation checks and parameter comparisons before initiating state transition, thereby reducing unnecessary waits caused by erroneous detections while maintaining reliable detection performance.
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
This approach effectively minimizes erroneous returns from power-saving states by accurately distinguishing between humans approaching the apparatus and passerby, ensuring efficient power management and reducing false detection issues.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor provided in an image forming apparatus detects a human approaching the image forming apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus measures the distance between the image forming apparatus and an object located in the periphery of the image forming apparatus each predetermined amount of time. Then, whether or not the object is a human is detected on the basis of the measured distance and a moving amount of the object each predetermined amount of time. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus controls the power supply state of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the result of the human detection.