Gesture Sensor Power Control for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses require manual operation or touch gestures on a touch panel to turn off power, which can lead to inadvertent contact and careless shutdowns, especially in multi-user environments where hygiene and simplicity of operation are concerns.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus equipped with a gesture sensor and control device that detects predetermined hand gestures to suspend and terminate power supply, allowing non-contact power-off through a preset gesture sequence, thereby enhancing user safety and reducing accidental shutdowns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual power switch operation or touch panel gesture is used to turn off power, then power can be turned off, but inadvertent contact and careless shutdowns occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower-off operationVSAvoidaccidental shutdown prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gesture recognition system as an intermediary between the user and the power-off function. Instead of directly touching the power button or touch panel, users perform specific hand gestures in the air that are detected by gesture sensors. This intermediary gesture-based interface prevents inadvertent contact while maintaining ease of operation, as users can perform gestures intentionally without risk of accidental activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch-based power-off mechanism with a gesture recognition system using sensors that detect hand movements in three-dimensional space. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the device, thereby preventing inadvertent activation while preserving the ability to turn off power when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If touch panel is used for power control, then operation is simplified, but hygiene risks increase due to direct contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control operationVSAvoidhygiene risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the touch panel's mechanical contact-based control with a gesture recognition system that detects hand movements through sensors. This substitution eliminates direct contact with the device surface, thereby reducing hygiene risks while maintaining simplified operation through intuitive hand gestures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gesture recognition system acts as an intermediary that allows users to control the device without physical contact. By detecting gestures in the air space around the device, the system enables hygienic operation while preserving ease of use through natural hand movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If gesture recognition is implemented for power control, then accidental shutdowns are prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower-off control accuracyVSAvoidgesture detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing gesture sensor module already present in the device for other functions and extends its capability to power control. By making the gesture sensor multi-functional, the patent achieves reliable power-off control without adding separate dedicated hardware, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit, which already processes gesture data for various device functions, is extended to recognize specific gestures for power control. This multi-functional approach allows reliable gesture-based power control to be implemented using existing processing capabilities, avoiding the need for separate dedicated control hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11539849B2Image forming apparatus capable of turning off power upon detection of predetermined gesture

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a display device, a gesture sensor, and a control device. The control device functions as a controller. When the gesture sensor detects a first gesture, the controller sets the image forming apparatus to a suspend mode and starts counting a first time. When the first time reaches a first threshold value, the controller sets the image forming apparatus to a waiting mode and allows the display device to display a notification indicating the waiting mode. When the gesture sensor detects a second gesture while the notification is displayed, the controller starts counting a second time. When the second time reaches a second threshold value, the controller turns off power of the image forming apparatus.