Image Forming Apparatus Power State Control via Background Temperature Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with temperature sensors for human presence detection are prone to erroneous mode changes due to environmental temperature influences, such as solar light and electronic devices, leading to inaccurate detection of human approach.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with an infrared array temperature sensor, a holding unit for background temperature data, and a control unit that uses calibration data to differentiate between environmental heat sources and human presence, ensuring accurate detection by updating background temperature data regularly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a temperature sensor is used to detect human presence, then the apparatus can automatically return from power saving mode to standby mode, but erroneous detection occurs due to environmental temperature influences such as solar light and electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration to establish baseline temperature data from environmental heat sources before actual human presence detection. This preliminary action creates a reference profile that enables the system to distinguish between environmental temperature variations and actual human presence, preventing erroneous mode switching while maintaining automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces calibration data as an intermediary element that mediates between the temperature sensor and the mode switching decision. By comparing actual temperature readings against calibrated baseline data, the system can filter out environmental interference and accurately detect human presence, resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability
2Ease of operation
If the apparatus returns to standby mode before the person reaches the location, then user convenience is improved, but false returns occur due to environmental heat sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from calibrated temperature data to continuously monitor and distinguish between environmental heat sources and actual human presence. By comparing real-time temperature readings against the established baseline, the system provides accurate feedback for mode switching decisions, ensuring convenience is achieved without false returns caused by environmental factors
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 effectively prevents erroneous mode changes by accurately distinguishing human presence from environmental heat sources, ensuring reliable operation and user convenience by maintaining the apparatus in the correct power mode.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature in a surrounding of the image forming apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a temperature sensor, a holding unit that holds background temperature data that is obtained by the temperature sensor and indicates a temperature state in a surrounding of the image forming apparatus, an obtaining unit that obtains plural pieces of data generated by performing a calibration with respect to each of plural pieces of temperature data obtained by the temperature sensor after the background temperature data is held by the holding unit by using the background temperature data held by the holding unit, and a control unit that controls return of a state of the image forming apparatus from a power saving state based on the plural pieces of data obtained by the obtaining unit.