Image Forming Apparatus Operator Detection Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses return to a power saving state after detecting a person, but this process is delayed and does not differentiate between an operator and a passerby, leading to inefficient power management and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a detection unit to measure the distance between the apparatus and objects, using sensors like ultrasonic or infrared sensors to determine if a person is an operator by monitoring distance changes over time, allowing for timely and accurate return from a power saving state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the image forming apparatus returns from power saving state when a person is detected within a predetermined distance, then the return time is reduced, but passerby may trigger false returns causing unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static distance threshold detection to a dynamic distance change rate detection. The system monitors not just the absolute distance but the rate at which distance is changing, allowing it to differentiate between operators (decreasing distance) and passerby (increasing or stable distance), thereby reducing false returns while maintaining fast response for legitimate users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from a simple distance threshold to a distance change rate threshold. By monitoring how the distance parameter changes over time rather than just its absolute value, the system can distinguish between meaningful approaches (operators) and incidental presence (passerby), resolving the contradiction between fast return and false triggering
2Reliability
If the image forming apparatus waits for the operator to stop in front before returning from power saving state, then false returns are reduced, but the return time increases and user convenience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting the return process earlier in the detection sequence. Instead of waiting for the operator to completely stop (which delays return), the system initiates return when it detects the characteristic decreasing distance pattern, anticipating the operator's intent to use the device. This reduces return time while maintaining reliability through the dynamic detection criterion
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring distance changes and adjusting its return decision based on the detected pattern. The continuous feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between temporary proximity (passerby) and intentional approach (operator) by analyzing the consistency and direction of distance changes over time
3Speed
If the sensor detects any person within range, then the apparatus returns quickly, but it cannot distinguish between operators and passerby leading to incorrect returns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying dynamics to the detection process. Instead of a static detection that simply measures presence, the system dynamically measures the rate of distance change. This dynamic approach maintains high detection speed while improving identification accuracy by analyzing the temporal pattern of approach rather than just spatial proximity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the detection by introducing the time dimension to the spatial detection. While traditional sensors only detect presence in space, this system detects presence in space-time by measuring how distance changes over time. This additional temporal dimension enables differentiation between operators and passerby without sacrificing detection speed
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
Enables faster and more accurate detection of operators, reducing unnecessary power saving state returns and improving user experience by distinguishing between operators and passerby, thus optimizing power management.
Implementation Method 1
using sensors like ultrasonic or infrared sensors to determine if a person is an operator
Implementation Method 2
using sensors like ultrasonic or infrared sensors to determine if a person is an operator
Data Source
AI summary
The distance between an image forming apparatus and an object located around the apparatus is detected, and the apparatus is returned from a power-saving state when the distance becomes shorter than a predetermined distance. Also, the image forming apparatus is returned from a power saving state, even if the distance is longer than the predetermined distance, in a case where the detected distance decreases for every predetermined time.