Image Forming Apparatus Power State Notification via Human Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses equipped with human-body detection sensors sometimes fail to automatically return to a normal power state due to users standing in blind spots of the sensors, necessitating manual operation by users accustomed to automatic return.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating detection means, operation sections, and power-source control mechanisms that provide notifications to users on the position of the operation section, allowing manual return to the normal power state even when automatic return is not possible, using a human-body detection sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a human-body detection sensor is used to automatically return the image forming apparatus from power conservation state to normal power state, then the convenience for users is improved, but the reliability of automatic detection deteriorates when users stand in blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is divided into multiple detection regions by arranging multiple human-body detection sensors at different positions and orientations. Each sensor covers a specific region, and when any sensor detects a user, the apparatus returns to normal power state. This segmentation eliminates blind spots and improves detection reliability while maintaining automatic operation convenience.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple human-body detection sensors with different detection ranges are used, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple human-body detection sensors with identical specifications are deployed at different positions and orientations around the apparatus. Each sensor is configured to cover a specific local region, creating comprehensive coverage through spatial distribution rather than using sensors with different detection ranges. This approach maintains detection coverage while simplifying the sensor system.
3Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus remains in power conservation state when automatic return fails, then energy saving is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to unfamiliar manual operation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
When the apparatus is in power conservation state and a user approaches (detected by human-body detection sensors), the notification unit activates to provide visual or audible feedback indicating that manual operation is required. This feedback guides users to perform the simple act of pressing the power button, making the manual operation familiar and convenient while maintaining energy conservation until user interaction is detected.
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 users to recognize and manually operate the image forming apparatus to return to the normal power state, enhancing user experience by providing clear indication of the operation position, thus avoiding the need for unfamiliar manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
a human-body detection sensor which detects an object such as a person in the vicinity thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus or the like is provided, which can make a user recognize a position which the user should operate in order to manually return the image forming apparatus from a power conservation state to a normal power state, even in the case where the image forming apparatus does not automatically return, using a human-body detection sensor, from the power conservation state to the normal power state. An image forming apparatus that enters a first power state in which a predetermined function is executable and a second power state in which the predetermined function is not executable includes detection means for detecting an object in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus; an operation section that a user operates in order to shift the image forming apparatus from the second power state to the first power state; notification means for, in a case where an object has been detected by the detection means, providing a notification of information indicating a position of the operation section; and power-source control means for, in a case where the operation section has been operated by the user, shifting the image forming apparatus from the second power state to the first power state.