Image Forming Apparatus Power Save Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with unnecessary power mode transitions due to human presence detection after the power save key has been pressed, leading to ineffective power conservation and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a detecting unit for human presence and a power control unit that prevents transition from the power save state to the standby state unless the user who initiated the power save operation is no longer detected, ensuring that power save mode is maintained until the user leaves the vicinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the human presence sensor is used to automatically return from power save mode, then user convenience is improved, but power conservation becomes ineffective when the user presses the power save key while being detected by the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting when the power save key is pressed and preemptively disabling the human presence sensor's ability to trigger mode transition. This prevents the contradictory situation where the sensor would otherwise cause an immediate return to standby mode, thereby preserving the user's intent to conserve power while maintaining the convenience of automatic detection for other scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the functionality of the human presence sensor based on the operational state. When power save mode is actively selected by the user, the sensor's transition-triggering function is temporarily suspended. This dynamic behavior allows the sensor to remain useful for convenience features while preventing it from interfering with deliberate power conservation actions
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the power save key is pressed to transition to power save mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus returns to standby mode immediately if the user is detected by the human presence sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the power save key press event and preemptively disables the human presence sensor's transition-triggering capability. This preliminary anti-action ensures that even if the sensor detects the user's presence, it cannot cause an unwanted mode transition, thereby maintaining the reliability and stability of the power save mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring both the power save key state and the human presence sensor output. When the power save key is pressed, the system feeds back to disable the sensor's transition function, creating a closed-loop control that ensures the power save mode remains stable and responsive to the user's actual intent
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 solution effectively prevents unnecessary power consumption and extends the lifespan of apparatus components while enhancing user convenience by ensuring that the power save mode is only exited when the user is no longer present.
Implementation Method 1
a human presence sensor that detects, when a person is approaching the image forming apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an accepting unit to accept user operations to transition the apparatus from a standby state to a power save state; a detecting unit to detect objects around the apparatus; and a power control unit to transition the apparatus from the power save state to the standby state according to detection of an object by the detecting unit, and to transition the image forming apparatus from the standby state to the power save state according to user operations accepted at the accepting unit. The power control unit prohibits the apparatus from transitioning from the power save state to the standby state according to the detection of the object, until a user, which performed operations accepted by the accepting unit to transition the apparatus from the standby state to the power save state, thereafter ceases to be detected by the detecting unit.