Image Forming Apparatus Power Saving Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with motion sensors face increased power consumption due to unnecessary switching of operation modes when users approach to pick up printed matter, as the sensors detect users even in cases where mode restoration is not required.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first sensor to detect users and a second sensor to detect printed matter in the sheet discharge unit, with a control unit that adjusts the operation mode based on the printed matter detection results, particularly switching between power-saving modes to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the motion sensor detects a user and automatically switches to normal mode, then the user experience is improved (ready state is achieved), but power consumption increases due to unnecessary switching when users only come to pick up printed matter
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sheet sensor to detect whether printed matter is present in the discharge tray as feedback information. When a user is detected by the motion sensor, the control unit checks the sheet sensor status to determine if the user is retrieving printed matter. If no sheet is detected, the system maintains the power-saving mode, avoiding unnecessary mode switching while still responding to user presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet sensor acts as an intermediary element between the motion sensor and the operation mode control. It provides additional information about the user's intent (picking up printed matter vs. operating the device), allowing the control unit to make more accurate decisions about whether to switch from power-saving to normal mode.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system switches between multiple power-saving modes (first and second), then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The power-saving functionality is segmented into two distinct modes: a first power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode with different consumption levels. The motion sensor and sheet sensor work together to determine which mode to maintain or switch to, allowing fine-grained power optimization without requiring a complete system overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet sensor serves multiple functions: it detects printed matter presence for the power-saving mode control logic, and it also provides information for the operation mode transition decision. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to at least one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first sensor is configured to detect a user. The second sensor is configured to detect a sheet in a sheet holder. The controller is configured to change a transition mode of an operation mode based on a first detection result of the sheet in the sheet holder by the second sensor in response to the detection of the user by the first sensor when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus is a second power-saving mode, which consumes less power than a first power-saving mode.