Image Forming Apparatus Power State Control via User Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with unnecessary power consumption due to incorrect detection of user presence, leading to inappropriate shifts between power states, as existing human body detection systems may erroneously determine user intent and power saving modes based on sensor information and start history, resulting in inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a power state switching capability between a first and second power state, equipped with a setting unit for determining the shift time, a detection unit for object approach detection, and a control unit that prevents shifting back to the higher power state upon object detection during the set time, allowing for intentional user-defined power saving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If human body detection units are used to detect user presence and automatically shift power states, then power saving is improved, but false detection of user intent causes unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the user to explicitly set a timer for the power-saving state activation in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the power-saving mode is only activated when the user intentionally wants it to be, eliminating false activations caused by mere presence detection. The timer setting serves as a preliminary confirmation of user intent before the actual power state transition occurs.
2Loss of energy
If the apparatus shifts to sleep mode after a certain time period without operation, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates due to forced wake-up when users merely pass by
Solution Approach 1:
The user sets a timer in advance specifying when the power-saving state should activate. This preliminary action allows the system to distinguish between intentional absence (user wants power saving) and mere presence (user passing by). The pre-set timer ensures the system only enters sleep mode when the user has explicitly indicated they will not be using it, maintaining convenience while saving power.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and start history information are used to determine power saving mode, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates the most critical factor for determining power-saving intent: the user's explicit timer setting. By focusing solely on this pre-configured parameter, the system eliminates the need for complex multi-sensor analysis and history tracking, achieving accurate detection of user intent with minimal system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus capable of switching power state between a first power state and a second power state, which is lower in power than the first power state, shifts from the second power state to the first power state. In a case where the image forming apparatus shifts to the second power state in response to a current time reaching a set time, the image forming apparatus is controlled not to shift from the second power state to the first power state in response to an object approaching the image forming apparatus being detected.