Image Forming Apparatus Operator Presence Sensor Adjustment Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses fail to maintain image quality and productivity due to the lack of adjustment processes, leading to prolonged waiting times for users when the operator is present, as these machines do not execute adjustment steps even when the operator is nearby, resulting in potential image quality deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a human presence sensor that controls the execution of adjustment processes based on the number of printed sheets, deferring adjustments when an operator is present to prioritize productivity and resuming them when the operator is not, thereby maintaining image quality and reducing waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the adjustment process is executed frequently to maintain image quality, then the image quality is improved, but the waiting time for the operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment process execution based on real-time detection of operator presence. The system transitions between different operational states (executing adjustment when no operator is present, skipping when operator is present), making the adjustment frequency adaptive rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing image quality maintenance with operator convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sensor to detect operator presence and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the adjustment process execution accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically respond to operator presence and make intelligent decisions about when to execute adjustments, thereby reducing unnecessary waiting time while maintaining image quality when needed.
2Productivity
If the adjustment process is skipped when operator is present to reduce waiting time, then the productivity is improved, but the image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on operator presence detection. When an operator is detected, the system switches to a high-productivity mode that skips adjustments. When no operator is present, it switches to a quality-maintenance mode that executes adjustments. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the adjustment frequency to operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs adjustment processes in advance during periods when no operator is present, before the actual printing operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that image quality is maintained without causing waiting time during critical printing operations, as adjustments are completed beforehand.
3Manufacturing precision
If the adjustment process is executed regardless of operator presence, then the image quality is maintained, but the waiting time for the operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives real-time feedback from the sensor about operator presence and automatically adjusts the adjustment process execution. This eliminates the need for manual operator intervention or decision-making, making the system both quality-conscious and operator-friendly. The feedback mechanism ensures adjustments only occur when appropriate, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors operator presence and makes intelligent decisions about when to execute adjustments without requiring operator input or awareness. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically optimize both image quality and operator convenience, resolving the contradiction by making the system aware and responsive to operator needs.
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 balances image quality and productivity by deferring adjustments when an operator is present, reducing waiting times for users and ensuring consistent print quality, while allowing for frequent adjustments when the operator is not nearby to maintain stability.
Implementation Method 1
a human presence sensor configured to detect presence of a human body in a predetermined area
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion for forming an image, a human presence sensor for detecting presence of a human body adjacent the apparatus, and a controller capable of executing an adjustment process operation for the image forming portion when a first predetermined number of prints are produced. When the human presence sensor detects a human body in the neighborhood of the apparatus, the execution of the adjustment process operation is deferred to reduce the waiting time necessitated by the adjustment operation, but if a second predetermined number of prints are produced, the image forming operation of the image forming portion is interrupted, and the deferred adjustment process is executed.