Image Forming Apparatus Power Control via Schedule and Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in power control, often turning on unnecessarily due to schedule-based or sensor-based systems, leading to increased energy usage without scheduled use, and failing to turn off when not in use despite sensor detection.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system that combines schedule information with real-time sensor data from illuminance and human sensors to control power supply, ensuring power is only turned on when both scheduled use time and presence are confirmed, and turned off when not in use, using a management terminal and client terminal network for coordinated power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power control is performed based on schedule, then user convenience is ensured, but the image forming apparatus sometimes turns on power when no person is present leading to unnecessary energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines schedule-based power control with sensor-based presence detection into an integrated system. The control unit merges these two control methods by requiring both schedule validity and sensor detection confirmation before enabling power supply, thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces real-time feedback from sensors (illuminance sensor, human sensor) to the control unit. The sensor detection results continuously feedback to the control unit, which adjusts power supply decisions dynamically. This feedback mechanism prevents the apparatus from turning on when no person is present, even if the current time falls within the scheduled period.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power control is performed based on sensor detection, then presence-based control is achieved, but the power is turned on even when out of scheduled use-time leading to increased time period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges schedule-based control and sensor-based control into a unified system where both conditions must be satisfied. The control unit integrates schedule information with real-time sensor data, ensuring that power is supplied only when both the current time is within the scheduled period and a person is detected by the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary check of schedule validity before enabling sensor-based power control. The control unit first determines whether the current time falls within the scheduled use period, and only then considers sensor detection results. This preliminary action prevents the apparatus from turning on during unscheduled times even if a person is detected.
3Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus turns on power early to ensure usability, then user convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases during waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary determination of schedule validity and sensor detection before actually supplying power. This preliminary action ensures that power is supplied only when necessary (within scheduled time and when person is present), eliminating unnecessary early power-on and reducing energy consumption during waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own sensor detection capabilities to automatically determine when power supply is needed, eliminating the need for manual user input. The control unit self-regulates power supply based on real-time schedule checking and sensor data, optimizing energy consumption while ensuring usability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus in an embodiment is configured to include an image processing device, a storage device, a power supply device, and a control unit. The image processing device forms an image on a sheet. The storage device stores schedule information indicating a schedule of use-time of the image processing device. The power supply device supplies power to the image processing device. The control unit is configured to control the power supply device so as to start supplying the power to the image processing device if the power supply device stops supplying the power to the image processing device at the use-time indicated by the schedule information and when a sensor for detecting the presence of a person detects that a person is present.