Image Forming Apparatus Sensor Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses in power saving mode read outdated apparatus state information due to reduced power consumption, leading to discrepancies with the latest state when a state acquisition request is received.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that switches between a normal and power saving state, using a human sensor to detect presence and control power supply to internal sensors, ensuring only necessary sensors are active to update and communicate the latest apparatus information while minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the image forming apparatus operates in power saving mode with reduced power supply to sensors, then electric power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus state information becomes outdated and may not reflect the latest state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidapparatus state information accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The internal sensor is divided into two distinct sensors: a first internal sensor that detects quantities varying with image forming section operation, and a second internal sensor that detects operation states. This segmentation allows selective power supply to different sensors based on their specific functions, enabling the system to maintain necessary monitoring capabilities while reducing overall power consumption in power saving mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply to the first internal sensor is made dynamic and conditional - it is supplied only when the human sensor detects human presence in the predetermined area. This dynamic power management allows the system to adapt sensor operation to actual usage conditions, reducing power consumption when no one is present while enabling fresh data acquisition when a user approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If the controller supplies electric power to the first internal sensor in power saving mode based on human presence detection, then the latest apparatus information can be read, but electric power consumption increases compared to maintaining full power saving mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus state information freshnessVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of supplying power to all sensors continuously or to the entire system, the controller supplies power only to the first internal sensor when needed - specifically when human presence is detected. This partial action approach provides just enough power to acquire fresh apparatus state information from the first internal sensor without the excessive power consumption of full system operation, achieving a balance between information freshness and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If all internal sensors are powered continuously to ensure latest apparatus information, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus state detection accuracyVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different power supply strategies are applied to different sensors based on their specific roles. The first internal sensor receives conditional power supply when human presence is detected, while the second internal sensor receives no power in power saving mode. This local quality approach optimizes power distribution by matching sensor operation to actual information needs, maintaining necessary measurement precision while minimizing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables the reading of the latest apparatus information while restricting an increase in electric power consumption by selectively powering sensors based on human presence, ensuring accurate and efficient data communication.

Implementation Method 1

a human sensor 10, The human sensor detects whether a person is present or absent within a predetermined area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The first internal sensor detects a quantity that varies by operation of the image forming section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 3

The second internal sensor detects a state of operation of the image forming section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10185521B2Image forming apparatus that controls power supply based on result detected by human sensor

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus (100) includes a human sensor (10), an image forming section (20), an internal sensor (30), a power supply section (40), a controller (50), and a communication section (60). The internal sensor (30) includes a first internal sensor (31) and a second internal sensor (32). The first internal sensor (31) detects a quantity that varies by operation of the image forming section (20). The second internal sensor (32) detects a state of operation of the image forming section (20). In a power saving state, the controller (50) controls, based on a result detected by the human sensor (10), the power supply section (40) to supply electric power to the first internal sensor (31) and not to supply electric power to the second internal sensor (32).