Image Forming Apparatus Sensor-Based State Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses consume unnecessary power and take a long time to switch between power saving and normal states due to their inability to accurately detect user presence and intent, leading to inefficient power management.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs sensors such as infrared reflective, ultrasonic, or thermal sensors to detect user proximity and intent, allowing the processor to automatically switch between power saving and standby states based on user presence, thereby reducing waiting time and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the image forming apparatus continuously operates in normal state to ensure immediate responsiveness to user needs, then user waiting time is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser waiting timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor detects user approach in advance before the user actually interacts with the apparatus. When the sensor detects a user within a predetermined distance, the control unit pre-activates the apparatus from power saving state to standby state, ensuring immediate responsiveness when the user arrives without requiring the apparatus to remain continuously powered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus dynamically transitions between different operational states (power saving state, standby state, and operation state) based on real-time user presence detection. The control unit adjusts the power supply to various components according to the detected user distance, creating an adaptive power management system that balances responsiveness with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the image forming apparatus switches to power saving state to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the apparatus takes longer to respond when user is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor continuously monitors for user approach and triggers a state transition from power saving to standby state before the user actually reaches the apparatus. This preliminary detection and activation sequence reduces the effective switching time perceived by the user, as the apparatus is already warming up by the time the user arrives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus uses automated sensor-based detection to trigger state transitions without requiring user input. The control unit automatically manages the power supply adjustments based on sensor data, eliminating the need for manual state changes and reducing the overall time required for state transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the apparatus uses simple presence detection to manage power states, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of user intent is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoiduser presence detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual detection methods with optical or electromagnetic sensors that can accurately measure user presence and distance. The sensor uses light or electromagnetic radiation detection to determine user proximity, providing precise measurement data without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor serves multiple functions: detecting user presence, measuring user distance, and triggering appropriate state transitions. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating detection and control functions into a single integrated sensor-based system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces user waiting time and minimizes power consumption by accurately determining user presence and intent, enabling timely transitions between operational states.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor which senses a user within a predetermined range and outputs a signal having a size corresponding to a distance from the sensed user, wherein the first sensor is an infrared reflective sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the first sensor is one of an ultrasonic sensor and a thermal sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11442674B2Changing operational state of image forming apparatus based on distance of sensed body

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a sensor to output a signal, and a processor. The processor is to change an operation state of the image forming apparatus based on the signal indicative of an amount of change in the signal maintained for a time period.