Image Forming Apparatus User Authentication Power Mode Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses frequently switch to standby mode unnecessarily due to passing individuals, leading to wasteful power consumption, as they are activated by human presence detection without distinguishing between users and non-users.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a memory section for storing registered user facial images and job data, using determination units to identify registered users and switch between power-saving and normal modes based on user presence and data availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus switches to standby mode when a person is detected in the detecting region, then the responsiveness to user presence is improved, but the power consumption increases due to unnecessary activations when non-users pass by
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple stages: first detecting human presence in a wide detecting region, then verifying user identity through facial image recognition, and finally checking for registered job data. This segmentation allows the system to filter out non-users early in the process, preventing unnecessary standby mode activations and reducing power consumption while maintaining responsiveness to actual users
Solution Approach 2:
A facial image recognition system serves as an intermediary verification step between simple presence detection and standby mode activation. The system captures facial images, compares them against registered user data, and only triggers standby mode when a match is found. This intermediary mechanism prevents false activations caused by non-users passing by, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption
2Productivity
If the apparatus activates standby mode upon detecting any person, then the readiness for user operations is improved, but the power waste increases due to frequent unnecessary mode switches
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification actions before activating standby mode: it first detects human presence, then captures and verifies facial images against registered users, and checks for associated job data. Only after these preliminary confirmations does the system switch to standby mode, ensuring that activations are necessary and reducing power waste from unnecessary mode switches
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from facial image recognition results and job data verification to control standby mode activation. When a registered user's facial image is confirmed and job data is found, feedback triggers standby mode activation. When non-users are detected or no job data exists, feedback prevents activation. This feedback mechanism ensures standby mode is activated only when truly necessary, reducing power waste
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a CPU and a camera. In the image forming apparatus, the camera takes a facial image of a user approaching the image forming apparatus, and on the basis of the facial image, face authentication is executed. Further, in a case where it has been determined as a result of the face authentication that the user approaching the image forming apparatus is a registered user, it is determined whether there is registered job data registered by the registered user. The image forming apparatus is switched from a power-saving mode to a normal mode in a case where it has been determined that there is registered job data of the user approaching the image forming apparatus.