Image Forming Apparatus Virus Survival Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses, such as digital multifunction devices, pose a risk of contact infection as they are shared by multiple users, and existing systems fail to notify users of the risk of viral infection, despite viruses decreasing over time and potentially dying out after a few days on contact surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a processor, memory, and display within the image forming apparatus to store contact history information, calculate the likelihood of virus survival based on elapsed time, humidity, and surface material, and provide users with information on the risk of contact infection through a guidance screen, encouraging cleaning and infection control measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If contact history information is stored and virus survival information is displayed, then user awareness of infection risk is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional memory and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus autonomously monitors its own contact history and calculates virus survival information without requiring external intervention. The built-in memory stores contact information and the processor automatically computes survival probabilities based on elapsed time, enabling the device to self-report infection risks to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to users about the infection risk status of the device. By displaying virus survival information based on stored contact history, the apparatus creates a feedback loop that informs users about potential contamination risks, enabling them to take appropriate preventive measures.
2Reliability
If contact history information is stored and virus survival likelihood is calculated, then notification capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus utilizes its existing display interface and processing capabilities to provide virus survival information notification, rather than requiring entirely separate notification hardware. The existing system components are made multi-functional by adding the virus monitoring and information display capability to the conventional image forming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses its own built-in memory and processor to store contact history and calculate virus survival information, eliminating the need for external monitoring devices or additional specialized hardware. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing costs by leveraging existing components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the display shows virus survival information, then user safety is improved, but information processing requirements increase the energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and stores contact history information in the background without requiring active user engagement or intensive processing. The virus survival calculation is based on pre-stored contact data and elapsed time, allowing the display to be updated efficiently without demanding high energy consumption during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a printer, a memory, a processor, and a display. The printer forms an image according to the operation of a person. The memory stores contact history information indicating the history of contact of a person. The processor acquires information on contact infection of a virus at a site contacted by a specific person from the contact history information stored in the memory. The display shows information on the contact infection of the virus.