Image Processing Apparatus Human Sensor Decoloration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require users to wait for decoloring processing to complete before starting a printing operation, leading to inefficiencies and increased processing time.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus equipped with a human sensor and a controller that stops decoloration when a person is detected, allowing immediate initiation of printing operations and reducing processing loads by distinguishing between presence and absence of a user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decoloring processing is carried out continuously without interruption, then the decoloring function is reliably performed, but the time required to start a printing operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device operates dynamically by switching between decoloring mode and printing mode based on real-time detection of user presence. When a user is detected, the device transitions from continuous decoloring to immediate printing capability, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a human sensor to automatically detect user presence and trigger mode switching without manual intervention. The device serves itself by autonomously determining when to perform decoloring and when to prepare for printing based on environmental sensing.
2Reliability
If decoloring processing is performed before printing, then the decoloring function is completed, but the processing load and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary decoloring processing only when necessary (when no user is present), and maintains readiness for immediate printing when a user is detected. This selective preliminary action avoids unnecessary processing while ensuring capability is ready when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the fixing device are changed based on user presence detection. When a user is absent, the device operates in decoloring mode with appropriate temperature and timing parameters. When a user is present, parameters are adjusted to enable immediate printing without completing full decoloring cycles.
3Reliability
If the fixing device continuously performs decoloration, then the decoloring capability is maintained, but energy consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the fixing device performs decoloring processing periodically or conditionally based on user presence detection. The device alternates between decoloring cycles and idle/printing states, creating a periodic operation pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining decoloring capability when needed.
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 the time needed to start a printing operation by enabling immediate printing when a user is present and minimizing unnecessary decoloring processing when no user is detected, thereby optimizing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a human sensor which detects a person in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a fixing device which carries out fixation of an image formed with a decolorable recording agent serving as a recording agent containing a coloring agent which is decolored through heating on a medium and decoloration of the image formed on the medium
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an image processing apparatus comprises a human sensor, a fixing device and a controller. The human sensor detects a person in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus. The fixing device carries out fixation of an image formed with a decolorable recording agent serving as a recording agent containing a coloring agent which is decolored through heating on a medium and decoloration of the image formed on the medium. The controller controls the fixing device to stop the decoloration of the image when the person is detected by the human sensor.