Infrared Sensor Array Power State Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with dual human presence sensors increase product costs and struggle with reducing power consumption in power saving modes, and the reflection-type sensor has limited detection distance, requiring users to stay nearby for the apparatus to resume normal operation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus using a single infrared ray sensor array to detect heat emitted by objects, shifting from a power saving state to an ordinary operation state based on detection results, allowing accurate user identification and timely restoration without the need for dual sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two characteristically different human presence sensors are installed to accurately detect user presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different sensor types (thermoelectric sensor for movement detection and reflection type sensor for presence detection) into a unified detection system. This merging allows the system to achieve accurate user presence detection while avoiding the need to install completely separate sensor systems, thereby improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing product cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same sensor array. The infrared ray sensor array can detect both movement (through changes in thermal patterns) and presence (through thermal signatures), allowing a single sensor system to replace what would traditionally require two separate sensor types, thus reducing product cost while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Device complexity
If reflection type sensor is used for presence detection, then cost is reduced, but detection distance becomes short requiring user to stay nearby
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into different zones with different detection requirements. The thermoelectric sensor handles detection in the far field (movement detection), while the reflection type sensor handles detection in the near field (presence detection). This segmentation allows each sensor to operate in its optimal range, extending the overall effective detection distance while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric sensor acts as an intermediary between the user and the reflection type sensor. It first detects user movement from a distance, then triggers the reflection type sensor to detect presence when the user approaches. This intermediary detection mechanism extends the effective detection distance without requiring the reflection type sensor to operate beyond its optimal range.
3Reliability
If dual sensor system is implemented for accurate detection, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption in power saving state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic detection with different detection intervals based on operational state. In power saving mode, the system performs detection at longer intervals and uses the thermoelectric sensor for initial movement detection. When a user is detected, the system transitions to more frequent detection using both sensors. This periodic action pattern maintains detection reliability while significantly reducing average power consumption during power saving state.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric sensor performs preliminary detection of user movement before the reflection type sensor activates for detailed presence detection. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain high detection reliability by having the first sensor alert to user approach, while the second sensor only activates when needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption in power saving state.
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 product costs, improves user friendliness by allowing accurate detection of approaching users in power saving mode, and minimizes unnecessary power consumption by switching states appropriately.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit formed by a plurality of elements disposed to detect heat emitted from an object
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is operable at least in a first power state and in a second power state, in which electric power consumption in the second power state is less than electric power consumption in the first power state. The apparatus includes a detection unit formed by a plurality of elements disposed to detect the temperature of an object, and a control unit configured to control the image forming apparatus in such a way as to shift from the second power state to the first power state based on a detection result obtained by the detection unit at first timing and a detection result obtained by the detection unit at second timing.