Image Forming Apparatus Key Lamp Illuminance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face difficulties in identifying the location of the operating key in low ambient light conditions during power-saving mode, affecting operability when transitioning back to normal mode.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an illuminance sensor and a controller that turns on a lamp when ambient illuminance is below a threshold value, enhancing visibility of the operating key and adjusting human detection sensor ranges to improve usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the image forming apparatus enters power-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the visibility of the operating key becomes poor in low ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of ambient illuminance before the user needs to operate the key. The illuminance sensor detects lighting conditions in advance, and the controller pre-activates the lamp in the operating key when low illuminance is detected, ensuring visibility is ready before the user interaction occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating key's lamp serves dual purposes: it provides visibility for the key location and simultaneously acts as an indicator showing the power-saving mode status. The lamp automatically responds to ambient light conditions without requiring separate control mechanisms, making the system self-regulating regarding visibility needs.
2Illumination intensity
If the lamp in the operating key is always on to ensure visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp's on/off state is dynamically adjusted based on real-time ambient illuminance detection. The system transitions between states (on/off) according to environmental conditions rather than maintaining a fixed state, optimizing the balance between visibility and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (lamp state) based on the illuminance parameter detected by the sensor. When ambient illuminance falls below a threshold, the lamp parameter switches from off to on, and vice versa, adapting to environmental lighting conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the lamp is turned on in low light conditions to improve key visibility, then operability is improved, but additional power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the illuminance sensor to control the lamp state. The sensor continuously monitors ambient light levels and feeds this information back to the controller, which adjusts the lamp accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamp in the operating key serves multiple functions: it provides visibility for the key location, indicates the power-saving mode status, and responds to ambient light conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall power consumption while maintaining operability.
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
The solution improves the operability of the image forming apparatus by ensuring the Power-Saving key is easily visible and functional when returning from power-saving mode, even in low light conditions, thereby enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminance sensor 30, and a controller 60. The operating key 14 contains a lamp 14A. The illuminance sensor 30 detects an ambient illuminance
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operating key, an illuminance sensor, and a controller. The operating key contains a lamp. The illuminance sensor detects an ambient illuminance. The controller controls turning on and off of the lamp. The operating key functions as a first trigger for return from a power-saving mode to a normal mode. The controller turns the lamp off when the ambient illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor in the power-saving mode is equal to or more than a first threshold value, and the controller turns the lamp on when the ambient illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor in the power-saving mode is less than the first threshold value.