MFP Distance Detection to Prevent Forgotten Documents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often forget printed or scanned documents left in image forming apparatuses, such as MFPs, especially when printing large numbers of sheets or when using scanners, leading to documents being inadvertently left behind.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a detection section that measures the distance between the device and a portable terminal using GPS or near-field wireless communication, controlling operations based on predetermined conditions to initiate printing or scanning jobs and alert users if documents are left behind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the MFP performs hold print function to temporarily store document data, then users can print documents while present at the MFP, but users may temporarily leave and forget to return to take printed sheets when the number of sheets is large
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user through notifications when printed sheets are left in the apparatus. The notification is sent to the user's terminal device, alerting them that printed sheets remain in the output tray or ADF, enabling them to retrieve the documents and preventing loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and notifies users about forgotten documents without requiring manual checking. The MFP autonomously monitors its own state and communicates with the user's terminal device to alert them of forgotten prints, making the system self-monitoring and self-communicating.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP includes a scanner for reading documents, then document scanning capability is enhanced, but scanned documents may be left on the platen or at the sheet discharge section
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user through notifications when scanned documents are left in the apparatus. The notification is sent to the user's terminal device, alerting them that scanned documents remain on the platen or at the sheet discharge section, enabling them to retrieve the documents and preventing loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and notifies users about forgotten scanned documents without requiring manual checking. The MFP autonomously monitors its own state and communicates with the user's terminal device to alert them of forgotten scans, making the system self-monitoring and self-communicating.
3Reliability
If the MFP monitors user presence during printing, then forgotten prints are prevented, but the system complexity increases with detection sections and communication interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's terminal device as an intermediary for communication. Instead of requiring complex direct user monitoring, the MFP communicates with the user's existing terminal device (smartphone, tablet, or PC) to deliver notifications about forgotten documents, leveraging the user's personal device rather than adding dedicated notification hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a detection section that detects a distance between the image forming apparatus and a portable terminal, and a controller. The controller determines whether the distance meets a predetermined condition, and controls operations relating to an image forming job if the detected distance meets the predetermined condition.