Non-Contact Detection for Image Forming Apparatus Power Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses require both contact and non-contact operation modes to cater to user preferences, but existing solutions for non-contact operation lack reliability, especially when turning on a screen from a sleep mode, necessitating a contact operation initially.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a display unit, a first detection unit for contact operations on the surface, and a second detection unit for non-contact operations at a predetermined distance, allowing the apparatus to be turned on by detecting a user's finger in the non-contact mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-contact operation is implemented for turning on the apparatus, then hygiene and convenience are improved, but operational reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation detection mode dynamically switches between contact and non-contact based on the screen state. When the screen is off, only non-contact operations are detected; when the screen is on, both contact and non-contact operations are detected. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing non-contact operation for hygiene/convenience when needed while ensuring reliability through contact operation capability when the system is active.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection mode parameter changes based on screen state. The system transitions between different detection modes: non-contact only when screen is off, and both contact and non-contact when screen is on. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for hygiene/convenience during screen-off states while maintaining operational reliability during screen-on states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both contact and non-contact operations are supported, then user preference and versatility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation detection functionality is segmented into distinct modes: contact operation mode and non-contact operation mode. The system separates the detection mechanisms and activates them based on screen state, managing complexity through functional segmentation rather than requiring both modes to operate simultaneously in all states.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation detection unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both contact and non-contact operations. By making the detection system universal and capable of switching between modes based on screen state, the system achieves versatility without requiring separate independent systems for each operation type.
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
Enables reliable non-contact operation for turning on the apparatus, providing users with a choice between contact and non-contact interactions while ensuring seamless operation without requiring initial contact.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection unit configured to detect contact of a user's finger with a surface of the display unit
Implementation Method 2
a second detection unit configured to detect the user's finger at a position a predetermined distance away from the surface in a perpendicular direction to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording medium includes a display unit configured to display a setting for image forming by the image forming apparatus, a first detection unit configured to detect contact of a user's finger with a surface of the display unit, and a second detection unit configured to detect the user's finger at a position a predetermined distance away from the surface in a perpendicular direction to the surface, wherein the display unit being turned off is turned on in response to detection of the user's finger by the second detection unit.