Operation Panel Input Detection for Low-Power Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in detecting user operations across the entire operation area while transitioning from power-saving mode to normal mode without increasing the apparatus size, as existing methods either lead to false detections or require costly and large operation panels.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a second detection unit with detection antennas and circuits arranged around multiple operation areas, including touch panels and key groups, to detect user inputs accurately without powering the detection unit in normal mode, allowing for efficient transition to normal mode from power-saving mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a human body detection sensor is provided near the operation panel to detect user operations, then user operations can be detected in power-saving mode, but false detection occurs when a person simply passes in front of the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The operation area is divided into multiple detection zones, each with its own directional detection sensor. Each sensor is responsible for detecting operations in its specific local area, allowing for precise localization of user interactions and preventing false detections from persons passing by unrelated areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation panel is segmented into multiple operation areas, and the detection system is correspondingly segmented into multiple directional detection sensors. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between operations in different locations and avoid false activations from unrelated movements.
2Reliability
If multiple directional detection sensors are arranged over the entire surface of operation panel to detect any operation, then detection coverage is improved, but cost and operation panel size increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
Each detection sensor is designed to serve multiple purposes: it detects operations in its specific area during power-saving mode, and collectively all sensors provide comprehensive coverage for the entire operation panel. The sensors can also work in conjunction with the first detection unit during normal mode, providing a unified detection system that operates efficiently across different power states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which detection unit is active based on the power mode. In power-saving mode, the second detection unit (human body detection sensor) is activated to detect operations. In normal mode, the first detection unit is used. This dynamic switching optimizes power consumption while maintaining detection capabilities.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply to the detection circuit is stopped in power-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the low-power-consumption mode cannot be cancelled by user operation through the operation panel
Solution Approach 1:
The second detection unit (human body detection sensor) acts as an intermediary that can detect user presence and operations even when the main detection circuit is powered down. This intermediary detection mechanism enables the system to receive user input in power-saving mode without requiring the full detection circuit to remain active, thus maintaining operation capability while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The second detection unit is positioned and configured to detect user approach and operation intent before full system activation is required. By detecting human body presence and movement patterns preliminarily, the system can prepare for mode cancellation without requiring the main detection circuit to remain powered, enabling smoother transitions from power-saving mode.
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 enables accurate detection of user operations across the entire operation area without increasing the apparatus size, reducing power consumption, and maintaining detection accuracy while minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the second detection unit includes a detection antenna and a detection circuit connected to the detection antenna; the detection antenna detects an operating finger entering each of the plurality of operation areas of the operation unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus has, as operation modes, a normal mode and a power-saving mode with power consumption smaller than the normal mode. The image forming apparatus includes an operation unit for receiving an instruction from a user, having an operation area to which a prescribed instruction from the user is input. The image forming apparatus further includes: a first detection unit detecting an input from the user to the operation area in the normal mode; a power control unit controlling power supply in the normal mode and the power-saving mode, and turning off power supply to the first detection unit in the power-saving mode; and a second detection unit detecting an input from the user to the operation area in the power-saving mode.