Oscillating Sensor Control for Image Forming Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses consume excessive power due to constant heating of the fixing section during standby, and existing human body sensors may inaccurately detect stationary operators, leading to inefficient power management and operational inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus equipped with a pyroelectric infrared sensor and an oscillating mechanism that detects objects by changes in infrared rays, allowing the control section to activate the fixing heater only when an operator is detected and to oscillate the sensor to improve detection accuracy of stationary operators, thereby optimizing power usage and operational mode shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the fixing section is kept at a certain temperature during standby, then the image forming operation can be started in a short time, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the fixing section when a human body is detected, preparing the heating mechanism in advance before the actual image forming operation begins. This allows the fixing section to reach optimal temperature quickly when needed, while avoiding continuous heating during extended standby periods, thus resolving the contradiction between fast start time and power consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If a human body sensor is used to detect operators, then the fixing section can be heated only when needed, but stationary operators may not be detected accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two detection modes: pyroelectric infrared sensor for detecting stationary human bodies (high precision for static detection), and ultrasonic sensor for detecting moving objects. This dynamic adaptation allows accurate detection of both stationary and moving operators, resolving the limitation of pyroelectric sensors alone while optimizing power consumption based on actual operational needs
3Measurement precision
If the sensor section oscillates continuously, then the detection coverage is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously, oscillating the sensor section at intervals to scan for operators. This periodic operation maintains adequate detection coverage by repeatedly sweeping the sensing area, while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous oscillation. The system balances detection effectiveness with energy efficiency through this periodic scanning approach
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 reduces power consumption by heating the fixing section only when needed and enhances operator detection accuracy, ensuring efficient power management and improved operational convenience by accurately distinguishing between operator presence and absence.
Implementation Method 1
a pyroelectric infrared sensor configured to detect the presence of an object based on a change in infrared rays
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operating section, a sensor section, an oscillating mechanism, and a control section. The operating section receives an operation command from an operator. The sensor section includes a pyroelectric infrared sensor configured to detect the presence of an object based on a change in infrared rays. The oscillating mechanism is configured to cause the sensor section to perform an oscillating movement. The control section is configured to control the oscillating mechanism to start the oscillating movement upon satisfaction of a condition that the operator as the object operates the operating section within a predetermined period of time after the object has been detected by the sensor section.