Operation Panel Input Detection for Power-Saving Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in detecting user operations across the entire operation area while in power-saving mode without increasing the apparatus size, as methods like human body detection sensors can lead to erroneous detections or increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a second detection unit with a detection antenna and circuit for each operation area, allowing for precise detection of user inputs, including touch-panel and key operations, without relying on human body detection sensors, thus enabling cancellation of power-saving mode without enlarging the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a human body detection sensor is provided near the operation panel to detect user operations in power-saving mode, then the power-saving mode can be cancelled by user operations, but erroneous detection of passing persons occurs and the detectable range becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel is divided into multiple detection zones, each with its own detection sensor. This segmentation allows the system to detect user operations across the entire operation panel surface while maintaining accurate detection by focusing each sensor on a specific zone, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and detectable range.
2Reliability
If a plurality of directional detection sensors are arranged over the entire surface of operation panel to detect any operation, then detection of user operations across the entire operation area becomes possible, but the cost increases and the operation panel becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensors serve multiple functions: they detect user operations for power-saving mode cancellation, identify the type of operation (touch, press, slide), and determine the position of operation. This multi-functionality allows a single detection system to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
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 operations through the operation panel
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensors are configured to remain in a standby state during power-saving mode, pre-positioned and ready to detect user operations. When a user operation is detected, the system immediately transitions from power-saving mode to active mode, ensuring responsive operation cancellation while maintaining low power consumption during the standby period.
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 allows for accurate detection of user operations across the entire operation area, effectively cancelling power-saving mode without increasing the apparatus size, thereby optimizing power management and user interaction while minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
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
Data Source
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Figure 2
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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 (300) 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 (310) detecting an input from the user to the operation area in the normal mode; a power control unit (150) 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 (160) detecting an input from the user to the operation area in the power-saving mode.