Image Forming Power-State Control for Mid-Transition User Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face issues where they return to a normal power state prematurely due to detection of a user about to leave, preventing subsequent users from operating them normally, and high-performance sensors to differentiate between approaching and leaving users increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a human detection sensor that suspends transition processing when a user is detected during a power state change, maintaining a midway state for a predetermined time before restarting the process, allowing immediate return to the normal power state upon user operation without needing high-performance sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the human detection sensor detects a user during transition processing from first power state to second power state, then the device transitions to the first power state, but this causes premature return to normal power state preventing subsequent users from operating the device
Solution Approach 1:
The controller executes transition processing to switch from the first power state to the second power state before the human detection sensor can detect a user about to leave. By performing the power state transition in advance (preliminary action), the device ensures it is in the power-saving state when the user departs, preventing premature return to normal power state and ensuring availability for subsequent users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses a human detection sensor to detect user presence, then the device can switch power states appropriately, but this may cause premature return to first power state when detecting a user about to leave
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the power state transition to the second power state before the human detection sensor detects a user about to leave. This preliminary transition ensures that even if the sensor subsequently detects motion, the device remains in or transitions to the power-saving state, preventing premature return to the first power state and reducing time lost.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the device transitions to the second power state immediately after user operation, then power consumption is reduced, but the device may not be immediately available for subsequent users
Solution Approach 1:
The controller executes transition processing to switch to the second power state as a preliminary action after detecting user operation completion. This ensures the device enters the power-saving state promptly while the human detection sensor continues monitoring, allowing immediate availability for subsequent users who will trigger a return to the first power state upon detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, a controller (31) executes transition processing for allowing the image forming apparatus to transition from a first power state to a second power state where less electric power is consumed than in the first power state. When a person is detected by a human detection sensor (25) during the second power state, the controller (31) executes return processing for setting the image forming apparatus to the first power state. When a user is detected by the human detection sensor (25) during execution of the transition processing, the controller (31) suspends the transition processing, maintains the image forming apparatus in a state midway through transition from the first to second power state. When a period of suspension of the transition processing reaches a specific time, the controller (31) restarts the transition processing and sets the image forming apparatus to the second power state.