Power Supply Control Device for Image Processing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply control systems for image processing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently detecting user presence and transitioning from sleep mode to active mode, leading to delayed power-up times and reduced user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A power supply control device equipped with a human-presence sensor that divides its detection range into lower and upper areas, using pyroelectric elements to detect moving objects, allowing for earlier detection of user presence and timely power supply resumption by monitoring both foot and head movements within specific ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single detection range is used for user presence detection, then the device structure is simple, but the detection accuracy and timing are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection range division
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection range is segmented into multiple distinct zones: a first detection range for detecting the user's feet and a second detection range for detecting the user's head. This segmentation allows the system to detect different body parts at different distances, improving detection accuracy and enabling more precise power supply control based on user approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the entire apparatus is kept in active mode, then user convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of user presence in the first detection range (feet detection) before fully activating the apparatus. When a user approaches and their feet are detected, the system prepares for power-up by activating only the power supply unit and relevant control circuits, rather than immediately powering up the entire apparatus. This preliminary action reduces energy consumption while maintaining user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply mode dynamically changes based on detection results. The system transitions between different power states: sleep mode when no user is present, partial power mode when user approach is detected (power supply unit active), and full power mode when user presence is confirmed. This dynamic adaptation optimizes energy consumption while ensuring user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If power supply unit is always active for monitoring, then detection response time is improved, but continuous power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower-up timeVSAvoidcontinuous power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of keeping the entire apparatus in active monitoring mode, the system applies partial action by keeping only the power supply unit and detection circuits active during sleep mode. This partial monitoring capability enables fast response when users approach while consuming minimal energy. The system uses this partial power state to detect user approach in the first detection range and prepare for quick power-up.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Productivity

If detection ranges for feet and head are combined, then the detection system is simpler, but the ability to detect user approach at different stages is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection range configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into two distinct ranges with different functions: the first detection range optimized for detecting feet (indicating user approach) and the second detection range optimized for detecting head (confirming user presence). This segmentation enables the system to detect user approach at different stages, improving detection efficiency and enabling staged power supply control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each detection range is configured with local quality optimized for its specific detection target. The first detection range is positioned and configured to detect feet at a certain distance, while the second detection range is configured to detect head at a different distance. This local optimization ensures that each detection zone performs its specific function effectively, improving overall detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 earlier and more efficient power-up of image processing apparatuses by accurately detecting user presence through both foot and head movements, improving user convenience and reducing power-up times.

Implementation Method 1

using pyroelectric elements to detect moving objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyroelectric effect: Pyroelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10277065B2Power supply control device, image processing apparatus, and power supply control method
Publication Date: 2019.04.30 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US10277065B2 patent drawing
  • US10277065B2 patent drawing
  • US10277065B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply control device includes a moving object detecting unit and a power supply unit. The moving object detecting unit is attached to a processing apparatus body including power supply targets and a controller, and is capable of detecting a moving object moving in the vicinity of the processing apparatus body. The moving object detecting unit has a lower detection range for detecting a part of a moving object that is substantially in contact with the floor, and an upper detection range for detecting a top part of a moving object. The power supply unit is included in the controller and is always supplied with power to monitor approach of a moving object with the moving object detecting unit. The power supply unit supplies, upon the moving object detecting unit detecting a moving object, power to a power supply target that includes a part of the controller.