Printer Power State Control via User Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses return from a reduced power consumption state when any authorized user passes by, leading to degraded energy saving efficiency and user unfriendliness, as they activate upon mere proximity without confirming the user's intention to use the device.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a wireless communication-based authentication system that includes an information reading unit, authentication unit, operation detecting unit, and control unit, which only shifts from a reduced power consumption state when a user is authenticated and actively using the device, utilizing a presence detecting unit to confirm the user's presence and operation, such as setting a document for printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus returns from reduced power consumption state when any authorized user passes by, then user friendliness is improved, but energy saving efficiency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user operation intentions before activating the image forming apparatus. The operation detecting unit detects whether the user has actually operated the apparatus (e.g., placed documents, pressed buttons) before the control unit allows transition from reduced power consumption state, preventing unnecessary activations when users merely pass by.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the operation detecting unit continuously monitors user actions and feeds this information back to the control unit. This feedback loop ensures that the apparatus only wakes from sleep mode when genuine usage is detected, balancing user friendliness with energy efficiency by responding to actual user needs rather than mere presence.
2Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus activates upon mere proximity of authorized user, then ease of use is improved, but unnecessary power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user operation intentions before activating the image forming apparatus. The operation detecting unit detects whether the user has actually operated the apparatus (e.g., placed documents, pressed buttons) before the control unit allows transition from reduced power consumption state, preventing unnecessary activations when users merely pass by.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial monitoring - the presence detecting unit and operation detecting unit only perform detection functions when necessary, rather than continuously monitoring all users. The system distinguishes between partial presence (mere proximity) and partial operation (actual usage intent), activating the apparatus only when operational intent is detected, thus reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining ease of use for legitimate users.
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 enhances user friendliness by ensuring the device only activates when intended for use and improves energy saving efficiency by minimizing unnecessary power consumption shifts.
Implementation Method 1
an information reading unit that is operable when a portable information storage unit owned by a user is present within a predetermined range, to communicate with the portable information storage unit to read information stored in the portable information storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus which is capable of achieving both enhanced userfriendliness and improved energy saving efficiency without being released from a reduced power consumption state by a user who has no will to use the same passing thereby. When a copying machine 200 is in a sleep mode, it is detected whether or not a user has come near to the copying machine 200. If a contactless IC 600 is present within the range of radio wave signals emitted from an IC tag reader/writer 500, it is determined that a user has come near because the communication between the contactless IC 600 and the IC tag reader/write 500 can be carried out. Reading of data from the contactless IC 600 is started, and user authentication is executed based on the data. If, as a result of the user authentication, the user is a licensed user, it is determined whether or not an original document has been set on an automatic feeder 800. When an original document has been set on the automatic feeder 800, the copying machine 200 is caused to return to a normal mode as a normal power consumption state from the sleep mode.