Printer Proximity Sensor Anticipates Operator Approach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers experience delays in transitioning from reduced power modes to elevated power modes, which can delay printing operations when an operator is present, as components like the fuser roller require time to reach operating temperature.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses proximity sensors to detect the movement of objects around the printer, allowing the controller to decouple and re-couple components from electrical power based on recognized movement paths stored in memory, anticipating operator commands and reducing the transition delay by activating necessary components in advance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the printer operates in reduced power mode with components deactivated, then power consumption is reduced, but the transition delay to elevated power mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting object movement paths using proximity sensors and anticipating operator commands. When a recognized approach pattern is detected, the controller pre-activates components such as the graphical display device and print unit before the operator actually initiates a print job, thereby reducing transition delay while maintaining reduced power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor acts as an intermediary between the operator's physical presence and the printer's power state transitions. By monitoring movement paths and detecting when an operator approaches the device, the sensor enables the controller to make intelligent decisions about when to transition from reduced power mode to elevated power mode, balancing energy savings with responsive operation
2Productivity
If the printer activates components to reduce transition delay, then responsiveness to operator commands improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates components in advance only when movement paths indicating operator approach are detected, rather than maintaining continuous elevated power mode. This selective preliminary activation improves responsiveness when needed while avoiding unnecessary power consumption during periods when no operator is present
Solution Approach 2:
The printer dynamically adjusts its power state based on real-time detection of operator presence and movement patterns. The system transitions between reduced power mode and elevated power mode as needed, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and energy consumption rather than operating in a fixed state
3Extent of automation
If the printer uses proximity sensors to detect movement paths, then the ability to anticipate operator commands improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor system operates autonomously to detect movement paths and trigger power mode transitions without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The sensor continuously monitors the environment and automatically provides data to the controller, enabling the printer to self-adjust its power state based on detected operator presence
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: detecting operator presence, tracking movement paths, and providing input for power mode decision-making. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining advanced anticipation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A printer, copier, or multi-function printing device (MFP) operates in a reduced power mode in which a controller identifies a path of motion of an object external to the printer with reference to signals from a proximity sensor housed in the printer. The controller connects one or more components to electric power to transition to an elevated power operating mode if the identified path corresponds to a path history that is stored in a memory of paths of object paths that have occurred prior to operation of the printer, copier or MFP. The activation of the components reduces a delay that an operator perceives as the printer, copier or MFP transitions from the reduced power operating mode to the elevated power operating mode thus significantly reducing power consumption during operation.