Power Mode Switching via Pyroelectric Approach Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing devices, such as image forming apparatuses, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and user authentication while maintaining operational readiness, particularly in switching between power-saving and normal modes and ensuring secure authentication upon user approach.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a supply controller for power management between two modes, an approach detector using pyroelectric sensors, a switching unit for mode transitions, an authentication unit for secure user verification, and a communication unit for data acquisition, allowing for efficient power usage and quick process initiation upon user authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the device operates in power-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device cannot perform user authentication or data processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser authentication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The approach detector performs preliminary detection of user approach while the device is in power-saving mode. This preliminary action triggers the mode switch before authentication is needed, ensuring the device is ready to authenticate users immediately when they approach, thus resolving the contradiction between power-saving operation and authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically switches between power-saving mode and normal mode based on real-time detection of user approach. This dynamic operation allows the device to optimize power consumption during idle periods while ensuring authentication and data processing capabilities are available when needed, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the device switches from power-saving mode to normal mode for authentication, then user verification capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs periodic monitoring of user approach through the approach detector, switching to normal mode only when detection indicates a user is approaching. This periodic monitoring approach ensures authentication reliability is maintained when needed while minimizing the duration of high-power operation, thus resolving the contradiction between authentication reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Speed

If the device remains in normal mode to ensure immediate responsiveness, then operational readiness is improved, but power consumption increases continuously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The approach detector performs preliminary detection of user approach while the device is in power-saving mode. This preliminary detection mechanism ensures that the device can switch to normal mode in advance of actual user interaction, maintaining fast response speed while minimizing the time spent in high-power mode, thus resolving the contradiction between response speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces power consumption by switching to a power-saving mode when not in use and quickly transitions to normal mode for user authentication and data processing, enhancing operational efficiency and security.

Implementation Method 1

an approach detector that detects an approach of a person during the second mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyroelectric effect: Pyroelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10104266B2Information processing apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium for switching mode based on detection of person

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a supply controller that controls supply of power according to a first mode and a second mode having lower power consumption than the first mode; an approach detector that detects an approach of a person during the second mode; a switching unit that switches over from the second mode to the first mode in a case where the approach of the person is detected; an authentication unit that performs authentication of the person after switching over to the first mode; a communication unit that performs communication through a communication line by the power supply in the first mode; an acquiring unit that requests acquisition of data corresponding to a result of the authentication of the person through the communication line, and acquires the data corresponding to the request; and an execution unit that executes a process based on the acquired data.