Scanner Light Source Control for User Dazzling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image forming apparatuses experience dazzling due to the light source being turned on during initialization processing from a power saving mode to a normal mode, as existing methods to reduce light emission are not applicable when a considerable light amount is needed for proper document data correction.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a light source, a hardware processor, and a detector that turns on the light source only when the openable/closable document member is at a predetermined angle or less, minimizing direct light exposure to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the light source is turned on during initialization processing to ensure proper document data correction, then the manufacturing precision of shading correction data is improved, but the user experiences dazzling and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs initialization processing including light source activation and shading correction data generation in advance, before the user actually needs to use the scanner. This is triggered when the motion detector senses user approach, allowing the system to prepare the normal mode in advance while the cover is still closed, thus avoiding direct light exposure to the user's eyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed cover acts as an intermediary barrier that blocks direct light transmission to the user. The system exploits this existing physical barrier to enable full-strength light emission for initialization processing without directly exposing the user to harmful light levels.
2Productivity
If the light source is turned on in response to user detection to shorten waiting time, then the productivity of mode transition is improved, but the user may feel dazzled when the cover is open
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions - specifically whether the cover is open or closed. When the cover is closed, the system freely activates the light source for initialization processing. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maximize productivity when safe and avoid user discomfort when the cover state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the cover open/closed state and uses this feedback to control light source activation. The cover state sensor provides real-time information that determines whether initialization processing should proceed with full light intensity, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user presence and cover position.
3Measurement precision
If the light source is turned on during document size detection to enable proper detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the user experiences dazzling when the cover is open
Solution Approach 1:
Document size detection and related light source activation occurs in advance, while the cover is still closed. This preliminary measurement phase completes critical detection functions before the user positions their eyes near the document area, eliminating the need for subsequent high-intensity light emission that would cause dazzling.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the system waits for cover closure before turning on the light source, then the user dazzling is reduced, but the waiting time for mode transition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming initialization processing in advance, while the cover is still closed and the user is approaching. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to wait during mode transition, as the system has already completed light source activation, white reference plate irradiation, and shading correction data generation before the user needs to use the scanner.
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 effectively reduces user dazzling while allowing the apparatus to be prepared for use by controlling the light source based on the open angle of the document member, thereby shortening the waiting time for mode transition without compromising data correction.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to irradiate a document with light
Implementation Method 2
read the light reflected by the white reference plate
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a light source that irradiates a document with light; a hardware processor that controls lighting of the light source; a cover that is opened and closed with respect to a document platen on which a document is placed; and a detector that detects a person. When the detector detects a person and when an open angle of the cover is a predetermined angle or less, the hardware processor turns on the light source.