Human Presence Sensor Covering for Detection Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses with transparent coverings in front of human presence sensors face challenges in accurately detecting users due to interference from the coverings, leading to potential failure in power management and operation control.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an image forming apparatus with a human presence sensor, a black covering, and a transparent covering positioned in a way that the transparent covering does not interfere with the detection, ensuring the sensor can accurately detect users even when both coverings are present, by optimizing the distance and material properties to minimize light reflection and maximize detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a transparent covering is provided in front of the human presence sensor for design reasons, then the aesthetic appearance of the image forming apparatus is improved, but the detection accuracy of the human presence sensor deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A black covering is introduced as an intermediary layer between the human presence sensor and the transparent covering. This black covering absorbs extraneous light and prevents it from reflecting off the transparent covering back to the sensor, thereby eliminating the interference caused by the transparent covering while maintaining its aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The covering structure is segmented into two distinct layers: a black covering layer positioned closest to the sensor, and a transparent covering layer positioned outermost. Each layer performs a specific function - the black layer for light absorption and the transparent layer for aesthetic purposes - allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a black covering is provided in front of the human presence sensor to make it invisible, then the sensor becomes invisible to the user, but a transparent covering cannot be overlaid without causing detection interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor invisibilityVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The covering system is divided into two functional segments: the black covering that provides sensor invisibility and the transparent covering that provides design flexibility. By segmenting the covering function, both sensor invisibility and design adaptability are achieved without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The black covering acts as an intermediary that enables the transparent covering to be added for design purposes without compromising sensor detection. The black covering mediates between the sensor and the transparent covering, absorbing light to prevent detection interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If two coverings are provided in front of the human presence sensor, then both aesthetic appearance and sensor invisibility are achieved, but the detection of users is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor invisibilityVSAvoiduser detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The black covering serves as a mediator between the human presence sensor and the transparent covering, absorbing extraneous light that would otherwise reflect off the transparent covering and interfere with sensor detection. This mediation allows both coverings to coexist without compromising detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harm of light reflection from the transparent covering is converted into a benefit by positioning the black covering to absorb this reflected light. The black covering transforms the harmful reflected light into absorbed energy, preventing detection interference while maintaining the aesthetic transparency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 configuration allows for reliable detection of users, enabling proper power management and operation control, reducing unnecessary power consumption and ensuring the apparatus functions correctly even with design-oriented transparent coverings.

Implementation Method 1

light from the human presence sensor passes through the black covering and the transparent covering, is reflected by the detection target, and returns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11659101B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a human presence sensor that detects a user who uses the image forming apparatus; a first covering provided in front of the human presence sensor; and a second covering provided in front of the first covering, the second covering being configured not to interfere with detection of a detection target by the human presence sensor.