Dynamic Human Body Sensor Detection Range Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face reliability issues in releasing the power saving mode due to false human body detection by sensors, especially in environments with multiple users or when the manipulation panel projects from the device, leading to unintended power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that adjusts the detection range and sensitivity of human body sensors based on the angle of the manipulation panel, the presence of a sheet discharge unit, and authentication devices, using a combination of electrostatic capacitance sensors to accurately detect user proximity and prevent false activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human body sensors are used to detect user approach for releasing power saving mode, then user convenience is improved, but false detection occurs leading to degraded reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters of human body sensors based on the manipulation panel angle. When the panel is at a first angle (projecting outward), the detection range is restricted to prevent false detection of passing users. When the panel is at a second angle (not projecting), the detection range is expanded to improve user convenience. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between convenience and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the sensor detection range dynamic rather than fixed. The detection range automatically adjusts according to the manipulation panel's angular position, allowing the system to adapt to different operational states. This dynamic behavior enables the system to maintain high reliability when the panel projects while preserving user convenience when it doesn't.
2Reliability
If detection sensitivity of human body sensor is decreased to prevent false detection, then reliability is improved, but user convenience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently decreasing detection sensitivity, the patent dynamically changes the detection range parameter based on manipulation panel angle. This allows the system to maintain high sensitivity when needed (panel not projecting) while restricting detection range when false detection is likely (panel projecting), thus resolving the contradiction without sacrificing user convenience.
3Ease of operation
If manipulation panel projects from the image forming apparatus, then ease of operation is improved, but false human body detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects the manipulation panel angle and automatically adjusts the human body sensor's detection range accordingly. When the panel projects at a first angle, the detection range is restricted to an area that doesn't include the pathway in front of the apparatus, preventing false detection. When the panel is retracted at a second angle, the detection range is expanded. This angle-based parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between operational ease and detection reliability.
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
Enhances the reliability of power saving mode release by minimizing false detections, ensuring the power saving mode is only released when a user intentionally approaches the device, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a human body detector to detect an approach of a human body when the operating state of the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus can change an operating state between a normal mode and a power saving mode having power consumption lower than that of the normal mode. The image forming apparatus sets a detection range based on at least one of an angle of a manipulation panel, existence or non-existence of an output to the sheet discharge unit, and existence or non-existence of placement of the authentication device. The image forming apparatus detects an approach of a human body when the operating state is in the power saving mode. When a sensor detects that the human body approaches the detection range, the image forming apparatus returns the operating state from the power saving mode to the normal mode.