Voice-Activated Wake Control in Image Forming Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses inefficiently transition from power saving modes due to indiscriminate activation of operation mechanisms upon detecting a person, without considering the intended functions, leading to suboptimal power usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a human sensor to detect approaching persons, a voice input device, and a controller that selectively activates only necessary operation mechanisms based on voice instructions to execute intended functions, maintaining others in a power saving state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all operation mechanisms are returned to active state when a person is detected, then the user can immediately use any function, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The operation mechanisms are divided into multiple independent units (voice input device, display device, operation mechanisms for specific functions). Each unit can be independently controlled to be in either power saving state or active state, allowing selective activation based on actual usage needs rather than activating all mechanisms simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each mechanism based on real-time conditions. When a voice instruction is received, only the necessary mechanisms are activated from power saving state. The system continuously monitors and adapts the power state of each component, transitioning from static all-or-nothing power management to dynamic selective power management.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system waits to determine which functions the user will use, then power saving is improved, but the response time to become operational increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voice input device is activated in advance when a person is detected approaching the apparatus, even before the user issues a specific command. This preliminary activation of the voice recognition system allows the apparatus to be ready to receive and process instructions immediately, reducing the perceived response time while still maintaining power saving state for other mechanisms until needed.
3Ease of operation
If the voice input device is activated when a person is detected, then voice instructions can be received, but power consumption increases if not used
Solution Approach 1:
The voice input device is treated as a separate, independently controllable unit from other operation mechanisms. This segmentation allows the voice input device to be selectively activated when a person is detected, while other mechanisms remain in power saving state. The voice input device can then be further deactivated if no voice instruction is received within a predetermined time period.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a human sensor, a microphone, a receiver, and a controller. In a case where an approaching person is detected by the human sensor when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving state, the controller brings the microphone into a state where a voice input is possible, releases operation mechanisms necessary to execute functions associated with content indicated by a voice instruction received by the receiver from a power saving state and brings the operation mechanisms into an ordinary operation state, and causes operation mechanisms necessary to execute functions that are not associated with the content indicated by the voice instruction to be maintained in the power saving state.