JP2017063308A - Information processing apparatus, control method for the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism for performing human detection and transmission of communication data and returning from a sleeping state to a normal state in response to human detection.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 10 detects a person present in a first range (detection area A1) from the image formation apparatus 10 by using ultrasonic waves outputted at a first frequency (40 kHz) from an ultrasonic sensor 611. Furthermore, the image formation apparatus 10 performs data communication by using ultrasonic waves outputted from the ultrasonic sensor 611 at a second frequency(18 kHz to 20 kHz) lower than the first frequency (40 kHz).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  Recent image forming apparatuses have a power saving mode function to reduce power consumption while the user is not using the image forming apparatus. In addition, when a user approaches an image forming apparatus that is saving power, a human sensor of the image forming apparatus reacts to return from the power saving mode state to the normal operation. Sensors such as pyroelectric sensors and ultrasonic sensors are used as human sensors.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for establishing a Wi-Fi connection by providing NFC in a terminal such as a smartphone in recent years and sending authentication data from the apparatus to the terminal by NFC without performing input of settings or the like. . Patent Document 2 proposes a technique in which a speaker or microphone is provided in a terminal such as a smartphone, communication is performed using sound waves output from the speaker, and data such as authentication information is exchanged.

Special table 2015-512212 gazette JP 2004-363670 A

  However, the above prior art has the following problems. For example, in the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, an ultrasonic sensor is used as a human sensor for shifting from the power saving mode to the normal operation, and NFC or the like is provided to authenticate with a terminal such as a smartphone. However, if the image forming apparatus is provided with both an ultrasonic sensor for human detection and NFC for authentication, there is a problem that the cost increases and an installation place is required separately.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a mechanism that uses one ultrasonic sensor to send data for human detection and communication, and suitably switches between both functions. The purpose is to do.

  The present invention is an information processing apparatus, wherein an ultrasonic sensor unit that outputs ultrasonic waves in the vicinity of the information processing apparatus and an ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic sensor unit are used in the vicinity of the information processing apparatus. A human detection means for detecting a person located; a communication means for performing data communication between the information processing apparatus and an external terminal using ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic sensor section; and the ultrasonic sensor section. Using the ultrasonic wave output at the first frequency, the person detecting means detects a person located in the vicinity of the information processing apparatus, and a second frequency lower than the first frequency from the ultrasonic sensor unit. And a control means for performing control so that data communication by the communication means is performed using the ultrasonic wave output in step (a).

  According to the present invention, a single ultrasonic sensor can be used to send data for human detection and communication, and switching between both functions can be suitably performed.

1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. 1 is a detailed block diagram of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. 1 is a state transition diagram of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. Explanatory drawing about the switching method of person detection and communication with an ultrasonic sensor. Explanatory drawing regarding the data transmission method (FSK) in ultrasonic communication. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a power supply energization state when the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment is in a power saving mode (ST1). FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a power supply energization state when the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment is in a normal operation power mode (ST2). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power supply energization state when the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment is in an ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3). 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. 1 is a state transition diagram of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. Explanatory drawing about the switching method of person detection and communication with an ultrasonic sensor. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. The figure which shows the screen which sets validity / invalidity of the person detection mode and ultrasonic communication mode which concern on one Embodiment. The figure which shows the ultrasonic setting screen of the operation part 500 which concerns on one Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. .

<First Embodiment>
<Configuration of information processing apparatus>
In the following, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 as an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus is used as an example of an apparatus applied to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an information processing apparatus that outputs ultrasonic waves for human detection or communication If so, it is applicable.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a FAX function. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a human sensor unit 600 for detecting a person approaching the image forming apparatus 10. When the human sensor unit (ultrasonic sensor unit) 600 detects a person in front of the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 can use any of the above functions from the power saving mode with low power consumption. Return to the state.

  The human sensor 600 is an ultrasonic sensor and can output two frequencies of 18 kHz to 20 kHz and 40 kHz in the non-audible range to the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 10. When the ultrasonic sensor outputs a 40 kHz pulse wave in a non-audible range, the reflected wave of the pulse wave reflected by the object is received. The ultrasonic sensor can measure the distance between the image forming apparatus 10 and the object based on the time from the output of the pulse wave to the reception of the reflected wave. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor can perform ultrasonic communication with an external terminal such as a smartphone when outputting a pulse wave of 18 kHz to 20 kHz in a non-audible range.

  The human sensor unit 600 of the image forming apparatus 10 includes detection areas A1 and A2 having at least two stages. The detection area A1 is an area for performing ultrasonic communication, and the detection area A2 is an area for detecting a person. By having at least two or more detection areas, a state in which the user is detected far from the image forming apparatus 10 is distinguished from a state in which the user is detected nearby. In addition, the human sensor unit 600 is arranged in consideration of the height direction so that a person can easily detect it.

<Control configuration>
Next, a control configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a main controller unit 200, a scanner unit 300, a printer unit 400, an operation unit 500, and a human sensor unit 600.

  The main controller unit 200 is connected to the scanner unit 300, the printer unit 400, and the operation unit 500. The main controller unit 200 includes a CPU 221, a RAM 214, a ROM 226, a power supply control unit 211, an HDD 225, an image processing unit 222, a LAN controller 212, and a FAX controller 213. The main controller unit 200 includes a scanner I / F 223 and a printer I / F 224 as interfaces.

  When power is turned on from the power control unit 211, the CPU 221 reads boot data from the ROM 226, loads data such as applications from the HDD 225 to the RAM 214, and starts up. The LAN controller 212 is connected to the CPU 221 via the system bus 228 and receives print data from a device such as a PC via the LAN I / F 231. The received print data is temporarily stored in the HDD 225 by the CPU 221 via the RAM 214, subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 222, and then used for print processing by the printer unit 400 via the printer I / F 224. Further, wireless Wi-Fi communication may be performed without using the LAN I / F 231.

  The FAX controller 213 is connected to the CPU 221 via the system bus 228 and receives FAX data from the FAX machine via the FAX I / F 232. The received FAX data is temporarily stored in the HDD 225 by the CPU 221 via the RAM 214, and after being subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 222, it is used for print processing by the printer unit 400 via the printer I / F 224.

  The scanner unit 300 reads an original, converts the read original into data, and transmits the data to the system bus 228 via the scanner I / F 223. The operation unit 500 displays the data transmitted from the CPU 221, and notifies the CPU 221 of the input content when there is an input from the user to the operation unit 500. The human sensor unit 600 notifies the operation unit 500 of an interrupt signal when a person is detected when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1). Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the power saving mode (ST1) to the normal operation power mode (ST2). Details will be described later.

<Detailed block>
Next, the details of the control configuration in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The scanner unit 300 includes a scanner control unit 321 and a scanner driving unit 322, and optically reads an image from a document and generates image data. The scanner driving unit 322 includes a driving unit for moving a reading head that reads an original, a driving unit for conveying the original to a reading position, and the like. The scanner control unit 321 controls the operation of the scanner driving unit 322. The scanner control unit 321 receives setting information set by the user when performing the scanner processing through communication with the main controller unit 200, and controls the operation of the scanner driving unit 322 based on the setting information.

  The printer unit 400 includes a printer control unit 421 and a printer driving unit 422, and forms an image on a recording medium (sheet, paper) in accordance with an electrophotographic method. The printer driving unit 422 includes a motor that rotates a photosensitive drum (not shown), a mechanism unit that pressurizes the fixing device, a heater, and the like. The printer control unit 421 controls the operation of the printer driving unit 422. The printer control unit 421 receives setting information set by the user when performing print processing through communication with the main controller unit 200, and controls the operation of the printer driving unit 422 based on the setting information to form an image. Run.

  The main controller unit 200 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 including the scanner unit 300 and the printer unit 400 in accordance with a user instruction input to the operation unit 500. The main controller unit 200 processes image data input from the scanner unit 300, FAX, or PC and outputs the processed image data to the printer unit 400, or controls the operation of the power source unit 100, thereby setting the power mode of the image forming apparatus 10. Or control.

  The inside of the main controller unit 200 is separated into at least two power supply systems, that is, a power supply system 1 of a circuit portion that needs to operate even during the power saving mode and a power supply system 2 of a circuit portion that does not need to operate during the power saving mode. . The internal power generation unit 202 that receives power supply from the power supply I / F 201 always supplies power to the portion of the power supply system 1. The power supply system 1 is connected to the power supply control unit 211, the FAX controller 213, and the LAN controller 212 so that even when the apparatus is in the power saving mode, it can react when a FAX reception or a print request is received from the network. .

  The power supply system 2 is connected to the ROM 226 required at startup, the image processing unit 222 required for the copy operation, the scanner I / F 223, the printer I / F 224, and the HDD 225, and is not energized in the power saving mode. When any of the interrupt signals A to D is input from the connection destination during the power saving mode, the power control unit 211 controls the internal power generation unit 202 to energize the power supply system 2 to cancel the power saving mode.

  The interrupt signal A is a signal that is output when the LAN controller 212 receives a print job packet or a status confirmation packet from the LAN. The interrupt signal B is a signal that is output when the FAX controller 213 receives a FAX from the FAX line. Interrupt signals C and D are signals output from the microcomputer 514 in the operation unit 500, and will be described in detail later.

  When the power supply system 2 in the main controller unit 200 is energized by the interrupt signals A to D, the CPU 221 always performs a self-refresh operation in the power supply system 1 in order to restore the device to the state before the transition to the power saving mode. The state is read from the RAM 214 that has been stored. Thereafter, when the image forming apparatus 10 returns to the normal operation, the CPU 221 performs processing corresponding to the return factor of the interrupt signals A to D.

  The LAN controller 212 can communicate with the wireless LAN by the wireless communication unit 215 in addition to the communication with the LAN I / F 231. The operation unit 500 includes an LCD touch panel 524 in which an LCD panel and a touch panel are integrated, a key unit 516 that detects user key operations such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and a buzzer 526. The operation unit 500 includes a microcomputer 514 that controls the touch panel controller 515, the power saving button 512, the power saving LED 513, the main power LED 511, the buzzer 526, the notification LED unit 527, and the human sensor unit 600.

  The LCD touch panel 524 draws image data generated and received by the LCD controller 523 from the CPU 221 of the main controller unit 200. When the user touches and operates the screen of the LCD touch panel 524, the coordinate data of the location touched by the touch panel controller 515 is analyzed and notified to the microcomputer 514, and the microcomputer 514 notifies the CPU 221. Further, the microcomputer 514 periodically scans the operation of the key unit 516 and notifies the CPU 221 when the user operates the key unit 516. The CPU 221 that has received a notification that there has been a user operation on the LCD touch panel 524 or the key unit 516 operates the image forming apparatus 10 according to the operated content.

  The operation unit 500 includes a plurality of types of LEDs. The main power LED 511 is always lit when the main power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on. The notification LED unit 527 is controlled by the microcomputer 514 and notifies the user of the state of the image forming apparatus 10 such as during job execution or an error occurrence.

  The operation unit 500 is divided into at least two power systems, namely, a power supply system 1 for a circuit portion that requires operation even during the power saving mode and a power supply system 2 for a circuit portion that does not require operation during the power saving mode. A microcomputer 514, a main power LED 511, a power saving button 512, a touch panel controller 515, and a key unit 516 are connected to the power supply system 1. The LCD controller 523, the LCD touch panel 524, the buzzer 526, and the notification LED unit 527 connected to the power supply system 2 are cut off from the power supply during the power saving mode.

  The human sensor unit 600 is connected to the power supply system 1 and can detect human movement even in the power saving mode. The microcomputer 514 periodically reads and processes the state of the ultrasonic sensor 611 to detect a human movement. The ultrasonic communication LED 612 is controlled by the microcomputer 514 and is lit and blinks during the ultrasonic communication of the image forming apparatus 10.

  A terminal (external terminal) 700 is a mobile terminal, and can receive ultrasonic communication data with a microphone included in the terminal. Further, the terminal 700 has a wireless LAN function and can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication unit 215 of the image forming apparatus 10.

<State transition>
Next, the state transition of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 10 has a normal operation power mode (ST2) for executing a copy operation, which is a mode mode in which all loads of the image forming apparatus 10 can be energized, and the normal operation power mode (ST2). And a power saving mode (ST1) that consumes less power. That is, in the power saving mode (ST1), only a part of the loads included in the image forming apparatus 10 is energized. Furthermore, in addition to the load energized to the power saving mode (ST1), there is an ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3) for energizing a load for performing ultrasonic communication with the user's wearable device. The state transition between these three states will be described below.

  The power mode is controlled by the power supply control unit 211 of the main controller unit 200 controlling the power supply unit 100. The power control unit 211 stops power supply to the scanner unit 300, the printer unit 400, and the like in the power saving mode (ST1), and supplies power to the inside of the main controller unit 200, the inside of the operation unit 500, and the human sensor unit 600. Supply.

  When the microcomputer 514 polls the output of the ultrasonic sensor 611 in the power saving mode (ST1) and detects a person in the detection area A1, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operating power mode (ST2). Further, when the microcomputer 514 polls the output of the ultrasonic sensor 611 in the normal operation power mode (ST2) and detects a person in the detection area A2, the image forming apparatus 10 enters the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3). Transition. Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the unused state for a predetermined time in the normal operating power mode (ST2) and the microcomputer 514 has not detected a person in the detection area A1, Transition to power saving mode (ST1).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 changes the frequency of the ultrasonic sensor 611 from 18 kHz to 20 kHz so that the microcomputer 514 performs ultrasonic communication in the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3), and data for ultrasonic communication. Send. Furthermore, when the Wi-Fi handover with the user terminal such as a smartphone is completed in the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3), the microcomputer 514 ends the ultrasonic communication, and the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operation mode ( Move to ST2).

<Frequency>
Next, the switching control of the ultrasonic frequency for the ultrasonic sensor 611 performed by the microcomputer 514 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The microcomputer 514 performs frequency switching between the human detection period T1 and the ultrasonic communication period T2.

  The person detection period T1 is a time for detecting a person. Therefore, after outputting 40 kHz from the ultrasonic sensor 611, the microcomputer 514 receives the reflected wave from the person, and measures the distance from the person based on the time when the reflected wave is received from the time when the 40 kHz is transmitted. On the other hand, the ultrasonic communication period T2 is a period in which data is transmitted due to a difference in ultrasonic frequency within 20 kHz. Details of the communication will be described later with reference to FIG. The microcomputer 514 can realize both functions by switching between the human detection period T1 and the ultrasonic communication period T2.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which a modulation method FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) is used as a data transmission method when the microcomputer 514 performs ultrasonic communication. Use 18 kHz and 19 kHz as the frequency for ultrasonic communication, and output 18 kHz if you want to send a data value “0” and 19 kHz if you want to send a data value “1” within the time set to 1 bit. To do. The terminal 700 can recognize this frequency difference and receive it as meaningful data. In the example of FIG. 6, a transmission wave when data “01110” is transmitted by ultrasonic communication is shown.

<Processing procedure>
Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The processing described below is basically realized by the CPU 221 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading a control program stored in advance in the ROM 226 or HDD 225 into the RAM 214 and executing it, or by the microcomputer 514. . The power supply control is controlled by the power supply control unit 211.

  In S101, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), and the microcomputer 514 periodically detects the state of the human sensor unit 600. When the human sensor 600 operates in the human detection mode, it outputs a 40 kHz ultrasonic wave and receives the reflected wave. FIG. 8 shows a power supply state when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1). In FIG. 8, shaded components indicate a non-energized state, and other components indicate an energized state.

  In S102, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), and the microcomputer 514 determines whether a person is detected in the detection area A1 of the human sensor unit 600 based on the detection in S101. When the microcomputer 514 detects a person in the detection area A1 of the human sensor unit 600, in S103, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the power saving mode (ST1) to the normal operating power mode (ST2). Further, in S103, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST2), and the microcomputer 514 periodically detects the state of the human sensor unit 600. FIG. 9 shows the energization state of the power supply when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST2). In FIG. 9, shaded components indicate a non-energized state, and other components indicate an energized state. As shown in FIG. 9, in the normal operation power mode (ST2), the blocks that are not currently used, such as the printer drive unit 422, the scanner drive unit 322, and the ultrasonic communication LED 612, are energized. . The three blocks are also energized as necessary.

  In S <b> 104, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST <b> 2), and the microcomputer 514 determines whether a person is detected in the detection area A <b> 2 of the human sensor unit 600. As described above, the detection area A2 is closer to the image forming apparatus 10 than the detection area A1, and it can be determined whether or not the person detected in the detection area A1 in S102 is approaching the image forming apparatus 10. When the microcomputer 514 detects a person in the detection area A2 of the human sensor unit 600, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the normal operation power mode (ST2) to the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3). That is, state transition is performed in order to perform ultrasonic communication with the portable terminal held by the person detected in the detection area A2.

  In S105, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3), and the microcomputer 514 starts ultrasonic communication. Specifically, the microcomputer 514 transmits data to be transmitted by ultrasonic communication to the ultrasonic sensor 611. Furthermore, the ultrasonic wave output by the ultrasonic sensor 611 is received by, for example, the terminal 700 held by the detected person. FIG. 10 shows a power supply state when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3). In FIG. 10, shaded components indicate a non-energized state, and other components indicate an energized state. As shown in FIG. 10, in the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3), the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is further energized from the normal operation power mode (ST2). When operating by ultrasonic communication, an ultrasonic wave of 18 kHz to 20 kHz is output and communication is performed with a terminal such as a smartphone that the user has.

  In S106, the microcomputer 514 confirms whether or not transmission of data to be transmitted by ultrasonic communication has been completed. If the data has been sent, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operating power mode (ST2). If the data has not been sent, the determination of S106 is repeated periodically. In S107, since the image forming apparatus 10 has shifted to the normal operation power mode, the ultrasonic sensor 611 is operated in the human detection mode. That is, the control of the ultrasonic sensor 611 is switched from the ultrasonic communication mode to the human detection mode in the detection area A2.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 serving as the information processing apparatus uses the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic sensor 611 at the first frequency (40 kHz) to detect the first range (detection). A person existing in the area A1) is detected. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 performs data communication with an external terminal using ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic sensor 611 at a second frequency (18 kHz to 20 kHz) lower than the first frequency (40 kHz). As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can perform human detection and data communication by using one ultrasonic sensor 611, and can reduce the cost of product production. . Further, by switching the frequency, it is possible to switch the range of the ultrasonic wave to be output, more accurately grasp the human action, and realize high-quality data communication.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The processing described below is basically realized by the CPU 221 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading a control program stored in advance in the ROM 226 or HDD 225 into the RAM 214 and executing it, or by the microcomputer 514. . The power supply control is controlled by the power supply control unit 211. Further, S201 to S206 in FIG. 11 are the same as S101 to S106 in FIG.

  If it is determined in S206 that the data transmission of the ultrasonic communication is completed, the process proceeds to S207, and the microcomputer 514 switches to the operation at the frequency of 40 kHz for performing human detection, that is, the human detection mode in the detection area A2. Subsequently, in S208, the microcomputer 514 determines whether a person is detected in the detection area A2 of the human sensor unit 600. When the microcomputer 514 detects a person in the detection area A2 of the human sensor unit 600, the process returns to S205, and ultrasonic communication is performed again.

  On the other hand, when the microcomputer 514 does not detect a person in the detection area A2 of the human sensor unit 600, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3) to the normal operation power mode (ST2), and proceeds to S209. move on. In step S <b> 209, the microcomputer 514 performs a normal operation in the human detection mode using the human sensor unit 600.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment detects that the approaching person is located in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 10 even after the data transmission is completed, the image forming apparatus 10. Is maintained in the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3). On the other hand, if the person is away from the detection area A2, it can be determined that data communication by ultrasonic communication has already been completed, and the frequency of the ultrasonic sensor can be switched to shift to the normal operation power mode. . Thereby, data can be continuously transmitted by ultrasonic communication, and the frequency of the ultrasonic sensor can be switched more suitably.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 shows a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The processing described below is basically realized by the CPU 221 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading a control program stored in advance in the ROM 226 or HDD 225 into the RAM 214 and executing it, or by the microcomputer 514. . The power supply control is controlled by the power supply control unit 211. Further, S301 to S306 in FIG. 12 are the same as S101 to S106 in FIG.

  If it is determined in S306 that the data transmission of the ultrasonic communication has been completed, the process proceeds to S307, and the microcomputer 514 determines whether or not any processing due to the transmission of data has been performed in the image forming apparatus 10. For example, if the data sent by the microcomputer 514 is Wi-Fi authentication data of the image forming apparatus 10, is print processing transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 via Wi-Fi? Judge whether or not. Instead of sending print data via Wi-Fi, some other process may be used. That is, here, in order to more reliably determine whether or not the ultrasonic communication with the terminal 700 possessed by the person approaching the image forming apparatus 10 has been completed, it is determined whether or not the expected predetermined processing has been completed. Deciding.

  If it is determined that the predetermined process is not performed, the process returns to S305, and the microcomputer 514 performs ultrasonic communication again in S305. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined process has been performed, the image forming apparatus 10 determines that data has been received by performing the ultrasonic communication, and the normal operation power mode (ST2) from the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3). The process proceeds to S308. In step S <b> 308, the microcomputer 514 performs a normal operation in the human detection mode using the human sensor unit 600.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the ultrasonic communication with the terminal 700 held by the person approaching the image forming apparatus 10 has been completed. It is determined whether or not predetermined processing such as reception processing has been performed. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether or not the data communication by the ultrasonic communication is completed more reliably, and the frequency of the ultrasonic sensor can be switched more preferably.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Below, the 4th Embodiment of this invention is described using FIG. FIG. 13 shows a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The processing described below is basically realized by the CPU 221 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading a control program stored in advance in the ROM 226 or HDD 225 into the RAM 214 and executing it, or by the microcomputer 514. . The power supply control is controlled by the power supply control unit 211. Further, S401 to S405 in FIG. 13 are the same as S101 to S105 in FIG.

  In S406, the microcomputer 514 transmits some data by ultrasonic communication. Subsequently, in S407, the microcomputer 514 operates in the human detection mode (40 kHz) and confirms the human operation. The confirmation of the human action here is, for example, determining whether or not the person continues to be located within the detection area A2, and controlling so as to end the ultrasonic communication if the person leaves the detection area A2. May be. That is, in step S407, the person's action is confirmed, and if the person is located in the detection area A2, the control proceeds to continue the data communication, and the process proceeds to step S408.

  In S408, the microcomputer 514 determines whether or not transmission of all data has been completed as ultrasonic communication. If transmission has not been completed, the process returns to S405 and data transmission is continued by ultrasonic communication. On the other hand, if all the data has been transmitted, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3) to the normal operation power mode (ST2), and proceeds to S409. In step S409, the microcomputer 514 performs a normal operation in the human detection mode using the human sensor unit 600.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment shifts to the ultrasonic communication mode, the image forming apparatus 10 first transmits only a part of the data by the ultrasonic communication, and then the person must leave the detection area A2. Then continue data communication. Thereby, the microcomputer 514 can transmit data while recognizing a person's movement. For example, when a person having the terminal 700 does not intend data communication with the image forming apparatus 10, the microcomputer 514 is useless. Data transmission can be reduced.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The processing described below is basically realized by the CPU 221 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading a control program stored in advance in the ROM 226 or HDD 225 into the RAM 214 and executing it, or by the microcomputer 514. . The power supply control is controlled by the power supply control unit 211. Also, S501 to S506 in FIG. 14 are the same as S101 to S106 in FIG.

  When data transmission of ultrasonic communication is completed in S506, the process proceeds to S507, and the microcomputer 514 determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed on the image forming apparatus 10. If the predetermined operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S505. If a predetermined operation is performed, it is determined that there is no need to continuously perform ultrasonic communication, and the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3) to the normal operation power mode (ST2). Then, the process proceeds to S508. Here, the predetermined operation is, for example, an operation for ending the ultrasonic communication, and an operation performed on the operation unit 500 of the image forming apparatus 10 by a person approaching the image forming apparatus 10. Further, it may be a case where the person has received from the terminal 700 that the person has performed a predetermined operation on the terminal 700. In step S <b> 508, the microcomputer 514 performs a normal operation in the human detection mode using the human sensor unit 600.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment ends the ultrasonic communication mode when a predetermined operation is performed on the image forming apparatus 10 after shifting to the ultrasonic communication mode. , Transition to the normal operating power mode (ST2). Thereby, the frequency of an ultrasonic sensor can be switched after the data communication by ultrasonic communication is complete | finished more reliably.

<Sixth Embodiment>
<State transition>
Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the state transition of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 has a normal operation power mode (ST2) in which a copy operation or the like is performed, and a power saving mode (ST1) in which power consumption is lower than that. The power mode is controlled by the power supply control unit 211 of the main controller unit 200 controlling the power supply unit 100. The power control unit 211 stops power supply to loads such as the scanner unit 300 and the printer unit 400 in the power saving mode (ST1), and the inside of the main controller unit 200, the inside of the operation unit 500, and the human sensor unit. 600 is supplied with power.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), the microcomputer 514 polls the output of the ultrasonic sensor 611 and detects a person in the person detection area A2, or the data transmission is completed by ultrasonic communication Shifts to the normal operating power mode (ST2). On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST2), the image forming apparatus 10 is unused for a predetermined time and the microcomputer 514 does not detect a person in the person detection area A1. Transition to mode (ST1).

<Frequency>
Next, ultrasonic frequency switching control for the ultrasonic sensor 611 performed by the microcomputer 514 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The microcomputer 514 performs frequency switching between the human detection period T1 and the ultrasonic communication period T2.

  The person detection period T1 is a time for detecting a person. Accordingly, after outputting 40 kHz from the ultrasonic sensor, the microcomputer 514 receives the reflected wave from the person, and measures the distance from the person based on the time when the reflected wave is received from the time when the 40 kHz is transmitted. On the other hand, the ultrasonic communication period T2 is a period in which data is transmitted / received due to a difference in ultrasonic frequency within 20 kHz. Unlike the above embodiment, in this embodiment, in the ultrasonic communication period T2, there is a transmission period T2-1 having a frequency of 20 kHz and an ultrasonic communication reception period T2-2 for receiving ultrasonic data from the terminal 700. The details of the ultrasonic communication are the same as those already described with reference to FIG. The microcomputer 514 can realize both functions by switching between the human detection period T1 and the ultrasonic communication period T2 (T2-1 and T2-2).

<Processing procedure>
Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17, 8, and 9. The processing described below is basically realized by the CPU 221 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading a control program stored in advance in the ROM 226 or HDD 225 into the RAM 214 and executing it, or by the microcomputer 514. . The power supply control is controlled by the power supply control unit 211.

  In step S601, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), and the microcomputer 514 periodically detects the state of the human sensor unit 600. When the human sensor 600 operates in the human detection mode, it outputs a 40 kHz ultrasonic wave and receives the reflected wave. Thereby, the distance with the person detected in detection area A1 according to the received reflected wave is measured. In S601, an ultrasonic wave is output in the transmission 40 kHz (T1-1) period shown in FIG. 16, and the human sensor unit 600 receives the reflected wave in the reception wave confirmation period (T1-2). Based on this reception timing, the distance to the person can be measured.

  In S602, the microcomputer 514 determines whether or not the person is located in the person detection area A2 based on the distance from the person measured in S601. If the microcomputer 514 determines that a person is located in the person detection area A2, the process proceeds to S603. On the other hand, if a person cannot be detected in the person detection area A2, the process returns to S601, and the processes of S601 and S602 are periodically performed.

  In step S <b> 603, the microcomputer 514 starts ultrasonic communication for transmitting / receiving data to / from the terminal 700. The microcomputer 514 operates the human sensor unit 600 at a frequency of 20 kHz and transmits data by ultrasonic communication. S603 is the transmission 20 kHz (T2-1) period shown in FIG.

  In step S604, the microcomputer 514 determines whether transmission of ultrasonic communication data has been completed. If the transmission has been completed, the process proceeds to step S605. S604 corresponds to the ultrasonic communication reception period (T2-2) shown in FIG. 16, and transmits data that responds that the terminal 700 has received data from the image forming apparatus 10 through ultrasonic communication. The image forming apparatus 10 receives the data reception completion response data from the terminal 700, and determines that the transmission is completed. On the other hand, if the data transmission is not completed, the process returns to S601.

  In steps S601 to S604, the image forming apparatus 10 enters the power saving mode (ST1) and enters the energized state illustrated in FIG. In step S605, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the power saving mode (ST1) to the normal operation power mode (ST2), enters the energized state illustrated in FIG. 9, and ends the process.

  As described above, unlike the first to fifth embodiments, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has only the power saving mode (ST1) and the normal operation power mode (ST2) as operation modes. And does not have the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3). As the operation mode control, after the ultrasonic communication is completed, the operation mode is controlled to shift from the power saving mode to the normal operation power mode. Thereby, control of the operation mode (power control) can be further simplified. Although this embodiment corresponds to an embodiment in which the number of operation modes is reduced to two in the first embodiment, the present embodiment may be applied to the second to fifth embodiments.

<Seventh Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 shows a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The processing described below is basically realized by the CPU 221 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading a control program stored in advance in the ROM 226 or HDD 225 into the RAM 214 and executing it, or by the microcomputer 514. . The power supply control is controlled by the power supply control unit 211.

  In S701, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), and the microcomputer 514 periodically detects the state of the human sensor unit 600. The human sensor unit 600 outputs an ultrasonic wave and receives a reflected wave of the output ultrasonic wave. In step S <b> 702, the microcomputer 514 periodically checks the state of the human sensor unit 600 and determines whether data is received through ultrasonic communication. For example, when the user transmits print data from the terminal 700 to the image forming apparatus 10 and wants to execute printing, the data reception is reception of data serving as a trigger. Alternatively, a part of the print data may be received. If it is detected that data has been received by ultrasonic communication, the process proceeds to S703. When it is not detected that data has been received by ultrasonic communication, the process returns to S701, and the image forming apparatus 10 maintains the power saving mode (ST1), and periodically repeats the processes of S701 and S702.

  In the processing after S703, it is assumed that the user transmits data from the terminal 700 to the image forming apparatus 10 by ultrasonic communication and uses the image forming apparatus 10 from now on. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives the ultrasonic communication data from the terminal 700 in S703, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the power saving mode (ST1) to the normal operation power mode (ST2).

  In step S <b> 704, the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the terminal 700 of the SSID of the wireless communication unit 215 in the image forming apparatus 10. Thereby, ultrasonic communication is started. When the terminal 700 receives the SSID from the image forming apparatus 10, the terminal 700 performs Wi-Fi handover. Thereafter, the microcomputer 514 transmits data by ultrasonic communication.

  In step S <b> 705, the microcomputer 514 determines whether transmission of ultrasonic communication data has been completed. If completed, the process proceeds to S706, and if not completed, the determination in S705 is periodically repeated.

  In step S <b> 706, the terminal 700 transmits a data reception completion response to the image forming apparatus 10 by ultrasonic communication. When the image forming apparatus 10 receives a notification of completion of data reception from the terminal 700, the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the transmission is completed, and the microcomputer 514 stops the ultrasonic communication. The image forming apparatus 10 ends the process while maintaining the normal operation power mode (ST2).

<Eighth Embodiment>
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 shows an example of the ultrasonic setting screen of the operation unit 500. On the ultrasonic setting screen 1900, the buttons 1901 to 1904 can be used to select valid / invalid between the human detection mode and the ultrasonic communication mode. In the ultrasonic setting screen 1900, when the human detection mode is invalid 1901, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operation power mode (ST2) from the power saving mode (ST1) by pressing the power saving button 512. Can be made. When the ultrasonic communication mode is invalid 1903, the user needs to perform Wi-Fi setting on a terminal such as a smartphone.

  As described above, the mode setting of the image forming apparatus 10 can be performed via the ultrasonic setting screen 1900, and the setting for switching to any control in the above-described embodiment can be performed.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Image forming apparatus, 100: Power supply part, 200: Main controller part, 300: Printer part, 400: Scanner part, 500: Operation part, 513: Power saving LED, 600: Human sensor part, 611: Ultrasonic sensor, 612: Ultrasonic communication LED

Claims (19)

An information processing apparatus,
An ultrasonic sensor unit that outputs ultrasonic waves in the vicinity of the information processing apparatus;
Human detection means for detecting a person located in the vicinity of the information processing apparatus using ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic sensor unit;
Communication means for performing data communication between the information processing apparatus and an external terminal using ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic sensor unit;
Using the ultrasonic wave output at the first frequency from the ultrasonic sensor unit, the person detecting means detects a person located near the information processing device, and from the ultrasonic sensor unit based on the first frequency An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls to perform data communication by the communication unit using an ultrasonic wave output at a lower second frequency. The control means includes
Outputting the ultrasonic wave output at the first frequency from the ultrasonic sensor unit in a first range;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic sensor unit at the second frequency is output in a second range narrower than the first range. The control means includes
When a person is detected in the first range by the person detection means, the person is detected by the person detection means in the second range by switching to the second frequency, and the person in the second range is detected. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when detected, data communication by the communication unit is started. The control means includes
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the data communication by the communication unit is completed, the information processing apparatus switches from the second frequency to the first frequency. 5. The control means includes
If no person is detected by the human detection means in the second range after data communication by the communication means is started, the data communication by the communication means is terminated, and the first frequency is changed to the first frequency. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is switched to a frequency. The control means includes
When a predetermined process is executed in the information processing apparatus after the data communication by the communication unit is started, the data communication by the communication unit is terminated, and the second frequency is changed to the first frequency. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is switched. The control means includes
After data communication by the communication means is started, only a part of the data is transmitted, the second frequency is switched to the first frequency, and the person is detected by the person detection means in the first range. 4. If a person is detected by the person detecting means, the first frequency is switched to the second frequency, and the remaining data is transmitted by the communication means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The control means includes
When a predetermined operation is performed on the information processing apparatus after the data communication by the communication unit is started, the data communication by the communication unit is terminated, and the first frequency is changed from the second frequency to the first frequency. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is switched to the information processing apparatus. The person detecting means is
The reflected wave returned from the ultrasonic wave reflected from the ultrasonic sensor unit is received, and the distance from the object is determined by the difference from the time when the ultrasonic wave is output to the time when the reflected wave is received. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a person is detected by measurement.   In addition to the normal operation power mode capable of energizing all the loads of the information processing apparatus, the power saving mode for energizing a part of the load of the information processing apparatus, and the load energized in the power saving mode, the communication means is energized. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising power control means for controlling a power supply of the information processing apparatus between an ultrasonic communication operation mode. The power control means includes
While outputting ultrasonic waves at the first frequency from the ultrasonic sensor unit, the information processing apparatus is controlled to the power saving mode,
When a person is detected in the first range by the person detecting means, the information processing apparatus is shifted to the normal operation power mode,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the person is detected in the second range by the person detection unit, the information processing apparatus is shifted to the ultrasonic communication operation mode. The power control means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the data communication by the communication unit is completed, the information processing apparatus is shifted from the ultrasonic communication operation mode to the normal operation power mode. The person detecting means is
When a person is detected in the first range, an ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic sensor unit receives a reflected wave that is reflected back to the person, and receives the reflected wave from a time when the ultrasonic wave is output. Measure the distance to the person by the difference to the received time,
The control means includes
3. The data communication by the communication unit is started by switching from the first frequency to the second frequency if the measured distance is a distance within the second range. The information processing apparatus described in 1.   Power control means for controlling the power supply of the information processing apparatus between a normal operation power mode capable of energizing all the loads of the information processing apparatus and a power saving mode of energizing some loads of the information processing apparatus; The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: The power control means includes
15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein when the information processing apparatus is operating in the power saving mode and the data communication by the communication unit is completed, the information processing apparatus is shifted to the normal operation power mode. Information processing device. The power control means includes
When the information processing apparatus is operating in the power saving mode, when the ultrasonic data is received from the outside by the communication unit, the information processing apparatus is shifted to the normal operation power mode. 14. The information processing apparatus according to 14. When a person is detected by the person detection means, the apparatus further comprises mode setting means for setting the transition of the mode of the information processing apparatus by the power control means to be valid or invalid,
The power control means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 14, wherein a mode of the information processing apparatus is controlled based on information set by the mode setting means. An ultrasonic sensor unit that outputs an ultrasonic wave in the vicinity of the information processing device; a human detection unit that detects a person located in the vicinity of the information processing device using the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic sensor unit; A communication means for performing data communication between the information processing apparatus and an external terminal using ultrasonic waves output from an ultrasonic sensor unit, and a control method for an information processing apparatus comprising:
Detecting a person located in the vicinity of the information processing device by the human detection means using the ultrasonic wave output at the first frequency from the ultrasonic sensor unit;
And a step of performing data communication by the communication means using an ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic sensor unit at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. Method.   The program for making a computer perform each process in the control method of the information processing apparatus of Claim 18.

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