JP2010212963A - Mfp device, method of controlling the same, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an MFP device without having a complaint on a user even when energy saving control is changed, a method of controlling the same, a program, and a storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: The MFP device includes: an operative connection means to operatively connecting a plurality of incorporated devices with one another by a combination varying in response to a selected function; a standby means to make an unnecessary device wait in an energy-saving mode in accordance with the selected function; a setting means to set the control of the device made to wait in the energy-saving mode in accordance with the selected function; a storing/reading means to store/read used electric energy on a user basis; an inquiry means to inquire, of the user, whether usability in the present set condition is good; and a change means to change the control of the energy-saving mode by an obtained response. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an MFP apparatus, an MFP apparatus control method, a program, and a storage medium.

In recent years, attention has been paid to global warming and the like, and awareness of energy saving is increasing accordingly.
In an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) apparatus, there are many devices that consume much power, such as a plotter, a scanner, a liquid crystal panel of an operation unit, a communication board for Fax, and a LAN (Local Area Network) board. In general, an MFP apparatus has a setting called an energy saving mode. When the MFP is in the energy saving mode, only a minimum amount of power is supplied to these devices, thereby reducing power consumption.

  However, since the energy-saving mode is canceled when the user starts operation (such as when a key on the operation unit is pressed), the energy-saving mode is canceled to register the address book data from the operation unit. However, energy-saving states such as plotters and scanners are cancelled.

  For this reason, in order to solve this kind of problem, the invention of the object of finely controlling the energy saving control of each device by using information such as application, function, usage authority of the user who uses it, usage frequency, etc. It has been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  The invention described in Patent Document 1 is an invention relating to an energy-saving mode control method for an image forming apparatus, and specifically, an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in the image forming process and a program for performing the image forming process. The method of controlling the energy saving mode with the step of shifting the image forming apparatus to the energy saving mode in a standby state where the image forming apparatus is not used and the data carrier possessed by the operator are set in the image forming apparatus. And a step of restoring at least a part of the functions of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, since a minimum necessary function is restored with a data carrier possessed by an operator being set in the image forming apparatus as a trigger, the energy saving effect is high and the convenience of the operator is high. It will not worsen.

  The invention described in Patent Document 2 relates to an image forming apparatus and a power saving mode control method for the image forming apparatus. Specifically, in an image forming apparatus having a fixing unit, the fixing unit is operated in a plurality of temperature control modes. It has a power saving mode to control.

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 2, since it has a power saving mode in which the fixing unit is controlled in a plurality of temperature control modes, unnecessary power consumption is prevented and temperature control of the fixing device is performed appropriately for each mode. You can do that.

  The invention described in Patent Document 3 is an invention related to information equipment. Specifically, according to a selected information processing function, a plurality of devices incorporated in different combinations are linked to process information, Power saving operation that sets power supply means that can control the supply / stop of power for each of multiple devices and a device that stops power supply during the power saving operation, which is an information device that stands by in a power saving operation mode during a pause A mode setting means and a power saving control means for controlling supply / stop of power by the power supply means for the device set by the power saving operation mode setting means.

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 3, since power (power supply and clock) supply / stop control is performed for a predetermined device according to settings during power saving operation, the function to be used differs depending on the user. Even in this case, it is possible to perform a detailed operation in the energy saving mode by stopping the power supply for the device set according to the usage status of the user.

  However, the above-described conventional technology does not reflect usability information actually felt by the user.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an MFP apparatus, a control method for the MFP apparatus, a program, and a storage medium that do not cause dissatisfaction to the user even if the energy saving control is changed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is the MFP device having a plurality of functions, and the interlocking means for interlocking a plurality of devices incorporated in different combinations depending on the selected function, and the selected A standby unit that waits for unnecessary devices in the energy-saving mode according to the function, a setting unit that sets control of the device that waits in the energy-saving mode according to the selected function, and saving / reading the power consumption for each user A saving / reading means to be inquired, an inquiry means for inquiring the user whether or not it is convenient in the current setting status, and a changing means for changing the control of the energy saving mode according to the obtained answer. To do.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, the apparatus further comprises means for inquiring the user whether the usability in the current setting status is good or not at the end of the application function unit. .

  According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided the apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising means for inquiring the user whether the usability in the current setting state is good or not at the end of the functional unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, when inquiring to the user whether the usability in the current setting state is good or not, a means for performing the inquiry using the E-mail is provided. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 5 is provided with means for making an inquiry using a report when making an inquiry to the user as to whether or not the user is comfortable in the current setting status. Features.

The invention described in claim 6 is the device according to claim 1, wherein means for determining the function use authority of the user, means for adding the determination contents when changing the control of the energy saving mode,
It is provided with.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, means for determining a function usage frequency of the user, means for adding the determination contents when changing the control of the energy saving mode,
It is provided with.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a method of controlling an MFP apparatus having a plurality of functions, the step of interlocking a plurality of devices incorporated in different combinations according to the selected function, and unnecessary depending on the selected function The process of waiting for the active device in the energy saving mode, the process of setting the control of the device to wait in the energy saving mode according to the selected function, the process of saving / reading the power consumption for each user, and the current setting It is characterized by comprising the steps of inquiring the user whether the usability in the situation is good or not, and the step of changing the control of the energy saving mode according to the obtained answer.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the procedure for causing the interlocking means to interlock a plurality of devices incorporated in different combinations according to the selected function and the waiting means are selected in the computer of the MFP apparatus having a plurality of functions. The procedure for setting unnecessary devices to stand by in the energy saving mode according to the selected function, the procedure for setting the device control for waiting in the energy saving mode according to the selected function, and the saving / reading means for each user. Procedures for saving / reading the power consumption, procedures for inquiring the user whether the usability in the current setting status is good, procedures for changing the control of the energy saving mode according to the obtained answer, Is executed.

  The invention according to claim 10 is a storage medium storing the program according to claim 9.

  According to the present invention, when the energy saving control is changed, the user is inquired about usability, and the obtained answer content is used as a judgment material. Therefore, the energy saving control can be set so that the user is not dissatisfied. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an MFP apparatus, a control method for the MFP apparatus, a program, and a storage medium that can be set so that the user is not dissatisfied even if the energy saving control is changed.

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an MFP apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 3 is an example of a flowchart to which a method for controlling an MFP apparatus according to the present invention is applied. 6 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied. 6 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied. 6 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied. 6 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied. 6 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied. 6 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied.

<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an MFP apparatus according to the present invention.
The MFP apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an original sensor 101, a paper sensor 102, a video (video) memory 103, a battery 104, a scanner 105, a plotter 106, an operation display unit 107, an image memory 108, a parameter memory 109, a clock circuit 111, A communication control unit 112, an encoding and decoding unit 113, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 114, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 115, a buffer memory 116, a character generator 117, a Network I / F 118, a modem 119, a network control device 120, and The bus line 101 is used.

The document sensor 101 is a sensor that determines whether or not a document to be copied is on a document placing table (not shown). For example, a photo sensor is used.
The paper sensor 102 is a sensor that determines whether or not there is paper in a paper stock (not shown). For example, a photo sensor is used.
The video memory 103 is a memory for storing video data.
The battery 104 is a battery for backing up the parameters in the parameter memory 109.
The scanner 105 is a device that scans a document.
The plotter 106 is a device that prints images and characters on paper.
The operation display unit 107 includes switches and panels necessary for operations such as a power switch, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and a display panel.
The image memory 108 is a memory that stores image data.
The parameter memory 109 is a memory that stores parameters.
The clock circuit 111 is a circuit that supplies a clock signal and measures time.
The communication control unit 112 is a circuit that controls the network I / F 118, the modem 119, and the network control device 120 in order to exchange data with an external device via a network.

The encoding / combining unit 113 is a circuit that combines the encoded data and encodes the decoded data.
The CPU 114 is a circuit that performs overall control of the MFP apparatus.
A ROM (Read Only Memory) 115 is a memory for storing a control program for the MFP apparatus.
The buffer memory 116 is a memory that temporarily stores data to be copied.
The character generator 117 is a circuit that generates characters and codes.
The network I / F 118 is an interface for exchanging data with a network.
A modem 119 is a circuit that connects the MFP apparatus 100 and an external apparatus via a telephone line.
The network control device 120 is a circuit that controls data exchange between the MFP device 100 and an external network.
The bus line 101 is a line for exchanging control signals and data signals with each unit.

<Control means 1>
Here, control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG.
The control means 200-1 shown in the figure corresponds to the CPU 114 shown in FIG.
The control unit 200-1 includes an interlocking unit 201, a standby unit 202, a storage / reading unit 203, a setting unit 204, a changing unit 205, and an inquiry unit 206.

The interlocking unit 201 has a function of interlocking a plurality of devices incorporated in different combinations depending on the selected function.
The standby unit 202 has a function of causing unnecessary devices to wait in the energy saving mode according to the selected function.
The saving / reading unit 203 has a function of saving / reading the power consumption for each user.
The setting unit 204 has a function of setting control of a device that is on standby in an energy saving mode according to the selected function.
The changing unit 205 has a function of changing the control of the energy saving mode according to the obtained answer.
The inquiry unit 206 has a function of inquiring the user whether the usability in the current setting situation is good.
The control of the control means 200-1 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to a flowchart shown in FIG.

<Control means 2>
FIG. 3 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG.
Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements as those shown in FIG.
The difference between the control unit 200-2 shown in FIG. 3 and the control unit 200-1 shown in FIG. 2 is a unit that performs inquiry timing at the end of the application function unit, that is, it is easy to use in the current setting status. It is the point which has the means 207 which performs the timing which inquires a user whether it is the end of an application function unit.
Control of 2002-2 of the control means shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to a flowchart of FIG.

<Control means 3>
FIG. 4 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG.
The difference between the control means 200-3 shown in FIG. 4 and the control means 200-1 shown in FIG. 2 is that the inquiry timing is performed at the end of the functional unit, that is, is it easy to use in the current setting status? It is the point which has the means 208 which performs the timing which inquires a user whether or not at the time of completion | finish of a functional unit.
The control of the control means 200-3 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the flowchart of FIG.

<Control means 4>
FIG. 5 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG.
The difference between the control means 200-4 shown in FIG. 5 and the control means 200-1 shown in FIG. 2 is that the inquiry is made using E-mail, that is, the usability in the current setting situation is improved. When inquiring to the user whether it is good or not, there is means 209 for making the inquiry using E-mail.
The control of the control means 200-4 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the flowchart of FIG.

<Control means 5>
FIG. 6 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG.
The difference between the control means 200-5 shown in FIG. 6 and the control means 200-1 shown in FIG. 2 is that the inquiry is made using a report, that is, whether or not the current setting situation is convenient. When the user is inquired about this, there is means 210 for making the inquiry using a report.
The control of the control means 200-5 shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to a flowchart of FIG.

<Control means 6>
FIG. 7 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG.
The difference between the control means 200-6 shown in FIG. 7 and the control means 200-1 shown in FIG. 2 is that the means 211 for judging the user's function use authority and the energy saving mode control are changed. And a means 212 for adding determination content.
The control of the control means 200-6 shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the flowchart of FIG.

<Control means 7>
FIG. 8 is another example of a block diagram of control means of the MFP apparatus shown in FIG.
The difference between the control means 200-7 shown in FIG. 8 and the control means 200-1 shown in FIG. 2 is that the means 213 for determining the function usage frequency of the user and the control of the energy saving mode are changed. And a means 212 for adding determination content.
The control of the control means 200-6 shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to a flowchart of FIG.

The following control is performed by the CPU 114 (of the facsimile apparatus) based on the contents of the control program stored in the ROM 115.
<Operation 1>
FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied.
It is determined whether or not a logout operation has been performed (* a: step S1).
If it is determined that the logout operation has not been performed, the process waits (step S1 / No). If it is determined that the logout operation has been performed (step S1 / Yes), the power consumption per unit time of the logged-in user is updated (* After b), the power consumption is presented to the user (* c: Step S2).
An inquiry is made on the operation section as to whether or not the usability has changed (* d: step S3).
Judging from the contents of the answer, the control of the energy saving mode is changed (* e: Step S4), and the process ends.

<Operation 2>
FIG. 10 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied.
It is determined whether or not the application (application) operation has been completed (* f: step S11).
If it is determined that the application operation has not ended (step S11 / No), it waits. If it is determined that the application operation has ended (step S11 / Yes), the logged-in user per unit time of the application It is presented after the power consumption is updated (step S12).
An inquiry is made on the operation section as to whether or not the usability has changed (step S13).
Judging from the contents of the answer, the control of the energy saving mode is changed (step S14), and the process ends.

<Operation 3>
FIG. 11 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied.
It is determined whether or not the function operation has been completed (* g: Step S21).
If it is determined that the functional operation has not ended, the system waits (step S21 / No). If it is determined that the functional operation has ended (step S21 / Yes), the logged-in user per unit time of the application The power consumption is updated and presented (step S22).
An inquiry is made on the operation section as to whether or not the usability has changed (step S23).
Judging from the contents of the answer, the control of the energy saving mode is changed (step S24), and the process ends.

<Operation 4>
FIG. 12 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied.
It is determined whether or not the user has logged out (step S31).
If it is determined that the user has not logged out, the process waits (step S31 / No), and if it is determined that the user has logged out (step S31 / Yes), the power consumption per unit time of the application of the logged-in user is updated. Then present (step S32).
An E-mail having contents for inquiring whether or not usability has changed is created and transmitted to the logged-in user (* h: step S33).
Judging from the contents of the answer, the control of the energy saving mode is changed (* e: Step S34), and the process is terminated.

<Operation 5>
FIG. 13 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied.
It is determined whether or not the user has logged out (step S41).
If it is determined that the user has not logged out, the process waits (step S41 / No), and if it is determined that the user has logged out (step S41 / Yes), the power consumption per unit time of the application of the logged-in user is updated. Then present it (step S42).
A report having contents for inquiring whether or not the usability has changed is created and printed (output) (* i: step S43).
The contents of the report describe how to change the settings that should be changed according to usability (* j). Thereby, the control of the energy saving mode is changed (* e: Step S44), and the process is terminated.

<Operation 6>
FIG. 14 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied.
It is determined whether or not the user has logged out (step S51).
If it is determined that the user has not logged out, the process waits (step S51 / No). If it is determined that the user has logged out (step S51 / Yes), the power consumption per unit time of the application of the logged-in user is updated. Then present (step S52).
An inquiry is made on the operation section as to whether the usability has changed (step S53).
Use authority information of the logged-in user is acquired (step S54).
Judging from the contents of the answer and the user's usage authority (* k), the control of the energy saving mode is changed (* e: Step S55), and the process is terminated.

<Operation 7>
FIG. 15 is another example of a flowchart to which the MFP apparatus control method according to the present invention is applied.
It is determined whether or not the user has logged out (step S61).
If it is determined that the user has not logged out, the process waits (step S61 / No), and if it is determined that the user has logged out (step S61 / Yes), the power consumption per unit time of the application of the logged-in user is updated. Then present it (step S62).
An inquiry is made on the operation section as to whether the usability has changed (step S63).
Usage frequency information of the logged-in user is acquired (step S64).
Judging from the contents of the answer and the usage frequency information of the user (* l), the control of the energy saving mode is changed (* e: Step S65), and the process ends.

<Note>
(* a) Since the time between login and logout, power consumption, etc. are required, processing is performed at logout.

(* b) Acquisition of power consumption and the like can be performed with a known technique, so details are not described here.

(* c) It is desirable to present the power consumption for the past several times. Because this time alone, I do not know whether it is increasing or decreasing.

(* d) As an example
“Did you feel that the response to the operation was bad?”
Ask questions. Since it is expected that the operation will be heavier / lighter at the start of operation of each device by changing the energy saving mode, an inquiry is made so that it can be determined.

(* e) If the response feels that the operation has become heavy, make changes such as weakening the energy-saving control and increasing it in the opposite case.

(* f) Since the time between the start and end of application operation, power consumption, etc. are required, processing is performed at the end of application operation.

(* g) Since the time between the start and end of function operation, power consumption, etc. are required, processing is performed at the end of function operation. The functions mentioned here are as follows, for example.
• Printing of communication management reports for facsimile applications, that is, one of the small functions included in the application.

(* h) Generally, the account information of the logged-in user includes information on the user's E-mail address. Send an e-mail using that information.

(* i) Since the report can be created by a known technique (facsimile result report, etc.), details are not described here.

(* j) As an example
"If you feel that the response to the operation has deteriorated, please change the default X-YY-ZZZ value to AAA."
And so on. If this setting is changed, the energy saving control may be weakened.

(* k) For example, if the logged-in user does not have the authority to use the facsimile application, even if he / she feels that the operation has become heavy, it is necessary to weaken the energy-saving control of the fax communication board. Absent.

(* l) As an example, if the frequency of use of the facsimile application is low for the logged-in user, even if he / she feels that the operation has become heavy, it is necessary to weaken the energy-saving control of the fax communication board Absent.

<Program and storage medium>
The MFP apparatus according to the present invention described above is realized by a program that causes a computer to execute processing. Examples of the computer include general-purpose computers such as personal computers and workstations, but the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, as an example, a case where the present invention is realized by a program will be described below.

In a computer of an MFP apparatus having a plurality of functions,
(1) The procedure for interlocking multiple devices incorporated in different combinations according to the selected function,
(2) Procedures for waiting means to wait for unnecessary devices in the energy saving mode according to the selected function,
(3) A procedure for setting the device control for the device to wait in the energy saving mode according to the selected function,
(4) The procedure for storing / reading out the energy consumption for each user by the saving / reading means,
(5) A procedure for inquiring the user whether or not the inquiry means is convenient in the current setting status,
(6) The procedure for changing the energy saving mode control by the changing means,
The program which performs is mentioned.

Thus, the MFP apparatus according to the present invention can be realized anywhere as long as there is a computer environment capable of executing the program.
Such a program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.
Here, examples of the storage medium include computer-readable storage media such as CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), and CD-R (CD Recordable), flash memory, and RAM (RAM). Examples thereof include semiconductor memories such as Random Access Memory (ROM), ROM (Read Only Memory), and FeRAM (ferroelectric memory), and HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

  The above-described embodiment shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. is there.

<Effect>
When the energy saving control is changed, the user is inquired about usability and the content of the answer is used as a judgment material. Therefore, the energy saving control can be set so that the user is not dissatisfied.

  Energy savings and user convenience can be improved by making the inquiry timing as the operation end unit of the application / function.

  By using the E-mail / report for the inquiry, it is possible to convey the contents of the inquiry in an easy-to-understand manner, thereby further improving the energy saving effect and user convenience.

  When changing the energy-saving control, not only the response from the user but also the usage authority / frequency of the user's application can be used as a reference to improve the energy-saving effect and user-friendliness.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP apparatus 101 Document sensor 102 Paper sensor 103 Vdeio memory 104 Battery 105 Scanner 106 Plotter 107 Operation display part 108 Image memory 109 Parameter memory 110 Hard disk 111 Clock circuit 112 Communication control part 113 Encoding composite part 114 CPU
115 ROM
116 Buffer memory 117 Character generator 118 Network I / F
119 Modem 120 Network control device 121 Bus line

JP 2006-5911 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-201986 JP 2006-330843 A

Claims (10)

In an MFP apparatus having a plurality of functions,
Interlocking means for interlocking a plurality of devices incorporated in different combinations according to the selected function;
Standby means for waiting unnecessary devices in energy saving mode according to the selected function,
A setting means for setting control of the device to be put on standby in the energy saving mode according to the selected function;
Saving / reading means for saving / reading power consumption for each user;
Inquiry means for inquiring the user whether or not it is easy to use in the current settings,
Changing means for changing the control of the energy saving mode according to the obtained answer;
An MFP apparatus comprising: The apparatus of claim 1.
An MFP apparatus comprising means for inquiring of a user whether or not usability in a current setting state is good at the end of an application function unit. The apparatus of claim 1.
An MFP apparatus comprising means for inquiring a user whether or not usability in a current setting state is good at the end of a functional unit. The apparatus of claim 1.
An MFP apparatus comprising means for making an inquiry using E-mail when making an inquiry to a user as to whether or not user-friendliness in the current setting status is good. The apparatus of claim 1.
An MFP apparatus comprising means for making a query using a report when inquiring a user as to whether or not user-friendliness in the current setting status is good. The apparatus of claim 1.
A means to determine the user's authority to use the function;
When changing the control of the energy saving mode, means for taking into account the judgment content,
An MFP apparatus comprising: The apparatus of claim 1.
A means to determine how often a user uses the function;
When changing the control of the energy saving mode, means for taking into account the judgment content,
An MFP apparatus comprising: In a control method of an MFP apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A step of interlocking a plurality of devices incorporated in different combinations according to the selected function;
A process of waiting unnecessary devices in the energy saving mode according to the selected function;
Setting the device control to wait in energy saving mode according to the selected function;
A process for saving / reading power consumption for each user;
A process of inquiring the user whether or not the current settings are convenient,
A process of changing the control of the energy saving mode according to the obtained answer;
An MFP apparatus control method comprising: In a computer of an MFP apparatus having a plurality of functions,
Procedures for interlocking multiple devices that are incorporated in different combinations depending on the selected function,
Procedures for waiting means to wait for unnecessary devices in energy saving mode according to the selected function,
A procedure for setting the control of the device that the setting means waits in the energy saving mode according to the selected function,
A procedure for saving / reading out the power consumption for each user by the saving / reading means,
A procedure for inquiring the user whether the inquiry means is convenient in the current setting status,
Procedure for changing means to change the control of energy saving mode according to the obtained answer,
A program characterized by having executed.   A storage medium storing the program according to claim 9.

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