JP2011211251A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a program improved in convenience when a user continuously executes a plurality of functions while suppressing power consumption.SOLUTION: When the instruction of the execution of one of functions is received from a user, the image forming apparatus perform control so that an apparatus used in the function is brought into an operating state. When it is predicted that the execution of a different function is instructed consecutively by the user, the image forming apparatus perform control so that an apparatus used in the next function is brought into the operating state before receiving the instruction of the execution of the next function from the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for suppressing power consumption by supplying power to the minimum necessary functions in the operation mode during operation.

  Patent Document 2 is an image processing apparatus that includes a plurality of functions and performs image processing by a combination of the functions, and calculates an execution frequency for each function based on an execution history of the image processing. Based on the above, a technology for optimizing the power usage state flexibly and easily according to the usage status by selecting a function to supply power in the power saving mode is disclosed.

JP 2002-359703 A JP 2009-225139 A

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and a program that improve convenience when a user continuously executes a plurality of functions while suppressing power consumption.

  The image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of processing units that realize a plurality of functions by combining the respective processes, and that respectively perform predetermined processes including at least a process of forming an image on a recording medium. A switching means for switching the state of each of the plurality of processing means to an operation state in which the process can be executed or a power saving state with reduced power consumption, and reception of receiving an instruction to execute any of the plurality of functions from a user And when the instruction to execute any of the functions is received from the user by the receiving means and the receiving means, the switching means is controlled so that the processing means used for the function is in an operating state, and the user continues. If it is predicted that the execution of a different function is instructed, the reception unit uses the next function before receiving an instruction to execute the next function from the user. Management means is provided with a control means for controlling said switching means so that the operating state.

  The invention according to claim 2 further comprises storage means for storing history information indicating a history of executed functions for each user in the invention according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes the history information. If the user who has instructed the execution of the function by the accepting means has executed a different function following the function, it is predicted that the execution of the different function will be instructed subsequently.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the implementation schedule showing the scheduled implementation period in which two or more different predetermined functions are continuously executed for each user in the invention according to claim 1. The information processing apparatus further includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire period information, and the control unit is within a scheduled execution period indicated by the scheduled execution period information of the user when the function is instructed from the user by the reception unit. When the function instructed to execute is the first function of the two or more functions, it is predicted that the execution of different functions will be instructed subsequently.

  The invention according to claim 4 further comprises communication means for communicating with an external server storing various scheduled execution periods for each user in the invention according to claims 1-3. An acquisition unit acquires scheduled execution period information indicating a specific scheduled execution period from the external server via the communication unit.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, when the control means completes execution of the function received by the receiving means, the processing means used in the next function operates. The switching means is controlled so as to be in a state.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a program causes a computer to function as the control means according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

  According to the first and sixth aspects of the invention, when executing a plurality of functions in succession, it is compared with a case where the next function is returned to the operating state after receiving an instruction to execute the next function from the user. Thus, it is possible to improve convenience when the user continuously executes a plurality of functions while suppressing power consumption.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the function executed by the user in the past is compared with the case where the specific function is returned to the operation state as the next function regardless of the history of the function executed by the user. It can be restored as a function.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the next function is set in accordance with the schedule for the user to continuously execute a plurality of different functions as compared with the case where the next function is returned to the operating state regardless of the user's schedule. Can be returned to the operating state.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save the user from inputting the specific scheduled execution period as compared with the case where the specific scheduled execution period is individually input.

  According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to suppress power consumption as compared with the case where the accepted function and the next function are simultaneously returned to the operating state.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a top view which shows an example of the operation panel which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the identification information input screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the process selection screen which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the historical information which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the return control processing program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the change of power consumption when execution of a different function is predicted continuously. It is a graph which shows the change of power consumption when execution of a different function is not predicted continuously It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the continuous execution function information which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the return control processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the historical information which concerns on another form.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus having a scan function, a copy function, a print (print) function, and a facsimile (FAX) function will be described.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to a commercial power source (for example, AC 100 V), and is switched on or off to switch power supplied from the commercial power source to an energized state or a non-energized state. 12, a first low-voltage power supply device 14 connected to the power switch 12, for converting power supplied from the commercial power supply via the power switch 12 into DC power of a first voltage level (for example, 5 V), and a power switch 12 and a second low-voltage power supply device 16 that converts electric power supplied from a commercial power supply via the power switch 12 into DC power of a second voltage level (for example, 24V).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment combines various processing buttons 40 (see FIG. 2) and a touch panel as processing means for realizing a copy function, a printing function, and a facsimile function by combining the processes. The operation panel 17 provided with 42, the controller 18 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, and an automatic document feeder, recording paper set in the automatic document feeder or recording placed at a predetermined reading position A scanner 20 that reads an image from paper and acquires image data representing the image, and forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum by electrophotography based on the image data, and attaches toner to the formed latent image. The image forming engine 22 for transferring the developed toner image onto the recording paper and a general communication line are connected to another FAX terminal device via the general communication line. And a FAX communication unit 26 for performing FAX communication with.

  The controller 18 is connected to the first low-voltage power supply device 14 and is supplied with power from the first low-voltage power supply device 14. The operation panel 17, the scanner 20, the image forming engine 22, and the FAX communication unit 26 are connected to the second low-voltage power supply device 16, and power is supplied from the second low-voltage power supply device 16. Although not shown, there is also an area that is partially connected to the first low-voltage power supply device 14 at a part of the FAX communication unit 26 that detects the line.

  The controller 18 stores and holds a CPU (central processing unit) 30 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a ROM 32 that stores various programs including a control program in advance, a RAM 34 that temporarily stores various data, and various data. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 36 that is connected to a network NET, and a network I / F that transmits and receives communication data including print data to be printed with an external device such as an external server 80 via the network NET An (interface) unit 38 is provided.

  Further, the image forming engine 22 includes a fixing unit 24 that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording sheet by heating and pressurizing the recording sheet.

  The operation panel 17, the controller 18, the scanner 20, the image forming engine 22, and the FAX communication unit 26 are connected to each other via a bus BUS. Accordingly, the controller 18 can control the operation of the scanner 20, control the operation of the image forming engine 22, and control FAX communication with other FAX terminal devices via the FAX communication unit 26. Further, the controller 18 can grasp the operation state of the user with respect to the operation buttons 40 and the touch panel 42 (see FIG. 2) provided on the operation panel 17. The controller 18 can also control the display of messages on the touch panel 42 provided on the operation panel 17.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D in each power wiring that connects the second low-voltage power supply device 16, the scanner 20, the image forming engine 22, and the FAX communication unit 26. . The controller 18 is connected to the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D and controls on / off of the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D, and can stop the supply of power to the unused device.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation panel 17 according to the present embodiment.

  The operation panel 17 is provided with various operation buttons 40 such as a numeric keypad 40A, a start button 40B, a clear button 40C, and a power saving button 40D, and a touch panel 42 that can perform a touch operation.

  The power saving button 40D is directly connected to the controller 18, and is detected by the controller 18 when the user operates the power saving button 40D during power saving.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined standby period elapses without image formation, the operation state shifts to the power saving state. In this power saving state, in order to reduce power consumption and realize energy saving, the second low voltage power supply device 16 and the switches 90A to 90D are turned off to stop the supply of power to unused devices, and the touch panel 42 displays In addition, the lighting is stopped, and the power for energizing the fixing device 24 of the image forming engine 22 is stopped.

  When the power saving button 40D of the operation panel 17 is pressed in the power saving state, the image forming apparatus 10 turns on the second low-voltage power supply device 16 or the switch 90D to restart the supply of power to the operation panel 17 and the operation panel 17 When an instruction to execute one of the functions is received from the user, the switches 90A to 90D are controlled so that the device used for the function is in an operating state.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, identification information of a user who is permitted to use the apparatus is stored in advance in the HDD 36 as user information.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined standby period elapses without image formation, the operation state shifts to the power saving state.

  When using the device in the power saving state, the user presses the power saving button 40D on the operation panel 17.

  When the power saving button 40D of the operation panel 17 is pressed, the second low-voltage power supply device 16 and the switch 90D are turned on to resume the supply of power to the operation panel 17 and the identification information for authenticating the user to the touch panel 42. The input screen 50 is displayed.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the identification information input screen 50.

  The identification information input screen 50 is provided with an input area 52 for inputting identification information and an OK button 54 for instructing start of authentication.

  When the identification information input screen 50 is displayed, the user inputs identification information in the input area 52 and designates the OK button 54.

  When the OK button 54 is designated, the image forming apparatus 10 authenticates the user depending on whether or not the identification information input in the input area 52 matches any of the user information stored in the HDD 36. If authentication is obtained, a selection screen 60 for accepting selection of copy, scan, and fax is displayed on the touch panel 42 as shown in FIG. The selection screen 60 is provided with a function selection button 62 corresponding to each function of copying, scanning, and FAX.

  When any function is selected from the user by the touch panel 42, the image forming apparatus 10 controls the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D so that a device used for the function is in an operating state. For example, when scanning is designated, the controller 18 turns on the switch 90C to restart the supply of power to the scanner 20.

  By the way, when control is performed so that only the device used for the function selected in this way is in an operating state, the power consumption can be suppressed, but the user can execute the following functions by the user when executing a plurality of functions continuously. When the execution of the next function is instructed and the device used for the next function is controlled to be in an operating state, a waiting time is generated until the next function can be executed.

  In particular, since the image forming engine 22 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper by heating and pressurizing with the fixing device 24, it needs to be in a specific temperature range when performing fixing, but the power saving state is When it becomes a long time, the temperature of the fixing device 24 decreases. For this reason, when the temperature of the fixing unit 24 decreases, an image cannot be formed until the temperature of the fixing unit 24 rises to a specific temperature range, and the waiting time for warming up the fixing unit 24 becomes long.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment predicts whether or not execution of different functions is continuously instructed by the user, and when the execution of different functions is predicted subsequently, the user touches the touch panel 42 from the user. Prior to receiving an instruction to execute the next function, the switches 90A to 90D are controlled so that the device used for the next function is in an operating state.

  In order to perform this prediction, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment stores history information indicating a history of executed functions in the HDD 36 for each user.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of the history information.

  The history information stores user identification information, executed functions, and function execution periods.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment receives an instruction to execute a function from the user on the touch panel 42, the use that has instructed the operation panel 17 to execute the function in the history information stored in the HDD 36. If the user is executing a different function following the function, it is predicted that the execution of the different function will be instructed, and a return control process is performed to return the device used for the execution of the different function to the operating state. .

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the return control processing program executed by the CPU 30 of the controller 18 when an instruction to execute a function is received from the user on the touch panel 42. The program is stored in advance in the ROM 32.

  In step S10, the switches 90A to 90D are controlled so that the device used for the currently selected function is in an operating state.

  At this time, an operation screen corresponding to the selected function is displayed on the touch panel 42 on the operation panel 17. The user operates the touch panel 42 and the operation button 40 to set conditions according to the function on the operation screen, and instructs the start of processing using the start button 40B.

  The image forming apparatus 10 starts processing of the function instructed to be executed in accordance with the conditions set on the operation panel 17 when the device used for the function instructed to be executed returns to the operating state by the control in step S10.

  In step S12, a history of functions executed by the user is read from the history information stored in the HDD 36 based on the user identification information input at the time of user authentication.

  In the next step S14, in the function history read out in step S12, it is determined whether there is a history of executing different functions following the function currently instructed by the user on the touch panel 42, and an affirmative determination is made. When it becomes, it transfers to step S16, and when it becomes negative determination, it complete | finishes a process. In the present embodiment, in the function history read out in step S12, the history of starting different functions within a predetermined waiting time (for example, 1 minute) from the end of the function currently instructed to be executed. If it exists, it is considered that a different function has been executed.

  In step S16, in the function history read in step S12, the execution time when a different function is executed subsequent to the function instructed to be executed is within a predetermined allowable elapsed period (for example, two weeks). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S18. If the determination is negative, the process ends.

  In step S18, the function executed subsequent to the function that is currently instructed within the allowable elapsed period is regarded as the function that is predicted to be executed next. It is determined whether or not there is a supply that has been stopped. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S20. If the determination is negative, the process ends. In addition, when there are a plurality of functions that are predicted to be executed next, it is determined whether there is a device whose power supply is stopped among the devices used for each function that is predicted to be executed next. However, among the functions predicted to be executed next, it may be determined whether or not there is a device whose power supply is stopped among the devices used for the function executed most recently.

  In step S20, the scheduled end time at which the function that is currently instructed to execute is obtained. In the present embodiment, the processing time when each function is executed is stored in the HDD 36, the average processing time when a similar function is executed in the past is obtained, and the processing start of the function for which the current execution is instructed is started. The time when the average processing time elapses from is set as the scheduled end time. Note that the processing time of each function may be predicted from the number of recording sheets to be actually processed. For example, when the function currently instructed to execute is scanning, a sensor for detecting the thickness of the recording paper set in the automatic document feeder is provided, and the number of recording paper to be read is estimated from the thickness of the recording paper. Then, the processing time is predicted by multiplying the estimated number of recording sheets to be read by the average reading time per sheet, and the time when the processing time has elapsed from the start of processing of the function currently instructed to execute is set as the scheduled end time. Also good. For example, when the function currently instructed to execute is FAX transmission, the recording time to be read is multiplied by the addition time obtained by adding the average reading time per sheet and the average FAX transmission time per sheet. The processing time is predicted, and the time when the processing time has elapsed from the start of processing of the function for which execution is instructed may be set as the scheduled end time.

  In the next step S22, a return time until the device used in the function predicted to be executed next is returned to the operating state when energization is started is obtained. This return time may be stored in the HDD 36 as a predetermined time for each device and may be obtained by reading from the HDD 36. Further, the return time may be obtained by detecting the state of each device. For example, the temperature of the fixing device 24 of the image forming engine 22 may be detected and the time may be predicted until the temperature rises from the detected temperature to a specific temperature range. Alternatively, the temperature decrease may be predicted from the time when the fixing device 24 is off, and the time may be predicted until the temperature rises to a specific temperature range.

  In the next step S24, the time before the return time from the scheduled end time is set as the return start time.

  In the next step S26, the process waits until the return start time is reached.

  In step S28, the switches 90A to 90D are controlled so that the device used for the function predicted to be executed next is in the operating state, and the process ends.

  As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when history information is stored and the user A instructs execution of scanning within an allowable lapse period after the previous scanning and copying are continuously executed, image formation is performed. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 10 turns on the switch 90C at the timing T1 instructed to execute the scan, starts energizing the scanner 20 used in the scan, and returns the scan to the operation state. During the execution of the scan, the switch 90A is turned on to start energization of the image forming engine 22 used for copying to start the warm-up of the image forming engine 22, and the image formation is performed at the scheduled end time T2 when the scan ends. The engine 22 is returned to the operating state.

  As a result, when copying following the scan, the user A can quickly copy because the scanner 20 and the image forming engine 22 used for copying are in an operating state at the end of the scan.

  On the other hand, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when history information is stored and the user B selects the scan function, the image forming apparatus 10 selects the scan function as illustrated in FIG. 8. At timing T1, the switch 90C is turned on to start energization of the scanner 20 used for scanning, and the scan is returned to the operating state. However, since the history information shown in FIG. 5 does not include a history of executing other functions following the scan, the image forming engine 22 is not energized and enters a standby state after the scan is completed.

  As a result, power is not consumed because the image forming engine 22 is not energized.

[Second Embodiment]
Since the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can communicate with an external server via the network I / F unit 38. In the external server 80 according to the second embodiment, schedule management software is installed, and various schedules for each user are registered.

  By the way, the user may continuously execute two or more specific functions in accordance with a specific schedule. For example, a specific user scans a meeting document (such as the minutes written on a white board at the meeting) to save it as electronic data, and then makes a copy to distribute the document. May continue.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment predicts whether or not the user is instructed to continuously execute different functions based on the user's schedule, and subsequently predicts the execution of different functions. In this case, the switches 90 </ b> A to 90 </ b> D are controlled so that the device used for the next function is in an operating state before the touch panel 42 receives an instruction to execute the next function from the user.

  In order to perform this prediction, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment continuously executes, for each user, specific schedule information indicating a specific schedule for continuously executing two or more different functions and the execution order of the functions. It is stored in the HDD 36 as function information. The continuous execution function information may be set from the operation panel 17 or may be set from an external device such as a personal computer (PC) via the network NET.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the data structure of the continuous execution function information.

  The continuous execution function information stores user identification information, specific schedule information, and function execution order. An arrow “→” described in the function execution order indicates the order of execution.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment accesses the external server 80 in advance, acquires the schedule registered for each user and the scheduled execution period of the schedule, and stores them as schedule information.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 receives a function execution instruction from a user via the touch panel 42, the schedule information includes a specific schedule indicated by the specific schedule information of the user stored in the continuous execution function information. Ask for. Then, when there is a specific schedule in the schedule information, the image forming apparatus 10 specifies the execution schedule period of the specific schedule when the execution of the function is instructed by the user, and specifies the function for which the execution is instructed. If it is the first function to be continuously executed in the schedule, it is predicted that execution of different functions will be instructed continuously, and a return control process for returning the device used for executing the different functions to the operating state is performed.

  FIG. 10 shows a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the return control processing program according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the process same as the return control process (FIG. 5) based on 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S12A, it is determined whether or not the continuous execution function information (FIG. 9) stored in the HDD 36 stores the specific schedule information of the identification information input at the time of user authentication and the execution order of the functions. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S13A. If the determination is negative, the process ends.

  In step S13A, the specific schedule information of the identification information input at the time of user authentication and the execution order of the functions are read from the continuous execution function information stored in the HDD.

  In step S14A, it is determined whether or not the user schedule information stored in the HDD 36 has a specific schedule indicated by the specific schedule information read in step S14A. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S15A. If the result of the determination is negative, the process ends.

  In step S15A, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is within the scheduled execution period of a specific schedule that exists in the user's schedule information. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S16A and the determination is negative. If this happens, the process ends.

  In step S17A, it is determined whether or not the function that is currently instructed to execute is the function that is executed first in the execution order of the specific scheduled function read in step S13A. When the process proceeds to 18A and a negative determination is made, the process ends.

  In step S18A, the function to be executed next in the execution order of the specific scheduled function read in step S13A is assumed as the function to be executed next, and among the devices used for the function to be executed next, It is determined whether or not there is an electric power supply stopped. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S20. If the determination is negative, the process ends.

  Thereby, for example, the conference is registered as the schedule of the user A in the external server, and the continuous execution function information is registered as shown in FIG. 9, and the user A executes the scan within the scheduled execution period of the conference. 7, the image forming apparatus 10 turns on the switch 90 </ b> C at the timing T <b> 1 instructed to execute the scan and starts energizing the scanner 20 used for the scan, as shown in FIG. 7. Return to. During the execution of the scan, the switch 90A is turned on to start energization of the image forming engine 22 used for copying to start the warm-up of the image forming engine 22, and the image formation is performed at the scheduled end time T2 when the scan ends. The engine 22 is returned to the operating state.

  As a result, when the user A performs a copy after the scan within the scheduled period of the conference, the scanner 20 and the image forming engine 22 used for the copy are in an operating state at the end of the scan. It can be done quickly.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user A gives an instruction to execute a scan outside the scheduled meeting period, the image forming apparatus 10 turns on the switch 90C at the timing T1 instructed to execute the scan, as shown in FIG. Then, energization of the scanner 20 used in the scan is started to return the scan to the operation state. However, since it is outside the scheduled execution period of the conference, the image forming engine 22 is not energized and enters a standby state after the scan is completed.

  As a result, power is not consumed because the image forming engine 22 is not energized during a period in which the user A does not execute copying following scanning.

  Note that the above embodiments may be implemented in combination.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that the present invention can also be applied to a design modified within the scope of the claims.

  Moreover, although each said embodiment demonstrated the case where it controlled to return the function predicted to be performed next at the scheduled end time of the function instructed to be executed by the user, it is limited to this. is not. For example, the function predicted to be executed next together with the function instructed to be executed by the user may be returned or returned. Further, the return start time of the function that is predicted to be executed next may be delayed by the time for the user to set the condition of the next function. If the return start time is before accepting an instruction to execute the next function from the user on the operation panel 17, the waiting time when the user continues to use the next function is shortened.

  In each of the above embodiments, any combination of functions to be continuously executed may be used, but the combination may be performed only with a specific combination of functions.

  In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which a function executed subsequent to a function that is currently instructed within the allowable elapsed period is a function that is predicted to be executed next. It is not limited to this. For example, when there are a plurality of functions that are executed subsequent to the function that is currently instructed to be executed, a function that is frequently used may be a function that is predicted to be executed next.

  Moreover, although the said 1st Embodiment demonstrated the case where the function and the execution period of a function were memorize | stored in a user as log | history information, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, for each combination of functions that are continuously executed, the execution time last executed in the combination may be stored.

  Moreover, although the said 2nd Embodiment demonstrated the case where the schedule registered for every user and the scheduled execution period of the said schedule were acquired from the external server 80, it is not limited to this. For example, the schedule for each user and the scheduled execution period of the schedule may be acquired by inputting from the operation panel 17.

  Moreover, although the said 2nd Embodiment demonstrated the case where the schedule previously registered for every user from the external server 80 and the scheduled execution period of the said schedule were acquired and memorize | stored as schedule information, a user The external server 80 may be accessed and inquired when it is necessary to confirm whether there is a specific schedule or whether it is within the scheduled execution period of the specific schedule.

  Further, although cases have been described with the above embodiments where identification information is acquired by being input from the operation panel 17, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an IC in which identification information is recorded. You may acquire by reading a card with a card reader.

10 image forming apparatus 17 operation panel (processing means, reception means, acquisition means)
18 Controller 20 Scanner (Processing means)
22 Image formation engine (processing means)
26 FAX communication unit (processing means)
30 CPU (control means)
36 HDD (storage means)
38 Network I / F section (communication means, acquisition means)
80 External server 90A-90D Switch (switching means)

Claims (6)

A plurality of processing means for realizing a plurality of functions by combining each processing and performing each predetermined processing including at least processing for forming an image on a recording medium;
Switching means for switching the state of each of the plurality of processing means to an operation state in which processing can be executed or a power saving state with reduced power consumption;
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute any one of the plurality of functions from a user;
When an instruction to execute any of the functions is received from the user by the receiving unit, the switching unit is controlled so that the processing unit used in the function is in an operating state, and different functions continue depending on the user. When it is predicted that the execution of the next function will be instructed, the processing means used in the next function is in an operating state before the reception means receives an instruction to execute the next function from the user. Control means for controlling the switching means;
An image forming apparatus. For each user, it further comprises storage means for storing history information indicating a history of executed functions,
The control means predicts that, in the history information, when the user who has instructed the execution of the function by the receiving means has executed a different function following the function, the execution of the different function is instructed subsequently. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. For each user, it further comprises an acquisition means for acquiring scheduled execution period information indicating a scheduled execution period scheduled to continuously execute two or more different functions.
The control means is configured such that the timing at which execution of the function is instructed from the user by the receiving means is within the scheduled execution period indicated by the scheduled execution period information of the user, and the function instructed to execute is the 2 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first function is the above function, it is predicted that execution of different functions is instructed in succession. It further comprises a communication means for communicating with an external server that stores the scheduled execution period of various schedules for each user,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires scheduled execution period information indicating a specific scheduled execution period from the external server via the communication unit. The said control means controls the said switching means so that the said processing means used by the next function will be in an operation state at the time of completion of execution of the function received by the said reception means. The image forming apparatus described.   A program for causing a computer to function as the control means according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images