JP2016093981A - Image formation system, image formation apparatus, power control method, and power control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus capable of preventing power consumption from being increased by a plurality of image formation apparatuses returning to a normal mode.SOLUTION: An image formation system cancels a power-saving mode of an image formation apparatus and places the image formation apparatus in a normal mode when detecting that a person enters a second detection area. When the image formation system determines that a person enters an overlapping area where the second detection areas of a plurality of image formation apparatuses, which are also set in the power-saving mode, are overlapped, the image formation system changes the power-saving mode of any one of the plurality of image formation apparatuses to the normal mode according to the priority in use of the image forming apparatuses and holds the image forming apparatuses other than the one changed to the normal mode in the power saving mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a power control method, and a power control program.

  Some image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, facsimiles, and multifunction digital multifunction peripherals (MFPs) that integrate the functions of these apparatuses have a power saving mode. In power saving mode, to reduce power consumption when the device is not in use, power is supplied to some required functional components and power is supplied to other functional components. It is a thing to cut off.

  Further, based on the detection result of the human sensor provided in the apparatus main body, in order to quickly return from the power saving mode to the normal mode in which power is supplied to the functional components that were cut off in the power saving mode. There is an image forming apparatus that performs recovery.

  However, in such an image forming apparatus, the power saving mode may be canceled against the user's intention even when the user passes by the image forming apparatus even though there is no intention to use it. is there. In this case, useless power is consumed when returning to the normal mode. In Patent Document 1, for such a problem, the detection range of the human sensor is adjusted based on the operation history of the operation panel and the detection history of the human sensor.

JP 2013-230688 A

  On the other hand, in a large office, a plurality of image forming apparatuses may be arranged adjacent to each other. In such a case, it is difficult to recognize what positional relationship the detection range of the human sensor is between adjacent image forming apparatuses. Also, when the detection ranges intersect, even if the user wants to use one of the image forming apparatuses, the apparatus other than the image forming apparatus may be returned to the normal mode unintentionally. May also occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are arranged adjacent to each other, by suppressing the image forming apparatus from being released from the energy saving mode more than necessary, An object is to prevent an increase in power consumption caused by unintentionally returning an image forming apparatus to a normal mode.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) an image forming unit;
Power for setting any power supply mode from among a plurality of power supply modes including at least a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation by the image forming unit and a power saving mode having lower power consumption than the normal mode A supply section;
A plurality of image forming apparatuses each comprising:
A detection unit for detecting a position of a person with respect to the image forming apparatus;
A memory for holding priority usage of the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
In the power saving mode, if it is detected that a person has entered the second detection area set outside the image forming apparatus as an area including the image forming apparatus, the person has entered. A control unit configured to control the power supply unit to change to the normal mode with respect to the image forming apparatus in which is detected.
When the control unit determines that a person has entered an overlapping area where the second detection areas of the plurality of image forming apparatuses that are both set to the power saving mode are based on the detection of the detection unit. , Changing any one of the image forming apparatuses from the power saving mode to the normal mode according to the priority usage of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and other image forming apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus may use the power saving mode. Image forming system.

(2) Each of the image forming apparatuses includes a light irradiating unit that irradiates light toward a floor surface outside the apparatus,
When the control unit detects that a person has entered the first detection region set outside the second detection region, the light irradiation unit indicates the range of the second detection region. The image forming system according to (1), wherein light is irradiated.

  (3) The image forming system according to (1) or (2), wherein the priority usage is changed according to a remaining amount of consumables or a usage amount of replacement parts of the image forming apparatus.

(4) an image forming unit;
Power for setting any power supply mode from among a plurality of power supply modes including at least a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation by the image forming unit and a power saving mode having lower power consumption than the normal mode A supply section;
A plurality of image forming apparatuses each comprising:
A detection unit for detecting the approach of a person to the image forming apparatus;
When the approach of the person to the image forming apparatus is detected by the detection unit in the power saving mode, the normal power is controlled by controlling the power supply unit for the image forming apparatus in which the approach of the person is detected. An image forming system comprising a control unit for changing to a mode,
When the plurality of image forming apparatuses detect the approach of a person at the same time with respect to the plurality of image forming apparatuses when both of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are in the power saving mode, all the image forming apparatuses enter the power saving mode. A controller that changes the power supply mode of the one image forming apparatus to the normal mode when the approach of a person is detected for only one of the image forming apparatuses;
An image forming system comprising:

(5) an image forming unit;
Power for setting any power supply mode from among a plurality of power supply modes including at least a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation by the image forming unit and a power saving mode having lower power consumption than the normal mode A supply section;
Memory holding preferential usage;
A communication department;
A detection unit for detecting the position of a person relative to the device;
In the power saving mode, when it is detected that a person has entered a second detection area set outside the apparatus as an area including the apparatus, the normal mode is controlled by controlling the power supply unit. A control unit to be changed to
An image forming apparatus comprising:
The communication unit receives the rank of the priority usage of the other image forming apparatus and the setting state of the power supply mode from the other image forming apparatus,
When the power supply mode of both the own apparatus and the other image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, the control unit performs the second detection area of the own apparatus and the second detection area of the other image forming apparatus. If it is determined that a person has entered an overlapping area where the device overlaps, the rank of the priority usage of the own device and the other device is compared, and if the rank of the priority usage of the own device is higher, the power supply mode is An image forming apparatus that changes to a normal mode and maintains the power saving mode when the mode is not high.

(6) Furthermore, the light irradiation part which irradiates light to the floor surface direction of the outer side of an own apparatus is provided,
When the control unit detects that a person has entered the first detection region set outside the second detection region, the light irradiation unit indicates the range of the second detection region. The image forming apparatus according to (5), which is irradiated with light.

(7) The communication unit receives information on whether or not a person has been detected in the second detection area of the other image forming apparatus from the other image forming apparatus,
The control unit detects that a person has entered the overlap area when it is detected that a person has entered the second detection area of the own apparatus and the second detection area of the other image forming apparatus at the same time. The image forming apparatus according to (5) or (6), which is determined.

  (8) The rank of the priority usage is changed according to the remaining amount of consumables or the amount of replacement parts used in the image forming apparatus, according to any one of (5) to (7) above. Image forming apparatus.

(9) an image forming unit;
A detection unit for detecting the approach of a person to the device;
Power for setting any power supply mode from among a plurality of power supply modes including at least a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation by the image forming unit and a power saving mode having lower power consumption than the normal mode A supply section;
A communication department;
When the approach of a person is detected by the detection unit during the power saving mode, the control unit changes to the normal mode by controlling the power supply unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
The communication unit receives the setting state of the power supply mode and the detection state by the detection unit from another image forming apparatus,
The control unit switches from the power saving mode to the normal mode when only the own device detects the approach of a person when both the power supply mode of the own device and the other image forming apparatus are the power saving mode. An image forming apparatus that performs a change and maintains the power saving mode when both the apparatus and the other image forming apparatus detect the approach of a person.

(10) setting a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a power saving mode in which power consumption is lower than in a normal mode for supplying image-forming power;
Detecting a position of a person with respect to the image forming apparatus by a detection unit;
Whether or not it has been detected that a second detection area set outside the image forming apparatus as an area including the image forming apparatuses has entered a person in an overlapping area where the plurality of image forming apparatuses overlap. A step of determining
When a person enters the overlapping area, any one of the image forming apparatuses is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode according to the priority usage of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and other than the image forming apparatus The other image forming apparatus maintains the power saving mode;
A power control method.

(11) Each of the image forming apparatuses includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates light toward a floor surface outside the apparatus,
When it is detected that a person has entered the first detection area set outside the second detection area, the light irradiation unit emits light so as to indicate the range of the second detection area. The power control method according to (10), including the step of:

  (12) The power control method according to (10) or (11), wherein the priority usage is changed according to a remaining amount of consumables or a usage amount of replacement parts of the image forming apparatus.

(13) setting a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a power saving mode in which power consumption is lower than in a normal mode for supplying image-forming power;
Detecting a human approach to the image forming apparatus by a detection unit;
When the approach of a person is detected for the plurality of image forming apparatuses at the same time, all the image forming apparatuses maintain the power saving mode, and when the approach of a person is detected for only one of the image forming apparatuses, Changing the power supply mode of the one image forming apparatus to the normal mode;
A power control method.

  (14) A power control program configured to cause a computer to execute the power control method according to any one of (10) to (13).

  According to the present invention, when a person is detected in an overlapping area where the second detection areas overlap among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, only one necessary unit is released from the energy saving mode according to the priority usage. Thus, it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption caused by simultaneously returning a plurality of image forming apparatuses to the normal mode.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 10 according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a detection range of the image forming apparatus 100 and shows a state in which the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from above the apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an overlapping region D3 where the second detection regions D2 of two image forming apparatuses 100 overlap. 3 is a flowchart illustrating control performed by the image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the movement of a person P corresponding to FIG. 5 and the operation of the image forming system 10. 10 is a flowchart relating to a change or update of a priority usage rank according to Modification 1; 10 is a flowchart illustrating control performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image forming apparatus 100c which concerns on 3rd, 4th embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating control performed by the image forming system according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 10 according to a modification example 4;

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may be different from the actual ratios.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 10 according to the embodiment. An image forming system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes two image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b. Alternatively, the image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b are connected to each other via a network N such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b are arranged adjacent to each other in one room A. The number of image forming apparatuses 100 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. In the following description, when a specific device among a plurality of devices is indicated, an alphabet is added after a numerical symbol as in the image forming device 100a or the image forming device 100b, and the device is represented by a comprehensive concept. In the case of showing, the image forming apparatus 100 is represented without an alphabet.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, a memory 120, an imaging device 130, a light irradiation unit 140, a power supply unit 150, an image forming unit 160, an operation panel 170, a consumable management unit 180, and A communication I / F 190 is provided.

  The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and the like, reads various programs stored in the ROM 113 as appropriate, develops them on the RAM 112, and implements various functions when the CPU 111 executes them.

  The memory 120 includes a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, and the like, and stores various data. The memory 120 stores a table describing priority usage, which will be described later, and IDs and transmission addresses of other grouped devices.

  The imaging device 130 functions as a detection unit and includes an imaging sensor 131. The imaging sensor 131 is a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, for example, and outputs a color or black and white image (moving image). The image sensor 131 is attached to the front side (front side of the paper in FIG. 1) of the exterior (housing) of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, it is possible to photograph a user approaching the operation panel 170 from the front outside of the apparatus. Further, as a photographing range, it is preferable that a person's movement can be photographed within a radius of several meters centering on the vicinity of the operation panel 170 of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, photographing is also performed including the floor on which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed. More preferably it can. The imaging device 130 detects the position of the user by processing the image image captured by the imaging sensor 131 by image processing using hardware or software.

  The light irradiation unit 140 includes a light source 141 such as a semiconductor laser (laser pointer) or LED, and a movable unit 142 that moves and scans the irradiation position of the light source within a predetermined range. The light irradiation unit 140 irradiates light toward the floor surface on which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed. The range of the second detection area is indicated to the user by irradiating light while scanning the floor corresponding to the boundary line indicating the inside or the outline of the second detection area, which will be described later.

  The power supply unit 150 distributes power supplied from a commercial power supply (not shown) to each functional component in the own device. The power supply unit 150 sets any one of the plurality of power supply modes determined in advance. Multiple power supply modes include power saving mode that supplies power to some functional components and cuts off power supply to other functional components to reduce consumption, and power consumption in the power saving mode. It includes a normal mode for supplying power to the functional components that have been cut off. In the power saving mode, power is supplied to the functional components surrounded by a dotted line B in FIG. 2, that is, the control unit 110, the memory 120, the imaging device 130, the light irradiation unit 140, and the communication I / F 190. In addition to this, as a multi-stage power supply mode, a power supply mode in which power consumption is further reduced as compared with the power saving mode may be set. Further, as a normal mode, in addition to a normal mode (first normal mode) for supplying power to all the functional components, an intermediate normal mode (power consumption between the first normal mode and the power saving mode) ( The second and third normal modes may be set. The change to each power supply mode is performed based on an instruction from the control unit 110. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 110 changes the normal mode to the power saving mode. As the predetermined condition, for example, a standby state in which no operation instruction is given in the normal mode continues for a predetermined time. The predetermined condition is stored in the memory 120, and the user can change the predetermined condition via the operation panel 170 or the like.

  The image forming unit 160 transfers a toner image formed with toners of four colors Y, M, C, and K by electrophotography, for example, and heats the toner image by a fixing unit including a heater and a heating roller. -Form a full-color image on the paper by applying pressure.

  For example, the operation panel 170 has a touch sensor superimposed on a display surface of an LCD. It is arranged on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 and accepts various operations by the user.

  The consumable management unit 180 manages the consumption of consumables consumed by the image forming apparatus 100 and the usage of replacement parts. For example, the remaining amount detection unit 181 detects the remaining amount of paper in a paper feed tray that stores a plurality of sheets and feeds them to the image forming unit 160 one by one. Further, the toner remaining amount detection unit 182 stores the toner consumed by the image forming unit 160 and detects the remaining amount of toner in the toner tank to be supplied. Or manage the amount of use (number of times used, time of use) until the replacement cycle of replacement parts such as photoconductor drums, transfer belts, and heating rollers of the fixing unit, which have a set life and need to be replaced for each specified amount of use. .

  The communication I / F 190 is an interface for communicating with other external devices such as the image forming apparatus 100b via the network N via the network N, and standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi are used. . In addition, an interface for BlueTooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, and USB communication may be provided.

(First and second detection areas)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the detection range of the image forming apparatus 100, and shows a state in which the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from above the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3A, a first detection area D1 and a second detection area D2 are set around the image forming apparatus 100. When the position of the person P is detected by the imaging device 130, the control unit 110 can recognize where the person P is in each detection region. Hereinafter, each detection area will be described.

  When it is detected that the person P has entered the first detection area D1 from the outside when the power saving mode is set, as shown in FIG. 3B, the light irradiation unit 140 performs the second detection. Irradiation of light to the floor corresponding to the region D2 is started. This informs the person P (user) of the range of the second detection area D2. The person P further approaches the image forming apparatus 100 and moves to the second detection area D2. When the imaging device 130 detects that the person P has entered the second detection area D2, the control unit 110 controls the power supply unit 150 and starts changing the power supply mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode ( Return). As a result, the change to the normal mode is started at an earlier stage compared to the case where the change to the normal mode is started only after it is detected that the button on the operation panel 170 is operated. . As a result, it is possible to expect an effect that the waiting time until it becomes usable can be shortened.

  In addition, when the person P enters the first detection area D1, the range of the second detection area D2 is irradiated by the light irradiation unit 140 (FIG. 3B), so that the person P has the second detection area D2. Before entering D2, the range of the second detection region D2 can be recognized. By doing so, for example, when the person P does not intend to use the image forming apparatus 100, the person P can move while avoiding the light irradiation range (second detection region). As a result, the unused image forming apparatus 100 is not changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode, so that an increase in power consumption can be avoided.

  For this reason, the second detection region D2 is preferably set outside the operation panel 170 on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100. The shape and width of the second detection region D2 are, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a fan, or a rectangle with a radius or a side of several meters. The first detection area D1 is provided outside the second detection area D2. As the size of the first detection region D1, it is preferable to have a width of several meters outside the second detection region D2.

  The first and second detection regions may be partitioned in a three-dimensional space as long as the imaging device 130 can recognize them. However, since the light irradiation unit 140 illuminates the floor surface by irradiating light in the direction shown in FIG. 3 and indicates the range of the second detection region D2 to the person P, the second detection region It is good also as a two-dimensional area | region extended to a floor surface according to this. In this case, according to the detection of the standing position (foot) of the person P on the floor surface, it is determined whether or not the second detection area is entered.

(Overlapping region D3 where second detection region D2 overlaps)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an overlapping region D3 where the second detection regions D2 of the two image forming apparatuses 100 overlap. In the example shown in FIG. 2, two image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b are arranged adjacent to each other as in FIG. As a region including the image forming apparatus 100a, a first detection region D1a and a second detection region D2a are set outside the front (front) of the apparatus. Similarly, a first detection area D1b and a second detection area D2b are set outside the front of the apparatus as areas including the image forming apparatus 100b. The first detection region D1a, the second detection region D2a, the first detection region D1b, and the second detection region D2b overlap each other.

  The overlapping area D3 can be recognized and set by sharing information on the position, size, and range of the second detection area between the plurality of adjacent image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b. Become. In addition, the light irradiation unit 140 of one image forming apparatus 100 irradiates the floor surface so as to indicate the second detection region D2 in cooperation with each other, and the irradiation range of the irradiation light is set as an imaging device of another image forming apparatus 100. The overlapping area D3 can also be recognized and set by being recognized by 130.

  The present embodiment is characterized by control of power supply setting change when a person P enters the overlapping region D3 as shown in FIG. This will be described below.

(Power supply setting change control according to the first embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control performed by the image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the person corresponding to FIG. 5 and the operation of the image forming system 10. Hereinafter, the power supply setting change control will be described with reference to FIGS. In this control, the control unit 110 of any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 grouped in advance controls the entire image forming system 10 as a main control unit. This grouping is performed according to user settings.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, two image forming apparatuses 100 a and 100 b are arranged adjacent to each other in the same room A. The second detection areas D2 of these image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b overlap (see FIGS. 4 and 6). Further, when setting the grouping, the image forming apparatus 100 that controls the plurality of grouped image forming apparatuses 100 (image forming system 10) may be selected. In the following description, it is assumed that two image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b are grouped, and the control unit 110 of one of the image forming apparatuses 100a controls the entire image forming system 10 in an integrated manner. Do.

  In step S101 in FIG. 5, each of the grouped image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b sets its own apparatus to the power saving mode in response to satisfying a predetermined condition such that the standby state continues for a long time. .

  In step S102, it is determined whether or not a person P (user) is detected in the first detection area D1 of any of the image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b in the power saving state. Here, in step S102, for example, it is assumed that a person is detected in the first detection region D1a of the image forming apparatus 100a. In subsequent step S103, the light irradiation unit 140 irradiates light in the direction of the floor, and indicates the range of the second detection region D2a of the image forming apparatus 100a to the user (FIGS. 6A to 6B).

  Subsequently, when a person is detected in the second detection area D2 of the image forming apparatus 100a (S104: YES), it is further determined in step S105 whether or not the detected position is the overlapping area D3.

  If the detected position is the overlap area D3 as shown in FIG. 6C (S105: YES), the priority usage is compared. The rank of the priority usage is held in advance in the memory 120 of each image forming apparatus 100, and the priority usage of the other image forming apparatus 100b is stored in the memory 120 of the image forming apparatus 100a that controls the whole. Ranks are regularly collected and maintained. The rank of each image forming apparatus 100 may be set by the user.

  Table 1 is an example of a priority use rank table that is aggregated and held in the memory 120 of the image forming apparatus 100a. The smaller the numerical value, the higher the priority usage rank and the higher the priority. In the example shown in Table 1, since the priority of the image forming apparatus 100b is the highest among the two, the control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100a changes the power supply mode of the image forming apparatus 100b from the power saving mode to the normal mode. It is changed (returned) (S106). At this time, the power supply mode of the image forming apparatus 100a is maintained in the power saving mode.

  On the other hand, if the position where the person is detected is the second detection area D2a other than the overlapping area D3 of the image forming apparatus 100a as shown in FIG. 6D, the second detection area D2a where the person is simply detected. The power supply mode of the image forming apparatus 100a corresponding to is changed (returned) from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S107).

  In this way, when the movement of a person to the overlapping area D3 where the second detection area D2 overlaps is detected between the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 set in the power saving mode, one image forming apparatus 100 is detected. By controlling to change to the normal mode only, it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption caused by inadvertently returning the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 to the normal mode.

(Modification 1)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart relating to the change or update of the rank of priority usage according to the first modification. The rank of the priority usage is held in the memory 120 of each image forming apparatus 100 as described above.

  In step S <b> 201 of FIG. 7, the control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the remaining amount of consumables is low or the replacement time of replacement parts is near due to a signal sent from the consumable management unit 180. Determine whether.

  Here, the remaining amount of consumables is low, for example, the remaining amount of consumables such as paper stored in a paper feed tray and toner in a toner tank that supplies toner to the image forming unit 160 is less than a predetermined value (remaining This is a case where a signal indicating that the amount has been included) is output. The replacement time of replacement parts is close when, for example, a signal is output when the amount of use of replacement parts such as a photosensitive drum, a transfer belt, and a heating roller reaches 90% or more of the replacement cycle.

  When step S201 is satisfied (Yes), the control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 temporarily changes and updates the priority usage to a lower rank (S202).

  Table 2 is an example of a rank table of preferential usage before and after the change that is aggregated and held in the memory 120 of the image forming apparatus 100a. Although the image forming apparatus 100a is not changed, the rank of the priority usage is changed from 1 to 3 because the image forming apparatus 100b has a small remaining amount of consumables. As the priority usage rank is changed, the priority of the image forming apparatus 100a is relatively higher than that of the image forming apparatus 100b. When a person moves to the overlap area D3 in this state, the image forming apparatus 100a with a higher rank is preferentially changed to the normal mode (S106 in FIG. 5). This change / update is controlled so that the priority usage rank is returned to the original value when the remaining amount of consumables or the replacement time of replacement parts is released due to replenishment, etc. To do. The number of rank changes is determined by adding a predetermined number of ranks (for example, “2”). However, the remaining amount of consumables is reduced at the same time, or the replacement time of a plurality of replacement parts is near. If there is a difference, the number of ranks to be added may be multiplied by a coefficient according to the number.

  In this way, by appropriately changing and updating the rank of the priority usage according to the state of the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 suitable for use can be preferentially returned from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Is possible.

(Setting change control of power supply mode of the second embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating control performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The control flow shown in the figure is control executed by one of the two grouped image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b in cooperation with another apparatus. In the following description, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100a (hereinafter referred to as “own apparatus” in the description of the present embodiment) executes.

  In step S301 of FIG. 8, the own apparatus is set to the power saving mode by satisfying a predetermined condition such as a standby state continuing for a long time.

  When it is determined that a person (user) is detected in the first detection area D1a in the power saving state, the light irradiation unit 140 emits light in the floor direction, and the range of the second detection area D2a is set to the user. (S302, S303).

  Thereafter, the own apparatus transmits a transmission request for information regarding the other image forming apparatus 100b to the other grouped image forming apparatuses 100b via the communication I / F 190 (S304), and returns a response to the transmission request. From the image forming apparatus 100b (S305). This received data includes at least information on the current power supply mode state of the other image forming apparatus 100b and the current priority usage rank of the other image forming apparatus 100b.

  Subsequently, when a person is detected in the second detection area D2a of the own apparatus (S306: YES), it is further determined whether another image forming apparatus 100b is also in the power saving mode (S307). This determination is made based on the received data in S305.

  If the other image forming apparatus 100b is also in the power saving mode (S307: YES), subsequently, the other image forming apparatus 100b is requested to transmit information relating to the human detection state, and the second detection is performed as a response to this transmission request. Information on the detection state of the person in the area D2b is received (S308, S309).

  In step S310, it is determined whether or not the position of the person detected in step S306 is the overlapping region D3. This is determined based on the received data in S309. That is, if the movement of the person to the second detection area D2b is detected also in the other image forming apparatus 100b, the position of the person detected in S306 is the overlapping area D3 in the second detection area D2a. (S310: YES).

  In the following step S311, the priority usage rank of the other image forming apparatus 100b received in S305 is compared with the priority usage rank of the own apparatus, and if the own apparatus has a higher priority usage rank ( (S311: YES), the power supply mode of the device itself is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S312).

  On the other hand, if the priority level of the own device is not higher (S311: NO), the power saving mode is maintained (S313). In this case, the power supply mode of another image forming apparatus 100b having a high priority usage rank is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode. If both devices have the same priority usage rank, both devices may maintain the power saving mode. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the other image forming apparatus 100b is not in the power saving mode (S307: NO), or when the position of the detected person is not the overlapping region D3 (S305: NO), The power supply mode of the own device is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S312).

  When the movement of a person to the overlap area D3 is detected when both the own apparatus and the other apparatus are set in the power saving mode in this way, the comparison result of the priority usage rank with the other apparatus Accordingly, by determining whether or not to return the own apparatus from the power saving mode, it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption due to inadvertent return to the normal mode.

(Modification 2)
In step S310 in FIG. 8, in response to the detection of a person entering the second detection area D2 by both the own apparatus and the other apparatus, the second detection area D2 where the person is located is: Although it has been determined that it is also the overlapping region D3, it may be determined by a method other than this. For example, as in the example of the first embodiment, the overlapping region D3 may be recognized using the light irradiated by the light irradiation unit 140. That is, while the two apparatuses are synchronized, another apparatus irradiates light on the floor surface, and the irradiation light is captured by the imaging apparatus 130 of the own apparatus, thereby the range of the second detection region D2 of the other apparatus Recognize Thereby, it is possible to recognize the overlapping area D3 with the second detection area D2 of the own device. Thereafter, whether or not a person has entered the recognized overlap area D3 can be determined based only on the detection result of the imaging apparatus 130 of the own apparatus.

(Modification 3)
Further, in steps S304 to S305 in FIG. 8, the other devices transmit the power supply mode status and the priority usage rank information in response to the transmission request, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the request or in place of the transmission request, these pieces of information may be transmitted periodically, or other devices that are voluntarily grouped at the timing when these pieces of information change even if there is no transmission request. You may make it transmit to. The same applies to the transmission and reception in steps S308 to S309.

(Third and fourth embodiments)
Next, third and fourth embodiments will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100c according to the third and fourth embodiments. Except for the configuration shown in the figure, the configuration is the same as that of the first and second embodiments shown in FIG. Moreover, about the structure which is common in FIG. 1, 2, description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  Unlike the image forming apparatuses 100 a and 100 b according to the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus 100 c includes a human sensor 135 instead of the imaging device 130. The human sensor 135 functioning as a detection unit detects (detects) the approach of the user to the image forming apparatus 100c. For example, a pyroelectric sensor is used as the human sensor 135. The pyroelectric sensor detects a change in the amount of heat received from a heat source such as an exposed part (face, arm surface) of a moving person when the person moves to a detection range of the sensor. In the present embodiment, the human sensor 135 is attached so that the front side of the image forming apparatus 100c is within the detection range, and a signal indicating presence / absence of a person within the detection range is output.

(Setting change control of power supply mode of the third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control performed by the image forming system 10 according to the third embodiment. As in the first embodiment, this control is performed by using the control unit 110 of any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 grouped in advance as the main control unit. Control all over.

  In step S401 of FIG. 10, each of the grouped image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b sets the power saving mode in response to satisfying a predetermined condition such that the standby state continues for a long time.

  In subsequent step S <b> 402, in any image forming apparatus 100 in the power saving state, it is determined whether or not human approach to the apparatus is detected by the human sensor 135. For example, when a human approach is detected by the human sensor 135 of one image forming apparatus 100a (or 100b) (S402: YES), the human sensor 135 of the other image forming apparatus 100b (or 100a) similarly detects a person. It is determined whether or not an approach has been detected, and when the two image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b detect the approach of a person at the same time (S403: YES), power supply to both of the image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b is performed. The mode is maintained in the power saving mode (S404).

  On the other hand, if no other person's approach is detected by the other image forming apparatus 100b (S403: NO), the power supply mode of the image forming apparatus 100a that has detected the person's approach is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode. (S405).

  In this way, when the approach of a person is simultaneously detected between the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 set in the power saving mode, control is performed so that the power saving mode is maintained without returning to the normal mode. At the same time, it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption caused by returning a plurality of image forming apparatuses to the normal mode.

(Setting change control of power supply mode of the fourth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating control performed by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. The control flow shown in the figure is control executed by one of the two image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b grouped in the same manner as in the second embodiment in cooperation with the other apparatus. In the following description, the image forming apparatus 100a (hereinafter referred to as “own apparatus” in the description of the present embodiment) will be described.

  In step S501 of FIG. 11, the self apparatus sets the self apparatus to the power saving mode by satisfying a predetermined condition such that the standby state has continued for a long time.

  When a human approach is detected by the human sensor 135 in the power saving state (S502: YES), a transmission request is made to the other image forming apparatus 100b via the communication I / F 190. A response to this transmission request is received from the other image forming apparatus 100b (S504). The received data at this time includes the current power supply mode state of the other image forming apparatus 100b and the detection state regarding the presence / absence of human approach by the human sensor 135 of the other image forming apparatus 100b. Yes.

  Based on the received data, it is determined that the power supply mode of the other image forming apparatus 100b is the power saving mode (step S505: YES), and the other image forming apparatus 100b is simultaneously detecting the approach of a person. If it has been performed (step S506: YES), the power supply mode of the device itself is maintained in the power saving mode (S507). On the other hand, if it is determined based on the received data that the power supply mode of the other image forming apparatus 100b is not in the power saving mode or the approach of a person is not detected, the power supply mode of the own apparatus Is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S508).

  In this way, when both the own device and another device are set to the power saving mode, if the own device and the other device detect the approach of a person at the same time, the own device is not returned to the normal mode. By controlling so that the power saving mode is maintained, it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption caused by inadvertently returning to the normal mode.

(Modification 4)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system 10 according to the fourth modification. In the modification shown in FIG. 12, the image forming apparatuses 100 d and 100 e are not provided with an image pickup apparatus, but include one image pickup apparatus 130 as a system, and the whole is controlled based on an image obtained thereby. is there. The control terminal 200 is a personal computer including, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. Various programs stored in the ROM are appropriately read out and expanded on the RAM, and the CPU executes the various functions. Realize. An imaging device 130 is connected to the control terminal 200. The imaging device 130 and the image forming devices 100 d and 100 e are arranged in the same room A, and the position of a person (user) approaching the plurality of image forming devices 100 is detected by one imaging device 130. The imaging device 130 may be attached to the front side of any one of the image forming apparatuses 100 facing outward as in FIG. 1, or the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 may be photographed from the opposite side. Further, the two image forming apparatuses 100 may be attached downward from the ceiling of the room A so that the two image forming apparatuses 100 can be seen from above.

  The control terminal 200 determines whether or not a person has moved to the first detection area D1 and the second detection area D2 (see FIG. 3 and the like) set around the image forming apparatus 100 based on the image captured by the imaging device 130. Determine whether. The entire image forming system 10 including the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 is comprehensively controlled via the network N according to the determination result. As the contents of the control, the control as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 can be applied.

(Modification 5)
Although the example in which the rank of the priority usage shown in FIG. 7 is updated according to the state of the image forming apparatus 100a is shown, this may be applied to the second embodiment (see FIG. 8 and the like). The priority usage rank can also be set and updated by the user via the operation panel 170 or the like, but this is set on the control unit 110 side according to the usage status between the grouped image forming apparatuses 100. You may make it change. For example, the rank of the priority usage of a device that is used more frequently among the grouped image forming devices is increased. Further, this usage frequency may be managed for each user, and a priority usage rank provided for each user ID may be used. The user ID may be recognized by a wireless tag (IC tag) carried by the user, or the user may be recognized by matching feature points extracted from the user's face photographed by the imaging device 130. Good.

(Modification 6)
In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the user can change the image forming apparatus 100 with higher priority usage from the power saving mode to the normal mode by moving to the overlapping area D <b> 3. However, the image forming apparatus 100 with the higher priority usage may be shown to the user in advance. For example, an LED is provided on the exterior of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 to detect that the user has moved to an overlapping region D4 (see FIG. 6C) where the two first detection regions D1 overlap. Accordingly, the LED of the image forming apparatus 100 with the higher priority usage may be turned on and blinked. Further, in the image forming apparatus 100 with the lower priority usage, the light irradiation unit 140 may irradiate a range in which the overlapping area D3 is excluded from the second detection area D2 of the apparatus. Accordingly, the user can prevent an increase in power consumption caused by returning the image forming apparatus 100 that is not intended to be used to the normal mode with higher accuracy.

(Modification 7)
The program executed by the computer according to the present invention may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored in a ROM, a hard disk or the like. Further, this program may be provided as, for example, a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the apparatus as one function of the image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming system 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d Image forming apparatus 110 Control part 120 Memory 130 Imaging device (detection part)
131 Image sensor 135 Human sensor (detector)
140 Light Irradiation Unit 141 Light Source 142 Movable Unit 150 Power Supply Unit 160 Image Forming Unit 170 Operation Panel 180 Consumables Management Unit 190 Communication I / F
200 Control terminal A Room D1, D1a, D1b First detection area D2, D2a, D2b Second detection area D3 Overlapping area (second detection area)
D4 overlap area (first detection area)

Claims (14)

An image forming unit;
Power for setting any power supply mode from among a plurality of power supply modes including at least a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation by the image forming unit and a power saving mode having lower power consumption than the normal mode A supply section;
A plurality of image forming apparatuses each comprising:
A detection unit for detecting a position of a person with respect to the image forming apparatus;
A memory for holding priority usage of the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
In the power saving mode, if it is detected that a person has entered the second detection area set outside the image forming apparatus as an area including the image forming apparatus, the person has entered. A control unit configured to control the power supply unit to change to the normal mode with respect to the image forming apparatus in which is detected.
When the control unit determines that a person has entered an overlapping area where the second detection areas of the plurality of image forming apparatuses that are both set to the power saving mode are based on the detection of the detection unit. , Changing any one of the image forming apparatuses from the power saving mode to the normal mode according to the priority usage of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and other image forming apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus may use the power saving mode. Image forming system. Each of the image forming apparatuses includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates light toward a floor surface outside the apparatus,
When the control unit detects that a person has entered the first detection region set outside the second detection region, the light irradiation unit indicates the range of the second detection region. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein light is irradiated.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the priority usage is changed in accordance with a remaining amount of consumables or a usage amount of replacement parts of the image forming apparatus. An image forming unit;
Power for setting any power supply mode from among a plurality of power supply modes including at least a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation by the image forming unit and a power saving mode having lower power consumption than the normal mode A supply section;
A plurality of image forming apparatuses each comprising:
A detection unit for detecting the approach of a person to the image forming apparatus;
When the approach of the person to the image forming apparatus is detected by the detection unit in the power saving mode, the normal power is controlled by controlling the power supply unit for the image forming apparatus in which the approach of the person is detected. An image forming system comprising a control unit for changing to a mode,
When the plurality of image forming apparatuses detect the approach of a person at the same time with respect to the plurality of image forming apparatuses when both of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are in the power saving mode, all the image forming apparatuses enter the power saving mode. A controller that changes the power supply mode of the one image forming apparatus to the normal mode when the approach of a person is detected for only one of the image forming apparatuses;
An image forming system comprising: An image forming unit;
Power for setting any power supply mode from among a plurality of power supply modes including at least a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation by the image forming unit and a power saving mode having lower power consumption than the normal mode A supply section;
Memory holding preferential usage;
A communication department;
A detection unit for detecting the position of a person relative to the device;
In the power saving mode, when it is detected that a person has entered a second detection area set outside the apparatus as an area including the apparatus, the normal mode is controlled by controlling the power supply unit. A control unit to be changed to
An image forming apparatus comprising:
The communication unit receives the rank of the priority usage of the other image forming apparatus and the setting state of the power supply mode from the other image forming apparatus,
When the power supply mode of both the own apparatus and the other image forming apparatus is the power saving mode, the control unit performs the second detection area of the own apparatus and the second detection area of the other image forming apparatus. If it is determined that a person has entered an overlapping area where the device overlaps, the rank of the priority usage of the own device and the other device is compared, and if the rank of the priority usage of the own device is higher, the power supply mode is An image forming apparatus that changes to a normal mode and maintains the power saving mode when the mode is not high. Furthermore, a light irradiator that irradiates light in the direction of the floor surface outside the device itself,
When the control unit detects that a person has entered the first detection region set outside the second detection region, the light irradiation unit indicates the range of the second detection region. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, which is irradiated with light. The communication unit receives information on whether or not a person has been detected in the second detection area of the other image forming apparatus from the other image forming apparatus;
The control unit detects that a person has entered the overlap area when it is detected that a person has entered the second detection area of the own apparatus and the second detection area of the other image forming apparatus at the same time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein determination is made.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the rank of the priority usage is changed according to a remaining amount of consumables or a usage amount of replacement parts of the image forming apparatus. An image forming unit;
A detection unit for detecting the approach of a person to the device;
Power for setting any power supply mode from among a plurality of power supply modes including at least a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation by the image forming unit and a power saving mode having lower power consumption than the normal mode A supply section;
A communication department;
When the approach of a person is detected by the detection unit during the power saving mode, the control unit changes to the normal mode by controlling the power supply unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
The communication unit receives the setting state of the power supply mode and the detection state by the detection unit from another image forming apparatus,
The control unit switches from the power saving mode to the normal mode when only the own device detects the approach of a person when both the power supply mode of the own device and the other image forming apparatus are the power saving mode. An image forming apparatus that performs a change and maintains the power saving mode when both the apparatus and the other image forming apparatus detect the approach of a person. Setting a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a power saving mode in which power consumption is lower than in a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation;
Detecting a position of a person with respect to the image forming apparatus by a detection unit;
Whether or not it has been detected that a second detection area set outside the image forming apparatus as an area including the image forming apparatuses has entered a person in an overlapping area where the plurality of image forming apparatuses overlap. A step of determining
When a person enters the overlapping area, any one of the image forming apparatuses is changed from the power saving mode to the normal mode according to the priority usage of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and other than the image forming apparatus The other image forming apparatus maintains the power saving mode;
A power control method. Each of the image forming apparatuses includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates light toward the floor surface outside the apparatus,
When it is detected that a person has entered the first detection area set outside the second detection area, the light irradiation unit emits light so as to indicate the range of the second detection area. The power control method according to claim 10, comprising the step of:   The power control method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the priority usage is changed according to a remaining amount of consumables or a usage amount of replacement parts of the image forming apparatus. Setting a plurality of image forming apparatuses in a power saving mode in which power consumption is lower than in a normal mode for supplying power capable of image formation;
Detecting a human approach to the image forming apparatus by a detection unit;
When the approach of a person is detected for the plurality of image forming apparatuses at the same time, all the image forming apparatuses maintain the power saving mode, and when the approach of a person is detected for only one of the image forming apparatuses, Changing the power supply mode of the one image forming apparatus to the normal mode;
A power control method. A power control program configured to cause a computer to execute the power control method according to any one of claims 10 to 13.