JP2017064946A - Image formation device and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device which improves usability of a user when performing detection of the user and short-range radio communication with a terminal.SOLUTION: An image formation device has a detection part which can transmit a first transmission wave and a second transmission wave, and can detect presence of a user around the image formation device based on a reflection wave of the transmission wave having been transmitted. After the detection part detects a user with the second transmission wave, a position information in which the detection part is mounted in the image formation device is notified. After notification of the position information, communication is made on the first transmission wave which the detection part transmits, with a terminal close to the position where the detection part is mounted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a user and a control method.

  Recent image forming apparatuses have a power saving mode function to reduce power consumption when the user is not using the image forming apparatus. When the user approaches the power saving image forming apparatus, the human sensor of the image forming apparatus reacts to return from the power saving mode state to the normal operation. A pyroelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like is used as the human sensor.

  Further, a terminal such as a smartphone in recent years is provided with an NFC (Near Field Communication) unit, and a technique of performing WiFi connection by NFC without inputting settings or the like is known (Patent Document 1). Further, a terminal such as a smartphone is provided with a speaker and a microphone, and a technology for exchanging data such as authentication information by performing communication using sound waves output from the speaker is known (Patent Document 2).

Special table 2015-512212 gazette JP 2004-363670 A

  In the image forming apparatus, an ultrasonic sensor is used as a human sensor for shifting from the power saving mode to the normal operation, and an NFC unit or the like is provided for authenticating a terminal such as a smartphone. Providing both an ultrasonic sensor for human detection and an NFC unit for authentication in an image forming apparatus can be a factor that increases costs. Therefore, it is conceivable to suppress an increase in cost by performing human detection using an ultrasonic sensor and allowing the ultrasonic sensor to perform authentication by performing ultrasonic communication.

  However, since ultrasonic communication is directional communication, if the user does not know from which position the ultrasonic wave is output, the convenience of user operation is reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to solve such conventional problems. In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a control method that improve user convenience when performing user detection and short-range wireless communication with a terminal. .

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is mounted on an image forming apparatus and can transmit a first transmission wave and a second transmission wave having a frequency different from that of the first transmission wave. Yes, a detection unit capable of detecting the presence of the user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus based on the reflected wave of the transmitted transmission wave, and after the detection unit detects the user by the second transmission wave, In the image forming apparatus, a notification control means for notifying the position information on which the detection means is mounted; and after the position information is notified by the notification control means, the position is close to the position on which the detection means is mounted. Communication means for communicating with the terminal by the first outgoing wave transmitted by the detection means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when performing a user's detection and near field communication with a terminal, a user's convenience can be improved.

1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating power state transition of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a notification control process. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating energization states of respective units when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating energization states of respective units when the image forming apparatus is in a normal power mode. It is a figure which shows the energization state of each part when an image forming apparatus is ultrasonic communication operation | movement. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an LED lighting operation when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an LED lighting operation when the image forming apparatus is in a normal power mode. It is a figure for demonstrating lighting operation | movement of LED when an image forming apparatus is ultrasonic communication operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the lighting operation of ultrasonic communication LED and power saving LED. It is a figure which shows the mode setting screen displayed on an operation part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. . The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a FAX function. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a human sensor unit 600 for detecting an object (person) existing around the image forming apparatus 10. When the human sensor unit 600 detects a user approaching the periphery of the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 can execute the image forming apparatus 10 from a low power consumption mode (hereinafter, power saving mode) with low power consumption. Return to the normal power state where each function can be used.

  For example, an ultrasonic sensor is used as the human sensor unit 600 and can transmit two types of transmitted waves (ultrasonic waves) of 18 to 20 KHz and 40 KHz in a non-audible range. The ultrasonic sensor can transmit two types of transmission waves by switching the transmission circuit, for example. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor may include two types of transmission circuits to transmit two types of transmission waves in parallel.

  For example, when an ultrasonic sensor transmits a pulse wave having the above frequency, it receives a reflected wave from an object. The ultrasonic sensor can measure the distance between the image forming apparatus 10 and the object based on the time from when the pulse wave is transmitted until the reflected wave is received. When the ultrasonic sensor detects a user approaching the periphery of the image forming apparatus 10, the ultrasonic sensor transmits a 40 KHz pulse wave in a non-audible range. On the other hand, when short-range wireless communication is performed with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone possessed by the user, a pulse wave of 18 to 20 KHz in a non-audible range is transmitted. Near field communication is NFC (Near Field Communication), for example, and when a user brings a mobile terminal close to the position of the human sensor 600, user authentication and handover to WiFi can be executed.

  The human sensor unit 600 of the image forming apparatus 10 has at least two detection ranges A1 and A2 corresponding to the type of transmitted wave. For example, in the present embodiment, the human sensor unit 600 has two types of detection ranges: a detection range A1 corresponding to a transmitted wave of 40 KHz and a detection range A2 corresponding to a transmitted wave of 18 to 20 KHz that is narrower than the detection range A1. Have Based on the detection ranges A1 and A2, the human sensor unit 600 can distinguish between a person who is away from the image forming apparatus 10 and a person who is in close proximity. In addition, the human sensor unit 600 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 in consideration of the height and direction so as to easily detect a person. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the human sensor unit 600 may be mounted at a position different from the operation unit 500 that receives an operation from the user.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a main controller unit 200, a scanner unit 300, a printer unit 400, an operation unit 500, and a human sensor unit 600.

  The main controller unit 200 is connected to the scanner unit 300, the printer unit 400, and the operation unit 500. The main controller unit 200 includes a CPU 217, a RAM 214, a ROM 216, a power control unit 211, an HDD 215, an image processing unit 218, a LAN controller 212, and a FAX controller 213. The main controller unit 200 includes a scanner interface (I / F) 219 and a printer I / F 220 as device interfaces. The above-described units are connected to each other via a system bus 221 so that they can communicate with each other.

  When the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on and power is supplied from the power supply control unit 211, the CPU 217 reads boot data from the ROM 216, expands an application, a control program, and the like from the HDD 215 to the RAM 214 and executes them.

  The LAN controller 212 receives print data, various jobs, and the like from an external device such as a PC via the LAN I / F 231. For example, the CPU 217 temporarily stores the received print data in the HDD 215 via the RAM 214. Then, after the image processing unit 218 performs image processing on the print data, the printer unit 400 performs print processing via the printer I / F 220. The image processing unit 218 executes processing according to the recording method of the printer unit 400 such as color space conversion and binarization processing, and image conversion processing such as reduction / enlargement and rotation.

  The FAX controller 213 receives FAX data from an external FAX device via the FAX I / F 232. For example, the CPU 217 temporarily stores the received FAX data in the HDD 215 via the RAM 214. After the image processing unit 218 performs image processing on the FAX data, the printer unit 400 performs print processing via the printer I / F 220.

  The scanner unit 300 optically reads a document placed on a document table (not shown), converts the read signal into data by A / D conversion, and transmits the data to the system bus 221 via the scanner I / F 219. The operation unit 500 includes a display unit such as an LCD panel, and displays display data transmitted from the CPU 217. When the user performs an input operation using the numeric keypad or the touch panel on the operation unit 500, the operation unit 500 transmits the operation content to the CPU 221.

  The human sensor unit 600 outputs an interrupt signal when detecting a person in the detection range of the human sensor unit 600 when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode, and then the image forming apparatus 10 starts from the power saving mode. Return to normal power mode. Details of the return operation will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The scanner unit 300 optically reads a document and generates image data. The scanner unit 300 includes a scanner control unit 321 and a scanner drive unit 322. The scanner driving unit 322 includes a configuration for moving a reading head that reads a document on a document table, a configuration for transporting a document such as an ADF to a reading position, and the like. The scanner control unit 321 controls the operation of each component of the scanner driving unit 322. When executing scanning, the scanner control unit 321 acquires setting information set by the user through communication with the main controller unit 200, and controls the operation of the scanner driving unit 322 based on the acquired setting information.

  The printer unit 400 forms an image on a recording medium such as printing paper according to, for example, an electrophotographic recording method. The printer unit 400 includes a printer control unit 421 and a printer driving unit 422. The printer driving unit 422 includes a motor that rotates a photosensitive drum (not shown), a mechanism unit that pressurizes the fixing device, a heater, and the like. The printer control unit 421 controls the operation of the printer driving unit 422. When executing printing, the printer control unit 421 acquires setting information set by the user through communication with the main controller unit 200, and controls the operation of the printer driving unit 422 based on the acquired setting information. In this embodiment, the printer unit 400 is configured to perform printing by an electrophotographic recording method, but may be configured to support other recording methods such as an inkjet recording method.

  The main controller unit 200 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 10 including the scanner unit 300 and the printer unit 400 in accordance with a user instruction received by the operation unit 500. For example, the main controller unit 200 generates print data used by the printer unit 400 based on user settings from image data input from the scanner unit 300, an external FAX device, or a PC. The main controller unit 200 controls the power supply unit 100 to control the power mode transition of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The inside of the main controller 200 is classified into at least two power supply systems: a power supply system 1 for a circuit portion that needs to be energized even during the power saving mode, and a power supply system 2 for a circuit portion that does not need to be energized during the power saving mode. The internal power generation unit 202 to which power is supplied from the power supply unit 100 via the power supply I / F 201 always supplies power to the power supply system 1 portion. The power supply system 1 includes a power supply control unit 211, a FAX controller 213, a LAN controller 212, and a RAM 214. With such a configuration, even when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode, it is possible to perform an operation when a FAX reception or a print request is made from the network.

  The power supply system 2 includes a ROM 216 required at the time of startup, an image processing unit 218, a scanner I / F 219, a printer I / F 220, an HDD 215, and a CPU 217 that control the image processing unit 218 required at the time of a copy operation. Power is not supplied. When any one of the interrupt signals A to D is input to the power control unit 211 during the power saving mode, the internal power generation unit 202 supplies power to the power supply system 2 to cancel the power saving mode and enter the normal power mode. Return.

  The interrupt signal A is output when the LAN controller 212 receives data such as a print job or a status confirmation packet from the external LAN. The interrupt signal B is output when the FAX controller 213 receives FAX data from the FAX line. Interrupt signals C and D are signals output from a processor (second CPU) 514 inside the operation unit 500, and will be described in detail later. The internal power supply generation unit 202 supplies power to the power supply system 2 inside the main controller 200 by the output of the interrupt signals A to D.

  When power is supplied to the power supply system 2 inside the main controller 200, the CPU 217 periodically performs a self-refresh operation in the power supply system 1 before shifting to the power saving mode in order to return from the power saving mode to the normal power state. The status information is read from the RAM 214 that has been stored. Thereafter, when the image forming apparatus 10 returns to the normal power state, the CPU 221 performs processing according to the return factor of the interrupt signals A to D.

  The operation unit 500 includes an LCD touch panel unit 524 in which an LCD panel and a touch panel are integrated, a key unit 525 that detects user key operations such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and a buzzer 516. The operation unit 500 includes a touch panel controller 515, a power saving button 512, a power saving LED 513, a main power LED 511, a buzzer 526, a notification LED unit 527, an LCD controller 523, and a processor 514 that controls the human sensor unit 600. The processor 514 is included in the power supply system 1 and can comprehensively control the operation unit 500 and the human sensor unit 600 even in the power saving mode.

  The LCD touch panel unit 524 displays the LCD controller 523 based on display data transmitted from the CPU 217 of the main controller unit 200. When the user touches and operates the screen of the LCD touch panel 524, the touch panel controller 515 analyzes the coordinate data of the location touched by the user and transmits it to the processor 521. Then, the processor 514 transmits the coordinate data to the CPU 217.

  The processor 514 periodically monitors the user operation of the key unit 516, and notifies the CPU 217 when the user operates the key unit 516. When the CPU 217 receives a notification that a user operation has been performed on the LCD touch panel 524 or the key unit 516, the CPU 217 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the operation content of the user operation.

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

  The operation unit 500 is classified into at least two power systems: a power supply system 1 for a circuit portion that needs to be energized even during the power saving mode, and a power supply system 2 for a circuit portion that does not need to be energized during the power saving mode. The power system 1 includes a processor 514, a main power LED 511, a power saving LED 513, a power saving button 512, a touch panel controller 515, and a key unit 516. The power supply system 2 includes an LCD controller 523, an LCD touch panel 524, a buzzer 526, and a notification LED unit 527, and power supply to these parts is cut off during the power saving mode.

  The human sensor 600 is included in the power supply system 1 and can detect the presence of a person around the image forming apparatus 10 even in the power saving mode. The processor 514 determines the presence of a person by periodically monitoring the detection state of the ultrasonic sensor 611. The ultrasonic communication LED 612 is controlled by the processor 514, and lights up and blinks while performing ultrasonic communication with the terminal to which the image forming apparatus 10 is close. Further, the ultrasonic communication LED 612 may be configured at a position different from the power saving LED 513 and the main power LED 511. In the present embodiment, the power saving LED 513 and the main power LED 511 are configured in the operation unit 500, but the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is configured in the position of the human sensor unit 600 in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating power state transition of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a normal operation power mode (ST2) capable of executing a copy operation and the like, a power saving mode (ST1) that consumes less power than the normal operation power mode, and an ultrasonic communication that performs ultrasonic communication with the user's portable terminal. And a sound wave communication operation mode (ST3). The transition of the power mode is performed by the main controller unit 200 controlling the power supply unit 100. The power control unit 211 stops power supply to the scanner unit 300, the printer unit 400, and the like in the power saving mode (ST1), and supplies a part of the main controller unit 200, a part of the operation unit 500, and the human sensor unit 600. Supply power.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), the processor 514 polls the output of the ultrasonic sensor 611. When the processor 514 determines that there is a person in the detection range A1 based on the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor 611, the processor 514 outputs interrupt signals C and D. Thereafter, the power control unit 211 notifies the internal power generation unit 202, and the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operation power mode (ST2) by supplying power to the circuit portion of the power supply system 2 of the internal power generation unit 202. .

  When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operation power mode (ST2), the processor 514 polls the output of the ultrasonic sensor 611. The processor 514 determines whether or not there is a person in the detection range A2 based on the distance between the image forming apparatus 10 and the person acquired from the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor 611. When it is determined that there is a person in the detection range A2, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3). Further, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST2), the image forming apparatus 1 is in an unused state for a predetermined time, and the processor 514 determines that no person is detected in the detection range A1. The apparatus 10 shifts to the power saving mode (ST1).

  When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3), the processor 514 switches the frequency of the ultrasonic sensor 611 to 18 to 20 KHz to perform ultrasonic communication and transmits data for performing ultrasonic communication. To do. The data for performing ultrasonic communication is, for example, data for handover to WiFi or user authentication. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation mode (ST3), when communication processing with the user's portable terminal, for example, Wi-Fi handover is completed, the processor 514 ends the ultrasonic communication, and the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operation mode (ST2).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of notification control processing in the present embodiment. Each process of FIG. 5 is executed by the processor 514, for example. In S101, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), and the processor 514 periodically monitors the detection state of the human sensor unit 600 (polling). The human sensor unit 600 operates in the human detection mode and transmits 40 KHz ultrasonic waves.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a power supply state of each unit when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1). In FIG. 6, the shaded portion indicates a non-energized state and the white portion indicates an energized state. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), the power saving LED 513 is lit by firefly (slow flashing repeatedly).

  In S102, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), and the processor 514 determines whether or not the human sensor unit 600 has detected a person in the detection range A1. Here, when it is determined that the human sensor unit 600 has detected a person in the detection range A1, the processor 514 outputs interrupt signals C and D, and the image forming apparatus 10 normally starts from the power saving mode (ST1). Transition to operating power mode (ST2). On the other hand, when it is determined that the human sensor unit 600 does not detect a person in the detection range A1, the process of S102 is repeated. In S103, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operation power mode (ST2), and the processor 514 periodically monitors the detection state of the human sensor unit 600.

  FIG. 7 shows the energization state of the power supply of each unit when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operation power mode (ST2). When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST2), the processor 514 controls the power-saving LED 513 so that the power-saving LED 513 is normally lit from the fired light. In addition, the processor 514 turns off the ultrasonic communication LED 612.

  In S104, the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST2), and the processor 514 detects the detection range A2 based on the distance between the image forming apparatus 10 and the person acquired from the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor 611. It is determined whether or not a person exists. If it is determined that there is a person in the detection range A2, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the normal operation power mode (ST2) to the ultrasonic communication operation (ST3). On the other hand, if it is determined that no person is present in the detection range A2, the process of S104 is repeated.

  When the ultrasonic sensor 611 is configured to be able to transmit 18 to 20 KHz and 40 KHz in parallel, in S104, it may be determined whether or not the user is detected by ultrasonic waves of 18 to 20 KHz.

  In S105, the image forming apparatus 10 performs an ultrasonic communication operation (ST3), and the processor 514 transmits data for performing a Wi-Fi handover to the ultrasonic sensor 611. At this time, when the ultrasonic sensor 611 is configured to switch between 18 to 20 KHz and 40 KHz, the processor 514 performs switching so that an ultrasonic wave of 18 to 20 KHz is transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor 611. . The processor also causes the ultrasonic communication LED 612 to blink.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a power supply state of each unit when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation (ST3). In the ultrasonic communication operation, the human sensor 600 transmits ultrasonic waves of 18 to 20 KHz from the ultrasonic sensor 611 and communicates with the mobile terminal owned by the user. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation (ST3), the processor 514 performs control so that the power saving LED 513 is normally turned on and the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is blinked. As described above, the ultrasonic communication LED 612 blinks and the position information of the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is notified, so that the user can explicitly recognize from which position the ultrasonic wave is output.

  In S106, the processor 514 determines whether or not the communication process between the image forming apparatus 10 and the portable terminal owned by the user has been completed. The communication process is, for example, WiFi handover or user authentication. If it is determined in S106 that the communication process with the mobile terminal owned by the user has been completed, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operation power mode (ST2) and ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication process between the image forming apparatus 10 and the portable terminal owned by the user has not been completed, the process of S106 is repeated.

  For example, by performing WiFi handover with the mobile terminal owned by the user in S106, it is possible to perform WiFi direct communication from the mobile terminal to the image forming apparatus 10 after the processing in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an LED lighting operation when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1). When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), the power saving LED 513 lights up and the ultrasonic communication LED 612 turns off. As shown in FIG. 9, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), the user (person) exists outside the detection ranges A1 and A2.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a lighting state of the LED when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST2). When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operating power mode (ST2), the power saving LED 513 is turned on and the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is turned off. As shown in FIG. 10, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operation power mode (ST2), the user exists within the detection range A1 and outside the detection range A2. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode (ST1), for example, when receiving a LAN print job or FAX data, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operation power mode (ST2) by outputting the corresponding interrupt signal. In this case, the power saving LED 513 is turned on and the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is turned off.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a lighting state of the LED when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation (ST3). When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation (ST3), the power saving LED 513 is lit and the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is blinking. As shown in FIG. 11, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ultrasonic communication operation (ST3), the user is present within the detection range A2. Since the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is blinking, the user can easily recognize to which part of the image forming apparatus 10 the portable terminal owned by the user should be placed. As a result, the convenience of user operation can be improved.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a lighting operation of the ultrasonic communication LED 612 and the power saving LED 513. When the image forming apparatus 10 is not detecting a person in the power saving mode (ST1), the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is turned off and the power saving LED 513 is turned on. Thereafter, when the human sensor 600 detects a person in the detection range A1, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operation power mode (ST2), and the power saving LED 513 is lit.

  Subsequently, when it is determined that a person is present in the detection range A2, the image forming apparatus 10 proceeds to the ultrasonic communication operation (ST3), and the outgoing wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor 611 is an ultrasonic communication ultrasonic wave. Switch to sound wave. Then, the ultrasonic communication LED 612 blinks. When the user brings the mobile terminal close to the space near the ultrasonic communication LED 612, ultrasonic communication (for example, WiFi handover) is performed between the image forming apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal owned by the user. When the ultrasonic communication is completed, the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal operation power mode (ST2). When the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the ultrasonic communication operation (ST3) to the normal operation power mode (ST2), the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is turned off.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode setting screen displayed on the operation unit 500. The mode setting screen accepts valid / invalid settings for the human detection mode and the ultrasonic communication mode. When the human detection mode is set to invalid on the mode setting screen of FIG. 13, in order for the image forming apparatus 10 to return from the power saving mode (ST1) to the normal operation power mode (ST2), the user presses the power saving button 512. Press to move. On the other hand, when the human detection mode is set to be effective, as described with reference to FIG. 10, when the user approaches the detection range A1, the image forming apparatus 10 changes from the power saving mode (ST1) to the normal operation power mode (ST2). Return.

  When the ultrasonic communication mode is set to invalid on the mode setting screen in FIG. 13, the user performs Wi-Fi setting on the mobile terminal. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic communication mode is set to be valid, WiFi handover is performed when the user brings his mobile terminal close to the space close to the ultrasonic communication LED 612.

  In the above embodiment, the ultrasonic communication LED 612 is blinked when it is determined that the user is present in the detection range A2. However, other notification control may be performed to make the user recognize the mounting position of the human sensor unit 600. For example, when it is determined in S104 of FIG. 5 that the user is present in the detection range A2, instead of blinking the ultrasonic communication LED 612 in S105, the mounting position of the human sensor unit 600 is displayed on the LCD touch panel 524. Anyway.

  Moreover, in the above embodiment, the structure which can transmit two types of ultrasonic waves with one ultrasonic sensor 611 from which the frequency differs was demonstrated. However, the ultrasonic sensor 611 may have a plurality of configurations. For example, an ultrasonic sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave of 18 to 20 KHz and an ultrasonic sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave of 40 KHz may be individually configured. The operation in that case is the same as the operation in the case where one ultrasonic sensor can transmit two types of ultrasonic waves having different frequencies in parallel.

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

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus: 217 CPU: 214 RAM: 513 Power saving LED: 514 Processor: 600 Human sensor part: 611 Ultrasonic sensor: 612 Ultrasonic communication LED

Claims (15)

The image forming apparatus is capable of transmitting a first transmitted wave and a second transmitted wave having a frequency different from that of the first transmitted wave, and the image is based on a reflected wave of the transmitted transmitted wave. Detection means capable of detecting the presence of a user in the vicinity of the forming apparatus;
A notification control means for notifying position information where the detection means is mounted in the image forming apparatus after the detection means detects the user by the second transmission wave;
Communication that communicates with the terminal that is located near the position where the detection unit is mounted after the position information is notified by the notification control unit using the first outgoing wave transmitted by the detection unit. Means,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit controls lighting of a lighting unit provided at a position where the detection unit is mounted.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the notification control unit controls lighting of the lighting unit such that the lighting unit blinks.   4. The image according to claim 1, wherein a detection range of the detection unit by the second transmission wave is wider than a detection range of the detection unit by the first transmission wave. 5. Forming equipment. When the image forming apparatus is in a low power consumption mode, the detection unit transmits the second transmission wave,
The image forming apparatus includes:
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a return unit configured to return the image forming apparatus from the low power consumption mode when the detecting unit detects the user by the second transmission wave. . First setting means for setting validity or invalidity of the return operation of the return means,
When the return operation of the return means is set to be valid by the first setting means, the return means causes the image forming apparatus to be activated when the detection means detects the user by the second outgoing wave. Returning from the low power consumption mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. A determination unit that determines whether the user is within a detection range of the detection unit by the first transmission wave when the image forming apparatus is returned from the low power consumption mode by the return unit;
When the determination means determines that the user is within the detection range of the detection means by the first transmission wave, the transmission wave transmitted by the detection means is transmitted from the second transmission wave to the first transmission wave. Switching means for switching to waves,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:   When the determination means determines that the object is within the detection range of the detection means by the first transmission wave, the notification control means notifies the position information where the detection means is mounted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.   The notification control unit controls lighting of a second lighting unit indicating a power mode of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus returns from the low power consumption mode by the return unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 5 to 8. Second setting means for setting validity or invalidity of the notification control of the notification control means,
In a case where notification control of the notification control unit is set to be valid by the second setting unit, the notification control unit detects the user after the detection unit detects the user by the second outgoing wave. Notify the location information where the means is installed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a frequency of the second transmission wave is higher than a frequency of the first transmission wave.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is an ultrasonic sensor.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit performs short-range wireless communication using the first transmission wave transmitted from the detection unit. The image forming apparatus is a printing apparatus, and the terminal is a mobile terminal;
The communication means performs user authentication in communication by the first outgoing wave transmitted by the detection means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is capable of transmitting a first transmitted wave and a second transmitted wave having a frequency different from that of the first transmitted wave, and the image is based on a reflected wave of the transmitted transmitted wave. A control method executed in an image forming apparatus including a detection unit capable of detecting the presence of a user in the vicinity of the forming apparatus,
A notification control step of notifying the position information where the detection means is mounted in the image forming apparatus after the detection means detects the user by the second transmission wave;
Communication that communicates with the terminal that is located near the position where the detection unit is mounted after the position information is notified in the notification control step by the first outgoing wave transmitted by the detection unit. Process,
A control method characterized by comprising:

Images