JP2017078816A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can suppress consumption of unnecessary power.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus executes image forming processing, and comprises: an operation part 111 that receives an indication of an image forming instruction from an operator; a human detection part 112 that detects the presence of a human body in a predetermined area around the image forming apparatus; an illuminance detection part 113 that detects the illuminance around the image forming apparatus; an execution part 101 that executes processing of starting up the operation part 111 in association with detection of a human body by the human detection part 112; and a control part 105 that controls to stop energization to the human detection part 112 in response to the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection part 113 decreased to a predetermined illuminance or lower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a human body detection function.

  In recent years, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus that detects a person close to the image forming apparatus using a human body detection sensor and automatically returns from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for returning an image processing apparatus from a power saving state to a normal power state using two human body detection sensors having different detection ranges. Specifically, when a person close to the image processing apparatus is detected by the first human body detection sensor having a wide detection range, the second human body detection sensor having a detection range narrower than that of the first human body detection sensor is activated. To do. Then, when a person is detected by the activated second human body detection sensor, the image processing apparatus returns from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  In Patent Document 2, an image that prevents a passing person from returning to the normal power state by returning from the power saving state to the normal power state only when a certain time has elapsed after detection by the human body detection sensor. A forming apparatus has been proposed.

  Patent Document 3 proposes an image forming apparatus that improves the accuracy of identifying a passing person by providing a plurality of human body detection sensors.

JP 2012-177796 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-166943 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-242226

  However, when the image forming apparatus is used in an office, for example, it is assumed that when the room is turned off, it is assumed that it is a non-working time period or a resting time period. Often a person who does not intend to use. In the configurations of Patent Documents 1 to 3, the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state to the normal power state every time a person around the image forming apparatus is detected. Therefore, even if there is a high possibility that the person around the image forming apparatus does not intend to use the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus returns to the normal power state, and thus unnecessary power is consumed. There was a problem of doing it.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it suppresses an image forming apparatus from consuming unnecessary power.

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention provides:
An image forming apparatus that executes an image forming process,
An operation unit for receiving an image forming instruction from the operator;
A human body detection unit that detects the presence of a human body in a predetermined area around the image forming apparatus;
An illuminance detector that detects the illuminance around the image forming apparatus;
An execution unit that executes a startup process of the operation unit when the human body detection unit detects a human body;
A control unit that controls to stop energization of the human body detection unit in response to the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit being equal to or lower than a predetermined illuminance;
It is characterized by having.

In addition, the second invention,
An image forming apparatus that executes an image forming process,
An operation unit for receiving an image forming instruction from the operator;
A human body detection unit that detects the presence of a human body in a predetermined area around the image forming apparatus;
An illuminance detector that detects the illuminance around the image forming apparatus;
A control unit that controls whether or not to execute the start-up process of the operation unit when the human body detection unit detects a human body according to the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit,
When the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined illuminance, the control unit executes a startup process of the operation unit when the human body detection unit detects a human body, and the illuminance detection unit detects When the illuminance is less than the predetermined illuminance, the human body detecting unit does not execute the activation process of the operation unit when the human body is detected.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus from consuming unnecessary power.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an appearance of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the cross-sectional structure of a printer part. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of a fixing unit provided in a printer unit. It is a figure which shows the detection area | region where a human body detection sensor detects infrared rays. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in Embodiment 1. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the components described in this embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to only those described in the embodiment.

[Example 1]
(1-1) MFP Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, a description will be given using an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 as an example of an image forming apparatus. An MFP (image forming apparatus) 100 includes a printer unit 115 as an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and executes an image forming process. The MFP 100 includes a scanner unit 116 and an operation unit 111. The MFP 100 has a copy function and a printer function.

  The printer unit 115 functions as an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material. In this example, an image corresponding to image data of an original is formed on a recording material by an electrophotographic method. A specific configuration will be described later in (1-3). A scanner unit 116 and an operation unit 111 are disposed on the upper surface of the printer unit 115.

  The scanner unit 116 functions as a reading unit that reads a document (an image formed on a recording material). The scanner unit 116 includes an image sensor, a document table, and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) as photoelectric conversion elements for reading image information of the document. Then, image data of the document set on the document table or ADF is acquired using an image sensor. The image data acquired by the scanner unit 116 is transmitted to the scanner controller 109 as shown in FIG. The scanner controller 109 can transmit the image data acquired by the scanner unit 116 to each unit (for example, the printer controller 108) connected to the scanner controller 109 via the bus 106. In the copy function, the printer unit 115 forms an image corresponding to the original read by the scanner unit 116 on a recording material.

  The operation unit 111 includes a display panel and operation keys. Operation unit 111 accepts input of various settings and operation instructions of MFP 100 from an operator through operation keys. In addition, operation unit 111 notifies the operator of the operation state or error of MFP 100 by displaying on the display panel. The display panel of the operation unit 111 may be a touch panel system, and the display panel may function as an operation key. Examples of settings and instructions performed by the operation unit 111 include an execution command (image formation command) of an image formation process by the printer unit 115, adjustment of a determination threshold value of the illuminance sensor 113, and the like. For example, an execution instruction for copying (scanning and printing) is an example of an image forming instruction.

  MFP 100 also includes a sleep button 118 (hard key) on the side of the operation panel of operation unit 111. Sleep button (switching unit) 118 functions as one of triggers for switching MFP 100 to a standby mode or a power saving mode. Details will be described later in (1-4). Note that the position of the sleep button 118 is not limited to this, and a display panel and operation keys may be provided on the operation unit 111. However, in the description of this example, even when the sleep button 118 is disposed on the operation unit 111, the operation unit 111 receives input of various settings and operation instructions of the MFP 100 from the operator. Thus, the sleep button 118 is distinguished.

  In addition, MFP 100 includes a human body detection sensor 112 as a human body detection unit beside the operation panel of operation unit 111, and an illuminance sensor 113 as an illuminance detection unit on the side surface of the MFP 100. The human body detection sensor 112 will be described later in (1-5) and the illuminance sensor 113 will be described later in (1-6).

(1-2) Hardware Configuration Inside MFP FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration inside the MFP.

  The CPU 101 and the memory 102 are connected to the bus 106. Similarly, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 103, a power supply control unit 104, a network controller 107, a printer controller 108, a scanner controller 109, and an I / O controller 110 are connected to the bus 106. These various units connected to the bus 106 can communicate with each other via the bus 106. These various units connected to the bus 106 function as a control unit 105 that controls the MFP 100.

  Specifically, the CPU 101 develops and executes a program stored in the memory 102 in a primary memory called a registry inside the CPU 101. The CPU 101 functions as a controller for the entire MFP 100. The CPU 101 transmits a control command and the like to the HDD 103, the power control unit 104, the network controller 107, the printer controller 108, the scanner controller 109, and the I / O controller 110 via the bus 106. The CPU 101 receives signals such as signals indicating the status of each unit and data such as images from the HDD 103, the power control unit 104, the network controller 107, the printer controller 108, the scanner controller 109, and the I / O controller 110 via the bus 106.

  The HDD 103 having a larger recording capacity than the memory 102 is mainly used for storing image data held inside the MFP 100.

  The network controller 107 is a processing circuit for communicating with an external device, and modulates a signal transmitted from the CPU 101 and converts it into a signal conforming to various standards. In the present embodiment, the network controller 107 converts the signal into a multi-value signal conforming to the IEEE 803.2 standard, and transmits it to the external network N via the I / F 114. Further, the network controller 107 demodulates the multilevel signal received from the network N via the I / F 114 and transmits the demodulated signal to the CPU 101. 2 shows an example in which the MFP 100 can be connected to a PC (personal computer) 200 as an external information processing apparatus or an MFP controller 300 as an external controller via the USB / IF 117. However, the MFP 100 may communicate with the PC 200 or the MFP controller 300 via the network N.

  The image data that the CPU 101 transmits to the printer unit 115 as the image forming unit via the printer controller 108 is a raster image. For this reason, when PDL (Page Description Language) is input from the PC 200 to the MFP 100 as data of an original document for image formation, the CPU 101 divides and executes RIP (Raster Image Processor). The CPU 101 transmits image data converted from PDL by RIP to the printer unit 115 via the printer controller 108.

  The printer controller 108 is a control circuit that controls the printer unit 115 in the control unit 105. The printer unit 115 executes image formation processing (printing processing) based on image data received via the printer controller 108, and outputs a printed matter. Based on the image data received from the CPU 101, the printer controller 108 can form and fix a toner image corresponding to the image data on the recording material to the printer unit 115.

  A scanner controller 109 is a control circuit that controls an original image capturing operation and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) operation of an image sensor included in the scanner unit 116.

  When the box mode in which the image data acquired by the scanner unit 116 is stored in the HDD 103 in the MFP 100 is selected, the scanner controller 109 stores the image data acquired by the scanner unit 116 in the HDD 103. When the copy mode in which the image data acquired by the scanner unit 116 is output by the printer unit 115 is selected, the scanner controller 109 transmits the image data acquired by the scanner unit 116 to the printer controller 108. Accordingly, the printer controller 108 causes the printer unit 115 to output the received image data.

  The I / O controller 110 is a control circuit that controls the USB I / F 117, the operation unit 111, the human body detection sensor 112, the illuminance sensor 113, and the sleep button 118.

  The I / O controller 110 is a communication circuit that performs communication with an external device connected via the USB I / F 117. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the USB I / F 117 can be connected to an external PC 200 or MFP controller 300.

  In addition, the I / O controller 110 is connected to the operation unit 111, receives an instruction from the operator via the operation unit 111, and displays the state of the MFP 100 on the display panel of the operation unit 111.

  In addition, the I / O controller 110 is connected to the sleep button 118 and receives an instruction to switch the power saving mode from the operator.

  The I / O controller 110 is connected to the human body detection sensor 112 and the illuminance sensor 113. The CPU 101 can acquire information input by the operator to the operation unit 111 and information detected by the human body detection sensor 112 and the illuminance sensor 113 via the I / O controller 110.

  The power supply control unit 104 is connected to the power supply unit 210, and the power supply unit 210 controls supply to each unit of the MFP 100. The power control unit 104 transmits or changes a power control signal transmitted to the power unit 210 according to a command from the CPU 101. For example, when switching from a standby mode to a power saving mode (details will be described later), when switching between modes having different power states, power corresponding to the mode to be transferred is supplied (or stopped) to each unit. A power control signal is transmitted so that A signal line 304 is a signal line through which a power supply control signal that is a signal for the power supply control unit 104 to perform control related to ON / OFF of the output of the power supply unit 210 is transmitted.

  Power supply unit 210 supplies power to each unit in MFP 100. Specifically, the power supply unit 210 includes a plug 301 and a fuse 211 and a relay 212 inside the power supply unit 210. Relay 212 plays a role of switching for supplying and stopping power from power supply unit 210 to each unit in MFP 100. The relay 212 switches according to a control signal from the power supply control unit 104.

  The plug 301 is inserted into a commercial AC power outlet, and supplies AC power to the power source unit 210 from the outlet. The power supply unit 210 converts the voltage of AC power obtained from a commercial AC power source into a voltage suitable for each unit, and converts AC to DC as necessary depending on the unit to which power is supplied. The fuse 211 protects the power supply unit 210 or each unit of the MFP 100 to which the power supply unit 210 supplies power when an overcurrent or a short-circuit current flows in the power supply unit 210 so that an internal fusible member is melted or cut off. .

(1-3) Configuration of Printer Unit FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the printer unit. The printer unit 115 functions as an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material. The printer unit 115 of this embodiment forms an image on a recording material by an electrophotographic method. Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming process in the printer unit 115 of the MFP 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a signal for image formation is transmitted from the CPU 101 to the printer controller 108, the printer controller 108 controls each unit of the printer unit 115 and executes image formation processing.

  The image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images on an intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member) 130, respectively. The order of each color is not limited to this. In the image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd, the photosensitive drums (image carriers) 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are charged by the chargers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. A latent image (an invisible image due to a potential difference) corresponding to the image data is formed on the charged photosensitive drums (image carriers) 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d by laser output from the laser scanner.

  The latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are conveyed to the developing units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d as the photosensitive drums 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d rotate in the directions of the arrows in the drawing. Is done. In the developing units 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, latent images are developed as toner images of respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) by the charged toner on the developing sleeve and the action of high pressure.

  The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are sequentially primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 130 that is driven in contact with the photosensitive drums 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. A color composite toner image is formed. The synthesized toner image is transferred onto the recording material P by the secondary transfer roller 11.

  The recording material P is a sheet on which a toner image can be formed, such as plain paper, glossy paper, envelope, postcard, OHP sheet, and the like. The printer unit 115 includes storage units 10a and 10b that store the recording material P used for the image forming process. The recording material P accommodated in the accommodating portions 10a and 10b is supplied to the conveyance path by the pickup rollers 6a and 6b, respectively. The recording material P supplied from the storage unit 10a or the storage unit 10b is transported to the secondary transfer roller 11 to transfer the toner image.

  The recording material P carrying the toner image by the transfer passes through the fixing unit 9. The fixing unit 9 fixes the toner image on the recording material P by heating and pressing. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing unit 9 is discharged out of the printer unit 115 as a product.

  Based on the control of the CPU 101, the power supply control unit 104 transmits a power supply control signal to the power supply unit 210, thereby supplying / stopping the voltage for driving, applying high voltage, heating and pressurizing each unit of the printer unit 115. Control.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the fixing unit provided in the printer unit.

  The recording material P holding the unfixed toner image is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The toner image on the recording material P is fixed by being heated and pressurized at the fixing nip portion. A fixing roller (fixing member) 51 holds an elastic body layer of silicon rubber of 4 mm thickness on a cylindrical core metal made of Fe having an outer diameter of φ72 mm, and has a thickness of 30 μm as a release layer on the outer surface layer thereof. The PFA tube is covered. A pressure roller 52 that forms a fixing nip portion by being pressed against the fixing roller 51 is formed of a 2 mm-thick silicon rubber elastic layer on a Fe cylindrical core metal having an outer diameter of φ76 mm, and a release layer on the outer surface layer thereof. It has a PFA tube release layer with a thickness of 30 μm as a conductive layer.

  Inside the fixing roller 51, a halogen heater 201 (900 W) is provided as a heating source. Further, a temperature sensor 205 as a temperature detection unit is provided on the surface of the fixing roller 51. The CPU 101 adjusts the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 by controlling the voltage supply to the halogen heater 201 based on the output of the temperature sensor 205 transmitted via the printer controller 108. As a means for heating the recording material P, a configuration in which the metal portion of the fixing member is heated by an induction heating device arranged inside and outside the fixing member may be used.

  The end of the cored bar of the fixing roller 51 is rotatably fixed to the fixing device side plate, and the fixing nip portion is formed by pressing a pressure frame that rotatably supports the pressure roller 52 by a pressing means (not shown). Is forming. The fixing unit 9 of this embodiment is set so that the fixing nip pressure is about 60 kgf and the fixing nip width is about 10 mm.

  In the printer unit 115 of this embodiment, the temperature of the fixing roller 51 during the fixing process is set to 185 ° C. In the configuration of the fixing unit 9, the time (warm-up time) required to reach 185 ° C. after heating of the normal temperature fixing roller 51 (about 30 ° C.) is about 2 minutes. Therefore, control is performed so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 is maintained at 185 ° C. even in the standby mode in which the MFP 100 is waiting for the next image formation command. This is to shorten the time (first printout time) from when the MFP 100 receives the image forming command until the first recording material P is printed in response to the received command. In the standby mode, the fixing roller 51 rotates at a low speed in order to make the surface temperature uniform in the circumferential direction. The temperature value (185 ° C.) is an example, and the temperature of the fixing roller 51 in the standby mode is not limited to this value.

  However, if the standby mode continues for a long time, power is continuously consumed to maintain the temperature of the fixing roller 51 during that time. In the MFP 100 of this embodiment, about half of the power consumption of the entire MFP 100 is used for heating the fixing unit 9. Specifically, the maximum power consumed by the fixing unit 9 is 1100 W, and the maximum power consumed by portions other than the fixing unit 9 of the printer unit 115 is 900 W. The maximum power of the scanner unit 116 is 150 W, the operation unit 111 is 50 W, and the power consumption of the human body detection sensor 112 and the illuminance sensor 113 and its control unit is 20 W in total.

  Therefore, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment has a sleep mode and a deep sleep mode in which power is not supplied to the temperature adjustment of the fixing roller 51 and the driving of the fixing roller 51 as positioning of the power saving mode. The sleep mode and deep sleep mode will be described later in (1-4).

(1-4) Power Saving Mode and Power Control The MFP 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes at least three modes having different power usage states. The first is a standby mode in which the MFP 100 is waiting for the next image formation command. In the standby mode, the apparatus waits so that the next image forming process can be started quickly with power supplied to all the units in MFP 100.

  For example, a configuration may be adopted in which power is not supplied to some units that are not used in the standby mode, such as the human body detection sensor 112. However, even in this case, at least the printer unit 115, the operation unit 111, and the control unit 105 related to the control are energized.

  The second is a power saving mode in which power is supplied to the operation unit 111 while the power of the printer unit 115 is cut off (hereinafter referred to as a sleep mode). In the sleep mode, the operation of the display panel and the operation keys can be performed by energizing the operation unit 111. However, since the power to the printer unit 115 is cut off, the temperature of the fixing roller 51 in the fixing unit 9 is adjusted. The fixing roller 51 is not driven.

  The third is a power saving mode in which power to the operation unit 111 is further cut from the sleep mode (hereinafter referred to as a deep sleep mode). In the deep sleep mode, the printer unit 115 and the operation unit 111 both cut power, but supply power to the human body detection sensor 112 and the illuminance sensor 113. Also, power is supplied to the CPU 101 and the I / O controller 110 that control the human body detection sensor 112 and the illuminance sensor 113. Here, the I / O controller 110 cuts off the energization to the part related to the control of the operation unit 111 and maintains the energization to the part related to the control of the human body detection sensor 112 and the illuminance sensor 113. This is because the operation unit 111 is not energized in the deep sleep mode.

  In order of increasing power consumption, the standby mode, the sleep mode, and the deep sleep mode are selected.

  The power supply control unit 104 controls the power supply unit 210 so as to supply power according to each of the three modes described above. There are the following two methods for shifting from a standby mode waiting for an image formation command to a sleep mode for power saving and further to a deep sleep mode for power saving. The first is a method in which the operator presses the sleep button 118. The second method is to automatically shift in the order of the standby mode, the sleep mode, and the deep sleep mode when the image forming process is not performed over the transition time preset by the operator in the operation unit 111. This is a method that the CPU 101 controls.

  The second method may be configured to shift from the standby mode to the deep sleep mode without going through the sleep mode. Further, the setting of whether or not to execute control for automatically shifting from the standby mode to the deep sleep mode by the second method may be configured to be set by the operator from the operation unit 111.

  The MFP 100 that is in the deep sleep mode shifts to a sleep mode in which the operation unit 111 can be used with a person detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger. That is, the operation unit 111 is started from the deep sleep state. Specifically, using the person detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger, the I / O controller 110 related to the operation unit 111 is activated, and a state in which the operation by the operator in the operation unit 111 can be received is set. Here, it takes about 30 seconds to start from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode, for example.

  It is desirable for an operator who approaches the MFP 100 to use the MFP 100 to return the MFP 100 in the deep sleep mode to a state in which the operation unit 111 can be operated as soon as possible (transition to the sleep mode). Therefore, the activation processing of the operation unit 111 (shift to the sleep mode) is started by using the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger to detect that the operator has approached the MFP 100. This reduces the waiting time for the operator to experience the transition from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode as compared with a case where the operator touches the MFP 100 (for example, pressing the sleep button 118) as a trigger. Effect is obtained. In addition, since the operation unit 111 can be activated without the operator touching the MFP 100 (for example, pressing the sleep button 118), usability is improved.

  The trigger for shifting from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode may have the following trigger in addition to the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112. In the present embodiment, in addition to the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112, the sleep button 118 is operated (pressed) to make a transition from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode. Even in the deep sleep mode, the sleep button 118 and the portion related to the sleep button 118 of the I / O controller 110 are energized. By providing a trigger other than the human body detection sensor 112, even if the human body detection sensor 112 does not function, transition from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode according to the intention of the operator (pressing the sleep button 118). Can do. Thereby, usability can be improved.

  The trigger other than the human body detection for shifting from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode is not limited to the operation of the sleep button 118. For example, the CPU 101 detects a print job received from the network N as a trigger. In this case, the I / F 114 and the network controller 107 necessary for receiving a print job from the network N are energized even in the deep sleep mode.

  By the above trigger, the power supply control unit 104 controls the power supply control signal transmitted to the power supply unit 210 to be transmitted or changed so as to shift from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode.

(1-5) Human Body Detection Sensor The human body detection sensor 112 will be described. Human body detection sensor 112 functions as a human body detection unit that detects the presence of a person around MFP 100 (predetermined region). The human body detection sensor 112 of this embodiment is a pyroelectric array sensor in which a plurality of passive pyroelectric infrared sensors are arranged in an array. A passive pyroelectric infrared sensor detects a change in the amount of infrared radiation emitted from an object having a temperature such as a human body. When the human body appears in the detection area, the amount of infrared rays changes, so that the human body detection sensor 112 can detect that there is a human body (person) around the MFP 100. The pyroelectric infrared sensor is also characterized by low power consumption and a relatively wide detection area. In addition, by arranging a plurality of passive pyroelectric infrared sensors in an array, the human body detection sensor 112 can detect the distance from the MFP 100 to the human body from the distribution of the amount of infrared rays in the detection area, and the human body from the temporal change in the distribution. The moving direction and moving speed can also be detected.

  In the present embodiment, it is detected that the human body is around the MFP 100 because the detection value of the human body detection sensor 112 indicates that it has stopped (stopped) around the MFP 100 for a certain period of time. Whether or not the detection value of the human body detection sensor 112 indicates that it has stopped (stopped) around the MFP 100 for a certain period of time is based on the detection value of the human body detection sensor 112 acquired via the I / O controller 110. CPU 101 determines.

  The detection value of the human body detection sensor 112 may indicate that the human body is around the MFP 100 by indicating that the human body is approaching the MFP 100. Further, the detection value of the human body detection sensor 112 may be configured to detect that the human body is around the MFP 100 because the human body approaching the MFP 100 has stopped around the MFP 100 for a certain period of time.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detection region in which the human body detection sensor detects infrared rays. FIG. 5 schematically shows the MFP 100 as viewed from above when installed. The periphery of MFP 100 indicates a predetermined area including a position where an operator is expected to operate operation unit 111 in front of MFP 100 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, human body detection sensor 112 that detects a human body around MFP 100 has a direction including a position where an operator is expected to operate operation unit 111 standing in front of MFP 100, that is, operation unit 111. A person in the front direction is provided at a position where it can be detected.

  The detection method of the human body detection sensor 112 is not limited to this. For example, an infrared sensor array in which infrared light receiving elements that receive infrared light emitted from a person or the like are arranged in a matrix may be used. In addition, an image recognition type that detects a person from a change in an image continuously captured by a CCD camera or the like, a reflection type that detects a person from a change in the amount of reflected light (for example, infrared rays) emitted from a light source, It may be an ultrasonic type that detects a person by detecting the distance and direction. Further, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a human body is detected by combining a plurality of sensors such that a wider range is detected by a passive pyroelectric infrared sensor and a narrow range is detected by a reflective sensor.

  In the present embodiment, the human body detection sensor 112 is provided in the vicinity of the operation unit 111. However, the human body around the MFP 100 can be detected, and the detection of the human body can be transmitted to the CPU 101. For example, it may be provided in another part of the MFP 100. For example, it is good also as a structure provided in the operation part 111. FIG. The MFP 100 may be configured to include a plurality of human body detection sensors 112.

(1-6) Illuminance Sensor The illuminance sensor 113 will be described. Illuminance sensor 113 functions as an illuminance detection unit that detects the illuminance around MFP 100. The illuminance sensor 113 of the present embodiment is a photo IC type illuminance sensor in which an amplifier circuit is added to a photodiode. The photo IC type illuminance sensor is characterized by a large output current and stable variations in sensitivity temperature characteristics and spectral characteristics among elements. In addition, a device without an amplifier circuit or an inexpensive phototransistor type may be used. The illuminance sensor 113 can detect the illuminance of the environment facing the light receiving unit by converting light energy incident on the light receiving unit into a current by an internal photoelectric conversion element. That is, it is possible to detect the illuminance of the space where MFP 100 including illuminance sensor 113 is installed.

  For example, in a general office environment, the illuminance sensor 113 detects illuminance information such as 800 lx (lux) during the daytime, 40 lx during the break time when the light is thinned out, and 10 lx during the night when the light is turned off. And transmitted to the CPU 101.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the illumination sensor 113 is provided in front of the MFP 100. Here, the front surface is a surface located on the side where the operation unit 111 is viewed from the front surface among surfaces other than the floor surface and the upper surface facing the floor surface when the MFP 100 is installed. In addition, arrangement | positioning of the illumination intensity sensor 113 is not restricted to this. For example, another arrangement may be employed as long as it can detect the illuminance (environmental illuminance) around the MFP 100, such as the right side surface located on the right side when viewed from the front.

  It is more preferable that the illuminance sensor 113 is provided on a side surface (front surface, right side surface, back surface, left side surface) excluding the upper surface facing the floor surface. Even when the MFP 100 is installed near a window, it can be configured to be relatively insensitive to external light such as sunlight. It is more preferable that the illuminance sensor 113 is provided on the front side. This is because it is difficult to be affected by the location of the MFP 100. For example, when the MFP 100 is installed near a wall in the room, the back surface is located between the wall and the low illuminance may be detected regardless of the brightness around the MFP 100.

  In this embodiment, two different sensors are used for the human body detection sensor 112 and the illuminance sensor 113. However, a single sensor is used as an integrated sensor having both functions of detecting a human body and detecting illuminance. It is good. For example, the light emission condition and the detection determination condition are changed according to whether a human body is detected or illuminance is detected using a reflective sensor. Specifically, the human body is detected by detecting the reflected light with respect to the light from the light source, and the amount of incident light to the light receiving element is integrated over a predetermined time without emitting light from the light source. This is a method for detecting ambient illuminance.

(1-7) Return of the operation unit by the human body detection sensor As described in (1-4), in the MFP 100 in the deep sleep mode, the operation unit 111 is activated by the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger. Below, the detail is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, when a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor 112 in the deep sleep mode in which no power is supplied to the operation unit 111, power is supplied to the operation unit 111 and the transition to the sleep mode is started. Specifically, the power supply control unit 104 supplies power from the power supply unit 210 to the operation unit 111 and the CPU 101 and the I / O controller 110 that control the operation unit 111. The CPU 101 and the I / O controller 110 function as an execution unit that executes a startup process of the operation unit 111. The activation process of the operation unit 111 includes activation processes of the CPU 101 and the I / O controller 110 that control the operation unit 111. The operation unit 111 displays a screen on the display panel of the operation unit 111 during the start process or after the start process is completed. When the start-up process is completed, the operation unit 111 can perform various operations on the operation unit 111 by the operator (for example, setting change of image forming process, image forming command, etc.). The operation unit 111 may be configured such that the operation key of the operation unit 111 is turned on when the activation process is completed. In MFP 100, the time to complete the transition to the sleep mode (activation time of operation unit 111) is about 30 seconds.

  In this embodiment, since the transition from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode is made, power is not supplied to the printer unit 115 including the fixing unit 9 when the activation process of the operation unit 111 is completed. After the operation unit 111 is activated, an operation received from the operator is not necessarily an image forming process. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printer unit 115 including the fixing unit 9 in response to the CPU 101 receiving a print start command (specifically, an operation by the operation unit 111 or a print signal reception from the network N). The power supply to is started. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption after the operation unit 111 is activated until a print start command is received.

(1-8) Human Body Detection Sensor OFF Mode In the deep sleep mode, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment moves to the human body detection sensor 112 when the environmental illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (predetermined illuminance). It has a human body detection sensor OFF mode to turn off the energization.

  The case where the ambient illuminance at the place where the MFP 100 is installed is low, for example, when indoor lighting is turned off. Since the MFP 100 is often used in an office, the case where the indoor lighting is turned off is a non-working time zone, a break time, or the like. Therefore, when the indoor lighting is turned off, it can be paraphrased that the operation rate of MFP 100 is low. When the return function of the operation unit 111 is activated by the human body detection sensor 112 under such a situation, even if a person who does not intend to use the apparatus passes around the MFP 100 or stops in front of the MFP 100 by accident, The operation unit 111 is started up. That is, by detecting a person who does not intend to use the apparatus, the probability that the operation unit 111 is unnecessarily increased increases. This wastes power accompanying unnecessary startup of the operation unit 111.

  Therefore, when the detection value by the illuminance sensor 113 indicates a predetermined threshold value or less, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment transitions to an OFF mode in which the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112 is turned off. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 111 from being activated from unnecessary deep sleep, and to reduce the power consumption of the MFP 100.

(1-9) Flowchart The human body detection sensor OFF mode will be described along the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the first embodiment, and illustrates an example of processing executed by the MFP 100 including the human body detection sensor OFF mode in the deep sleep mode. This flow is executed by the control unit 105. More specifically, the CPU 101 that is energized in the deep sleep mode is executed by executing a program held in the memory 102.

  When the MFP 100 enters the deep sleep mode, for example, when the operator presses the sleep button 118 of the operation unit 111, a processing flow for determining whether to turn off the human body detection sensor 112 is started.

  In S101, the CPU 101 determines whether the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. As described above, the illuminance sensor 113 detects the environmental illuminance of the MFP 100. The CPU 101 acquires the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 113 via the I / O controller 110. In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold is 50 lx. Although 50 lx is dim, it is a level that enables human movement and is assumed to be in a room that is turned off during the office break. Note that the predetermined threshold value is not limited to 50 lx, and a value that assumes an environment in which the MFP 100 is used is appropriately set and stored in the memory 102 in advance. Further, a configuration in which an operator can set and change in advance from the operation unit 111 may be adopted.

  If the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (50 lx in the present embodiment) in S101, the CPU 101 proceeds to S102. In step S102, the CPU 101 turns off the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112. More specifically, the CPU 101 transmits a command to the power supply control unit 104, and the power supply control unit 104 controls the power supply unit 210 so that the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112 is turned off. In addition, when the human body detection sensor 112 is already in the OFF state, as in the case of Yes in S101, No in S102, and S105 and Yes in S101, the OFF state is maintained. That is, while the environmental illuminance of the MFP 100 is equal to or lower than the predetermined illuminance, the energization of the human body detection sensor 112 is kept in the OFF state.

  As a result, when the surroundings of the MFP 100 are below a predetermined illuminance, that is, when the operation rate of the MFP 100 is assumed to be low, such as during non-working hours or breaks, the operation unit 111 of the human body detection sensor 112 The return function can be stopped. As a result, it is possible to suppress power consumption associated with the operation unit 111 standing up unnecessarily when there is a person who does not intend to use the apparatus around the MFP 100. When the illuminance sensor 113 detects a predetermined threshold value or less, the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112 itself is stopped, so that unnecessary power consumption of the human body detection sensor 112 can also be suppressed.

  If the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is greater than a predetermined threshold value (50 lx in this embodiment) in S101, the CPU 101 proceeds to S103. In step S103, the CPU 101 turns on power to the human body detection sensor 112. More specifically, the CPU 101 transmits a command to the power supply control unit 104 and controls the power supply unit 210 so that the power supply control unit 104 turns on the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112. For example, when the human body detection sensor 112 is already in the ON state, as in the case of No in S101, No in S103, No in S104, No in S105, and No in S101, the ON state is maintained. .

  In step S <b> 104, the CPU 101 determines whether the human body detection sensor 112 has detected a human body based on the output of the human body detection sensor 112 acquired by the I / O controller 110.

  If the CPU 101 determines in S104 that the human body detection sensor 112 has detected a human body, the CPU 101 proceeds to S106. In S106, the CPU 101 executes the activation process of the operation unit 111 and shifts to the sleep mode. Specifically, the CPU 101 transmits a command to the power supply control unit 104 and controls the power supply unit 210 so that the power supply control unit 104 shifts from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode. The I / O controller 110 to which power is supplied from the power supply unit 210 is activated to make the operation unit 111 operable. When the activation is completed, the MFP 100 enters a sleep mode.

  When the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the human body detection sensor 112 is not turned off (turned on). Thereby, when environmental illuminance is brighter than predetermined illuminance (No in S101), activation processing of the operation unit 111 can be started with the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger. Since the activation process of the operation unit 111 is started before a person touches the MFP 100, the waiting time for the operator to experience the sleep mode can be shortened, and usability is improved.

  If the CPU 101 determines in S104 that the human body detection sensor 112 has not detected a human body, or if the human body detection sensor 112 is turned off in S102, the CPU 101 proceeds to S105. S105 is a step of determining whether or not the CPU 101 has detected a trigger other than the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112, which is a trigger for returning from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines in S105 whether or not the sleep button 118 has been operated (the sleep button 118 has been pressed).

  If the CPU 101 detects an operation of the sleep button 118 in S105, the CPU 101 proceeds to S106. In S106, the CPU 101 executes the activation process of the operation unit 111 and shifts to the sleep mode.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 does not detect the operation of the sleep button 118 in S105, the process proceeds to S101, and the flow is continued until a trigger for returning from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode is detected (until S104 or S105 becomes Yes). repeat.

  In the case of No in S105, the following effects can be obtained by returning to S101 and repeating the flow. During the execution of the deep sleep mode (that is, while the trigger for returning to the sleep mode is not detected), the human body detection sensor 112 is detected in response to the surroundings of the MFP 100 becoming below a predetermined illuminance (from a bright state to a dark state). Turn off the power to the. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 111 from being activated from unnecessary deep sleep, and to reduce the power consumption of the MFP 100.

  Further, when the deep sleep mode is being executed (that is, while the trigger for returning to the sleep mode is not detected), the human body is detected in response to the surroundings of the MFP 100 becoming larger than the predetermined illuminance (from the dark state to becoming brighter). Energization of the sensor 112 is turned on. Thereby, the function of the human body detection sensor 112 is restored, and the activation process of the operation unit 111 can be started with the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger. Since the start-up of the operation unit 111 is started before a person touches the MFP 100, the waiting time for the operator to experience the sleep mode can be shortened, and usability is improved.

  Note that the trigger in S105 (a trigger for returning from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode and other than the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112) is not limited to the operation of the sleep button 118. For example, the CPU 101 may be configured to receive a print job from the network N as a trigger. In this case, when the CPU 101 receives a print job from the network N in S105, the CPU 101 proceeds to S106. When the CPU 101 does not receive a print job from the network N, the process proceeds to S101, and the flow is continued until a trigger for returning from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode is detected (until S104 or S105 becomes Yes). repeat. In this case, the I / F 114 and the network controller 107 necessary for receiving a print job from the network N are energized even in the deep sleep mode.

  As described above, when the value detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112 is turned off. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 111 from being activated from unnecessary deep sleep, and to reduce the power consumption of the MFP 100.

[Example 2]
In the first embodiment, in the MFP 100 in the deep sleep mode, the operation unit 111 is activated with the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger. In this embodiment, the MFP 100 in the deep sleep mode activates not only the operation unit 111 but also the printer unit 115 by using the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger.

  Hereinafter, the details of the configuration of the second embodiment will be described focusing on the difference from the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(2-1) Printer Unit Return Using Human Body Detection Sensor In this embodiment, MFP 100 in the deep sleep mode uses printer unit including not only operation unit 111 but also fixing unit 9 with human body detection by human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger. 115 is also activated to shift to the standby mode described above.

  In the deep sleep mode in which power is not supplied to the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115, the MFP 100 supplies power to the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 in response to the detection of the human body by the human body detection sensor 112. Start migrating to The trigger for shifting from the deep sleep mode to the standby mode in the present embodiment is the same as the trigger of the first embodiment (trigger for shifting from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode).

  In this embodiment, the MFP 100 processes the activation of the operation unit 111 and the activation of the printer unit 115 in parallel. The standby mode is a state in which the startup of the printer unit 115 and the startup process of the operation unit 111 are completed.

  Specifically, in the deep sleep mode, in response to the detection of the human body by the human body detection sensor 112, power supply to the operation unit 111 is started as in the first embodiment. When the activation process is completed, the operation unit 111 can perform various operations on the operation unit 111 by the operator (for example, a print process setting change or a print execution command).

  In addition, in the deep sleep mode, the power supply control unit 104 supplies a voltage from the power supply unit 210 to the printer unit 115 in response to the detection of the human body by the human body detection sensor 112. Start). When the start-up of heating control (warm-up control) and the like of the fixing unit 9 is completed and the next image formation command can be started, the start-up of the printer unit 115 is completed. Starting up the printer unit 115 includes starting processing of the printer controller 108.

  In starting up the printer unit 115, the MFP 100 starts heating control of the fixing roller 51 by supplying a voltage from the power source unit 210 to the halogen heater 201 of the fixing unit 9 described in the first embodiment. In the fixing unit 9, the start-up of the fixing unit 9 is completed when the surface temperature of the fixing roller 51 reaches 185 ° C., which is the temperature adjustment temperature in the standby mode, based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 205.

  The time required for starting up the printer unit 115 is not uniform because it depends on the cooling time of the fixing unit 9 (elapsed time after the MFP 100 has shifted to the deep sleep mode), but the fixing unit 9 in the normal temperature state is not uniform. When the heating control is performed, it takes about 2 minutes to activate the printer unit 115. In this case, in response to the detection of the human body by the human body detection sensor 112, the start of the operation unit 111 (about 30 seconds) is first completed from the deep sleep mode, and then the start of the printer unit 115 (about 2 minutes). Complete and enter standby mode.

  In this way, by starting the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 using the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger, the startup process of the printer unit 115 is performed before the operator approaching the MFP 100 operates the operation unit 111. To start. As a result, for the operator who has approached MFP 100 for the purpose of executing the image forming process, the waiting time to be experienced before the first image formation is started can be shortened, and the convenience can be further improved. Can do.

(2-2) Human Body Detection Sensor OFF Mode In this embodiment, the human body detection sensor OFF mode using the illuminance sensor 113 is applied to the MFP 100 that shifts from the deep sleep mode to the standby mode when the human body detection sensor 112 detects the human body. . In other words, in the deep sleep mode, when the environmental illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (predetermined illuminance), the MFP 100 sets the human body detection sensor OFF mode to turn off the energization to the human body detection sensor 112. Have.

  As described in (1-8), when the ambient illuminance around the MFP 100 is low, there is a probability that the operation unit 111 is unnecessarily started up by detecting a person who does not intend to use the apparatus. It will increase. This wastes power accompanying unnecessary startup of the operation unit 111.

  Therefore, when the detection value by the illuminance sensor 113 indicates a predetermined threshold value or less, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment transitions to an OFF mode in which the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112 is turned off. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 111 from being activated from unnecessary deep sleep, and to reduce the power consumption of the MFP 100. Further, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment can prevent not only the unnecessary operation unit 111 from being activated but also the unnecessary activation of the printer unit 115 from the deep sleep, so that the power consumption of the MFP 100 can be further reduced. it can.

(2-3) Flowchart FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the second embodiment, and illustrates an example of processing executed by the MFP 100 including the human body detection sensor OFF mode in the deep sleep mode.

  This flow is executed by the control unit 105. More specifically, the CPU 101 that is energized in the deep sleep mode is executed by executing a program held in the memory 102.

  Since S201 to S205 are the same as S101 to S105 (FIG. 6) of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the description of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, it can be understood by replacing the sleep mode with the standby mode.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when the environmental illuminance is brighter than the predetermined illuminance (No in S201), the human body detection sensor 112 is not turned off (S203). Accordingly, when the ambient illuminance is brighter than the predetermined illuminance, the human body detection sensor 112 can start the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 before the person touches the MFP 100. Therefore, the waiting time for the operator to experience the standby mode can be shortened, and usability is improved.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when the environmental illuminance is equal to or lower than the predetermined illuminance (Yes in S201), the human body detection sensor 112 is turned off (S202). Here, when the human body detection sensor 112 is already in the OFF state, the OFF state is maintained. That is, while the environmental illuminance of the MFP 100 is equal to or lower than the predetermined illuminance, the energization of the human body detection sensor 112 is kept in the OFF state. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress power consumption associated with the operation unit 111 standing up unnecessarily when there is a person who does not intend to use the apparatus around the MFP 100. When the illuminance sensor 113 detects a predetermined threshold value or less, the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112 itself is stopped, so that unnecessary power consumption of the human body detection sensor 112 can also be suppressed.

  In the case of No in S205, the following effects can be obtained by returning to S201 and repeating the flow. When the deep sleep mode is being executed (that is, while the trigger for returning to the standby mode is not detected), if the surroundings of the MFP 100 become below a predetermined illuminance (from a bright state to a dark state), the human body detection sensor 112 is energized Is turned off. As a result, unnecessary activation of the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 from deep sleep can be prevented, and the power consumption of the MFP 100 can be reduced.

  Further, when the periphery of the MFP 100 becomes larger than a predetermined illuminance (becomes brighter from a dark state) during execution of the deep sleep mode (that is, while a trigger for returning to the standby mode is not detected), the human body detection sensor 112 is contacted. Turn on the power. Thereby, the function of the human body detection sensor 112 is restored, and the activation processing of the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 can be started with the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger. Since the start-up of the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 is started before the person touches the MFP 100, the waiting time for the operator to experience the standby mode can be reduced, and usability is improved.

  In this embodiment, when the human body detection sensor 112 determines that the human body is around the MFP 100 (Yes in S204), the CPU 101 performs the startup process (S206) of the operation unit 111 and the startup process (S207) of the printer unit 115. Run. Then, the MFP 100 enters a standby mode.

  In this embodiment, when a trigger other than the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 is detected (Yes in S204), the CPU 101 executes the startup process (S206) of the operation unit 111 and the startup process (S207) of the printer unit 115. Run. Specifically, when the operation of the sleep button 118 is detected (Yes in S204), the process proceeds to S206 and S207. Then, the MFP 100 enters a standby mode.

  In S206 and S207, the CPU 101 transmits a command to the power supply control unit 104, and controls the power supply unit 210 so that the power supply control unit 104 shifts from the deep sleep mode to the standby mode. In S206, the I / O controller 110 to which power is supplied from the power supply unit 210 is activated, and the operation unit 111 is made operable. In step S <b> 207, power is supplied from the power supply unit 210 to the print controller 108 and the printer unit 115. When the printer controller 108 is activated, the printer controller 108 makes the printer unit 115 ready to start the next image forming command. When these activations are completed, MFP 100 enters a standby mode.

  Note that the startup process (S206) of the operation unit 111 and the startup process (S207) of the printer unit 115 may be executed in parallel or in sequence.

  As described above, when the periphery of the MFP 100 is equal to or lower than the predetermined illuminance, that is, when the operation rate of the MFP 100 is assumed to be low, the return function of the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 by the human body detection sensor 112 can be stopped. As a result, when there is a person who does not intend to use the apparatus around MFP 100, it is possible to suppress power consumption associated with unnecessary startup of operation unit 111 and printer unit 115. When the illuminance sensor 113 detects a predetermined value or less, the power supply to the human body detection sensor 112 itself is stopped, so that unnecessary power consumption of the human body detection sensor 112 can be reduced.

[Example 3]
In the first and second embodiments, a configuration is described in which the human body detection sensor OFF mode does not shift from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode (first embodiment) / standby mode (second embodiment) associated with the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112. did.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the transition from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode / standby mode accompanying the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 is not performed while the human body detection sensor 112 is in the ON state will be described.

  In the following, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described focusing on the difference from the first embodiment, taking as an example the case where the human body detection sensor invalid mode is applied instead of the human body detection sensor OFF mode to the configuration of the first embodiment. That is, the case where it shifts from deep sleep mode to sleep mode will be described as an example. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(3-1) Human Body Detection Sensor Invalid Mode The human body detection sensor invalid mode is a human body detection sensor 112 that detects a person when the environmental illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (predetermined illuminance). Regardless of whether or not, control is performed so as not to shift from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode. That is, the CPU 101 according to the present embodiment does not control ON / OFF of the human body detection sensor 112 as in the first embodiment according to the environmental illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 in the deep sleep mode. In this embodiment, even if there is a change in the signal output from the human body detection sensor 112 due to the fact that there is a human body around the MFP 100, the CPU 101 performs control by ignoring (invalidating) the signal.

  As described in (1-8), when the ambient illuminance around the MFP 100 is low, there is a probability that the operation unit 111 is unnecessarily started up by detecting a person who does not intend to use the apparatus. It will increase. This wastes power accompanying unnecessary startup of the operation unit 111.

  Therefore, when the detection value by the illuminance sensor 113 indicates a predetermined threshold value or less, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment does not execute the activation process of the operation unit 111 accompanying the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 111 from being activated from unnecessary deep sleep, and to reduce the power consumption of the MFP 100.

  The energization state in the deep sleep mode and the energization state in the sleep mode are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(3-2) Flowchart The human body detection sensor invalid mode will be described along the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the third embodiment, and is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the MFP 100 including the human body detection sensor invalid mode. This flow is executed by the control unit 105. More specifically, the CPU 101 that is energized in the deep sleep mode is executed by executing a program held in the memory 102. Note that the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  When the MFP 100 enters the deep sleep mode, such as when the operator presses the sleep button 118 of the operation unit 111, a processing flow for starting whether or not to disable human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 is started.

  In S301, the CPU 101 turns on the human body detection sensor 112. More specifically, the CPU 101 transmits a command to the power supply control unit 104, and the power supply control unit 104 controls the power supply unit 210 so that energization to the human body detection sensor 112 is turned on. If the human body detection sensor 112 is already in the ON state at the time before the start of the deep sleep mode, the ON state is maintained.

  In S302, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (in this example, 50 lx). Illuminance sensor 113 detects the environmental illuminance of MFP 100.

  In S302, if the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is greater than a predetermined threshold (50 lx in this embodiment), the CPU 101 proceeds to S303.

  S303 is a step in which the CPU 101 determines whether or not the human body detection sensor 112 has detected a human body based on the output of the human body detection sensor 112 acquired by the I / O controller 110. If the CPU 101 determines in step S303 that the human body detection sensor 112 has detected a human body, the process proceeds to step S305. If the CPU 101 determines that the human body detection sensor 112 has not detected a human body, the process proceeds to step S304.

  On the other hand, if the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (50 lx in this embodiment) in S302, the CPU 101 proceeds to S304. That is, step S303 is skipped. As a result, when the surroundings of the MFP 100 are below a predetermined illuminance, that is, when the operation rate of the MFP 100 is assumed to be low, such as during non-working hours or breaks, the operation unit 111 of the human body detection sensor 112 Return can be stopped. As a result, when there is a person who does not intend to use the apparatus around MFP 100, it is possible to suppress power consumption associated with unnecessary startup of operation unit 111.

  In step S <b> 305, the CPU 101 executes activation processing of the operation unit 111 and shifts to the sleep mode. Since S305 is the same as S106 in FIG.

  When the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is greater than the predetermined threshold (No in S302), the operation unit 111 starts to be triggered by the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 (Yes in S303, S305). Since the start-up of the operation unit 111 is started before a person touches the MFP 100, the waiting time for the operator to experience the sleep mode can be shortened, and usability is improved.

  If the CPU 101 determines in S303 that the human body detection sensor 112 has not detected a human body, or if it is determined in S302 that the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to S304. S304 is a step of determining whether or not the CPU 101 has detected a trigger other than human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger for returning from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode, as in S105 of FIG.

  If the CPU 101 detects a trigger other than the human body detection for returning to the sleep mode in S304, the CPU 101 proceeds to S305. If the CPU 101 does not detect any trigger other than the human body detection for returning to the sleep mode in S304, the CPU 101 returns to S302. The CPU 101 repeats the flow until detecting a trigger for returning from the deep sleep mode to the sleep mode (until “Yes” in S303 or S304).

  In the case of No in S304, the following effects can be obtained by returning to S302 and repeating the flow. When the deep sleep mode is being executed (that is, while the trigger for returning to the sleep mode is not detected), if the surrounding area of the MFP 100 becomes a predetermined illuminance or less (from a bright state to a dark state), step S303 is skipped. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 111 from being activated from unnecessary deep sleep, and to reduce the power consumption of the MFP 100.

  Further, during the execution of the deep sleep mode (that is, while the trigger for returning to the sleep mode is not detected), the control is performed by skipping step S303 while the periphery of the MFP 100 is equal to or lower than the predetermined illuminance. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 111 from being activated from unnecessary deep sleep, and to reduce the power consumption of the MFP 100.

  Further, when the periphery of the MFP 100 becomes larger than a predetermined illuminance (becomes brighter from a dark state) during execution of the deep sleep mode (that is, while a trigger for returning to the sleep mode is not detected), the step of S303 is skipped. Absent. Thereby, the start-up of the operation unit 111 can be started with the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 as a trigger. Since the start-up of the operation unit 111 is started before a person touches the MFP 100, the waiting time for the operator to experience the sleep mode can be shortened, and usability is improved.

  As described above, when the periphery of the MFP 100 is equal to or lower than the predetermined illuminance, that is, when the operation rate of the MFP 100 is assumed to be low, the return of the operation unit 111 by the human body detection sensor 112 can be stopped. As a result, when there is a person who does not intend to use the apparatus around MFP 100, it is possible to suppress power consumption associated with unnecessary startup of operation unit 111.

(3-3) Other Flowchart In the flow of FIG. 8, it is controlled whether or not to skip the human body detection step (S303) by the human body detection sensor 112 according to the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 (S302). The configuration may be such that the control is performed according to the flow as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the third embodiment, and is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the MFP 100 including the human body detection sensor invalid mode. This flow is executed by the control unit 105. More specifically, the CPU 101 that is energized in the deep sleep mode is executed by executing a program held in the memory 102.

  In the deep sleep mode, the human body detection sensor 112 is in an ON state (S401). When the human body detection sensor 112 detects a human body (S402 Yes), the CPU 101 determines whether the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (S403). When the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the CPU 101 activates the operation unit 111 (S405) and shifts to the sleep mode. On the other hand, if the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 113 is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, the CPU 101 proceeds to S404. When a trigger other than human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 is detected (Yes in S404), the operation unit 111 is activated (S405), and the mode is shifted to the sleep mode. When no trigger other than the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 is detected (No in S404), the process returns to S402. On the other hand, when the human body detection sensor 112 does not detect a human body (No in S402), the CPU 101 skips the step of S403 and proceeds to S404.

  The details of each step are the same as in (3-2) above, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Also in the control by such a flow, the same effect as the flow of FIG. 8 can be acquired.

  When the detection value by the illuminance sensor 113 indicates a predetermined threshold value or less, even if the human body detection sensor 112 detects a human body, the activation processing of the operation unit 111 accompanying the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 is executed. do not do. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 111 from being activated from unnecessary deep sleep, and to reduce the power consumption of the MFP 100.

  Further, in this configuration (flow of FIG. 9), the illuminance sensor 113 may be energized only when the human body detection sensor 112 detects a human body, and otherwise the illuminance sensor 113 may not be energized. Specifically, in the case of No in S402, the CPU 101 turns on the illuminance sensor 113 and causes the illuminance sensor to function, and then determines in S403. Then, the CPU 101 turns off the illuminance sensor 113 before shifting from S403 to S404 (or S405). Thereby, the power consumption of the illuminance sensor 113 in the deep sleep mode can also be reduced.

  In the third embodiment, the case where the human body detection sensor invalid mode is applied to the first embodiment has been described as an example. However, the human body detection sensor invalid mode may be applied to the second embodiment. That is, in the deep sleep mode, when the detection value by the illuminance sensor 113 is larger than a predetermined threshold, the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 are activated in accordance with the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 and applied to a configuration in which the operation mode is shifted to the standby mode. It is good. In this case, if the detection value by the illuminance sensor 113 indicates a predetermined threshold value or less, the activation processing of the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 accompanying the human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112 while the human body detection sensor 112 is energized. Do not execute. As a result, unnecessary activation of the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 from deep sleep can be prevented, and the power consumption of the MFP 100 can be reduced.

[Other examples]
In the above description, the operation unit 111 or the configuration in which the operation unit 111 and the printer unit 115 are activated by detecting a trigger (such as human body detection by the human body detection sensor 112) in the deep sleep mode has been described as an example. However, the scanner unit 116 may be activated in addition to the operation unit 111.

  In the above description, the color and intermediate transfer type electrophotographic apparatus has been described as an example of the printer unit 115. However, the configuration of the printer unit 115 is not limited thereto. It may be a monochrome electrophotographic apparatus or a direct transfer type electrophotographic apparatus. Further, the printer unit 115 may be an apparatus that forms an image on a recording material by another image forming method such as an ink jet method, without being limited to the electrophotographic method.

100 MFP
105 Control Unit 111 Operation Unit 112 Human Body Detection Sensor 113 Illuminance Sensor

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus that executes an image forming process,
An operation unit for receiving an image forming instruction from the operator;
A human body detection unit that detects the presence of a human body in a predetermined area around the image forming apparatus;
An illuminance detector that detects the illuminance around the image forming apparatus;
An execution unit that executes a startup process of the operation unit when the human body detection unit detects a human body;
A control unit that controls to stop energization of the human body detection unit in response to the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit being equal to or lower than a predetermined illuminance;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   After the controller stops energizing the human body detector, the controller continues to stop energizing the human body detector while the illuminance detected by the illuminance detector remains below the predetermined illuminance. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes an activation process of the image forming unit when the human body detecting unit detects a human body.   The control unit performs control so as to start energization of the human body detection unit when the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit becomes higher than the predetermined illuminance. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 3.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the illuminance detection unit is a sensor integrated with the human body detection unit. An image forming apparatus that executes an image forming process,
An operation unit for receiving an image forming instruction from the operator;
A human body detection unit that detects the presence of a human body in a predetermined area around the image forming apparatus;
An illuminance detector that detects the illuminance around the image forming apparatus;
A control unit that controls whether or not to execute the start-up process of the operation unit when the human body detection unit detects a human body according to the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit,
When the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit is higher than a predetermined illuminance, the control unit executes a startup process of the operation unit when the human body detection unit detects a human body, and the illuminance detection unit detects When the illuminance is equal to or less than the predetermined illuminance, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the operation unit activation process is not executed when the human body detection unit detects a human body. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material,
When the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection unit is higher than the predetermined illuminance, the control unit executes activation processing of the image forming unit when the human body detection unit detects a human body, and the illuminance detection unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the detected illuminance is equal to or less than the predetermined illuminance, the human body detecting unit does not execute the start process of the image forming unit when the human body is detected.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the illuminance detection unit is a sensor integrated with the human body detection unit.

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