JP2018043416A - Monitoring control device and image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust the time required for recovery in accordance with utilization rate.SOLUTION: When transferring to a normal mode from a power-saving mode, taking into account the fact that the utilization frequency of an image processing device 10 varies depending on the number of users present around the image processing device 10, a time zone is divided into a time period of high utilization frequency (a busy operation time zone) of the image processing device 10 and a time period of low utilization frequency (an inactive operation time zone) of the image processing device 10, monitoring control is performed differently in the respective time zones. As the monitoring control, when transferring to the power-saving mode, an effective detection distance of a camera 42 is set to 3 m and a power source is turned on during the busy operation time zone. In the inactive operation time zone, setting is started from the effective detection distance of the camera 42 being 1 m and the power source being turned off (basic settings). The power source of the camera 42 is controlled based on status of detection by a human sensing sensor 40 so that convenience is given priority during the busy operation time zone, and energy-saving preferential monitoring control is established during the inactive operation time zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a monitoring control device and an image processing device.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620 discloses a technique for detecting a user approaching an image forming apparatus and returning the image forming apparatus from power saving. Specifically, as a first mode when the presence of a person within a certain distance is detected, a second mode that consumes less power than the first mode when the presence of a person in a closer range cannot be detected. It is described to be transferred to.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-011181

  An object of the present invention is to obtain a monitoring control device and an image processing device that can adjust the time required for restoration according to the utilization rate.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided power saving means for cutting off power supply to a power supply target to save power, detection means for detecting a user approaching the power supply target, and at least the user being a power supply target The adjusting means for adjusting the detection range by the detecting means according to the usage environment classified by the usage rate of using, and the user within the detection range adjusted by the adjusting means during power saving by the power saving means And a supply control unit that supplies power to the power supply target when the power enters.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the detection range of the detection means when the usage rate of the usage environment is less than a predetermined threshold is set as a reference range, and the usage is performed. When the environmental utilization rate is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the detection range of the user by the detection means is made wider than the reference range.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the utilization rate is set in an operating time zone sorted by day of the week or time.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the utilization rate is set based on actual operating conditions based on statistics over a certain period.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the detection means is within a predetermined range in which power is always supplied even during power saving by the power saving means. A human sensor for detecting a person, and an imaging unit that is not supplied with power during power saving by the power saving unit and that is supplied with power by human detection by the human sensor and images at least the detection range. .

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the process according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the power supply target receives information from a remote location via a communication network and executes the process. The usage rate is set depending on whether or not there is a reservation for processing for the processing unit.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the invention of the sixth aspect, the usage rate set based on whether or not the processing execution instruction is reserved for the processing unit has a certain period after the reservation as an effective period.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the monitoring control device according to any one of claims 6 or 7 is provided, and the processing unit is configured to store image information. The image processing apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus including the monitoring control apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the time required for recovery according to the utilization rate.

  According to invention of Claim 2, a detection range can be adjusted based on a utilization factor.

  According to invention of Claim 3, a utilization factor can be set in an operation time zone.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the utilization rate can be set by the statistical value of the actual operation status.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, a human sensor and a camera can be used as the detecting means.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the detection range can be adjusted based on the processing reservation to the processing unit.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the effective period of the detection range can be set.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the time required for recovery according to the utilization rate.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the time required for return according to the utilization rate.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the image processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view of an image processing apparatus periphery which shows the human effective detection distance by the human sensitive sensor and camera which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring control routine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring control routine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows an image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12 that forms an image on a recording sheet, an image reading unit 14 that reads an original image, and a facsimile communication control circuit 16. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a main controller 18 that functions as a power saving unit, an adjustment unit, and a supply unit, and controls the image forming unit 12, the image reading unit 14, and the facsimile communication control circuit 16, for example, image reading The image data of the document image read by the unit 14 is temporarily stored, or the read image data is sent to the image forming unit 12 or the facsimile communication control circuit 16.

  The image forming unit 12, the image reading unit 14, the facsimile communication control circuit, and the main controller 18 can be power supply targets.

  A network communication network 20 such as the Internet is connected to the main controller 18, and a telephone network 22 is connected to the facsimile communication control circuit 16. The main controller 18 is connected to, for example, the PC 24 (personal computer) shown in FIG. 2 via the network communication line network 20, and receives image data. The main controller 18 performs facsimile reception and facsimile transmission using the telephone line network 22 via the facsimile communication control circuit 16.

  The image reading unit 14 receives a document table for positioning the document, a scanning drive system that scans an image of the document placed on the document table and emits light, and light reflected or transmitted by scanning of the scan drive system. And a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD for converting into an electrical signal.

  The image forming unit 12 includes a photoconductor. Around the photoconductor, a charging device that uniformly charges the photoconductor, a scanning exposure unit that scans a light beam based on image data, and the scanning exposure unit. An image developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed by scanning exposure, a transfer unit that transfers the developed image on the photoreceptor to a recording sheet, and a surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer are cleaned. And a cleaning unit. A fixing unit for fixing the image on the recording paper after transfer is provided on the recording paper conveyance path.

  The image processing apparatus 10 is supplied with power from a commercial power supply 26. In the image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, a normal mode in which power is supplied from the commercial power supply 26 and a power saving mode (including power supply 0 W) that suppresses the power supply from the commercial power supply 26 to a necessary minimum. Control to transition between the two is executed.

(Control system hardware configuration of image processing apparatus)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the control system of the image processing apparatus 10.

  The network communication network 20 is connected to the main controller 18 of the image processing apparatus 10. The network communication line network 20 is connected to a PC 24 that can be a transmission source of image data.

  The main controller 18 is connected to a facsimile communication control circuit 16, an image reading unit 14, an image forming unit 12, a UI touch panel 30, and an IC card reader / writer 32 through buses 28A to 28E such as a data bus and a control bus. Has been. That is, each processing unit of the image processing apparatus 10 is controlled mainly by the main controller 18. The UI touch panel 30 is provided with a UI touch panel backlight unit 30BL.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes a power supply device 34 and is connected to the main controller 18 by a signal harness 36.

  The power supply 34 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 26 via the input power supply line 38.

  In the power supply device 34, a power supply line 38A that supplies power independently to the main controller 18, the facsimile communication control circuit 16, the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 12, the UI touch panel 30, and the IC card reader / writer 32. -38E are provided. For this reason, the main controller 18 individually supplies power to each power supply target (hereinafter also referred to as “processing unit”, “device”, “module”, “operated target”, etc.). Mode) or power cutoff (power saving mode), so-called partial power saving control is possible. Note that partial power saving in units of processing units is an example, and the processing units may be classified into several groups, and power saving control may be performed in units of groups.

  The main controller 18 is connected with a human sensor 40 as an example of a detection unit and a camera 42, and monitors the presence or absence of a moving body including people around the image processing apparatus 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the human sensor 40 and the camera 42 are attached to a vertically long rectangular pillar portion provided between the image reading unit 14 and the image forming unit 12 in the image processing apparatus 10. . The pillar portion is provided in a columnar shape at a portion that mainly connects the upper housing that covers the image reading portion 14 and the lower housing that mainly covers the image forming portion 12, and the inside thereof is a recording paper conveyance system or the like (illustrated). (Omitted) is assembled.

  In the first embodiment, the target of partial power saving includes the main controller 18. That is, when all the processing units are saved, the monitoring control unit 18A provided in the main controller 18 receives the minimum necessary power and cuts off the power supply to other control devices.

  The monitoring control unit 18A may include, for example, an IC chip called an ASIC, which stores an operation program by itself and is processed by the operation program, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  In the monitoring during power saving, the monitoring control unit 18A, for example, when a print request is received from the communication line detection unit or a FAX reception request is received from the FAX line detection unit, Supply power.

  Note that the power supply source of the monitoring control unit 18A is the commercial power supply 26 in the first embodiment, but the power generated by the solar panel, a power supply unit having a storage function such as a battery and a capacitor, regenerative energy, etc. A generator or the like that generates electricity may be used as a power supply source.

(Functions of the human sensor 40 and the camera 42)
When the user stands in front of the image processing apparatus 10 in the power saving mode and then, for example, operates a power saving control button (not shown) to resume power supply, it takes time until the image processing apparatus 10 starts up was there.

  Therefore, the human sensor 40 and the camera 42 are installed. In the power saving mode, the human sensor 40 detects the human sensor 40 before pressing the power saving release button, and supplies power to the camera 42. By supplying power to each processing unit, users can use it quickly.

  In other words, the camera 42 is configured so as not to receive power supply at all times (camera off).

  Although the human sensor 40 is “human feeling”, this is a proper noun in the first embodiment, and it is sufficient that at least a person can sense (detect) it. In other words, it includes sensing (detection) of a moving body other than a person, but the first embodiment will be described specifically for a person. The person includes a person who uses the image processing apparatus 10 (hereinafter, may be distinguished as a user) and a person who does not use the image processing apparatus 10.

  If there is a moving body (animal, robot, etc.) that operates the image processing apparatus 10 other than a person, the moving body may be replaced with a person.

  The human sensor 40 is typically an infrared sensor using a pyroelectric effect of a pyroelectric element (pyroelectric sensor), and the pyroelectric sensor is also used as the human sensor 40 in the first embodiment. Has been applied. For example, in a pyroelectric sensor, when a temperature change amount in a detection range exceeds a threshold value in advance, a binary signal that is an output signal is inverted.

  When the person (user) enters the detection area of the human sensor 40, the camera 42 is supplied with electric power (camera is turned on) and starts to operate. It is configured to instruct the start-up from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

  In the power saving mode, the human sensor 40 receives power from the monitoring control unit 18A and monitors the movement of people around the image processing apparatus 10. In the human sensor 40, when a person is detected, cooperative control is performed such that supply of power to the camera 42 in the power cut-off state is started during the power saving mode.

  In the first embodiment, the human sensor 40 and the camera 42 are connected to the main controller 18. The effective detection distance (effective imaging distance) of the camera 42 can be adjusted, and in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, it can be adjusted to 1 m and 3 m.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the effective detection distance of the camera 42 is set to 1 m, the user 44 is ineffective detection at the position A in FIG. 3, and the user 44 is in B in FIG. It is effective detection at the position of.

  In addition, when the effective detection distance of the camera 42 is set to 3 m, the detection is effective regardless of whether the user 44 is at the position A or the position B in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, as a basic setting when shifting to the power saving mode, when the effective detection distance is 1 m, the camera 42 is turned off, and when the effective detection distance is 3 m, the camera 42 is turned on. The camera 42 is turned on when the effective detection distance is 1 m as an irregular setting.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the camera power is on, it may be determined whether or not to use the image processing apparatus 10 based on information captured at the effective detection distance. For example, it can be determined that the line of sight is directed to the image processing apparatus 10 and is used when the line of sight is not directed.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 includes the power saving control button, and the user can perform a power saving instruction or cancel power saving manually. In the first embodiment, the power saving control button, the human sensor 40 and the camera 42 are used together. However, the human power sensor 40 and the camera 42 may perform all monitoring without the power saving control button. Is possible.

  Here, if importance is attached to the convenience during the power saving mode, for example, a person at a position of 3 m is detected earlier than detecting a person within 1 m, and the image processing apparatus 10 is shifted to the normal mode to shift the image processing apparatus 10. It is desirable to be able to process.

  On the other hand, if importance is placed on energy saving in the power saving mode, for example, even if a person at a position 3 m from the image processing apparatus 10 is detected, it is uncertain whether the use 44 actually uses the image processing apparatus 10 or not. Thus, shifting to the normal mode may reduce the energy saving performance.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, when shifting from the power saving mode to the normal mode, attention is paid to the fact that the frequency of use of the image processing apparatus 10 varies depending on the number of users around the image processing apparatus 10. The time zone is divided into a period when the usage frequency of the image processing apparatus 10 is high (busy operating time zone) and a period when the usage frequency of the image processing apparatus 10 is low (low operating time zone). Monitoring control was executed.

  In the first embodiment, the busy operating time zone (X) is set to 9: 00 ≦ X <17:00 on weekdays (Monday to Friday) (hereinafter, 9: 00 to 17: 17) based on the working hours of general companies. 00)) and the non-busy hours (Y) other than the busy season (Saturday, Sunday, and weekdays 17: 00 ≦ Y <9:00 (hereinafter referred to as 17:00 to 9:00))) did.

  In the first embodiment, as monitoring control, the effective detection distance of the camera 42 is set to 3 m and the power supply is turned on in the busy operation time zone when shifting to the power saving mode. In the quiet operation time zone, the effective detection distance of the camera 42 is set to 1 m and the power is turned off (basic setting).

  As a result, by controlling the power source of the camera 42 based on the detection status by the human sensor 40 (see FIG. 4 described later in detail), priority is given to convenience in busy operating hours, and energy saving priority is given to in quiet operating hours. Supervisory control is established.

  The operation of the first embodiment will be described below.

(Example of mode transition of power supply control of image processing apparatus 10)
If the image processing apparatus 10 is not processed, the operation state is the power saving mode. During the power saving mode, the minimum necessary power is supplied to the monitoring control unit 18A, the human sensor 40, and the camera 42 to monitor the movement (entrance) of the person.

  Here, when there is a start-up opportunity, the operating state transitions to a warm-up (warm-up operation) mode.

  Note that a mode in which the power supply amount increases more than the power supply in the original power saving mode by activation of the main controller 18 and the UI touch panel 30 may be provided after the startup trigger. This mode may still be defined as power saving or as another mode.

  Further, after the start-up opportunity, for example, the mode returns to a mode in which a job can be selected (UI touch panel 30 activation (power supply)), which device is activated depending on the selected job, and the job type In the case of image reading or the like, the image forming unit 12 may not be warmed up if it is not activated (partial power saving control).

  The warm-up mode is a warm-up operation for quickly bringing the image processing apparatus 10 (mainly the temperature of the fixing unit of the image forming unit 12) into a processable state, and has the maximum power consumption in each mode. .

  For example, in the first embodiment, an IH heater is applied as a heater in the fixing unit, and as a comparative example, the warm-up mode time is relatively shorter than that of a heater using a halogen lamp. . An IH heater and a halogen lamp can be used in combination. The warm-up operation is a mode that consumes the most power (for example, 1200 W).

  When the warm-up mode ends, the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode.

  The standby mode is literally a “preparation is complete in preparation” mode, and the image processing apparatus 10 is ready to execute an image processing operation.

  For this reason, when there is a job execution operation as a key input, the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the running mode, and image processing based on the instructed job is executed.

  When the image processing is completed (when a plurality of continuous jobs are waiting, when all the continuous jobs are completed), the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 is changed to the standby mode by the standby trigger.

  Note that, after image processing, timing by a timer function may be started, and a standby trigger may be output after a predetermined period of time has elapsed to transition to the standby mode.

  If there is a job execution instruction during the standby mode, the mode transits to the running mode again. When the power saving mode transition condition is satisfied, the mode transits to the power saving mode.

(Monitoring control during power saving mode)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a monitoring control routine mainly in the power saving mode of the image processing apparatus 10 after startup.

  Immediately after the image processing apparatus 10 is activated, it operates in the normal mode. In step 100, it is determined whether or not the power saving mode transition condition is satisfied.

  The power saving mode transition condition is determined based on whether or not there is a job being executed and whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the user performed the final operation. For example, when there is no job being executed and the UI touch panel 30 is not operated for a certain period, it is determined that the power saving mode transition condition is satisfied.

  If it is determined in step 100 that the power saving mode transition condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step 102, where it is determined whether the normal mode is continued and a user operation is performed during the normal mode.

  If a negative determination is made in step 102, the process returns to step 100. If the determination in step 102 is affirmative (user operation is present), the process proceeds to step 104 and a normal process (for example, a job including an image forming process, an image reading process, and a facsimile transmission / reception process) according to the user operation. ) And return to Step 100.

  On the other hand, if the power saving mode transition condition is satisfied at step 100, the routine proceeds to step 106, where it is determined whether or not it is a busy operating time zone. In the first embodiment, it is determined whether the current time is a preset operation time zone (for example, Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00) as the busy operation time zone.

  In step 106, if an affirmative determination is made, that is, if it is determined that the current time is in a busy operating time zone, the process proceeds to step 108, the effective detection distance set value by the camera 42 is set to 3 m, and the process proceeds to step 114. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 106 that the negative determination and development time are in the quiet operation time zone (outside the busy operation time zone), the process proceeds to step 110 and the effective detection distance setting by the camera 42 is set to 1 m. Then, the process proceeds to step 112, the power of the camera 42 is turned off, and the process proceeds to step 114. That is, the effective detection distance is set (1 m), but the camera 42 does not function.

  In step 114, processing for shifting to the power saving mode is performed. When the power saving mode transition process ends in step 114, the process proceeds to step 116.

  In step 116, it is determined whether the camera 42 is turned on or off. If it is determined in step 116 that the power of the camera 42 is off, it is determined that it is a quiet operation time zone, and the process proceeds to step 118 to determine whether or not a person is detected by the human sensor 40. .

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 118, it is determined that the user is approaching the image processing apparatus 10, the process proceeds to step 124, the camera 42 is turned on, and the process returns to step 116. In the case of a transition from the affirmative determination in step 118 to step 124, the so-called irregular setting that the effective detection distance of the camera 42 is set to 1 m and the power of the camera 42 is turned on (the basic setting is effective in steps 110 and 112). Detection distance 1 m, power off).

  Further, when a negative determination is made at step 118, the routine proceeds to step 120, where it is determined whether or not a busy operating time period has been started during the power saving mode. If a negative determination is made in step 120, the process returns to step 116.

  If the determination in step 120 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 122, the detection distance setting of the camera 42 is set to 3 m, the process proceeds to step 124, the power of the camera 42 is turned on, and the process returns to step 116.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 116 that the camera 42 is powered on, the process proceeds to step 126.

  Here, the operating time in which the power of the camera 42 is determined to be turned on in step 116 is a busy operating time zone in the basic setting (step 108), but in the irregular setting (positive determination in step 118 and step 124). Since it is a quiet operation time zone, there is a possibility of any operation time zone.

  In step 126, a person is detected by the camera 42, and whether or not the user uses the image processing apparatus 10 is determined based on the captured image. Note that the effective detection distance of the camera 42 is changed depending on the operation time zone (the busy operation time zone or the quiet operation time zone).

  If the determination in step 126 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the user is a user who uses the image processing apparatus 10, the process proceeds to step 128 to perform processing for shifting from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Return to step 100.

  If the determination in step 126 is negative, that is, if the camera 42 does not detect a person within the effective detection distance, it is determined that the user does not use the image processing apparatus 10, and the process proceeds to step 130, where It is determined whether or not is in a quiet operation time zone.

  If a negative determination is made in this step 130, that is, if it is a busy operating time zone, the process returns to step 126, and the human detection by the imaging of the camera 42 is repeated.

  If the determination in step 130 is affirmative, that is, it is determined that the transition to the quiet operation time zone has been made, the process proceeds to step 132, the effective detection distance setting of the camera 42 is set to 1 m, and the process proceeds to step 134.

  In step 134, it is determined whether the human sensor 40 has not detected a person for a certain period of time. If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 126. If an affirmative determination is made in step 134, the process proceeds to step 136, the power of the camera 42 is turned off (basic setting for a quiet operation time zone), and the process proceeds to step 116.

  According to the first embodiment, during a busy operating time period in which the user is frequently used, the camera 42 is kept on even during the power saving mode and approaches within a range of 3 m from the image processing apparatus 10. The incoming user can be detected.

  Also, during the non-operating hours, the camera 42 is turned off until it is detected by the human sensor 40, and is limited to a user approaching within 1 m from the image processing apparatus 10. And can be detected.

  Thereby, if it is a busy operation time zone, the user is detected from a farther distance than the quiet operation time zone, and the mode is shifted from the power saving mode to the normal mode. The waiting time is reduced.

  On the other hand, if it is a quiet operation time zone, the power of the camera 42 is turned off until the human sensor 40 detects a person, thereby reducing the power consumption in the power saving mode compared to the busy operation time zone. It becomes possible.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the operation is changed between the busy operation time zone and the quiet operation time zone, but the combination of operations is not limited to two and may be three or more.

  Further, the change target in the busy operation time zone and the quiet operation time zone is the human effective detection distance of the image by the camera 42, but is not limited to this, and the human detection range (human detection detection angle) of the image by the camera 42 is used. Alternatively, the effective detection distance of the human sensor 40 may be used.

(Variation regarding setting of busy working hours and quiet working hours)
In the first embodiment, the busy period in the operating hours is set to 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays (Monday to Friday) based on the working hours of general companies, and the off-season period is other than the busy period (Saturday, Sunday) However, it is not necessary to set the busy time and the quiet time in the operation time zone based on the working hours of general companies, and the following modes are conceivable.

  (Aspect 1) The day of the week and the set time are set according to the job type. For example, newspaper companies, publishers, and the like often have night work, and if the set time can be changed, busy and quiet operation hours suitable for the installation location of the image processing apparatus 10 can be achieved.

  (Aspect 2) Adjust to the brightness of the room. For example, if the brightness is above a certain level, it is determined that the usage rate of the image processing apparatus 10 is high, and the busy time zone is set.

  (Aspect 3) Match the processing amount of the communication device. For example, the communication amount of a LAN (local area network) is acquired, and if the communication amount is a certain amount or more, it is determined that the usage rate of the image processing apparatus 10 is high, and the busy time period is set.

  (Aspect 4) Based on the entrance / exit information of the room by the ID card possessed by the employee or the like, the number of persons existing in the room is adjusted. For example, if there is a certain number of people or more, it is determined that the usage rate of the image processing apparatus 10 is high, and the busy time period is set.

  (Aspect 5) Based on the actual operation status according to statistics of the image processing apparatus 10 for a certain period, a time zone with a high utilization rate and a time zone with a low usage rate are sorted.

  According to the first embodiment, in the power saving mode, the recovery time is adjusted according to the utilization rate, compared to the case where the restoration condition is set regardless of the utilization rate (usage frequency) and the restoration takes time. It becomes possible to do.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment uses the same drawing, and the same reference numerals are given, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

  The feature of the second embodiment is that the state of the power saving mode in the first embodiment is changed depending on whether it is a busy operation time or a quiet operation time zone, while the second embodiment is in the power saving mode. In addition, when an image formation instruction is received in response to a request from the PC 24 (see FIG. 2), the monitoring control is changed.

  When receiving an image formation instruction, the image processing apparatus 10 temporarily stores information for image formation and waits for output. In this case, it is predicted that the user who has instructed from the PC 24 in a relatively short time will come to pick up the print waiting for output.

  Therefore, the detection level is changed according to the presence or absence of the print waiting for output.

  In the second embodiment, when there is an output waiting print, the detection level is set to “simple”, and when there is no output waiting print, the detection level is set to “normal”.

  The detection level is “simple” is a setting for turning on the camera 42 but shifting to the normal mode without performing human detection by the camera 42.

  The detection level “normal” is a setting for turning on the power of the camera 42 and executing human detection by the camera 42.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a monitoring control routine of the image processing apparatus 10 after activation according to the second embodiment.

  Immediately after the image processing apparatus 10 is activated, it operates in the normal mode, and in step 200, it is determined whether or not the power saving mode transition condition is satisfied.

  The power saving mode transition condition is determined based on whether or not there is a job being executed and whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the user performed the final operation. For example, when there is no job being executed and the UI touch panel 30 is not operated for a certain period, it is determined that the power saving mode transition condition is satisfied.

  If it is determined in step 200 that the power saving mode transition condition is not satisfied, the routine proceeds to step 202, where the normal mode is continued, and the user operation during the normal mode or the information for image formation from the PC 24 is obtained. It is determined whether or not there is reception.

  If a negative determination is made in step 202, the process returns to step 200. If the determination in step 202 is affirmative (user operation or reception of information for image formation is present), the process proceeds to step 204 and normal processing (for example, image formation processing, image reading, etc.) is performed according to the user operation. Processing and a job including facsimile transmission / reception processing), and the process returns to step 200.

  For example, when an image formation instruction is received together with the image formation information in step 202, the authentication information included in the image formation instruction is acquired and collated with the authentication information stored in the image processing apparatus 10. If the collation fails, acceptance of the print instruction is terminated. If the collation is successful, the image formation instruction is decomposed, and the authentication information and the image formation information are stored in association with each other as an output waiting print.

  On the other hand, if the power saving mode transition condition is satisfied at step 202, the routine proceeds to step 206, where it is determined whether an output waiting print is stored.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 206, that is, if there is a print waiting for output, the process proceeds to step 208, the detection level is set to “simple”, and the process proceeds to step 212. For example, in the case of program processing, the setting in step 208 means setting the detection level flag F (F ← 1).

  If the determination in step 206 is negative, that is, if there is no print waiting for output, the process proceeds to step 210, the detection level is set to “normal”, and the process proceeds to step 212. For example, in the case of program processing, the setting in step 210 means that the detection level flag F is reset (F ← 0).

  In step 212, the power of the camera 42 is turned off, and then the process proceeds to step 214 to perform processing for shifting to the power saving mode.

  In step 214, when the power saving mode transition process is completed, the routine proceeds to step 216, where it is determined whether information for image formation has been received.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 216, it is determined that information for image formation has been received, the process proceeds to step 218, the power of the camera 42 is turned on, and then the process proceeds to step 220 to enter the normal mode. Return to step 200.

  If the determination in step 216 is negative, it is determined that information for image formation has not been received, and the process proceeds to step 222 to determine whether the camera 42 is powered on.

  If a negative determination is made in step 222, that is, if the power of the camera 42 is off, the process proceeds to step 224 to determine whether or not a person has been detected by the human sensor 40.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 224, that is, if it is determined that a person has been detected by the human sensor 40, the process proceeds to step 226 to determine whether or not the detection level is “simple”.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 226, the detection level is “simple”, so the process proceeds to step 218, the camera power is turned on (currently, if the camera 42 is on, it is maintained), and the process proceeds to step 220. The process shifts to the normal mode without performing human detection by the camera 42.

  If a negative determination is made in step 226, the detection level is not “simple” (the detection level is “normal”), so the process proceeds to step 228, the power of the camera 42 is turned on, and the process proceeds to step 216. Return.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 224, that is, if the person cannot be detected by the human sensor 40, the process proceeds to step 230 to determine whether or not a certain period (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed after the power saving mode. To do.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step 230 (a certain period of time has elapsed), the process proceeds to step 232, the detection level is changed to “normal”, and the process returns to step 216. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 230 (a certain period has not elapsed), the detection level remains “simple” and the process returns to step 216.

  Next, when a negative determination is made in step 216 and the process proceeds to step 222, an affirmative determination is made in step 222. That is, if the camera 42 is powered on, the process proceeds to step 234 and the image captured by the camera 42 is used. Perform human detection.

  In step 234, when a person is detected from the image captured by the camera 42, the process proceeds to step 218, the power of the camera 42 is maintained on, the process proceeds to step 220, and the process proceeds to the normal mode. Control goes to step 200.

  If no person is detected from the image captured by the camera 42 in step 234, the process proceeds to step 236, where it is determined whether or not a person has not been detected by the human sensor 40 for a certain period of time. If so, the process returns to step 216. If an affirmative determination is made in step 236, the process proceeds to step 238, the camera 42 is turned off, and the process returns to step 216.

  According to the second embodiment, when there is a print waiting for output, only the human sensor 40 detects a person for a certain period (for example, 5 minutes) to shift from the power saving mode to the normal mode. .

  As a result, when the user comes to pick up an output-waiting print, the print exists, so the image processing apparatus 10 turns on the camera 42 and performs human detection based on the image captured by the camera 42. It is possible to shift to the normal mode without taking time, and to reduce the waiting time of the user in front of the image processing apparatus 10.

(Modification regarding detection function)
In the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the camera 42 is mounted on the image processing apparatus 10. However, the camera 42 does not have to be mounted on the image processing apparatus 10. For example, information from a camera installed in a living room (for example, a ceiling) may be obtained. The camera may be an existing surveillance camera or a new dedicated camera.

  Further, a human sensor 40 (pyroelectric sensor) is applied to start up the camera 42 (power supply or power supply and human detection control), and the effective detection of the camera 42 is detected depending on whether it is within a busy operation time or a light operation time. Although the distance is changed (adjusted), as the human sensor 40, a pyroelectric sensor and a reflective sensor may be used in combination.

  In this case, a relatively distant person (user) is detected by the pyroelectric sensor during the busy operation time, and a relatively near person (UI of the image processing apparatus 10) is detected by the reflection sensor during the non-working operation time. A user facing the touch panel 30 may be detected.

  As power supply control when a reflective sensor is additionally applied to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, a pyroelectric sensor (first embodiment) that consumes relatively little power is used. When a person is detected, power is supplied to a reflective sensor that consumes relatively more power than the human sensor 40 and less than the camera 42 to approach the image processing apparatus 10. It is possible to determine the power supply timing, and then start up the camera 42 that consumes the most power and identify the user in three stages.

  Note that the usage rates set in the first embodiment and the second embodiment (each including modifications) may be fixedly applied by default based on the usage environment at the time of shipment. However, it may be calculated by the own apparatus (image processing apparatus 10) or received from an external apparatus and changed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image processing apparatus 12 Image forming part 14 Image reading part 16 Facsimile communication control circuit 18 Main controller 20 Network communication line network 22 Telephone line network 24 PC
26 Commercial power supply 28A-28E Bus 30 UI touch panel 30BL Backlight unit for UI touch panel 32 IC card reader / writer 34 Power supply 36 Signal harness 38 Input power supply line 38A-38E Power supply line 40 Human sensor 42 Camera

Claims (9)

A power saving means for cutting power supply to a power supply target to save power;
Detecting means for detecting a user approaching the power supply target;
An adjustment unit that adjusts a detection range by the detection unit according to a usage environment classified by a usage rate at least by which a user uses a power supply target;
Supply means for supplying power to the power supply target when a user enters the detection range adjusted by the adjustment means during power saving by the power saving means;
A monitoring and control device. When the usage rate of the usage environment is less than a predetermined threshold, the detection range of the detection means is a reference range,
The monitoring control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the usage rate of the usage environment is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a detection range of a user by the detection unit is made wider than the reference range.   The monitoring control device according to claim 1, wherein the utilization rate is set in an operation time zone sorted according to a day of the week or a time.   The monitoring control device according to claim 1, wherein the utilization rate is set based on an actual operation status based on statistics for a certain period. The detection means is
A human sensor for detecting a person within a predetermined range in which power is always supplied even during power saving by the power saving means,
5. An imaging unit that captures at least the inside of the detection range by not being supplied with power during power saving by the power saving unit but supplied with power by human detection by the human sensor. The monitoring control apparatus of Claim 1. The power supply target includes a processing unit that receives information from a remote location via a communication line network and executes processing,
The monitoring control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the utilization rate is set depending on whether or not a process is reserved for the processing unit.   The monitoring control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the usage rate set based on whether or not there is a reservation for a process execution instruction for the processing unit is a fixed period after the reservation. A monitoring control device according to any one of claims 6 and 7, comprising:
An image processing apparatus, wherein the processing unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image information.   An image processing apparatus comprising the monitoring control apparatus according to claim 1.