JP2021006367A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To predict the use state by factoring in meteorological conditions such as weather and properly reduce the power consumption of an image formation apparatus.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 1 comprises: a control unit 100 which shifts the apparatus to the power-saving mode when the power-saving mode shifting time elapses in the unused state; a use state data storage unit 113 which stores the use state data indicating the use state of the image formation apparatus 1 in association with the meteorological data at the use; a prediction unit 106 which analyzes the use state data and predicts the use frequency under the weather indicated by weather forecast information of the installation place of the image formation apparatus 1; and a first setting unit 107 which sets the type of power-saving mode and length of the power-saving mode shifting time as the setting of reducing the power consumption as the use frequency becomes low on the basis of the use frequency predicted by the prediction unit 106. The control unit 100 performs the shifting control to the power-saving mode in accordance with the content set by the first setting unit 107.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to control according to a frequency of use.

Image forming devices such as copiers and multifunction devices are equipped with a function of shifting to a power saving mode that suppresses power consumption when the standby time for shifting to the power saving mode elapses when not in use. Further, Patent Document 1 below describes that the frequency of use for each time zone is calculated in order to further reduce power consumption, and the standby time for shifting to the power saving mode is shortened in the time zone when the frequency of use is low. Has been done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-034366

Even when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, power is consumed, so even though it is used frequently, if the standby time for shifting to the power saving mode is shortened, the transition to the power saving mode and the return to the normal mode are frequent. It will be done and the power consumption will rather increase. On the other hand, if the standby time for shifting to the power saving mode is lengthened even though the frequency of use is low, the mode is not shifted to the power saving mode in the middle, and power is wasted.

By the way, it is considered that the frequency of use in the image forming apparatus depends not only on the time zone but also on the weather and the installation location. For example, it is expected that many multifunction devices installed in convenience stores will be used less frequently in the rain than in the sunny weather.

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the weather is not taken into consideration in the calculation of the frequency of use. Therefore, there is a possibility that the waiting time for shifting to the power saving mode may be shortened even though the usage frequency is high on a sunny day, or the waiting time for shifting to the power saving mode may be lengthened even though the usage frequency is low due to rain. ..

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to predict future usage conditions in consideration of weather such as weather, and to make it possible to more appropriately reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus. ..

The image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has a control unit that shifts to a power saving mode that suppresses power consumption when a predetermined power saving mode transition time elapses in an unused state, and a usage status of the image forming apparatus. In the usage status data storage unit that stores the usage status data shown in association with the weather data at the time of use, the first acquisition unit that acquires the weather forecast information of the installation location of the image forming apparatus, and the usage status data storage unit. From the stored usage status data, the usage frequency is calculated based on the prediction unit that predicts the usage frequency in the weather indicated by the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit and the usage frequency predicted by the prediction unit. As a setting for reducing the power consumption as the value becomes lower, a first setting unit for setting at least one of the type of the power saving mode and the length of the power saving mode transition time is provided, and the control unit further provides. Control is performed to shift to the power saving mode according to the contents set by the first setting unit.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a charging processing unit that executes charging processing according to the content of a print job, a second acquisition unit that acquires weather data when the image forming apparatus is used, and a second acquisition unit. A usage status data storage unit that stores usage status data indicating the usage status of the image forming apparatus in association with the weather data acquired by the second acquisition unit, and the usage status data storage unit that stores the usage status data. Based on the prediction unit that predicts the frequency of use in the weather indicated by the weather forecast information of the installation location of this image forming device from the usage status data, and the frequency of use predicted by the prediction unit, the section increases as the frequency of use decreases. A second setting unit for setting a billing content that reduces the amount of money is provided, and the billing processing unit further executes the billing process according to the content set by the second setting unit.

According to the present invention, since the type of power saving mode or the length of the power saving mode transition time is set for each future weather, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be more appropriately adjusted according to the fluctuation of the frequency of use based on the weather. Can be reduced.

It is a functional block diagram which roughly showed the main internal structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed an example of the usage situation data storage part. It is a figure which showed an example of the weather forecast information storage part. (A) to (C) are diagrams showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process performed by the control unit of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which showed an example of the setting contents storage part. It is a figure which showed an example of the usage situation data storage part. It is a functional block diagram which roughly showed the main internal structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which roughly showed the main internal structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which showed an example of the operation screen displayed on the display part. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a main internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, and further shifts to a predetermined power saving mode in a state of not being used. It is a multifunction device equipped with a function of shifting to a power saving mode that suppresses power consumption when the standby time for causing the printer (hereinafter referred to as a power saving mode transition time) elapses. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 111, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a motion sensor 31, and an operation. A unit 47 and a network interface unit 91 are provided. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured so that the charging apparatus 110 can be connected.

The billing device 110 (eg, a coin vendor) is a known device that accepts the input of money, collects a fee for printing, and refunds the balance. The billing device 110 includes a cash slot (not shown), an input detection sensor for detecting that money has been inserted, a type identification sensor for identifying the type of money inserted, a balance display unit, and a money return port. It is equipped with a mechanical part including such as. The billing device 110 recognizes the input amount, charges by subtracting the amount according to the printing performed (performed according to an instruction from the charge processing unit 102 described later), recognizes the remaining amount after the charge, and the like. The billing device 110 operates under the control of the image forming device 1.

A case where the document reading operation is performed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The document reading unit 5 optically reads the image of the document conveyed to the document reading position by the document feeding unit 6 or the document placed on the contact glass shown in the drawing, and generates image data. The image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in an image memory or the like (not shown).

A case where the image forming operation is performed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Based on the image data generated by the document reading operation and the image data received from the external device 20 such as a personal computer connected to the network, the image forming unit 12 records as a recording medium to be fed from the paper feeding unit 14. Form a toner image on paper.

The HDD 111 is a large-capacity storage device, and includes an installation location storage unit 112, a usage status data storage unit 113, a weather forecast information storage unit 114, and a setting content storage unit 115. The installation location storage unit 112 stores the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 set by the user, which is received by the setting reception unit 104 described later.

The usage status data storage unit 113 uses the date, day, and time zone (time from a predetermined first time to another predetermined time after the first time) when the image forming apparatus 1 is used. By associating the weather data (weather, temperature, precipitation) at the place where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed, the total usage time of the image forming apparatus 1 in the time zone (image formation by each user). The total time that the device 1 has been used) is stored as usage status data. For example, as shown in the uppermost column of the data group shown in FIG. 2, the usage status data storage unit 113 stores that March 11, 2019 is Monday, and from 0:00 to 1:00 on that day. With the above time zone, the total usage time in the time zone is "12 minutes", the weather in that time zone is "rain", the temperature is "11.1 ° C", and the precipitation is "1.0 mm". Information indicating that there was was stored.

The weather forecast information storage unit 114 stores predetermined hourly weather forecast information (weather, temperature, precipitation) at the place where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the weather forecast information storage unit 114, the weather forecast from 0:00 to 3:00 on May 13, 2019 is "rain", the temperature forecast is "16 ° C", and precipitation. Information indicating that the quantity forecast is "5 mm / h" is stored.

The setting content storage unit 115 will be described in detail later.

The fixing unit 13 heats and pressurizes the recording paper on which the toner image is formed by the image forming unit 12 to fix the toner image on the recording paper, and the recording paper (printed matter) subjected to the fixing process is shown in FIG. It is discharged to the abbreviated discharge tray. The paper feed unit 14 includes a paper feed cassette.

The motion sensor 31 detects the approach of a person to the image forming apparatus 1. As the motion sensor 31, for example, a sensor that detects infrared rays emitted by the human body is used.

The operation unit 47 receives instructions such as an image formation operation execution instruction from the operator for various operations and processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guidance and the like to the operator.

The display unit 473 has a touch panel function, and the operator can operate the image forming apparatus 1 by touching the buttons and keys displayed on the screen.

The network interface unit 91 transmits and receives various data to and from the external device 20 in the local area or on the Internet. The network interface unit 91 is, for example, an expansion device such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) for connecting the image forming device 1 to a communication network (LAN). This is an example of a communication unit within the scope of claims.

The control unit 10 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a dedicated hardware circuit. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100, a display control unit 101, a charge processing unit 102, an operation reception unit 103, an acquisition unit 105, a prediction unit 106, and a first setting unit 107.

The control unit 10 is operated by the processor according to the control program stored in the HDD 111 or the like, and the control unit 100, the display control unit 101, the charge processing unit 102, the operation reception unit 103, the acquisition unit 105, the prediction unit 106, And functions as the first setting unit 107. However, the control unit 100 and the like can be configured by hardware circuits, regardless of the operation according to the control program by the control unit 10. Hereinafter, the same applies to each embodiment unless otherwise specified.

The control unit 100 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 includes a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image forming unit 12, HDD 111, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a motion sensor 31, an operation unit 47, a network interface unit 91, and a billing device 110. It is connected to and controls the drive of each of these parts.

For example, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the image forming unit 12 to record the original image indicated by the image data as a recording medium based on the image data of the original obtained by reading by the original reading unit 5. Formed on paper to produce printed matter. Further, when the predetermined power saving mode transition time elapses in the unused state, the control unit 100 shifts to the power saving mode for suppressing power consumption.

The types of power saving modes are, for example, a low power mode and a sleep mode. The low power mode is a mode in which power consumption is suppressed by lowering the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 13, and the return time to the normal mode is as short as about 10 seconds. On the other hand, the sleep mode is a mode in which most of the power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped, and the return time to the normal mode is longer than that in the low power mode.

Further, the control unit 100 uses the detection result detected by the motion sensor 31 and the timer built in the control unit 10 to determine the time during which a person is approaching the image forming apparatus 1. Measure as the usage time of 1. Then, the control unit 100 uses the total usage time of the image forming apparatus 1 for each predetermined time (described by taking 1 hour as an example in this embodiment) as the usage status data of the image forming apparatus 1. It is stored in the storage unit 113 (FIG. 2).

For example, when the total time during which a person is approaching the image forming apparatus 1 from 0:00 to 1:00 on March 11, 2019 is 12 minutes, the control unit 100 uses the usage status data storage unit 113. The total usage time "12 minutes" is stored in association with the time zone from 0:00 to 1:00 on March 11, 2019.

The display control unit 101 controls the display of the display unit 473.

The billing processing unit 102 sets a printing fee according to the content of the print job based on a predetermined billing unit price, and executes a billing process for collecting the set printing fee from the user. For example, when the control unit 100 executes printing by controlling the image forming unit 12 according to the content of the print job set by the user and the printing according to the print job is completed, the charge processing unit 102 performs the printing. A signal requesting a charge count-up is transmitted to the charge device 110 according to the content of the job (number of prints, etc.).

The operation reception unit 103 receives an operation input from the user via the operation unit 47. The operation reception unit 103 has a setting reception unit 104. The operation reception unit 103 receives an instruction according to the user's operation on the hard key provided in the operation unit 47, and further displays an instruction based on the user operation (touch operation) on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 473. It is accepted via the touch panel of the unit 473.

The setting receiving unit 104 receives the user setting of the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the setting receiving unit 104 can be displayed on the display unit 473 through the operation screen G1 whose title is "installation location setting" as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. It accepts an instruction to set the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 input by the operation.

The operation screen G1 has a display area A1 for displaying an address input by the user, a display area A2 for displaying a zip code input by the user, and an address displayed in the display area A1. It has a selection button B1 marked with "setting" and a selection button B2 marked with "search" arranged in association with the display area A2.

For example, when the operation reception unit 103 receives an address input of "Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture", the display control unit 101 displays the address in the display area A1 as shown in FIG. 4 (B). When the selection button B1 is pressed by the user in the display state and an instruction to confirm the address is input, the setting reception unit 104 accepts the user setting with the address as the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 100 registers the address in the installation location storage unit 112.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the selection button B2 marked "search" is pressed while the zip code "5400004" is displayed in the display area A2, the control unit 100 causes the control unit 100 to press. With reference to the address table that associates the zip code and the address prepared in advance, the address corresponding to the zip code displayed in the display area A2 is searched for, and the display control unit 101 displays in FIG. 4 (B). As shown, the address "Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka" found by the control unit 100 is displayed in the display area A1.

The acquisition unit 105 obtains weather data and weather forecast information of the user-set installation location (that is, the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 and the address registered in the installation location storage unit 112) received by the setting reception unit 104. , Obtained from a predetermined external device 20 via the network interface unit 91. The acquisition unit 105 is an example of the first and second acquisition units within the scope of claims.

The acquisition unit 105 periodically (for example, 12:00) obtains the weather data (hourly weather, temperature, precipitation) of the day before the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 via the network interface unit 91. Obtained from the external device 20. As for meteorological data, known information provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency, etc. will be acquired through the network.

When the acquisition unit 105 acquires the weather data, the control unit 100 stores the weather data acquired by the acquisition unit 105 in the usage status data storage unit 113 (FIG. 2) in association with the date and time zone. As a result, the usage status data storage unit 113 stores the usage status data indicating the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 in association with the meteorological data.

In addition, the acquisition unit 105 periodically (for example, 23:30 every day) obtains the weather forecast information (weather, temperature, precipitation every 3 hours) of the next day of the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 in the network interface unit. Obtained from the external device 20 via 91. As for the weather forecast information, the information provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency, etc. will be acquired.

When the acquisition unit 105 acquires the weather forecast information, the control unit 100 stores the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit 105 in the weather forecast information storage unit 114 (FIG. 3) in association with the date and time zone.

The prediction unit 106 analyzes the usage status data stored in the usage status data storage unit 113, and weather forecast information of the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 (that is, the weather forecast stored in the weather forecast information storage unit 114). Predict the weather and frequency of use (for example, 4 levels) indicated by the information).

As shown in Fig. 3, the weather forecast from 0:00 to 3:00 on May 13, 2019 is "rain", the temperature forecast is "16 ° C", and the precipitation forecast is "5 mm / h". In this case, the prediction unit 106 is when the time zone is from 0:00 to 3:00, the weather is "rain", the temperature is "16 ± 1 ° C", and the precipitation is "5 ± 0.5 mm / h". From the past usage status data (total usage time) of, the usage frequency for 3 hours from 0:00 on May 13, 2019 is predicted. That is, the prediction unit 106 predicts the frequency of use based on the weather forecast information and the past weather data.

For example, when the total usage time in the same weather (including the weather having the same identity) is 90 minutes or more in the same time zone, the prediction unit 106 predicts the frequency of use as "level 1" and uses the same total. If the time is 60 minutes or more and less than 90 minutes, the frequency of use is predicted to be "level 2", if the total usage time is 30 minutes or more and less than 60 minutes, the frequency of use is predicted to be "level 3", and If the total usage time is less than 30 minutes, the usage frequency is predicted to be "level 4". In addition, the prediction unit 106 may predict the frequency of use by adding the day of the week to the time zone and distinguishing between weekdays and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Based on the usage frequency predicted by the prediction unit 106, the first setting unit 107 reduces the power consumption as the usage frequency decreases, and at least one of the power saving mode type and the power saving mode transition time length. To set.

For example, the first setting unit 107 sets the power saving mode type to "low power mode" and sets the length of the power saving mode transition time to "5 minutes" when the frequency of use is "level 1". Set.

In addition, the first setting unit 107 sets the type of power saving mode to "low power mode" and sets the length of the power saving mode transition time to "3 minutes" when the frequency of use is "level 2", which is the second highest. When it is set to "Level 3", which is the third most frequently used, set the power saving mode type to "Low power mode" and set the length of the power saving mode transition time to "1 minute". ..

Then, the first setting unit 107 sets the type of the power saving mode to "sleep mode" and sets the length of the power saving mode transition time to "1 minute" when the frequency of use is "level 4". To do.

Next, an example of the process performed by the control unit 10 in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. It should be noted that this process is a process performed when a predetermined time (for example, 23:50) is reached.

First, the control unit 100 sets the time T at 0 o'clock as an initial setting (S1), and the prediction unit 106 reads the weather forecast information in the time zone of 3 hours from the time T tomorrow from the weather forecast information storage unit 114. (S2). Then, the control unit 100 indicates the weather forecast information by using the usage status data stored in the usage status data storage unit 113 for 3 hours (that is, the same time zone) from the time T on each past day. Predict the frequency of use in the weather and time zone (3 hours from tomorrow's time T) (S3).

Subsequently, the first setting unit 107 sets the type of power saving mode for 3 hours from tomorrow's time T so that the power consumption decreases as the frequency of use decreases based on the frequency of use predicted by the prediction unit 106. Set the length of the power saving mode transition time (S4). That is, the control unit 100 sets a predetermined type of power saving mode and a length of the power saving mode transition time according to the frequency of use, as a setting for reducing the power consumption as the frequency of use decreases. The control unit 100 stores the type of power saving mode and the length of the power saving mode transition time set by the first setting unit 107 in the setting content storage unit 115 in association with the time zone of 3 hours from the time T of tomorrow. (S5).

For example, when the frequency of use in the time zone from 0:00 to 3 hours (3 hours from tomorrow's time T) on May 13, 2019 is "level 3", the first setting unit 107 is predetermined as described above. As a setting, the type of power saving mode in the time zone is set to "low power mode", and the length of the power saving mode transition time is set to "1 minute". FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the setting content storage unit 115. “Light” in the figure indicates “low power mode”, and “Deep” in the figure indicates “sleep mode”.

After that, the control unit 100 sets the time T as the time obtained by adding 3 hours to the time up to that point (S6), and determines whether or not the time T after the addition is 24:00 or more (S7). When the control unit 100 determines that the time T is not 24:00 or more (NO in S7), the process shifts to S2, and the prediction unit 106 predicts the frequency of use in the time zone for the next 3 hours.

On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the time T is 24:00 or more (YES in S7), the control unit 100 ends this process. In this case, the type of power saving mode and the length of the power saving mode transition time are set for all the time zones from 0:00 to 24:00 tomorrow.

According to the first embodiment, since the type of the power saving mode and the length of the power saving mode transition time are set for each weather, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced more appropriately.

Further, as another embodiment, the sensitivity (specifically, infrared rays) is set so that the sensitivity of the motion sensor 31 decreases as the frequency of use decreases based on the frequency of use predicted by the prediction unit 106. The control unit 10 may be provided with an adjusting unit for adjusting the radiation amount threshold value). The sensitivity of the motion sensor 31 decreases as the threshold value of the infrared radiation amount is increased. As a result, the motion sensor 31 detects a person who is not a user and simply approaches the image forming apparatus 1, so that the power saving mode is returned to the normal mode and power is wasted, although it is not necessary. It is possible to avoid being done.

Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the usage time of the image forming apparatus 1 (the time when a person is approaching the image forming apparatus 1) is used as the usage status data is described, but as another embodiment. May use the number of transitions to the power saving mode, the time of transition to the power saving mode, or both as usage status data. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the usage status data storage unit 113 that stores the number of transitions to the power saving mode and the time of transition to the power saving mode as usage status data.

The usage data storage unit 113 corresponds to the date, day, and time zone when the image forming apparatus 1 was used, and also the weather data (weather, temperature, precipitation) at the place where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. In addition, the number of transitions to the power saving mode (number of transitions) and the time of transition to the power saving mode (total transition time) in that time zone are stored as usage status data. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the usage status data storage unit 113 stores that March 11, 2019 is Monday, and shifts to the power saving mode from 0:00 to 1:00 on that day. The number of times is "2 times", the total transition time to the power saving mode is "38 minutes", the weather during that time is "rain", the temperature is "11.1 ℃", and the precipitation is "1.0mm". It is remembered that it was. In this case, each of the number of transitions to the power saving mode and the time of transition to the power saving mode are converted into points (the longer the time or the larger the number of times, the larger the point value), and the total of both points is determined in advance. The prediction unit 106 predicts the frequency of use by comparing with the obtained threshold value.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the control unit 10 includes a second setting unit 108. In the second setting unit 108 in the second embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the control unit 10 is operated by the processor according to the control program stored in the HDD 111 or the like, and the second setting unit 108 is operated. Functions as. However, the second setting unit 108 may be configured by a hardware circuit.

In the second embodiment, the second setting unit 108 sets the billing content in which the billing amount decreases as the usage frequency decreases, based on the usage frequency predicted by the prediction unit 106. For example, the second setting unit 108 sets the billing unit price to "10 yen" when the frequency of use is "level 1".

In addition, the second setting unit 108 sets the billing unit price to "8 yen" when the usage frequency is "level 2", which is the second highest, and when the usage frequency is "level 3", which is the third highest, the billing unit price is set to "8 yen". The billing unit price is set to "6 yen", and when the usage frequency is the lowest "level 4", the billing unit price is set to "4 yen".

The billing processing unit 102 executes the billing processing according to the contents set by the second setting unit 108.

According to the second embodiment, the billing content is set for each weather. Specifically, as the frequency of use decreases, the billing unit price decreases, so that the number of users increases and the image forming apparatus 1 can be used more effectively.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the frequency of use from 0:00 to 24:00 tomorrow is predicted, the type of power saving mode for only one day tomorrow, the length of the power saving mode transition time, and the charge. Although the case of setting the unit price is described, the period for setting is not limited to one day, and may be shorter, for example, 6 hours, or longer, such as one week.

For example, when the first setting unit 107 sets the type of power saving mode and the length of the power saving mode transition time for the next week, or when the second setting unit 108 sets the billing unit price for the next week. The weather forecast information storage unit 114 stores the weather forecast information for the next week, and the setting content storage unit 115 stores the setting contents for the next week.

Next, the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the operation receiving unit 103 includes a change receiving unit 109 and is displayed. The difference is that the control unit 101 displays the setting contents set by the first setting unit 107 on the display unit 473. Similar to the case of the first embodiment, the change receiving unit 109 in the third embodiment functions as the change receiving unit 109 by the operation of the control unit 10 by the processor according to the control program stored in the HDD 111 or the like. To do. However, the change receiving unit 109 may be configured by a hardware circuit.

The operation receiving unit 103 displays the setting content set by the first setting unit 107 (that is, the setting content stored in the setting content storage unit 115) on the display unit 473 based on the operation of the operation unit 47 by the user. Upon receiving the instruction to be performed, the display control unit 101 causes the display unit 473 to display the operation screen G2 as shown in FIG. 10, for example.

On the operation screen G2, the selection buttons B11 to B17 on which the date is written are displayed, and the selection buttons B18 on which "reference" is written are displayed. For example, when the selection button B14 marked "5/13 (Monday)" is pressed by the user and then the selection button B18 marked "reference" is pressed, the operation reception unit 103 presses the selection button B14. Accepts instructions to display the type of power saving mode, the length of the power saving mode transition time, and the weather forecast information for the date selected by pressing. Then, the display control unit 101 has an operation screen as shown in FIG. 11A based on the weather forecast information stored in the weather forecast information storage unit 114 and the setting contents stored in the setting content storage unit 115. G3 is displayed on the display unit 473.

On the operation screen G3, the type of power saving mode every 3 hours on May 13, the length of the power saving mode transition time, and the weather forecast information are displayed, and the selection marked "Edit" in association with these. Buttons B21 to B28 are displayed.

When any of the selection buttons B21 to B28 marked "Edit" is pressed, the operation reception unit 103 receives an instruction to change the corresponding setting contents (type of power saving mode and length of power saving mode transition time). Then, the control unit 100 waits for the change reception unit 109 to receive the change instruction based on the operation of the operation unit 47 by the user. When the change receiving unit 109 receives the user instruction for changing the setting content, the control unit 100 changes the setting content stored in the setting content storage unit 115 to the content received by the change receiving unit 109. Then, after that, the control unit 100 performs the transition control to the power saving mode according to the change content received by the change reception unit 109.

According to the third embodiment, the setting contents can be changed to the user's preference, and the usability can be improved.

Further, similarly to the above, the control unit 100 displays, for example, the operation screen G4 as shown in FIG. 11B on the display unit 473 so that the charge unit price can be changed to the user's preference, and the charge processing unit 102. However, the billing process may be executed according to the changed contents received by the change receiving unit 109.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the multifunction device is described as one embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, but this is only an example, and other image forming having a copy function, a printer function, and the like. It may be a device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration and processing shown by the above-described embodiment with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the configuration and processing.

1 Image forming device 31 Human sensor 91 Network interface unit 100 Control unit 101 Display control unit 102 Billing processing unit 104 Setting reception unit 105 Acquisition unit 106 Prediction unit 107 First setting unit 108 Second setting unit 109 Change reception unit

Claims (12)

A control unit that shifts to a power saving mode that suppresses power consumption when a predetermined power saving mode transition time elapses when not in use.
A usage status data storage unit that stores usage status data indicating the usage status of this image forming apparatus in association with weather data during use,
The first acquisition unit that acquires the weather forecast information of the installation location of this image forming device,
From the usage status data stored in the usage status data storage unit, a prediction unit that predicts the usage frequency in the weather indicated by the weather forecast information acquired by the acquisition unit, and
Based on the usage frequency predicted by the prediction unit, at least one of the type of the power saving mode and the length of the power saving mode transition time is set as a setting for reducing the power consumption as the usage frequency decreases. With the first setting part
Further, the control unit is an image forming apparatus that controls the transition to the power saving mode according to the contents set by the first setting unit. A display control unit that displays the setting contents set by the first setting unit on the display unit,
Further provided with a change receiving unit for receiving an instruction to change the setting content displayed on the display unit from the user.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the setting content according to the change content received by the change receiving unit, and shifts to the power saving mode according to the changed setting content. A billing processing unit that executes billing processing according to the contents of the print job,
The second acquisition unit that acquires meteorological data when using this image forming device,
A usage status data storage unit that stores usage status data indicating the usage status of the image forming apparatus in association with the weather data acquired by the second acquisition unit.
From the usage status data stored in the usage status data storage unit, a prediction unit that predicts the frequency of use in the weather indicated by the weather forecast information of the installation location of the image forming apparatus, and a prediction unit.
Based on the usage frequency predicted by the prediction unit, a second setting unit for setting the billing content in which the billing amount decreases as the usage frequency decreases is provided.
Further, the billing processing unit is an image forming apparatus that executes the billing processing according to the contents set by the second setting unit. A display control unit that displays the setting contents set by the second setting unit on the display unit, and
Further provided with a change receiving unit for receiving an instruction to change the setting content displayed on the display unit from the user.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the billing processing unit executes the billing processing according to the change contents received by the change receiving unit. The usage status data storage unit stores the usage status data in association with the meteorological data and the time zone at the time of use.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the prediction unit predicts the frequency of use in the weather and time zone indicated by the weather forecast information. Communication unit that communicates with external devices
It is further equipped with a setting reception unit that accepts user settings for the installation location of this image forming device.
The second acquisition unit according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the weather data of the user-set installation location received by the setting reception unit from the external device via the communication unit. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the meteorological data includes at least one of weather, temperature, and precipitation. Communication unit that communicates with external devices
It is further equipped with a setting reception unit that accepts user settings for the installation location of this image forming device.
The first acquisition unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weather forecast information of the installation location of the user setting received by the setting reception unit is acquired from the external device via the communication unit. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the weather forecast information includes at least one of weather, temperature, and precipitation. Further equipped with a motion sensor that detects the approach of a person to this image forming device,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the usage status indicated by the usage status data includes a time during which a person's approach to the image forming apparatus is detected by the motion sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an adjusting unit that adjusts the sensitivity of the motion sensor to decrease as the frequency of use decreases based on the frequency of use predicted by the predicting unit. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the usage status indicated by the usage status data includes at least one of the number of transitions to the power saving mode and the transition time to the power saving mode. Forming device.