JP6494593B2 - Image forming apparatus and method of controlling image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a human body detection sensor that detects an object such as a surrounding person.

  A technique is known in which a user presses a power-saving button provided in the image forming apparatus to return the power-saving image forming apparatus to a normal power state. In recent years, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus that detects a person close to the image forming apparatus by a human body detection sensor and automatically returns from the power saving state to the normal power state without pressing the power saving button by the user. (See Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for returning an image processing apparatus from a power saving state to a normal power state using two human body detection sensors having different detection ranges. In the image processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a person close to the image processing device is detected by the first human body detection sensor having a wide detection range, the detection range is narrower than that of the first human body detection sensor. 2 human body detection sensors are activated. Then, when a person is detected by the activated second human body detection sensor, the image processing apparatus returns from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  However, in the above-described image processing apparatus using the human body detection sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1, depending on the user's standing position with respect to the image processing apparatus, it may not be possible to automatically return from the power saving state to the normal power state. is there. For example, when the user exists in the blind spot of the second human body detection sensor, the second human body detection sensor cannot detect the user. For this reason, the image processing apparatus cannot automatically return from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  When the image forming apparatus does not automatically return from the power saving state to the normal power state, the user presses the power saving button to return the image forming apparatus to the normal power state. However, for a user who is accustomed to using an image processing apparatus that automatically returns by the human body detection sensor, an operation for manually returning the image processing apparatus to the normal power state is an unfamiliar operation. Therefore, the user is forced to perform an operation for returning the image processing apparatus to the normal power state in front of the image processing apparatus.

JP 2012-17796 A

  The present invention allows a user to recognize a position to be operated by a user to manually return to the normal power state even when the human body detection sensor does not automatically return from the power saving state to the normal power state. An object of the present invention is to provide a possible image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention receives a display unit, a first detection area, a human body detection unit having a second detection area including a position farther from the image forming apparatus than the first detection area, and a predetermined user operation. A receiving unit; a light emitting unit disposed in the vicinity of the receiving unit; and a control for lighting the display unit based on the predetermined user operation received by the receiving unit; and the human body detecting unit Display control means for controlling the display unit to be turned on when a person is detected in one detection area; and the presence of a person is detected in the second detection area of the human body detection means. And a light emission control means for controlling the light emitting section to blink or turn on visually .

  According to the present invention, even when the human body detection sensor does not automatically return from the second power state to the first power state, the user manually operates to return from the second power state to the first power state. It is possible to make the user recognize the position to be performed.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 2 is a power supply circuit diagram of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the detection area of the sensor part of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the detail of the sensor part of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the detail of the human sensitive LED part of an operation part. It is a figure of the operation part which shows a mode that light emitting element LED light-emits. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a power supply control unit when the image forming apparatus shifts from a normal power state to a power saving state. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the analysis circuit of the sensor part in a power saving state. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a power supply control unit when the image forming apparatus shifts from a power saving state to a normal power state. It is a figure which shows the detection area of the sensor part of the image forming apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of an analysis circuit of a sensor unit when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is in a power saving state. It is a figure which shows the detail of the human presence LED part of the image forming apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detail of the human presence LED part of the image forming apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure of the operation part which shows a mode that light emitting element LED of the image forming apparatus of 3rd Embodiment light-emits. It is a figure of the operation part which shows a mode that light emitting element LED of the image forming apparatus of 4th Embodiment light-emits. It is a figure which shows a mode that the NFC part of the image forming apparatus of 4th Embodiment light-emits.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
<Outline of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a print function, and a fax function. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a normal power state (first power state) in which the above-described scanner function and print function can be executed, a power saving state (second power state) in which the scanner function and print function cannot be executed, and the like. Multiple power states. The power saving state is a power state that consumes less power than the normal power state. In this power saving state, it is possible to return to the normal power state by receiving data from the network or operating a power saving button 512 described later.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may be in a suspended state or a hibernation state in addition to the normal power state and the power saving state described above. The suspended state is a state in which the image forming apparatus 100 can return to the normal power state at high speed. In this suspended state, the power supply to the memory unit 315, which will be described later, is maintained, and the state of the image forming apparatus 100 immediately before the suspended state stored in the memory unit 315 is used to change the image forming apparatus 100. Fast return to normal power state. The hibernation state is also a state in which the image forming apparatus 100 can return to the normal power state at high speed. In this hibernation state, the power state is the same as the power OFF state in which the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 100 is stopped, and the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 100 is stopped. However, the difference from the power-off state is that the state of the image forming apparatus 100 immediately before shifting to the hibernation state is stored in the HDD unit 316 described later. When returning from the hibernation state to the normal power state, the image forming apparatus 100 is quickly returned to the normal power state using the state of the image forming apparatus 100 stored in the HDD unit 316.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main controller unit 101, a printer unit 102, a scanner unit 103, a sensor unit 600, an AC plug 105, and a power supply device 300. The printer unit 102 forms an image on a sheet-like recording medium (paper) according to, for example, an electrophotographic method. The scanner unit 103 optically reads an image from a document and converts it into a digital image. The main controller unit 101 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The main controller unit 101 is connected to the PC 107 via the network 106. The network 106 is a local area network (LAN) such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, and may be wired or wireless. Details of the main controller unit 101 will be described later. The AC plug 105 is inserted into an outlet outside the apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 is supplied with AC power from an AC commercial power supply via an AC plug 105. The power supply apparatus 300 that has been supplied with AC power from the AC commercial power supply supplies DC power to each part of the image forming apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 600 is provided to detect a person or the like existing around the image forming apparatus 100. Details of the power supply device 300 and the sensor unit 600 will be described later.

  A PC 107 is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via a network 106 or a local interface such as a USB. The PC 107 is a general computer device having a fixed storage device such as a CPU, a RAM, and an HDD, and connected to a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. A printer driver program is installed in the PC 107. When the printer driver program is executed by the PC 107, the PC 107 generates PDL data according to a drawing command issued by the operating system or application program, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 100. The PDL data is data converted into a page description language that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 100 by the printer driver program. The image forming apparatus 100 generates a bitmap image based on the PDL data received from the PC 107. The printer unit 102 forms an image on a sheet based on the generated bitmap image.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram showing details of the main controller unit and the power supply device of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

<About power supply system>
As shown in FIG. 2, the main controller unit 101 includes a power supply system A to which power is supplied in a normal power state and a power saving state, and power is supplied in a normal power state but power supply is stopped in a power saving state. The power supply system B is separated. The power control unit 312, the network processing unit 313, the timer unit 314, the memory unit 315, and the sensor unit 600 described above belong to the power supply system A. The HDD unit 316, the CPU unit 317, and the image processing unit 318 of the main controller unit 101 belong to the power supply system B. Note that a part of the operation unit 500 that receives a user operation belongs to the power supply system A, and the remaining part belongs to the power supply system B.

<About the main controller>
The main controller unit 101 includes a power control unit 312, a network processing unit 313, a timer unit 314, a memory unit 315, an HDD unit 316, a CPU unit 317, and an image processing unit 318.

  The power control unit 312 controls supply and interruption of power supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The power supply control unit 312 controls ON / OFF of a relay of the power supply device 300 described later. When the power supply control unit 312 turns off the relay 301, power supply to the power supply system B, the printer unit 102, and the scanner unit 103 is stopped, and the image forming apparatus 100 enters a power saving state. When the main switch SW is turned off by a user operation, the power supply to the power supply system A is stopped.

  The network processing unit 313 receives PDL data transmitted from the PC 107 via the network 106 and transmits configuration information of the image forming apparatus 100 to the network 106. This network processing unit 313 is communicably connected to the power supply control unit 312. The network processing unit 313 outputs an activation signal to the power control unit 312 when the network processing unit 313 receives a network packet or the like addressed to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 106 in the power saving state. The power supply control unit 312 that has received the activation signal turns the relay 301 on to restore the image forming apparatus 100 from the power saving state to the normal power state. Similarly, when data is received via a local interface such as a USB, the local interface outputs an activation signal to the power supply control unit 312.

  The timer unit 314 measures time. The timer unit 314 is used to count a predetermined time that is counted for the image forming apparatus 100 to shift from the normal power state to the power saving state.

  The memory unit 315 is a volatile memory such as a DDR SDRAM, and is a main memory that stores user data created by a control program executed by the CPU unit 317 and the like. In the suspend state described above, energization to the memory unit 315 is maintained.

  The HDD unit 316 is a storage device for temporarily storing programs executed by the CPU unit 317 and PDL data transmitted from the network 106.

  The CPU unit 317 is a central processing unit that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU unit 317 executes a copy function, a print function, and the like of the image forming apparatus 100 based on a control program stored in the HDD unit 316.

  The image processing unit 318 is communicably connected to the CPU unit 317, the printer unit 102, and the scanner unit 103. The image processing unit 318 performs image processing such as color space conversion on the image data read by the scanner unit 103 and image data generated based on the PDL data received from the PC 107. Then, the image processing unit 318 converts the image processed image data into bitmap data. The bitmap data is output to the printer unit 102, and the printer unit 102 forms an image on a sheet based on the bitmap data.

<About power supply>
As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply device 300 includes a main switch SW, a relay 301, a power supply unit 302, a power supply unit 306, and a power supply unit (power supply system A) 305.

  The main switch SW is a seesaw switch in which an on state and an off state are toggled by a user. When the user turns off the main switch SW, the power supply is turned off to stop the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus.

  The relay 301 is turned on or off under the control of the power control unit 312. When the relay 301 is turned on, AC power is supplied to the power supply unit 302 (high voltage power supply unit 303, low voltage power supply unit 304) through the AC plug 105. The relay 301 may be a mechanical relay that is turned on or off by electromagnetic induction, or may be a semiconductor switch.

  The power supply unit 302 includes a high voltage power supply unit 303 and a low voltage power supply unit 304. The high voltage power supply unit 303 converts AC power input via the AC plug 105 into DC power, and outputs a voltage of, for example, 24V. Further, the low voltage power supply unit 304 converts the AC power input via the AC plug 105 into a DC power, and outputs a voltage of, for example, 12V. The high voltage power source unit 303 is a power source used for a motor driving power source for the printer unit 102 and the scanner unit 103, a heater for the fixing unit, and the like. The low voltage power supply unit 304 is a power supply used by the control unit of the printer unit 102 and the scanner unit 103 and the power supply system B of the main controller unit 101.

  The power supply unit 306 includes a scanner unit power supply unit 307, a printer unit power supply unit 308, and a power supply unit (power supply system B) 309. The scanner unit power supply unit 307 supplies power to the drive system of the scanner unit 103 using the high voltage power supply unit 303 as an input source. The scanner unit power supply unit 307 supplies power to the control unit of the scanner unit 103 using the low voltage power supply unit 304 as an input source. The printer unit power supply unit 308 supplies power to the drive system of the printer unit 102 using the high voltage power supply unit 303 as an input source. The printer unit power supply unit 308 supplies power to the control unit of the printer unit 102 using the low voltage power supply unit 304 as an input source. A power supply unit (power supply system B) 309 supplies power to the power supply system B of the main controller unit 101 using the low voltage power supply unit 304 as an input source.

  The power supply unit (power supply system A) 305 converts AC power into DC power, and supplies power to the power supply system A (sensor unit 600, power control unit 312, network processing unit 313, timer unit 314, memory unit 315), for example. Output a voltage of 3.3V.

<About the operation unit>
FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram showing details of the operation unit 500 of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The operation unit 500 includes a display unit 524 that displays various setting screens of the image forming apparatus 100, a key unit 525 that is operated by a user, and the like.

  The operation unit 500 is separated into a power supply system A and a power supply system B.

  The main power LED 511, the power saving button 512 (return means) and the human LED unit 513 of the operation unit 500 belong to the power supply system A. Further, the microcomputer 521, the touch panel controller 522, the LCD controller 523, the display unit 524, the key unit 525, the buzzer 526, and the notification LED unit 527 of the operation unit 500 belong to the power supply system B.

  The main power LED 511 is an LED that is lit when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the normal power state or the power saving state.

  The power saving button 512 is a button for shifting the image forming apparatus 100 in the normal power state to the power saving state. The power saving button 512 is also a button for shifting the image forming apparatus 100 in the power saving state to the normal power state. The user can shift the image forming apparatus 100 from the power saving state to the normal power state or from the normal power state to the power saving state by pressing the power saving button 512. The power saving button 512 is connected to the power control unit 312 and the power control unit 312 is notified that the power saving button 512 has been pressed. Receiving this notification, the power supply control unit 312 switches the relay 301 on or off.

  The human LED unit (notification unit) 513 is turned on when an object such as a well-known person of the image forming apparatus 100 is detected by the sensor unit 600. The details of the human LED unit 513 will be described later.

  The microcomputer 521 controls the operation of each unit of the operation unit 500. The microcomputer 521 is connected to the CPU unit 317 of the main controller unit 101 so as to be communicable.

  The display unit 524 includes an LCD panel that displays an image and a touch panel provided on the surface of the LCD panel.

  The touch panel controller 522 receives an input to a touch panel provided on the surface of the LCD panel of the display unit 524.

  The LCD controller 523 controls the LCD panel so that an image is displayed on the LCD panel of the display unit 524.

  Key unit 525 includes a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies to be printed, a start key for starting execution of a copy function, and the like.

  The buzzer 526 outputs sound when an error occurs.

  The notification LED unit 527 is an LED that notifies that the image processing apparatus 100 is executing a job or that an error has occurred in the image processing apparatus 100.

<About the sensor unit>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detection area of the sensor unit 600.

  The sensor unit 600 includes a detection area 1 (first detection range) in which the sensor unit 600 can detect an object, and a detection area 2 (second detection range) narrower than the detection area 1. Yes. When an object is detected in the detection area 2, the image forming apparatus 100 in the power saving state returns to the normal power state.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of the sensor unit 600.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor unit 600 includes a human body detection sensor 601 and an analysis circuit 602. The sensor unit 600 belongs to the power supply system A, and power is supplied from the power supply unit (power supply system A) 305 in the power saving state.

  The human body detection sensor 601 is an infrared array sensor in which reflective infrared sensors that emit infrared light and detect reflected light are arranged in a matrix. The human body detection sensor 601 includes a total of 25 infrared sensor elements (infrared sensor elements A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C5, D1-D5 and E1-E5) arranged in 5 columns × 5 rows. The human body detection sensor 601 is not limited to the infrared array sensor described above. For example, the human body detection sensor 601 may be an infrared line sensor in which infrared sensors are arranged in a line. The human body detection sensor 601 may be a pyroelectric array sensor in which pyroelectric sensors that detect infrared rays emitted from a person and determine the presence or absence of a person based on the amount of change are arranged in a matrix. The pyroelectric line sensor may be arranged in a line. Moreover, the human body detection sensor 601 may be comprised of the above-described infrared sensor and pyroelectric sensor. A camera may be used as the human body detection sensor 601.

  The detection area 1 described above is a collection area of areas detected by the infrared sensor elements A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C5, D1-D5, and E1-E5 of the human body detection sensor 601. The detection area 2 is a set area of areas detected by the infrared sensor elements C3, E3, and D3 of the human body detection sensor 601. The detection area 2 may be a region detected by a specific infrared sensor element (for example, infrared sensor element E3) of the human body detection sensor 601. The correspondence between the detection area and the infrared sensor element can be appropriately selected by the user.

  The analysis circuit 602 is a small-scale data processing circuit having a processor such as a microcomputer and a memory, and receives a detection signal from the human body detection sensor 601, and specifies an area where an object is detected. When the analysis circuit 602 determines that an object has been detected in the detection area 1 described later, it outputs a Hi level lighting signal to the human LED unit 513 so that the light emitting element LED of the human LED unit 513 is turned on. To do. If the analysis circuit 602 determines that an object has been detected in the detection area 2 described later, the analysis circuit 602 outputs an activation signal to the power supply control unit 312 so that the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving state to the normal power state. .

<About the human LED section>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing details of the human LED unit 513.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the human LED unit 513 includes a transistor Tr1, a transistor Tr2, a light emitting element LED (light emitting unit), and a resistor R.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is in the power saving state, a high-level energization signal is input from the power supply control unit 312 of the main controller unit 101 to the transistor Tr1 of the human LED unit 513. As a result, the transistor Tr1 is turned on. Thereby, the voltage of the power supply system A is applied to the anode of the light emitting element LED.

  When an object is detected in the detection area 1, a high-level lighting signal is input from the analysis circuit 602 to the transistor Tr2. As a result, the cathode of the LED becomes the ground potential. Thereby, light emitting element LED lights.

  When no object is detected in the detection area 1, a low level lighting signal is input from the analysis circuit 602 to the transistor Tr2. Thereby, the LED is turned off.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is in the normal power state, a low-level energization signal is input from the power supply control unit 312 to the transistor Tr1, and the transistor Tr1 is turned off. Thereby, the voltage of the power supply system A is no longer applied to the anode of the light emitting element LED, and the LED is turned off.

<LED lighting>
As shown in FIG. 7, the light emitting element LED of the human-sensing LED unit 513 is installed inside a translucent power saving button 512. When the image forming apparatus 100 is in the power saving state and an object is detected in the detection area 1 of the human body detection sensor 601, the light emitting element LED is turned on. When the object is no longer detected in the detection area 1 of the human body detection sensor 601, the light emitting element LED is turned off. Here, an example in which the light emitting element LED is turned on has been described, but the light emitting element LED may be blinked by providing a lighting control circuit in the human LED unit 513. Further, the blinking interval may be made variable by the lighting control circuit. In addition, the luminance of the light emitting element LED may be made variable by providing a PWM control circuit in the human LED unit 513. Thereby, the position of the power saving button 512 can be emphasized by the lighting mode of the light emitting element LED.

<Operation flow of power control unit (normal power state ⇒ power saving state)>
Next, the power supply control unit 312 executes the following processing by executing a control program based on the flowchart of FIG. 8 stored in the HDD unit 316.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply control unit 312 determines whether or not the condition for the image forming apparatus 100 to shift from the normal power state to the power saving state is satisfied (S101).

The condition for the image forming apparatus 100 to shift from the normal power state to the power saving state is as follows.
(I) The operation unit 500 of the image forming apparatus 100 is not operated continuously for a predetermined time (ii) Data is not continuously received from the external device such as the PC 107 via the network 106 (iii) The operation unit 500 The power saving button 512 is pressed.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the image forming apparatus 100 has normal power when both of the above conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied, or when the above condition (iii) is satisfied. Transition from state to power saving state.

  When both of the above conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied, or when the above condition (iii) is satisfied (S101: Yes), the power supply control unit 312 turns on the relay 301 of the power supply device 300. Turn off (S102). As a result, power supply from the AC power supply to the power supply unit 302 is stopped. Accordingly, the power supply to each unit of the main controller unit 101 belonging to the power supply system B, a part of the operation unit 500, the printer unit 102, and the scanner unit 103 is stopped, and the image forming apparatus 100 enters a power saving state.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 312 switches the transistor Tr1 to the on state by outputting a high-level energization signal to the transistor Tr1 of the human-sensing LED unit 513. As a result, a voltage is applied to the anode of the light emitting element LED, and the light emitting element LED is ready to be lit.

<Analysis circuit decision flow>
Next, a processor such as a microcomputer included in the analysis circuit 602 executes the following processing by executing a control program based on the flowchart of FIG. 9 stored in the memory of the sensor unit 600.

  The sensor unit 600 including the analysis circuit 602 belonging to the power supply system A is supplied with power from the power supply device 300 in a power saving state. The following steps are executed when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the power saving state.

  The processor of the analysis circuit 602 determines whether the human body detection sensor 601 has detected an object (S201). Specifically, when the processor of the analysis circuit 602 receives a detection signal from the human body detection sensor 601, the processor of the analysis circuit 602 determines that the human body detection sensor 601 has detected an object (S201: Yes). . When the processor of the analysis circuit 602 determines that the human body detection sensor 601 has detected an object (S201: Yes), the processor of the analysis circuit 602 determines in which area the object is detected (S202). When it is determined that the processor of the analysis circuit 602 has detected an object in the detection area 1, the processor of the analysis circuit 602 outputs a Hi-level lighting signal to the transistor Tr2 of the human LED unit 513 (S203). The processor of the analysis circuit 602 continues to output the Hi level lighting signal to the transistor Tr2 while the object continues to be detected in the detection area 1. As a result, the transistor Tr2 is switched to the on state. As a result, the light emitting element LED emits light, and the power saving button 512 is emphasized.

  When it is determined that the processor of the analysis circuit 602 has detected an object in the detection area 2, the processor of the analysis circuit 602 waits until a predetermined time (for example, 100 ms) elapses (S204). When an object is detected in the detection area 2, the light emitting element LED is turned off. After a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the processor of the analysis circuit 602 has detected an object in the detection area 2 (S205). When the processor of the analysis circuit 602 detects an object again in the detection area 2 after a predetermined time has elapsed (S205), the processor of the analysis circuit 602 outputs an activation signal to the power supply control unit 312 (S206).

  When the power supply control unit 312 receives the activation signal from the processor of the analysis circuit 602 described above, the power supply control unit 312 turns on the relay 301 of the power supply device 300. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving state to the normal power state.

<Operation flow of power control unit (power saving state-> normal power state)>
Next, the power supply control unit 312 executes the following processing by executing a control program based on the flowchart of FIG. 10 stored in the HDD unit 316.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the power supply control unit 312 determines whether a condition for the image forming apparatus 100 to shift from the power saving state to the normal power state is satisfied (S <b> 301).

The condition for the image forming apparatus 100 to shift from the power saving state to the normal power state is as follows:
(A) An object is detected in the detection area 2 (B) Data is received from an external device such as the PC 107 via the network 106 (C) A power saving button 512 is pressed.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the power saving state to the normal power state when any one of the above-described conditions (A), (B), and (C) is satisfied. .

  When any one of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) is satisfied, the power supply control unit 312 performs control so that the relay 301 of the power supply device 300 is turned on. Thereby, electric power is supplied from the AC power source to the power supply unit 302 and the power supply unit 306. Accordingly, the power supply to each unit of the main controller unit 101 belonging to the power supply system B, a part of the operation unit 500, the printer unit 102, and the scanner unit 103 is started, and the image forming apparatus 100 enters the normal power state.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 312 switches the transistor Tr1 to an off state by outputting a low-level energization signal to the transistor Tr1 of the human-sensing LED unit 513. As a result, no voltage is applied to the anode of the light emitting element LED, and the light emitting element LED cannot be turned on (even if an object is detected in the detection area 1 by the human body detection sensor 601 and a Hi level lighting signal is input) Will not emit light).

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the example in which the detection area of the human body detection sensor 601 is divided into the detection area 1 and the detection area 2 has been described. In the second embodiment, an example in which the detection area of the human body detection sensor 601 is subdivided from the first embodiment will be described. In addition, description of the part which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a detection area of the human body detection sensor 601 according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  In the second embodiment, the detection area 1 of the first embodiment is subdivided into a detection area 1-1, a detection area 1-2, and a detection area 1-3. Similar to the first embodiment, the detection area 2 is a range in which the image forming apparatus 100 is returned from the power saving state to the normal power state when an object is detected.

  In addition, the sensor used as the human body detection sensor 601 of the second embodiment may include a plurality of sensors, and the plurality of sensors may detect each detection area. Further, the human body detection sensor 601 may detect each detection area with an array sensor in which sensor elements are arranged in a matrix or a line.

<Analysis circuit decision flow>
Next, a processor such as a microcomputer included in the analysis circuit 602 executes the following process by executing a control program based on the flowchart of FIG. 12 stored in the memory of the sensor unit 600.

  The sensor unit 600 including the analysis circuit 602 belonging to the power supply system A is supplied with power from the power supply device 300 in a power saving state. The following steps are executed when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the power saving state.

  The analysis circuit 602 determines whether or not the human body detection sensor 601 has detected an object (S1001). Specifically, when the analysis circuit 602 receives a detection signal from the human body detection sensor 601, the analysis circuit 602 determines that the human body detection sensor 601 has detected an object (S1001: Yes). When the analysis circuit 602 determines that the human body detection sensor 601 has detected an object (S1001: Yes), the analysis circuit 602 determines in which area the object is detected (S1002, S1003). When the analysis circuit 602 determines that an object is detected in the detection area 1-1 (S1003: detection area 1-1), the analysis circuit 602 outputs a Hi-level lighting signal A to a transistor Tr2 described later (S1004). ). If the analysis circuit 602 determines that an object has been detected in the detection area 1-2, the analysis circuit 602 outputs a high-level lighting signal B to a transistor Tr3 described later (S1005). If the analysis circuit 602 determines that an object has been detected in the detection area 1-3, the analysis circuit 602 outputs a Hi-level lighting signal C to a transistor Tr4 described later (S1006).

  If the analysis circuit 602 determines that an object has been detected in the detection area 2, the analysis circuit 602 waits until a predetermined time (for example, 100 ms) elapses (S1007). After a predetermined time has passed, the analysis circuit 602 determines whether an object is detected in the detection area 2 (S1008). When the analysis circuit 602 detects an object again in the detection area 2 after a predetermined time has elapsed (S1008: Yes), the analysis circuit 602 outputs an activation signal to the power supply control unit 312 (S1009).

  When receiving the notification from the analysis circuit 602 described above, the power supply control unit 312 turns on the relay 301 of the power supply device 300. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 returns from the power saving state to the normal power state.

  Next, details of the human LED unit 513 included in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the human LED unit 513 includes transistors Tr1, Tr2, Tr3, Tr4, a light emitting element LED, and resistors R1, R2, R3. Transistors Tr1, Tr2, Tr3, Tr4 are connected in series. The resistor R2 is connected in parallel to the transistor Tr3, and the resistor R3 is connected in parallel to the transistor Tr4.

  When an object is detected in the detection area 1-1 by the human body detection sensor 601, the Hi level lighting signal A is input to the transistor Tr2, and the transistor Tr2 is turned on. At this time, the transistors Tr3 and Tr4 are in an off state. Thereby, a current corresponding to the total resistance value of the resistors R1, R2, and R3 flows through the light emitting element LED, and the light emitting element LED emits light.

  When an object is detected in the detection area 1-2 by the human body detection sensor 601, the Hi level lighting signal B is input to the transistor Tr3 in addition to the transistor Tr2, and the transistor Tr3 is turned on in addition to the transistor Tr2. Become. Since the detection area 1-2 is an area included in the detection area 1-1, both the transistor Tr2 and the transistor Tr3 are turned on. At this time, the transistor Tr4 is in an off state. Thereby, a current corresponding to the total resistance value of the resistors R1 and R3 flows to the light emitting element LED, and the light emitting element LED emits light. The luminance of the light emitting element LED when the object is detected in the detection area 1-2 is larger than the luminance of the light emitting element LED when the object is detected in the detection area 1-1.

  Further, when an object is detected in the detection area 1-3 by the human body detection sensor 601, the Hi level lighting signal C is input to the transistor Tr4 in addition to the transistors Tr2 and Tr3, and the transistor Tr4 is added to the transistors Tr2 and Tr3. Is turned on. Since the detection area 1-3 is an area included in the detection area 1-2, all of the transistors Tr2, Tr3, and Tr4 are turned on. Thereby, a current corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor R1 flows to the light emitting element LED, and the light emitting element LED emits light. The luminance of the light emitting element LED when an object is detected in the detection area 1-3 is larger than the luminance of the light emitting element LED when an object is detected in the detection areas 1-1 and 1-2.

  That is, as the object approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the light emitting element LED becomes brighter in steps.

  In the second embodiment, since the brightness of the light emitting element LED inside the power saving button 512 increases as the user approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the user can easily grasp the position of the power saving button 512. Thus, even when the image forming apparatus does not automatically return to the normal power state, the user can press the power saving button 512 without searching for a button for shifting to the normal power state.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the example in which the light emitting element LED is arranged inside the power saving button 512 has been described. In the third embodiment, an example in which a light emitting element LED is provided in the vicinity of the power saving button 512 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the operation unit 500 of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is provided with light emitting elements LED10, LED20, and LED30. The light emitting elements LED10, LED20, and LED30 are arranged in a line. The light emitting element LED10 is disposed farthest from the power saving button 512 among the plurality of light emitting elements LED10, LED20, and LED30, and the light emitting element LED30 is most distant from the power saving button 512 among the plurality of light emitting elements LED10, LED20, and LED30. Located nearby.

  Next, the details of the human-sensing LED unit 513 having the above-described light emitting elements LED10, LED20, and LED30 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the human-sensing LED unit 513 of the third embodiment includes transistors Tr1, Tr10, Tr20, Tr30, light emitting element LED10, light emitting element LED20, light emitting element LED30, and resistors R10, R20, R30. Yes. The transistors Tr10, Tr20, Tr30 are connected in parallel. Further, the resistor R10, the transistor Tr10, and the light emitting element LED10 are connected in series. Further, the resistor R20, the transistor Tr20, and the light emitting element LED20 are connected in series. Further, the resistor R30, the transistor Tr30, and the light emitting element LED30 are connected in series.

  The detection area of the human body detection sensor 601 of the image forming apparatus 100 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  When the human body detection sensor 601 detects an object in the detection area 1-1, the Hi level lighting signal A is input to the transistor Tr10, and the transistor Tr10 is turned on. At this time, the transistors Tr20 and Tr30 are in an off state. Thereby, a current flows through the light emitting element LED10, and the light emitting element LED10 farthest from the power saving button 512 emits light.

  Further, when an object is detected in the detection area 1-2 by the human body detection sensor 601, the Hi-level lighting signal B is input to the transistor Tr20 in addition to the transistor Tr10, and the transistor Tr20 is turned on in addition to the transistor Tr10. Become. At this time, the transistor Tr30 is in an off state. Thereby, a current flows through the light emitting elements LED10 and 20, and the light emitting elements LED10 and 20 emit light.

  Further, when an object is detected in the detection area 1-3 by the human body detection sensor 601, a Hi-level lighting signal C is input to the transistor Tr30 in addition to the transistors Tr10 and Tr20. As a result, the transistor Tr30 is turned on in addition to the transistors Tr10 and Tr20. As a result, a current flows through the light emitting elements LED 10, 20 and 30, and the light emitting elements LED 10, 20 and 30 emit light.

  That is, as the object approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the number of light emitting elements LED emits more light. Then, as the object approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the light emitting elements LED that are separated from the power saving button 512 are lit in order.

  In the third embodiment, as the user approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the number of light emission of the power saving button 512 increases, and the light emitting element LEDs that are separated from the power saving button 512 are lit in order, so that the user positions the power saving button 512. It can be easily grasped. Accordingly, even when the image forming apparatus 100 does not automatically return to the normal power state, the user can press the power saving button 512 without searching for the power saving button 512 for shifting to the normal power state.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the first to third embodiments described above, when the image forming apparatus 100 does not automatically return to the normal power state, the user can recognize the power saving button 512 to be operated next by the user. The example which arrange | positions light emitting element LED in the inside or circumference | surroundings was demonstrated. In the fourth embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 does not automatically return to the normal power state, an NFC (Near Field Communication) unit 700 is used so that the user can recognize the NFC unit 700 to be operated next. To emit light.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment includes an NFC unit 700 in addition to the printer unit 102, the scanner unit 103, and the like.

  The NFC unit 700 reads information stored in the mobile terminal or the like from a mobile terminal or a card (hereinafter referred to as a mobile terminal or the like). The mobile terminal or the like stores authentication information of a user who uses the image forming apparatus 100, and the NFC unit 700 acquires the authentication information from the mobile terminal or the like. In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the light emitting element LED is disposed inside the NFC unit 700. When the human body detection sensor 601 detects an object in the detection area 1, the light emitting element LED emits light. Thereby, the part where the portable terminal etc. of NFC part 700 adjoins emits light.

  According to the image forming apparatus 100 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to easily recognize the position of the NFC unit to be operated next by the user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the fourth embodiment, the NFC unit 700 has been described. However, the NFC unit 700 may be a card reader unit. In addition to the NFC unit 700, the power saving button 512 described above may be caused to emit light.

  In the fourth embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the brightness of the NFC unit 700 may increase stepwise as the user approaches the image forming apparatus 100.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although it explained in full detail based on the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms of the range which does not deviate from the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is. Moreover, you may combine suitably a part of above-mentioned embodiment.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the power saving button 512 and the NFC unit 700 are emphasized by the light emission of the LED has been described. For example, a sound may be output by the buzzer 526 when an object is detected in the detection area 1.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an MFP having a plurality of functions has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to a single-function SFP (Single Function Peripheral) having one of a scanner function, a print function, and a fax function.

Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example using the infrared sensor which detects the infrared rays radiated | emitted from an object (a stationary body or a moving body), this invention is not limited to this, The sensor which detects the movement of an object is used. May be. Note that the object detection method is not limited to this.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the power supply to the printer unit 102 and the scanner unit 103 is stopped in the power saving state has been described. However, in the present invention, the power to both the printer unit 102 and the scanner unit in the power saving state is described. The supply need not be stopped. Specifically, the power supply to the printer unit 102 may be stopped and the power supply to the scanner unit 103 may be maintained in the power saving state. Further, the power supply to the scanner unit 103 may be stopped and the power supply to the printer unit 102 may be maintained in the power saving state.

  The functions shown in the flowchart in the present embodiment can also be realized by executing software (program) acquired via a network or various storage media by a processing device (CPU, processor) such as a computer personal computer.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention public, the following claims are attached.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image processing apparatus 312 Power supply control part 512 Power saving button 513 Human sensitive LED part 600 Sensor part LED Light emitting element

Claims (37)

An image forming apparatus,
A display unit;
Human body detection means having a first detection area and a second detection area including a position farther from the image forming apparatus than the first detection area ;
A reception unit for receiving a predetermined user operation ;
A light emitting unit disposed in the vicinity of the receiving unit;
Wherein the display unit is controlled to light up based on the predetermined user operation accepted by the accepting unit, and the display unit based on a person in the first detection area of the human body detecting means is detected Display control means for controlling lighting,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a light emission control means for controlling so that the light emitting portion is visually flashing or lit based on the people in the second detection area of the previous SL human body detection means is detected, the .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is not turned on based on a person detected in the second detection area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit performs control so that the display unit is visually turned off based on a detection result of the human body detection unit . 4. The light emission control unit according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control unit performs control so that the light emitting unit is visually turned off based on detection of a person in the first detection area. The image forming apparatus described.   5. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit performs control so that the display unit is turned on based on detection of a person continuously in the first detection area for a predetermined time. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. The light emission control means switches a visual state of the light emitting unit to a lighting state or a blinking state based on the detection of a person in the second detection area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The human body detection means has a plurality of detection units,
The light emission control means determines whether or not a person has been detected in the second detection area based on a detection result of one or more of the plurality of detection units, and the plurality of detection units 2. It is determined whether or not a person has been detected in the first detection area based on detection results of one or more detection units different from the one or more detection units. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control unit controls the luminance of the light emitting unit to increase stepwise as a person approaches. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the human body detection unit is a pyroelectric sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the human body detection unit is an infrared sensor. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the human body detection unit is an infrared array sensor in which a plurality of infrared sensor elements are arranged.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus has at least one of a copy function, a print function, and a fax function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit to be turned off based on another user operation received by the receiving unit. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit is provided near the display unit. The reception unit is a translucent button,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit is disposed below the translucent button. An operation unit having at least the display unit and the reception unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit is provided in a casing of the operation unit. A display unit, a human body detection means having a second sensing area including a position distant from the first detection area and said first I detection area Riga image forming apparatus, and a receiver for receiving a predetermined user operation, the reception unit And a light emitting unit disposed in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, wherein the display unit is turned on when a person is detected in the first detection area of the human body detecting unit. Lighting step,
A second lighting step of lighting the display unit based on the predetermined user operation received by the receiving unit;
Light emission for controlling the light emitting unit to blink or turn on visually based on the detection of a person in the second detection area of the human body detection means including a position farther from the image forming apparatus than the first detection area. And a control step for controlling the image forming apparatus.   The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the display unit is not turned on when a person is detected in the second detection area. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a light-off step for controlling the display unit to turn off based on a detection result of the human body detection unit . The light-off control step of controlling the light-emitting unit to be turned off visually based on detection of a person in the first detection area, further comprising: a light-off control step. A method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the above. An image forming apparatus,
A display unit;
Human body detection means having a first detection area and a second detection area including a position farther from the image forming apparatus than the first detection area ;
An acquisition unit that acquires the authentication information from the storage medium for storing authentication information Yu over THE,
A light emitting unit disposed in the acquisition unit ;
Display control means for controlling so that the display unit is turned on the basis of a person in the first detection area of the human body detecting means is detected,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a light emission control means for controlling so that the light emitting portion is visually light or blink on the basis of a person in the second detection area of the previous SL human body detection means is detected, the . The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit to be turned off based on a detection result of the human body detection unit .   23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the display unit is not turned on when a person is detected in the second detection area. The light emission control unit controls the light emitting unit to be lit or blinking visually based on the detection of a person in the second detection area, and based on the detection of a person in the first detection area. 24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the light emitting unit is controlled to be turned off visually .   The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the light emission control unit controls the luminance of the light emitting unit to increase stepwise as a person approaches.   26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the acquisition unit is an NFC (Near Field Communication) apparatus that acquires the authentication information from a mobile terminal or a card.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the acquisition unit is a card reader that acquires the authentication information from a card. A reception unit for receiving a predetermined user operation ;
Another light emitting unit disposed in the vicinity of the reception unit,
The display control unit controls the display unit to light up based on the predetermined user operation received by the receiving unit,
28. The light emission control unit according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the light emission control unit performs control so that the other light emitting unit is visually lit or blinked based on a person detected in the second detection area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 29. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the human body detection unit is a pyroelectric sensor. 29. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the human body detecting unit is an infrared sensor. 29. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the human body detection unit is an infrared array sensor in which a plurality of infrared sensor elements are arranged.   32. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the image forming apparatus has at least one of a copy function, a print function, and a fax function.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the acquisition unit is provided near the display unit. A display unit, a human body detection means having a second sensing area including a position distant from the first detection area and said first I detection area Riga image forming apparatus, the authentication information from the storage medium that stores user authentication information An image forming apparatus control method comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a light emitting unit; and a light emitting unit disposed in the acquisition unit,
A first lighting step of lighting the display unit based on the detection of a person in the first detection area of the human body detection means;
A light emission control step for controlling the light emitting section to light up or blink visually based on detection of a person in the second detection area of the human body detecting means;
An acquisition step of acquiring authentication information from a storage medium held over the acquisition unit. 35. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising a turn-off step for controlling the display unit to turn off based on a detection result of the human body detection unit .   36. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the display unit is not turned on when a person is detected in the second detection area. 37. The extinguishing control step for controlling the light emitting unit to be extinguished visually based on the detection of a person in the first detection area, further comprising: A method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the above.