JP6499899B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of displaying an appropriate return screen in accordance with a job execution state when a person is detected and returned from a power saving state to a normal state.

  As one type of image processing apparatus that is an electronic device, an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) that forms an image on recording paper is introduced in many offices (company, office, etc.). A multi-function peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)), which is one of such image forming apparatuses, includes a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter also referred to as a facsimile), a network compatible printer mode, an e-mail mode, and a scanner mode. As described above, a plurality of basic operation modes are provided.

  In recent years, energy saving has been proposed, and an image forming apparatus that is always energized in an office has a function of transitioning to a power saving state (hereinafter also referred to as a power saving mode or a power saving state) with reduced power consumption. Things are increasing. For example, when no operation is performed for a predetermined time or when a predetermined key (power saving key) is operated, the image forming apparatus turns off the operation panel, and enters a normal standby state (instructed function (copying etc.)). Transition from a state that can be executed immediately) to a power saving mode with low power consumption.

  When a predetermined key is operated while the image forming apparatus is in the power saving state, the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state to the standby state. There is also known an image forming apparatus that includes a sensor for detecting a person (hereinafter also referred to as a human sensor), detects that a person has approached the image forming apparatus, and returns from a power saving state to a standby state.

  Various proposals have been made to shorten the return time from the power saving state to the normal state. For example, in the following patent document, when shifting from the normal state to the power saving state, image data (for example, a login screen or a copy screen) to be displayed on the display unit when returning from the power saving state to the normal state is generated in advance. An image forming apparatus that displays an image indicated by image data when returning from a power saving state to a normal state is disclosed.

JP 2013-258474 A

  In order to enhance the power saving effect, the image forming apparatus often shifts to a power saving mode in which the operation panel is turned off when a person is not approaching even during execution of a job. In this case, the user cannot immediately know the job execution status of the image forming apparatus and hesitates to use the image forming apparatus.

  In the case of an image forming apparatus having a function of detecting a person and returning from the power saving mode, the operation panel is turned on when the user approaches. Usually, a preset operation screen (for example, a home screen, a login screen, etc.) is displayed. Is displayed. Therefore, in order to check the job status, the user needs to operate the operation screen to display the job status. If the image forming apparatus requires login authentication, an operation for login authentication is also required. As described above, there is a problem that a complicated screen operation has to be performed only for checking the job status. According to Patent Document 1, this problem cannot be solved.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying an appropriate return screen according to a job execution state when detecting a person and returning from a power saving state to a normal state.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a power saving function. The image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays a screen for inputting an instruction to the image forming apparatus, an input unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to execute a job by operating the screen, and a power consumption state of the image forming apparatus. A control unit for controlling and a detection unit for detecting a person are included. When the input unit has not been operated for a predetermined time, the control unit stops or restricts the power supply to the display unit so that the screen display on the display unit is difficult to visually recognize. In response to a human being detected by the detection unit in a state in which the display on the display unit is difficult to visually recognize, the display unit displays information relating to the job being executed and the job that has not been executed as job status information in a visible manner. .

  As a result, even if the operation screen of the image forming apparatus is difficult to visually recognize, it is automatically visible when the user approaches, and the execution status of the job is displayed. You can easily check the job execution status without doing so.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a setting unit configured to set a return screen which is a screen displayed on the display unit in response to detection of a person by the detection unit in a state where the display on the display unit is difficult to visually recognize. . When the screen display by the display unit is difficult to visually recognize and a human being is detected by the detection unit, if the display unit sets a screen including job status information as a return screen by the setting unit, If the status information is displayed so as to be visible, and a screen different from the screen including the job status information is set as a return screen by the setting unit, another screen is displayed so as to be visible.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus can display an appropriate screen when returning from the power saving state according to the installed environment, the usage status, and the user's request.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an authentication unit that performs user authentication. When the screen display by the display unit is difficult to visually recognize, when the person is detected by the detection unit and the user authentication is passed by the authentication unit, the display unit displays the job status information so as to be visible.

  Thus, even in an image forming apparatus that requires user authentication for use, the user can easily check the job execution status.

  More preferably, in response to the detection of the person by the detection unit and the user authentication being passed by the authentication unit in a state in which the screen display on the display unit is difficult to visually recognize, the display unit displays the job being executed and unexecuted. Of the jobs to be executed, only the information related to the job that the user who has passed the authentication by the authentication unit has instructed to execute is displayed as job status information so as to be visible.

  As a result, the job that the user other than the user who passed the authentication has instructed to execute is not displayed, so that the user can easily confirm the status of the job that he / she specified to execute without being obscured by unnecessary information. Further, it is possible to prevent other users from knowing information about jobs that each user has instructed to execute.

  Preferably, the authentication unit includes an imaging unit that captures an image of the person's face in response to detection of a person by the detection unit, and the authentication unit performs user authentication based on the face captured by the imaging unit.

  Thus, the user can more easily check the job execution status without performing an authentication operation.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus enables the detection unit when the image forming apparatus executes a job, and disables the detection unit when the image forming apparatus finishes executing the job.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus can detect the person and display the job status while the job is being executed, and can return to the power saving state in response to the passing person when the job is not being executed. It is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus includes an authentication unit that performs user authentication, disables the function of the input unit until authentication is passed by the authentication unit, and receives input that authentication is passed by the authentication unit. Enable the department. The image forming apparatus enables the detection unit when executing the job, and disables the detection unit when the execution of the job is completed. The image forming apparatus validates the operation with respect to the job status information by the input unit when the authentication unit passes the authentication in a state where the job status information is displayed so as to be visible.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus can detect the person and display the job status while the job is being executed, and can return to the power saving state in response to the passing person when the job is not being executed. It is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption. Furthermore, the user can perform operations on jobs included in the displayed job status.

  Preferably, the display unit includes a backlight. The control unit stops or restricts the power supply to the backlight to make the display on the display screen difficult to view, displays the job status information on the display panel, and then restarts the power supply to the backlight to display the job status information. Display so as to be visible.

  As a result, even when a display panel including a backlight with high power consumption is adopted, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced. The job status can be displayed in a visible manner without the user seeing the switching.

  According to the present invention, even when the operation screen of the image forming apparatus is difficult to visually recognize, the user can display the job execution status when approaching the user, and the user can easily perform the operation without complicated operations. You can check the job execution status. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

1 is a front view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a state in which the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 detects a user. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a return program from a power saving mode executed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the screen which displays the execution status of a job. It is a figure which shows a home screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting screen for a screen displayed when returning from a power saving mode in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a return program from a power saving mode executed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a front view which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a state in which the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9 authenticates a user. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen setting screen displayed when returning from the power saving mode in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a return program from a power saving mode executed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 9. It is a figure which shows the screen which displays the execution condition of the job of all the users. It is a figure which shows the screen which displays the execution status of the job of the user who is logging in. It is a figure which shows the home screen displayed after passing user authentication. It is a figure which shows the screen which displays a part of execution status of the job of all the users by a buff. 10 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a return program from a power saving mode executed in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program in a modification. It is a figure which shows the screen which displays the execution status of the job in a modification. It is a figure which shows the screen of FIG. 20 after user authentication.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(First embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, a facsimile function, an electronic mail function, and a scanner function.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming unit 106, an operation unit 110, a sensor unit 116, a document reading unit 130, an automatic document feeder 132, a paper feeding unit 134, and A discharge tray 136 in the cylinder is included. The operation unit 110 includes a touch panel display and an operation key unit. The touch panel display includes a display panel and a touch panel arranged on the display panel. In the operation key portion, hardware function keys (power switch, power saving key, etc.) are arranged. A numeric keypad may be arranged in the operation key portion.

  Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 102, a storage unit 104, and an image processing unit 108. The control unit 102 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a volatile storage device, and the entire image forming apparatus 100. To control. The ROM stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU in the control unit 102 reads the program from the ROM onto the RAM, and executes the program using a part of the RAM as a work area. That is, the CPU 102 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a program stored in the ROM, and realizes each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The storage unit 104 is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is cut off, and is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The communication unit 112 is connected to the network 190 in a wired or wireless manner, and is an interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate with an external device such as a computer via the network 190. For example, the communication unit 112 is a NIC (Network Interface Card). .

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a FAX modem (not shown). The FAX modem is an interface that is connected to an external telephone line (not shown) and allows the image forming apparatus 100 to perform FAX communication with an external apparatus via the telephone line.

  The document reading unit 130 includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) for reading an image and a document detection sensor that detects a document set on the document table or the automatic document feeder 132, and reads the document. Input image data. Image data is temporarily stored in the RAM of the control unit 102. The automatic document feeder 132 conveys the set originals one by one to the original reading position of the original reading unit 130, and discharges the original that has been read.

  The image processing unit 108 performs various image processing on the read image data. The image forming unit 106 forms (prints) an image on a recording sheet based on the image data. The image data is stored in the storage unit 104 as necessary. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job, the image processing unit 108 performs RIP processing on the print job, and generates image data used for image formation by the image forming unit 106. The paper feeding unit 134 holds recording paper for image formation. The image processing unit 108 also generates image data of an operation screen to be changed according to a situation other than a predetermined operation screen among screens displayed on the operation unit.

  The operation unit 110 receives an input such as an instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 by the user. As described above, the operation unit 110 includes an operation key unit having various input keys (hardware keys) and a touch panel display in which a touch panel is arranged on a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). And. When the display panel includes an LCD, the display panel also includes a backlight. The user checks the state of the image forming apparatus 100, the job processing status, and the like on the screen displayed on the touch panel display. By selecting a key displayed on the touch panel display on the touch panel superimposed on the display panel (touching a corresponding part on the touch panel), function setting, operation instruction, and the like of the image forming apparatus 100 can be performed.

  The control unit 102 monitors user operations on the touch panel display provided on the operation unit 110 and input keys, and displays information to be notified to the user such as information on the state of the image forming apparatus 100 on the touch panel display. To do.

  The sensor unit 116 is disposed on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 116 is a human sensor for detecting the presence of a person 150 within a predetermined range. Here, it is assumed that the sensor unit 116 is an infrared sensor (such as a pyroelectric sensor). The sensor unit 116 receives infrared rays and outputs a signal corresponding to the received signal strength. In FIG. 3, the detection region 152 of the sensor unit 116 is shown in a sector shape (detection distance L and detection angle α), but the shape of the detection range varies depending on the sensor actually used. It is preferable that the detection parameters (the detection distance L and the detection angle α) are appropriately set so that the sensor unit 116 can detect a user who can be positioned around the image forming apparatus 100. The sensor unit 116 is not limited to a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and may be any sensor that can detect a person around the image forming apparatus 100. For example, a pulse-type infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor may be used.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus 100 can execute a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, an e-mail function, and a facsimile function. The user can operate the operation unit 110 to select these functions, set conditions, and instruct execution. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 receives and executes a print job or a facsimile job from the outside via the communication unit 112. The image forming apparatus 100 can accept (register) the execution of a plurality of jobs at the same time, store them in the storage unit 104 until the accepted jobs are executed, and execute the jobs in the order received.

  Hereinafter, a control structure of the return program from the power saving mode executed in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the display panel of the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes an LCD and a backlight.

  This program is, for example, when the user operates the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 to instruct execution of a job and then a predetermined time elapses without the operation unit 110 being operated, or the power saving key is pressed. It is activated when Information on the job instructed to be executed is stored in the storage unit 104.

  During the operation of this program, the sensor unit 116 needs to be in an operating state (ON). Therefore, the sensor unit 116 is always turned on or turned on when the program is started, and turned off after the program ends.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of programs are executed in parallel by multitasking. For example, a program for executing a job and a program for receiving a print job and storing it in the storage unit 104 are also executed in parallel with this program. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 can accept an operation by any user without executing the user authentication process.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in step 300, control unit 102 turns off the backlight of the display panel of operation unit 110 to save power. Specifically, the control unit 102 stops or restricts power supply to the backlight. At this time, the power supply to the LCD of the display panel of the operation unit 110 is maintained, and the operation screen is displayed on the display panel, but the backlight is turned off, so that the operation screen is difficult to visually recognize.

  In step 302, the control unit 102 determines whether the image forming apparatus 100 is executing a job. If so, control passes to step 306. Otherwise control passes to step 304.

  In step 304, the control unit 102 shifts the image forming apparatus 100 to the power saving state. Specifically, the control unit 102 limits or stops power supply to a predetermined unit. For example, the fixing temperature is lowered by reducing the amount of power supplied to the heater of the fixing unit. At this time, power supply to the LCD of the display panel of the operation unit 110 and the sensor unit 116 is maintained.

  In step 306, the control unit 102 determines whether the sensor unit 116 has detected a person. Specifically, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the level of the output signal of the sensor unit 116 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined that a person has been detected, control proceeds to step 308. Otherwise, step 306 is repeated.

  In step 308, the control unit 102 determines whether the image forming apparatus 100 is executing a job. If it is determined that it is being executed, the process proceeds to step 310. Otherwise control passes to step 312.

  In step 310, the control unit 102 changes the screen displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 110 to a job status screen. Specifically, the control unit 102 reads information on the job being executed and the registered unexecuted job (hereinafter also referred to as job status information) from the storage unit 104, and includes image data including job status information. Is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 110. At this time, since the backlight is turned off, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the job status screen.

  In step 312, the control unit 102 resumes power supply to the unit or the like that has stopped or restricted power supply in step 304.

  In step 314, the control unit 102 turns on the backlight of the display panel of the operation unit 110. Specifically, the control unit 102 resumes power supply to the backlight. Thereafter, the program ends.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, the backlight of the display panel of the operation unit 110 is turned off, and it becomes difficult to visually recognize the operation screen of the display panel. Is turned on, and the operation screen of the display panel can be visually recognized. At this time, if the job is being executed (the determination result in step 308 is YES), a job status screen indicating the job execution status is displayed on the operation unit 110 (step 310 and step 314). If the job is not being executed (the determination result in step 308 is NO), the screen displayed when the backlight is turned off is displayed on the operation unit 110 (steps 312 and 314). Therefore, the user can easily check the job execution status without performing complicated operations, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

  If the job is being executed, for example, a screen 500 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In the screen 500, an area 502 displays information on the job currently being executed and the registered job. A “Home” key 504 is a button for returning the screen to the home screen.

  The home screen is a screen for selecting each mode of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. The home screen 520 includes a “copy” key 522 for selecting a copy mode, a “FAX” key 524 for selecting a FAX mode, an “E-mail” key 526 for selecting an e-mail mode, and A “scan save” key 528 for selecting a scanner mode is included. A “setting” key 530 is a key for displaying a screen for performing basic settings related to the image forming apparatus 100. The “job status” key 532 is a key for displaying the job status.

  Note that if the “Home” key is provided as a hardware key in the operation unit 110, the “Home” key 504 may not be displayed on the screen 500.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when a person is detected, a job status screen is displayed if a job is being executed. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a screen displayed on the operation unit when a person is detected can be set.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the reference numerals in FIGS. 1 and 2 are cited. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can detect a person by the sensor unit 116 as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is set with a screen displayed on the operation unit 110 when a person is detected by an administrator or the like. For example, when the “setting” key 530 on the home screen 520 (see FIG. 6) displayed on the operation unit 110 is operated, a setting screen 540 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

  A region 542 of the setting screen 540 shows screen candidates to be displayed when the backlight that has been turned off when the job is executed is turned on. In FIG. 7, three types of candidates are shown. “Display job status screen during job execution” means to display the job status screen, as in the first embodiment. “Display the screen before erasure” means that the screen that was displayed when the backlight was erased is displayed. “Display home screen” means displaying a home screen 520 as shown in FIG.

  An area 544 displays radio buttons for selecting corresponding candidates. You cannot select multiple radio buttons at the same time. FIG. 7 shows a state where “Display job status screen when job is executed” is selected. When the “OK” key 546 is operated, information for specifying the selected content (hereinafter also referred to as return screen specifying information) is stored in the storage unit 104, and the home screen 520 is displayed. When the “Cancel” key 548 is operated, the setting is canceled (the information is not stored even if selected), and the home screen 520 is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the return screen specifying information regarding the three types of candidates shown in the area 542 in FIG. 7 is “1”, “2”, and “3” from the top of the area 542, respectively.

  In image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a return program from the power saving mode shown in FIG. 8 is executed. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, steps 330 to 334 are newly added between step 308 and step 310 in the flowchart of FIG.

  As in the first embodiment, for example, after the user operates the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 to instruct the execution of the job, the predetermined time elapses without the operation unit 110 being operated. It is activated when the power saving key is pressed. In the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of programs are executed in parallel by multitasking. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 can accept an operation by an arbitrary user without executing the user authentication process. During the operation of this program, the sensor unit 116 is on.

  Through steps 300 to 304, the backlight of the display panel of the operation unit 110 is turned off. Thereafter, when a person is detected in step 306 and it is determined in step 308 that the job is being executed, in step 330, the control unit 102 reads the above-described return screen specifying information from the storage unit 104, and the information Is information indicating the display of the screen before erasure, that is, “2”. If the return screen identification information is “2”, control proceeds to step 314. Otherwise control passes to step 332.

  In step 332, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the return screen specifying information read in step 330 is information indicating display of the home screen, that is, “3”. If the return screen identification information is “3”, control proceeds to step 334. Otherwise (return screen specifying information is “1”), control proceeds to step 310.

  In step 334, the control unit 102 changes the screen displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 110 to the home screen (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the control unit 102 reads the home screen stored in the storage unit 104 and displays it on the display panel of the operation unit 110. At this time, since the backlight is turned off, it is difficult to visually recognize the job status screen.

  Thereafter, in step 310, the backlight is turned on, the operation screen of the display panel can be visually recognized, and the program ends.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, the backlight of the display panel of the operation unit 110 is turned off, and it becomes difficult to visually recognize the operation screen of the display panel. Is turned on, and the operation screen of the display panel can be visually recognized. At this time, a preset screen is displayed. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can display an appropriate screen when returning from the power saving state according to the installed environment, the usage status, the user's request, and the like.

  For example, if the setting is as shown in FIG. 7, as in the first embodiment, if a job is being executed (the determination result in step 308 is YES), a job status screen (step 308) showing the job execution status ( 5) is displayed on the operation unit 110 (step 310 and step 314). If the job is not being executed (the determination result in step 308 is NO), the screen displayed when the backlight is turned off is displayed on the operation unit 110 (steps 312 and 314). Therefore, the user can easily check the job execution status without performing complicated operations, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, when a person is detected without performing user authentication, the same screen is displayed regardless of the user. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a screen corresponding to the user can be displayed.

  Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes imaging unit 202 and face recognition unit 204 in addition to the configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. .

  The imaging unit 202 is, for example, a CCD camera that receives visible light, and is disposed in the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 200. The imaging unit 202 can image the range of the angle β as shown in FIG. When the sensor unit 116 detects the person 150, the imaging unit 202 performs imaging. At this time, the imaging range of the imaging unit 202 and the detection range of the sensor unit 116 are such that the imaging unit 202 can capture the human face detected by the sensor unit 116 and recognize the human face in the captured image. Is preferably set so that a sufficiently large face area is included.

  The face recognition unit 204 recognizes a face area from the image data output from the imaging unit 202 and calculates the feature amount. The control unit 102 can acquire the feature amount from the captured user's face image by the imaging unit 202 and the face recognition unit 204. Here, with respect to a user who is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 200 (hereinafter also referred to as a registered user), it is information for identifying a user ID and a feature amount of a user's face image (a recognition target by face recognition processing). For example, it is assumed that a database that associates each feature with a vector component in a vector space having each feature as a unit vector is stored in the storage unit 104. Also, assume that the user inputs a user ID on the print condition setting screen provided by the printer driver when operating the external device such as a computer to give a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 200. The input user ID is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 200 together with the print job. The image forming apparatus 200 receives the user ID and the print job and stores them in the storage unit 104. The user who has instructed printing goes to the image forming apparatus 200 in order to operate the image forming apparatus 200 and execute printing.

  In the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 is set with a screen to be displayed on the operation unit 110 when a person is detected by an administrator or the like. For example, when the “setting” key 530 on the home screen 520 (see FIG. 6) displayed on the operation unit 110 is operated, a setting screen 560 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

  An area 562 of the setting screen 560 shows screen candidates to be displayed when the backlight that has been turned off when the job is executed is turned on. In FIG. 12, three types of candidates are shown. “Display job status of all users” means that the job status is displayed for all of the jobs being executed and the registered unexecuted jobs, regardless of the user. “Display only logged-in user jobs” means that the job status is displayed only for the logged-in user jobs. “Do not display job status (display home screen)” means that the home screen is displayed without displaying the job status.

  In area 564, radio buttons for selecting corresponding candidates are displayed. You cannot select multiple radio buttons at the same time. FIG. 12 shows a state where “Display job status of all users” is selected. When the “OK” key 566 is operated, return screen specifying information representing the selected content is stored in the storage unit 104, and the home screen is displayed. When the “Cancel” key 568 is operated, the setting is canceled (the information is not stored even if selected), and the home screen is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the return screen specifying information regarding the three types of candidates shown in the area 562 in FIG. 12 is “1”, “2”, and “3” from the top of the area 562, respectively.

  In image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, a return program from the power saving mode shown in FIG. 13 is executed. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, steps 350 and 352 are newly added between step 306 and step 308 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and step 310 is replaced by step 354.

  This program is, for example, when a user who is logged in to the image forming apparatus 200 operates the operation unit 110 to instruct execution of a job and logs out and then a predetermined time elapses without the operation unit 110 being operated, or Fires when the power saving key is pressed. When the user logs out, the operation unit 110 displays a login screen. When the power saving key is pressed, logout processing is executed. In the image forming apparatus 200, a plurality of programs are executed in parallel by multitasking. During the operation of this program, the sensor unit 116 is on.

  Through steps 300 to 304, the backlight of the display panel of the operation unit 110 is turned off. Thereafter, when a person is detected in step 306, in step 350, the control unit 102 executes user authentication processing for the person detected in step 306. Specifically, the control unit 102 controls the imaging unit 202 to perform imaging, acquires image data, and causes the face recognition unit 204 to perform face recognition processing on the acquired image data. The face recognition unit 204 acquires a user ID corresponding to the face included in the captured image from the storage unit 104 by a known face recognition process. If the corresponding user ID is stored, the face recognition unit 204 outputs the user ID to the control unit 102. If the corresponding user ID is not stored, the face recognition unit 204 outputs predetermined data (for example, invalid ID) indicating that fact to the control unit 102. The control unit 102 stores the data input from the face recognition unit 204 in the RAM. Note that the image processing in the face recognition processing executed here is the same as the image processing used to acquire the feature amount of the user's face image stored in the storage unit 104.

  In step 352, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the user detected in step 306 and whose face is recognized in step 350 is a registered user. Specifically, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the data acquired from the face recognition unit 204 in step 350 and stored in the RAM is a valid ID (user ID stored in the storage unit 104). . If it is a valid ID, it is determined that the user is a registered user, and control proceeds to step 308. Otherwise (invalid ID), control returns to step 306.

  If it is determined in step 308 that the job is being executed, in step 354, the control unit 102 reads the above-described return screen specification information from the storage unit 104, and displays the screen specified thereby on the display of the operation unit 110. Display on the panel.

  If the return screen specifying information is “1”, for example, a job status screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. In an area 602 of the screen 600, information on all currently executed jobs and registered unexecuted jobs is displayed together with information (user1 to user3) for specifying a user who has instructed execution of each job. ing. A “Home” key 604 is a button for returning the screen to the home screen.

  If the same job as that in FIG. 14 is registered, the registered user specified in step 352 is user2, and the return screen specifying information is “2”, a job status screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. . In the area 612 of the screen 610, only information related to the job that the user (user 2) who passed the login authentication instructed to execute is displayed.

  If the return screen specifying information is “3”, a home screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. In the area 622 of the screen 620, the name of the currently logged-in user is displayed. The area 622 also functions as a key for logout. A “job status” key 624 is a key for displaying the job status. Unlike the job status screen of FIG. 14, the screen displayed by the “job status” key 624 displays keys for performing operations on the displayed job status. For example, for each displayed job, a key for changing the execution order, a key for canceling execution (deleting registration), and the like are displayed.

  Thereafter, in step 310, the backlight is turned on, the operation screen of the display panel can be visually recognized, and the program ends.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 200, when the backlight of the display panel of the operation unit 110 is turned off and the operation screen of the display panel becomes difficult to visually recognize, when a person is detected near the image forming apparatus 200, face authentication is performed. The login process is executed, and if the authentication is passed, the backlight is turned on and the operation screen of the display panel can be visually recognized. At this time, a preset screen is displayed. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 200 can display an appropriate screen when returning from the power saving state according to the installed environment, the usage status, and the user's request.

  In the above description, when it is set to display the job statuses of all users, all information is displayed as shown in FIG. 14, but a job status screen as shown in FIG. 17 may be displayed. It is assumed that the registered user identified in step 352 is user2. In an area 632 of the screen 630, information on all currently executed jobs and registered unexecuted jobs is displayed. A user other than the user (user 2) who passed the login authentication has instructed execution. Regarding the job, information other than the job type and end time is displayed in an asterisk (*).

  In the above description, the setting of the screen displayed when the image forming apparatus 200 returns from the power saving state has been described as being commonly applied to all authenticated users. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A screen to be displayed when the image forming apparatus 200 returns from the power saving state may be set for each registered user. For example, in the home screen (see FIG. 16) displayed when the login authentication is passed, the settings in the screen 560 (see FIG. 12) displayed when the “setting” key is operated are applied only to the logged-in user. do it.

  In the above description, the database including information for recognizing the user is stored in the storage unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The database may be stored in an external device (such as a computer) of the image forming apparatus 200. For example, when the database is stored in a server computer connected to the network 190, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits image data obtained by capturing an approaching user to the server computer, and the server computer The face recognition process may be executed using the received image data. If the image forming apparatus 200 receives the result of the face recognition process from the server computer and is a registered user, the image forming apparatus 200 can execute the processes after step 308 in FIG.

  In the above description, the case where a user is identified by face recognition processing has been described. For example, a user carries a wireless tag including an ID corresponding to the user ID (for example, an RF tag including RFID), and the image forming apparatus 100 includes a device that reads the ID from the wireless tag, and approaches by the read ID. A user (user ID) may be identified.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first to third embodiments, while the display panel of the operation unit is turned off, the human sensor is turned on regardless of whether or not the job is being executed. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the human sensor is turned on only during execution of the job.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured similarly to the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the reference numerals in FIGS. 1 and 2 are cited. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a timer. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can detect a person by the sensor unit 116 as shown in FIG.

  In image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a return program from the power saving mode shown in FIG. 18 is executed. This program is started when job execution is started. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 to instruct execution of a print job, or the image forming apparatus 100 executes a print job received from an external apparatus such as a computer. Is done. Before this program is executed, the human sensor, that is, the sensor unit 116 is turned off and is not functioning. In the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of programs are executed in parallel by multitasking. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 can accept an operation by any user without executing the user authentication process.

  In step 400, the control unit 102 turns on the human sensor, that is, the sensor unit 116. At this time, a timer used for determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed (to be described later) is reset (the timer value is set to “0”).

  In step 402, the control unit 102 determines whether the sensor unit 116 has detected a person. Specifically, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the level of the output signal of the sensor unit 116 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If it is determined that a person has been detected, the control unit 102 resets the timer, and then the control proceeds to step 414. Otherwise control passes to step 404.

  In step 404, the control unit 102 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the detection of a person has been stopped. Specifically, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the timer value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value T. If the predetermined time has elapsed, control proceeds to step 406. Otherwise, control returns to step 402.

  In step 406, the control unit 102 turns off the backlight of the operation unit 110 to save power. Specifically, the control unit 102 stops power supply to the backlight.

  If no person is detected, that is, if there is no person near the image forming apparatus 100, steps 402 and 404 are repeated. Therefore, when a predetermined time elapses without operating the operation unit 110, the backlight is turned off.

  In step 408, the control unit 102 determines whether the sensor unit 116 has detected a person. If it is determined that a person has been detected, control proceeds to step 410. Otherwise, control passes to step 416.

  In step 410, the control unit 102 changes the screen displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 110 to a job status screen. Specifically, the control unit 102 reads out information on the job being executed and the registered unexecuted job from the storage unit 104, generates image data including the information, and displays the information on the operation unit 110. Display on the panel. For example, the screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. At this point, the backlight is turned off, so the job status screen is difficult to see.

  In step 412, the control unit 102 turns on the backlight of the display panel of the operation unit 110. Specifically, the control unit 102 resumes power supply to the backlight. Thereafter, control returns to step 402. When the backlight is turned on, the operation screen of the display panel can be visually recognized.

  When a person is detected in step 402, in step 414, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the print job being executed is completed. If it is determined that the job has been completed, control proceeds to step 418 regardless of whether there is a registered unexecuted job. Otherwise, control returns to step 402.

  If no person is detected in step 408, in step 416, the control unit 102 determines whether the print job being executed is completed. If it is determined that the job has been completed, control proceeds to step 418 regardless of whether there is a registered unexecuted job. Otherwise, control returns to step 408.

  In step 418, the control unit 102 turns off the human sensor, that is, the sensor unit 116, and the program ends. Thereafter, when another job is executed, the program is started.

  Usually, when the person is detected by the human sensor and the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state, the detected person does not always use the restored image forming apparatus. Therefore, if the human sensor is always turned on in the power saving state, it detects a person who does not intend to use the image forming apparatus and simply passes, and the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state, and wasteful power consumption occurs. May occur. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the person and display the job status while the job is being executed. When the job is not being executed, the person reacts to the passing person and returns from the power saving state. It is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption. In order to restore the image forming apparatus from the power saving state when the job is not executed, it is only necessary to detect that the operation unit 110 is operated. For example, when it is detected that the power saving key of the operation unit 110 is operated, the image forming apparatus may be returned from the power saving state.

  Although the case where the power supply to the sensor unit 116 is turned on / off has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. While the power supply to the sensor unit 116 is maintained and the job is not being executed, the control unit 102 may ignore the output signal from the sensor unit 116. That is, it is determined whether or not a person has been detected based on an output signal from the sensor unit 116 only during execution of a job.

  Although the case where user authentication is not performed was demonstrated above, user authentication may be performed. For example, the image forming apparatus may execute user authentication similar to that in the third embodiment.

(Modification)
In the fourth embodiment, only the job status is displayed. However, when the job status is displayed, the job status may be displayed by logging in. For this purpose, for example, a program shown in FIG. 19 is executed in the image forming apparatus 100. In the flowchart of FIG. 19, steps 430 to 434 are added after step 412 in the flowchart of FIG. 18.

  Here, it is assumed that the user needs to pass login authentication in order to use the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a reading device for an IC card given to a user and has a card authentication function.

  This program is started when job execution is started. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 to instruct execution of a print job and logs out, or the image forming apparatus 100 executes a print job received from an external device such as a computer. When it is launched. Before this program is executed, the sensor unit 116 is turned off and is not functioning. In the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of programs are executed in parallel by multitasking.

  After the backlight is turned off in steps 400 to 406, when a person is detected in step 408, the job status screen is displayed on the operation unit 110 in a recognizable manner in steps 410 and 412. For example, the job status screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. In an area 702 of the screen 700, information on all currently executed jobs and registered unexecuted jobs is displayed together with information (user1 to user3) for specifying a user who has instructed execution of each job. ing.

  Thereafter, in step 430, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the card authentication is passed within a predetermined time. Specifically, the control unit 102 acquires a user ID from the IC card reader, and determines whether the acquired user ID matches any of the user IDs stored in the storage unit 104. If it is determined that they match, the card authentication is passed and control passes to step 432. Otherwise, that is, when the user ID is not acquired from the reading device for a predetermined time, or even if the user ID is acquired from the reading device, it matches the user ID stored in the storage unit 104 If the authentication is not passed, control returns to step 402.

  In step 432, the control unit 102 displays a key for accepting a user operation on the operation screen, and when the key is operated, executes a process corresponding to the key. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, a “Home” key 704 is displayed. When the “home” key 704 is operated, the job status display screen is deleted and the home screen (see FIG. 16) is displayed. Therefore, the user can operate the “Home” key 704 to display the home screen on the operation unit 110 and perform various operations. When an operation is performed on the displayed job status, if a “job status” key 624 on the home screen is operated, a screen including the job status and a key for performing an operation on the displayed job status is displayed. Is displayed.

  In step 434, the control unit 102 determines whether logout is instructed. The logout instruction is performed, for example, by operating a logout key (see area 622 in FIG. 16). If it is determined that logout has been instructed, control proceeds to step 402. Otherwise, control returns to step 432.

  As described above, during job execution, the user can easily check the job status because the job status is displayed just by approaching the image forming apparatus 100 without performing authentication. Further, the user can execute an operation on the image forming apparatus 100 including an operation on a job being executed or registered by card authentication. When the job is not executed, since the sensor unit 116 is turned off, the image forming apparatus 100 maintains the power saving state until the user passes the card authentication, and further power saving is possible.

  In the above description, the case where the “home” key 704 is displayed as shown in FIG. 21 if the card authentication is passed while the job status screen is displayed has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a key for changing the execution order of jobs in the displayed job status screen and a key for canceling execution (deleting registration) may be displayed.

  Note that user authentication is not limited to the card authentication described above. Authentication may be performed by displaying a login screen. For example, the login screen may be displayed when the user touches the touch panel display of the operation unit 110 while the job status is displayed in steps 410 and 412.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the case where the backlight is turned on after the job status screen is displayed when a person is detected has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. If a person is detected, the backlight may be turned on immediately, and then the job status screen may be displayed.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the case where the backlight is turned off or turned on has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A display device that does not include a backlight may be employed as the display panel. For example, an organic EL display or the like may be used. In that case, lighting and extinguishing of the backlight are replaced by starting and stopping power supply to the display.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the case where the sensor unit 116 is disposed in the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may arrange | position on the wall around the image forming apparatus, a ceiling, etc. In the third embodiment, the imaging unit 202 may be disposed on a wall and ceiling around the image forming apparatus. One or a plurality of imaging units 202 having an imaging range corresponding to a place where the imaging unit 202 is installed and a route through which a person approaching the image forming apparatus passes can be used. Similarly, one or a plurality of sensor units 116 having a detection range corresponding to a place where the sensor unit 116 is installed and a route through which a person approaching the image forming apparatus passes can be used.

  The present invention has been described above by describing the embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is implemented with various modifications. be able to.

100, 200 Image forming apparatus 102 Control unit 104 Storage unit 106 Image forming unit 108 Image processing unit 110 Operation unit 112 Communication unit 116 Sensor unit 130 Document reading unit 132 Automatic document feeder 134 Paper feeding unit 136 Paper discharge tray 190 Network 202 Imaging Part 204 Face recognition part

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus having a power saving function,
Display means for displaying a screen for inputting an instruction to the image forming apparatus;
Input means for instructing the image forming apparatus to execute a job by an operation on the screen;
Control means for controlling the power consumption state of the image forming apparatus;
Detecting means for detecting a person,
In response to the input means not being operated for a predetermined time, the control means stops or restricts the power supply to the display means, making the screen display by the display means difficult to see,
In response to the detection of a person by the detection means in a state in which the screen display by the display means is difficult to see, the display means can visually recognize information on the job being executed and the job not yet executed as job status information Displayed on the
An image forming apparatus further comprising means for enabling the detection means when the image forming apparatus executes a job and disabling the detection means when the image forming apparatus finishes executing the job . A setting unit for setting a return screen that is a screen displayed by the display unit in response to detection of a person by the detection unit in a state in which the screen display by the display unit is difficult to visually recognize;
In response to the detection of a person by the detection means in a state where the screen display by the display means is difficult to visually recognize, the display means
If the screen including the job status information is set as the return screen by the setting means, the job status information is displayed so as to be visible.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the setting unit sets a screen different from the screen including the job status information as the return screen, the other screen is displayed so as to be visible. 3. An authentication unit for performing user authentication;
When the screen display by the display means is difficult to visually recognize, the display means can visually recognize the job status information when a person is detected by the detection means and user authentication is passed by the authentication means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is displayed on the screen.   In response to the detection of a person by the detection means and the user authentication being passed by the authentication means in a state in which the screen display by the display means is difficult to visually recognize, the display means 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein only information relating to a job that has been instructed by a user who has passed authentication by the authentication unit is displayed as the job status information so as to be visible. The authentication means includes an image pickup means for picking up an image of the person's face in response to detection of a person by the detection means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the authentication unit performs the user authentication based on the face imaged by the imaging unit. An image forming apparatus having a power saving function,
Display means for displaying a screen for inputting an instruction to the image forming apparatus;
Input means for instructing the image forming apparatus to execute a job by an operation on the screen;
Control means for controlling the power consumption state of the image forming apparatus;
Detecting means for detecting a person,
In response to the input means not being operated for a predetermined time, the control means stops or restricts the power supply to the display means, making the screen display by the display means difficult to see,
In response to the detection of a person by the detection means in a state in which the screen display by the display means is difficult to see, the display means can visually recognize information relating to a job being executed and an unexecuted job as job status information. Displayed on the
An authentication means for performing user authentication;
Means for disabling the function of the input means until authentication is passed by the authentication means, and for enabling the input means upon receipt of authentication by the authentication means;
Means for enabling the detection means when the image forming apparatus executes a job, and disabling the detection means when the image forming apparatus finishes execution of the job,
Wherein in a state in which the job status information is visibly displayed, in response to the authentication by the authentication unit is passed, to enable the operation to the job status information by the input means, images forming device. The display means includes a backlight,
The control means includes
Stop or limit the power supply to the backlight to make the screen display by the display means difficult to see,
Restart the power supply to the backlight visibly displaying the job status information after displaying the job status information on the display means, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 6 .

Images