JP6680474B2 - Electronic device with human sensor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a function of returning from a power saving state to a normal state (standby state) by a sensor for detecting a person (presence sensor), and in particular, whether the presence sensor is normally operating or not The present invention relates to electronic devices that can be automatically determined.

  As one type of image processing apparatus that is an electronic device, an image forming apparatus (typically a copying machine) that forms an image on a recording sheet is introduced in many business establishments (company, office, etc.). A multi-function peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)), which is one type of such an image forming apparatus, has a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter, a facsimile is also referred to as a FAX), a network compatible printer mode, an electronic mail mode, and a scanner mode. , A plurality of basic operation modes are provided.

  In recent years, energy saving has been advocated, and an image forming apparatus that is constantly energized and used in an office has a function (power saving function) of transitioning to a power saving state (hereinafter also referred to as an energy saving mode) in which power consumption is reduced. We have more things. For example, when the image forming apparatus is not operated for a predetermined time or when a predetermined key (power saving key) is operated, the image forming apparatus turns off the operation panel and stands by in a normal state (a designated function (copy, etc.). ) Can be immediately executed (hereinafter, also referred to as a normal mode) to an energy-saving mode in which power consumption is low.

  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 (human presence sensor) and detects that a person approaches the image forming apparatus and returns from the power saving state to the standby state.

  Various proposals have been made regarding the transition of the electronic device to the power saving state and the return to the standby state. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an image processing apparatus capable of achieving both energy saving and convenience improvement by using at least a plurality of types of detection means having different power consumption and operation specifications during operation. . This image processing apparatus includes a pyroelectric sensor and an image sensor (CCD camera or the like), always supplies power to the pyroelectric sensor, and shuts off power supply to the image sensor in the sleep mode. When the moving object is detected by the pyroelectric sensor, power is supplied to the image sensor, and individual authentication is performed based on the image information taken by the image sensor, with a higher accuracy than that detected by the pyroelectric sensor. get information. As a result, the minimum required power consumption is realized without impairing the convenience.

JP, 2013-21405, A

  However, depending on the type of motion sensor installed in the MFP, the motion sensor may not operate normally depending on the installation location of the MFP. For example, in the case of an MFP equipped with a sensor that detects heat (such as a pyroelectric sensor), the MFP is installed in a place where there is an obstacle in front of the MFP, which is the detection range of the motion sensor, or where exhaust heat accumulates. Then, the human sensor may be always turned on. Further, when a person is coming and going in front of the MFP, or when an foliage plant or the like fluttering in the wind is installed, ON / OFF of the motion sensor may be frequently switched. Furthermore, there is a case where the human sensor itself is always turned on or always turned off due to a failure.

  When the motion sensor does not operate properly (ON / OFF is not properly switched) in this way, firstly, the MFP does not shift to the energy saving mode, secondly, the MFP does not return to the normal mode, and thirdly. In addition, there is a problem that the MFP wastefully repeats the transition to the energy saving mode and the return to the normal mode.

  Of these problems, the third one is mainly a third problem, that is, a problem that a person in front of the MFP is heavy in traffic and a person who does not intend to use the MFP reacts with the motion sensor to return from the energy saving mode. The measures are taken. For example, a method of returning from the energy-saving mode if the human sensor remains ON for a certain period of time, or a distance between the MFP and a moving object is sequentially calculated using a plurality of human sensors, and the moving object is detected. There is known a method of returning from the energy saving mode only when the MFP is approaching (at least not passing through the front of the MFP). However, these assume that the motion sensor operates normally. If the motion sensor itself is not operating normally due to a failure or the like, it cannot be dealt with. According to Patent Document 1, it is not possible to deal with the case where the motion sensor itself is not operating normally.

  Therefore, the present invention includes a motion sensor, has a function of returning from a power saving state to a normal state, can automatically determine whether or not the motion sensor is normally operating, and detect the possibility of abnormality. It is intended to provide an electronic device that can be presented.

  The electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device having a power saving function. This electronic device includes an input unit for inputting an instruction to the electronic device, a display unit indicating that the electronic device is in a standby state, a control unit for controlling the power consumption state of the electronic device, and a detection for detecting a person. Unit, and an evaluation unit that evaluates the detection result of the detection unit. In response to the input from the input unit not being performed for the predetermined time, the control unit stops or limits the power supply to the display unit. When the detection unit detects a person while the power supply to the display unit is stopped or limited, the control unit cancels the stop or restriction of the power supply to the display unit. The evaluation unit acquires the detection result of the detection unit in response to the operation of the input unit, and determines whether the detection unit is normal or not according to the detection result.

  As a result, it is possible to determine the possibility that the detection unit is not operating normally, especially the possibility that the person cannot be detected, in a situation where the electronic device is normally used.

  Preferably, the input unit includes a power saving key for shifting the electronic device to a power saving state. The evaluation unit further acquires a detection result of the detection unit when a predetermined time elapses after the power saving key is operated, and determines whether the detection unit is normal or not according to the detection result.

  As a result, the detector may not operate normally when the electronic device is used normally, and especially if the person who operated the power saving key is not near the electronic device, It is possible to determine the possibility that a person is detected.

  More preferably, the evaluation unit includes a storage unit that stores a time change of the detection result of the detection unit as change information, and determines from the change information whether the detection result of the detection unit frequently changes.

  This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in which the detection result of the detection unit changes frequently.

  More preferably, the evaluation unit determines whether the detection unit is normal based on the acquired detection result and the detection result included in the change information before the detection result is acquired.

  This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether or not the detection unit is normal.

  Preferably, the detection result by the detection unit is ON indicating that a person is detected or OFF indicating that a person is not detected. The evaluation unit includes a number storage unit that stores the first number of times the detection result is ON and the second number of times the detection result is OFF, and determines whether the detection unit is normal. It judges based on the number of times and the second number.

  This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether or not the detection unit is normal.

  More preferably, the electronic device further includes a message display unit that displays a message indicating that the detection unit is not normal in response to the determination that the detection unit is normal, as a result of determining whether the detection unit is normal. .

  As a result, the user of the electronic device can be informed of the abnormal operation of the detection unit and can take measures against it.

  More preferably, the electronic device transmits a message indicating that the detection unit is not normal to the external device in response to the determination that the detection unit is normal as a result of determining whether the detection unit is normal. Further includes.

  As a result, the administrator of the electronic device or the like can be informed of the abnormal operation of the detection unit, and the countermeasure can be taken.

  Preferably, the electronic device is an image forming apparatus. The display unit includes an image display unit that displays an image for inputting an instruction to the image forming apparatus. The input unit includes an operation unit that detects an operation on the image displayed by the image display unit and inputs an instruction to the image forming apparatus.

  As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the detection unit is operating normally in a situation where the image forming apparatus is normally used.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not a motion sensor included in an electronic device is operating normally in a state where the electronic device is normally used. If there is a possibility that the device is not operating normally, that effect and countermeasures can be presented. Therefore, if the surrounding environment (installation location, temperature, etc.) of the electronic device is affected, the human sensor can be operated normally by the measures taken by the user, and the electronic device can enter the power saving mode. It is possible to achieve efficient use and a good balance.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a state in which the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 detects a user. 6 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for controlling the shift to the energy saving mode and the return to the normal mode executed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for monitoring the operation of the motion sensor executed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart showing a notification process in the flowchart of FIG. 5. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed by a notification process. It is a figure which shows the setting screen for enabling the monitoring of the motion of a motion sensor. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of a notification process. 7 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for monitoring the operation of the motion sensor executed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart showing a notification process in the flowchart of FIG. 10. It is a flow chart which shows the control structure of the program for memorizing the state of a human sensor regularly. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system containing the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 11 is a flowchart showing a notification process executed in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are designated 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.

  With reference 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 116, a document reading unit 130, an automatic document feeder 132, a paper feeding unit 134, and a body. It includes an output tray 136 inside. 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. A power switch, an energy saving key, and the like are arranged in the operation key unit as hardware function keys. The energy saving key is a key for shifting the image forming apparatus 100 to the energy saving mode. When the energy saving key is operated while the image forming apparatus 100 is in the energy saving mode, the energy saving key returns the image forming apparatus 100 to the normal mode.

  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 inside 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 control unit 102 controls each unit included in 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 supply is cut off, and is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The communication unit 112 is an interface that is connected to the network 190 by wire or wirelessly and that allows the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate with an external device such as a computer via the network 190. The communication unit 112 is, for example, 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 device via the telephone line.

  The document reading unit 130 includes a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) for reading an image and a document detection sensor for detecting a document set on the document table or the document automatic feeding device 132, and reads the document. Enter the image data. The 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 originals for which the reading process is completed.

  The image processing unit 108 executes various image processes on the read image data. The image forming unit 106 forms (prints) an image on recording paper based on the image data. The image data is stored in the storage unit 104 as needed. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job, the image processing unit 108 executes RIP processing on the print job and generates image data used for image formation by the image forming unit 106. The paper feed unit 134 holds a recording paper sheet for image formation.

  The operation unit 110 receives an input such as an instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 by a user. As described above, the operation unit 110 includes an operation key unit including 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). It has and. When the display panel includes an LCD, the display panel includes a backlight. The user confirms the status of the image forming apparatus 100, the processing status of the job, etc. on the screen displayed on the touch panel display. By selecting the key displayed on the touch panel display on the touch panel overlaid on the display panel (touching the corresponding portion on the touch panel), the function setting and operation instruction of the image forming apparatus 100 can be performed.

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

  Upon receiving the request from the control unit 102, the timer 114 outputs information indicating the current time (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the current time).

  The sensor 116 is arranged on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 116 is a motion sensor for detecting the presence of the person 150 within a predetermined range. Here, the sensor 116 is assumed to be an infrared sensor (such as a pyroelectric sensor). The sensor 116 receives infrared rays and outputs a signal according to the received signal strength. A state in which the sensor 116 is outputting a signal of a predetermined level or higher is referred to as the presence sensor being ON. A state in which the sensor 116 outputs a signal below a predetermined level is referred to as the human sensor being OFF. If the human sensor is ON, it can be determined that a person is being detected, and if the human sensor is OFF, it can be determined that no person is being detected.

  In FIG. 3, the detection area 152 of the sensor 116 is shown as a fan shape (the detection distance L and the detection angle α), but the shape of the detection range differs depending on the sensor actually used. It is preferable that the detection parameters (the detection distance L and the detection angle α) of the sensor 116 are appropriately set so as to detect a person who may be located around the image forming apparatus 100. The sensor 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.

  With this configuration, the image forming apparatus 100 can execute the copy function, the print function, the scanner function, the electronic mail function, and the facsimile function. The user can operate the operation unit 110 to select these functions, set conditions, and then 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.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, a process of monitoring the operation of the motion sensor, which is executed in the image forming apparatus 100, and, when an abnormality is detected, will be described. Here, it is assumed that electric power is supplied to the sensor 116 while the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of programs are executed in parallel by multitasking. The programs of FIGS. 4 and 5 are activated when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. Further, for example, a program for executing a job, a program for receiving a print job and storing the print job in the storage unit 104, and the like are also executed in parallel with the programs in FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in step 300, control unit 102 acquires the current time from timer 114 and stores the current time in a predetermined area of RAM.

  In step 302, the control unit 102 determines whether the operation unit 110 has been operated. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 304. Otherwise, control transfers to step 306.

  In step 304, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the operation detected in step 302 is the operation (press) of the energy saving key. When it is determined that the operation is the energy saving key operation, the control proceeds to step 308. Otherwise, control returns to step 300.

  In step 306, the control unit 102 acquires the current time from the timer 114 and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time stored in the RAM in step 300. If it is determined that the time has passed, the control proceeds to step 308. Otherwise, control returns to step 302.

  In step 308, the control unit 102 erases the operation screen of the operation unit 110 and sets a predetermined value in the flag of the RAM. Immediately after starting this program, a predetermined area of the RAM is assigned to the flag, and "0" is set as an initial value. The predetermined value may be a value different from the initial value of the flag, and is “1”, for example. The operation screen is erased by turning off the backlight of the operation unit 110. The flag set here is used in the determination in step 422 of FIG. 5 described later.

  In step 310, the control unit 102 determines whether the sensor 116 is ON. Specifically, the control unit 102 determines whether or not a signal of a predetermined level or higher is received from the sensor 116. If it is determined that the sensor 116 is ON, the control proceeds to step 314. Otherwise, control transfers to step 312.

  In step 312, the control unit 102 determines whether the energy saving key has been operated. If it is determined that the energy saving key has been operated, the control proceeds to step 314. Otherwise, control returns to step 310.

  In step 314, the control unit 102 displays an operation screen on the operation unit 110 and sets an initial value in the flag of RAM. Thereafter, control returns to step 300. The operation screen is displayed by turning on the backlight of the operation unit 110.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the predetermined time has elapsed without operating the operation unit 110 (the determination result of step 306 is YES), the operation screen of the operation unit 110 is erased (step 308). At this time, a predetermined value is set in the flag of the RAM, so that the determination result in step 422 of FIG. 5 becomes YES. When the sensor 116 is turned on after the operation screen of the operation unit 110 is erased (the determination result in step 310 is YES), it is determined that a person has approached and the operation screen is displayed on the operation unit 110 (step 314). ). Even if the sensor 116 does not operate normally and is not turned on, when the energy saving key is operated (the determination result in step 312 is YES), the operation screen is displayed on the operation unit 110 (step 314). At this time, the initial value is set in the flag of the RAM, and the determination result in step 422 of FIG. 5 becomes NO.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in step 400, control unit 102 determines whether operation unit 110 has been operated. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 402. Otherwise, control transfers to step 422.

  In step 402, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the sensor 116 is OFF. Specifically, the control unit 102 determines whether or not a signal below the predetermined level is received from the sensor 116. If it is determined that the sensor 116 is OFF, the control proceeds to step 404. Otherwise, control transfers to step 406.

  In step 404, the control unit 102 increments the corresponding counter C1 by “1” in order to store the fact that the abnormality is the first type (hereinafter also referred to as the first abnormality). Immediately after starting this program, the counter C1 is assigned a predetermined area of the RAM and is set to "0" as an initial value. The counters C10, C2, and C20, which will be described later, are similarly initialized. The fact that the operation unit 110 has been operated means that a person is near the image forming apparatus 100, and if the sensor 116 operates normally, the sensor 116 should be ON. When the sensor 116 is OFF, it means that the sensor 116 is not operating normally. That is, the first abnormality represents a state in which there is a person near the image forming apparatus 100 and the sensor 116 should be ON, but the sensor 116 is OFF.

  In step 406, the control unit 102 increments the corresponding counter C10 by “1” in order to store the fact that it is the first type normality (hereinafter, also referred to as the first normality). As described above, when the operation unit 110 is operated, if the sensor 116 is operating normally, the sensor 116 should be ON. If the sensor 116 is ON, it means that the sensor 116 is normal. Is likely to be working. That is, the first normal state means that a person is near the image forming apparatus 100 and the sensor 116 is ON.

  In step 408, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the operation detected in step 400 is the operation (press) of the energy saving key. When it is determined that the operation is the energy saving key operation, the control unit 102 acquires the current time from the timer 114 and stores the current time in a predetermined area of the RAM, and then the control proceeds to step 410. Otherwise, control transfers to step 418. The process of deleting the screen of the operation unit 110 in response to the operation of the energy saving key is executed by the program of FIG. 4 (see step 308).

  In step 410, the control unit 102 acquires the current time from the timer 114, and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time stored in the RAM in step 408. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the control proceeds to step 412. Otherwise, step 410 is repeated.

  In step 412, the control unit 102 determines whether the sensor 116 is ON. If it is determined that the sensor 116 is ON, the control proceeds to step 414. Otherwise, control transfers to step 416.

  In step 414, the control unit 102 increments the corresponding counter C2 by “1” in order to store the fact that the abnormality is the second type (hereinafter also referred to as the second abnormality). If a predetermined time elapses after the energy saving key is operated in step 408, the person who operates the energy saving key is far from the image forming apparatus 100, and there is a high possibility that no person is near the image forming apparatus 100. That is, if the sensor 116 is operating normally, it is highly possible that the sensor 116 is off. When the sensor 116 is ON, there is a high possibility that the sensor 116 is not operating normally. The second abnormality represents a state in which there is no person near the image forming apparatus 100 and the sensor 116 should be turned off even though the sensor 116 should be turned off. Here, the predetermined time is a relatively short time, for example, several seconds to ten and several seconds.

  In step 416, the control unit 102 increments the corresponding counter C20 by “1” in order to store the fact that it was the second type normality (hereinafter, also referred to as the second normality). As described above, it is highly possible that the sensor 116 is in the state where it should be turned off if a predetermined time has elapsed after the energy saving key was operated in step 408. There is a high possibility that the sensor 116 is operating normally. That is, the second normal state means that there is no person near the image forming apparatus 100 and the sensor 116 is OFF.

  In step 418, the control unit 102 determines whether to execute the notification process. For example, when the time to execute the notification process is predetermined, the control unit 102 acquires the current time from the timer 114 and determines whether or not the preset time has elapsed. When the preset time has elapsed, it is determined that it is the timing to execute the notification process, and the control proceeds to step 420. Otherwise, control returns to step 400.

  It should be noted that when the predetermined time has elapsed since the program was started, or when the value of the counter indicating the abnormal value exceeds the predetermined value, it is time for the control unit 102 to execute the notification process. You may judge.

  In step 420, the control unit 102 executes a notification process. The notification process is a process of displaying the occurrence of an abnormality and its countermeasure on the operation unit 110, and is specifically shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in step 500, control unit 102 determines whether the ratio of counter C1 to counter C10 is less than or equal to threshold A1 and the ratio of counter C2 to counter C20 is less than or equal to threshold A2. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that this condition is satisfied, the notification process ends and control returns to step 400 in FIG. Otherwise, control transfers to step 502. When C1 / C10 ≦ A1 and C2 / C20 ≦ A2, the proportion of occurrence of the first and second abnormalities is small, and it is not necessary to present the abnormality of the motion sensor to the user.

  The threshold value A1 is, for example, 1/10. The threshold value A2 is preferably larger than the threshold value A1. The threshold value A2 is, for example, 3/10. That is, when the sensor 116 is OFF in step 402 of FIG. 5, there is a high possibility that a person cannot be detected. On the other hand, even if the sensor is ON in step 412, the sensor 116 may be operating normally. For example, after one person operates the energy saving key and leaves the image forming apparatus 100, another person may be near the image forming apparatus 100 (within the detection range of the sensor 116) within a predetermined time.

  In step 502, the control unit 102 determines whether the counter C10 and the counter C2 are “0”. If it is determined that C10 = C2 = 0, the control proceeds to step 504. Otherwise, control transfers to step 506. The fact that C10 = C2 = 0 means that the sensor 116 is not turned on and is always turned off.

  In step 504, the control unit 102 stores the abnormal value E1 in the RAM. The abnormal value E1 represents an abnormality (sensor failure) in which the sensor 116 is always OFF.

  In step 506, the control unit 102 determines whether the counters C1 and C20 are “0”. If it is determined that C1 = C20 = 0, the control proceeds to step 508. Otherwise, control transfers to step 510. The fact that C1 = C20 = 0 means that the sensor 116 is not turned off but is always turned on.

  In step 508, the control unit 102 stores the abnormal value E2 in the RAM. The abnormal value E2 represents an abnormality in which the sensor 116 is always ON (sensor failure).

  In step 510, the control unit 102 determines whether the ratio of the counter C1 to the counter C10 is larger than the threshold value A1 and the ratio of the counter C2 to the counter C20 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value A2. If this condition is met, control transfers to step 512. Otherwise, control transfers to step 514. C1 / C10> A1 and C2 / C20 ≦ A2 means that the occurrence rate of the second abnormality is low, but the first abnormality occurs at a rate higher than a predetermined value.

  In step 512, the control unit 102 stores the abnormal value E3 in the RAM. The abnormal value E3 indicates that the sensor 116 is performing a malfunction (first malfunction) that cannot detect a person operating the operation unit 110.

  In step 514, the control unit 102 determines whether the ratio of the counter C1 to the counter C10 is less than or equal to the threshold value A1 and the ratio of the counter C2 to the counter C20 is greater than the threshold value A2. If this condition is met, control transfers to step 516. Otherwise, control transfers to step 518. C1 / C10 ≦ A1 and C2 / C20> A2 means that the occurrence rate of the first abnormality is low, but the second abnormality occurs at a rate higher than a predetermined value.

  In step 516, the control unit 102 stores the abnormal value E4 in the RAM. The abnormal value E4 indicates that the sensor 116 is performing a malfunction (second malfunction) in which the sensor 116 is turned on even when there is no person near the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step 518, the control unit 102 stores the abnormal value E5 in the RAM. Step 518 is executed when the ratio of the counter C1 to the counter C10 is larger than the threshold value A1 and the ratio of the counter C2 to the counter C20 is larger than the threshold value A2. C1 / C10> A1 and C2 / C20> A2 means that the sensor 116 is frequently turned on / off regardless of whether the image forming apparatus 100 is used (whether the operation unit 110 is operated). It may be turned off repeatedly. That is, the abnormal value E5 indicates that the sensor 116 is erroneously operating repeatedly (ON / OFF) (the third erroneous operation) regardless of the use of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step 520, the control unit 102 displays a message according to the abnormal value stored in the RAM. Thereafter, control returns to step 400 of FIG. It is assumed that the storage unit 104 stores a message in advance corresponding to each of the abnormal values E1 to E5. The control unit 102 reads the abnormal value stored in the RAM in step 504, 508, 512, 516 or 518, reads the message corresponding to the abnormal value from the storage unit 104, and displays the screen including the message on the operation unit 110. indicate. A screen as shown in FIG. 7, for example, is displayed on the operation unit 110. The screen 600 is an example of a screen corresponding to the abnormal value E2. A message indicating that an operation abnormality of the motion sensor (sensor 116) has been detected is displayed on the screen 600, and an area 602 below the message shows a description of the detected abnormality and a method for solving the abnormality. It is shown. When the OK key 604 is operated (touched), the screen 600 is erased.

  The abnormal value E2 indicates that the sensor 116 is always ON. The cause of this abnormality is that there is a heat source near the image forming apparatus 100, an obstacle is installed in front of the image forming apparatus 100, the detection sensitivity of the human sensor is not properly set, and A sensor failure or the like is assumed. The screen 600 of FIG. 7 shows messages indicating these and countermeasures for them. To set the sensor 116 to the low sensitivity mode, for example, the detection distance L may be set short. Further, the detection angle α may be narrowed.

  Regarding the abnormal values E1 and E3 to E5, similarly, a screen including a description of the detected abnormality and a method for solving the abnormality is displayed.

  The abnormal value E1 indicates that the sensor 116 is always off. The cause of this abnormality is that the image forming apparatus 100 is used in a high temperature environment (the temperature difference between the human body temperature and room temperature is small) or is used in a low temperature environment (the body temperature tends to be cut off by the use of cold clothes, etc.). ), The detection sensitivity of the motion sensor is not properly set, and a malfunction of the motion sensor is assumed. Therefore, it is preferable to display a screen including messages indicating these and countermeasures for them. Regarding the detection sensitivity of the sensor 116, a message indicating the change to the high sensitivity mode is displayed. To set the sensor 116 to the high sensitivity mode, for example, the detection distance L may be set long. Further, the detection angle α may be widened.

  The abnormal value E5 (third malfunction) indicates that the sensor 116 repeats ON / OFF regardless of the use of the image forming apparatus 100. The cause of this abnormality is that the image forming apparatus 100 is installed in a place where people come and go frequently, plants that sway in the wind are placed near the image forming apparatus 100, and the detection sensitivity of the human sensor is appropriate. Is not set, and a sensor failure or the like is assumed. Therefore, it is preferable to display a screen including messages indicating these and countermeasures for them. Regarding the detection sensitivity of the human sensor, the detection sensitivity may be set to a high value, so a message for changing to the low sensitivity mode is displayed. Further, since the time (transition time) from when the sensor 116 is turned off to when the image forming apparatus 100 transits to the energy saving mode is short, it is possible that the sensor 116 is repeatedly turned on and off frequently. A message for setting the time to be shorter may be displayed.

  The abnormal value E3 (first malfunction) indicates that the person operating the operation unit 110 cannot be detected and the motion sensor is often OFF. Therefore, it is effective to display a screen including a message similar to the abnormal value E1.

  The abnormal value E4 (second malfunction) indicates that the motion sensor is often turned on even when there is no person near the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, it is effective to display a screen including a message similar to the abnormal value E2.

  When it is determined in step 400 that the operation screen is not operated, the control unit 102 determines in step 422 whether or not the operation screen of the operation unit 110 is erased. Specifically, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the value of the flag stored in the RAM is a predetermined value (for example, “1”) different from the initial value (for example, “0”). As described above, when the screen is erased by the program of FIG. 4, the flag is set to a predetermined value (see step 308). When it is determined that the flag is the predetermined value, the control proceeds to step 412, and as described above, it is determined whether or not the sensor 116 is ON, and the counter C2 or C20 is incremented according to the result. (Steps 414 and 416). When the operation screen of the operation unit 110 is erased to shift to the energy-saving mode, there is no person near the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, depending on the state of the sensor 116 at that time, whether the sensor is normal or abnormal can be determined. You can judge. On the other hand, if it is determined that the flag is not the predetermined value, the control returns to step 400.

  As described above, by determining the state of the sensor 116 immediately after the operation unit 110 is operated (step 402), the number of times the sensor 116 is determined to be highly likely to be abnormal and the possibility that the sensor 116 is operating normally. The number of times that is determined to be high can be stored as the values of the counters C1 and C10, respectively (step 404 and step 406).

  Further, by determining the state of the sensor 116 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the energy saving key was operated (the determination result of step 408 is YES), it is determined that the sensor 116 is highly likely to be abnormal. It is possible to store the number of times the counter has been operated and the number of times determined to have a high possibility of normal operation as the values of the counters C2 and C20, respectively (steps 414 and 416).

  Also, when the predetermined time has elapsed without operating the operation unit 110 (when the determination result in step 422 in FIG. 5 is YES due to execution of step 306 → step 308 in FIG. 4). , The number of times it is determined that the sensor 116 is likely to be abnormal and the number of times the sensor 116 is likely to be operating normally are determined by determining the state of the sensor 116 (step 412). It can be stored as the values of C2 and C20 (steps 414 and 416).

  Then, the values of the counters C1, C10, C2, and C20 can be used to determine whether the sensor 116 is operating normally or may be abnormal. In addition, when there is a high possibility of being an abnormality, it is possible to identify the type of abnormality and present a corresponding message and a measure to eliminate the abnormality.

  Note that the counter is preferably reset as appropriate. For example, all counters are reset when a predetermined time has elapsed. Further, all the counters may be reset after the notification process is executed.

  The case where the programs of FIGS. 4 and 5 are activated when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on has been described above, but the program is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, it may be activated when the switching of the motion sensor is selected on the setting screen of the image forming apparatus 100. In the setting screen 620 of FIG. 8, the area 622 displays an explanation regarding the monitoring of switching of the motion sensor. When the check box 624 is checked and the OK key 626 is operated (touched), the programs of FIGS. 4 and 5 are executed.

  In the above description, the case has been described in which when it is determined to be NO in all of steps 500, 502, 506, 510 and 514, it is determined that the sensor 116 is an abnormality that repeats ON / OFF, but the present invention is not limited to this. Similar to the first and second abnormalities, the number of times that a situation in which the sensor 116 has a high possibility of repeating ON / OFF is stored is stored, and if the number of times exceeds a predetermined threshold, the abnormality is detected. The value E5 may be stored.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the notification process, the number of times of occurrence of a situation in which the sensor 116 is likely to be an abnormality of repeatedly turning on and off may be stored. The flowchart of FIG. 9 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 5 only in that steps 530 and 532 are added between steps 514 and 518.

  If the determination result in step 514 is NO, in step 530, the control unit 102 stores the corresponding counter in order to store that a situation in which the sensor 116 is likely to be an abnormality in which ON / OFF is repeated is generated. Increase C3.

  In step 532, the control unit 102 determines whether the counter C3 is larger than the predetermined threshold value A3. If it is determined to be larger, the control proceeds to step 518, and the abnormal value E5 is stored in the RAM. If not, the notification process ends and control returns to step 400 in FIG.

In this way, when it is time to execute the notification process, it is determined whether or not there is a high possibility that the third malfunction has occurred, and the number of times determined to have a high probability is the value of the counter C3. Remembered. The notification process is repeated, and when the value of the counter C3 increases and exceeds the threshold value A3 (the determination result in step 532 is YES), the abnormal value E5 is stored in the RAM. As a result, a message corresponding to the abnormal value E5 is displayed on the operation unit 110.
Although the case where the ratio of the counter C1 to the counter C10 is compared with A1 and the ratio of the counter C2 to the counter C20 is compared with A2 in steps 500, 510 and 514 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. In any or all of the steps 500, 510 and 514, at least one of the counters C1 and C2 may be compared with a predetermined value.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the timing at which the sensor is turned on / off is irregular (when the operation unit is operated, etc.). This is not sufficient for accurately detecting an abnormality in which the human sensor is frequently turned on / off regardless of the operation of the image forming apparatus. In the second embodiment, the state of the motion sensor is constantly monitored in a short cycle.

  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 numbers in FIGS. 1 and 2 are cited.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the program for controlling the shift to the energy saving mode and the return to the normal mode shown in FIG. 4 is executed, as in the first embodiment. . On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the programs shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are executed instead of FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively.

  The flowchart of FIG. 10 is obtained by adding steps 440 to 456 to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, the flowchart of FIG. 11 is modified so that step 560 is added between steps 514 and 518 and step 518 is executed after steps 512 and 516 in the flowchart of FIG. .

  As in the first embodiment, the program of FIG. 10 is activated when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on or when the switching of the motion sensor is set to be monitored. In step 440, the control unit 102 acquires the current time from the timer 114 and stores it in a predetermined area of the RAM as a reference value T1 for determining the elapsed time.

  In step 442, the control unit 102 determines whether to check the state of the sensor 116. Specifically, the control unit 102 acquires the current time from the timer 114 and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the reference value T1 (the current time previously stored) stored in the RAM. If it is determined that the confirmation timing has come, the control proceeds to 444. Otherwise, control transfers to step 400. The predetermined time is a cycle for checking the state of the sensor and is, for example, 5 seconds. The timing for checking the state of the sensor is arbitrary. The time intervals do not have to be constant.

  Regardless of whether the process shifts from step 442 to step 444 or step 400, the control unit 102 overwrites the reference value T1 stored in the RAM with the current time acquired from the current timer 114 before shifting. That is, the reference value T1 stores the latest current time.

  In step 444, the control unit 102 detects the state (ON or OFF) of the sensor 116, and stores the detection result (information indicating ON or OFF) in the RAM in association with the current time acquired in step 442. . This is information indicating the time change of the sensor 116 (hereinafter, also referred to as time change information).

  If the decision result in the step 442 is NO, steps 400 to 410 and step 422 are executed as in the first embodiment. Note that the current time obtained from the timer 114 is also stored in the RAM in step 408, but an area different from the area in which the reference value T1 is stored in steps 440 and 442 is used.

  If the determination result in step 410 is NO (when the predetermined time has not elapsed after the energy saving key is pressed), in step 446, the control unit 102 sets the state of the sensor 116 as in step 442. Determine whether to confirm. Here, the reference value T1 for determining the passage of time is used for the determination in step 442. If it is determined that the confirmation timing has come, the control proceeds to 448. Otherwise, control returns to step 410. Regardless of whether the process proceeds from step 446 to step 448 or step 410, the control unit 102 overwrites the reference value T1 stored in the RAM with the current time acquired from the current timer 114 before the process proceeds.

  In step 448, similarly to step 444, the control unit 102 detects the state (ON or OFF) of the sensor 116, and stores the detection result in the RAM in association with the current time acquired in step 446.

  When the time elapses and the determination result in step 410 becomes YES, steps 412 to 416 are executed as in the first embodiment.

  Then, in step 450, the control unit 102 determines whether or not to evaluate the temporal change of the sensor 116. For example, if the time to be evaluated is set in advance, the control unit 102 acquires the current time from the timer 114 and determines whether or not the set time has come. If it is determined that it is time to evaluate, the control moves to step 452. Otherwise, control transfers to step 418.

  In step 452, the control unit 102 uses the time change information (time information and information representing ON / OFF of the sensor) of the sensor 116 stored in the RAM in step 444 and step 448, and frequently turns on / off the sensor 116. It is determined whether or not it has been switched to. A method of determining whether the ON / OFF of the sensor 116 is frequently switched is arbitrary. For example, the control unit 102 calculates the number N of ON / OFF switchings within a predetermined time (for example, the average value of the number of switchings obtained every predetermined time), and the value is a preset threshold value A4. It is determined whether or not the above. If N ≧ A4, it is determined that ON / OFF is frequently switched, and the control proceeds to step 454. Otherwise (N <A4), control transfers to step 456.

  In step 454, the control unit 102 increments the corresponding counter C4 by “1” in order to store that the abnormality is likely. When the ON / OFF of the sensor 116 is frequently switched, there is a high possibility that it is switched regardless of the use of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step 456, the control unit 102 increments the corresponding counter C40 by “1” in order to store that it is likely to be normal. When the ON / OFF of the sensor 116 is not frequently switched, it is appropriately detected that the user approaches to use the image forming apparatus 100 and that the user moves away after using the image forming apparatus 100. There is a high possibility that

  Then, step 418 and step 420 are performed. In the process of step 420, unlike the first embodiment, the program of FIG. 11 is executed.

  Similar to the first embodiment, steps 500 to 514 are executed. After step 512 or step 516 is executed, or if the determination result in step 514 is NO, in step 560, the control unit 102 determines whether the ratio of the counter C4 to the counter C40 is larger than the threshold value A5. To determine. If C4 / C40> A5, the control proceeds to step 518, and after the abnormal value E5 is stored in the RAM, the corresponding message is displayed on the operation unit 110 at step 420. If not (C4 / C40 ≦ A5), the notification process ends, and the control proceeds to step 442 in FIG.

  As described above, similarly to the first embodiment, with respect to the sensor 116, the first and second abnormalities and the first and second normal times can be stored in the counters C1, C2, C10, and C20, respectively. . The values of the counters C1, C10, C2, and C20 can be used to determine whether the sensor 116 is operating normally or abnormal, and if there is a high possibility that it is abnormal, the type of abnormality Can identify the corresponding message and present a countermeasure to eliminate the corresponding message and abnormality.

  In addition to this, the state of the sensor 116 is always stored at relatively short time intervals (step 444 and step 448), and the sensor 116 is turned on / off based on the stored time change of the state of the sensor 116 (time change information). It is determined whether OFF is frequently switched (step 452), and the number of times with a high probability of abnormality or the number of times with a high probability of normality can be stored in the counters C4 and C40, respectively (steps 454 and 456). . After that, when the notification process of step 420 is executed, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the sensor 116 is operating normally or abnormal using the values of the counters C4 and C40 (step 560), if there is a high probability that it is abnormal, then a corresponding message and a measure to eliminate the abnormality can be presented.

  Although the case where the state of the sensor 116 is always stored in the program of FIG. 10 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. The process of always storing the state of the sensor 116 may be executed by another program. For example, the program shown in FIG. 12 may be executed. The process of step 490 is the same as the process of step 440 of FIG. The process of step 492 is the same as the process of steps 442 and 446 of FIG. The process of step 494 is the same as the process of steps 444 and 448 of FIG.

  In this case, the processes of steps 440 to 444, step 446, and step 448 in the flowchart of FIG. 10 are unnecessary. Then, in step 452, the control unit 102 may use the time change information of the sensor 116 stored in the RAM in step 494 to determine whether ON / OFF of the sensor 116 is frequently switched.

  In the above, in steps 402 and 412 of FIG. 10, the counter to be increased is determined only by the state of the sensor 116 at that time, but the counter to be increased is determined in consideration of the state of the sensor 116 slightly before. Good. For example, the current state of the sensor 116 and the time change information of the sensor 116 stored in the RAM by repeating steps 444 and 448 are considered.

  Specifically, in step 402, if the sensor 116 is currently ON and there is a period during which the sensor 116 is OFF in the time change information of the sensor 116 stored in the RAM, the process proceeds to step 406 and the counter Increase C10. That is, it is considered that the sensor 116 has changed from OFF to ON by detecting the approach of a person, and the sensor 116 is highly likely to be normal. If the sensor 116 is currently OFF, or if the sensor 116 is currently ON and there is no period during which the sensor 116 is OFF in the time change information of the sensor 116 stored in RAM, the process proceeds to step 404. , Increment the counter C1. That is, there is a high possibility that the sensor 116 is not detecting a person who is operating the operation unit 110, or the sensor 116 is always ON, which is an abnormality.

  Further, in step 412, if the sensor 116 is currently OFF and there is a period during which the sensor 116 is ON in the time change information of the sensor 116 stored in the RAM, the process proceeds to step 416 and the counter C20 is set. Increase. That is, it is considered that the sensor 116 is turned off due to the person leaving from the state where the person is detected (ON), and the sensor 116 is highly likely to be normal. If the sensor 116 is currently ON, or if the sensor 116 is currently OFF and there is no period during which the sensor 116 is ON in the time change information of the sensor 116 stored in RAM, the process proceeds to step 414. , Increment the counter C2. In other words, there is a high possibility that the sensor 116 is abnormal even though the person has left the image forming apparatus 100, or the sensor 116 is always off.

(Third Embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, when there is a high possibility of abnormality in the motion sensor, a message indicating the possibility of abnormality is displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. Even if the user sees it, if the image forming apparatus can be used, there is no problem for the user, so that a countermeasure against the abnormality is not always promptly taken. In the third embodiment, instead of displaying the message on the operation unit, the message is transmitted to the administrator of the image forming apparatus, and the administrator quickly responds to the abnormal operation of the motion sensor. To do so.

  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 numbers in FIGS. 1 and 2 are cited. With reference to FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, a terminal device 200 used by an administrator is connected to network 190, in addition to image forming device 100. The terminal device 200 is a known personal computer or the like.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the programs shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are executed, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, in image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the program shown in FIG. 14 is executed instead of FIG. 6 as the notification process (step 420 in FIG. 5). The flowchart of FIG. 14 is obtained by replacing step 520 with step 570 in the flowchart of FIG. 4.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, steps 400 to 418 of FIG. 5 are executed as in the first embodiment. If the decision result in the step 418 is YES, the notification process in the step 420 is executed. The processing of step 420 executed here is shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 14, similarly to the first embodiment, steps 500 to 518 are executed to set any of the abnormal values E1 to E5, and then step 570 is executed. In step 570, the control unit 102 reads the abnormal value stored in the RAM in step 504, 508, 512, 516 or 518, reads the message corresponding to the abnormal value from the storage unit 104, and sends it to the administrator. Thereafter, control returns to step 400 of FIG. The method of sending the message to the administrator is arbitrary. For example, it is performed by sending an e-mail addressed to the e-mail address of the administrator, sending by FTP to the terminal device 200, or the like.

  When sending by e-mail, the control unit 102 creates an e-mail including a message and having a predetermined title (for example, “abnormality of human sensor”) and sends it to the e-mail address of the administrator. The message may be included in the email body or in an attachment. The e-mail address of the administrator may be stored in the storage unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 100 in advance. As a result, when the administrator views the e-mail that has arrived at his e-mail address on the terminal device 200 and opens the e-mail sent from the image forming apparatus 100, a message indicating the possibility of an abnormality of the sensor 116 (for example, , The message shown in area 602 of FIG. 7) is displayed.

  As described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the numbers of times of the first and second abnormalities and the first and second normalities of the sensor 116 can be stored in the counters C1, C2, C10 and C20, respectively. The values of the counters C1, C10, C2, and C20 can be used to determine whether the sensor 116 is operating normally or abnormal, and if there is a high possibility that it is abnormal, the type of abnormality The corresponding message and the countermeasure for eliminating the abnormality can be transmitted to the administrator. Therefore, it is possible to more surely take measures against the abnormality of the motion sensor.

  In the above description, the case where the message is displayed on the administrator's terminal device 200 instead of the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to displaying the message on the operation unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100, the message may be displayed on the terminal device 200 of the administrator. In that case, in step 570 of FIG. 14, after displaying the message on the operation unit 110, the message may be transmitted to the terminal device 200 of the administrator.

  The time change information of the sensor 116 stored in the counter and the RAM is preferably reset as appropriate. For example, after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is reset. Further, it may be reset after the notification process is executed.

  Although the case where the program of FIG. 14 is executed in step 420 of FIG. 5 (first embodiment) has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. In step 420 of FIG. 10 (second embodiment), the program of FIG. 14 may be executed.

  In the above-described first to third embodiments, the image forming apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any electronic device that includes a human sensor and has a function of returning from a power saving state to a normal state. For example, it is possible to detect an abnormal operation of a motion sensor provided in a television, a vending machine, or the like. The electronic device is provided with a lamp, an LED, or the like as a display device even if it is not provided with an operation screen. For example, the display device is turned on in the normal mode (standby state) and turned off in the energy saving mode. This allows the user to know whether the electronic device is in the normal mode or the energy saving mode.

  As described above, the present invention has been described by describing the embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented with various changes. be able to.

100 image forming apparatus 102 control section 104 storage section 106 image forming section 108 image processing section 110 operation section 112 communication section 114 timer 116 sensor 130 document reading section 132 document automatic feeding apparatus 134 sheet feeding section 136 sheet ejection tray 190 network 200 terminal apparatus

Claims (7)

An electronic device having a power saving function,
Input means for inputting an instruction to the electronic device,
Display means for indicating the state of the electronic device,
Control means for controlling the power consumption state of the electronic device,
Including a detection means for detecting a person,
The control means receives the result of detection by the detection means in response to the operation of the input means regardless of whether the control means stops or limits power supply to a part of the electronic device. To determine whether the detection means is normal, according to the detection result ,
The input means includes a power saving key for shifting the electronic device to a power saving state,
The control means further acquires a detection result of the detection means when a predetermined time has elapsed after the power saving key was operated, and determines whether the detection means is normal according to the detection result. An electronic device that determines . The control means is
Storage means for storing the time change of the detection result by the detection means as change information,
The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that determines whether the detection result of the detection unit is frequently changed from the change information. The control unit determines whether or not the detection unit is normal based on the acquired detection result and the detection result included in the change information before the detection result is acquired. The electronic device according to 2 . The detection result of the detection means is ON indicating that a person is detected or OFF indicating that a person is not detected,
The control means is
A number storage means for storing a first number of times the detection result is ON and a second number of times the detection result is OFF;
Wherein whether the detection means is normal, the first number and determines based on the second number of times, the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a message display unit that displays a message indicating that the detection unit is not normal in response to the determination that the detection unit is normal as a result of determining whether the detection unit is normal. The electronic device according to any one of 1. The method further includes a transmission unit that transmits a message indicating that the detection unit is not normal to an external device in response to the determination that the detection unit is normal as a result of determining whether the detection unit is normal. The electronic device according to any one of 1 to 5 . The electronic device is an image forming apparatus,
The display means includes an image display means for displaying an image for inputting an instruction to the image forming apparatus,
It said input means, detects an operation on the images displayed by the image display means includes operation means for inputting an instruction to the image forming apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 6 Electronics.

Images