JP6891640B2 - Image forming device, power mode control method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power saving technique in an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus called a multifunction device or an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) has become widespread.

Some image forming devices enter the power saving mode if they have not been operated for a certain period of time. The power saving mode is a mode for saving power by saving power supply to some hardware modules of the image forming apparatus. It takes a certain amount of time, for example, a time for the hardware module to warm up, in order to stop the power saving mode and return to the normal state mode (hereinafter, referred to as "normal mode"). Therefore, when the image forming apparatus to be used is in the power saving mode, the user may have to wait for a certain amount of time for the image forming apparatus to execute the process.

The following patent documents disclose an image forming apparatus that does not make the user wait so much when returning from the power saving state.

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 detects an object located in the vicinity, detects the distance between the image forming apparatus and the detected object, and measures the amount of change in the distance at regular intervals to change. Based on the quantity, it is determined whether or not the detected object is a person, and if it is determined to be a person, it is determined whether or not the person is a user of the image forming apparatus, and based on those determination results. Perform power saving control. Here, when a person continuously moves to the image forming apparatus to a short distance, it is determined that the person is a user and power is supplied.

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2 includes a charcoal sensor, and has a different level depending on whether or not the output value of the charcoal sensor of the first detection unit and the first detection unit that detects the upper body exceeds the threshold value. Outputs of a first signal generation unit that generates one signal, a second detection unit that includes a charcoal sensor, detects an area below the first detection unit, and detects the lower half of the body, and a charcoal sensor of the second detection unit. A person is approaching an image forming apparatus for a second signal generator that generates a second signal at a different level depending on whether or not the value exceeds a predetermined threshold, and for the waveforms of the first signal and the second signal. A storage unit that stores discrimination data including data indicating the condition of whether a person recognizes that the sensor is crossing the detection area of the charcoal sensor, and waveforms of the first signal and the second signal. Based on the discrimination data, the movement direction of the person with respect to the image forming apparatus is recognized. Here, when it is recognized that the person is approaching the image forming apparatus, the power saving mode is released.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-55550 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-10346

The image forming apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document returns from the power saving state to the normal state only by detecting that the user is approaching the image forming apparatus to some extent. Therefore, even when it should not return to the normal state, it may return to the normal state.

In view of such a problem, it is an object of the present invention to return from a power saving state to a normal state at a more preferable timing than before in order to save power in an image forming apparatus having a power saving mode. ..

The image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a power saving mode that saves power consumption, and detects the entry of a user from the image forming apparatus into a predetermined area in a predetermined range . And a second detecting means for detecting the exit of the user from the predetermined area, and the intrusion is detected by the first detecting means when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode. It is presumed that the first user and the second user whose intrusion is detected by the first detection means before the image forming apparatus enters the power saving mode are the same and the second user. When the job that has been continuously executed before the exit of the second user by the detection means is completed after the exit is detected, the power saving mode is maintained and the first It has a mode control means for canceling the power saving mode when it is presumed that the user and the second user are not the same or the job is completed before the exit is detected.

Preferably, the first user and the second user are the same when the information obtained from the face of the first user and the information obtained from the face of the second user match. The mode control means maintains or cancels the power saving mode based on the result of estimation by the estimation means.

Alternatively, when the unique information of the terminal device possessed by the first user and the unique information of the terminal device possessed by the second user are the same, the first user and the second user The mode control means maintains or cancels the power saving mode based on the result of estimation by the estimation means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to return from the power saving state to the normal state at a more preferable timing than the conventional one for power saving.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of VPN (Virtual Private Network). It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware composition of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the functional structure of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the installation area. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the overall processing flow concerning the control of a power mode. It is a figure which shows the modification of the functional structure of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the time setting screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the course of each of the 1st user and the 2nd user. It is a figure which shows the example of the suitability setting screen.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the VPN3 is composed of a plurality of segments 2, a communication line 4, and the like.

VPN3 is used by organizations with multiple floors or locations. Segment 2 is provided for each of a plurality of floors or bases. Each segment 2 is connected by a communication line 4. As the communication line 4, the Internet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used.

The segment 2 is composed of one or more image forming devices 1, a router 26, one or more personal computers 27, one or more mobile computers 28, a communication line 29, and the like.

The communication line 29 is composed of a hub, a twisted pair cable, a radio base station, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1, the router 26, the personal computer 27, and the mobile computer 28 can communicate with each other via the communication line 29. The router 26 connects the segment 2 in which it is provided to another segment 2.

The mobile computer 28 is a computer that the user can carry. As the mobile computer 28, a computer having a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) interface and a short-range wireless interface, for example, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a wearable computer is used. The short-range wireless interface periodically (for example, every 100 milliseconds) outputs a beacon signal indicating an identifier 5A (see FIG. 3) that identifies the mobile computer 28 itself to a predetermined strength (hereinafter, “transmitted radio wave strength”). It is described as "P1".)

The wireless LAN interface is a device that communicates based on the wireless LAN standard, that is, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard. A short-range wireless interface is a device that communicates with another device based on a wireless communication standard having a communication distance of about 1 to several meters. Examples of such standards include Bluetooth® or Infrared Data Association (IrDA).

The devices provided in each of the two different segments 2 can communicate with each other via the communication line 4.

The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that integrates functions such as copying, PC printing, faxing, a scanner, and a box. Generally, it may be called "multifunction device" or "MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)".

The PC print function is a function of printing an image on paper based on image data received from the personal computer 27 or the mobile computer 28. Sometimes referred to as "network printing" or "network printing". The image data is described in the page description language corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, with image data of a predetermined format (for example, PDF (Portable Document Format), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), PEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), or XPS (XML Paper Specification)) corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1. There may be.

The box function is a function in which a storage area called a "box" or a "personal box" is provided to each user, and each user saves and manages image data or the like according to his / her own storage area. A box can be provided for each group and shared by the members of the group. A box corresponds to a "folder" or "directory" on a personal computer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an overall control unit 100, an auxiliary storage device 10f, a touch panel display 10g, an operation key panel 10h, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 10i, a modem 10j, a wireless LAN interface 10k, and a short distance. It is composed of a wireless interface 10n, a peripheral device interface 10p, a scan unit 10r, a print unit 10s, a power supply unit 10t, and the like.

The overall control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1. The overall control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10b, an S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) 10c, an NV-RAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory) 10d, and a clock IC (integrated). circuit) It is composed of 10e and the like.

The S-RAM 10c is a working storage device, and is used for temporarily storing the result of processing by the CPU 10a or data transmitted from another device.

The NV-RAM 10d is used to back up data related to various settings of the image forming apparatus 1 itself (for example, IP (Internet Protocol) address, fax number, address book, screen character size or language, etc.). The clock IC10e is a circuit for timing.

The ROM 10b or the auxiliary storage device 10f stores programs such as an operating system and an application for realizing the above-mentioned functions. The power mode control program 11 is stored as a part of the operating system program.

The power mode control program 11 is a program for controlling the power supplied to each hardware module of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a normal mode and a power saving mode as power supply modes (hereinafter, referred to as “power mode”).

The normal mode is a mode in which electric power is supplied so that the performance of the image forming apparatus 1 can be exhibited without deteriorating as much as possible.

The power saving mode is a mode in which the supply of power to some hardware modules is stopped or the amount of power supplied is reduced in order to save power. According to the power saving mode, the performance of the image forming apparatus 1 is lower than that in the normal mode, but power saving can be achieved.

For example, by lowering the temperature of the fixing roller of the print unit 10s from the normal mode, the amount of power supplied to the print unit 10s is reduced. Alternatively, when the hard disk is used as the auxiliary storage device 10f, the amount of power supplied to the auxiliary storage device 10f is reduced by stopping the rotation of the magnetic disk or reducing the rotation speed as compared with the normal mode. Alternatively, the amount of power supplied to the touch panel display 10g is reduced by stopping the display on the touch panel display 10g.

These programs are loaded into the ROM 10b and executed by the CPU 10a. A hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used as the auxiliary storage device 10f.

The touch panel display 10g displays a screen showing a message to the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing the result of the process executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. Further, the touch panel display 10g sends a signal indicating the touched position to the CPU 10a.

The operation key panel 10h is a so-called hardware keyboard, and is composed of a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

The NIC10i communicates with other devices by a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

The modem 10j exchanges image data with a fax terminal by a protocol such as G3.

The wireless LAN interface 10k is a device that communicates based on the wireless LAN standard.

The short-range wireless interface 10n is a device that communicates with the mobile computer 28 based on the same standard as the short-range wireless interface of the mobile computer 28.

The peripheral device interface 10p is a device for connecting a peripheral device such as a digital video camera, a portable recording device, or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader to the image forming device 1. Hereinafter, a case where a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard interface is used as the peripheral device interface 10p will be described as an example.

The scan unit 10r reads the image written on the sheet set on the platen glass and generates image data.

The print unit 10s is shown in the image read by the scan unit 10r, as well as the image data received or read from another device by the NIC 10i, the modem 10j, the wireless LAN interface 10k, the short-range wireless interface 10n, or the peripheral device interface 10p. Print the image on paper.

The power supply unit 10t is connected to a commercial power supply and supplies electric power to each hardware module of the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with a command from the CPU 10a or the like.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the installation area 60.

Next, the control of the power supply to each hardware module by the power mode control program 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4.

According to the power mode control program 11, the area entry detection unit 101, the first user information acquisition unit 102, the user information storage unit 103, the non-operation time measurement unit 104, the power saving mode switching unit 105, and the second user information acquisition unit 102 shown in FIG. The user information acquisition unit 106, the identity determination unit 107, the condition satisfaction determination unit 108, the normal mode switching unit 109, and the like are realized in the image forming apparatus 1.

When the power is turned on in the image forming apparatus 1, the power supply unit 10t starts supplying electric power to each hardware module, and each hardware module starts to operate in sequence. The mode immediately after startup is the normal mode. In addition, the operating system and certain applications are launched.

When the short-range wireless interface 10n starts to be supplied with power, the short-range wireless interface 10n starts monitoring the beacon signal reaching the short-range wireless interface 10n. Specifically, each time a beacon signal arrives, the radio wave strength of the beacon signal (hereinafter, referred to as "received radio wave strength P2") is measured, and the identifier 5A shown in the beacon signal is extracted.

The user carries the mobile computer 28 and approaches the installation area 60. The installation area 60 is an area at or near the position where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed, as shown in FIG.

Then, the short-range wireless interface 10n starts continuously receiving the beacon signal transmitted from the mobile computer 28. Then, the received radio wave intensity P2 is measured and the identifier 5A begins to be extracted. Although the identifiers 5A of these beacon signals are the same, the received radio field intensity P2 of these beacon signals is larger as the latter one, and eventually exceeds the predetermined intensity P0. The predetermined intensity P0 is the intensity when the signal (radio wave) transmitted by the transmitted radio wave strength P1 from the boundary 601 that separates the outside and the inside of the installation area 60 reaches (receives) the short-range wireless interface 10n. .. Radio waves are attenuated as they travel. Therefore, the transmitted radio wave strength P1> the received radio wave strength P2.

The area entry detection unit 101 detects the user's entry into the installation area 60 based on the change in the received radio wave intensity P2 continuously measured by the short-range wireless interface 10n as described above and the identity of the extracted identifier 5A. Then, it is detected as follows.

When the same identifier 5A is continuously extracted by the short-range wireless interface 10n, the area approach detection unit 101 sets a predetermined intensity P0 by any of the received radio wave intensities P2 of the beacon signals extracted from each identifier 5A. Until it exceeds, the entry into the installation area 60 is not detected. Then, when the predetermined strength P0 is exceeded, the entry into the installation area 60 is detected.

When the approach to the installation area 60 is detected by the area entry detection unit 101, if the current power mode is the normal mode, the processing is performed by the first user information acquisition unit 102. On the other hand, in the power saving mode, the processing is performed by the second user information acquisition unit 106, the identity determination unit 107, the condition satisfaction determination unit 108, and the normal mode switching unit 109.

The first user information acquisition unit 102 identifies the user who has entered the installation area 60 by using the identifier 5A extracted from the beacon signal when the area entry detection unit 101 detects the entry into the installation area 60 in the normal mode. It is acquired as the first identifier 5B and stored in the user information storage unit 103.

Further, the first user information acquisition unit 102 associates with the first identifier 5B and indicates usage record data indicating the content of the process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 when the user is in the installation area 60. 5C is generated and stored in the user information storage unit 103.

For example, when the user executes a job, "job" is indicated as a type in the usage record data 5C. Alternatively, if the user executes a setting process (for example, a process of resizing the font used on the screen), "setting" is indicated. Alternatively, if the user did not execute the process, "not used" is indicated.

Further, when the process executed by the user is a job, the usage record data 5C indicates an input source and an output destination. As an input source, a medium in which an image to be processed in the job is stored or recorded is indicated. As the output destination, the medium from which the image is output by the job is indicated.

For example, when a copy job is executed, the image is read from the original paper and the image is printed on a blank sheet of paper. Therefore, the usage record data 5C indicates "paper" as an input source and outputs the image. "Paper" is shown first.

Alternatively, when the box_To_E-Mail job (the job of attaching the data stored in the box to an e-mail and sending it) is executed, the usage record data 5C shows a "box" as an input source. "Email server" is indicated as the output destination.

Alternatively, if a USB_To_ box job (a job that saves data stored in a USB-compatible portable storage device such as a USB memory in a box) is executed, the usage record data 5C will include "USB" as an input source. Is shown, and a "box" is shown as the output destination.

In the non-operation time measurement unit 104, when the power mode is the normal mode, the time elapsed since the last operation on either the touch panel display 10g or the operation key panel 10h (hereinafter, “non-operation time T1”” is performed. ) Is measured as follows, for example.

When the operation on either the touch panel display 10g or the operation key panel 10h is completed, for example, when the user releases the touch panel display 10g or presses any key on the operation key panel 10h, the non-operation time measuring unit 104 Starts measuring the non-operation time T1 from zero seconds. When the touch panel display 10g is touched or any key on the operation key panel 10h is pressed, the measurement is stopped. Then, when the user releases his / her hand from the touch panel display 10g or finishes pressing any key of the operation key panel 10h, the non-operation time T1 is measured again from zero seconds.

When the non-operation time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T0, the power saving mode switching unit 105 instructs the power supply unit 10t to switch the power mode to the power saving mode. Then, the power supply unit 10t switches the power mode to the power saving mode. However, if there is a job being executed or waiting to be executed, the power saving mode switching unit 105 may perform the non-operation time T1 even if the non-operation time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T0. , Do not switch to power saving mode immediately. Switch to power saving mode after executing all jobs. If the touch panel display 10g is touched or any key of the operation key panel 10h is pressed before all the jobs have been executed, the switching to the power saving mode is stopped. Then, the non-operation time measurement unit 104 starts the measurement of the non-operation time T1 again from zero seconds.

The area entry detection unit 101 may detect the approach to the installation area 60 a plurality of times before the power saving mode switching unit 105 switches to the power saving mode. In this case, only the first identifier 5B acquired by the first user information acquisition unit 102 and the generated usage record data 5C after the last intrusion is detected are stored in the first user information acquisition unit 102. The first identifier 5B detected before that and the generated usage record data 5C may be deleted from the first user information acquisition unit 102.

The second user information acquisition unit 106 identifies the user who has entered the installation area 60 by using the identifier 5A extracted from the beacon signal when the area entry detection unit 101 detects the entry into the installation area 60 in the power saving mode. Obtained as the second identifier 5D.

The identity determination unit 107 is a user (first user) who came to the image forming apparatus 1 after switching to the power saving mode and a user who was using the image forming apparatus 1 immediately before switching to the power saving mode. Whether or not (the second user) is the same user is determined (estimated) as follows.

When the identifier shown in the second identifier 5D acquired by the second user information acquisition unit 106 and the identifier shown in the first identifier 5B stored in the first user information acquisition unit 102 match. , The identity determination unit 107 determines that the first user and the second user are the same user. If they do not match, it is determined that they are not the same user.

If they match, it is presumed that the first user exited the installation area 60 and then re-entered the installation area 60. It is conceivable to use the image forming apparatus 1 as one of the reasons for entering again. Another possible reason is that you forgot to take the printed matter, manuscript paper, or USB memory and came back to pick it up.

The condition satisfaction determination unit 108 determines whether or not a specific condition is satisfied based on the usage record data 5C and the like stored in the user information storage unit 103. For example, it is determined whether or not the following specific condition _1 or specific condition _2 is satisfied.
(Specific condition _1): When the input source or output destination is shown in the usage record data 5C, neither the input source nor the output destination is an object set in the image forming apparatus 1. Examples of such objects include paper and USB memory. That is, values other than predetermined values such as "paper" and "USB" are shown in the usage record data 5C.
(Specific condition _2): The usage record data 5C indicates a type other than "job" (for example, "setting").

When the identity determination unit 107 determines that the first user and the second user are not the same user, the normal mode switching unit 109 instructs the power supply unit 10t to switch the power mode to the normal mode. Then, the power supply unit 10t switches the power mode to the normal mode. As a result, the power saving mode is canceled and the normal mode is restored.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the first user and the second user are the same user, the normal mode switching unit 109 determines that the specific condition _1 is satisfied by the condition satisfaction determination unit 108, if it is determined. That is, if the input source and the output destination are other than the object set in the image forming apparatus 1, the power supply unit 10t is instructed to switch the power mode to the normal mode. Even when it is determined that the specific condition _2 is satisfied, a command is given to switch to the normal mode. If neither the specific condition _1 nor the specific condition _2 is satisfied, no command is given. Therefore, the power saving mode is maintained.

When the touch panel display 10g or the operation key panel 10h is operated, or when a job command is received from the mobile computer 28 or the like, the power mode is switched to the normal mode as in the conventional case.

When the power saving mode is released and the normal mode is restored, the first identifier 5B and the usage record data 5C stored in the user information storage unit 103 are deleted. That is, the user information storage unit 103 is reset.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an overall processing flow relating to power mode control.

Next, the overall flow of processing related to the power mode in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The image forming apparatus 1 executes the process according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5 based on the power mode control program 11.

At the time when the power mode control program 11 is started, the power mode is the normal mode.

After the power mode control program 11 is activated, the image forming apparatus 1 starts measuring the non-operation time T1 from zero seconds (# 701 in FIG. 5).

When the image forming apparatus 1 detects the approach to the installation area 60 (Yes in # 703) when the power mode is the normal mode (Yes in # 702), the identifier shown in the beacon signal when the approach is detected is detected. 5A is acquired and stored as the first identifier 5B (# 704).

When an operation is performed on the touch panel display 10g or the operation key panel 10h (Yes at # 705), the image forming apparatus 1 remeasures the non-operation time T1 from zero seconds (# 706, # 707).

Until the no-operation time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T0 (No in # 708), the image forming apparatus 1 executes the process of step # 704 every time it detects the entry into the installation area 60. The first identifier 5B stored earlier is deleted. Further, each time the operation is performed, the processes of steps # 706 to # 707 are executed. In addition, depending on the content of the operation, the job or setting process is executed as appropriate.

When the non-operation time T1 exceeds the predetermined time T0 (Yes at # 708), the image forming apparatus 1 switches the power mode from the normal mode to the power saving mode (# 709). Then, data indicating the content of the processing executed according to the operation before switching is generated and stored as usage record data 5C (# 710). However, when the approach to the installation area 60 is detected a plurality of times before the predetermined time T0 is exceeded, data indicating the content of the processing executed according to the operation after the detection of the last approach is generated.

When the image forming apparatus 1 detects the approach to the installation area 60 (Yes at # 711) when the power mode is the power saving mode (No in # 702), it is indicated by the beacon signal when the approach is detected. The identifier 5A is acquired as the second identifier 5D (# 712). The second identifier 5D is compared with the latest first identifier 5B (# 713).

Then, when the two do not match (No in # 714), the image forming apparatus 1 switches the power mode from the power saving mode to the normal mode (# 717).

If they match (Yes at # 714), the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not each of the specific condition _1 and the specific condition _2 is satisfied (# 715). If at least one of them is satisfied (Yes at # 716), the power mode is switched from the power saving mode to the normal mode (# 717). If neither is satisfied (No in # 716), the power saving mode is maintained (# 718).

The image forming apparatus 1 appropriately executes each of the above steps while continuing the service (Yes at # 719).

According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 can return from the power saving mode to the normal mode at a more preferable timing than the conventional one in order to save power.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the time setting screen 7A. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the course of each of the first user and the second user. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the suitability setting screen 7B.

In the present embodiment, when the first user and the second user are the same, the power saving mode is canceled or maintained according to the result of the determination by the condition satisfaction determination unit 108. However, if the condition satisfaction determination unit 108 does not perform the determination and the two are the same, the power saving mode may be maintained unconditionally.

In the present embodiment, the condition satisfaction determination unit 108 determines whether or not each of the specific condition _1 and the specific condition _2 is satisfied as a specific condition, but whether or not the following specific condition _3 or specific condition _4 is satisfied. May be determined.
(Specific condition_3): The image forming apparatus is used by the first user a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) or more within a predetermined time (for example, within 15 minutes) before the power mode is switched to the power saving mode. I made 1 execute the job.
(Specific condition _4): The time elapsed since the first user left the installation area 60 (hereinafter, referred to as "elapsed time T2 after leaving") has passed the predetermined time T3.

In order to determine the sufficiency of the specific condition_3, the first user information acquisition unit 102 may record the date and time when the job was executed in the usage record data 5C of each job.

Further, in order to determine the sufficiency of the specific condition _4, the exit detection unit 121 and the exit time elapsed time measurement unit 122 are provided in the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. The area exit detection unit 121 and the exit time elapsed time measurement unit 122 may be realized by the power mode control program 11.

The area exit detection unit 121 detects the exit of the second user from the installation area 60, for example, as follows.

After the area entry detection unit 101 detects the entry of the second user into the installation area 60, the second user identifier 5A continues to be extracted from the beacon signal by the short-range wireless interface 10n. At the same time, the received radio field intensity P2 continues to be measured from those beacon signals.

Then, when the received radio wave intensity P2 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined intensity P0, the area exit detection unit 121 detects that the second user has exited from the installation area 60.

When the area exit detection unit 121 detects the exit, the exit time elapsed time measurement unit 122 starts measuring the exit time elapsed time T2 from zero seconds.

The normal mode switching unit 109 instructs the power supply unit 10t to switch the power mode to the normal mode when the specific condition _3 or the specific condition _4 is satisfied.

The predetermined time T3 may be set in advance by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 by the time setting screen 7A as shown in FIG. 7. The time setting screen 7A is displayed on the touch panel display 10g.

In the present embodiment, the area approach detection unit 101 unconditionally detects the entry into the installation area 60 when the received radio wave intensity P2 exceeds the predetermined intensity P0. However, processing may be performed as follows so that the intrusion is not detected when the user simply crosses the edge of the installation area 60.

For example, the area approach detection unit 101 may detect the approach when the received radio wave intensity P2 continues to exceed the predetermined intensity P0 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) or more. Alternatively, if the source of the beacon signal continues to move at a certain speed or higher for a certain period of time or longer after exceeding a predetermined intensity P0, the approach may not be detected.

In the present embodiment, whether or not the first user and the second user are the same user is determined by comparing the identifiers extracted from the beacon signals. However, instead of this method, for example, the following method may be used for determination.

An image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a digital video camera so that the user can take a picture of the user's face when operating the touch panel display 10g or the operation key panel 10h. The area entry detection unit 101 attempts to detect a face image from an image taken by a digital video camera. If the facial image can be detected, the facial features are calculated. Then, when the power mode is the normal mode, the calculated feature amount is stored as the first identifier 5B. If it is in the power saving mode, it is acquired as the second identifier 5D.

Then, the identity determination unit 107 is the first when the first identifier 5B and the second identifier 5D are the same, or the ratio (match rate) of the matching portions of both is equal to or more than a predetermined value. It is determined that the first user and the second user are the same user.

Further, a motion sensor is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 to detect the approach to the installation area 60, and the period from the detection of the entry by the motion sensor to the detection of the face image by the area entry detection unit 101. The image may be taken by the digital video camera only for a while.

Alternatively, the first user information acquisition unit 102 acquires the traveling direction D1 when the user leaves the installation area 60 in the normal mode, and stores it in the first user information acquisition unit 102 instead of the first identifier 5B. Let me. The second user information acquisition unit 106 acquires the traveling direction D2 when the user enters the installation area 60 in the power saving mode.

The first user information acquisition unit 102 and the second user information acquisition unit 106 may acquire the traveling directions D1 and D2 based on the direction in which the beacon signal is transmitted. Alternatively, it may be acquired based on the current location of the mobile computer 28 indicated by the beacon signal. Alternatively, an infrared sensor or a digital video camera may be provided in the image forming apparatus 1 to monitor the movement of the user.

Then, when the angle R between the traveling directions D1 and D2 falls within the range of (180-R1) degrees to (180 + R2) degrees as shown in FIG. 8A, the identity determination unit 107 is first. It is determined that the user and the second user are the same user. It is desirable that R1 and R2 have values of about 30 degrees or less.

In the first user information acquisition unit 102 and the second user information acquisition unit 106, instead of acquiring the traveling directions D1 and D2, respectively, the user enters the installation area 60 in the normal mode as shown in FIG. 8B. The intersection E1 between the course and the boundary 601 when entering and the intersection E2 between the course and the boundary 601 when the user enters the installation area 60 in the power saving mode may be acquired. It can be said that the intersections E1 and E2 are both entry positions of the user into the installation area 60. Then, if the intersections E1 and E2 coincide with each other or the distance between the intersections E1 and E2 is less than a predetermined distance (for example, 50 cm), the identity determination unit 107 determines that the user is the same user. ..

Alternatively, the first user information acquisition unit 102 and the second user information acquisition unit 106 do not acquire the traveling directions D1 and D2, respectively, but instead, the user installs the area in the normal mode as shown in FIG. 8C. The intersection E3 between the path and the boundary 601 when exiting the 60 and the intersection E4 between the path and the boundary 601 when the user enters the installation area 60 in the power saving mode may be acquired. It can be said that the intersection E4 is the entry position of the user into the installation area 60. It can be said that the intersection E3 is the exit position of the user from the installation area 60. Then, if the intersections E3 and E4 coincide with each other or the distance between the intersections E3 and E4 is less than a predetermined distance (for example, 50 cm), the identity determination unit 107 determines that the user is the same user. ..

The condition satisfaction determination unit 108 determines whether or not any of the following specific condition_5, specific condition_6, and specific condition_7 is satisfied, and the normal mode switching unit 109 saves power if any of the following is satisfied. The power supply unit 10t may be instructed to maintain the mode and switch to the normal mode if none of the modes are satisfied.
(Specific condition_5): Since the user last exited in the normal mode (or immediately before switching to the power saving mode), the USB-compatible portable storage device remains set (mounted) on the peripheral device interface 10p. It has become.
(Specific condition_6): Paper is loaded on the platen glass of the scan unit 10r after the user finally exits in the normal mode (or immediately before switching to the power saving mode), or the scan unit 10r is ejected. Paper remains in the paper position.
(Specific condition_7): Printed matter remains in the bin or output tray of the print unit 10s after the user finally exits in the normal mode (or immediately before switching to the power saving mode).

Whether or not the specific condition _5 is satisfied can be determined by checking whether or not the storage device is mounted on the peripheral device interface 10p. Whether or not the specific condition _6 is satisfied can be determined by detecting the presence or absence of paper by the sensor of the scan unit 10r. Whether or not the specific condition _7 is satisfied can be determined by detecting the presence or absence of paper by the sensor of the print unit 10s.

Alternatively, the condition satisfaction determination unit 108 may determine whether or not the following specific condition_8 is satisfied instead of the specific condition_7.
(Specific condition_8): When the user finally exits in the normal mode, a job involving printing (such as a copy job or a PC print job) is being executed or is waiting to be executed.

In the present embodiment, when the identity determination unit 107 determines that the first user and the second user are the same user, the condition satisfaction determination unit 108 determines. However, the normal mode switching unit 109 saves based on the result of the determination by the condition satisfaction determination unit 108 regardless of the result of the determination by the identity determination unit 107, or even if it is determined that the user is not the same user. The power mode may be maintained or released. That is, when the image forming apparatus 1 detects the entry into the installation area 60 in the power saving mode (Yes in # 711 of FIG. 5), the processing of steps # 713 to # 714 may be skipped and the process may proceed to step # 715. ..

Further, whether or not it is based on the result of the determination by the identity determination unit 107 may be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 by, for example, the suitability setting screen 7B shown in FIG. The suitability setting screen 7B is displayed on the touch panel display 10g.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 uses the first identifier 5B and the usage record data 5C of the user who was in the installation area 60 immediately before switching from the normal mode to the power saving mode. However, the first identifier 5B and the usage record data 5C of each of the plurality of users who were in the installation area 60 before the time of switching may be used.

In addition, the configuration of the entire image forming apparatus 1 or each part, the content of processing, the order of processing, the configuration of data, the configuration of screens, and the like can be appropriately changed according to the gist of the present invention.

1 Image forming device 10p Peripheral device interface (interface)
10r scan unit (scanner)
10s print unit 101 area entry detection unit (detection means)
107 Identity determination unit (estimation means)
109 Normal mode switching unit (mode control means)
121 Area exit detection unit (second detection means)
122 Elapsed time measurement unit after leaving (timekeeping means)
60 Installation area (predetermined area)

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus having a power saving mode that saves power consumption.
A first detection means for detecting the entry of a user from the image forming apparatus into a predetermined area in a predetermined range, and
It has a second detection means for detecting the exit of the user from the predetermined area.
The first user whose approach is detected by the first detection means when the image forming apparatus is in the power saving mode, and the first detection before the image forming apparatus enters the power saving mode. It is presumed that the second user whose entry is detected by the means is the same, and the execution has been continuously executed before the exit of the second user by the second detection means is detected. If the job is completed after the exit is detected, the power saving mode is maintained and the first user and the second user are presumed not to be the same or the exit is detected before the exit is detected. A mode control means that cancels the power saving mode when the job is completed, and
An image forming apparatus characterized by having. When the information obtained from the face of the first user and the information obtained from the face of the second user match, it is presumed that the first user and the second user are the same. , Estimating means,
The mode control means maintains or cancels the power saving mode based on the result of estimation by the estimation means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the unique information of the terminal device possessed by the first user and the unique information of the terminal device possessed by the second user are the same, the first user and the second user are the same. Has an estimation means, which is presumed to be
The mode control means maintains or cancels the power saving mode based on the result of estimation by the estimation means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The position where the second user has exited from the predetermined area when the exit is detected by the second detection means, and the position where the first user exits from the predetermined area after the second user exits from the predetermined area. It has an estimation means that estimates that the second user and the first user are the same when the position entered into the area matches.
The mode control means maintains or cancels the power saving mode based on the result of estimation by the estimation means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the mode control means maintains the power saving mode even if it is estimated that the first user and the second user are not the same.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The first detection means detects the approach based on the intensity of radio waves received from the terminal device possessed by the user, or detects it by a motion sensor.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A power supply mode control method for controlling a power supply mode in an image forming apparatus having a power saving mode that saves power consumption.
To the image forming apparatus
Detecting the user's entry into a predetermined area in a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus,
Detecting the exit of the user from the predetermined area,
A first user whose intrusion was detected when the image forming apparatus was in the power saving mode, and a second user whose intrusion was detected before the image forming apparatus entered the power saving mode. The power saving mode is maintained when a job that is presumed to be the same and has been continuously executed before the exit of the second user is detected is completed after the exit is detected. If it is presumed that the first user and the second user are not the same, or if the job is completed before the exit is detected , the power saving mode is canceled.
A power mode control method characterized by the fact that. A computer program for controlling an image forming apparatus having a power saving mode that saves power consumption.
To the image forming apparatus
A process for detecting the entry of a user from the image forming apparatus into a predetermined area in a predetermined range is executed.
A process for detecting the exit of the user from the predetermined area is executed, and the process is executed.
A first user whose intrusion was detected when the image forming apparatus was in the power saving mode, and a second user whose intrusion was detected before the image forming apparatus entered the power saving mode. Is presumed to be the same, and when the job that has been continuously executed before the exit of the second user is detected is completed after the exit is detected , the power saving mode is set. Maintain and execute the process of canceling the power saving mode when it is estimated that the first user and the second user are not the same , or when the job is completed before the exit is detected. Let,
A computer program characterized by that.

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