JPH05268394A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the operation mistake of the operator by detecting it that the operator is parted from the device with a detection signal of a human body detection means so as to revise the function. CONSTITUTION:A detection section 5 of a human body detector comprising an operation section 4 and an operator detector is arranged to an upper front side of the device. The detection section 5 emits an infrared ray beam 7 and a reflection beam by the operator 6 or the like is detected. Furthermore, an ultrasonic wave system is adopted for the detection section 5, an ultrasonic wave is emitted between outer ridges 8, 9 in the vertical direction and between outer ridges 10, 11 in the horizontal direction, then the radiation area of the ultrasonic wave is specified. Then the distance of the operator 6 to a front face F in a copying machine 1 is measured by the range and when an ultrasonic wave reflection object is in existence in the range, it is discriminated that the operator 6 is in existence. Furthermore, a function revision means detects it that the operator 6 is parted from the machine 1 by a detection signal of the detection section 5 and the function revision such as the transit of, e.g. an initial function to the standard mode is implemented.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions such as a copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a copying machine, various modes are considered as necessary considering only the copying machine alone, and a plurality of preset modes are set so as to be executed according to each state. There is something. As one of such copying machines, there is a copying machine provided with a human body detecting means for detecting the presence of an operator in the vicinity of the copying machine and having a function of switching and executing an operation according to the distance of the operator with respect to the copying machine.

This copying machine detects the presence or absence of an operator by, for example, determining whether the detection target of the human body detecting means is stationary, moving, distance, etc., and provides voice guidance when the operator is stationary (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-207148). (See Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-235858), and the like, which switches the copy mode to a predetermined standard mode by ANDing the two conditions that copying is completed and there is no operator. As another image forming apparatus, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-
235855, JP 61-235856, JP 61-235857, and JP 61-2.
35860-JP-A-61-235865,
There is an image forming apparatus described in JP-A-3-96969, and there is an image forming apparatus in which a single machine can select a plurality of functions.

[0004]

In the above copying machine, since the copying machine is considered only as a single unit, for example, in a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, a file processing function and the like are simultaneously present in one machine. There is no plan for a system in which each of them behaves differently. Further, in the image forming apparatus capable of selecting a plurality of functions with one machine, if the operator wants to use a function different from the function used by the operator before that, it is necessary to newly select the function. .. However, this operation is likely to be forgotten by the operator, and if the operator forgets this operation, there is a risk of using a function that the operator does not desire. This is very different from a miscopy in a copying machine alone, and for example, a serious problem occurs in that the user intends to make a copy but uses it as a facsimile.

A first object of the present invention is to solve these problems and to provide an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions.
An operator's operation mistake is prevented by detecting that the operator has left the device and changing the execution function. A second object of the present invention is, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions, when a function is executed by interrupting the execution of one function, a predetermined time elapses after execution of the interrupt function and When it is detected that the operator is not present, the operation mode of the operator is prevented by returning to the mode of the function before the interruption. A third object of the present invention is, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions, the standard mode of the initial function when it is detected that the operator is approaching the image forming apparatus after detecting the absence of the operator. By moving to, it is to prevent the operator from making operational mistakes.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a reading means for reading an original, a recording means for forming an image on a recording sheet, a mode setting and In an image forming apparatus having an operation unit for displaying and a human body detecting means for detecting a person and capable of executing a plurality of functions, the human body detecting means 1 is used as shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is the same as the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 in which execution of one function is interrupted. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the execution of the interrupt function and the absence of the operator is detected by the output signal of the human body detecting means while executing the function, the mode of the function before the interrupt is restored. In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the execution of one function is interrupted and another function is executed, the interrupt function of the interrupting function is provided. The control means for returning to the mode of the function before interruption when a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of execution and it is detected by the output signal of the human body detection means that no operator is present, According to another aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, when the image forming apparatus is operating with a function set as an initial function, a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of this function is completed and an output signal of the human body detecting means When the absence of an operator is detected, a control means for shifting to the standard mode of the initial function is provided, and the invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1. In the image forming apparatus, when operating with a function other than the initial function, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the operation of this function and it is detected by the output signal of the human body detecting means that no operator is present, the initial function is performed. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, the control means is a standard mode having an initial function. The transition to is not performed when the function in operation is interrupting the operation, and the invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The means does not perform the transition of the initial function to the standard mode when the original is set in the original feeding device.
In the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3, 4 or 5, a predetermined time has elapsed after the function in which the control means is operating to shift the initial function to the standard mode has ended and the output of the human body detection means This is performed by detecting that the operator is not present by the signal and then detecting that the operator is approaching the image forming apparatus by the output signal of the human body detecting means.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the function changing means 2 changes the function by detecting that the operator has left the apparatus by the detection signal of the human body detecting means 1. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control means interrupts the execution of one function and executes the same function, a predetermined time elapses after the execution of the interrupt function is completed. In addition, when it is detected by the output signal of the human body detecting means that no operator is present, the mode of the function before interruption is restored.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control means interrupts the execution of one function to execute another function, a predetermined value is set after the execution of the interrupt function is completed. When it is detected that the operator does not exist by the output signal of the human body detecting means after a lapse of time, the mode of the function before interruption is restored.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control means is operating with the function set as the initial function, a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the operation of this function. In addition, when it is detected that the operator does not exist by the output signal of the human body detecting means, the mode is shifted to the standard mode of the initial function. According to the invention described in claim 5, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
When the control means is operating with a function other than the initial function and a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the operation of this function and it is detected by the output signal of the human body detection means that the operator is not present, the standard mode of the initial function is set. Move. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect, when the control unit is in the process of shifting the initial function to the standard mode, the operation is suspended. Not performed.

According to the invention of claim 7, claims 1, 2 and
In the image forming apparatus described in 3, 4, or 5, the control unit does not shift the initial function to the standard mode when a document is set in the document feeding device. Claim 8
According to the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, a predetermined time elapses after the function in which the control unit is operating the transition of the initial function to the standard mode ends the operation. In addition, the output signal of the human body detecting means detects that the operator does not exist, and then the output signal of the human body detecting means detects that the operator is approaching the image forming apparatus.

[0011]

2 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
In the copying machine 1 of the first embodiment, a document pressure plate 3 for covering a document on a document table 2 and pressing the document is provided on the upper part, and a detection part of a human body detection device including an operation part 4 and an operator detection device on the front side of the upper part. 5 are arranged. The copying machine 1 is provided so that the manuscript pressure plate 3 and the operating section 4 are operated by an operator 6 from the front side F, and the detecting section 5 of the operator detecting device is provided relative to the existence of the operator 6 and the copying machine 1. It is designed to detect the existence range.

The detection unit 5 of this operator detection device is generally known to be of a light (for example, infrared) type or an ultrasonic type, and in the present embodiment, an infrared type is used to locate the operation unit 4. Although arranged, an ultrasonic type may be used. The detector 5 emits an infrared beam 7 and detects a reflected beam of the operator 6 or the like. In addition,
When the detection unit 5 uses an ultrasonic type, it emits ultrasonic waves vertically between the outer edges 8 and 9 and horizontally emits the outer edge 1.
The emission area of the ultrasonic wave is defined so as to emit between 0 and 11, and the distance of the operator 6 with respect to the front surface F of the copying machine 1 can be measured in this area, and the ultrasonic reflection object is present in this area. For example, it is determined that the operator 6 exists.

The detector 5 is set to emit light aiming at the average operator's chest around the chest because the directivity is strong when the infrared detector is used. This is because when the operator 6 operates the copying machine 1, the width of the chest is the width of the arm plus the thickness of the arm. Therefore, the position where the operator 6 stands when operating the copying machine 1 is slightly different. This is because there is no concern that the operator 6 will come off the detection area of the detection unit 5. In order for the detection unit 5 to detect the operator 6 in the widest possible range, it has meaning when there is only one infrared beam 7 for detecting the operator 6 and there is no spread like ultrasonic waves. This is effective when one operator 5 is used to detect the operator 6.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rear side of the manuscript pressure plate 3 is rotatably attached to the upper part of the copying machine 1, and the manuscript is placed on the manuscript table 2 and the manuscript pressure plate 3 is placed thereon.
It is also possible to use an automatic document feeder instead of the document pressing plate 3 and automatically set a document on the document table 2 by this automatic document feeder. Copier 1
An operator card 12 for explaining a simple operation method of the copying machine and an abnormal display is attached on the left side of the upper operation section 4,
A front cover 13 is openably and closably attached to the front surface F of the copying machine 1. In the copying machine 1, a paper feed cassette 14 is set on the right side, and a paper discharge tray 15 is arranged on the left side.
Inside the copying machine 1, a scanner that scans and reads an original on the original table 2 and then performs A / D conversion, an image processing unit that processes an image signal from the scanner, and an image from the image processing unit. A well-known image forming / fixing system having a plotter for printing on a transfer sheet by a signal is provided.

The plotter is a photoconductor drum, a charging charger for uniformly charging the photoconductor drum, and a writing unit for exposing the photoconductor drum by an image signal from an image processing unit to form an electrostatic latent image. A developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum into a visible image; a transfer charger that transfers the visible image on the photosensitive drum to the transfer paper fed from the paper feed cassette 14; A separation charger that separates the transfer paper from the photoconductor drum, a fixing device that fixes the visible image on the transfer paper separated from the photoconductor drum, and discharges it to the paper discharge tray 15. It has a cleaning device and a static eliminator for cleaning and neutralizing after separation. Further, the copying machine 1 has a well-known interrupt function and interrupts when the operator presses the interrupt key of the operation unit during a continuous copying operation in which the number of copies set by the operation unit is continuously taken. The mode is set to interrupt the continuous copying operation, and after the operator replaces the original on the original table 2 with the original to be interrupted, copying of the original is started according to the operator's instruction from the operation unit.
After the copy of this document is completed, the operator replaces the document on the document table 2 with the original document, and then returns to the normal mode by the operator's instruction from the operation unit to restart the continuous copy operation.

FIG. 5 shows a part of the operation section 4. A display panel 16 for performing various displays is provided in the center of the operation unit 4, and a detection unit 5 of the operator detection device and a guidance display unit 17 are provided above the display panel 16. Further, on the lower side of the display panel 16, the automatic density key 1
8, a temperature adjustment key 19, an automatic paper selection key 20, a paper selection key 21, a same size key 22, an enlargement key 23, and a reduction key 24 are provided. Further, on the right side of the display panel 16, there are various keys such as a ten-key 25, an enter key 26, a start key 27, a guidance key 28, etc., and a guidance display section 29, a timer display section 30, etc. A key group and a display group 31 mainly related to execution of copying are arranged.

A 400 × 256 dot liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch switch are provided on the left side of the display panel 16 in the operation unit 4, and the LCD has a menu key 32, a scroll key 33, and a touch key 33 as shown in FIG. There are a utility key 34, a guidance key 35, a contrast adjustment knob 36, an extended function display section 37 and the like. This L
The CD normally displays a menu screen as shown in FIG. This screen is set so that all the functions incorporated in the present embodiment are displayed, and the function is selected by the operator touching the function portion.

FIG. 6 shows the display panel 16. The display panel 16 includes a paper display unit 38 and an operation display unit 39. The paper display unit 38 includes a magnification display unit 40, a paper designation scaling display unit 41, an automatic paper selection display unit 42, a paper selection display unit 43, and a paper. A size display section 44 and the like are provided. The operation display section 39 includes a toner replenishment display section 45, a standby display section 46, a copy enable display section 47, and an automatic density display section 48.
Etc. are provided.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of this embodiment. The system of this embodiment is roughly divided into a system control unit 49, a scanner unit 50, an image process unit (IPU) 51, and a plotter unit 5.
2, the operation unit 53, the LCD unit 54, the human body detection device 55, the operation unit 53 is the portion shown in FIG. The system control unit 49 includes a base unit 56, a memory unit 57,
Printer unit 58, facsimile unit 59, file unit 60
It is composed by. The memory unit 57 is the scanner unit 5
0, the IPU 51, the digital image signal from the plotter unit 52 is written to the memory 62 composed of DRAM via the video converter 61, or the digital image signal is read from the memory 62 and output to the scanner unit 50, the IPU 51, and the plotter unit 52. Or The printer unit 58 is a CPU
63, ROM 64, RAM 65, etc. are mounted, RS2
32C, Centronics, or other communication device 66 is used to convert data sent to a character generator (C
G) ROM67, AGDC (Advanced Grad)
pic Display Controller) 6
The memory 62 converts the predetermined digital image signal by
Expand to.

The facsimile unit 59 includes a CPU 69 and a ROM
70, a RAM 71, a CCU (communication control unit) 72 for receiving data sent through a public line, a SAF (stack and forward) memory 73 for holding received data,
A compression / expansion circuit 74 for compressing or expanding an image signal is mounted. CPU69 is CCU through public line
The data sent to 72 is written in the SAF memory 73, the data in the SAF memory 73 is read and sent to the public line, and the received data held in the SAF memory 73 is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 74. Memory 62
It is expanded to the upper side, or the image data in the memory 62 is compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 74 and written in the SAF memory 73.

The file section 60 includes a CPU 75 and a ROM 7.
6, RAM 77, magneto-optical disk device (ODD) 78,
A compression / expansion circuit 79 and the like are mounted, and an image signal reproduced from the magneto-optical disk by the ODD 78 is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 74 and expanded on the memory 62, or image data on the memory 62 is compressed and read by the ODD 78. Writing on a magnetic disk. The base portion 56 is a CPU 80, R
OM81, RAM82, DMA controller (DMA
C) 83, interrupt control circuit 84, interface 85
Having a scanner unit 50, an IPU 51, and a plotter unit 5
2. By controlling the operation unit 53, the LCD unit 54, the human body detection device 55, the memory unit 57, the printer unit 58, the facsimile unit 59, the file unit 60, etc., the entire machine of this embodiment is controlled. The scanner unit 50 includes a CPU 86, RO
It has an M87, a RAM 88, and interfaces 89 and 90, and scans an original on the original table 2 with a scanner to perform A /
The D-converted digital image signal is output to the memory unit 57.

The IPU 51 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92, and an R
The AM 93 and the interfaces 94 and 95 are mounted, and perform scaling processing such as enlargement and reduction of the digital image signal from the memory unit 57, image processing processing such as hollowing and shadowing, and output to the memory unit 57. The plotter section 52 is the CPU 9
6, ROM97, RAM98, interface 99,
100 is installed to control the plotter, and the memory unit 5
The digital image signal from 7 is converted into light to form an image on a recording sheet made of transfer paper. Operation unit 53 is CP
The U101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the input / output port 104, and the interface 105 are mounted, and keys other than the LCD section 54 and the light emitting diode 106 are connected to take in an input signal from the key to turn on / off the light emitting diode. The LCD unit 54 includes a CPU 107, RO
The M108, the RAM 109, and the input / output port 110 are mounted, and the LCD, touch key, and hard key 11 shown in FIG.
1 is connected to display an LCD screen and receive input signals from touch keys and hard keys. The human body detection device 55 includes a detector 112 including an oscillator 112 that emits an infrared beam to the detection area, a receiver 113 that receives the infrared beam reflected by the detection area, and the receiver 1.
The signal processing unit 114 processes the received signal from the signal processing unit 13.

The CPU 80 of the base unit 56 is based on the input signals from the operation units 53 and 54 by the operator's operation, and the scanner unit 50, the IPU 51, the plotter unit 52, the operation units 53 and 54, the printer unit 58, the facsimile unit 59, and the file. By controlling the unit 60 and the like, the entire machine of this embodiment is controlled, and functions such as a copying function, a printer, a facsimile, and a file processing are selectively executed, and at the same time any one of the functions is being executed, the operation unit is operated. When the interrupt key is pressed, the interrupt mode is set, and the same function or another function is executed according to the instruction of the operator of the operation unit by an interrupt, and after the execution of this function is completed, an instruction from the operator from the operation unit is issued. To return to the normal mode and resume execution of the original function.

Next, the operation principle of the human body detecting device 55 will be described. The oscillator 112 emits an infrared beam 7 for distance measurement in the direction in which the operator 6 is operating the copying machine 1, and the reflected wave from the reflecting object is received by the receiver 1.
The signal is received at 23 and the signal processing unit 114 measures the distance to the reflecting object by a method that is not affected by the level of the reflected wave. Then, the CPU 80 has the measurement result within a predetermined range,
Further, it is assumed that the operator 6 exists near the copying machine 1 because the operator 6 exists for a predetermined time. An infrared light emitting diode as an oscillator 112 and an optical system for making its output light a narrow beam are installed at or near the operation unit (or display unit or document table) of the copying machine 1.
The infrared light emitting diode and the optical system are arranged so that the output light is directed in a standing direction when the operator 6 operates the copying machine 1.

In the receiver 113, a light receiving lens and a one-dimensional position sensor (Position Sense) are provided at a position separated from the beam emitting position of the oscillator 112 by a predetermined distance in a plane orthogonal to the beam emitting direction of the oscillator 112.
iv Device (PSD) is installed, and the light receiving lens and the PSD are arranged such that their longitudinal directions face a position separated by a predetermined distance from the beam emitting position of the oscillator 112. The infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting diode is made into a narrow beam by the optical system, reflected by the reflecting object, and received by the PSD through the light receiving lens. The signal processing unit 114 detects the presence of the operator 6 in the vicinity of the copying machine 1 by obtaining the distance to the reflecting object from the output signal of the PSD by the principle of triangulation, and the CPU 80
Output to.

Due to the operational characteristics of the copying machine 1, the operator 6 may touch the copying machine 1 or approach it to a state close to it. In the human body detection device 55, when the operator 6 extremely approaches the copying machine 1, the emission beam of the oscillator 112 or the light receiving beam of the receiver 113 is blocked by the operator 6, or the light receiving beam of the receiver 113 is PSD. The receiver 113 may not be able to receive the beam because the light receiving range may be exceeded due to the limitation of the length.

In order to prepare for such a case, the human body detection device 55 continuously measures the distance between the operator 6 and the distance between the operator 6 and the operator 6, and then the receiver 113. When it becomes impossible to receive the beam, the CPU 80 determines that the operator 6 exists as in the processing flow described later. As another countermeasure against such a case, the detection gain is set so that the human body detection device 55 can detect the reflected light from the wall or ceiling behind the operator 6 when the operator 6 is not present, CPU 80 when reflected light cannot be detected
However, the operator 6 may be determined to exist from the output signal of the human body detection device 55 as in the processing flow described later.

As yet another countermeasure, the CPU 80 determines the distance to a reflective object such as a rear wall or ceiling when there is no moving object such as the operator 6 or a person passing the detection range as in the processing flow described later. Signal processing unit 114
It is also possible to detect and store it from the output signal of 1 and determine that the operator 6 exists when a reflecting object farther than that distance is detected. This is because the operator 6 is extremely close to the copying machine 1 and the receiver 113 cannot receive the beam from the reflecting object, which is the same result as the reflecting object is far enough to receive the reflected beam. That is, the output signal of the receiver 113 with respect to a reflecting object far from the background cannot occur unless the conditions in which the copying machine 1 is installed is changed, and the approach of the operator 6 is continued. Then, it may not be detected.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the detector 5 including the oscillator 112 and the receiver 113 is installed in the upper portion of the copying machine 1 near the document pressure plate 3 and the oscillator 112 is installed.
As a detection medium, an infrared beam 7 is emitted from the inside of the outer edge portions 8, 9, 10, 11 of the detection area. The infrared beam 7 is reflected by a reflective object such as the operator 6 in the detection area and received by the receiver 113.

Next, the operation of PSD will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of PSD. PSD
Reference numeral 115 is an element having a common electrode 116 and output terminals 117 and 118.
Currents I ₁ and I ₂ flow in the longitudinal direction of 9 depending on the position of the spot light 120 by the infrared beam 7 from the reflecting object.
That is, equal to the output current I ₂ of the output current I ₁ and the output terminal 118 of the output terminal 117 when the spot light 120 is hitting the center of the light receiving portion 119, the spot light 1
When 20 shifts to the right from the center of the light receiving section 119, I ₁ <I ₂
When the spot light 120 shifts to the left from the center of the light receiving portion 119, I ₁ > I ₂ . The rate of increase or decrease of I ₁ and I ₂ is proportional to the deviation of the spot light 120 from the center. Therefore, the relationship between the position of the spot light 120 and I ₂ / I ₁ is constant, and is not related to the intensity of the spot light 120. Therefore, the position of the spot light 120 can be obtained by calculating the ratio of I ₁ and I _{2 in} the signal processing unit 114.

Next, the distance measuring method of the human body detecting device 55 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a distance measuring method using the PSD 115. By using the PSD 115, the position of the spot light 120 can be detected, so that the distance to the reflecting object can be obtained by the triangulation method. Infrared rays emitted from the infrared light emitting diode 121 are made into a thin infrared beam 7 by the light projecting lens 122.
When the operator 6 in the detection area operates the copying machine 1, the operator 6 shoots toward a standing position.
Is reflected by a reflective object such as
An image is formed so that a real image is formed on the light receiving unit 119 of D115.

The deviation d of the spot light 120 from the center in the light receiving section 119 of the PSD 115 is inversely proportional to the distance L to the reflecting object, and the baseline length S, the light receiving lens 123 and the PSD 1
The relationship of f / L = d / S is established between the distance f and 15.

As shown in FIG. 10, the output currents I ₁ and I ₂ of the PSD 115 have the following relationship when the length of the PSD 115 is c. I ₁ = c / 2-d = c / 2-fS / L I ₂ = c / 2 + d = c / 2 + fS / L From these, I ₂ / I ₁ = (cL / 2 + fS) / (cL / 2-fS) ≈ 1 + cfS / L, (I ₂ / I ₁ −1) is proportional to 1 / L, and c, f,
Since the human body detection device 55 has a unique value for S, I ₂
It is possible to obtain L from / I ₁ . The human body detection device 55 needs to increase the length of the PSD 115 required for a closer distance, but the accuracy is high and it is suitable for detecting the presence of the operator 6.

Next, the determination of the presence of the operator 6 by the CPU 80 will be described. The CPU 80 determines that the operator 6 exists when the result of measuring the distance to the reflective object of the human body detection device 55 as described above becomes smaller than a predetermined value within 50 cm. Further, the CPU 80 distinguishes between the operator 6 and a person who just passes in front of the copying machine 1 without using the copying machine 1 as in the processing flow described later, and the time during which the reflecting object is within a predetermined distance continues for a predetermined time. It may be determined from time to time that the operator 6 exists.

Further, the CPU 80 causes the operator 6 to come too close to the copying machine 1 to exceed the light receiving range of the PSD 115 or cover the oscillator 112 or the receiver 113, and the distance measurement data is transmitted from the signal processing unit 114. When not obtained, it is determined that the operator 6 exists.
If the CPU 80 simply determines that the operator 6 is present when the distance measurement data is not obtained from the signal processing unit 114, there is a problem that an incorrect determination may be made when the human body detection device 55 fails. Therefore, as in the processing flow described later, it is necessary to use the distance measurement data before the distance measurement data cannot be obtained as a condition for the determination that the distance measurement data cannot be obtained as a result of the operator 6 approaching the copying machine 1. Can avoid the problem. Further, the CPU 80 stores distance measurement data for ceilings, walls, etc. obtained when there is no operator as in the processing flow described later, and determines that the operator 6 exists when a distance longer than this distance is detected. You can The installation position of the human body detection device 55 is set in consideration that the distance measurement data by reflection from the ceiling can be obtained as the distance measurement data from the background of the operator 6 under the usual installation conditions of the copying machine 1.

Since the copying machine 1 is installed under various lighting conditions, it is necessary to distinguish the ambient light from the distance measuring light. Therefore, the infrared beam 7 is 800 to 9
It is set to 50 nm. Further, a visible light cut filter is inserted in front of the light receiving surface of the PSD 115, the infrared light emitting diode 121 is pulse-driven by the drive circuit, and the change amount is extracted from the output current of the PSD 115 by the signal processing unit 114 to measure the distance. In addition, the driving of the infrared light emitting diode 121 is limited to a predetermined interval, and the output current of the PSD 115 is calculated only when the infrared light emitting diode 121 is driven to obtain distance measurement data.

By inserting a common visible light cut filter in front of the oscillator 112 and the receiver 113, the oscillator 112 and the receiver 113 cannot be seen, and the operator 6 is not made uncomfortable. .. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the operator 6 from taking a countermeasure different from the design intention, such as preventing the operator 6 from consciously detecting it.

Further, the human body detecting device 55 may be the one using the following ultrasonic waves. A transmitter 112 and a receiver 113 are installed at or near the operation unit (or display unit or document table) of the copying machine 1, and the transmitter 112 has a speaker for emitting ultrasonic waves. Receiver 1
Reference numeral 13 denotes a microphone, and the speaker and the microphone are arranged so that their directivities are oriented in the standing direction when the operator operates the copying machine 1. The ultrasonic wave emitted from the speaker hits an object in the detection area, is reflected, and is received by the microphone. The signal processing unit 114 measures the time until the ultrasonic wave emitted from the speaker hits the reflective object in the detection area and is reflected by the microphone, and the time and the speed at which the ultrasonic wave propagates in the air are measured. The distance to the reflecting object is calculated by.

Since the ultrasonic waves emitted from the speaker have a spread, not all are reflected at the same distance, but the time until returning to the microphone differs depending on the ultrasonic reflection position. Therefore, ultrasonic waves received by the microphone are mixed with various delay times with respect to the emission time of the speaker. Therefore, the distance to the reflecting object is determined by the delay time of the ultrasonic wave that returns to the microphone earliest among the ultrasonic waves received by the microphone, and if the distance is within the predetermined range, that distance is set as the distance to the operator. judge.

If the operator is extremely close to the copying machine when the speaker and the microphone are installed far apart from each other, one or both of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the speaker and the ultrasonic wave to be received by the microphone are blocked by the operator. As a result, the microphone cannot receive ultrasonic waves.
The CPU 80 determines the presence of the operator in the same manner as in the case of the human body detection device using light described above.

This human body detecting device utilizes the propagation velocity of ultrasonic waves in the air. As shown in FIG. 12, the speaker 124 is driven by the output signal of the ultrasonic oscillator 125, and the received signal from the microphone 126 is received. Is the receiver 12
7 is sent to the signal processing unit 114. Speaker 12
4 transmits ultrasonic waves into the outer edges 128 and 129 of the area showing the directivity, and the microphone 126 receives ultrasonic waves coming from the outer edges 130 and 131 of the area showing the directivity.

The ultrasonic waves emitted from the speaker 124 are reflected by a reflecting object such as the operator 6 and the microphone 12
Received at 6. The signal processing unit 114 measures the time d from the ultrasonic wave emission of the speaker 124 to the ultrasonic wave reception of the microphone 126, and the distance L to the reflecting object from this time d.
To measure. When the propagation velocity of ultrasonic waves in air is v, L = vd / 2, and v is a value of about 340 m / s. Therefore, L can be obtained from d.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart of this human body detecting device. The speaker 124 receives an ultrasonic wave signal of a constant frequency from the ultrasonic wave oscillator 125 every time the operator detects it, and emits an ultrasonic wave. This ultrasonic wave is reflected by a reflective object such as an operator and received by the microphone 126. The ultrasonic waves are reflected by various objects in the region showing the directivity of the microphone 126 and return to the microphone 126, so that the propagation path varies depending on the reflective object and the ultrasonic wave is emitted from the speaker 124 to the microphone 126.
The time until the reception of ultrasonic waves differs, and the microphone 126
The received signal of is a combination of signals having different phases and amplitudes.

The signal processing unit 114 has the microphone 12
The data reflected at the position closest to the received signal 6 is used as the distance measurement data. Therefore, the signal processing unit 11
Reference numeral 4 designates the time to the front edge (from the ultrasonic wave emission of the speaker 124) as d after amplifying the reception signal of the microphone 126 and limiting the amplitude by the limiter. Then, the signal processing unit 114 calculates the above equation from d to obtain L
Is measured as the distance to the operator. Also, CPU
At 80, the operator 6 is too close to the copying machine 1 and the distance L
If cannot be measured, the distance L to the operator is obtained in the same manner as the human body detection device using infrared rays.

Next, the determination of whether or not the operator is at the position where the operator operates the copying machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 80 determines that the operator 6 is in a position where the operator 6 operates the copying machine 1 when the operator 6 is located at a position away from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 by a distance a. This distance a
Is a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 to a predetermined position. However, when the transmitter 112 and the receiver 113 are inserted from the end of the copying machine 1, the distance is a distance subtracted by the inserted amount.

FIG. 15 shows a processing flow for determining whether or not the operator 6 of the CPU 80 is in a position where the copying machine 1 is operated. In step S21, the CPU 80 determines whether the distance to the reflecting object is within a by the distance measurement signal from the signal processing unit 114 in the human body detection device 55, and if the distance to the reflecting object is within a, the operator 6 exists. It is determined that the operator presence flag is set, and if the distance to the reflecting object is not within a, it is determined that the operator 6 does not exist and the operator presence flag is reset.

FIG. 16 shows a processing flow for determining that the operator 6 of the CPU 80 is located at a position where the operator 6 operates the copying machine 1 when the operator 6 has continued from the copying machine 1 within a for a predetermined time. The CPU 80 also executes step S3.
In step 1, the distance measurement signal from the signal processing unit 114 is used to judge whether the distance to the reflecting object is within a or not. Since it does not exist, the time-up flag, the time-up counter and the operator presence flag are reset in step S36. If the distance to the reflecting object is within a, the CPU 80 determines in step S32 whether or not the time-up flag indicating that the time during which the operator 6 is within a has continued for a predetermined time or longer is set to 1. Check.

If the time-up flag is set to 1, the CPU 80 does not need to check the time during which the operator 6 is within a of the copying machine 1, so the process proceeds to step S35. If the time-up flag is not set to 1, the CPU 80 determines that the operator 6
Since it is necessary to check the time that exists within,
In step S33, the operator 6 increments the time-up counter for checking whether the time that the operator 6 continues to exist within a is more than a predetermined time, and determines whether the time-up counter is 100 or more. To do. When this subroutine is checked every 5ms, it is about 500m
s becomes the above predetermined time. The value of 100 can be freely set in accordance with the operating characteristics of the human body detection device 55 and the operator 6.

The CPU 80 has a time-up counter of 10
If it is 0 or more, the time during which the operator 6 continues to exist within a has exceeded the predetermined time, so the operator 6
Is determined to exist, the time-up flag is set to 1 in step S34, and the process proceeds to step S35. CPU
In step S35, 80 determines that the operator 6 is present and sets the operator presence flag to 1 in order to apply the information to various controls. If the time-up counter is not 100 or more, the CPU 80 ends the processing of this subroutine because the time during which the operator 6 continues to exist within a does not reach the predetermined time or more.

FIG. 18 shows a processing flow for determining that the operator 6 continues to exist when the distance measurement data from the signal processing unit 114 suddenly disappears after the CPU 80 detects the presence of the operator 6. Show. Note that FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the range from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 to the distance d is set as an unmeasurable range, and the distance a from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 is
The respective ranges up to b and c are set as operator detection ranges. Further, a, b, c, and d are distances obtained by subtracting the distances when the detection unit 5 of the human body detection device 55 enters from the front surface F of the copying machine 1.

In step S41, the CPU 80 determines whether or not the distance measurement data from the human body detection device 55 is within a,
If the distance measurement data is within a, it is determined that the operator 6 exists, and the process proceeds to step S42. Also, CP
If the distance measurement data is a or more or there is no distance measurement data (operator detection is not possible), the U80 proceeds to step S48.

In step S42, the CPU 6 sets the within-a flag to 1 because the operator 6 is within a. The within-a flag is used for determining which position within the operator detection range the operator 6 is in, and for checking the operator moving direction in combination with other flags. Next, the CPU 80 sets the operator presence flag indicating that the operator 6 is present to 1 in step S43.
Set to.

Next, in step S44, the CPU 80 checks whether or not the distance measurement data from the human body detection device 55 is within b. If the distance measurement data is within b, the CPU 80 sets the within b flag to 1 in step S45 and proceeds to step S46. If the within distance measurement data is not within b, the CPU 80 resets the within b flag to 0 in step S411. The flag within b is also used for the same purpose as the flag within a.

In step S46, the CPU 80 checks whether or not the distance measurement data from the human body detecting device 55 is within c. If the distance measurement data is within c, the CPU 80 sets the within-c flag to 1 in step S47, and if the distance measurement data is within c, c is determined in step S412.
Reset the inside flag to 0. Flags within c are also a
It is used for the same purpose as the inside flag.

The CPU 80 resets the within-a flag to 0 in step S48, and checks in step S49 whether the within-c flag is 1 or not. This is because when the operator 6 gets too close to the human body detection device 55, the human body detection device 5
This is a process for making it possible to determine that the operator 6 exists even when the distance measurement data from 5 becomes a or more or the distance measurement data disappears.

That is, even if the distance measurement data from the human body detection device 55 becomes a or more or the distance measurement data disappears, the operator 6 makes the copying machine 1 when the flag within c is set to 1. It indicates that the operator 6 has come too close to the copying machine 1 and has not been separated from the copying machine 1 by more than c after that, it is possible to judge that the operator 6 is too close to the copying machine 1 (into the undetectable range). .. C
If the flag within c is not 1, the PU 80 determines that the operator 6 does not really exist, and resets the operator presence flag to 0 in step S410.

In FIG. 20, the detection gain of the human body detecting device 55 is adjusted so that the distance measuring data can be obtained even when there is no detected object, and it is determined that the operator 6 exists when the human body detecting device 55 cannot detect the distance. FIG. 21 is a processing flow of the CPU 80. FIG. 21 stores the distance measurement data from the human body detection device 55 when the CPU 80 does not have a detected object, and the detected object farther than that distance is the human body detection device 5.
5 is a processing flow for determining that the operator 6 exists when detected in 5.

As shown in FIG. 19, the range from the front surface of the copying machine 1 to the distance d is the unmeasurable range, the range from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 to the distance a is the operator detection range, and the copying machine is also shown. The fixed distance from the front of 1 to the pillar, ceiling, etc. is n. Further, a, d, and n are distances obtained by subtracting the distance when the detection unit 4 of the human body detection device 55 is intruded from the front surface F of the copying machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 80 checks in step S51 whether or not the distance measurement data from the human body detection device 55 is within a. If the distance measurement data is within a, the presence of the operator 6 is detected. And proceeds to step S53. If the distance measurement data is not within a, the CPU 80 checks in step S52 whether or not the distance measurement data from the human body detection device 55 exists. If the distance measurement data exists, the CPU 80 determines that the operator 6 does not exist within a, that is, the human body detection device 55 cannot detect the distance to the operator 6, and the operator 6 is too close to the human body detection device 55. It is determined that the operator 6 exists, and the operator presence flag is set to 1 in step S53. If the distance measurement data does not exist, the CPU 80 determines that the operator 6 does not exist and determines in step S54.
The operator presence flag is reset to 0.

As shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 80 checks in step S61 whether or not the distance measurement data from the human body detecting device 55 is within a. If the distance measurement data is within a, the presence of the operator 6 is detected. And proceeds to step S63. If the distance measurement data is not within a, the CPU 80 determines in step S62 whether the distance measurement data from the human body detection device 55 is larger than the data n previously measured and stored without the operator 6. To check.

Then, the CPU 80 determines that the distance measurement data is n
If it is the following, it is determined that the operator 6 does not exist and the operator presence flag is reset to 0 in step S64. If the distance measurement data is larger than n, it is determined that the operator 6 exists and the process proceeds to step S63. CPU80
Sets the operator presence flag to 1 in step S63.

The CPU 80 determines the relative positional relationship between the operator 6 and the front surface F of the copying machine 1 as described above, and changes the function as follows. FIG. 22 shows the relative positional relationship (distance) between the operator 6 and the front surface F of the copying machine 1 and the relationship with the return to the interrupt mode. The CPU 80 changes the function as shown in FIG. 23 depending on whether or not the operator 6 exists within the distance c and the distance c (or the distance b) from the front surface F of the copying machine 1. That is, the CPU
First, 80 checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 or not.

If the "within a flag" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "within a flag" is not set to 1, "within c flag"
Is set to 1 to determine whether the operator 6 is within a distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1. If the "within-c flag" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "within-c flag" is not set to 1, checks whether the "interrupt mode flag" is set to 1 or not. Determine if it is in interrupt mode. CPU8 here
0 sets the "interrupt mode flag" to 1 when the interrupt key is pressed to change from the normal mode to the interrupt mode, and resets the "interrupt mode flag" to 0 when returning from the interrupt mode to the normal mode.

If the "interrupt mode flag" is not set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "interrupt mode flag" is set to 1, it is determined whether or not it is operating (during execution of any function). to decide. And
If the CPU 80 is in operation, it returns as it is, and if it is not in operation, it returns to the mode of the function executed before the interruption.

In the first embodiment, the CPU 80 indicates that the operator 6 has separated from the copying machine 1 by the human body detection device 55.
Since it returns to the mode of the function before interruption by detecting it from the distance measurement data from, the operator does not continue to hold the interrupt state, and the operator is not affected by the functions used by other operators, preventing operator mistakes. be able to.

FIG. 24 shows C in the second embodiment of the present invention.
A part of processing flow of PU is shown. This second embodiment is
In the first embodiment, the CPU 80 executes the process flow of FIG. 24 instead of the process flow of FIG. The CPU 80 first checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 within a. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is if the "within a flag" is set to 1, and checks if the "within c flag" is set to 1 if the "within a flag" is not set to 1. The operator 6 determines whether or not the operator 6 exists within a distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1.

If the "within-c flag" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "within-c flag" is not set to 1, it is determined whether or not the "interrupt mode flag" is set. Check to determine if it is in interrupt mode. If the "interrupt mode flag" is not set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and the "interrupt mode flag" is set to 1
If it is set to, it is determined whether or not a preset time has elapsed after the end of the operation (execution of any function). If the preset time has not elapsed after the end of the operation, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the preset time has elapsed after the end of the operation, the CPU 80 returns to the mode of the function executed before the interruption.

In the second embodiment, when the CPU 80 interrupts the execution of one function, for example, the copying function, and executes the same function, a predetermined time has elapsed after the execution of the interrupt function and the human body detection is completed. When the absence of the operator 6 is detected by the output signal of the device 55, the mode of the function before interruption is restored, so when the operator does not execute the function and subsequently does not execute the function, the operation before the interruption is surely performed. By returning to the function mode, the operator can be prevented from being affected by the function used by another operator, and the operator's operation error can be prevented.

FIG. 25 shows C in the third embodiment of the present invention.
A part of processing flow of PU is shown. This third embodiment is
In the first embodiment, the CPU 80 executes the process flow of FIG. 25 instead of the process flow of FIG. The CPU 80 first checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 within a. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is if the "within a flag" is set to 1, and checks if the "within c flag" is set to 1 if the "within a flag" is not set to 1. The operator 6 determines whether or not the operator 6 exists within a distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1.

If the "within-c flag" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is. If the "within-c flag" is not set to 1, whether or not the "interrupt mode flag" is set to 1 is determined. Check to determine if it is in interrupt mode. If the "interrupt mode flag" is not set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and the "interrupt mode flag" is set to 1
If it is set to, it is in operation (any function is being executed).
Or whether the operation is suspended. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is if the operation is in progress, and returns as it is because the copying may be continued if the operation is interrupted. If the operation is not suspended, the CPU 80 determines whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder (DF) based on a document detection signal from a document set sensor of the automatic document feeder. Here, the automatic document feeder sequentially feeds the documents stacked on the document feeding table by the operator onto the document table 2 and discharges them after copying to check the presence or absence of the documents stacked on the document feeding table. It is detected by the document set sensor. If a document is set in the automatic document feeder, the CPU 80 may return because it may be copied. If no document is set in the automatic document feeder, the CPU 80 returns to the mode of the function before interruption. Restore.

In the third embodiment, since the CPU 80 does not return to the function mode before interruption during the operation interruption, it can smoothly return to the function mode before interruption. Moreover, since the mode of the function before the interruption is restored when the document is not set in the automatic document feeder, the mode of the function before the interruption can be restored more smoothly and the operator's operation error can be prevented. it can.

FIG. 26 shows C in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
A part of processing flow of PU is shown. This fourth embodiment is
In the first embodiment, the CPU 80 executes the process flow of FIG. 26 instead of the process flow of FIG. The CPU 80 first checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 within a. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is if the "within a flag" is set to 1, and checks if the "within c flag" is set to 1 if the "within a flag" is not set to 1. The operator 6 determines whether or not the operator 6 exists within a distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1.

If the "within-c flag" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "within-c flag" is not set to 1, it is determined whether the "interrupt mode flag" is set to 1 or not. Check to determine if it is in interrupt mode. If the "interrupt mode flag" is not set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and the "interrupt mode flag" is set to 1
If it is set to, it is determined whether the operation is suspended. If the operation is suspended, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the operation is not suspended, the CPU 80 determines whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder by a document detection signal from a document set sensor of the automatic document feeder. .. And
If a document is set in the automatic document feeder, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if no document is set in the automatic document feeder, the CPU 80 is preset after the operation is completed. Determine whether the elapsed time has elapsed. If the preset time has not elapsed after the end of the operation, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the preset time has elapsed after the end of the operation, the CPU 80 returns to the mode of the function executed before the interruption.

In the fourth embodiment, when one function is interrupted and the same function or another function is executed, a predetermined time has passed after the execution of the interrupt function and the human body detection device 55 When it is detected that the operator 6 does not exist by the output signal of, the mode of the function before the interruption is restored, and when the operation is interrupted or the document is set in the automatic document feeder, the mode of the function before the interruption is set. Since it is not returned, it is possible to prevent the operator from making a mistake in operation.

FIG. 27 shows C in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
A part of processing flow of PU is shown. This fifth embodiment is
In the first embodiment, the CPU 80 executes the process flow of FIG. 27 instead of the process flow of FIG. The CPU 80 first checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 within a. The CPU 80 returns as it is if the "within a flag" is set to 1,
If "within a flag" is not set to "c"
By checking whether or not the "within flag" is set to 1, it is determined whether the operator 6 is within the distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1. The CPU 80 sets the "within c flag" to 1. If it is, the CPU returns as it is, and if the "within c flag" is not set to 1, it is judged whether or not the CPU 80 is in operation. The initial function is the default state of each function such as the initial screen and mode of the copy function and the initial screen and mode of the facsimile as shown in FIG. Each function can be selected in the default state by the operation unit.

In the fifth embodiment, the CPU 80 indicates that the operator 6 has separated from the copying machine 1 by the human body detection device 55.
Since it is detected from the distance measurement data from and the mode is shifted to the standard mode of the initial function, the same operation screen (standard mode of the initial function) can be always provided when the operator stands in front of the copying machine 1, and the operator is confused. The work can be performed smoothly without any mistake, and the operator's operation mistake can be prevented.

FIG. 28 shows C in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
A part of processing flow of PU is shown. This sixth embodiment is
In the second embodiment, the CPU 80 executes the processing flow of FIG. 28 instead of the processing flow of FIG. The CPU 80 first checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 within a. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is if the "within a flag" is set to 1, and checks if the "within c flag" is set to 1 if the "within a flag" is not set to 1. The operator 6 determines whether or not the operator 6 exists within a distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1.

If the "flag within c" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "flag within c" is not set to 1, it is determined whether or not a preset time has elapsed after the end of the operation. To judge. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is if the preset time has not elapsed after the end of the operation, and returns to the standard mode of the function set as the initial function if the preset time has elapsed after the end of the operation. Restore.
In the sixth embodiment, when operating with a function other than the initial function, it is detected that a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the operation of this function and the operator does not exist from the output signal of the human body detection device 55. Since the mode is shifted to the standard mode of the initial function, it is possible to surely shift to the standard mode of the initial function when the operator does work and does not continue to work thereafter, and it is possible to prevent an operator's operation error.

FIG. 29 shows C in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
A part of processing flow of PU is shown. This seventh embodiment is
In the third embodiment, the CPU 80 executes the processing flow of FIG. 29 instead of the processing flow of FIG. The CPU 80 first checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 within a. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is if the "within a flag" is set to 1, and checks if the "within c flag" is set to 1 if the "within a flag" is not set to 1. The operator 6 determines whether or not the operator 6 exists within a distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1.

If the "within-c flag" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "within-c flag" is not set to 1, it determines whether the operation is in progress or the operation is interrupted. Then, the CPU 80 directly returns if it is in operation, and returns if it is in operation interruption. If the operation is not suspended, the CPU 80 determines whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder (DF) based on a document detection signal from a document set sensor of the automatic document feeder. If a document is set in the automatic document feeder, the CPU 80 may return because it may be copied, and if no document is set in the automatic document feeder, the CPU 80 is set as the initial function. Return to standard mode of function. In the seventh embodiment, the transition of the initial function to the standard mode is not performed when the function in operation is interrupting the operation or when the document is set in the automatic document feeder, so that the function before the interruption is The mode can be returned to more smoothly and the operator's operation mistake can be prevented.

FIG. 30 shows C in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
A part of processing flow of PU is shown. This eighth embodiment is
In the fourth embodiment, the CPU 80 executes the processing flow of FIG. 30 instead of the processing flow of FIG. The CPU 80 first checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 within a. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is if the "within a flag" is set to 1, and checks if the "within c flag" is set to 1 if the "within a flag" is not set to 1. The operator 6 determines whether or not the operator 6 exists within a distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1.

If the "within-c flag" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "within-c flag" is not set to 1, it determines whether the operation is suspended. Then, the CPU 80 returns if the operation is suspended, and if the operation is not suspended, determines whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder by a document detection signal from a document set sensor of the automatic document feeder. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is because the original may be copied if the original is set in the automatic original feeder, and if the original is not set in the automatic original feeder, the CPU 80 returns in advance after the operation ends. It is determined whether the set time has elapsed. If the preset time has not elapsed after the end of the operation, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the preset time has elapsed after the end of the operation, it returns to the standard mode of the function set as the initial function. ..

In the eighth embodiment, the mode of the function before the interruption is not restored while the operation is suspended or the original is set in the automatic document feeder, so that the operator's operation error can be prevented.

FIG. 31 shows C in the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
A part of processing flow of PU is shown. This ninth embodiment is
In the first embodiment, the CPU 80 executes the processing flow of FIG. 30 instead of the processing flow of FIG. The CPU 80 first checks whether or not the "within a flag" is set to 1, and determines whether the operator 6 is within a distance from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 within a. If the "a flag within a" is set to 1, the CPU 80 checks whether the "b flag within b" is set to 1, and the operator 6 exists within b from the front surface F of the copying machine 1. Determine whether to do.

If the "flag within a" is not set to 1, the CPU 80 sets the flag within "c" to 1
Check whether it is set to
Is within a distance c from the front surface F of the copying machine 1 or not. If the "within-c flag" is set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the "within-c flag" is not set to 1, it determines whether or not the operation is suspended. Then, the CPU 80 returns if the operation is suspended, and if the operation is not suspended, determines whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder by a document detection signal from a document set sensor of the automatic document feeder. Then, the CPU 80 returns as it is because the original may be copied if the original is set in the automatic original feeder, and if the original is not set in the automatic original feeder, the CPU 80 returns in advance after the operation ends. It is determined whether the set time has elapsed. If the preset time has not elapsed after the end of the operation, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and if the preset time has elapsed after the end of the operation, the function reset flag is set to 1.

If the "within b flag" is not set to 1, the CPU 80 returns as it is, and "b"
If the "within flag" is set to 1, it is determined whether or not the function reset flag is set to 1. Then, if the function reset flag is not set to 1, the CPU 80 returns and the function reset flag is set to 1 If it is set to 0, the function reset flag is reset to 0 to return to the standard mode set as the initial function.

In the ninth embodiment, the copying machine 1 is operated after it is detected that a predetermined time has passed after the function which is operating to shift the initial function to the standard mode and the operator is not present. Since it is performed by detecting that the operator is approaching, it is possible to provide the same operation screen (standard mode of the initial function) whenever the operator stands in front of the copier 1, and the operator can smoothly operate without confusion. It is possible to perform work and prevent operator's operation mistakes. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be similarly applied to other image forming apparatuses.

[0088]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the reading means for reading the original, the recording means for forming the image on the recording sheet, and the operation section for setting and displaying the mode. And a human body detecting means for detecting a human being, and in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions, the fact that an operator has left the apparatus is detected from the detection signal of the human body detecting means to change the function. Since the function changing means is provided, it is possible to prevent an operator's operation mistake.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the execution of one function is interrupted and the same function is executed, a predetermined value is set after the execution of the interrupt function is completed. When the time elapses and the output signal of the human body detecting means detects that the operator does not exist, the control means is provided for returning to the mode of the function before the interruption, so that the operator executes the function and then continues. When the function is not executed, the mode of the same function before the interruption is surely returned, and the operator's operation mistake can be prevented.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the execution of one function is interrupted and another function is executed, a predetermined time is set after the execution of the interrupt function is completed. Since the control means for returning to the mode of the function before the interruption is provided when it is detected that the operator does not exist by the output signal of the human body detecting means with the passage of time, the operator executes the function and then continues. When the function is not executed, the mode of another function before the interruption can be surely returned to prevent the operator's operation mistake.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, when the image forming apparatus operates with the function set as the initial function, a predetermined time elapses after the operation of this function is completed. Further, since the control means for shifting to the standard mode of the initial function is detected when the absence of the operator is detected by the output signal of the human body detecting means, the standard function of the initial function is indispensable when the operator stands in front of the copying machine 1. The mode can be provided, the operator can work smoothly without being confused, and the operator's operation mistake can be prevented.

According to the invention described in claim 5, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, when the image forming apparatus operates by a function other than the initial function, a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the operation of this function and the human body Since the control means is provided to shift to the standard mode of the initial function when the absence of the operator is detected by the output signal of the detection means, the standard mode of the initial function is provided whenever the operator stands in front of the copying machine 1. Therefore, the operator can work smoothly without being confused, and the operator's operation mistake can be prevented.

According to the invention of claim 6, claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in item 2, 3, 4 or 5, since the control unit does not shift the initial function to the standard mode when the function in operation suspends the operation, the control unit does not switch to the standard mode of the initial function. The transition can be performed smoothly, and when the operator stands in front of the copying machine 1, the standard mode of the initial function can be provided every time, so that the operator can work smoothly without any confusion and the operator's operation error can be prevented. Can be prevented.

According to the invention of claim 7, claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3, 4, or 5, the control unit does not perform the transition to the standard mode of the initial function when a document is set in the document feeder, so the standard mode of the initial function is used. Can be smoothly performed, and when the operator stands in front of the copying machine 1, the standard mode of the initial function can be provided whenever the operator stands, and the operator can work smoothly without confusion. You can prevent mistakes.

According to the invention of claim 8, claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3, 4 or 5, a predetermined time has elapsed after the function in which the control means is operating to shift the initial function to the standard mode has ended and the output of the human body detection means This is performed by detecting that the operator is not present by the signal and then detecting that the operator is approaching the image forming apparatus by the output signal of the human body detecting means.
When standing in front of, the standard mode of the initial function can be provided without fail, the operator can work smoothly without confusion, and the operator's operation mistake can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the invention of claim 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the present invention and an operator.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the same embodiment and an operator.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the operation unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the operation unit.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an LCD unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a default state of the LCD unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining PSD in the example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a detection unit of the human body detection device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a detection unit of an example of an ultrasonic human body detection device.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart of the human body detection device.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining the human body detection device according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow of the CPU in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another processing flow of the CPU in the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the human body detection device according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another processing flow of the CPU in the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the human body detection device according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another processing flow of the CPU in the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing another processing flow of the CPU in the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a view for explaining the human body detection device according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another processing flow of the CPU in the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow of a CPU according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow of a CPU in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow of a CPU in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing flow of the CPU in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow of a CPU in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow of a CPU in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow of a CPU in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing flow of a CPU according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 human body detecting means 2 function changing means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A reading unit for reading an original, a recording unit for forming an image on a recording sheet, an operation unit for setting and displaying a mode, and a human body detecting unit for detecting a human being, In an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions, the image forming apparatus is provided with a function changing unit that detects a separation of an operator from the device from a detection signal of the human body detecting unit and changes the function. .. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
When interrupting the execution of one function and executing the same function, if a predetermined time has elapsed after the execution of the interrupt function and the absence of an operator is detected by the output signal of the human body detection means An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit for returning to the mode of the function. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
When interrupting the execution of one function and executing another function, an interrupt occurs when a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the execution of the interrupt function and it is detected by the output signal of the human body detecting means that no operator is present. An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit for returning to a previous function mode. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when operating with a function set as an initial function, a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the operation of this function and the output signal of the human body detecting means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that shifts to the standard mode of the initial function when it is detected that the operator does not exist. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an operation is performed by a function other than the initial function, a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the operation of this function and an operator outputs an output signal of the human body detecting means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that shifts to a standard mode of an initial function when it is detected that the non-existence exists. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the control means does not shift the initial function to the standard mode when the function being operated is interrupting the operation. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein when the control unit shifts the initial function to a standard mode when a document is set in the document feeder. A control device characterized by not performing. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein a predetermined time is elapsed after the control unit is in the process of shifting the initial function to the standard mode after the function is finished operating. After the lapse of time and after detecting that the operator does not exist by the output signal of the human body detecting means, it is performed by detecting that the operator is approaching the image forming apparatus by the output signal of the human body detecting means. Image forming apparatus.