KR20220167052A - Absence mode by detecting user absence - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an example, an image forming apparatus includes a processor and a memory that stores instructions executable by the processor and entry condition information for entering an absence mode. The processor executes the instructions to obtain a signal for detecting whether a user exists in a space in which the image forming apparatus is installed, from the monitoring device, and allow the image forming apparatus to enter the absence mode when an entry condition for entering the absence mode is satisfied based on the signal.

Description

Absence mode by detecting user absence {ABSENCE MODE BY DETECTING USER ABSENCE}

Types of image forming devices include individual devices such as printers, scanners, copiers, facsimiles, and the like, and there is also a multi-function product (MFP) that integrates the functions of these separate devices into one device.

The image forming apparatus performs an image forming job (eg, Fax receiving, requesting a remote print job, etc.) may be lost if the result is immediately performed. In addition, even in the case of a job requiring security (eg, secure fax), it may be requested not to immediately perform an output job.

1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an example.
2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration of a monitoring device according to an example.
3 and 4 are diagrams conceptually illustrating an interface for setting an absent mode according to an example.
5 is a flowchart of a method for setting an absent mode according to an example.
6 is a flowchart of a method of operating an image forming apparatus in an absent mode according to an example.
7 is a flowchart of a method for canceling an absent mode according to an example.
8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a method performed in a computer readable recording medium according to an example.

The image forming apparatus may be set to delay the received image forming job or perform an alternative job instead of immediately processing it. For example, an administrator of an image forming device may set an operation mode of the device to an absence mode, and the device set to the absence mode may receive a fax from outside or receive a remote print job (e.g., HP's ePrint function from HP). In this case, instead of immediately performing the received image forming task, an alternative task such as delaying the task or retransmitting to an e-mail, shared folder, or cloud may be performed. Also, the image forming apparatus may operate to perform an image forming job after confirming a user permitted to process a document or fax requiring security.

In order to set the image forming apparatus to the absent mode, a manager or user (hereinafter referred to as “manager”) of the image forming apparatus may change the operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the absent mode, if necessary. However, if the manager directly manages the setting to the absent mode every time, it becomes a burden of work or there may be concerns about malfunction due to a manager's mistake. Also, it may be difficult or cumbersome to set the image forming apparatus to the absent mode when the manager is absent.

Accordingly, a problem to be solved according to an example is an image forming device automatically based on a signal from a sensor/camera of an image forming device, a signal related to a use pattern of the image forming device, and a signal from a network resource of the image forming device. It is to provide a technique for entering into the absence mode or releasing it from the absence mode.

The terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

When it is said that a certain part "includes" a certain component throughout the specification, it means that it may further include other components, not excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

Terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by the terms. That is, the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of related recited items or any one of a plurality of related recited items.

Throughout the specification, "image forming job" may refer to various tasks related to images, such as image formation or image file generation, storage, transmission, etc., and "job" refers to image forming work. In addition, it may mean including all of a series of processes necessary for performing an image forming task. An "image forming job performed by an image forming apparatus" may be jobs related to printing, copying, scanning, faxing, storage, transmission, coating, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, "image forming device" refers to all devices capable of performing image forming operations, such as a printer, scanner, fax machine, multi-function printer (MFP), or display device. can do. Also, the image forming apparatus may be a 2D image forming apparatus or a 3D image forming apparatus. Such an image forming apparatus may provide not only basic functions such as copying, printing, and scanning, but also various additional functions.

Also, a “user” may mean a person who performs an operation related to an image forming job by using the image forming apparatus. Also, "manager" may mean a person who has authority to access all functions and systems of the image forming apparatus. In some cases, "administrator" and "user" may be the same person.

In addition, “electronic device”, “electronic device”, or “user device” may refer to any information processing device that can be used by a user, such as a computer, laptop, tablet PC, or mobile phone terminal.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an example of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice it. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the examples described herein.

Hereinafter, examples will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

An image forming apparatus according to an example may include a processor 10 , a monitoring apparatus 20 and a memory 30 . However, the configuration of the image forming apparatus is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the image forming apparatus further includes components not shown in FIG. 1 , for example, a power supply unit for supplying power to each component, a display unit, a user interface unit, a communication unit for communicating with other electronic devices, or other components. It may include, or may not include at least one of the components shown in FIG. Also, it may be understood by those skilled in the art that the image forming apparatus may be configured by connecting a plurality of apparatuses, unless it is limited to one apparatus.

The processor 10 is a component that generally controls and performs functions that can be provided by the image forming apparatus, and may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), and the like. For example, the processor 10 may execute commands/instructions stored in the memory 30 . Also, the processor 10 may read information stored in the memory 30 . In addition, the processor 10 may store new information in the memory 30 or may update previously stored information. For example, the processor 10 may perform an operation of obtaining information necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus from the memory 30 or storing it in the memory 30 .

The monitoring device 20 includes a device capable of detecting/monitoring whether a user exists in a space in which an image forming device is installed. The monitoring device 20 generates a signal for detecting whether a user exists, and when detecting that a user exists, transmits an event signal to the processor 10 of the image forming device, or the processor 10 approaches It is possible to store events in the memory 30 so that the processor 10 can read them. The monitoring device 20 may perform other functions at the same time as providing such a user sensing function. Accordingly, it should be noted that the monitoring device 20 is not limited to a device that only performs a user sensing function. The monitoring device 20 will be described later in this specification with reference to, for example, FIG. 2 .

The memory 30 may be implemented by various storage media such as RAM or ROM for storing data. Various types of information may be stored in the memory 30 . For example, instructions/instructions executable by the processor 10 may be stored in the memory 30 .

An image forming apparatus according to an example includes a processor 10 and a memory 30 that stores instructions executable by the processor and entry condition information for entering an absence mode. The processor 10 of the image forming apparatus acquires, by the monitoring apparatus 20, a signal for detecting whether a user exists in the space in which the image forming apparatus is installed by executing instructions, and stores the signal in a memory based on the signal. The image forming apparatus enters the absence mode by determining whether an entry condition for entering the absent mode is satisfied. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus acquires absence mode entry condition information from the memory 30 and sets it to the absence mode based on a signal from the monitoring device 20 even if the administrator or user does not directly manipulate the entry into the absence mode. It can be.

When a job including an image forming job is received after the image forming apparatus enters the absent mode, the processor 10 of the image forming apparatus may delay the received job or perform an alternative job until the absent mode is released. there is. A non-limiting example of the form of operation in the absence mode of the image forming apparatus is as follows.

According to an example, when a fax is received by the image forming apparatus in absence mode, the received fax may not be output, but the fax may be stored in the memory 30 of the image forming apparatus and the operation may be delayed. there is. Then, as will be described later in this specification below, when the image forming apparatus is released from the absence mode according to release condition information for releasing from the absence mode, the image forming apparatus performs a delayed job to restore the fax stored in the memory 30. can be printed out. For example, when it is confirmed that the user has gone to the office where the image forming apparatus is installed, the image forming apparatus may release the absent mode and output the stored fax. Accordingly, the user can check the corresponding document without losing it. Additionally or alternatively, in the case of secure fax, authentication of a user having authority to check the secure fax may be required.

According to another example, when a fax is received by the image forming apparatus in absent mode, an alternative operation may be performed without outputting the received fax. An example of an alternative operation includes redirection to a pre-established means. For example, a received fax can be sent to a designated e-mail address. As another example, the received fax may be stored in a designated shared folder or uploaded to a cloud so that a user or the like can check it. Additionally or alternatively, the received fax job may be deleted from the image forming apparatus after the replacement job is performed.

According to another example, when a remote print job (eg, HP's ePrint function) is received by the image forming device in absence mode, the received job is not immediately executed, for example, the memory 30 of the image forming device You can save your work in and defer your work. Then, as will be described later in this specification below, when the image forming apparatus is released from the absence mode according to the release condition information for releasing from the absence mode, the image forming apparatus performs a delayed job to perform remote printing stored in the memory 30. work can be done.

Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus may enter a mode other than the normal mode, such as a power save mode, before entering the absent mode. Even in the power save mode, if an entry condition for switching to the absence mode is satisfied, the absence mode may be switched.

In addition, even after the image forming apparatus enters the absence mode, it may enter the power saving mode according to settings or requirements of the apparatus, or vice versa. For example, even after entering the absence mode, the power saving mode may be entered under certain conditions, or the absent mode may be entered even after entering the power saving mode. That is, it should be noted that the power saving mode and the absence mode are not mutually exclusive, and either only one mode or both modes may be applied depending on circumstances.

The absence mode and the power save mode have different operations when activated, and the time required to enter the power save mode and the power save mode can be set differently.

Specifically, the power saving mode is a mode for minimizing power consumption, and an entry condition and an operation after entry operate not to use unnecessary power. However, the absence mode is intended to prevent leakage and omission of print job information during the absence of the user. In case of absence, the print job is delayed so that the document is not output or minimized until the user returns, or the print job is delivered to an external user. Operate to perform the replacement task.

For example, in the power saving mode, when a fax is received, the power saving state is released and the received fax is output. However, if the absence mode is activated in the power saving mode, it may wait until printing of the received fax document is released, or it may be replaced with another job. Even if it is not in the power save mode, if the absent mode is activated, the received fax is not output or can be replaced with another job.

Next, entry condition information for entering the absence mode will be reviewed. As described above, the memory 30 of the image forming apparatus may store entry condition information for entering the absence mode. According to an example, the entry condition information includes signal information and input waiting time information corresponding thereto. The signal information includes information on a signal for detecting whether a user is present in a space in which the image forming apparatus is installed. The input waiting time information includes a time interval for determining whether to enter the absent mode by monitoring whether or not the user exists in order to enter the absent mode. For example, when the monitoring device 20 detects that a user is present in a space where an image forming device is installed, the monitoring device 20 transmits a corresponding signal to the processor 10 or records a corresponding event in the memory 30, etc. The processor 10 can read it. If a signal for detecting the presence of a user is not input/received from the monitoring device 20 to the image forming device, for example, the processor 10 of the image forming device during the input waiting time, the processor 10 determines that the image forming device is absent. The image forming apparatus may enter the absent mode by determining that the entry condition for entering the mode is satisfied.

The signal information to be sensed and the input waiting time information corresponding thereto may be set by default in the image forming apparatus, for example, when the image forming apparatus is shipped from the factory. Additionally or alternatively, signal information and input latency information may be obtained from setting information received from a user or administrator or the like. The setting of signal information and input waiting time information will be described later with reference to, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4 in this specification.

The memory 30 of the image forming apparatus may also store release condition information for release from the absence mode. Release condition information includes signal information and input waiting time information corresponding thereto. The signal information includes information on a signal for detecting whether a user is present in a space in which the image forming apparatus is installed. For example, when the monitoring device 20 detects that a user is present in a space where an image forming device is installed, the monitoring device 20 transmits a corresponding signal to the processor 10 or records a corresponding event in the memory 30, etc. The processor 10 can read it. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus may release the image forming apparatus from the absence mode when a signal corresponding to the signal information included in the release condition information is input. For example, the monitoring device 20 detects that an office changes from a off state to a lit state, a change in the return value of an optical sensor that detects the intensity of light, a network output, or a login attempt with a card reader occurs. When a signal corresponding to this is generated, the absence mode may be released. Also refer to the description of the monitoring device 20 to be described later in relation to the signal information included in the release condition information. The waiting signal information corresponding to the release condition information may be set such that the absence mode is released immediately after the signal information is input, or the absence mode is released after a set time after the signal information is input.

Next, referring to FIG. 2 , the monitoring device 20 for detecting whether or not a user of the image forming apparatus exists will be described.

2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration of a monitoring device according to an example. As shown in FIG. 2 , the monitoring device 20 includes a camera 210, an infrared sensor 220, a light sensor 230, a network device 240, and a user input device 250. However, the configuration of the monitoring device 20 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2 and interpreted. For example, the monitoring device 20 may further include components not shown in FIG. 2 , for example, a power supply unit for supplying power to each component, a display unit, or other components, or shown in FIG. 2 . It may not include at least one of the configured components. In addition, it may be understood by those skilled in the art that the monitoring device 20 may be configured by connecting a plurality of devices to each other, unless it is limited to one device. In addition, the monitoring device 20 may perform other functions at the same time as providing a user sensing function. Accordingly, it should be noted that the monitoring device 20 is not limited to a device that only performs a user sensing function.

According to one example, the camera 210 provides a user's face recognition function through photo or video streaming. The camera 210 may provide a function of detecting a user's movement within the field of view of the camera as well as face recognition. When a user attempts to log in through the camera 210 or it is determined that the user exists in a space where an image forming apparatus is installed, such as an office, the camera detects the user's authentication attempt or movement in the space where the image forming apparatus is installed. A user presence detection signal may be generated by detecting and transmitted to or recorded in the processor 10 or the memory 30 .

According to an example, the infrared detection sensor 220 detects the presence of a person in the space where the image forming apparatus is installed through infrared rays, and when an infrared signal corresponding to the human body is detected in the space where the image forming apparatus is installed, whether or not the user exists A detection signal may be generated and transmitted or recorded in the processor 10 or the memory 30 .

According to an example, the light detection sensor 230 may detect ambient illumination, generate a user presence/absence detection signal from the sensed illumination, and transmit or record the signal to the processor 10 or the memory 20 . For example, when the illuminance falls below a certain level, it can be determined that the user is absent because all the lights in the space are turned off, and the user leaves the room. It may be determined that a user exists by entering the room.

According to one example, the network device 240 includes at least one of the controller 241, the NFC module 242, the Bluetooth module 243, the network PC module 244, the LDAP module 245, and the card login module 246. The network device 240 detects whether a device designated as associated with the image forming device enters the local network of the image forming device or attempts to connect to the image forming device, and generates a user presence detection signal. Thus, it can be transmitted or written to the processor 10 or the memory 20.

More specifically, the controller 241 is a component that controls the operation of the network device 240, including communication with external devices, and may exist as a separate component or may be included in other components. The NFC module 242 is a module that supports near field communication. For example, when an NFC device or an NFC tag is touched/tapped from an NFC reader provided in an image forming apparatus, it recognizes this and processes related signals. etc. can be performed. For example, when a user's electronic device, tag, etc. are recognized by the NFC module 242, it can be considered that the user exists in a space where the image forming device is installed and performs authentication for use of the image forming device, so that a specific user can be judged to exist. The Bluetooth module 243 is a module that controls and supports Bluetooth communication with an external device. For example, when an external device attempts pairing through Bluetooth communication, the Bluetooth module 243 obtains an identifier of the external device from a Bluetooth communication-related packet and uses a specific user. It may be determined that is present in a space in which the image forming apparatus is installed. The network PC module 244 is an electronic device that accesses the image forming device through a network, for example, a device designated as being associated with the image forming device by reading an identifier of the PC, that is, when there is a PC. It is possible to detect whether a user of the device is present in the space where the image forming device is installed and enters the local network of the image forming device. The LDAP module 245 interworks with the LDAP server and receives information such as user commuting information from the server so that the space where the image forming apparatus is installed, eg, an office, determines whether designated users, such as employees, have gone to work or have all left work. It can operate to determine whether the user is absent. The card login module 246 may detect whether a user is present in the space where the image forming apparatus is installed by determining whether the user approaches the image forming apparatus using a card registered to use the image forming apparatus.

According to an example, the user input device 250 includes a device capable of receiving an input related to an image forming device from a user. For example, the user input device 250 may include a touch screen or keypad included in the image forming apparatus. Also, the user input device 250 includes a separate input device communicatively connected to the image forming device, such as a wireless keyboard, a wireless tablet device, and a mobile device. That is, the user input device 250 includes a device that the user can use to manipulate the image forming device. When a user attempts an input through the user input device 250, a user presence detection signal is generated by determining the presence of a user from the generated input signal, and transmitted or recorded in the processor 10 or the memory 30. can do.

Meanwhile, one or more of the monitoring devices 20 as described above may be included in the image forming device or communicatively connected to the image forming device. For example, the camera 240 may be a camera device included in an image forming device, or may be a separate camera device having a communication function and capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the image forming device. As another example, the user input device 250 may also include a key input unit included in the image forming device, or may be a separate input device wirelessly connected to the image forming device. Therefore, the monitoring device 20 is not construed as being necessarily included in the image forming device.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , settings of entry condition information and release condition information to the absent mode will be described. Conditions for entering and exiting the absent mode may be set based on setting information received from the user, and may additionally or alternatively be set as default information in the image forming apparatus.

3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an interface 300 for setting an absence mode according to an example. The interface 300 as shown in FIG. 3 may be displayed on a display provided in the image forming apparatus, and alternatively or additionally, a separate electronic device connected to the image forming apparatus, for example, a user's PC or a mobile device. may be displayed on

A user can control settings related to the absence mode of the image forming apparatus. Referring to the interface 300 shown in FIG. 3 , the user determines whether to set the absence mode, a detection method for detecting a signal to enter the absence mode when the absence mode is set, and waiting to enter the absence mode. After entering Time and Absence mode, you can set the working method to process the received job.

The user may input a waiting time to enter the absence mode through a timer. For example, if it is determined that the user is absent for 2 hours and 30 minutes, 2 hours and 30 minutes may be input to the timer to enter the absence mode.

In addition, the user may select a method for detecting whether the user is present in the space in which the image forming apparatus is installed, ie, a monitoring device or method, in order to determine entry into the absence mode. For this detection method, one method may be selected or a plurality of methods may be selected. For example, the user activates a light sensor, an NFC module, a user input detection, and the like, and when the user's presence is determined by any one of these methods, the image forming apparatus determines that the user exists. Conditions can be set. If the presence of the user is not detected for the selected waiting time by any of the selected detection methods, the image forming apparatus may determine that the condition for entering the absent mode is satisfied, and may switch the image forming apparatus to the absent mode.

Also, when an image forming job (eg, fax, etc.) is received after the image forming apparatus enters the absent mode, the user may set a method for processing the received job. For example, as described above, when an image forming job is received in the absent mode, the corresponding job is stored in the memory, the job is delayed, and printing can be started by performing the delayed job when the absent mode is released. Also, as described above, when an image forming job is received during the absence mode, an alternative job can be performed. Non-limiting examples of the replacement job include a forwarding (retransmission) job, and any of the jobs of sending the received image forming job to a specified e-mail, storing it in a shared folder, or uploading it to the cloud instead of outputting it from the image forming device. It can also be set to perform one or more tasks.

According to one example, if a sensing method is set, the sensing method may also be set as a sensing method to release from the absence mode. That is, if the user's presence is detected by the detection method selected as the method to be detected for whether the user enters the absence mode, the user's presence is detected by the same detection method even after entering the absence mode. When it is determined that the user is present by the user, the image forming apparatus may be released from the absence mode. In addition, when a plurality of detection methods are selected, it is determined that the user exists by any one of these methods, and the absence mode can be released. The standby signal information corresponding to the release condition information may be set to release the absent mode immediately after the corresponding signal information is input, or may be set to release the absent mode after a set time after the corresponding signal information is input. .

4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an interface 400 for setting an absent mode according to another example. The interface 400 as shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed on a display provided in the image forming apparatus, and alternatively or additionally, a separate electronic device connected to the image forming apparatus, for example, a user's PC or a mobile device. may be displayed on

In addition to including the same parts as the interface 300 of FIG. 3 , the interface 400 shown in FIG. 4 further includes an interface part capable of setting release conditions. In this example, signal information to be detected can be set in order to determine that the image forming apparatus that has entered the absent mode is released from the absent mode. For example, a signal to be detected to determine whether a release condition is satisfied may be set to be the same as a signal to be detected in the sensing method. For example, in order to determine whether a user is absent or not, a light detection sensor is set to be detected, and a signal to be detected is set in the same way to determine whether or not to release the user's presence/absence through whether lights are turned on/off. It can be set to determine whether or not it is absent. Alternatively, a signal to be detected in order to determine whether the release condition is satisfied may be set separately from a signal to be detected in the sensing method. For example, in order to determine whether the user is absent, it may be set to detect through a light sensor, and as a condition for releasing it after entering the absence mode, it may be set as a condition that the user perform card login. As in the example described above with reference to FIG. 3 , the standby signal information corresponding to the release condition information may be set to release the absence mode as soon as the signal information is input, or after a set time after the signal information is input. The absence mode may be set to be released.

Meanwhile, signal information to be detected for entering or exiting the absence mode and input waiting time information corresponding thereto may be set as default in the image forming apparatus, for example, when the image forming apparatus is shipped from the factory. Additionally or alternatively, signal information and input waiting time information may be obtained from setting information received from a user or administrator or the like, for example, from a user's input through an interface shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 or the like.

As described above, according to an example of the present invention, based on a signal from a sensor/camera that can be utilized by an image forming apparatus, a signal related to a user's use pattern, and a signal from a network resource, automatically detecting a user's A technique of determining whether or not there is an absence and, if the condition is satisfied, enters the image forming apparatus into the absence mode or releases it from the absence mode.

5 is a flowchart of a method for setting an absent mode according to an example.

According to an example, in the method of setting an absent mode of an image forming apparatus, in step S500, entry condition information for entering the absent mode is acquired from a memory. According to an example, as described above, the entry condition information includes signal information and input waiting time information corresponding thereto.

In step S510, a signal for detecting whether a user exists in the space where the image forming apparatus is installed is obtained from the monitoring device. According to an example, as described above, the monitoring device includes at least one of a light sensor, an infrared sensor, a camera, a network device, and a user input device, and the obtaining of a signal includes an image by the light sensor. Acquiring a user presence detection signal by detecting the illuminance of the space where the image forming apparatus is installed, and obtaining a user presence detection signal by detecting an infrared signal corresponding to the human body in the space where the image forming apparatus is installed using an infrared sensor. Detecting a user's authentication attempt in the space where the image forming apparatus is installed by means of a camera and obtaining a user presence detection signal, wherein a device designated by the network device as being associated with the image forming apparatus is connected to the local network of the image forming apparatus. It may include at least one of acquiring a user presence detection signal by detecting whether a user enters a , and acquiring a user presence detection signal based on whether there is a user input by a user input device.

In step S520, if the entry condition for entering the absence mode is satisfied based on the obtained signal, the image forming apparatus enters the absence mode. According to an example, as described above, the step of entering the image forming apparatus into the absent mode includes, if a signal corresponding to the signal information is not input during an input waiting time, entering the image forming apparatus into the absent mode. .

6 is a flowchart of a method of operating an image forming apparatus in an absent mode according to an example.

In step S600, an image forming job is received by the image forming apparatus.

In step S610, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus has entered the absence mode.

If the image forming apparatus is not in the absent mode, in step S620, it normally performs the received image forming job.

If the image forming apparatus has entered the absent mode, in step S630, the received job may be delayed or an alternative job may be performed, for example, until the absent mode is released, depending on the operation method in the absent mode. Non-limiting examples of the form of operation in the absence mode of the image forming apparatus are as described above, and are not repeated here again.

7 is a flowchart of a method for canceling an absent mode according to an example.

In step S700, release condition information for releasing from the absence mode is obtained, for example, from a memory.

In step S710, if the release condition is satisfied based on the release condition information, the image forming apparatus is released from the absence mode. As described above, the release condition information may include signal information, and the signal information includes a signal for detecting the existence of a user through, for example, the monitoring device 20 or the like. Non-limiting examples related to release condition information are as described above, and are not repeated here again.

8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a method performed in a computer readable recording medium according to an example.

Each step included in the operation or method performed by the device described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 can be implemented through a computer program or instructions (hereinafter referred to as instructions) programmed to perform these operations or steps, These instructions may be stored in a computer readable recording medium and may be executed by a processor.

8 shows instructions stored in such a computer-readable recording medium 800 as an example.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the instructions, when executed by the processor of the computer, cause the computer to acquire entry condition information for entering the absent mode from the memory (S810), and from the monitoring device to the space where the image forming device is installed. Acquire a signal for detecting whether a user is present in the home (S820), and if an entry condition for entering the absence mode is satisfied based on the signal, operate the image forming apparatus to enter the absence mode (S830) can do.

Each step included in the operation or method performed by the device described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, including each of the instructions (S810, S820, and S830) according to FIG. 8, is stored in the computer-readable recording medium 800. It is self-evident that it can be performed by a computer, for example, the image forming apparatus described above, according to the execution of the stored instructions. Therefore, parts not described below will use the above-described parts.

Meanwhile, the computer-readable recording medium discussed above may be a non-transitory readable medium. At this time, the non-transitory readable medium is not a medium that stores data for a short moment, such as a register, cache, or memory, but a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device. Specifically, it may be stored and provided in the same non-transitory readable medium for performing the various methods described above.

Also, according to one example, the method according to various examples disclosed in this document may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. A computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (eg, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (eg, Play Store ^TM ). In the case of online distribution, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server's memory.

As described above, although the examples have been described with limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art can understand that various modifications and variations are possible from the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different from the method described, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. may be combined or combined in a different form than the method described, or other components may be used. Or even if it is replaced or substituted by equivalents, appropriate results can be achieved.

Although an example of the present invention has been described in the context of an image forming apparatus, as a person skilled in the art can understand, the present invention is not limited only to the image forming apparatus. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the concept of the present invention can be applied in an environment where a plurality of user devices or electronic devices can be managed through policies.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described example and should not be defined, and should be defined by not only the claims to be described later, but also those equivalent to these claims.

Claims (15)

processor and
A memory for storing instructions executable by the processor and entry condition information for entering an absence mode;
The processor, by executing the instructions,
Obtaining, by the monitoring device, a signal for detecting whether a user exists in a space in which an image forming apparatus is installed;
Entering the image forming apparatus into an absence mode when an entry condition for entering the absence mode based on the signal is met.
image forming device. According to claim 1,
the processor,
When a task is received in the absent mode, delaying the task or performing an alternative task until the absent mode is released,
image forming device. According to claim 1,
the processor,
The entry condition information includes signal information and input waiting time information corresponding thereto,
entering the image forming apparatus into the absence mode when a signal corresponding to the signal information is not input during the input waiting time;
image forming device. According to claim 1,
the processor,
Obtaining the entry condition information based on received signal information or setting information for input waiting time,
image forming device. According to claim 1,
the memory,
Store release condition information for release from the absence mode;
The release condition information includes signal information and input waiting time information corresponding thereto,
releasing the image forming apparatus from the absence mode when a signal corresponding to the signal information is input;
image forming device. According to claim 5,
The corresponding input waiting time information is
set to release the image forming apparatus from the absence mode as soon as a signal corresponding to the signal information is input; or
Set to release the image forming apparatus from the absence mode after a set time elapses after a signal corresponding to the signal information is input.
image forming device. According to claim 1,
The monitoring device includes a light detection sensor,
The light detection sensor detects the intensity of illumination of the space in which the image forming apparatus is installed and generates a signal for detecting the presence of the user.
image forming device. According to claim 1,
The monitoring device includes an infrared detection sensor,
The infrared sensor detects an infrared signal corresponding to a human body in the space in which the image forming device is installed to generate a user presence detection signal.
image forming device. According to claim 1,
The monitoring device includes a camera,
wherein the camera detects an authentication attempt or movement of the user in the space where the image forming apparatus is installed, and generates a detection signal for the presence of the user;
image forming device. According to claim 1,
The monitoring device includes a network device,
wherein the network device detects whether a device designated as being associated with the image forming device enters a local network of the image forming device or attempts to connect to the image forming device and generates a detection signal for the presence of the user;
image forming device. According to claim 1,
The monitoring device includes a user input device,
The user input device generates a user presence detection signal based on whether there is a user input.
image forming device. obtaining, from a memory, entry condition information for entering an absence mode;
obtaining, from the monitoring device, a signal for detecting whether or not a user exists in a space in which the image forming device is installed;
and entering the image forming apparatus into an absence mode when an entry condition for entering the absence mode is satisfied based on the signal.
A method of operating an image forming apparatus. According to claim 12,
receiving a job;
When the image forming apparatus has entered the absence mode, delaying the operation or performing an alternative operation until the absence mode is released.
A method of operating an image forming apparatus. According to claim 12,
The entry condition information includes signal information and input waiting time information corresponding thereto,
The step of entering the image forming apparatus into the absence mode includes entering the image forming apparatus into the absence mode when a signal corresponding to the signal information is not input during the input waiting time.
A method of operating an image forming apparatus. A computer-readable recording medium storing instructions,
The instructions, when executed by a processor of a computer, cause the computer to
Obtain, from the memory, entry condition information for entering the absence mode;
Acquire a signal from the monitoring device for detecting whether or not a user exists in a space in which the image forming device is installed;
causing the image forming apparatus to operate to enter the absence mode when an entry condition for entering the absence mode is satisfied based on the signal;
A computer readable recording medium.

Images