Information processing system, program, and method

Abstract

To suppress a decrease in the power saving effect compared to a case where a transition time until the device transitions to a mode in which the time until execution of processing becomes possible is longer than the other modes among a plurality of modes is constant.SOLUTION: When a process occurs, a processor checks the position of a user when a human sensor 52 first detected the user, and determines whether the distance from an image forming apparatus 10 to that position is equal to or less than a threshold (S10). When the result of the determination in step S10 is Yes, the processor increments the count value corresponding to the LP mode by 1 (S12). On the other hand, when the result of the determination in step S10 is No, the processor increments the count value corresponding to the mode when the process occurred by 1 (S14). From each of these count values, the processor calculates the proportion of times the process occurred in a mode that takes a short time to become executable, and determines the transition time on the basis of this proportion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a program, and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices having a power saving function are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a system that supplies a timeout value to a device such as a printer.

[0004] There is also known an image processing apparatus that returns from a power saving mode to a normal operation mode when a human sensor detects a person approaching the apparatus.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 2 discloses an image processing device (e.g., a multifunction peripheral) equipped with a first sensor such as a pyroelectric sensor that detects moving objects and a second sensor such as a reflective sensor that detects objects within a detection distance shorter than that of the first sensor. This image processing device determines whether the detected object (e.g., a person) is a user operating the image processing device based on the combination of the detection results of the two sensors, and transitions the image processing device from a power saving mode to a power supply mode in which printing and other operations can be performed, according to the determination result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-502929 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-114499 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] There are known devices that have multiple modes that require different amounts of time to become ready to execute a process. The amount of processing performed by the device and the time intervals between each processing may vary over a period of time, such as a day or a week. Therefore, if the transition time required for the device to transition to a mode that requires a longer amount of time to become ready to execute a process is constant, the power saving effect may be reduced.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in the power saving effect compared to when the transition time until the device transitions to a mode among multiple modes that takes longer than other modes until processing can be executed is constant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention of claim 1 is an information processing system having a processor, which, for a device having multiple modes with different times until a process can be executed, performs a determination process to determine a mode to record in a history as the mode when the device executed the process, based on the mode in which the device executed the process and the detection position of a person when a human sensor first detects a person from a state in which no person was detected, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detection position to the device, records the determined mode in the history, sets a target value for the ratio based on the ratio of processes executed in a specific mode determined based on the history, and outputs a setting value for the transition time until the device transitions to a mode among the multiple modes that takes longer to execute the process than the other modes, based on the set target value.

[0010] The invention of claim 2 is the information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that, when outputting the set value of the transition time, the processor sets a target value for the ratio based on the ratio of the number of times processing has been executed in a specific mode determined based on the history, and outputs a set value of the transition time until the device transitions to a mode among the multiple modes that takes longer to become able to execute processing than the other modes based on the set target value.

[0011] The invention of claim 3 is the information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the multiple modes include a first mode and a second mode in which the time until the processing can be executed is longer than the first mode, and in the determination process, when the mode in which the device executed the processing is the second mode, if the distance between the detection position and the device is greater than or equal to a threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode in which the processing was executed is determined to be the first mode, and if the distance is less than the threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode in which the processing was executed is determined to be the second mode.

[0012] The invention of claim 4 is the information processing system described in claim 3, characterized in that the threshold value is a value determined based on the distance a person walks in the time required to return the device from the second mode to a state in which processing can be executed.

[0013] The invention of claim 5 is the information processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the multiple modes include a first mode and a second mode in which the time until the processing can be executed is longer than the first mode, and in the determination process, when the mode in which the device executed the processing is the second mode, if the movement time is equal to or greater than a threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode in which the processing was executed is determined to be the first mode, and if the movement time is less than the threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode in which the processing was executed is determined to be the second mode.

[0014] The invention of claim 6 is the information processing system described in claim 5, characterized in that the threshold value is a value determined based on the length of time required for the device to return from the second mode to a state in which processing can be executed.

[0015] The invention of claim 7 is a program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: for a device having multiple modes with different times until a process can be executed, the program executes a judgment process to determine the mode to record in a history as the mode when the process was executed based on the mode in which the device executed the process and the detection position of the person when the human sensor first detects a person from a state in which no person was detected, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detection position to the device; records the determined mode in the history; and outputs a setting value for the transition time until the device transitions to a mode among the multiple modes that takes longer than other modes until the process can be executed, based on the number of times the process was executed in a specific mode determined based on the history.

[0016] The invention of claim 8 is a method for a device having multiple modes with different times until a process can be executed, which performs a determination process to determine a mode to record in a history as the mode when the process was executed, based on the mode in which the device executed the process and the detection position of a person when a human sensor first detects a person from a state in which no person was detected by the human sensor, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detection position to the device, records the determined mode in the history, and outputs a setting value of the transition time until the device transitions to one of the multiple modes that takes longer than other modes to be able to execute the process, based on the number of times the process was executed in a specific mode determined based on the history. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the invention of claim 1, 2, 7 or 8, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the power saving effect compared to when the transition time until the device transitions to a mode among multiple modes that takes longer to be able to execute processing than other modes is constant.

[0018] According to the invention of claims 3 and 4, the mode to record in the history can be determined depending on the position of the person when the human sensor detects a person for the first time after not detecting a person.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 5 or 6, the mode to record in the history can be determined depending on the position of the person when the human sensor detects a person for the first time after not detecting a person. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a base configuration example. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating various modes of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the actual ratio and the simplification ratio. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing a cumulative exponential distribution. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between transition time and ratio. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of specific example 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of specific example 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of specific example 3. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control procedure when a process occurs in the first control example. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram illustrating a control procedure for the outer detection area of ​​the human sensor in Control Example 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram illustrating a control procedure for a detection area near a human sensor device in a control example 2. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a control procedure when a process occurs in a second control example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure when a return to the ready mode is performed in the second control example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] [[Base device configuration example]] An example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 that forms the basis of an embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a "base configuration example") will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Characteristic configurations and processes specific to the embodiment will be described after the description of this base configuration example. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 10 according to the base configuration example.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12, a UI 14, a communication device 16, a memory 18, and a processor 20. The image forming apparatus 10 is a printer, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile, or a multifunction device (e.g., a device having the functions of multiple devices such as a printer, a scanner, and a copier). The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing system.

[0023] The image forming unit 12 has at least one function selected from the group consisting of a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. The print method and the scan method are not particularly limited. For example, the print method may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal method, or a thermal transfer method.

[0024] The UI 14 is a user interface and includes a display and an input device. The display is a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. The input device is a keyboard, a mouse, input keys, an operation panel, or the like. The UI 14 may be a UI such as a touch panel (for example, an operation panel) that combines a display and an input device.

[0025] The communication device 16 includes one or more communication interfaces having a communication chip, a communication circuit, etc., and has a function of transmitting information to other devices and a function of receiving information from other devices. The communication device 16 may have a wireless communication function such as short-range wireless communication or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or may have a wired communication function.

[0026] The memory 18 is a device that configures one or more storage areas for storing data. The memory 18 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various types of memory (e.g., RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (e.g., optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0027] The processor 20 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0028] Image forming apparatus 10 has a plurality of modes that differ in the time it takes for a process to be executed. The time it takes for a process to be executed can be considered the time the user is waiting for the process to be executed, and therefore can be considered a waiting time for the user.

[0029] For example, the multiple modes include a ready mode (hereinafter referred to as "ready mode") and a power-saving mode. The power-saving mode is a mode in which the time until processing can be executed (i.e., the standby time) is longer than that in the ready mode. The power-saving mode may include multiple modes with different times until processing can be executed.

[0030] The ready mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 is waiting to execute a process. The ready mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 has completed warm-up and is supplied with power, enabling the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a process, but is not executing a process. For example, the process may be a print job, a scan job, a copy job, a job to transfer image data generated by scanning to an external device, or a job to store image data generated by scanning in the image forming apparatus 10. Of course, these processes are merely examples, and other processes may be executed by the image forming apparatus 10. A process executed by a user operating the UI 14 may be a process according to this basic configuration example.

[0031] The power saving mode is a mode in which power is not supplied to some of the components constituting the image forming apparatus 10, or a mode in which power lower than that in the ready mode is supplied to some or all of the components constituting the image forming apparatus 10. The power consumed in the power saving mode is less than the power consumed in the ready mode.

[0032] Hereinafter, the time it takes for the image forming device 10 to transition from the ready mode to the power saving mode will be referred to as the “transition time.” A set value for the transition time is stored in the memory 18, and the processor 20 transitions the image forming device 10 from the ready mode to the power saving mode in accordance with the transition time.

[0033] For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ready mode, if a transition time has elapsed since the image forming apparatus 10 last performed a process (for example, the time the process was completed) or since the image forming apparatus 10 was last operated by a user, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the power saving mode. In other words, if the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not executing a process such as a job or the UI 14 is not operated by a user is equal to or longer than the transition time, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the power saving mode.

[0034] When the image forming device 10 is in the ready mode, if the user instructs the transition to power saving mode (for example, when a power saving button provided on the image forming device 10 is pressed), the processor 20 may transition the mode of the image forming device 10 from the ready mode to the power saving mode.

[0035] When a specific event occurs while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the ready mode, thereby returning the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the ready mode.

[0036] The specific event is an event that corresponds to a return instruction. For example, the specific event is an operation of the UI 14, acceptance of a job, acceptance of an instruction to execute a job, or pressing of the return button. These are merely examples of the specific event, and other events may also be defined as the specific event.

[0037] For example, when the UI 14 is operated by the user, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the ready mode.

[0038] When image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction to execute a process, processor 20 may transition the mode of image forming apparatus 10 from power saving mode to ready mode. For example, when a print job is sent to image forming apparatus 10 from an external device and processor 20 accepts the print job, processor 20 determines that a specific event has occurred and transitions the mode of image forming apparatus 10 from power saving mode to ready mode. Processor 20 executes the print job by controlling image forming unit 12 in accordance with the accepted print job.

[0039] In the case where a return button is provided on an operation panel or the like of the image forming apparatus 10, when the return button is pressed, the processor 20 may cause the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from the power saving mode to the ready mode.

[0040] When the power saving mode includes a plurality of different modes, a transition time is set for each individual mode, and the set value of each transition time is stored in the memory 18.

[0041] For example, the power saving mode includes a Low Power mode (hereinafter referred to as an "LP mode") and a Sleep mode (hereinafter referred to as an "SP mode").

[0042] In LP mode, the time until processing can be executed (i.e., standby time) is longer than in Ready mode. In SP mode, the time until processing can be executed (i.e., standby time) is longer than in LP mode. The power consumed in SP mode is less than the power consumed in LP mode. In other words, SP mode is a mode that achieves a higher power saving effect than LP mode. In one example, Ready mode and LP mode correspond to the first mode, and SP mode corresponds to the second mode. In another example, LP mode corresponds to the first mode, and SP mode corresponds to the second mode. Furthermore, for example, between Ready mode and SP mode, Ready mode corresponds to the first mode, and SP mode corresponds to the second mode. Furthermore, between Ready mode and LP mode, Ready mode corresponds to the first mode, and SP mode corresponds to the second mode. Furthermore, between Ready mode and LP mode, Ready mode corresponds to the first mode, and LP mode corresponds to the second mode.

[0043] In the ready mode, power is supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, power is supplied to the image forming unit 12, the UI 14, the communication device 16, the memory 18, and the processor 20, and the image forming apparatus 10 is in a state where it can execute processes such as a print job.

[0044] In the LP mode, less power is supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 than in the ready mode. For example, in the LP mode, power is not supplied to the scanner included in the image forming unit 12 and the operation panel included in the UI 14, or the power supplied to the scanner and the UI 14 is less than the power supplied in the ready mode. For example, if the operation panel has a backlight, the backlight is turned off. In the LP mode, power is supplied to the memory 18 and the processor 20.

[0045] In the SP mode, less power is supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 than in the LP mode. For example, in the SP mode, no power is supplied to the image forming unit 12 and the UI 14, or the power supplied to the image forming unit 12 and the UI 14 is less than the power supplied in the LP mode. Also, the power supplied to the memory 18 and the processor 20 may be less than the power supplied in the LP mode.

[0046] The power supply modes in the Ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode described above are merely examples, and other power supply modes may be implemented. Furthermore, the power supply mode in each mode may be set by the user.

[0047] For example, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 in the order of the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode.

[0048] A set value of a first transition time (hereinafter referred to as "LP transition time") required for the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from the ready mode to the LP mode is stored in the memory 18, and the LP transition time is set in the image forming apparatus 10. The LP transition time is the time from the start of the ready mode to the start of the LP mode.

[0049] A set value of a second transition time (hereinafter referred to as "SP transition time") required for the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from the ready mode to the SP mode is stored in the memory 18, and the SP transition time is set in the image forming apparatus 10. The SP transition time is the time from the start of the ready mode to the start of the SP mode. The SP transition time is set to be the same as or longer than the LP transition time. As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 often transitions between the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode in that order. When the SP transition time and the LP transition time are the same, the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the SP mode without transitioning from the ready mode to the LP mode. Note that the SP transition time may be the time from the start of the LP mode to the start of the SP mode.

[0050] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ready mode, if the time during which no processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 10 or no user operation is performed on the UI 14 exceeds the LP transition time, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the LP mode. In other words, if the LP transition time has elapsed since the last processing or operation was performed, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the LP mode. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, if a specific event that causes a return occurs, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the ready mode.

[0051] The processor 20 may also transition the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the LP mode when the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing any processing or the time during which the UI 14 is not operated by the user is less than the LP transition time. For example, if the processor 20 accepts a print job from an external device while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the ready mode and executes the print job. After the print job processing is completed, the processor 20 may return the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode (LP mode) that was in effect when the processor 20 accepted the print job, without waiting for the LP transition time to elapse. In other words, if the processor 20 accepts a print job while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is promptly returned to the LP mode after the print job is completed.

[0052] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, if the time during which no processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 10 or no user operation is performed on the UI 14 exceeds the SP transition time, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the SP mode. In other words, if the SP transition time has elapsed since the last processing or operation was performed, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the SP mode. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the SP mode, if a specific event that causes a return occurs, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the SP mode to the ready mode.

[0053] The processor 20 may also transition the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the SP mode when the period during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing any processing or the user is not operating the UI 14 does not exceed the SP transition time. For example, if the processor 20 accepts a print job from an external device while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the SP mode, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the SP mode to the ready mode and executes the print job. After completing the print job processing, the processor 20 may return the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode (SP mode) that was in effect when the processor 20 accepted the print job, without waiting for the SP transition time to elapse. In other words, if the processor 20 accepts a print job while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the SP mode, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is promptly returned to the SP mode after the print job is completed.

[0054] The time required to transition from power saving mode to ready mode (i.e., standby time) differs for each power saving mode. In SP mode, less power is supplied than in LP mode. Therefore, the time required to transition from SP mode to ready mode is longer than the time required to transition from LP mode to ready mode.

[0055] The LP mode and the SP mode are merely examples of power saving modes, and the image forming apparatus 10 may have three or more different power saving modes. Of course, the image forming apparatus 10 may have only one power saving mode.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows the power consumed in each of the ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode. In Fig. 2, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents power consumption. As an example, it is assumed that a job is executed as the process.

[0057] For example, when job 1 (e.g., a print job) is executed by image forming apparatus 10 and the execution of job 1 is completed, the mode of image forming apparatus 10 transitions to ready mode. When the LP transition time has elapsed since the execution of job 1 was completed without any job or operation being performed, processor 20 transitions the mode of image forming apparatus 10 from ready mode to LP mode. Furthermore, when the SP transition time has elapsed since the execution of job 1 was completed without any job or operation being performed, processor 20 transitions the mode of image forming apparatus 10 from LP mode to SP mode.

[0058] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the SP mode, if a specific event that causes a return occurs (for example, when the UI 14 is operated or when the processor 20 accepts a job), the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the SP mode to the ready mode. When the processor 20 accepts a job (for example, job 2), the processor 20 executes the accepted job 2. The time from when the SP mode ends to when the execution of job 2 starts corresponds to the standby time in the SP mode.

[0059] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, if a specific event that causes a return occurs, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the ready mode. The time from the end of the LP mode to the start of job execution corresponds to the standby time in the LP mode.

[0060] For example, the standby time in SP mode is 3 seconds, and the standby time in LP mode is 1 second or less. Also, when the image forming device 10 is in ready mode, the time required until a job is executed (i.e., the time equivalent to the standby time in ready mode) is 1 second or less. These times are merely examples and may vary depending on the type, functions, performance, etc. of the image forming device 10.

[0061] Generally, the longer the transition time, such as the LP transition time or the SP transition time, the longer the time it takes for the image forming apparatus 10 to transition to the LP mode or the SP mode, improving user convenience. On the other hand, more standby power is generated, reducing energy efficiency. Conversely, shortening the transition time improves energy efficiency but reduces user convenience. It is conceivable that the user could set the transition time depending on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, the frequency of job execution, etc.), but it is difficult to achieve both improved convenience and improved energy efficiency through user settings.

[0062] In this base configuration example, the processor 20 manages a history indicating the number of processes executed in each of at least two modes (hereinafter referred to as the "processing history"). Information indicating the processing history is stored in the memory 18. Based on the processing history and a target value for the ratio of a specific process executed by the image forming apparatus 10, the processor 20 outputs a set value for the transition time until the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to a mode in which the time until the process can be executed is longer than in other modes. For example, the set value is stored in the memory 18. The processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to a mode in which the time until the process can be executed is longer than in other modes in accordance with the set value. The set value for the transition time may be a set value for the SP transition time, a set value for the LP transition time, or a set value for both the SP transition time and the LP transition time. For example, the target value for the ratio of a specific process corresponds to the convenience when a user uses the image forming apparatus 10. For example, this convenience is evaluated from the perspective of whether the image forming apparatus 10 can be used with a shorter waiting time. The target value of the ratio of a specific process is a target value corresponding to the ratio of the number of times of the process, which will be described later.

[0063] The number of processes may be the number of processes executed by operating UI14, or the number of processes for print jobs instructed remotely via a network, or the total number of processes executed by operating UI14 and the number of processes for print jobs instructed remotely.

[0064] For example, the processing history is the number of times a process was executed during a predetermined period.

[0065] Hereinafter, the number of times a process is executed in ready mode will be referred to as "R", the number of times a process is executed in LP mode will be referred to as "LP", and the number of times a process is executed in SP mode will be referred to as "SP".

[0066] For example, the processing history may be the number of processes executed in all modes. In other words, in this case, the processing history is the total number of processes executed in ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode. Hereinafter, this total number will be referred to as the total number of processes. Total number of processes = R + LP + SP

[0067] The processing history may also be the total number of times processing has been performed in power-saving mode. In other words, in this case, the processing history is the total number of times processing has been performed in LP mode and the total number of times processing has been performed in SP mode. Hereinafter, this total number will be referred to as the number of times processing has been performed in power-saving mode. Number of times processing has been performed in power-saving mode = LP + S

[0068] The predetermined period may be specified by a user, for example, the predetermined period may be an hourly period, a daily period, a weekly period, a monthly period, or any other period.

[0069] If the number of times the UI 14 is operated during the period is equal to or less than a predetermined number of times, the first history may be the number of times a job such as a print job or a copy job was executed, or the total number of times.

[0070] For example, the processor 20 counts the number of times a process has been executed in at least two of the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode, and stores information indicating the number of times a process has been executed in each mode (i.e., information indicating the processing history) in the memory 18.

[0071] The number of processes executed in the ready mode is the number of processes executed when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the ready mode.

[0072] The number of processes executed in the LP mode is the number of processes executed when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, in other words, the number of times a specific event occurs when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, the number of times the UI 14 is operated to transition the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the ready mode, the number of times a job is accepted by the processor 20 to transition the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the ready mode, etc. are the number of processes executed in the LP mode.

[0073] The number of processes executed in SP mode is the number of processes executed when the image forming apparatus 10 is in SP mode, in other words, the number of times a specific event occurs when the image forming apparatus 10 is in SP mode. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in SP mode, the number of times the UI 14 is operated to transition the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from SP mode to ready mode, the number of times a job is accepted by the processor 20 to transition the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from SP mode to ready mode, etc. are the number of processes executed in SP mode.

[0074] The target value may be determined in advance, may be specified by the user, or may be a value calculated by learning for calculating the target value.

[0075] The output setting value may be the setting value of the LP transition time, the setting value of the SP transition time, or the values ​​of both the LP transition time and the SP transition time.

[0076] If the output setting value is the setting value for the LP transition time, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the LP mode in accordance with the output setting value. If the output setting value is the setting value for the SP transition time, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the SP mode in accordance with the output setting value.

[0077] When only one of the LP mode and the SP mode is set as the power saving mode, the output setting value is the setting value of the transition time for that mode. In this case, the processor 20 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to that mode in accordance with the setting value.

[0078] For example, the processing history may be the ratio of the number of times a processing is executed in each of at least two modes. An example of this ratio is shown below. Ratio 1:(R+LP) / (R+LP+SP) Ratio 2: LP / (LP+SP) Here, R, LP, and SP are, as described above, the number of times processing was performed in ready mode, the number of times processing was performed in LP mode, and the number of times processing was performed in SP mode, respectively.

[0079] The above ratios 1 and 2 each correspond to a value representing the convenience for a user of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, each of ratios 1 and 2 is the ratio of the number of processes whose wait time is equal to or less than a threshold value. For example, the threshold value is 1 second. This threshold value is merely an example and is determined based on the type, functions, performance, etc. of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, since the wait time in the ready mode and the wait time in the LP mode are equal to or less than 1 second, the threshold value is set to 1 second. If these wait times change, the threshold value is set accordingly. If the threshold value is set to 1 second, each of ratios 1 and 2 corresponds to the ratio of processes whose wait time is equal to or less than 1 second. The higher ratio 1 is, the more processes whose wait time is equal to or less than 1 second, which means that the user's convenience is higher in that processes are executed more quickly. The same is true for ratio 2. Therefore, ratios 1 and 2 can be said to represent the user's convenience.

[0080] Ratio 1 is the ratio of the number of processes whose waiting time is equal to or less than the threshold to the number of processes executed in all modes. The number of processes executed in all modes is the total number of processes executed in ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode. The number of processes for which the waiting time is equal to or less than the threshold is the total number of processes executed in the ready mode and the number of processes executed in the LP mode.

[0081] Ratio 2 is a ratio calculated without using the number of processes executed in ready mode, and is a simplified version of ratio 1. Ratio 2 can be considered a simplified ratio. The number of processes executed in LP mode is counted by counting the number of times the image forming device 10 returns from LP mode to ready mode. The number of times the image forming device 10 returns from SP mode to ready mode is counted. In contrast, for ready mode, the number of processes actually executed in ready mode is counted, rather than the number of times the mode returns. For example, when processes (e.g., print jobs) are executed consecutively in ready mode, it may be difficult to accurately count the number of consecutively executed processes because no transition between modes occurs. In other words, it may be difficult to determine whether the consecutively executed processes were executed once or multiple times. By using ratio 2, it is not necessary to count the number of processes executed in ready mode.

[0082] The user may select the ratio to be used from Ratio 1 and Ratio 2, or the ratio to be used may be determined in advance.

[0083] Here, the relationship between ratio 1 and ratio 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a graph illustrating the relationship between ratio 1 and ratio 2. The horizontal axis represents ratio 1, which is the actual ratio. The vertical axis represents ratio 2, which is the simplified ratio. As shown in Fig. 3, there is a correlation between ratio 1 and ratio 2, so by calculating ratio 2, it is possible to calculate the ratio of the number of processes whose waiting time is equal to or less than the threshold value, without calculating ratio 1.

[0084] For example, the processor 20 calculates the set value of the transition time from the process and the target value by using a cumulative exponential distribution function.

[0085] The cumulative exponential distribution function will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows an example of the cumulative exponential distribution function. The horizontal axis indicates the time (minutes) until the next use of the image forming device 10, and the vertical axis indicates the cumulative occurrence probability f(t).

[0086] The cumulative occurrence probability f(t) is the probability that an event occurs an average of λ times within a unit time, and is expressed by the following equation (1). f(t)=1-e^(-λt) (1) t is time (hours).

[0087] The time until the next use of the image forming device 10 corresponds to the transition time (e.g., SP transition time). The cumulative occurrence probability corresponds to the probability that the image forming device 10 can be used without transitioning to the SP mode, and specifically corresponds to the above-mentioned ratio (e.g., ratio 1 or ratio 2).

[0088] Although the distribution (e.g., the relationship between the SP transition time and the ratio) obtained when the image forming apparatus 10 is actually used does not match the ideal cumulative exponential distribution, the actual distribution is close to the ideal cumulative exponential distribution. In this base configuration example, for example, the processor 20 estimates the cumulative exponential distribution function by learning such as machine learning, and calculates the setting value of the transition time by using the estimated cumulative exponential distribution function.

[0089] The processor 20 estimates a cumulative exponential function based on the processing history during the learning period and calculates a set value for the transition time. The learning period is a predetermined period, such as a period measured in hours (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.), a period measured in days (e.g., 1 day, 2 days, etc.), a period measured in weeks (e.g., 1 week, 2 weeks, etc.), or a period measured in months (e.g., 1 month, 2 months, etc.). The processor 20 controls the mode transition of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the calculated transition time. After the learning period, the processor 20 learns the cumulative exponential function for each unit control period and updates the set value for the transition time. The unit control period is a predetermined period, such as a period measured in hours (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.), a period measured in days (e.g., 1 day, 2 days, etc.), a period measured in weeks (e.g., 1 week, 2 weeks, etc.), or a period measured in months (e.g., 1 month, 2 months, etc.).

[0090] The processor 20 counts the number of times a process is executed in each of the ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode during the learning period. For example, for the LP mode and the SP mode, the processor 20 counts the number of times the LP mode transitioned to the ready mode during the learning period (i.e., the number of times the LP mode was returned from) and the number of times the SP mode transitioned to the ready mode during the learning period (i.e., the number of times the SP mode was returned from). Note that the number of times a process is executed is not limited to the number of times a job is executed, and the number of times the UI 14 is operated may also be included in the number of times a process is executed. In other words, the number of times the mode transitioned to the ready mode by operating the UI 14 may also be included in the number of times a process is executed.

[0091] For example, processor 20 calculates ratio 1 (= (R+LP) / (R+LP+SP)) based on the number of processes executed during the learning period. Processor 20 may also calculate ratio 2 (= LP / (LP+SP)), which is a simplified ratio. When ratio 2 is used, the number of processes executed in ready mode does not need to be counted. Here, ratio 1 is used as an example.

[0092] Note that extreme values ​​may be used to avoid invalidating the calculation of the cumulative index. For example, if ratio 1 exceeds 0.99 (i.e., if ratio 1 exceeds 99%), processor 20 may use 0.99 (i.e., 99%) as ratio 1. Also, if ratio 1 is less than 0.01 (i.e., if ratio 1 is less than 1%), processor 20 may use 0.01 (i.e., 1%) as ratio 1.

[0093] The processor 20 sets the target value. For example, the processor 20 sets the target value to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the ratio of 1 during the learning period, as shown in the following formula (2). For example, the predetermined value is 0.1 (i.e., 10%). Note that the predetermined value may be set by the user. Target value = Ratio during the study period 1 - 0.1 (2)

[0094] As mentioned above, a ratio of 1 can be said to represent the user's convenience, so subtracting a predetermined value (e.g., 0.1) from the ratio during the learning period means reducing the convenience by that value.

[0095] If the target value is less than 0.01 (that is, less than 1%), the processor 20 sets the target value to 0.01 (that is, 1%).

[0096] For example, if Ratio 1 is 13%, the target value is 3%. If Ratio 1 is 12%, the target value is 2%. If Ratio 1 is 11%, the target value is 1%. If Ratio 1 is 10%, the target value is 1%. If Ratio 1 is 9%, the target value is 1%.

[0097] By using the cumulative exponential distribution function, the ratio (for example, ratio 1 or ratio 2) is expressed by the following equation (3). Ratio = 1-e^(-λ × SP transition time setting) (3)

[0098] λ is the average number of times an event occurs within a unit time, and is calculated by dividing the number of processes executed in the most recent period (e.g., the most recent week) (total number of processes = R + LP + SP) by the corresponding usage time (e.g., the value obtained by converting the usage time in the most recent week into hours).

[0099] The usage time may be calculated by determining an average usage time per day (for example, 8 hours / day) in advance and multiplying this by the number of days of usage, or may be calculated from the power-on time of the image forming apparatus 10, etc.

[0100] Furthermore, by transforming equation (3), the following equation (4) is obtained, so λ can be calculated by substituting the set value of the SP transition time for the most recent period (for example, the most recent week) and the ratio during that period (for example, ratio 1) into equation (4). λ=log e (1-ratio) / (SP transition time setting) (4)

[0101] It is also possible to use the number of processes executed in the most recent period (for example, the most recent week) as the number of processes in the power saving mode (LP+SP).

[0102] Equation (5) can be obtained by transforming equation (3). SP transition time setting value = -log e (1-ratio) / λ···(5)

[0103] Processor 20 calculates the setting value of the SP transition time to make ratio 1 for the next week the target value (i.e., ratio 1 during the learning period - 0.1) based on equation (5). The following equation (6) is an equation for calculating the setting value. Next week's SP migration time setting value = -log e (1-target value) / λ (6)

[0104] The processor 20 rounds off the set value of the SP transition time for next week to the nearest integer.

[0105] The processor 20 may correct the set value of the SP transition time for the next week obtained by equation (6).

[0106] If the initial value of the SP transition time is less than the set value of the SP transition time for the next week, the processor 20 replaces the set value of the SP transition time for the next week with the initial value and continues automatic control. If the initial value is 60 and this condition is met, the set value of the SP transition time for the next week is 60.

[0107] If the set value for the SP transition time for next week falls below the lower limit value for which the SP transition time can be set, processor 20 replaces the set value for the SP transition time for next week with the lower limit value and continues automatic control. For example, the lower limit value for which the SP transition time can be set is 1. This condition applies when the set value for the SP transition time for next week is 0, that is, when the set value before rounding is less than 0.5. In this case, the set value for the SP transition time for next week is 1.

[0108] If 1≦next week's SP transition time setting value≦initial value, the processor 20 controls the image forming apparatus 10 in accordance with the calculated next week's SP transition time setting value.

[0109] If the number of processes (e.g., the total of the number of times processes were executed in the ready mode, the number of times processes were executed in the LP mode, and the number of times processes were executed in the SP mode) during a first unit control period (e.g., this week) is less than a threshold, the processor 20 may determine that the first unit control period is an invalid period. For example, the threshold is 25. The threshold may be set by the user. For example, if the first unit control period is one week, and the number of processes during that week is less than 25, the processor 20 determines that the period is an invalid period. For example, if the unit control period is determined to be an invalid period, the processor 20 may use the setting value for this week as the setting value for next week. For example, if the number of processes is less than the threshold, it is assumed that the usage of the image forming apparatus 10 has changed due to consecutive holidays, a long vacation, etc.

[0110] In this way, when the number of processes during a first unit control period (e.g., this week) is less than a threshold value (e.g., 25 times), processor 20 outputs the set value of the transition time during the first unit control period as the set value of the transition time during a second unit control period (e.g., next week). In other words, processor 20 sets the set value of the transition time for this week as the set value of the transition time for next week.

[0111] Below, specific examples of learning and control after learning will be described. First, a specific example of learning will be described, and then a specific example of automatic mode control using the learning results will be described. Note that each value described below is merely an example, and each value may change depending on the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10, the user's circumstances, the functions of image forming apparatus 10, etc.

[0112] <Learning steps> (Step S01: At the start) The processor 20 counts the number of processes executed in each of the ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode during the learning period (i.e., the number of returns). The number of processes is not limited to the number of times a job is executed, but also includes the number of times the UI 14 is operated. For example, the learning period is generally one week. As an exception, the learning period may be extended in one-week increments.

[0113] The SP transition time during the learning period uses the default setting value. Note that the default setting value may be used for the LP transition time during the learning period, or the shortest possible time may be used if the LP transition time has little impact on convenience. For example, the time required for a job to be executed in ready mode (i.e., the time equivalent to the waiting time in ready mode) is 1 second or less. The waiting time in SP mode is 3 seconds, while the waiting time in LP mode is 1 second or less. In other words, since the waiting time in LP mode is 1 second or less, the same as in ready mode, the shortest LP transition time of 1 is used here as the LP transition time during learning.

[0114] (Step S02: 1 week later) Processor 20 determines the validity of the number of treatments counted during the first learning period (i.e., first week) according to the following criteria: {Number of processes executed in Ready mode + Number of processes executed in LP mode (i.e., number of returns from LP mode) + Number of processes executed in SP mode (i.e., number of returns from SP mode)} ≥ 25 times: Valid {Number of processes executed in Ready mode + Number of processes executed in LP mode (i.e., number of times returned from LP mode) + Number of processes executed in SP mode (i.e., number of times returned from SP mode)} < 25 times: Invalid

[0115] If the counted number of processes is valid, processor 20 stores the value of the number of returns from LP mode and the value of the number of returns from SP mode in memory 18 as first week performance values.

[0116] If the counted number is invalid, processor 20 discards the value of the counted number during the learning period and extends the learning period to the next week. If the number of processes is less than a threshold (e.g., 25 times), it is assumed that the usage of image forming device 10 has changed due to consecutive holidays, long vacations, etc. In this case, in order to prevent the influence of this change from being reflected in the next week, the value of the counted number is discarded and the learning period is extended to the next week.

[0117] (Step S03: 2 weeks later) The processor 20 determines the validity of the counted number of times during the next learning period (i.e., the second week) according to the same criteria as in step S02.

[0118] If the counted number is valid and the first week performance value is stored in memory 18, processor 20 stores the second week performance value (i.e., the sum of the number of processes executed in ready mode, the number of returns from LP mode, and the number of returns from SP mode counted during the second week) in memory 18. Processor 20 ends learning and sets the target value. The process proceeds to step S05 without proceeding to step S04.

[0119] If the counted number is valid and the first week performance value is not stored in memory 18, the second week performance value is stored as the first week performance value in memory 18. Processor 20 extends the learning period to the next week and continues learning. The process proceeds to step S04.

[0120] If the counted number is invalid, the processor 20 discards the value of the counted number for that week, extends the learning period to the next week, and continues learning. The process proceeds to step S04.

[0121] (Step S04: Another week later) The processor 20 further determines the validity of the counted number during the next learning period (i.e., the third week) according to the same criteria as in step S02.

[0122] If the counted number is valid and the first week actual value is stored in memory 18, processor 20 stores the third week actual value (i.e., the sum of the number of processes executed in ready mode, the number of returns from LP mode, and the number of returns from SP mode counted during the third week) as the second week actual value in memory 18. Processor 20 ends learning and sets the target value. The process proceeds to step S05.

[0123] If the counted number of times is valid and the first week performance value is not stored in memory 18, the third week performance value is stored in memory 18 as the first week performance value. Processor 20 extends the learning period to the next week and continues learning. For example, processor 20 executes the same process as step S04 based on the number of times counted in the next week.

[0124] If the counted number is invalid, the processor 20 discards the value of the counted number for that week, extends the learning period to the next week, and continues learning.

[0125] The processor 20 may repeatedly execute the process of step S04.

[0126] (Step S05: Setting the target value) Processor 20 calculates the ratio 1(R+LP) / (R+LP+SP). The number of processes executed in ready mode, which is included in the first week performance value and the second week performance value, is used as R. The number of returns from LP mode, which is included in the first week performance value and the second week performance value, is used as LP. The number of returns from SP mode, which is included in the first week performance value and the second week performance value, is used as SP. The number of processes executed in ready mode, which is included in the first week performance value or the second week performance value, may be used as R. The number of returns from LP mode, which is included in the first week performance value or the second week performance value, may be used as LP. The number of returns from SP mode, which is included in the first week performance value or the second week performance value, may be used as SP.

[0127] For example, processor 20 may use 0.99 as ratio 1 if ratio 1 is greater than 0.99 (i.e., 99%), and may use 0.01 as ratio 1 if ratio 1 is less than 0.01 (i.e., 1%).

[0128] Next, the processor 20 calculates the target value according to the above-mentioned formula (2). In this case, if the calculated target value is less than the lower limit value (for example, 0.01), the processor 20 sets the lower limit value as the target value.

[0129] <Automatic control steps> (Step S11: At the start) Once the target value is calculated in the learning step, the processor 20 then calculates a set value for the transition time. Here, as an example, the processor 20 calculates the set value for the SP transition time. Of course, the processor 20 may calculate the set values ​​for both the SP transition time and the SP transition time, or may calculate only the set value for the LP transition time.

[0130] (1) Calculating the cumulative exponential distribution function λ First, the processor 20 calculates λ of the cumulative exponential distribution function according to the following equation (7). λ = total number of processes during the learning period (2 weeks) (R + LP + SP) / time used during the learning period (7) The usage time during the learning period may be calculated by multiplying a predetermined average usage time (e.g., 8 hours / day) by the number of days of usage, or may be calculated from the power-on time of the image forming apparatus 10. The setting value of the SP transition time during the learning period here is the initial setting value of the SP transition time.

[0131] (2) Calculating the SP transition time setting Next, the processor 20 calculates the setting value of the SP transition time by substituting λ calculated by the above equation (7) and the target value into the following equation (8). SP transition time setting value = -log e (1-target value) / λ (8) The target value here is the value calculated by the above-mentioned formula (2). Furthermore, the processor 20 rounds off the set value of the SP transition time to the nearest integer.

[0132] (3) Correction of setting values The processor 20 may also correct the set value of the SP transition time. For example, if the set value of the SP transition time is greater than the initial value, the processor 20 sets the set value of the SP transition time to the initial value. If the set value of the SP transition time is 0, the processor 20 sets the set value of the SP transition time to 1.

[0133] The processor 20 controls the mode transition of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above set values. The processor 20 counts the number of processes executed in the ready mode and the number of processes executed in each of the LP mode and the SP mode (i.e., the number of returns) during a unit control period (here, one week as an example). The number of processes is not limited to the number of times a job is executed, but also includes the number of times the UI 14 is operated.

[0134] (Step S12: 1 week later) (1) Determining the validity of data The processor 20 determines the validity of the number of processes counted during the most recent week according to the following criteria. {Number of processes executed in Ready mode in the past week + Number of processes executed in LP mode in the past week (i.e., number of times returned from LP mode) + Number of processes executed in SP mode in the past week (i.e., number of times returned from SP mode)} ≥ 25 times: Valid {Number of processes executed in Ready mode in the past week + Number of processes executed in LP mode in the past week (i.e., number of times returned from LP mode) + Number of processes executed in SP mode in the past week (i.e., number of times returned from SP mode)} < 25 times: Disabled

[0135] If the counted number of processes is valid, the processor 20 executes the processes from step S12(2) onwards, which will be described below.

[0136] If the counted number of processes is invalid, the processor 20 discards the value of the number of times counted in the most recent week and does not execute the processes in step S12(2) and thereafter. In this case, the processor 20 sets the setting value of the SP transition time used this week as the setting value for next week, and continues control.

[0137] (2) Calculating the cumulative exponential distribution function λ If the data is determined to be valid in step S12(1) above, the processor 20 executes the processes from step S12(2) onwards. The processor 20 calculates λ of the cumulative exponential distribution function according to the following equation (9). λ = total number of processes in the last week (R + LP + SP) / usage time in the last week (9) The usage time in the last week may be calculated by multiplying a predetermined average usage time (for example, 8 hours / day) by the number of days of usage, or may be calculated from the power-on time of the image forming apparatus 10, etc.

[0138] (3) Calculating the SP transition time setting Next, the processor 20 calculates the set value of the SP transition time for the next week by substituting λ calculated by the above formula (9) and the actual value of the ratio 1 for the most recent one week into the following formula (10). Set value of SP transition time for next week = -log e (1 - ratio 1 for the most recent one week) / λ ··· (10) The processor 20 rounds off the first decimal place of the set value of the SP transition time to make the set value an integer.

[0139] (4) Branch processing based on the set value of the SP transition time The processor 20 executes the following processing according to the set value of the SP transition time for the next week calculated in step S12(3). (a) Initial value < SP transition time set value: The processor 20 replaces the set value of the SP transition time for the next week with the initial value and continues the automatic control. (b) 1 ≤ SP transition time set value < initial value: The processor 20 adopts the calculated set value of the SP transition time for the next week and continues the automatic control according to the set value. (c) SP transition time set value = 0: The processor 20 replaces the set value of the SP transition time for the next week with 1 and continues the automatic control.

[0140] When the above (a), (b), or (c) is applicable, the processor 20 controls the transition of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the calculated set value of the SP transition time for the next week in the next week.

[0141] (Step S13: One more week later) Thereafter, the processor 20 executes the processing of step S12 at the end of each week. Thus, the processor 20 repeats the processing of step S12 at the end of each week.

[0142] The relationship between ratio 1 and SP transition time will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows a graph illustrating this relationship. The horizontal axis represents the SP transition time, and the vertical axis represents the actual value of ratio 1. The functions representing the curves 22 to 30 are calculated, for example, by the above-mentioned formulas (9) and (10).

[0143] Curves 22 to 30 represent the relationship between ratio 1 and the set value of the SP transition time for each different week. The value of λ changes depending on how the image forming apparatus 10 is used and the environment in which it is used, and as a result, the shape of the curve changes. As a result, the transition time corresponding to the target value changes.

[0144] For example, if curve 22 is obtained by using image forming apparatus 10 in a certain week, the transition time corresponding to the target value of ratio 1 is transition time T1. In this case, processor 20 sets T1 as the set value of the SP transition time to control the mode transition of image forming apparatus 10. Similarly, if curve 28 is obtained, transition time T2 is used as the set value, and if curve 30 is obtained, transition time T3 is used as the set value. In this way, the set value of the transition time can be changed depending on how image forming apparatus 10 is used.

[0145] For example, the curve may change depending on how the image forming apparatus 10 is used, and the set value of the transition time may change. Specifically, the way the image forming apparatus 10 is used may change depending on busy periods, consecutive holidays, long vacations, etc., and as a result, the curve obtained may change. Furthermore, the curve may change depending on the usage environment of the image forming apparatus 10, and the set value of the transition time may change. Specifically, the curve obtained may change depending on the working hours, the type of work, the number of employees, etc. Even when the usage or the usage environment changes in this way, the set value of the transition time is calculated by learning, and the mode transition of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled according to that set value.

[0146] The processor 20 may estimate a change in the environment of the image forming apparatus 10 based on a change in the setting value of the transition time. For example, if the difference between the setting value of the latest unit control period and the setting value of the immediately preceding unit control period is equal to or greater than a threshold, the processor 20 determines that the environment in which the image forming apparatus 10 is used has changed. The threshold is set in advance. The threshold may also be set by the user. If the difference is less than the threshold, the processor 20 determines that the environment in which the image forming apparatus 10 is used has changed. We conclude that this is not the case.

[0147] For example, if the processor 20 determines that the usage environment of the image forming device 10 has changed, it resets the learning and performs learning again, and if it determines that the usage environment of the image forming device 10 has not changed, it continues automatic control.

[0148] For example, if the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 changes, the shape of the obtained curve, such as curve 30, will be significantly different from the shapes of other curves (e.g., curves 22 to 28). Therefore, even if the target value is the same, the transition time setting value obtained from curve 30 will be significantly different from the transition time setting values ​​obtained from curves other than curve 30 (e.g., curves 22 to 28). In other words, the difference between the transition time setting value obtained from curve 30 and the transition time setting value obtained from curves other than curve 30 will be equal to or greater than a threshold. In this way, by calculating the difference in the transition time setting values, it is possible to determine whether the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 has changed.

[0149] The processor 20 may output information indicating that the usage environment of the image forming apparatus 10 has changed, or information indicating that the usage environment of the image forming apparatus 10 has not changed. For example, the processor 20 may display the information on the display of the UI 14.

[0150] <Example> Hereinafter, the results of executing the processing according to the above-described example of the base configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0151] (Example 1) Specific Example 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows the time variation of the SP transition time, the time variation of ratios 1 and 2, and the time variation of the amount of power. The horizontal axis of each graph represents weeks. In Specific Example 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is operated 40 times per day between 9:00 and 18:00.

[0152] Graph 32 is a graph showing the change over time in SP transition time. Graph 34 is a graph showing the change over time in ratio 1. Graph 36 is a graph showing the change over time in ratio 1. Graph 38 is a graph showing the change over time in the amount of power other than the amount of power consumed in executing jobs.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 6, by using ratio 1, it is possible to control the mode transition of the image forming device 10. Furthermore, it is possible to shorten the SP transition time while maintaining the target ratio value. For example, over time, the SP transition time is shortened to 14 to 17 minutes. The ratio reflects convenience. Furthermore, the shorter the SP transition time, the earlier the image forming device 10 transitions to the SP mode, resulting in greater energy savings. In specific example 1, it is possible to improve energy savings while maintaining the target convenience. Furthermore, the amount of power consumed other than the amount of power consumed in job execution is reduced. Specifically, the amount of power is reduced by 22%.

[0154] (Example 2) Specific Example 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows the change over time of the SP transition time (graph 40), the change over time of ratio 1 (graph 42), and the change over time of the amount of power (graph 44). The horizontal axis of each graph represents weeks. In Specific Example 2, the image forming device 10 is operated 40 times per day between 9:00 and 14:00. In Specific Example 2, the image forming device 10 is used intensively for a shorter period of time than in Specific Example 1.

[0155] The same effect as in Example 1 can be obtained in Example 2. In Example 2, the SP transition time is shortened to 7 to 8 minutes. The number of processes is the same in Example 1 and Example 2, but in Example 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is used intensively for a shorter period than in Example 1. This usage is reflected in the transition time, and the transition time in Example 2 is shorter than the transition time in Example 1. In addition, the amount of power consumed is reduced by 33%.

[0156] (Example 3) Specific example 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows the change over time of the SP transition time (graph 46), the change over time of ratio 1 (graph 48), and the change over time of the amount of power (graph 50). The horizontal axis of each graph represents weeks.

[0157] In specific example 3, the usage of the image forming device 10 changes depending on the period. Figure 8 shows periods A, B, and C. Periods A and C are normal periods. In period A, the image forming device 10 is used 40 times per day. In period B, it is a busy period. In period B, the image forming device 10 is used 80 times per day.

[0158] In period A, the SP transition time is stable at 15 to 16 minutes. In period B, the SP transition time is shortened to 7 to 8 minutes. In period C, the SP transition time is stable at 15 to 16 minutes. In this way, the SP transition time is controlled in accordance with how the image forming apparatus 10 is used. In addition, the amount of power consumed is reduced by 26%.

[0159] (Variation) The following describes modified examples.

[0160] In the above-described example of the base configuration, Ratio 1 or Ratio 2 is used as the ratio, but these are merely examples, and other ratios may be used. For example, Ratio 3 or Ratio 4 shown below may be used. Ratio 3: LP / SP Ratio 4:R / (R+LP+SP)

[0161] For example, ratio 4 may be used when the waiting time for returning from LP mode is set long. Ratio 4 may also be used when controlling the LP transition time without changing the SP transition time.

[0162] When the ratio of the number of executions of jobs with relatively short waiting times is relatively high, the processor 20 may calculate the ratio using the number of executions of jobs executed by operating the UI 14. When the ratio of the number of executions of jobs with relatively short waiting times is relatively low, the processor 20 may calculate the ratio using the number of executions of all jobs.

[0163] If the image forming apparatus 10 does not have the LP mode, the processor 20 may calculate the setting value of the SP transition time using the following ratio 5. In this case, the processor 20 controls the SP transition time. Ratio 5:R / (R+SP)

[0164] In the case where the image forming apparatus 10 has a fixing device, if the image forming apparatus 10 has a power saving mode for the fuser of the fixing device, the following ratio 6 may be used. Ratio 6:(R+F) / (R+F+SP) F is the number of times the fuser wakes up from power save mode.

[0165] The processor 20 may calculate the ratio using the number of times a process is executed and the time interval between the executions of the process. Specifically, the processor 20 calculates the ratio 7 shown below using the number of times a process is executed whose time interval is within the transition time (e.g., SP transition time) and the total number of processes. The time interval between the executions of a process is the time interval between the execution of a certain process and the execution of the next process. By using the ratio 7, it is not necessary to count the number of processes for each mode. The total number of processes is the total number of processes executed during the learning period or the automatic control period. Ratio 7: (Number of operations whose time interval is within the transition time) / Total number of operations

[0166] In the above-described base configuration example and modified example, the number of times a process is executed in each mode may be the number of times the UI 14 is operated in each mode. Each of the above-described R, LP, and SP is the number of times the UI 14 is operated, and the processor 20 calculates a ratio (e.g., ratios 1 to 7) based on the number of times the UI 14 is operated in each mode. Normally, when a user operates the UI 14, the user moves in front of the image forming apparatus 10 and operates the UI 14. By calculating the ratio based on the number of times the UI 14 is operated, a ratio is calculated that takes into account the convenience in a situation where the user is actually in front of the image forming apparatus 10 and operates the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, a setting value for the transition time is calculated that takes into account the convenience in such a situation.

[0167] If the number of operations on the UI 14 is equal to or less than a threshold, the processor 20 may calculate a ratio such as ratios 1 to 7 based on the number of times including the number of processes (e.g., jobs) other than the operation of the UI 14. The threshold is a predetermined value. The threshold may be set by the user. For example, if the number of operations on the UI 14 is equal to or less than a threshold, the processor 20 calculates the ratio based on the total number of times all jobs are executed and the number of times the UI 14 is operated. In other words, each of the above-mentioned R, LP, and SP is the total number of times all jobs are executed and the number of times the UI 14 is operated, and the processor 20 calculates the ratio based on the total for each mode.

[0168] [[Embodiment including a human presence sensor]] The above describes an example of the base configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. This example of the base configuration does not include a human sensor.

[0169] In contrast, some image processing devices are known that return from power-saving mode to ready mode when a human presence sensor detects a person approaching the device, i.e., a user. In this type of image processing device, the process of returning to ready mode is initiated when a user approaches the image processing device, so that the return to ready mode is often complete by the time the user reaches a position where they can operate the UI of the image processing device. Even if the return is not complete, a significant portion of the return process has already been completed, so the user does not have to wait long in front of the image processing device. In other words, an image processing device with a human presence sensor often results in a shorter perceived wait time until the image processing device is ready to execute processing than an image processing device without a human presence sensor.

[0170] Therefore, in the case of an image processing device equipped with a motion sensor, even if the device is controlled so that it is more likely to enter a mode that requires a long time before processing can be performed, it may be possible to prevent the user's waiting time from becoming too long compared to an image processing device that does not have a motion sensor. If this is possible, it is expected that power saving will be improved.

[0171] However, no control of mode transitions that takes advantage of the characteristics of an image processing device equipped with such a human presence sensor has been proposed so far. Therefore, an example of such control is proposed below.

[0172] An example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment is shown in Fig. 9. The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 9 is configured by adding a human presence sensor 52 to the image forming apparatus 10 of the basic configuration example shown in Fig. 1.

[0173] The human presence sensor 52 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object (typically a person) within a predetermined detection range near the image forming apparatus 10. As merely an example, the detection range of the human presence sensor 52, when viewed from above, is an area (indicated as "area A" and "area B" in FIG. 14) that spreads out in a substantially fan shape from the installation position of the human presence sensor 52 on the image forming apparatus 10, as illustrated in FIG. 14 described later.

[0174] There is no particular limitation on the type of sensor used as the human presence sensor 52. For example, any type of sensor may be used, such as a pyroelectric sensor, a reflective or other photoelectric sensor, or various distance sensors (e.g., those using lasers, millimeter waves, ultrasonic waves, etc.). As shown in Patent Document 2, the human presence sensor 52 may be a combination of multiple types of sensors that can detect the presence or absence of a person in each of multiple detection ranges (e.g., the area closest to the image forming device 10 and the area outside of that area). Furthermore, when a distance sensor is used, it is also possible to detect the presence or absence of a person in each of the multiple set detection ranges using a single sensor.

[0175] The human presence sensor 52 is typically provided in the housing of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 (i.e., the part including the printing mechanism etc.), but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the human presence sensor 52 may be provided on the ceiling, wall, or floor of the room in which the image forming apparatus 10 is installed. In either case, the human presence sensor 52 only needs to be able to detect the presence or absence of a person within a detection range set based on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 10 (i.e., the surface on which the UI 14 etc. are provided).

[0176] In the above-described base configuration example, the number of processes executed in each of the ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode (i.e., the number of returns) was counted during the learning period and the unit control periods repeated thereafter, and a target value was set based on the ratio calculated from the counting results. Then, a transition time setting value was calculated from the target value, and in the next unit control period, a mode transition (e.g., transition from ready mode to SP mode) was controlled according to the calculated transition time setting value.

[0177] In addition, in order to calculate the set value for such a transition period, in the above-described base configuration example, the mode in which the process was executed during the learning period and each subsequent unit control period was recorded in the process history. Alternatively, the ratio and the number of times as the process history were calculated based on the record of the mode in which the process was executed.

[0178] In this embodiment, the recording of such a processing history reflects the detection result of the human presence sensor 52. That is, in this embodiment, the processing history is recorded taking into consideration not only the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 when an instruction to execute a process is given, but also the position of the user when the human presence sensor 52 first detects the user approaching the image forming apparatus 10. The concept of controlling the recording of the processing history in this embodiment is as follows.

[0179] A user approaching image forming apparatus 10 to use it is detected by motion sensor 52 when the user enters the detection range of motion sensor 52. If processing to return to ready mode is started from the time motion sensor 52 first detects an approaching user, the processing to return to ready mode will be in progress by the time the user arrives in front of image forming apparatus 10. If the processing to return to ready mode is completed by the time the user arrives in front of image forming apparatus 10, the user can use image forming apparatus 10 without having to wait at all. This can be said to be highly convenient for the user.

[0180] Consider the distance that an average person would walk at a normal walking speed during the time required to return from power saving mode (e.g., SP mode) to ready mode (hereinafter referred to as the "required return time"). If the return to ready mode is initiated when a user is detected at a position that distance away from image forming device 10, the return will usually be complete by the time the user arrives at image forming device 10. This distance is called the possible return distance.

[0181] However, for example, if the distance from the image forming device 10 to the user when the human presence sensor 52 first detects the user is shorter than the returnable distance from the image forming device 10, it is highly likely that the return to ready mode will not be complete when the user arrives at the image forming device 10.

[0182] For example, depending on the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 10, a seat may be located within the detection range of the motion sensor 52 within the returnable distance from the image forming apparatus 10. In such a case, the motion sensor 52 is constantly detecting the seat and the user sitting there. However, if the ready mode was restored based on this detection, the power saving mode would not be activated. Therefore, some control systems for the motion sensor 52 have a function to ignore (i.e., not take into account in mode switching control) objects that remain stationary for a certain period of time. In the case of using such a control system, if a user sitting in a seat within the returnable distance stands up and approaches the image forming apparatus 10, the motion sensor 52 will detect the user as a target for mode switching control only when the user is closer than the returnable distance. Even if the restoration to the ready mode is initiated from the time of the detection, the restoration will not be completed by the time the user arrives at the image forming apparatus 10.

[0183] Hereinafter, the range of the detection range of the human presence sensor 52 that is within the returnable distance from the image forming apparatus 10 will be referred to as area A. The detectable distance of the human presence sensor 52 may be equal to or greater than the returnable distance. The returnable distance is determined, for example, by experiments when the image forming apparatus 10 is designed.

[0184] Furthermore, for example, there may often be a fixed object such as a foliage plant within area A. If a user is behind the fixed object as viewed from the motion sensor 52, the motion sensor 52 cannot detect the user. Therefore, if a user approaches the image forming apparatus 10 from behind the fixed object, the motion sensor 52 may detect the user at a position closer than the returnable distance. Furthermore, for example, there may be an entrance to a room within area A. In this case, the first time the motion sensor 52 detects a user entering through the entrance is at a position closer than the returnable distance as viewed from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0185] Furthermore, a user approaching image forming apparatus 10 may stop within area A for some reason (for example, to chat with another person) and remain stationary for a while. In this case, if the user remains stationary for a predetermined period of time or longer, the control system of human presence sensor 52 removes the user from the monitoring target for mode switching control. If the user starts walking again and approaches image forming apparatus 10, the control system recognizes the user as a monitoring target, but the user's distance from image forming apparatus 10 at the time of recognition is shorter than the returnable distance.

[0186] In this way, we will explain the control of mode switching that takes into account the fact that if the distance to the user when the human presence sensor 52 first recognizes an approaching user is shorter than the returnable distance, it will be too late to return to ready mode.

[0187] The areas set in the human presence sensor 52 of the image forming apparatus 10 assumed in the following control example will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In the example shown in FIG. 10, two levels of areas, large and small, A and B, are set for the human presence sensor 52 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10. Areas A and B are fan-shaped areas when viewed from above. Area B is an area very close to the front of the image forming apparatus 10, and a user within area B can touch and operate the UI 14 of the image forming apparatus 10. This is merely an example, but the radius of area B is, for example, about 30 cm. Area A has a larger radius than area B. The radius of area A is the returnable radius mentioned above.

[0188] 10 is merely an example, it is assumed that the process of returning from SP mode to ready mode is divided into two stages. In the first stage, the power supply (which supplies power to, for example, the UI 14, etc.) that is stopped in SP mode to save power is restarted. The process of this first stage begins when the human sensor 52 detects a user for the first time in area A. In the second stage, power is supplied to each unit that should operate in ready mode, such as the UI 14, and each unit is switched on. When the user enters area B, the second stage begins, and the image forming apparatus 10 switches to ready mode.

[0189] (Control example 1) An example of control in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. The control procedure illustrated in Fig. 10 is started when processing such as a job occurs.

[0190] Here, the occurrence of a process that triggers the execution of this control procedure is, in one example, the actual start of execution of a process such as a job. Also, in an example using the above-mentioned simplification ratio (i.e., ratio 2), a return from LP mode or SP mode to ready mode may be considered to be the occurrence of a process. In this case, the processor 20 can determine the "occurrence of a process" using only the mode switching control program, without determining whether a process such as a job has actually been executed.

[0191] 11, when a process is initiated, processor 20 checks the location of the user who instructed UI 14 to execute the process when human presence sensor 52 first detected the user. Processor 20 then determines whether the distance from image forming apparatus 10 to that location is equal to or less than a threshold (S10). The threshold used in this determination is the returnable distance described above. In other words, in step S10, it is determined whether the location of the user detected by human presence sensor 52 when the user was first detected is beyond the outer periphery of area A shown in FIG. 10.

[0192] Although not shown, the processor 20 periodically determines whether a user is present within the detection range of the motion sensor 52 based on a signal from the motion sensor 52. When a user is detected within area A for the first time after no user has been detected within the detection range, the processor 20 controls the image forming apparatus 10 to return from the power-saving mode (e.g., the LP mode or the SP mode) to the ready mode. During this control, the processor 20 can recognize that a process has occurred in response to an operation by the user immediately after the motion sensor 52 detects the user. Note that "immediately after the motion sensor 52 detects the user" refers to a period of time from when the user is first detected on the periphery of the detection range of the motion sensor 52 to the time it is estimated that the user would take to walk to the image forming apparatus 10. In another example, the period during which the return from the power-saving mode to the ready mode is initiated in response to the detection of a user by the motion sensor 52, and the ready mode continues as a result of the return, may be considered "immediately after the motion sensor 52 detects the user."

[0193] If the result of the determination in step S10 is Yes, processor 20 increments the count value corresponding to the LP mode by 1 (S12). On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S10 is No, processor 20 increments the count value corresponding to the mode when the processing occurred by 1 (S14).

[0194] Here, the mode at the time of occurrence of a process refers to the mode immediately before the process that triggered the procedure in Figure 10 occurred. For example, if image forming apparatus 10 is in LP mode or SP mode and returns to ready mode to execute a process, the LP mode or SP mode immediately before returning to ready mode is the mode at the time of occurrence of the process in this example. Note that in the explanation of ratios 1 and 2 above, for example, "the number of processes executed in LP mode" and "the number of processes executed in SP mode" are used, but these can be rephrased as the number of processes in LP mode when the process occurred and the number of processes in SP mode when the process occurred.

[0195] To explain steps S12 and S14 in more detail, in this embodiment, at least two counters are used to calculate the above-mentioned ratio 1 or ratio 2.

[0196] In one example, two counters are used: a first counter that holds the number of processes executed in a mode in which the waiting time is equal to or less than a threshold, and a second counter that holds the total number of processes executed. In this case, the threshold is the length of waiting time that the user considers acceptable, such as 1 second as exemplified above. If the waiting time is equal to or less than this threshold, it can be said that the system is highly convenient for the user. Here, when ratio 1 is used, the first counter holds the value of (R+LP), and the second counter holds the value of (R+LP+SP). When ratio 2 is used, the first counter holds the value of LP, and the second counter holds the value of (LP+SP). In this example, the value of the first counter is incremented by 1 in step S12, and the value of the second counter is incremented by 1 in step S14.

[0197] The use of two counters in this way is merely an example. Of course, a counter may be prepared for each mode, such as ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode. In this case, processor 20 may calculate ratio 1 or ratio 2 by combining the counter values ​​for each mode. In this example, in step S12, the counter value for LP mode is incremented by 1, and in step S14, the counter value for the mode at the time of processing is incremented by 1.

[0198] Thus, according to the processing procedure of control example 1, even if the mode when the processing occurs is SP mode, if the human presence sensor 52 detects a user (i.e., if the judgment result of S10 is Yes), the processing is counted as having been executed in LP mode.

[0199] During the learning period or unit control period, processor 20 executes the procedure of Fig. 10 and increments each counter each time it detects the occurrence of a process. Incrementing the count values ​​of each counter in steps S12 and S14 is an example of a process for recording the history of the process. At the completion of the learning period or unit control period, processor 20 uses the values ​​of each counter to calculate ratio 1 or ratio 2 in accordance with the above-mentioned definition formula, determines a target value based on the calculation result, and calculates a setting value for the transition time corresponding to the target value.

[0200] In control example 1, if the determination result in step S12 is Yes, the value of the first counter corresponding to the LP mode is incremented. This is because, if a return to the ready mode is initiated in response to the detection of a user by the human presence sensor 52 at a position beyond the returnable distance, the return is expected to be completed by the time the user arrives in front of the image forming apparatus 10. If the return to the ready mode is completed, the user who arrives in front of the image forming apparatus 10 can operate the UI 14 and issue a command to execute a process without waiting.

[0201] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S12 is No, the distance from the user's position to the image forming apparatus 10 at the time when the human sensor 52 first detects the approaching user is shorter than the returnable distance. In this case, it is quite likely that the return to the ready mode has not been completed by the time the user arrives in front of the image forming apparatus 10. If the return has not been completed, the user must wait until the UI 14 becomes operable. Therefore, in this case, in the process of FIG. 10, the counter value corresponding to the mode at the time the process occurred is incremented in step S14. This is because the user must wait a certain amount of time until the image forming apparatus 10 becomes available, which can be said to be inconvenient.

[0202] Note that the method of recording the history in this embodiment is not limited to the method of incrementing a counter value as exemplified in Fig. 10 etc. A more straightforward method may be adopted in which a value indicating the mode at the time of occurrence of a process is recorded in the history in association with, for example, the date and time of the occurrence of the process.

[0203] In the above description, the threshold value used for the determination in step S10 is the returnable distance, but it does not have to be strictly equal to the returnable distance. For example, if it is acceptable for a user who arrives at image forming apparatus 10 to wait a certain amount of time until UI 14 is restored, the threshold value may be set smaller than the returnable distance by, for example, an amount corresponding to the acceptable waiting time.

[0204] In this control example 1, the control system of the human sensor 52 does not need to be able to identify that the user is in the area B close to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0205] (Control example 2) Now, even if a user approaching image forming apparatus 10 is first detected by human presence sensor 52 at a position that is beyond the returnable distance from image forming apparatus 10, the user may move to image forming apparatus 10 at a speed faster than expected. In such a case, the return process may not be completed by the time the user reaches image forming apparatus 10. Control example 2 is intended to deal with such a case.

[0206] 12 and 13 show an example of a processing procedure of the control system of the human presence sensor 52 in Control Example 2. In this example, the processor 20 performs the processing shown in Fig. 12 on the detection result of a user in area A by the human presence sensor 52, and performs the processing shown in Fig. 13 on the detection result of a user in area B.

[0207] 12, the processor 20 periodically monitors a signal from the human presence sensor 52 and determines whether the human presence sensor 52 has detected a user within area A (S20). For example, the human presence sensor 52 is a sensor that can measure the distance to the detected user, and in step S20, the processor 20 determines whether the distance is within the range of area A. In other words, if the distance to the user is greater than the radius of area B and less than or equal to the radius of area A (which is typically the returnable distance), the determination result in step S20 is Yes.

[0208] If the result of the determination in step S20 is Yes, the processor 20 determines whether the value of the first flag is OFF or not (S22). The first flag is a flag used to store whether or not a user is present in the area A.

[0209] If the determination result in step S22 is Yes, processor 20 changes the value of the first flag to ON, stores the current mode in memory 18, and starts preparations for returning to ready mode, i.e., the first stage of the return described above (S24). The mode stored in step S24 is the mode immediately before returning to ready mode, and has the same meaning as the mode when processing occurs in image forming apparatus 10. Also, in step S24, the current time is stored. This time is the time when human sensor 52 first detected an approaching user within area A. This time will be referred to as time A.

[0210] After step S24, at the next monitoring time point, the processor 20 returns to step S20 and repeats the subsequent processes. If the determination result in step S22 is No, the processor 20 skips step S24 and returns to step S20 at the next monitoring time point.

[0211] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S20 is No, the processor 20 determines whether the value of the first flag is ON (S26). If the determination result is Yes, the processor 20 changes the value of the first flag to OFF and clears the mode and time stored in S24 (S28). Then, the process returns to step S20. If the determination result in step S26 is No, the processor 20 skips step S28 and returns to step S20 at the next monitoring point.

[0212] 13, the processor 20 periodically monitors a signal from the human presence sensor 52 and determines whether the human presence sensor 52 has detected a user in area B (S30). If the result of this determination is Yes, the processor 20 determines whether the value of a second flag is OFF (S32). The second flag is a flag used to store whether a user is present in area B.

[0213] If the determination result in step S32 is Yes, processor 20 changes the value of the second flag to ON, returns to ready mode, i.e., executes the second stage described above, and stores the current time (S34). This current time is the time when a user was first detected in area B, and can be considered the time when processing occurred in image forming apparatus 10. This time is referred to as time B.

[0214] After step S34, at the next monitoring time point, the processor 20 returns to step S30 and repeats the subsequent processes. If the determination result in step S32 is No, the processor 20 skips step S34 and returns to step S30 at the next monitoring time point.

[0215] If the determination result in S30 is No, the processor 20 determines whether the value of the second flag is ON (S36). If the determination result is Yes, the processor 20 changes the value of the second flag to OFF and clears the time stored in S34 (S38). Then, the process returns to step S30. If the determination result in step S26 is No, the processor 20 skips step S38 and returns to step S30 at the next monitoring point.

[0216] Fig. 14 shows an example of the processing procedure when a return to ready mode is performed in control example 2. Among the procedures in Fig. 14, steps that are the same as or similar to steps in the procedures in Fig. 11 are given the same or similar reference numerals as the steps in Fig. 11.

[0217] 14 is executed in response to a trigger of a process occurring in the image forming apparatus 10. As described above, a return from the power saving mode to the ready mode may be regarded as a process occurring.

[0218] In this procedure, when a process occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, the processor 20 determines whether (time B - time A) is less than a threshold value (S10a).

[0219] The threshold value used here is, for example, the aforementioned required recovery time. Time A is the time when recovery to the ready mode begins as a result of the human presence sensor 52 first detecting a user approaching the image forming apparatus 10. Time B is the time when the user arrives in front of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0220] That is, in step S10a, it is determined whether the travel time from when the user is first detected by the human sensor 52 until the user arrives in front of the image forming apparatus is less than the required return time.

[0221] If the result of the determination in step S10a is Yes, processor 20 increments the count value corresponding to the LP mode by 1 (S12). In this case, the return to the ready mode should be completed by the time the user arrives in front of image forming apparatus 10, so the user does not need to wait for image forming apparatus 10 to become usable. Therefore, the count value corresponding to the LP mode, which indicates good convenience, is incremented.

[0222] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S10 is No, processor 20 increments the count value corresponding to the mode in which the process occurred by 1 (S14).

[0223] The threshold value used in the determination in step S10a does not need to match the recovery time required. For example, if a user who arrives at image forming apparatus 10 is allowed to wait a certain amount of time until UI 14 is restored, the threshold value may be set smaller than the recovery time required by, for example, the allowable waiting time.

[0224] Some of the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 in the base configuration example and embodiment described above may be realized by a device other than the image forming apparatus 10. When some of the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are realized by a device other than the image forming apparatus 10, an information processing system may be configured by the image forming apparatus 10 and the other device. In other words, the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by a single device, or may be realized by an information processing system including multiple devices.

[0225] As an example, each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by cooperation between hardware and software. For example, each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the processor 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading and executing a program stored in memory. The program is stored in memory via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. Similarly, each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the processor 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading and executing a program stored in memory. The program is stored in memory via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network.

[0226] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the control of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 has been described, but the processes according to the embodiment and modified examples may be applied to an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10. In other words, the apparatus according to the embodiment or modified example may be an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10, as long as it has a plurality of modes that have different times until the process can be executed.

[0227] In the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0228] (Addendum) (((1))) a processor; The processor: For an apparatus having multiple modes with different times until processing can be performed, executes a determination process to determine a mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the device executed the process, based on the mode when the device executed the process, the detected position of the person when the human sensor first detected the person from a state in which the human sensor had not detected the person, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detected position to the device; Recording the determined mode in the history; setting a target value for the ratio based on the ratio of the processing executed in the specific mode determined based on the history; outputting a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to one of the plurality of modes that takes longer to become able to execute a process than the other modes, based on the set target value; Information processing system. (((2))) The processor outputs the transition time setting value. setting a target value for the ratio based on the ratio of the number of times the process has been executed in a specific mode, the ratio being determined based on the history; outputting a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to one of the plurality of modes that takes longer to become able to execute a process than the other modes, based on the set target value; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: (((3))) the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode in which a time until a process can be executed is longer than that in the first mode; In the determination process, when the mode when the device executed the process is the second mode, if the distance between the detection position and the device is equal to or greater than a threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the process was executed is determined to be the first mode, and if the distance is less than the threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the process was executed is determined to be the second mode. The information processing system according to (((1))) is characterized in that: (((4))) the threshold value is a value determined based on a distance walked by a person in the time required to return the device from the second mode to a state in which the device is capable of executing a process; The information processing system according to (((3))) is characterized in that: (((5))) the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode in which a time until a process can be executed is longer than that in the first mode; In the determination process, when the mode when the device executed the process is the second mode, if the movement time is equal to or greater than a threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the process was executed is determined to be the first mode, and if the movement time is less than the threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the process was executed is determined to be the second mode. The information processing system according to (((1))) is characterized in that: (((6))) The information processing system described in (((5))) is characterized in that the threshold value is a value determined based on the length of time required for the device to return from the second mode to a state in which processing can be performed. (((7))) For an apparatus having multiple modes with different times until processing can be performed, A determination process is performed to determine a mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the device executed the process, based on the mode when the device executed the process, the detected position of the person when the human sensor first detected a person from a state where the human sensor did not detect a person, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detected position to the device. Recording the determined mode in the history; outputting a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to one of the plurality of modes that takes longer to become able to execute a process than the other modes, based on the number of times the process has been executed in the specific mode determined based on the history; A program that makes a computer do something. (((8))) For an apparatus having multiple modes with different times until processing can be performed, A determination process is performed to determine a mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the device executed the process, based on the mode when the device executed the process, the detected position of the person when the human sensor first detected a person from a state where the human sensor did not detect a person, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detected position to the device. Recording the determined mode in the history; outputting a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to one of the plurality of modes that takes longer to become able to execute a process than the other modes, based on the number of times the process has been executed in the specific mode determined based on the history; method.

[0229] According to the configurations (((1))), (((2))), (((7))) or (((8))), it is possible to suppress a decrease in the effectiveness of power saving compared to when the transition time until the device transitions to one of multiple modes that takes longer to be able to execute processing than the other modes is constant. According to the configurations (((3))) and (((4))), the mode to be recorded in the history can be determined depending on the position of the person when the human sensor detects a person for the first time after having not detected a person in a previous state. According to the configuration of (((5))) or (((6))), the mode to be recorded in the history can be determined depending on the position of the person when the human sensor detects a person for the first time after having not detected a person in a state where the human sensor had not detected a person. [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 10 image forming device, 12 image forming unit, 14 UI, 16 communication device, 18 memory, 20 processor, 52 human presence sensor.

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: For an apparatus having multiple modes with different times until processing can be performed, executes a determination process to determine a mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the device executed the process, based on the mode when the device executed the process, the detected position of the person when the human sensor first detected the person from a state in which the human sensor had not detected the person, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detected position to the device; Recording the determined mode in the history; and outputting a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to one of the plurality of modes that takes longer to become capable of executing a process than the other modes, based on the number of times the process has been executed in the specific mode determined based on the history. Information processing system.

2. The processor outputs the transition time setting value. setting a target value for the ratio based on the ratio of the number of times the process has been executed in a specific mode, the ratio being determined based on the history; outputting a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to one of the plurality of modes that takes longer to become able to execute a process than the other modes, based on the set target value; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

3. the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode in which a time until a process can be executed is longer than that in the first mode; In the determination process, when the mode when the device executed the process is the second mode, if the distance between the detection position and the device is equal to or greater than a threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the process was executed is determined to be the first mode, and if the distance is less than the threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the process was executed is determined to be the second mode.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

4. the threshold value is a value determined based on a distance walked by a person in the time required for the device to return from the second mode to a state in which the device is capable of executing a process; 4. The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode in which a time until a process can be executed is longer than that in the first mode; In the determination process, when the mode when the device executed the process is the second mode, if the movement time is equal to or greater than a threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the process was executed is determined to be the first mode, and if the movement time is less than the threshold, the mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the process was executed is determined to be the second mode.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

6. 6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the threshold value is a value determined based on the length of time required for the device to return from the second mode to a state in which processing can be executed.

7. For an apparatus having multiple modes with different times until processing can be performed, executes a determination process to determine a mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the device executed the process, based on the mode when the device executed the process, the detected position of the person when the human sensor first detected the person from a state in which the human sensor had not detected the person, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detected position to the device; Recording the determined mode in the history; outputting a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to one of the plurality of modes that takes longer to become able to execute a process than the other modes, based on the number of times the process has been executed in the specific mode determined based on the history; A program that makes a computer do something.

8. For an apparatus having multiple modes with different times until processing can be performed, executes a determination process to determine a mode to be recorded in the history as the mode when the device executed the process, based on the mode when the device executed the process, the detected position of the person when the human sensor first detected the person from a state in which the human sensor had not detected the person, or the travel time required for the person to move from the detected position to the device; Recording the determined mode in the history; outputting a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to one of the plurality of modes that takes longer to become able to execute a process than the other modes, based on the number of times the process has been executed in the specific mode determined based on the history; method.

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