Information processing device, computer program product, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide an information processing device, a computer program product and a recording medium that can save the user's operation time for canceling insertion. The present invention is an information processing device, comprising a processor for instructing an image forming device, the processor instructing as follows: when an insertion instruction is accepted, the processing mode of the image forming device is changed from a normal mode in which the processing is performed in the order of the accepted jobs to an insertion mode in which the job being executed is interrupted and the insertion job is executed first, and the processor instructs as follows: after the insertion job is completed, a method for canceling the insertion mode is predicted based on information indicating the state of the image forming device, and the processing mode is changed from the insertion mode to the normal mode according to the cancellation method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an image forming device, which is characterized by comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; an insertion unit that, when an image is formed using the image forming unit, switches the mode to an insertion mode that gives priority to another image forming process; an insertion automatic release unit that automatically releases the insertion mode; and a switching unit that switches the on / off setting of whether to use the insertion automatic release unit to automatically release the insertion mode.

[0003] [Background Technology Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-195784 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Regarding image forming apparatuses, there are image forming apparatuses with an insert function. The so-called insert function is a function of interrupting a job being executed and giving priority to executing other jobs. For example, a user entrusts an image forming apparatus with processing such as printing and copying. The so-called "job" refers to the entrusted processing such as a printing job and a copying job. Hereinafter, the user will be referred to as a "user".

[0008] The insert function is used, for example, in an environment where multiple users use the image forming apparatus together, and during the execution of a job of a certain user, other users want to prioritize the execution of another job. Hereinafter, users who use the insert function are referred to as "insert users", and users other than the insert users are referred to as "ordinary users". In addition, a job executed using the insert function is referred to as an "insert job". The state (i.e., processing mode) of the device that accepts the job to be a state capable of accepting the insert job is referred to as "insert mode".

[0009] An image forming device having an insert function is provided with a button for instructing insert (hereinafter referred to as an "insert button"). The user presses the insert button to instruct insert. When instructing insert, the image forming device changes the processing mode from the normal mode to the insert mode. In addition, the so-called normal mode refers to a processing mode that is not the insert mode. In the normal mode, jobs are executed in the order in which they are accepted.

[0010] The image forming apparatus maintains the processing mode in the insert mode until the insert mode is canceled. The user presses the insert button again during the insert process to instruct the cancel of the insert. When the cancel of the insert is instructed, the image forming apparatus returns the processing mode from the insert mode to the normal mode.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a program that can save the user's operation time for canceling the interrupt mode.

[0012] [Methods to solve the problem]

[0013] The information processing device of the first embodiment is an information processing device, including a processor for instructing an image forming device, the processor performing the following instructions: when an insert instruction is accepted, the processing mode of the image forming device is changed from a normal mode in which the processing is performed in the order of accepted jobs to an insert mode in which the job being executed is interrupted and the insert job is first executed, and the processor performs the following instructions: after the insert job is completed, a method for releasing the insert mode is predicted based on information indicating the state of the image forming device, and the processing mode is changed from the insert mode to the normal mode according to the release method.

[0014] The information processing device according to the second embodiment is the information processing device according to the first embodiment, wherein the release method is a real-time release method for releasing the interrupt mode in real time after the interrupt operation is completed.

[0015] The information processing device of the third embodiment is an information processing device according to the second embodiment, wherein the processor predicts that the release method is the real-time release method when it is concluded from information indicating the state of the image forming device that there is no factor for continuing the insertion and there is a factor for releasing the insertion in real time.

[0016] The information processing device of the fourth embodiment is an information processing device according to the first embodiment, wherein the release method is a release method with a first condition, and the release method with the first condition is to release the insertion mode after the waiting time has passed if no instruction to continue the insertion mode is received within a predetermined waiting time after the insertion operation is completed.

[0017] The information processing device of the fifth embodiment is an information processing device according to the first embodiment, wherein the release method is a release method with a first condition, and the release method with the first condition is that if an instruction to continue the insertion mode is not accepted and an additional trigger program that becomes a factor for releasing the insertion mode is not generated within a predetermined standby time after the insertion operation is completed, the insertion mode is released after the standby time has passed, or if an instruction to continue the insertion mode is not accepted and an additional trigger program that becomes a factor for releasing the insertion mode is generated within the standby time after the insertion operation is completed, the insertion mode is released when the additional trigger program is generated.

[0018] The information processing device of the sixth embodiment is an information processing device according to the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment, wherein the processor predicts that the release method is the release method with the first condition when it is concluded from information indicating the state of the image forming device that there is no factor for continuing the insertion and no factor for releasing the insertion in real time.

[0019] The information processing device of the seventh embodiment is the information processing device according to any one of the fourth to sixth embodiments, wherein the processor starts preparing to restart the interrupted operation before issuing an instruction to shift to the normal mode after the insertion operation is completed.

[0020] The information processing device of the 8th embodiment is an information processing device according to the 1st embodiment, wherein the release method is a release method with a second condition, and the release method with the second condition is that when an additional trigger program that becomes a factor for releasing the insertion mode is generated within a predetermined standby time after the completion of the insertion operation, the insertion mode is released when the additional trigger program is generated.

[0021] The information processing device of the 9th embodiment is an information processing device according to the 8th embodiment, wherein the processor predicts that the release method is the release method with the second condition when it is concluded from the information indicating the state of the image forming device that there is a factor for continuing the insertion and there is a user other than the user who gave the insertion instruction and who is waiting for the insertion to be released.

[0022] The information processing device of a tenth embodiment is the information processing device according to the eighth embodiment or the ninth embodiment, wherein the processor starts preparing to restart the interrupted operation before issuing an instruction to shift to the normal mode after the interrupt operation is completed.

[0023] The information processing device of the 11th embodiment is an information processing device according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, wherein the information indicating the state of the image forming device is information related to whether or not a user who has issued the insertion instruction has performed a job other than the insertion job.

[0024] The information processing device of the twelfth embodiment is an information processing device according to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein the information indicating the state of the image forming device is information related to whether or not a job is accepted by a user other than the user who issued the insertion instruction.

[0025] The information processing apparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments, wherein the information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is information on whether a document is detected acquired from an external detection unit.

[0026] The information processing device of the 14th embodiment is an information processing device according to any one of the first to 13th embodiments, wherein the information representing the state of the image forming device is information related to the detection results of a person in a specified area around the image forming device obtained from an external detection unit.

[0027] The information processing apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments, wherein the information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is information related to the operation history of the user who issued the insertion instruction.

[0028] The recording medium of the 16th embodiment records a program, which is a program for causing a computer that instructs an image forming device to execute the following instructions: when an insert instruction is accepted, the processing mode of the image forming device is changed from a normal mode in which operations are executed in the order of accepted jobs to an insert mode in which the job being executed is interrupted and the insert job is executed first; and after the insert job is completed, a method for releasing the insert mode is predicted based on information indicating the state of the image forming device, and the processing mode is changed from the insert mode to the normal mode according to the release method.

[0029] [Effects of the invention]

[0030] According to the first embodiment and the sixteenth embodiment, the user's operation time for canceling the interrupt mode can be omitted.

[0031] According to the second embodiment, the period of staying in the interrupt mode is shortened compared to the case where the interrupt mode is not released in real time.

[0032] According to the third embodiment, when the interrupt mode can also be canceled, the interrupt mode can be canceled in real time.

[0033] According to the fourth embodiment, compared with the case of real-time release, the convenience for the inserting user is maintained.

[0034] According to the fifth embodiment, the interrupt mode can be released at an appropriate timing compared to the case of real-time release.

[0035] According to the sixth embodiment, when it has not been determined whether or not there will be no problem even if the interrupt mode is canceled, the cancellation can be postponed until the determination condition is satisfied.

[0036] According to the seventh embodiment, after the interrupt mode is released, the interrupted work can be quickly resumed.

[0037] According to the eighth embodiment, the interrupt mode can be released at an appropriate timing compared to the case of real-time release.

[0038] According to the ninth embodiment, compared with the case where the interrupt mode is continued indefinitely, the waiting time of ordinary users can be shortened.

[0039] According to the tenth embodiment, after the interrupt mode is released, the interrupted work can be quickly resumed.

[0040] According to the eleventh embodiment, when another operation is received from the inserting user, the inserting can be continued.

[0041] According to the twelfth embodiment, when a job is accepted from a general user, the interruption can be released.

[0042] According to the thirteenth embodiment, when the document is detected, the document can be continuously inserted.

[0043] According to the fourteenth embodiment, the release method can be predicted based on the detection result of a person in a designated area around the image forming apparatus.

[0044] According to the fifteenth embodiment, the release method can be predicted by inserting the user's past operation tendency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displaying an insert button.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the “insertion process”.

[0048] Figure 4This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the conventional “interruption release process”.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing unit.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the operation of each functional unit of the information processing unit.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a job management table.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the job management table after insertion.

[0053] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the “insertion release process” according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing the prediction results.

[0055] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the “prediction process”.

[0056] Fig.12 This is a graph showing an example of prediction information serving as a material for determination in the first embodiment.

[0057] Fig.13 (A) to Fig.13 (D) is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of detecting a person based on an image from a surveillance camera.

[0058] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the “automatic release process”.

[0059] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen.

[0060] Fig.16 This is a graph showing an example of prediction information serving as a material for determination in the second embodiment.

[0061] Fig.17 This is a graph showing an example of prediction information serving as a material for determination in the third embodiment.

[0062] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of the “automatic release process” according to the fifth embodiment.

[0063] Description of Figure Numbers

[0064] 10: Image forming device;

[0065] 12: Information Processing Department;

[0066] 12A: CPU;

[0067] 12B: ROM;

[0068] 12C: RAM;

[0069] 12D: memory;

[0070] 12E: Input and output unit;

[0071] 12F: bus;

[0072] 13: User;

[0073] 131: user;

[0074] 132: user;

[0075] 14: Operation panel;

[0076] 16: image reading unit;

[0077] 18: image forming unit;

[0078] 18A: output part;

[0079] 20: Ministry of Communications;

[0080] 22: storage unit;

[0081] 24: Motion sensor;

[0082] 26: surveillance camera;

[0083] 30: Operation Execution Department;

[0084] 32: Motion control unit;

[0085] 34: Forecast information provision department;

[0086] 36: Forecasting Department;

[0087] 38: state control unit;

[0088] 40: Human detection unit;

[0089] 42: original inspection unit;

[0090] 44: Operation acceptance department;

[0091] 46: Accumulation Operation Management Department;

[0092] 48: Operation process management department;

[0093] 100: execution screen;

[0094] 102: header;

[0095] 104: Subject;

[0096] 106, 302: news;

[0097] 108: Abort button;

[0098] 110: Insert button;

[0099] 112: dynamic image;

[0100] 200: Home page;

[0101] 202: Mark;

[0102] 300: Confirmation screen;

[0103] 304: Back button;

[0104] 306: Continue button;

[0105] R0: photography area;

[0106] R A :area;

[0107] R B :area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0109] <Configuration of image forming apparatus>

[0110] First, the image forming apparatus will be described.

[0111] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of an image forming apparatus. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an information processing unit 12 which is a computer that performs overall control of the apparatus and various calculations. The information processing unit 12 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 12A, a read only memory (ROM) 12B storing various programs, a random access memory (RAM) 12C used as a work area when executing programs, a nonvolatile memory 12D, and an input / output unit 12E. The CPU 12A, the ROM 12B, the RAM 12C, the memory 12D, and the input / output unit 12E are connected via a bus 12F.

[0112] In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation panel 14, an image reading unit 16, an image forming unit 18, a communication unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a motion sensor 24. Each of the operation panel 14, the image reading unit 16, the image forming unit 18, the communication unit 20, and the storage unit 22 is connected to the input / output unit 12E. The information processing unit 12 transmits and receives information to and from each unit to control each unit. In addition, the motion sensor 24 is also connected to the input / output unit 12E. The information processing unit 12 acquires information detected by the motion sensor 24.

[0113] The operation panel 14 is an interface for displaying various information to the user and accepting user operations. The operation panel 14 includes: a touch panel that displays various screens and accepts inputs made by touching the screens; and mechanical operation buttons such as a home button for returning to the home screen as a standby screen or a power button, which are activated by pressing.

[0114] The image reading unit 16 is a device that reads an image recorded on a manuscript. In the present embodiment, the image reading unit 16 optically reads an image recorded on a manuscript using an optical element of a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor. The image reading unit 16 reads an image of a manuscript placed on a platen glass. The image reading unit 16 detects the presence of a manuscript on the platen glass based on a change in the output of the CCD sensor.

[0115] When the image reading unit 16 includes an automatic document feeder, the document placed on the automatic document feeder is conveyed to the document glass. The automatic document feeder is provided with a document detection sensor. The document detection sensor detects the presence of the document in the automatic document feeder.

[0116] The image forming unit 18 is a device for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper. The image forming method of the image forming unit 18 may be either an electronic photo method or an ink jet method. The communication unit 20 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The storage unit 22 is an external storage device such as a hard disk.

[0117] The motion sensor 24 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person within a predetermined distance from the image forming device 10 (hereinafter referred to as a detection range). As the motion sensor 24, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from a person can be cited. In addition, when the "person detection unit 40" described below detects a person within the detection range of the motion sensor 24, it acquires an image of the external surveillance camera 26 and detects the person around the image forming device 10 by recognizing the image.

[0118] The image forming device 10 having the above-described structure is capable of performing the following various processes: a "scanning process" of reading an image of an original and generating image data; a "copying process" of reading an image of an original and generating image data, and forming an image on a recording medium based on the generated image data; a "printing process" of forming an image on a recording medium based on image data received from the outside; a "fax process" of reading an image of an original and generating image data, and sending the generated image data to the outside, etc.

[0119] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control program of the "insertion release process" described below is stored in the ROM 12B of the information processing unit 12. In addition, the "job management table" described below is stored in the memory 12D. In addition, various programs or various data may be stored in other storage devices inside or outside the device, or may be recorded in a recording medium such as a read-only optical disk (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory, CD-ROM). In addition, various programs or various data may also be acquired via communication.

[0120] (Insert function)

[0121] Next, the insert function will be described.

[0122] As described above, the so-called interrupt function is a function that interrupts the job being executed and gives priority to other jobs. When the interrupt user wants to give priority to another job during the execution of a job of an ordinary user, the job being executed is interrupted and the interrupt job is executed. The interrupt function improves the convenience of the interrupt user, but reduces the convenience of ordinary users, such as their own job being in a waiting state.

[0123] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displaying an insert button. Figure 2 As shown, during the execution of a job, an execution screen 100 indicating that the job is being executed is displayed on the operation panel. The execution screen 100 includes a header 102 and a body 104. A message 106 such as "Printing" is displayed in the header 102. A dynamic image 112 of a semicircle rotating in the direction of an arrow is displayed in the body 104.

[0124] In the header 102 of the execution screen 100, an insert button 110 for instructing insert is displayed in addition to the abort button 108 for aborting the job. The insert user presses the insert button 110 to instruct inserting during the execution of another user's job. When the insert instruction is accepted, the processing mode changes from the normal mode to the insert mode. After selecting a job, the insert user presses the start button (not shown) or the like to continue to instruct the execution of the insert job. In addition, during the insert process, the insert user presses the insert button 110 again to instruct the cancellation of the insert. When the instruction to cancel the insert is accepted, the processing mode changes from the insert mode to the normal mode.

[0125] -Insert Processing-

[0126] Next, the insert process will be briefly described.

[0127] Figure 3 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of “insertion processing.” The insertion processing is processing performed by the information processing unit of the image forming apparatus from the instruction of insertion to the execution of the insertion job.

[0128] First, the information processing unit receives an insert instruction (S100). Then, the information processing unit changes the processing mode to the insert mode according to the insert instruction (S102). Then, the information processing unit obtains the job data of the insert job (S104). Then, the information processing unit interrupts the job being executed and saves the remaining job data in the storage unit (S106). Then, the information processing unit instructs the image forming unit to execute the insert job (S108).

[0129] The job data refers to data required for executing the job, such as image data or setting information. For example, in the case of a copy job, image data obtained by reading the original image and setting information such as the number of copies and density for copy processing are acquired as job data.

[0130] - Conventional insertion cancellation processing -

[0131] Next, the conventional insertion release process will be briefly described.

[0132] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a conventional “interruption cancellation process.” The conventional interruption cancellation process is a process performed by the information processing unit of the image forming apparatus from the instruction of interruption cancellation to the restart of the interrupted job.

[0133] First, the information processing unit receives an instruction to cancel the interruption (S200). Next, the information processing unit changes the processing mode to the normal mode according to the instruction to cancel the interruption (S202). Next, the information processing unit prepares to restart the interrupted operation by reading the remaining operation data from the storage unit and expanding the image data into bitmap data (S204). Then, the information processing unit instructs to restart the interrupted operation (S206).

[0134] <Overview of Information Processing Department's Operations>

[0135] Next, the operation of each functional unit of the information processing unit will be described.

[0136] Figure 5 : is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing unit. Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the operation of each functional unit of the information processing unit.

[0137] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the information processing unit 12 includes a job execution unit 30 , an operation control unit 32 , a prediction information providing unit 34 , a prediction unit 36 ​​, and a state control unit 38 .

[0138] The job execution unit 30 instructs the execution of a job according to the operation of the user. For example, in the case of a print job, the job execution unit 30 instructs the image forming unit (see Figure 1 ) forms an image on a recording medium based on image data received from the outside. When the job is completed, the operation control unit 32 is notified that the job is completed.

[0139] The prediction information providing unit 34 provides prediction information to the prediction unit 36. Based on the provided prediction information, the prediction unit 36 ​​performs a "prediction process" as described below, which predicts whether to continue the interrupt mode, cancel the interrupt mode, or which cancellation method to use when canceling the interrupt mode.

[0140] The state control unit 38 maintains or changes the processing mode according to the instruction from the operation control unit 32. In the present embodiment, the state control unit 38 switches the processing mode between the normal mode and the interrupt mode, and maintains the processing mode as the switching target mode.

[0141] When the operation control unit 32 is notified that the work is completed, it checks the processing mode held by the state control unit 38. When the processing mode is the interrupt mode, the operation control unit 32 requests the prediction unit 36 ​​to execute the prediction process.

[0142] The action control unit 32 receives the prediction result from the prediction unit 36 ​​and instructs the state control unit 38 according to the prediction result. When continuing the insert mode, no instruction is given. When canceling the insert mode, the state control unit 38 is instructed to change the processing mode from the insert mode to the normal mode.

[0143] Here, the configuration of the prediction information providing unit 34 will be described.

[0144] The prediction information providing section 34 includes a human detecting section 40 , a document detecting section 42 , a job accepting section 44 , an accumulated job managing section 46 , and an operation history managing section 48 .

[0145] The human detection unit 40 detects whether there is a person or how many people are around the image forming device 10. In the present embodiment, when the human detection unit 40 detects that there is a person within the detection range of the motion sensor 24, it acquires the image of the surveillance camera and detects the person around the image forming device 10 by recognizing the image. As described below, the human detection unit 40 distinguishes and detects a person near the operation panel from a person near the output unit. The human detection unit 40 provides the detection result as "human detection information" to the prediction unit 36.

[0146] The document detection unit 42 detects whether there is a document on the document glass of the image reading unit or a document set on the automatic document feeder of the image reading unit, and provides the detection result to the prediction unit 36 ​​as “document detection information”.

[0147] The job accepting unit 44 accepts jobs from the operation panel or external devices. The accumulated job management unit 46 accumulates and manages the job data of the accepted jobs. The job accepting unit 44 and the accumulated job management unit 46 provide the prediction unit 36 ​​with management information such as the reception of a new job or the presence of another job as "information indicating the internal state of the device".

[0148] The operation history management unit 48 holds and manages the history of operations performed by the user. The operation history management unit 48 provides the management information to the prediction unit 36 ​​as "operation history information".

[0149] Here, the management of jobs is described.

[0150] The accumulated job management unit 46 accumulates the job data of the jobs accepted by the job acceptance unit 44. The job data is accumulated for each user. For example, for a user who is using the accumulated printing, the job data of a plurality of print jobs are accumulated.

[0151] The accumulated work management unit 46 manages the work accepted by the work acceptance unit 44 using a work management table. The work management table is a table in which predetermined management information extracted from work data is associated with each other and stored in a table format.

[0152] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a job management table. Management information includes "job identification data (ID)" as an example of identification information for identifying a job, a user ID as an example of identification information for identifying a user, a "job type" indicating the type of job, a "mode" indicating the normal mode or the insert mode, and a "job status" indicating the execution status of the job. Jobs are arranged in the order of execution. The execution status of each job is managed using the job management table.

[0153] When a job is accepted by the job accepting unit 44, the job is registered in the job management table. When the job is completed, the completed job is deleted from the job management table. When a job is deleted, the execution order of other jobs is moved up one by one.

[0154] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a job management table after an insertion. While the print job (job ID: ABC) of user X is being executed, user Z presses the insert button to instruct execution of a copy job (job ID: DEF). In this case, the status of user X's print job is changed to "suspended", and user Z's copy job, which is an inserted job, is registered as the job with the highest execution priority.

[0155] (Human detection information)

[0156] Fig.13 (A) to Fig.13 (D) is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of detecting a person based on an image of a surveillance camera. In the example shown in the figure, the surveillance camera is arranged above the image forming device 10. The surveillance camera captures the image forming device 10 and its surroundings from above.

[0157] The image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation panel 14 and an image forming unit 18 (see Figure 1 ). The image forming unit 18 includes an output unit 18A for outputting a recording medium formed with an image to the outside. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a housing (not shown). The operation panel 14 is arranged at a position that is easy for a user to operate on the upper surface of the housing (not shown). The output unit 18A is provided on either the left or right side of the housing (not shown). Fig.13 (center is right side).

[0158] The human detector 40 acquires the video of the surveillance camera and detects a person in the “predetermined area” around the image forming device 10 by recognizing the image. In the present embodiment, the human detector 40 detects a person near the operation panel 14 and a person near the output unit 18A separately.

[0159] For example, it is detected whether there is a person or how many people there are in the photographic area (whole) R0. Fig.13 In the example of (A), there is no person in the photographic area R0. Fig.13 (B) and Fig.13 In the example of (C), there is one person 13 in the photographic area R0. Fig.13 In the example of (D), there are two persons, person 131 and person 132, in the photographic area R0.

[0160] In addition, for example, the human detection unit 40 detects the area R near the operation panel 14 A Whether there is anyone inside, or how many people are there, and the area R near the output unit 18A is detected. B Whether there is anyone or how many people are being tested. Fig.13 In the example of (B), in region R A There is 1 person 13 in the area, but in area R B There is no one inside. Fig.13 In the example of (C), in region R B There is 1 person 13 in the area, but in area R A There is no one inside.

[0161] <Insert release processing>

[0162] Next, the insertion release process will be described.

[0163] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the "interruption release process" according to the embodiment of the present invention. The program of the interruption release process is read out from the ROM 12B by the CPU 12A of the information processing unit 12 and executed (see Figure 1 ).

[0164] The program of insert release processing starts when the notification insert operation is completed. In addition, when the insert release processing starts, the CPU starts measuring time.

[0165] First, in step S300, the CPU checks whether the processing mode is the insert mode. There is also a case where the insert user cancels the insert and returns to the normal mode after the insert operation is completed. In the case where the processing mode is the insert mode, the process proceeds to step S302. In the case where the normal mode is returned, the routine is terminated.

[0166] Next, in step S302, the CPU predicts, based on various prediction information, whether to continue the insert mode, to cancel the insert mode, or, if canceling the insert mode, which canceling method will be used.

[0167] Fig.10 : is a schematic diagram showing the prediction results. The prediction results are first divided into the case of continuing the insertion mode and the case of releasing the insertion mode. In the present embodiment, the release methods are "real-time release", "release with the first condition", and "release with the second condition". In the order of real-time release > release with the first condition > release with the second condition, the possibility of releasing the insertion mode is from high to low. Each release method is briefly described. In addition, the detailed order of each release method will be described below (refer to Fig.14 ).

[0168] In "real-time cancellation", after the interrupt operation is completed, the CPU cancels the interrupt mode in real time and switches to the normal mode, and restarts the interrupted operation.

[0169] In the "cancellation with the first condition", the CPU cancels the insert mode in principle and starts preparing to restart the interrupted operation. After the insert operation is completed, the CPU cancels the insert mode and switches to the normal mode after a predetermined time has passed, and restarts the interrupted operation. When the CPU receives an instruction to continue the insert within a predetermined time, it continues the insert mode as an exception.

[0170] In the "cancellation with the second condition", the CPU generally continues the insert mode and starts preparing to restart the interrupted operation. If the additional trigger program does not occur within the predetermined time, the CPU continues the insert mode. If the additional trigger program occurs within the predetermined time, the CPU exceptionally cancels the insert mode and switches to the normal mode to restart the interrupted operation.

[0171] In any of the release methods of real-time release, release with the first condition, and release with the second condition, if the state is reached where the insert mode can be released even without an explicit instruction such as pressing the insert button by the insert user, the insert mode is automatically released.

[0172] In "Real-time release", the insertion mode is released as soon as the insertion operation is completed. In "Release with the first condition", the insertion mode is released as long as there is no instruction to continue the insertion mode and the predetermined time has passed. In "Release with the second condition", the insertion mode is released as long as an additional trigger is generated within the predetermined time.

[0173] Next, in step S304, the CPU determines whether to continue the insert mode based on the prediction result obtained in step S302. If the insert mode is not continued, the routine proceeds to step S306. If the insert mode is continued, no operation is required, so the routine ends.

[0174] Next, in step S306, the CPU executes "automatic release processing" and ends the routine. In the "automatic release processing", the interrupt mode is released using the release method predicted in step S302.

[0175] (Continuation factors / Release factors, etc.)

[0176] Fig.12 : is a graph showing an example of prediction information used as a material for determination in Embodiment 1. The prediction information includes internal state information which is information showing the internal state of the device, and external state information which is information showing the external state of the device.

[0177] Internal state information is stored in Figure 1 The memory 12D and the like are located in the storage device inside the information processing unit 12. As the internal state information, management information of jobs such as a job management table can be cited.

[0178] The external state information is information detected by a detection unit located outside the information processing unit 12. Examples of the external state information include document detection information and human detection information.

[0179] As examples of each prediction information, a “continuation factor” suggesting continuation of interruption, a “release factor” suggesting release of interruption, and “waiting user information” suggesting the presence of a waiting user are exemplified.

[0180] As "continuation factors", there may be other jobs that the user has inserted, other jobs that the user has recently registered, there are originals on the document glass, there are originals on the automatic document feeder, there are originals on both the document glass and the automatic document feeder, there are people in the photographic area, there are people near the operation panel, etc.

[0181] As "releasing factors", there may be other operations without an interrupting user, other operations accepted by a normal user after switching to interrupt mode, no originals on both the document glass and the automatic document feeding device, no one in the photographic area, and no one near the output unit.

[0182] Examples of the “standby user information” include jobs waiting to be output, new jobs received, high operation rate, and the presence of two or more people in the imaging area.

[0183] (Prediction Processing)

[0184] Next, Fig. 9 The “prediction processing” performed in step S302 is described below.

[0185] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the “prediction process”.

[0186] First, in step S400 , the CPU obtains prediction information including internal state information and external state information.

[0187] Next, in step S402, the CPU predicts whether to continue the interrupt mode.

[0188] If there is no "continue factor" in the acquired internal state information, the CPU predicts that the insert mode will not be continued, and proceeds to step S404. If there is a "continue factor" in the acquired internal state information, the CPU predicts that the insert mode will be continued, and proceeds to step S410.

[0189] Next, in step S404, the CPU predicts whether the interrupt mode can also be released in real time.

[0190] If there is no "continue factor" in the acquired internal state information and there is a "cancel factor" in the acquired external state information, the routine proceeds to step S406. In this case, it is predicted that the insert mode will not be continued, and there is no problem even if the insert mode is canceled, so in step S406, the CPU predicts that the cancel method is "real-time cancel", and ends the routine.

[0191] If there is no "continue factor" in the acquired internal state information and no "cancel factor" in the acquired external state information, the routine proceeds to step S408. In this case, it is predicted that the insert mode will not be continued, but it cannot be completely determined that there will be no problem even if the insert mode is canceled, so in step S408, the CPU predicts that the cancel method is "cancel with the first condition" and ends the routine.

[0192] Next, in step S410 , the CPU predicts whether the interrupt mode needs to be released.

[0193] When there is a "continue factor" in the acquired internal state information and there is no "standby user information" in the acquired prediction information, the routine proceeds to step S414. In this case, it is predicted that the insert mode will continue and the insert mode should not be released, so in step S414, the CPU predicts "continue" and ends the routine.

[0194] If the acquired internal state information contains "continuation factor" and the acquired prediction information contains "standby user information", the routine proceeds to step S412. In this case, although the insertion mode is predicted to continue, the insertion mode needs to be released because the standby user who is waiting to release the insertion mode is waiting, so in step S412, the CPU predicts that the release method is "release with the second condition", and ends the routine.

[0195] A specific example of the prediction process will be described below.

[0196] -Example 1-

[0197] Example 1 is an example of predicting "real-time release".

[0198] Insertion: When other jobs are being executed, the user operates the insert button to switch to the insert mode and instructs to execute the copy job as an insert job. When the copy job is completed, the CPU of the device is notified of the completion. The CPU confirms the prediction information.

[0199] Here, the following forecast information is obtained.

[0200] No other operations that interfere with the user (internal status information / release factors)

[0201] There is no document on either the document glass or the automatic document feeder (external status information / relief factor)

[0202] ·Insert the user's standing position as the output unit periphery (external status information / release factor)

[0203] The CPU makes a prediction based on the prediction information obtained. The prediction information obtained, as recorded in the brackets, all meets the release factors. Since there is no continuation factor in the internal state information, the CPU predicts that the insert mode will not be continued. Since there is a release factor in the external state information, the CPU predicts that the insert mode will be released by "real-time release".

[0204] -Example 2-

[0205] Example 2 is an example of predicting "release with the first condition".

[0206] Insertion: When other jobs are being executed, the user operates the insert button to switch to the insert mode and instructs to execute the copy job as an insert job. When the copy job is completed, the CPU of the device is notified of the completion. The CPU confirms the prediction information.

[0207] Here, the following forecast information is obtained.

[0208] No other operations that interfere with the user (internal status information / release factors)

[0209] There is an original on the document glass (external status information / continue factor)

[0210] Insert the user's standing position as the periphery of the operation panel (external status information / continuation factor)

[0211] The CPU makes a prediction based on the prediction information obtained. The prediction information obtained meets the release factor or the continuation factor as described in the brackets. Since there is no continuation factor in the internal state information, the CPU predicts that the insert mode will not be continued. Since there is no release factor in the external state information, the CPU predicts that the insert mode will be released by "release with the first condition".

[0212] -Example 3-

[0213] Example 3 is an example of predicting "continue".

[0214] The user operates the interrupt button during the execution of other jobs to switch to the interrupt mode and instruct to execute the accumulated print job as the interrupt job. When the accumulated print job is completed, the CPU of the device is notified of the completion. The CPU confirms the prediction information.

[0215] Here, the following forecast information is obtained.

[0216] There are other jobs of the inserted user, and they are registered at a time close to the completed inserted job (internal status information / continuation factor)

[0217] There is no document on either the document glass or the automatic document feeder (external status information / relief factor)

[0218] ·Insert the user's standing position as the output unit periphery (external status information / release factor)

[0219] The CPU makes a prediction based on the prediction information obtained. The prediction information obtained corresponds to the release factor or the continuation factor as described in the brackets. Since there is a continuation factor in the internal state information and there is no standby user, the CPU predicts that the interrupt mode will be continued.

[0220] -Example 4-

[0221] Example 4 is an example of predicting "release with the second condition".

[0222] The user operates the interrupt button during the execution of other jobs to switch to the interrupt mode and instruct to execute the accumulated print job as the interrupt job. When the accumulated print job is completed, the CPU of the device is notified of the completion. The CPU confirms the prediction information.

[0223] Here, the following forecast information is obtained.

[0224] There are other jobs of the interrupting user registered at a time close to the executed job (internal status information / continuation factor)

[0225] There is no document on either the document glass or the automatic document feeder (external status information / relief factor)

[0226] ·Insert the user's standing position as the output unit periphery (external status information / release factor)

[0227] ·Accepting other users' jobs after switching to interrupt mode (internal status information / standby user information)

[0228] The CPU makes a prediction based on the acquired prediction information. The acquired prediction information corresponds to the release factor, the continuation factor, and the waiting user information as described in the brackets. Although the internal state information includes the continuation factor, there are ordinary users waiting for the insertion mode to be released, so the CPU predicts that the insertion mode will be released by "release with the second condition".

[0229] (Insert release processing)

[0230] Next, Fig. 9 The “automatic release processing” executed in step S306 is described below. Fig.14 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of "automatic release processing". Fig. 9 In step S302, it is predicted whether the release method is real-time release, release with the first condition, or release with the second condition. In this embodiment, the release method is flexibly changed according to the internal state and external state of the device.

[0231] First, in step S500, the CPU determines whether the release method is "real-time release". In the case where the release method is "real-time release", the CPU proceeds to step S502. The CPU performs "real-time release processing" in steps S502 to S506, and ends the routine. In the case where the release method is other release methods, the CPU proceeds to step S508.

[0232] In the case where the "real-time release" is not met and the routine proceeds to step S508, the CPU determines in step S508 whether the release method is "release with the first condition". In the case where the release method is "release with the first condition", the CPU proceeds to step S510. The CPU executes "release processing with the first condition" in steps S510 to S521, and ends the routine. In the case where the release method is another release method, the CPU proceeds to step S522.

[0233] If the release method does not match either "real-time release" or "release with the first condition" and the process proceeds to step S522, the release method is "release with the second condition." The CPU executes "release processing with the second condition" in steps S522 to S533 and ends the routine.

[0234] Each release method is described below.

[0235] -Real-time release processing-

[0236] In step S502, the CPU cancels the interrupt mode in real time and changes the processing mode to the normal mode. Then, in step S504, the CPU prepares to restart the interrupted operation. Then, in step S506, the CPU instructs to restart the interrupted operation and ends the routine.

[0237] -Release processing with the first condition-

[0238] In step S510, the CPU starts preparations to resume the interrupted operation. Next, in step S512, the CPU displays a confirmation screen for confirming the intention to continue the insert mode. The confirmation screen includes a continue button for instructing to continue the insert mode.

[0239] Fig.15 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. When the insertion operation is completed, the home screen 200 as a standby screen is displayed on the operation panel. In the example shown in the figure, the confirmation screen 300 is displayed superimposed on the home screen 200. On the home screen 200, a mark 202 indicating that the insertion is in progress is displayed.

[0240] The confirmation screen 300 includes a message 302, a return button 304 for instructing to return to the home screen, and a continue button 306 for instructing to continue. In the case of "cancellation with the first condition", as the message 302, a message conveying the intention to cancel the insert mode, such as "Insertion will be canceled in 5 seconds. Do you want to continue inserting?", or a message confirming the intention to continue the insert mode is displayed.

[0241] Next, in step S514, the CPU determines whether the Continue button is pressed. If the Continue button is pressed, since the Insert mode is not released, the CPU will suspend preparations for restarting the interrupted operation in step S521, and then terminate the routine. If the Continue button is not pressed, proceed to step S516.

[0242] Next, in step S516, the CPU determines whether a predetermined time has passed after the insertion operation is completed. If the predetermined time has not passed, the process returns to step S514. If the continue button has not been pressed and the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to step S518.

[0243] Here, the predetermined time is set as the "first waiting time". The first waiting time is set in the range of 10 seconds to 5 minutes to reduce the waiting time of ordinary users. The first waiting time can also be set to 1 minute, for example. Fig.15 In the example shown, the message 302 notifying the remaining time (5 seconds) in the first waiting time is displayed on the confirmation screen 300, but the time elapsed from the time of the completion notification of the insertion job may be displayed.

[0244] Next, in step S518, the CPU cancels the interrupt mode and changes the processing mode to the normal mode. Next, in step S520, the CPU instructs to restart the interrupted operation and ends the routine.

[0245] Even if the user forgets to cancel the interrupt mode, the interrupt mode will be automatically canceled after a predetermined time has passed. In addition, when the interrupt mode is changed, the interrupted operation is ready to be restarted. After the interrupt mode is changed, the interrupted operation can be quickly restarted.

[0246] -Release processing with the second condition-

[0247] In step S522, the CPU starts preparing to restart the interrupted operation. Next, in step S526, the CPU obtains new prediction information and determines whether an additional trigger has been generated. If an additional trigger has been generated, the process proceeds to step S528. If no additional trigger has been generated, the process proceeds to step S530.

[0248] As additional triggers, user switching such as logging in or out, subsequent changes in the state of the device, etc. can be listed. As subsequent changes in the internal state of the device, the acceptance of a new job can be listed. As subsequent changes in the external state of the device, the disappearance of a person near the output unit can be listed.

[0249] Next, in step S528, the CPU determines whether a predetermined time has passed after the insertion operation is completed. If the predetermined time has not passed, the routine returns to step S526. If the predetermined time has passed without an additional trigger being generated, the CPU terminates the routine in step S533 after suspending preparations for restarting the interrupted operation because the insertion mode is not released.

[0250] Here, the predetermined time is set as the "second waiting time". The second waiting time is set in the range of 10 seconds to 5 minutes, similar to the first waiting time, to reduce the waiting time of ordinary users. The second waiting time may be set to 1 minute, for example.

[0251] When the additional trigger is generated and the process proceeds to step S530, in step S530, the CPU cancels the interrupt mode and changes the processing mode to the normal mode. Then, in step S532, the CPU instructs to restart the interrupted operation and ends the routine. As with the cancellation with the first condition, preparations for restarting the interrupted operation are ready, and after the process changes to the normal mode, the CPU quickly instructs to restart the interrupted operation.

[0252] <Second embodiment>

[0253] In the second embodiment, the prediction information serving as the material for determination includes “operation history information”.

[0254] Fig.16 This is a chart showing an example of prediction information that serves as a judgment material in the second embodiment. "Operation history information" includes, for example, a history related to the operation of insert release, a history related to the output operation of accumulated printing, etc. Based on the user's usual operations, the user's next action is predicted and used as a judgment material.

[0255] The continuation factor may be a tendency to accumulate jobs and output them all at once on the same day (accumulated printing / collective output), etc. If the interrupting user tends to use accumulated printing and collective output, it is predicted that the interruption will continue and other jobs will continue to be executed.

[0256] As the release factor, there are the tendency to output immediately after the accumulation job (direct printing), the tendency to allow a long time to pass without operation during the insertion process (forgetting to release), etc. If the insertion user tends to output every time without using accumulation printing, it is predicted that the insertion will continue and other jobs will not be continued. In addition, if the insertion user tends to forget to release, it is predicted that only the insertion is forgotten to be released and other jobs will not be continued.

[0257] In the second embodiment, Fig.11 The judgment criterion of step S402 of the "prediction process" is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0258] In the first embodiment, in step S402, the CPU predicts whether to continue the insertion by whether there is a "continuation factor" in the acquired internal state information. In step S404, the CPU predicts whether the insertion can also be released by whether there is a "release factor" in the acquired external state information.

[0259] In contrast, in the second embodiment, in step S402 , the CPU predicts whether to continue the insertion based on whether there is a “continuation factor” in the acquired internal state information or a “release factor” in the acquired operation history information.

[0260] Furthermore, in step S404, the CPU predicts whether the interruption can be released by checking whether there is a "release factor" in the acquired external state information, which is the same as the first embodiment.

[0261] If there is no "continuation factor" in the acquired internal state information, it is predicted that the insertion will not be continued, and the process proceeds to step S404. If there is a "continuation factor" in the acquired internal state information, it is checked whether there is a "release factor" in the operation history information.

[0262] Even when there is a "continue factor" in the internal state information, when there is a "release factor" in the operation history information, it is predicted that the insertion will not be continued, and the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, when there is a "continue factor" in the internal state information and there is no "release factor" in the operation history information, it is predicted that the insertion will be continued, and the process proceeds to step S410.

[0263] A specific example of the prediction process will be described below.

[0264] -Example 5-

[0265] Example 5 is an example of predicting "release with the first condition".

[0266] The user operates the interrupt button during the execution of other jobs to switch to the interrupt mode and instruct to execute the accumulated print job as the interrupt job. When the accumulated print job is completed, the CPU of the device is notified of the completion. The CPU confirms the prediction information.

[0267] Here, the following forecast information is obtained.

[0268] Other jobs of the inserted user registered several hours ago (internal status information / continuation factors)

[0269] There is no document on either the document glass or the automatic document feeder (external status information / relief factor)

[0270] ·Insert the user's standing position as the output unit periphery (external status information / release factor)

[0271] Output immediately after the accumulation operation (operation history information / release factors)

[0272] · There are many cases where a long time has passed without any operation during the insertion process (operation history information / release factor)

[0273] The CPU makes a prediction based on the prediction information obtained. The prediction information obtained is consistent with the release factor or the continuation factor as recorded in the brackets. Although there is a continuation factor in the internal state information, it is often forgotten to cancel, etc., and there is a release factor in the operation history information, so the CPU predicts that the insertion will not be continued. Since there is a release factor in the external state information, the CPU predicts that the insertion mode will be released by "release with the first condition".

[0274] <Third embodiment>

[0275] In the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the prediction information includes "operation history information". Fig.11 The judgment criterion of step S410 of the "prediction process" is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0276] In the first embodiment, in step S402, the CPU predicts whether to continue the interruption by whether there is a "continuation factor" in the acquired internal state information. In step S410, the CPU predicts whether the interruption needs to be released by whether there is "standby user information" in the acquired prediction information.

[0277] On the other hand, in the third embodiment, in step S410 , the CPU predicts whether or not the interruption needs to be released based on whether or not there is a “release factor” in the acquired operation history information.

[0278] like Fig.16 As shown in the example, if there is a tendency to accumulate jobs and output them all at once on the same day (accumulated printing / total output), it is expected that they will be output all at once even if they are interrupted jobs, so it corresponds to the "continuation factor". On the other hand, if there is a tendency to output immediately after accumulating jobs (direct printing), it is expected that they will be output one by one even if they are interrupted jobs, so it corresponds to the "release factor".

[0279] Furthermore, in step S402, the CPU predicts whether to continue the insertion based on whether there is a "continuation factor" in the acquired internal state information, which is the same as the first embodiment.

[0280] If the acquired internal state information contains a "continue factor" and the acquired operation history information contains no "cancel factor", the process proceeds to step S414. In this case, since there is no need to cancel the interruption, the CPU predicts "continue" in step S414 and ends the routine.

[0281] If the acquired internal state information contains "continuation factor" and the acquired operation history information contains "release factor", the routine proceeds to step S412. In this case, since the interruption needs to be released, the CPU predicts that the release method is "release with the second condition" in step S412, and ends the routine.

[0282] A specific example of the prediction process will be described below.

[0283] -Example 6-

[0284] Example 6 is an example of predicting "release with the second condition".

[0285] The user operates the interrupt button during the execution of other jobs to switch to the interrupt mode and instruct to execute the accumulated print job as the interrupt job. When the accumulated print job is completed, the CPU of the device is notified of the completion. The CPU confirms the prediction information.

[0286] Here, the following forecast information is obtained.

[0287] Other jobs of the inserted user registered several hours ago (internal status information / continuation factors)

[0288] There is no document on either the document glass or the automatic document feeder (external status information / relief factor)

[0289] ·Insert the user's standing position as the output unit periphery (external status information / release factor)

[0290] Output immediately after the accumulation operation (operation history information / release factors)

[0291] The CPU makes a prediction based on the prediction information obtained. The prediction information obtained corresponds to a release factor or a continuation factor as described in the parentheses. The internal state information has a continuation factor, and the CPU predicts that the insert mode will continue, but the accumulation printing function will not be used. The operation history information has a release factor, so the CPU predicts that the insert mode will be released by "release with the second condition".

[0292] In the third embodiment, when the acquired operation history information contains a "release factor", the CPU predicts that the insertion needs to be released (release with the second condition), but when the acquired operation history information contains a "continue factor", it can also be predicted that the insertion does not need to be released (continue).

[0293] <Fourth embodiment>

[0294] In the fourth embodiment, the prediction information serving as the material for determination includes "information indicating the internal state of the device before insertion (internal state information before insertion)". Fig.17This is a table showing an example of prediction information that serves as a material for determination in Embodiment 4. Examples of the standby user information include a case where the user is inserted during output and a case where the user is inserted during login.

[0295] exist Fig.11 In step S410, the CPU predicts whether the interruption needs to be released by determining whether the "standby user information" is included in the acquired prediction information, which is the same as the first embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the standby user information is acquired from the internal state information before the interruption.

[0296] like Fig.17 As illustrated, when the interrupt mode is changed during the execution of the copy job, it is predicted that there are general users waiting for the interrupt to be released.

[0297] A specific example of the prediction process will be described below.

[0298] -Example 7-

[0299] Example 7 is an example of predicting "release with the second condition".

[0300] Insertion: During the execution of the copy job, the user operates the insert button to switch to the insert mode and instructs the execution of the accumulated print job as the insert job. When the accumulated print job is completed, the CPU of the device is notified of the completion. The CPU confirms the prediction information.

[0301] Here, the following forecast information is obtained.

[0302] Other jobs that have been inserted by the user (internal status information / continuation factors)

[0303] There is no document on either the document glass or the automatic document feeder (external status information / relief factor)

[0304] ·Insert the user's standing position as the output unit periphery (external status information / release factor)

[0305] ・Change to insert mode during copy job execution (internal status information before insert / standby user information)

[0306] The CPU makes a prediction based on the prediction information obtained. The prediction information obtained corresponds to the release factor, the continuation factor, and the standby user information as described in the brackets. The internal state information contains the continuation factor, and the CPU predicts that the insertion will continue. However, since the insertion mode is changed during the copy operation, the internal state information before the insertion contains the standby user information, so the CPU predicts that the insertion mode will be released by "release with the second condition".

[0307] <Fifth embodiment>

[0308] In the "cancellation with the first condition" of the first embodiment, if a predetermined time has passed without receiving an instruction to continue the insertion, the insertion is canceled. In the fifth embodiment, in the "cancellation with the first condition", similar to the "cancellation with the second condition", if an additional trigger is generated within a predetermined time, the insertion is also canceled.

[0309] Fig.18 is a flowchart showing another example of the process of the "automatic release process" of the fifth embodiment. Fig.14 Step S515 is inserted between step S514 and step S516 to form Fig.14 Since the flowcharts shown are the same, the same parts are denoted by the same symbols and the description thereof is omitted.

[0310] In step S515, the CPU determines whether an additional trigger is generated. For example, the CPU obtains new prediction information and determines whether at least one of the internal state and the external state of the device has changed afterwards.

[0311] If an additional trigger is generated, the process proceeds to step S518 without waiting for a predetermined time to elapse. If an additional trigger is not generated, the process proceeds to step S516.

[0312] Next, in step S516, the CPU determines whether a predetermined time has passed after the insertion operation is completed. If the predetermined time has not passed, the process returns to step S514. If the Continue button is not pressed within the predetermined time and an additional trigger is generated, or if the Continue button is not pressed within the predetermined time and an additional trigger is not generated but the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to step S518.

[0313] In the fifth embodiment, when the insert mode is released, there are two situations: (1) there is no instruction to continue the insert mode and no additional trigger program is generated, and a predetermined time has passed; (2) there is no instruction to continue the insert mode within the predetermined time and an additional trigger program is generated.

[0314] In case (1), the insert mode is considered to be cancelable after a predetermined time has passed, and the insert mode is canceled. In case (2), the insert mode is considered to be cancelable when an additional trigger is generated, and the insert mode is canceled.

[0315] <Modification>

[0316] Furthermore, the configurations of the information processing device and the program described in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it is apparent that the configurations may be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0317] In the above-described embodiment, a case where the interruption release process is implemented by software has been described, but an equivalent process may be implemented by hardware.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising a processor for instructing an image forming device, wherein The processor Instructing: when an interrupt instruction is accepted, changing the processing mode of the image forming apparatus from a normal mode in which jobs are executed in the order in which they are accepted to an interrupt mode in which the job being executed is interrupted and the interrupt job is executed first; and The following instruction is given: after the insertion operation is completed, a method for releasing the insertion mode is predicted based on information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, and the processing mode is changed from the insertion mode to the normal mode according to the release method, wherein The release method is a release method with a first condition, The release method with the first condition is to release the insertion mode after the waiting time has passed, if no instruction to continue the insertion mode is received and no additional trigger program that becomes a factor for releasing the insertion mode is generated within a predetermined waiting time after the insertion operation is completed, and or, If an instruction to continue the insert mode is not accepted within the waiting time after the insert operation is completed and an additional trigger that is a factor for canceling the insert mode is generated, the insert mode is canceled when the additional trigger is generated.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The processor When it is concluded from the information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus that there is no factor for continuing the interruption and no factor for canceling the interruption in real time, it is predicted that the canceling method is the canceling method with the first condition.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The processor After the insertion operation is completed, before an instruction to switch to the normal mode is given, Start preparing to resume the interrupted operation.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein The information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is information on whether or not a job other than the insertion job is accepted by the user who issued the insertion instruction.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is information on whether or not a job is accepted by a user other than the user who issued the interrupt instruction.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is information on whether a document is detected, which is acquired from an external detection unit.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is information related to a detection result of a person in a designated area around the image forming apparatus, acquired from an external detection unit.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is information related to an operation history of a user who issued the insertion instruction.

9. A recording medium recording a program for causing a computer for instructing an image forming apparatus to execute the following instructions: When an interrupt instruction is accepted, changing the processing mode of the image forming apparatus from a normal mode in which jobs are executed in the order in which they are accepted to an interrupt mode in which the job being executed is interrupted and the interrupt job is executed first; and After the insertion operation is completed, a method for releasing the insertion mode is predicted based on information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, and the processing mode is changed from the insertion mode to the normal mode according to the release method, wherein The release method is a release method with a first condition, The release method with the first condition is to release the insertion mode after the waiting time has passed, if no instruction to continue the insertion mode is received and no additional trigger program that becomes a factor for releasing the insertion mode is generated within a predetermined waiting time after the insertion operation is completed, and or, If an instruction to continue the insert mode is not accepted within the waiting time after the insert operation is completed and an additional trigger that is a factor for canceling the insert mode is generated, the insert mode is canceled when the additional trigger is generated.

10. A computer program product, comprising a program for causing a computer for instructing an image forming apparatus to execute the following instructions: When an interrupt instruction is accepted, changing the processing mode of the image forming apparatus from a normal mode in which jobs are executed in the order in which they are accepted to an interrupt mode in which the job being executed is interrupted and the interrupt job is executed first; and After the insertion operation is completed, a method for releasing the insertion mode is predicted based on information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, and the processing mode is changed from the insertion mode to the normal mode according to the release method, wherein The release method is a release method with a first condition, The release method with the first condition is to release the insertion mode after the waiting time has passed, if no instruction to continue the insertion mode is received and no additional trigger program that becomes a factor for releasing the insertion mode is generated within a predetermined waiting time after the insertion operation is completed, and or, If an instruction to continue the insert mode is not accepted within the waiting time after the insert operation is completed and an additional trigger that is a factor for canceling the insert mode is generated, the insert mode is canceled when the additional trigger is generated.

Images