Information processing system, information processing method, and computer readable medium

Abstract

The invention discloses an information processing system, an information processing method and a computer readable medium, and the information processing system is provided with a processor. When an instruction to switch a mode in which a job is executed from a first mode to a second mode in which the job is executed under an operation condition in which an operation sound is smaller than that of the first mode is issued, the processor switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode. And notifying a user indicating execution of a job having the possibility of executing at least a part of the second mode of a situation in which an indication of mode switching is issued.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method and a computer readable medium. Background Art

[0002] There is known an apparatus having a function of switching between a normal mode when executing a job (eg, copying, printing, scanning, etc.) and a silent mode in which the job is executed under an operating condition with less operating noise than in the normal mode.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-152760 describes an image forming apparatus having a function of switching between a standard operation mode and a low-noise operation mode, wherein printing is performed based on an instruction from an operation unit in the standard operation mode.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-068293 describes an image forming apparatus that, when an instruction to switch to a normal mode is received during execution of a job in a silent mode, executes processing in a mode for quickly ending the job. Summary of the invention

[0005] However, sometimes a user different from the user who instructed the execution of the job wants to set the mode to the silent mode. In this case, if the mode is switched without notifying the user who instructed the execution of the job, the job may be executed in the silent mode while the user who instructed the execution of the job is unaware of the mode switch. Generally speaking, the processing speed in the silent mode is slower than the processing speed in the normal mode. Therefore, sometimes, contrary to the intention of the user who instructed the execution of the job, the time required until the job is completed is long.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed while a user who has instructed execution of a job is unaware of mode switching.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising a processor which, when an instruction is issued to switch a mode of executing a job from a first mode to a second mode of executing the job under action conditions in which an action sound is smaller than that in the first mode, notifies a user who has indicated the execution of a job having the possibility of being executed at least in part in the second mode of the issuance of the mode switching instruction.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system according to the first aspect, the processor requests permission for mode switching from the user, and executes the job in the second mode with the permission of the user.

[0009] According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system based on the first or second aspect, the job that has the possibility of being executed in the second mode is the job that is being executed when the instruction to switch the mode from the first mode to the second mode is issued, and the job that is scheduled to be executed after the time when the instruction to switch is issued.

[0010] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system based on the second aspect, the processor executes the job instructed by the user in the first mode when the user refuses permission, and switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode after the execution of the job instructed by the user is completed.

[0011] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system based on the second aspect, the processor executes the job instructed by the user in the first mode without obtaining a response of permission from the user, and switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode after the execution of the job instructed by the user is completed.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system based on the second aspect, when multiple users indicate the execution of a job that has the possibility of being executed in the second mode, the processor requests permission for mode switching from the multiple users, and when there is a user who has refused permission among the multiple users, the processor executes in the first mode the job that the user who refused permission indicated to be executed and the job that was executed before the job that the user who refused permission instructed to be executed.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system according to the sixth aspect, the processor executes, in the second mode, a job to be executed after a job instructed to be executed by a user who has denied permission.

[0014] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in an information processing system based on any one of the first to seventh aspects, when the processor receives an indication of a mode switch, if the job being executed at the time when the processor receives the indication of the mode switch ends within a predetermined time from the time, the processor does not notify the user who indicated the execution of the job being executed at the time that the indication of the mode switch was issued.

[0015] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in an information processing system based on any one of the first to eighth aspects, it also has: a device body, which performs tasks; and a switching device, which is arranged on the device body and is used to indicate the switching of modes, and the processor accepts instructions provided using the switching device.

[0016] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program causing a computer to perform processing, wherein, when an instruction is issued to switch a mode of executing a job from a first mode to a second mode of executing the job under action conditions in which an action sound is smaller than that of the first mode, the user who has indicated the execution of a job having the possibility of being executed at least in part in the second mode is notified of the fact that the mode switching instruction has been issued.

[0017] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method, wherein, when an instruction is issued to switch a mode of executing a job from a first mode to a second mode of executing the job under action conditions in which an action sound is smaller than that of the first mode, the fact that the instruction of mode switching has been issued is notified to a user who has indicated the execution of a job having the possibility of being executed at least in part in the second mode.

[0018] (Effect)

[0019] According to the first, tenth, and eleventh aspects, it is possible to prevent the job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed while the user who has instructed execution of the job is unaware of the mode switching.

[0020] According to the second aspect, it is possible to suppress a situation in which a job is executed in a mode with a slow processing speed contrary to the intention of the user who has instructed execution of the job.

[0021] According to the third aspect, for jobs being executed at the time when the mode switching instruction is issued, and jobs scheduled to be executed after that time, it is possible to prevent the job from being executed in a mode with a slower processing speed during the period when the user who instructed the execution of the job is unaware of the mode switching.

[0022] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to suppress execution of a job in a mode with a slower processing speed contrary to the intention of the user who has refused permission for mode switching, and to execute the job in the second mode after execution of the job is completed.

[0023] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress the situation where a job is executed in a mode with a slower processing speed contrary to the intention of the user who has not indicated whether to allow the mode switch, and at the same time, the job can be executed in the second mode after the execution of the job is completed.

[0024] According to the sixth aspect, by executing in the first mode a job that is executed before a job instructed to be executed by a user who has refused permission to switch modes, it is possible to suppress a delay in the execution of the job of the user.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect, when multiple users instruct to execute a job, it is possible to suppress delay in the execution of the job of the user who refuses permission to switch modes, and at the same time, the job can be executed in the second mode after the execution of the job is completed.

[0026] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to prevent a notification that may be unnecessary for a user who has instructed execution of a job from being sent to the user.

[0027] According to the ninth aspect, the user can instruct the switching of the mode with a smaller number of operations than when the user instructs the switching of the mode by operating the operation panel provided on the device body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the overall system of an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of hardware of a terminal device;

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the process flow of Example 1;

[0033] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the process flow of Example 2;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the process flow of Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The overall system configuration of the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entire system according to the embodiment.

[0036] The overall system of the embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10 and one or more terminal devices.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the terminal devices 12A, 12B, ..., 12N are included in the overall system. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the terminal devices 12A, 12B, ..., 12N, the terminal devices 12A, 12B, ..., 12N are referred to as "terminal devices 12".

[0038] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, a plurality of terminal devices 12 are included in the overall system, but the number of terminal devices 12 included in the overall system may be one. A plurality of image forming devices 10 may also be included in the overall system. Devices other than the image forming device 10 and the terminal device 12 may also be included in the overall system.

[0039] The image forming device 10 and the terminal device 12 communicate with other devices via a communication path N. The communication path N is, for example, a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication path N can be constructed by wired communication or by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication path N can also be short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier).

[0040] The image forming device 10 is a printer, a scanner, a copier, a fax machine, or a multifunction machine (for example, a device having the functions of multiple devices such as a printer, a scanner, and a copier). The image forming device 10 executes jobs such as a print job, a scan job, and a copy job. For example, when a user instructs the image forming device 10 to execute a job by operating the image forming device 10, the image forming device 10 executes the job according to the instruction. In addition, when the image forming device 10 receives an instruction to execute a job from the terminal device 12, it executes the job.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 10 has a normal mode and a silent mode as modes for executing a job. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 has a normal function and a silent function as functions for executing a job.

[0042] The silent mode is a mode in which work is performed under operating conditions with less operating noise than in the normal mode. In the silent mode, power consumption and noise are reduced compared to the normal mode. An example of the silent mode is described below.

[0043] For example, in the normal mode, a function of adjusting the inclination of paper using hardware (e.g., registration using hardware) is performed. In the silent mode, registration using hardware is not performed. Since hardware is not used, the accuracy of inclination adjustment is reduced compared to the case of performing registration using hardware, but power consumption and noise are reduced. For example, in the silent mode, a function of adjusting the inclination of an image generated by reading a manuscript (e.g., registration based on software) is performed.

[0044] For example, in the normal mode, when ejecting a paper with an image formed thereon, a process of aligning the paper using hardware is performed, but in the silent mode, such a process is not performed. For example, in the silent mode, the pressure plate assembly and the presser for pressing the paper do not operate, or the number of operations thereof is set to be less than that in the normal mode. Thus, in the silent mode, the accuracy of the ejection position of the paper is reduced compared to the normal mode, but the power consumption and noise are reduced.

[0045] For example, when a post-processing device (e.g., a device for binding or a device for making a booklet) is provided in the image forming apparatus 10, the preparation time for performing the post-processing is set longer in the silent mode than in the normal mode. Thus, in the silent mode, the time to complete the post-processing is longer than in the normal mode, but the noise is reduced. In this case, the processing speed of the job in the silent mode is slower than the processing speed of the job in the normal mode.

[0046] For example, in the silent mode, the interval of feeding paper is reduced compared with the normal mode. For example, in the silent mode, the speed of feeding paper is set lower than that in the normal mode. Thus, in the silent mode, the processing speed of the job is reduced compared with the normal mode, but the noise is reduced. In this case, the processing speed of the job in the silent mode is slower than that in the normal mode.

[0047] The above example is only an example. For example, the use of the automatic document feeder may be permitted in the normal mode, but not permitted in the silent mode. Thus, in the silent mode, the processing speed of the job is reduced compared to the normal mode, but the power consumption and noise are reduced.

[0048] In the silent mode, the fixing temperature can also be set lower than that in the normal mode. Thus, in the silent mode, the processing speed of the job is lowered compared to the normal mode, but the power consumption is reduced.

[0049] Alternatively, the use of the post-processing device may be permitted in the normal mode, but not permitted in the silent mode. Thus, in the silent mode, power consumption and noise are reduced compared to the normal mode.

[0050] The above-mentioned actions and processes in the silent mode are merely examples, and one of the above-mentioned multiple actions and processes may be executed, or multiple actions and processes may be executed.

[0051] The normal mode corresponds to an example of the first mode, and the silent mode corresponds to an example of the second mode.

[0052] The terminal device 12 is a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a tablet PC, a smart phone or a mobile phone, etc. For example, when a user instructs the image forming device 10 to execute a job by operating the terminal device 12, the terminal device 12 sends job control information to the image forming device 10 via the communication path N. For example, the job control information includes information indicating the content of the job, the conditions of the job, and the execution instructions. In addition, the job control information includes identification information of the terminal device 12 that instructs the execution of the job. When the image forming device 10 receives the job control information from the terminal device 12, it executes the job indicated by the job control information.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0054] The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 14 , a UI 16 , a communication device 18 , a switching device 20 , a memory 22 , and a processor 24 .

[0055] The image forming unit 14 has at least one of a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. In addition, the printing method and the scanning method are not particularly limited. For example, as the printing method, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal method, or a thermal transfer method can be used.

[0056] UI16 is a user interface, including a display and an operating device. The display is a liquid crystal display or an EL display, etc. The operating device is a keyboard, a mouse, an input key or an operating panel, etc. UI16 can also be a UI such as a touch panel (such as an operating panel) that has both a display and an operating device.

[0057] The communication device 18 includes one or more communication interfaces including a communication chip, a communication circuit, etc., and has the function of sending information to other devices and the function of receiving information from other devices. The communication device 18 may have a wireless communication function such as short-range wireless communication and Wi-Fi, or may have a wired communication function.

[0058] The switching device 20 is a device for the user to manually switch the mode for executing a job. For example, the switching device 20 is hardware such as a button, a switch, or a handle. When the mode of the image forming device 10 is the normal mode, when the user instructs the mode switch by operating the switching device 20, the image forming device 10 switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode. When the mode of the image forming device 10 is the silent mode, when the user instructs the mode switch by operating the switching device 20, the image forming device 10 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode. In addition, the image forming device 10 is equivalent to an example of a device body.

[0059] The memory 22 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. The memory 22 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various memories (such as RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (such as optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0060] The processor 24 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0061] For example, the processor 24 receives a job and executes the job. Specifically, the processor 24 receives a job and causes the image forming unit 14 to execute the job. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal mode, the processor 24 causes the image forming unit 14 to execute the job in the normal mode. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the silent mode, the processor 24 causes the image forming unit 14 to execute the job in the silent mode.

[0062] In addition, when the user instructs the switching of the mode by operating the switching device 20, the processor 24 switches the mode of the image forming device 10 according to the instruction. When the mode of the image forming device 10 is the normal mode, when the user instructs the switching of the mode by operating the switching device 20, the processor 24 switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode. When the mode of the image forming device 10 is the silent mode, when the user instructs the switching of the mode by operating the switching device 20, the processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode.

[0063] The switching of the mode may also be instructed by the terminal device 12. For example, when the user instructs the switching of the mode by operating the terminal device 12, the terminal device 12 sends information indicating the instruction to the image forming device 10. The processor 24 switches the mode according to the instruction. When the user instructs the image forming device 10 to execute a job using the terminal device 12, the user may specify the mode in which the job is to be executed. In this case, the terminal device 12 sends the image forming device 10 job control information including information indicating the mode specified by the user. The processor 24 switches the mode of the image forming device 10 to the mode specified by the user and executes the job.

[0064] When an instruction to switch the mode of executing a job from the normal mode to the silent mode is issued, the processor 24 notifies the user who has instructed to execute a job that has the possibility of executing at least a part in the silent mode that the instruction to switch the mode has been issued. For example, the processor 24 sends information indicating that the instruction to switch the mode has been issued to the terminal device 12 of the user. The information is displayed on the display of the terminal device 12, or is output as a sound from the speaker of the terminal device 12. Thus, the user who has instructed to execute the job can be informed that the instruction to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode has been provided.

[0065] Jobs that may be executed in the silent mode are jobs that are being executed when an instruction to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode is issued, and jobs that are scheduled to be executed after the switching instruction is issued.

[0066] For example, when the image forming device 10 executes a plurality of jobs, each of the plurality of jobs is executed in sequence. For example, the sequence is the sequence in which the image forming device 10 receives the jobs. The sequence may be changed by the user, or by interrupt processing. The predetermined jobs are jobs that are executed in the sequence after the switching instruction is issued.

[0067] The execution of a job can also be scheduled. For example, when the date, time, and moment of executing the job are specified and the execution of the job is instructed, the processor 24 executes the job at the specified date, time, and moment. In the case where the scheduled date, time, and moment is a date, time, and moment after the point in time when the switching instruction is issued, the scheduled job is equivalent to an example of the above-mentioned scheduled job.

[0068] For example, when user A instructs execution of a job such as a print job by operating the terminal device 12A, the image forming device 10 executes the job in sequence. When the mode when the execution of the job is instructed is the normal mode, when an instruction to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode is provided during the execution of the job, the processor 24 sends information indicating that the instruction to switch the mode has been issued to the terminal device 12A. Similarly, when the job is a job executed after the time when the instruction to switch is issued, the processor 24 sends information indicating that the instruction to switch the mode has been issued to the terminal device 12A.

[0069] Sometimes, multiple users instruct the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a job by operating their own terminal devices 12. In this case, when an instruction to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode is given, the processor 24 transmits information indicating that the instruction to switch the mode has been issued to the terminal devices 12 of each of the multiple users. In this way, the multiple users can be informed that the instruction to switch the mode has been issued.

[0070] When an instruction to switch the job execution mode from the normal mode to the silent mode is issued, processor 24 may request permission for the mode switch from the user who has instructed execution of a job that may be at least partially executed in the silent mode.

[0071] For example, the processor 24 sends information indicating a request for permission to switch the mode (hereinafter referred to as "request information") to the user's terminal device 12. The request information is displayed on the display of the terminal device 12 or output as sound from the speaker of the terminal device 12. The request information may be included in the above-mentioned notification and sent to the terminal device 12, or may be sent to the terminal device 12 separately from the above-mentioned notification.

[0072] When the user who has received the request permits the switching by operating the terminal device 12, the terminal device 12 transmits information indicating the permission (hereinafter referred to as "permission information") to the image forming device 10. When the processor 24 receives the permission information, it switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode and executes the job in the silent mode. In this way, it is possible to prevent the job from being executed in the silent mode contrary to the intention of the user who instructed the execution of the job.

[0073] When the user who has received the request refuses the permission of the switch by operating the terminal device 12, the terminal device 12 sends information indicating the refusal (hereinafter referred to as "refusal information") to the image forming device 10. When the processor 24 receives the refusal information, it does not switch the mode and executes the job in the normal mode. After the execution of the job is completed, the processor 24 may also switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode.

[0074] When the user who received the request does not respond to the request, the processor 24 may not switch the mode but execute the task in the normal mode. After the execution of the task is completed, the processor 24 may switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode.

[0075] For example, if processor 24 does not receive either permission information or rejection information from terminal device 12 within a preset time from when request information is transmitted from image forming apparatus 10 to terminal device 12 , processor 24 may not switch the mode.

[0076] As another example, when the processor 24 has not received any of the permission information and the rejection information from the terminal device 12 to which the request information is sent before the work is completed, the processor 24 may not switch the mode.

[0077] As another example, when the processor 24 receives permission information from the terminal device 12 to which the request information is sent during the execution of the job, the processor 24 may switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode at the time of receiving the permission information, and execute the job in the silent mode. When the processor 24 receives rejection information from the terminal device 12 to which the request information is sent during the execution of the job, the job may be executed without switching the mode.

[0078] When the mode is switched from the normal mode to the silent mode, the processor 24 may continue to maintain the mode in the silent mode, or may switch the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode according to a preset condition.

[0079] The above-mentioned pre-set conditions are time-related conditions or job-related conditions. For example, when a pre-set time has passed since the mode was switched from the normal mode to the silent mode, the processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode. As another example, the operation may be performed in the silent mode, and after the execution is completed, the processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode. As another example, the operation may be performed in the silent mode, and when a pre-set time has passed since the execution is completed, the processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode.

[0080] It is also possible to set a default mode for the image forming apparatus 10. The normal mode may be set as the default mode, or the silent mode may be set as the default mode. When the mode is switched to a mode other than the default mode, the processor 24 may restore the mode to the default mode according to the above-mentioned pre-set conditions.

[0081] In the case where a default mode is set, when the mode is switched by the switching device 20, the processor 24 may allow the mode to be switched only by operating the switching device 20 while the switched mode is valid. In this case, the user can switch the mode by operating the switching device 20. When a job is executed after the mode is switched and the job is completed, the processor 24 may restore the mode to the mode before the mode is switched.

[0082] When multiple users instruct execution of a job that may be executed in silent mode, the processor 24 transmits request information to the respective terminal devices 12 of the multiple users. When there is a user who refuses permission among the multiple users (that is, when there is a terminal device 12 that sends refusal information to the image forming apparatus 10 among the multiple terminal devices 12 that received the request information), the processor 24 executes the job that the user who refused permission instructed to execute and the job that was executed before the job in normal mode. The processor 24 executes the job that is executed after the job that the user who refused permission instructed to execute in silent mode.

[0083] In the case where the job that is being executed by the processor 24 at the time when the instruction for mode switching is received (i.e., the job being executed) ends within a pre-set time from that time, the processor 24 may not send information indicating that the instruction for mode switching has been issued to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job. Similarly, in this case, the processor 24 may not send request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job. The processor 24 calculates the time required from the time when the instruction for mode switching is received to the completion of the execution of the job based on the content of the job and the performance of the device executing the job. In the case where the calculated time is within the pre-set time, the processor 24 does not send information or request information indicating that the instruction for mode switching has been issued to the terminal device 12. In this way, the issuance of unnecessary notifications can be suppressed. In the case where the calculated time exceeds the pre-set time, the processor 24 sends information or request information indicating that the instruction for mode switching has been issued to the terminal device 12.

[0084] That is, when the time required until the job being executed ends is less than a preset threshold, the processor 24 may not send information indicating that an instruction to switch the mode has been issued or request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job. When the time required until the job being executed ends exceeds the threshold, the processor 24 sends information indicating that an instruction to switch the mode has been issued or request information to the terminal device 12.

[0085] For example, the time required until the job being executed is completed is the time required until the job is completed when the job is executed in the silent mode. As another example, the time required until the job being executed is completed may be the time required until the job is completed when the job is executed in the normal mode.

[0086] When the job being executed is a job that uses paper such as printing, if the number of remaining sheets of paper to be processed is less than a threshold value, the processor 24 may not send information indicating that an instruction to switch the mode or request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job. When the number of remaining sheets of paper to be processed exceeds the threshold value, the processor 24 sends information indicating that an instruction to switch the mode or request information to the terminal device 12.

[0087] The processor 24 may also calculate the time required until the job is completed when the mode is switched from the normal mode to the silent mode (hereinafter referred to as "delay time"), and send information indicating the delay time (hereinafter referred to as "delay time information") to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job. For example, the processor 24 calculates the delay time based on the content of the job and the performance of the device that is driven and executes the job in the silent mode. The processor 24 may send the delay time information to the terminal device 12 together with the above-mentioned notification, or may send the delay time information to the terminal device 12 together with the request information.

[0088] The image forming apparatus 10 may also have multiple silent modes with different operation sound levels. In this case, the processor 24 may switch the silent mode step by step according to the mode switching instruction, or switch the mode to the silent mode specified by the user, or switch the mode to the silent mode corresponding to the job.

[0089] The image forming device 10 may also include a lighting device such as an electric lamp. The processor 24 may also change the lighting method based on the lighting device according to the mode. For example, the processor 24 changes the color of the light emitted by the lighting device between the normal mode and the silent mode, or changes the flashing method. The processor 24 may also turn off the lighting device in the normal mode and turn on the lighting device in the silent mode. The processor 24 may also turn on the lighting device in the normal mode and turn off the lighting device in the silent mode. The processor 24 may also keep the lighting device on in the normal mode and turn on the lighting device in the silent mode. The processor 24 may also perform the opposite control. By changing the lighting method according to the mode, people around the image forming device 10 can know the mode of the image forming device 10.

[0090] Reference Figure 3 The terminal device 12 will be described. Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the terminal device 12 .

[0091] UI26 is a user interface, including a display and an operating device. The display is a liquid crystal display or an EL display, etc. The operating device is a keyboard, a mouse, an input key or an operating panel, etc. UI26 can also be a UI such as a touch panel that has both a display and an operating device. UI26 can also include a speaker and a microphone.

[0092] The communication device 28 includes one or more communication interfaces including a communication chip or a communication circuit, and has the function of sending information to other devices and receiving information from other devices. The communication device 28 may also have a wireless communication function such as short-range wireless communication or Wi-Fi, or a wired communication function.

[0093] The memory 30 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. The memory 30 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various memories (such as RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (such as optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0094] The processor 32 controls the operation of each part of the terminal device 12 .

[0095] For example, the user can instruct the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a job by operating the terminal device 12 .

[0096] When information indicating that the mode has been switched from the normal mode to the silent mode is transmitted from image forming apparatus 10 to terminal device 12 , processor 32 displays the information on the display of UI 26 and outputs the information as sound from the speaker of UI 26 .

[0097] When the request information is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 to the terminal device 12, the processor 32 causes the display to display the request information. For example, the processor 32 causes the display of the UI 26 to display a selection screen for selecting whether to allow or not to allow the mode switching.

[0098] When the user selects permission on the selection screen, processor 32 transmits permission information to image forming apparatus 10 .

[0099] When the user selects Reject on the selection screen, processor 32 transmits rejection information to image forming apparatus 10 .

[0100] The mode of the image forming device 10 may also be switched by using the terminal device 12. For example, the processor 32 causes the display of the UI 26 to display a switching screen for switching the mode. When the user instructs the switching of the mode on the switching screen, the processor 32 sends information indicating the instruction to the image forming device 10. For example, when the user specifies the silent mode on the switching screen, the processor 32 sends information indicating the instruction to switch the mode to the silent mode to the image forming device 10. The processor 24 of the image forming device 10 switches the mode to the silent mode according to the instruction.

[0101] Refer to the following Figure 4 The flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the flow of this process.

[0102] Here, as an example, the switching device 20 is a button. Hereinafter, this button is referred to as a “switching button.” In addition, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 can be switched according to a switching instruction from the terminal device 12 .

[0103] First, a switch button is pressed ( S01 ). For example, it is considered that the switch button is pressed by a person or the like around the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0104] When the switch button is pressed, the processor 32 determines whether the switch button is turned on or off based on the pressing ( S02 ).

[0105] Turning the switch button on means providing an instruction to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode to the image forming apparatus 10. Turning the switch button off means providing an instruction to switch the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0106] For example, when a person around the image forming apparatus 10 or a user who has instructed to execute a job wishes to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode, the user may press the closed switch button to turn it on. Conversely, when a person around the image forming apparatus 10 or a user who has instructed to execute a job wishes to switch the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode, the user may press the opened switch button to turn it off.

[0107] When the switch button is switched from off to on ( S02 , on), the processor 24 blinks the lighting device provided in the image forming apparatus 10 ( S03 ).

[0108] Next, processor 24 confirms the current mode of image forming apparatus 10 ( S04 ).

[0109] When the current mode is the silent mode (S04, silent), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S10) and sets the mode to the silent mode (S11). In this case, the processor 24 maintains the silent mode. For example, when the switch button is turned off, the mode may be switched to the silent mode according to the switch instruction from the terminal device 12. Since the mode has been switched to the silent mode, when the switch button is turned on, the processor 24 does not switch the mode and maintains the silent mode.

[0110] When the current mode is the normal mode (S04, normal), and when there is no job being executed or a scheduled job (S05, not present), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S10) and sets the mode to the silent mode (S11).

[0111] When the current mode is the normal mode (S04, normal), when at least one of the job being executed and the scheduled job exists (S05, exists), the processor 24 sends request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job (S06). For example, when there are the job being executed and the scheduled job, the processor 24 sends request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job being executed and the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the scheduled job. The processor 24 may also send delay time information to the terminal device 12 together with the request information.

[0112] When the user of the terminal device 12 that has received the request information permits the switching of the mode (S07, Yes), the processor 24 determines the timing of the mode switching (S08). That is, when the user permits the switching of the mode, the permission information is sent from the terminal device 12 to the image forming device 10. When the processor 24 receives the permission information, it determines the timing of the mode switching (S08).

[0113] When request information is sent to a plurality of terminal devices 12, if all users permit mode switching, the processor 24 determines the timing of mode switching (S08). When there are jobs being executed and scheduled jobs, request information is sent to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed execution of the job being executed and the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed execution of the scheduled job. When the processor 24 receives permission information from the terminal devices 12 of all users, the timing of mode switching is determined (S08).

[0114] For example, the timing of mode switching is any one of the following timings: (1) for a job being executed, the timing of feeding the next sheet of paper to be printed to the IOT (Image Output Terminal) (i.e., the timing of paper supply); (2) when the execution of multiple groups of jobs has been indicated for the job being executed, the timing of the completion of the execution of the last job; or (3) the timing of the completion of the job being executed.

[0115] When any of the above conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied (S08, Yes), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S10) and sets the mode to the silent mode (S11). For example, the processor 24 switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode at the timing of feeding the next sheet of paper to be printed to the IOT.

[0116] When any one of the above conditions (1) to (3) is not satisfied (S08, No), the processor 24 waits until any one of the above conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied.

[0117] The above-mentioned conditions (1) to (3) are merely examples. For example, even at a timing other than the timings (1) to (3), the processor 24 may switch the mode to the silent mode in the middle of the job being executed.

[0118] When the user of the terminal device 12 receiving the request information does not permit the mode switching (S07, No), the processor 24 determines the timing of the mode switching (S09). For example, when the user refuses the mode switching, the terminal device 12 sends a rejection message to the image forming device 10. When the processor 24 receives the rejection message, it determines the timing of the mode switching (S09).

[0119] When request information is sent to a plurality of terminal devices 12, if some users reject the mode switching, the processor 24 determines the timing of the mode switching (S09). When there are jobs being executed and scheduled jobs, request information is sent to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job being executed and the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the scheduled job. When the processor 24 receives rejection information from the terminal devices 12 of some users, it determines the timing of the mode switching (S09).

[0120] For example, the timing of switching the mode is the timing when (4) the job being executed and the scheduled job are completed. In other words, the timing of switching the mode is the timing when all jobs are completed.

[0121] When the above condition (4) is satisfied ( S09 , YES), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device ( S10 ) and sets the mode to the silent mode ( S11 ).

[0122] When the above-mentioned condition (4) is not satisfied (S09, No), the processor 24 waits until the condition (4) is satisfied.

[0123] When the switch button is switched from on to off ( S02 , off), the processor 24 blinks the lighting device provided in the image forming apparatus 10 ( S12 ).

[0124] Next, processor 24 confirms the current mode of image forming apparatus 10 ( S13 ).

[0125] When the current mode is the normal mode (S13, normal), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S16) and sets the mode to the normal mode (S17). In this case, the processor 24 maintains the normal mode. For example, when the switch button is turned on, the mode may be switched to the normal mode according to the switch instruction from the terminal device 12. Since the mode has been switched to the normal mode, when the switch button is turned off, the processor 24 does not switch the mode and maintains the normal mode.

[0126] When the current mode is the silent mode (S13, silent), and when there is no job being executed or a scheduled job (S14, not present), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S16) and sets the mode to the normal mode (S17).

[0127] When the current mode is the silent mode (S13, silent), if at least one of an executing job and a scheduled job exists (S14, exists), the processor 24 determines the timing of switching the mode (S15).

[0128] For example, the timing of switching the mode is any one of the above-mentioned (1) to (3).

[0129] When any one of the above conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied (S15, Yes), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S16) and sets the mode to the normal mode (S17). For example, the processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode at the timing of feeding the next sheet of paper to be printed to the IOT.

[0130] When any one of the above conditions (1) to (3) is not satisfied (S15, No), the processor 24 waits until any one of the above conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied.

[0131] The following is a specific example to illustrate the embodiment.

[0132] Reference Figure 5 Example 1 is described. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the flow of processing in Example 1. Figure 5 Indicates the timing of job execution, mode switching, notification, and permission. The horizontal axis represents time. The dotted line represents the normal mode, and the solid line represents the silent mode.

[0133] At time t1, a request is made to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode by operating the switching device 20. In addition, the user A uses his terminal device 12A to instruct the image forming device 10 to execute job A. Job A is the job being executed at time t1. At time t1, job A is executed in the normal mode. In addition, the mode switching can also be instructed by the terminal device 12.

[0134] At time t1, when a request to switch the mode is made, the processor 24 of the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the terminal device 12A of the user A that the mode will be switched. For example, the processor 24 sends request information to the terminal device 12A. When the user A who has received the request permits the switching of the mode at time t2, the processor 24 switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode at time t2. Thereafter, the processor 24 executes the job A in the silent mode. In this way, it is possible to suppress the execution of the job A in the silent mode contrary to the intention of the user A.

[0135] After the mode is switched from the normal mode to the silent mode, the processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode according to a preset condition. For example, when a preset time has passed since the mode was switched from the normal mode to the silent mode, the processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode. As another example, after a job is executed in the silent mode and its execution is completed, the processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode.

[0136] The processor 24 may also calculate the time T required until the job A is completed. For example, the processor 24 calculates the time required until the job A is completed when the job A is executed in the silent mode as the time T. As another example, the processor 24 may also calculate the time required until the job A is completed when the job A is executed in the normal mode as the time T.

[0137] The processor 24 may not send request information to the terminal device 12A when the time T is less than the threshold value, and may send request information to the terminal device 12A when the time T exceeds the threshold value.

[0138] The processor 24 may not send request information to the terminal device 12A when the remaining number of sheets to be processed in job A is less than a threshold value, and may send request information to the terminal device 12A when the remaining number of sheets exceeds the threshold value.

[0139] Reference Figure 6 Example 2 is described. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the process flow of Example 2. Figure 6 Indicates the timing of job execution, mode switching, notification, and permission. The horizontal axis represents time. The dotted line represents the normal mode, and the solid line represents the silent mode.

[0140] In Embodiment 2, the processing speed of jobs in the silent mode is slower than that in the normal mode. For example, the preparation time for post-processing is set longer than that in the normal mode, or the speed of feeding paper is set lower than that in the normal mode.

[0141] In Example 2, the execution of multiple jobs is scheduled. Specifically, the execution of jobs B to E is scheduled. Job B is a job that user B instructs to be executed. Job C is a job that user C instructs to be executed. Job D is a job that user D instructs to be executed. Job E is a job that user E instructs to be executed. The jobs are scheduled to be executed in the order of jobs B, C, D, and E.

[0142] At time t3, a request to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode is made by operating the switching device 20. Jobs B to E are jobs that were not executed at time t3 but are scheduled to be executed after time t3. The terminal device 12 may also instruct to switch the mode.

[0143] When a request to switch the mode is made at time t3, the processor 24 of the image forming apparatus 10 notifies each of the terminal device 12B of user B, the terminal device 12C of user C, the terminal device 12D of user D, and the terminal device 12E of user E that the mode will be switched. For example, the processor 24 sends request information to each of the terminal devices 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E.

[0144] While the job is being reserved, that is, before the execution of job B, users B and C respond to the request. User B permits the mode switch, and user C rejects the mode switch. In this case, the processor 24 executes job C, which is instructed to be executed by user C who rejects the permission, and job B executed before job C in the normal mode. That is, even if user B who instructed the execution of job B permits the mode switch, when user C who instructed the execution of job C to be executed after job B rejects the mode switch, the processor 24 executes jobs B and C in the normal mode.

[0145] In Embodiment 2, the processing speed in the silent mode is slower than the processing speed in the normal mode. Therefore, it is assumed that when job B is executed in the silent mode, not only the completion of job B is delayed, but also the completion of job C is delayed. Since user C refuses the switching of modes, the delay in the completion of job C is contrary to the intention of user C. Therefore, not only job C but also job B is executed in the normal mode, so that the situation in which job C is executed in the silent mode with a slower processing speed contrary to the intention of user C can be suppressed.

[0146] User E responded to the request during the execution of job C and permitted the mode switch. User D did not respond to the request at the time of starting the execution of job D ( Figure 6 Since the user D does not permit the mode switch, the processor 24 executes the job D in the normal mode.

[0147] User D permits the mode switch during the execution of job D. Since user E also permits the mode switch, processor 24 switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode at the point in time when user D permits the mode switch. Processor 24 executes job D in the silent mode from the middle. That is, processor 24 executes job D in the normal mode before user D permits the switch, and executes job D in the silent mode after user D permits the switch. Since user E permits the mode switch, processor 24 executes job E in the silent mode.

[0148] In addition, after the mode is switched from the normal mode to the silent mode, the user X instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the job X. In this case, the processor 24 transmits information indicating that the mode is the silent mode to the terminal device 12 of the user X. For example, when the user X sets the execution of the job X using the terminal device 12 of the user X, the information indicating that the mode is the silent mode is displayed on the display of the terminal device 12. In this way, the user X can recognize that the current mode is the silent mode.

[0149] In addition, when the user does not respond to the request, the processor 24 may also determine that the user has permitted the mode switch. In this control example, user D does not respond to the request, and user E has permitted the switch, so the processor 24 switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode when job C is completed. The processor 24 executes jobs D and E in the silent mode.

[0150] Reference Figure 7 Example 3 is described. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the process flow of Example 3. Figure 7 Indicates the timing of job execution, mode switching, notification, and permission. The horizontal axis represents time. The dotted line represents the normal mode, and the solid line represents the silent mode.

[0151] In Embodiment 3, the processing speed of a job in the silent mode is the same as that in the normal mode. For example, in the silent mode, registration using hardware is not performed, or processing for aligning paper using hardware is not performed. The preparation time when performing post-processing is the same as that in the normal mode. The speed of feeding paper is the same as that in the normal mode.

[0152] In the third embodiment, the execution of jobs B to E is scheduled similarly to the second embodiment. The jobs B, C, D, and E are scheduled to be executed in this order.

[0153] At time t4, a request to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode is made by operating the switching device 20. Jobs B to E are jobs that were not executed at time t4 but are scheduled to be executed after time t4. The terminal device 12 may also instruct to switch the mode.

[0154] When a request to switch the mode is made at time t4, the processor 24 of the image forming apparatus 10 notifies each of the terminal device 12B of user B, the terminal device 12C of user C, the terminal device 12D of user D, and the terminal device 12E of user E that the mode will be switched. For example, the processor 24 sends request information to each of the terminal devices 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E.

[0155] While the job is being reserved, that is, before executing job B, users B and C respond to the request. User B permits the mode switch, and user C rejects the mode switch. In this case, the processor 24 executes job B in the silent mode and executes job C in the normal mode.

[0156] In Embodiment 3, the processing speed of jobs in the silent mode is the same as the processing speed of jobs in the normal mode. Therefore, even if job B is executed in the silent mode, the completion of job C is not delayed. Therefore, the processor 24 executes job B in the silent mode and executes job C in the normal mode.

[0157] User E responded to the request during the execution of job C and permitted the mode switch. User D did not respond to the request at the time of starting the execution of job D ( Figure 6 Since the user D does not permit the mode switch, the processor 24 executes the job D in the normal mode.

[0158] User D permits the mode switch during the execution of job D. Processor 24 switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode at the point in time when user D permits the mode switch. Processor 24 executes job D in the silent mode from the middle. Since user E permits the mode switch, processor 24 executes job E in the silent mode.

[0159] In addition, after the mode is switched from the normal mode to the silent mode, the user X instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the job X. In this case, the processor 24 transmits information indicating that the mode is the silent mode to the terminal device 12 of the user X. For example, when the user X sets the execution of the job X using the terminal device 12 of the user X, the information indicating that the mode is the silent mode is displayed on the display of the terminal device 12.

[0160] Similar to the second embodiment, when the user does not respond to the request, the processor 24 may determine that the user has permitted the mode switching.

[0161] Part of the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by other devices other than the image forming apparatus 10. In the case where part of the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are realized by other devices other than the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 and the other devices may constitute an information processing system. That is, the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by an information processing system composed of a single device or by an information processing system composed of a plurality of devices.

[0162] As an example, each function of the image forming device 10 is realized by the cooperation of hardware and software. For example, the processor 24 of the image forming device 10 reads and executes a program stored in the memory, thereby realizing each function of the image forming device 10. The program is stored in the memory via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network.

[0163] In the above-described embodiment, the control of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is described, but the processing of the embodiment can also be applied to apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0164] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (such as CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) or a dedicated processor (such as GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, complex programmable logic device, etc.). In addition, the actions of the processor in the above-mentioned embodiments are not performed by only one processor, but can also be performed by the collaboration of multiple processors in physically separated locations. In addition, the order of the actions of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above-mentioned embodiments, and can also be appropriately changed.

[0165] (Note) (1)

[0167] An information processing system, wherein

[0168] With processor,

[0169] The processor

[0170] When an instruction is issued to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under action conditions in which the action sound is smaller than that of the first mode, the user who has indicated the execution of a job that has the possibility of being executed at least in part in the second mode is notified of the fact that the instruction for mode switching has been issued. (2)

[0172] The information processing system according to (1), wherein:

[0173] The processor

[0174] requesting permission for mode switching from the user,

[0175] The job for which the user's permission has been obtained is executed in the second mode. (3)

[0177] The information processing system according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0178] The jobs that may be executed in the second mode are jobs that are being executed when an instruction to switch the mode from the first mode to the second mode is issued, and jobs that are scheduled to be executed after the switching instruction is issued. (4)

[0180] The information processing system according to (2), wherein:

[0181] The processor

[0182] If the user refuses permission, the job instructed by the user is executed in the first mode, and after the execution of the job instructed by the user is completed, the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode. (5)

[0184] The information processing system according to (2), wherein:

[0185] The processor

[0186] If no permission response is obtained from the user, the job instructed by the user is executed in the first mode, and after the execution of the job instructed by the user is completed, the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode. (6)

[0188] The information processing system according to (2), wherein:

[0189] The processor

[0190] When a plurality of users instruct execution of a job that may be executed in the second mode, requesting permission for switching the mode from the plurality of users,

[0191] If there is a user who has refused permission among the plurality of users, a job instructed to be executed by the user who has refused permission and a job executed before the job instructed to be executed by the user who has refused permission are executed in the first mode. (7)

[0193] The information processing system according to (6), wherein:

[0194] The processor

[0195] A job to be executed subsequent to the job instructed to be executed by the user who has denied permission is executed in the second mode. (8)

[0197] The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein:

[0198] The processor

[0199] If the job being executed at the time when the mode switching instruction is received is completed within a preset time from the time, the user who instructed to execute the job being executed at the time is not notified that the mode switching instruction has been issued. (9)

[0201] The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein:

[0202] Also features:

[0203] a device body that performs a task; and

[0204] a switching device, the switching device being arranged on the device body and used for indicating the switching of the modes,

[0205] The processor

[0206] Accept the instructions provided using the switching device. (10)

[0208] A procedure in which

[0209] Make the computer perform the following actions:

[0210] When an instruction is issued to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under action conditions in which the action sound is smaller than that of the first mode, the user who has indicated the execution of a job that has the possibility of being executed at least in part in the second mode is notified of the fact that the instruction for mode switching has been issued.

[0211] According to the information processing system of (1) and the program of (10), it is possible to prevent the job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed while the user who has instructed execution of the job is unaware of the mode switching.

[0212] According to the information processing system of (2), it is possible to suppress a situation in which a job is executed in a mode with a slow processing speed contrary to the intention of the user who instructed execution of the job.

[0213] According to the information processing system of (3), with respect to a job being executed at the time when an instruction for mode switching is issued, and a job scheduled to be executed after that time, it is possible to prevent the job from being executed in a mode with a slower processing speed during the period when the user who instructed the execution of the job is unaware of the mode switch.

[0214] According to the information processing system of (4), it is possible to suppress the execution of a job in a mode with a slower processing speed contrary to the intention of the user who has refused permission for the mode switch, and to execute the job in the second mode after the execution of the job is completed.

[0215] According to the information processing system of (5), it is possible to suppress the situation where a job is executed in a mode with a slower processing speed contrary to the intention of the user who has not indicated whether to allow the mode switch, and at the same time, it is possible to execute the job in the second mode after the execution of the job is completed.

[0216] According to the information processing system of (6), by executing in the first mode a job that is executed before a job instructed to be executed by a user who has refused permission to switch modes, it is possible to suppress a delay in the execution of the job of the user.

[0217] According to the information processing system of (7), when multiple users instruct to execute a job, it is possible to suppress delay in the execution of the job of the user who refuses permission to switch modes, and at the same time, the job can be executed in the second mode after the execution of the job is completed.

[0218] According to the information processing system of (8), it is possible to prevent a notification that may be unnecessary for a user who has instructed execution of a job from being sent to the user.

[0219] According to the information processing system of (9), the user can instruct the switching of the mode with a smaller number of operations than when instructing the switching of the mode by operating the operation panel provided on the device body.

Claims

1. An information processing system, characterized in that: With processor, The processor When an instruction is issued to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under action conditions in which the action sound is smaller than that of the first mode, the user who has indicated the execution of a job that has the possibility of being executed at least in part in the second mode is notified of the fact that the instruction for mode switching has been issued.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor requesting permission for mode switching from the user, The job for which the user's permission has been obtained is executed in the second mode.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The jobs that may be executed in the second mode are jobs that are being executed when an instruction to switch the mode from the first mode to the second mode is issued, and jobs that are scheduled to be executed after the switching instruction is issued.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The processor If the user refuses permission, the job instructed by the user is executed in the first mode, and after the execution of the job instructed by the user is completed, the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode.

5. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The processor If no permission response is obtained from the user, the job instructed by the user is executed in the first mode, and after the execution of the job instructed by the user is completed, the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode.

6. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The processor When a plurality of users instruct execution of a job that may be executed in the second mode, requesting permission for switching the mode from the plurality of users, If there is a user who has refused permission among the plurality of users, a job instructed to be executed by the user who has refused permission and a job executed before the job instructed to be executed by the user who has refused permission are executed in the first mode.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein: The processor A job to be executed subsequent to the job instructed to be executed by the user who has denied permission is executed in the second mode.

8. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The processor If the job being executed at the time when the mode switching instruction is received is completed within a preset time from the time, the user who instructed to execute the job being executed at the time is not notified that the mode switching instruction has been issued.

9. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: Also features: a device body that performs a task; and a switching device, the switching device being arranged on the device body and used for indicating the switching of the modes, The processor Accept the instructions provided using the switching device.

10. A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a process, characterized in that: The processing is as follows: When an instruction is issued to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under action conditions in which the action sound is smaller than that of the first mode, the user who has indicated the execution of a job that has the possibility of being executed at least in part in the second mode is notified of the fact that the instruction for mode switching has been issued.

11. An information processing method, characterized in that: When an instruction is issued to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under action conditions in which the action sound is smaller than that of the first mode, the user who has indicated the execution of a job that has the possibility of being executed at least in part in the second mode is notified of the fact that the instruction for mode switching has been issued.

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