Information processing system and program

Abstract

To provide a device having a first mode and a second mode having a time until processing becomes executable longer than that of the first mode, which saves labor of a user who sets a transition time to the second mode from the first mode.SOLUTION: A device has a first mode and a second mode having a time until processing becomes executable longer than that of the first mode. When the mode of the device is transited to the second mode from the first mode after the lapse of a first transition time to the second mode from the first mode, a processor changes the transition time to the second mode from the first mode to a second transition time shorter than the first transition time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a device that adjusts the time it takes to transition from a sleep mode to a standby mode.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an apparatus that uses a timer as a trigger for transitioning from a standby mode to a sleep mode, and adjusts the timer's transition time to a power non-supply state based on detection of a moving object by a human presence sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-20137 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-186720 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, a device having a first mode and a second mode in which a time required for processing to be executed is longer than that required for the first mode is known. In the device, a transition time from the first mode to the second mode is set. Usually, when the transition time has elapsed, the mode of the device transitions from the first mode to the second mode. It is conceivable that the user may set the transition time, but setting the usage time according to the usage environment of the device is troublesome for the user.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a user to set the transition time from a first mode to a second mode in an apparatus having a first mode and a second mode in which the time until processing can be executed is longer than in the first mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention of claim 1 is an information processing system having a processor in a device having a first mode and a second mode in which the time until processing can be executed is longer than in the first mode, wherein when the mode of the device transitions from the first mode to the second mode due to the elapse of a first transition time from the first mode to the second mode, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a second transition time that is shorter than the first transition time.

[0009] The invention of claim 2 is an information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein a human presence sensor detects a person around the device, and when the cause of returning from the second mode to the first mode is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor, the processor changes the transition time from the first mode to the second mode in accordance with the detection result.

[0010] The invention of claim 3 is an information processing system as described in claim 2, wherein the processor changes the transition time from the first mode to the second mode to a third transition time longer than the second transition time when the cause of return is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor.

[0011] The invention of claim 4 is an information processing system as described in claim 3, wherein when the cause of return is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor and the device is operated, the processor changes the transition time from the first mode to the second mode to the third transition time, which is longer than the second transition time.

[0012] The invention of claim 5 is an information processing system as described in claim 4, wherein when the cause of return is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor and the device is operated and processing is performed by the device, the processor changes the transition time from the first mode to the second mode to the third transition time, which is longer than the second transition time.

[0013] The invention of claim 6 is an information processing system as described in claim 3, wherein the processor changes the transition time from the first mode to the second mode to the third transition time, which is longer than the second transition time, when the time from the time when an instruction to execute processing on the device is given to the time when a person is detected by the human presence sensor is below a threshold value.

[0014] The invention of claim 7 is an information processing system as described in claim 3, wherein when the cause of return is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor, the processor changes the transition time from the first mode to the second mode to the third transition time, which is longer than the second transition time, when the human presence sensor detects a person multiple times.

[0015] An invention according to claim 8 is the information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the third transition time is the first transition time.

[0016] The invention of claim 9 is a program that causes a computer to operate in an apparatus having a first mode and a second mode in which the time until processing can be executed is longer than in the first mode, so that when the mode of the apparatus transitions from the first mode to the second mode due to the passage of a first transition time from the first mode to the second mode, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a second transition time that is shorter than the first transition time. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the invention of claims 1, 2, 8 and 9, in a device having a first mode and a second mode in which the time until processing can be executed is longer than in the first mode, it is possible to eliminate the need for a user to go through the trouble of setting the transition time from the first mode to the second mode.

[0018] According to the invention as defined in claims 3 to 7, user convenience is improved compared to the case where the transition time is maintained at the second transition time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 3 is a flowchart showing a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing a process flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing a process flow according to the third embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing a process flow according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] An image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0021] The image forming device 10 includes an image forming unit 12, a UI 14, a communication device 16, a human presence sensor 18, a memory 20, and a processor 22. The image forming device 10 is a printer, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile, or a multifunction device (e.g., a device having the functions of multiple devices such as a printer, a scanner, and a copier).

[0022] The image forming unit 12 has at least one of a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. The print method and the scan method are not particularly limited. For example, the print method may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal method, or a thermal transfer method.

[0023] The UI 14 is a user interface and includes a display and an input device. The display is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The input device is a keyboard, a mouse, an input key, an operation panel, etc. The UI 14 may be a UI such as a touch panel (e.g., an operation panel) that combines a display and an input device.

[0024] The communication device 16 includes one or more communication interfaces having a communication chip, a communication circuit, etc., and has a function of transmitting information to other devices and a function of receiving information from other devices. The communication device 16 may have a wireless communication function such as short-range wireless communication or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or may have a wired communication function.

[0025] The human presence sensor 18 detects a person in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the human presence sensor 18 detects a person in a predetermined area including the image forming apparatus 10. The human presence sensor 18 may be provided in the image forming apparatus 10, or may be provided around the image forming apparatus 10 without being provided in the image forming apparatus 10. The human presence sensor 18 may include a short-distance sensor that detects a person in a short-distance area of ​​the image forming apparatus 10, and a long-distance sensor that detects a person in a long-distance area of ​​the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the human presence sensor 18 is an infrared sensor, but a sensor other than an infrared sensor may be used as the human presence sensor 18.

[0026] The memory 20 is a device that configures one or more storage areas for storing data. The memory 20 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various types of memory (for example, RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (for example, optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0027] The processor 22 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0028] Image forming apparatus 10 has a plurality of modes that differ in the time until a process can be executed. The time until a process can be executed can be said to be the time during which a user waits for the process to be executed, and therefore can be said to be a waiting time for a user.

[0029] For example, the multiple modes include a standby mode and a power saving mode. The power saving mode is a mode in which the time until a process can be executed (i.e., a waiting time) is longer than that in the standby mode. The power saving mode may include multiple modes in which the time until a process can be executed differs.

[0030] The standby mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 waits for the execution of a process. The standby mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 is supplied with power after warming up and is capable of executing a process, but is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 is not executing a process. For example, the process is a print job, a scan job, a copy job, a job of transferring image data generated by scanning to an external device, or a job of storing image data generated by scanning in the image forming apparatus 10. Of course, these processes are merely examples, and other processes may be executed by the image forming apparatus 10. A process executed by a user operating the UI 14 may be the process according to this embodiment.

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

[0032] Hereinafter, the time it takes for the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from the standby mode to the power saving mode is referred to as the “transition time.” A set value of the transition time is stored in the memory 20, and the processor 22 transitions the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the power saving mode in accordance with the transition time.

[0033] For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the standby mode, if a transition time has elapsed since the image forming apparatus 10 last performed a process (e.g., the time the process was completed) or since the image forming apparatus 10 was last operated by a user, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the power saving mode. In other words, if the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 has not executed a process such as a job or the UI 14 has not been operated by a user is equal to or longer than the transition time, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the power saving mode.

[0034] When the image forming device 10 is in standby mode, if the user instructs a transition to power saving mode (for example, when a power saving button provided on the image forming device 10 is pressed), the processor 22 may transition the mode of the image forming device 10 from the standby mode to the power saving mode.

[0035] When a specific event occurs while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode, thereby returning the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the standby mode.

[0036] The specific event is an event that corresponds to an instruction to return. For example, the specific event is detection of a person by the human sensor 18, operation of the UI 14, acceptance of a job, acceptance of an instruction to execute a job, pressing of the return button, etc. These are merely examples of the specific event, and events other than these may be defined as the specific event.

[0037] For example, when a person is detected by the human presence sensor 18, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode.

[0038] When the UI 14 is operated by the user, the processor 22 may transition the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode.

[0039] When the image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction to execute a process, the processor 22 may transition the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode. For example, when a print job is transmitted from an external device to the image forming apparatus 10 and the processor 22 accepts the print job, the processor 22 determines that a specific event has occurred and transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode. The processor 22 executes the print job by controlling the image forming unit 12 in accordance with the accepted print job.

[0040] In the case where a return button is provided on an operation panel or the like of the image forming apparatus 10, when the return button is pressed, the processor 22 may cause the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from the power saving mode to the standby mode.

[0041] The power saving mode may include a plurality of different modes. In this case, a transition time is set for each mode, and the set value of each transition time is stored in the memory 20.

[0042] For example, the power saving mode includes a Low Power mode (hereinafter referred to as an "LP mode") and a Sleep mode (hereinafter referred to as an "SP mode").

[0043] In the LP mode, the time until a process can be executed (i.e., the standby time) is longer than in the standby mode. In the SP mode, the time until a process can be executed (i.e., the standby time) is longer than in the LP mode. The power consumed in the SP mode is less than the power consumed in the LP mode. In other words, the SP mode is a mode that can achieve a greater power saving effect than the LP mode.

[0044] In the standby mode, power is supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, power is supplied to the image forming unit 12, the UI 14, the communication device 16, the human sensor 18, the memory 20, and the processor 22, and the image forming apparatus 10 is in a state in which it is possible to execute processing such as a print job.

[0045] In the LP mode, the power supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 is smaller than that in the standby mode. For example, in the LP mode, power is not supplied to the scanner included in the image forming unit 12 and the operation panel included in the UI 14, or the power supplied to the scanner and the UI 14 is smaller than the power supplied in the standby mode. For example, if the operation panel has a backlight, the backlight is turned off. In the LP mode, power is supplied to the human sensor 18, the memory 20, and the processor 22.

[0046] In the SP mode, the power supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 is smaller than that in the LP mode. For example, in the SP mode, no power is supplied to the image forming unit 12 and the UI 14, or the power supplied to the image forming unit 12 and the UI 14 is smaller than that supplied in the LP mode. The power supplied to the memory 20 and the processor 22 may be smaller than that supplied in the LP mode. Power is supplied to the human sensor 18.

[0047] The above-mentioned power supply modes in the standby mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode are merely examples, and other power supply modes may be executed. Furthermore, the power supply mode in each mode may be set by the user.

[0048] For example, the processor 22 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 in the order of the standby mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode.

[0049] A set value of the transition time until the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the standby mode to the LP mode (hereinafter referred to as the "LP transition time") is stored in the memory 20, and the LP transition time is set in the image forming apparatus 10. The LP transition time is the time from the start of the standby mode to the start of the LP mode.

[0050] A set value of the transition time required for the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from standby mode to SP mode (hereinafter referred to as "SP transition time") is stored in memory 20, and the SP transition time is set in image forming apparatus 10. The SP transition time is the time from the start of standby mode to the start of SP mode. The SP transition time is longer than the LP transition time. As a result, the modes of image forming apparatus 10 transition in the order of standby mode, LP mode, and SP mode. Note that the SP transition time may also be the time from the start of LP mode to the start of SP mode.

[0051] For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the standby mode, if the time during which no processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 10, the time during which the UI 14 is not operated by the user, or the time during which no person is detected by the human sensor 18 becomes equal to or longer than the LP transition time, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the LP mode. For example, if the LP transition time has elapsed since the last time a processing or operation was performed without a person being detected by the human sensor 18, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the LP mode. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, if a specific event that is a cause for recovery occurs, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the standby mode.

[0052] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the LP mode, if the time during which no processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 10, the time during which the UI 14 is not operated by the user, or the time during which no person is detected by the human sensor 18 becomes equal to or longer than the SP transition time, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the SP mode. For example, if the SP transition time has elapsed since the last time a processing or operation was performed without a person being detected by the human sensor 18, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the SP mode. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the SP mode, if a specific event that is a cause for recovery occurs, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the SP mode to the standby mode.

[0053] The time required to switch from the power saving mode to the standby mode (i.e., the standby time) differs for each power saving mode. In the SP mode, less power is supplied than in the LP mode. Therefore, the time required to switch from the SP mode to the standby mode is longer than the time required to switch from the LP mode to the standby mode.

[0054] The LP mode and the SP mode are merely examples of the power saving modes, and the image forming apparatus 10 may have three or more different power saving modes. Of course, the power saving mode may not include a plurality of modes, and may be only one mode (for example, the SP mode or the LP mode).

[0055] As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 has a plurality of modes in which the time until a process can be executed differs from one another. For example, the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode in which the time until a process can be executed is longer than that in the first mode.

[0056] For example, the first mode is a standby mode and the second mode is a power saving mode. The second mode is an LP mode or an SP mode. As another example, the first mode may be an LP mode and the second mode may be an SP mode.

[0057] In the following, as an example, the first mode is a standby mode, and the second mode is a power saving mode. For example, the image forming device 10 has only one of the LP mode and the SP mode as the power saving mode. The image forming device 10 has the LP mode and the SP mode, but may execute only one of the LP mode or the SP mode.

[0058] For example, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the standby mode to the power saving mode due to the passage of a first transition time from the standby mode to the power saving mode, the processor 22 changes the transition time from the standby mode to the power saving mode to a second transition time that is shorter than the first transition time. For example, the first transition time and the second transition time are set in advance, and the respective set values ​​of the first transition time and the second transition time are stored in the memory 20. The first transition time and the second transition time may be changed by the user.

[0059] The process of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described in detail below.

[0060] Example 1 The process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process according to the first embodiment.

[0061] The image forming apparatus 10 starts up (S01), and the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode (S02).

[0062] When the first transition time has elapsed since the last processing or operation of a job or the like was performed without a person being detected by the human presence sensor 18 (S03, Yes), the processor 22 changes the transition time from the standby mode to the power saving mode from the first transition time to the second transition time (S04). For example, when the mode of the image forming device 10 is the standby mode, if the time during which no processing is performed by the image forming device 10, the time during which the UI 14 is not operated by the user, or the time during which no person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 becomes equal to or longer than the first transition time, the processor 22 changes the transition time from the first transition time to the second transition time.

[0063] When the power saving mode is the LP mode, the first transition time and the second transition time are the LP transition time, and when the power saving mode is the SP mode, the first transition time and the second transition time are the SP transition time.

[0064] For example, the first transition time is 30 minutes and the second transition time is 1 minute. These values ​​are merely examples, and the first transition time may be a time other than 30 minutes, and the second transition time may be a time other than 1 minute. Even in this case, the second transition time is shorter than the first transition time.

[0065] If no person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 and the first transition time has not elapsed since the last processing or operation of a job or the like was performed (S03, No), the process does not proceed to step S04.

[0066] The processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the power saving mode (S05). If the power saving mode is the LP mode, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the LP mode. If the power saving mode is the SP mode, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the SP mode.

[0067] The process of step S04 and the process of step S05 may be performed simultaneously, or the process of step S04 may be performed after the process of step S05 is performed.

[0068] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode and a cause for returning occurs (S06), the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode (S07).

[0069] The processor 22 changes the transition time from the standby mode, which is the first mode, to the power saving mode, which is the second mode, depending on the cause of the return.

[0070] When the cause of recovery is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor 18 (S08, human presence sensor) (that is, when the human presence sensor 18 detects a person), the processor 22 changes the transition time to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time (S09).

[0071] The third transition time may be the first transition time or may be a time different from the first transition time. When the third transition time is the first transition time, the processor 22 returns the transition time from the second transition time to the original first transition time. The time different from the first transition time may be a time longer than the second transition time and shorter than the first transition time, or may be a time longer than the first transition time. The meaning of the third transition time is the same for Examples 2-4.

[0072] If the cause of recovery is a cause other than the detection of a person by the human presence sensor 18 (S08, cause other than the human presence sensor), the processor 22 does not change the transition time. In this case, the transition time is maintained at the second transition time.

[0073] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the standby mode, if the motion sensor 18 does not detect a person (for example, if there is no person around the image forming apparatus 10) or if the image forming apparatus 10 does not accept a job, the transition time is changed from the first transition time to the second transition time. The shorter the transition time, the earlier the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the standby mode to the power saving mode, and therefore, the greater the energy saving effect. Therefore, if there is no person around the image forming apparatus 10 and it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10 will not be used, or if the image forming apparatus 10 is not used, changing the transition time from the first transition time to the second transition time increases the energy saving effect.

[0074] When the cause of recovery is detection of a person by the human sensor 18, it is presumed that a person is actually operating the UI 14 of the image forming apparatus 10, and therefore the transition time is changed from the second transition time to the third transition time. The longer the transition time, the later the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the standby mode to the power saving mode, and therefore the greater the convenience for the user. Therefore, when the cause of recovery is detection of a person by the human sensor 18, changing the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time improves the convenience for the user.

[0075] In step S09, when the length of time during which a person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the processor 22 may change the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time.

[0076] Example 2 The process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process according to the second embodiment.

[0077] In the second embodiment, when the cause of return is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor 18, and the image forming apparatus 10 is operated (for example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is used or the UI 14 is operated), the processor 22 changes the transition time from the first mode to the second mode to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time. The process according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0078] The image forming apparatus 10 starts up (S11), and the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to a standby mode (S12).

[0079] If no person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 and the first transition time has elapsed since the last time a job or other operation was processed (S13, Yes), the processor 22 changes the transition time from the standby mode to the power saving mode from the first transition time to the second transition time (S14).

[0080] When the power saving mode is the LP mode, the first transition time and the second transition time are the LP transition time, and when the power saving mode is the SP mode, the first transition time and the second transition time are the SP transition time.

[0081] If no person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 and the first transition time has not elapsed since the last processing or operation of a job or the like was performed (S13, No), the process does not proceed to step S14.

[0082] The processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the power saving mode (S15). If the power saving mode is the LP mode, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the LP mode.

[0083] The process of step S14 and the process of step S15 may be performed simultaneously, or the process of step S14 may be performed after the process of step S15 is performed.

[0084] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode and a cause for returning occurs (S16), the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode (S17).

[0085] When the cause of recovery is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor 18 (S18, human presence sensor) (that is, when the human presence sensor 18 detects a person), the process proceeds to step S19.

[0086] When the UI 14 is operated after a person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 (S19, Yes), the processor 22 changes the transition time to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time (S20). For example, when the UI 14 is operated after a person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 and before the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the standby mode to the power saving mode, the processor 22 changes the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time.

[0087] If the cause of the return is a cause other than the detection of a person by the human presence sensor 18 (S18, cause other than the human presence sensor), the processor 22 does not change the transition time. In this case, the transition time is maintained at the second transition time. Similarly, if the UI 14 is not operated (S19, No), the processor 22 does not change the transition time.

[0088] When the cause of recovery is detection of a person by the human sensor 18, if the UI 14 is operated, it is presumed that a person will actually use the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, by changing the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time, user convenience is improved.

[0089] In the case where the cause of the return is the detection of a person by the human sensor 18, when the UI 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 is operated and a process such as a job is executed by the image forming apparatus 10, the processor 22 may change the transition time to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time. In other words, when a process requiring an operation of the UI 14 (e.g., a copy job, a scan job, etc.) is executed, the processor 22 changes the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time. When a process requiring an operation of the UI 14 is executed, a person is actually around the image forming apparatus 10 and is using the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, by changing the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time, user convenience is improved.

[0090] Example 3 The process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process according to the third embodiment.

[0091] In the third embodiment, when the cause of return is detection of a person by the human sensor 18, if a person is detected multiple times by the human sensor 18, the processor 22 changes the transition time from the first mode to the second mode to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time. Hereinafter, the process according to the third embodiment will be described in detail.

[0092] The image forming apparatus 10 starts up (S31), and the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode (S32).

[0093] If no person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 and the first transition time has elapsed since the last time a job or other processing or operation was performed (S33, Yes), the processor 22 changes the transition time from the standby mode to the power saving mode from the first transition time to the second transition time (S34).

[0094] When the power saving mode is the LP mode, the first transition time and the second transition time are the LP transition time, and when the power saving mode is the SP mode, the first transition time and the second transition time are the SP transition time.

[0095] If no person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 and the first transition time has not elapsed since the last processing or operation of a job or the like was performed (S33, No), the process does not proceed to step S14.

[0096] The processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the power saving mode (S35). If the power saving mode is the LP mode, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the LP mode.

[0097] The process of step S34 and the process of step S35 may be performed simultaneously, or the process of step S34 may be performed after the process of step S35 is performed.

[0098] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode and a cause for returning occurs (S36), the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode (S37).

[0099] If the cause of recovery is the detection of a person by the human presence sensor 18 (S38, human presence sensor) (i.e., if the human presence sensor 18 detects a person), the processor 22 stores information indicating the time (e.g., the time) when the cause of recovery occurred in the memory 20 (S39).

[0100] If the time from the time when the cause for recovery occurs to the time when a person is next detected by the human presence sensor 18 (i.e., the elapsed time) is equal to or less than the threshold value (S40, Yes), the processor 22 changes the transition time to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time (S41). In other words, if a person is detected multiple times by the human presence sensor 18 within a predetermined period (e.g., if a person is detected twice), the processor 22 changes the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time. The threshold value is a predetermined value. The threshold value may be set by the user. For example, the threshold value is five minutes, but this time is merely an example, and a time other than five minutes may be set as the threshold value.

[0101] If the cause of return is a cause other than the detection of a person by the human presence sensor 18 (S38, cause other than the human presence sensor), the processor 22 does not change the transition time. In this case, the transition time is maintained at the second transition time. Similarly, if the elapsed time exceeds the threshold value (S40, No), the processor 22 does not change the transition time. In other words, if a person is not detected multiple times by the human presence sensor 18 within a predetermined period of time, the processor 22 does not change the transition time.

[0102] In addition, the processor 22 changes the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time if a person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 three or more times within a predetermined period of time, but does not need to change the transition time in other cases.

[0103] When a person is detected multiple times by the human presence sensor 18, it is presumed that the person will actually use the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, by changing the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time, user convenience is improved.

[0104] Example 4 When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode, if the processor 22 receives an instruction to execute processing such as a job for the image forming apparatus 10, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode. In other words, the processor 22 returns the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the standby mode.

[0105] In the fourth embodiment, if the time from when the image forming apparatus 10 is instructed to execute a process such as a job until the human presence sensor 18 detects a human being is equal to or shorter than a threshold, the processor 22 changes the transition time from the standby mode to the power saving mode to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time. The threshold is a predetermined value. The threshold may be set by the user.

[0106] For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is in a power saving mode, a user instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a print job using a terminal device such as a personal computer or a smartphone. The print job is transmitted from the terminal device to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication path such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. When the processor 22 accepts the print job, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the standby mode.

[0107] If the time from the time when an instruction to execute a process such as a print job is given (for example, the time when processor 22 receives an instruction to execute a process such as a print job) to the time when a person is detected by human presence sensor 18 is below a threshold value, processor 22 changes the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time.

[0108] When the time from when an instruction to execute a process such as a job is given until a person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 is equal to or less than a threshold value, it is presumed that the user who gave the instruction is near the image forming apparatus 10 or that the user who gave the instruction is seated near the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, by changing the transition time from the second transition time to the third transition time, user convenience is improved.

[0109] If the time from when an instruction to execute a process such as a job is given until a person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 exceeds a threshold, it is assumed that the user who gave the instruction is far from the image forming apparatus 10 or that the user who gave the instruction is seated far from the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, by maintaining the transition time at the second transition time, it is possible to suppress a decrease in energy saving performance.

[0110] Example 5 A process according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process according to the fifth embodiment.

[0111] In the fifth embodiment, the power saving mode includes an LP mode and an SP mode. As an example, the LP transition time is 30 minutes, and the LP transition time is 60 minutes.

[0112] The image forming apparatus 10 starts up (S51), and the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode (S52).

[0113] If the SP transition time has elapsed since the last processing or operation of a job or the like was performed without a person being detected by the human presence sensor 18 (S53, Yes), the processor 22 changes the LP transition time to the SP transition time to the second transition time (S54). For example, the second transition time is one minute. The second transition time for the LP mode and the second transition time for the SP mode may be the same or different.

[0114] If no person is detected by the human presence sensor 18 and the SP transition time has not elapsed since the last processing or operation of a job or the like was performed (S53, No), the process does not transition to step S54.

[0115] The processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the power saving mode (S55). Because the SP transition time has elapsed, the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the standby mode to the SP mode.

[0116] The process of step S54 and the process of step S55 may be performed simultaneously, or the process of step S54 may be performed after the process of step S55 is performed.

[0117] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the SP mode and a cause for returning occurs (S56), the processor 22 transitions the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the SP mode to the standby mode (S57).

[0118] The processor 22 changes the LP transition time and the SP transition time depending on the cause of return.

[0119] When the cause of return is the detection of a person by the human sensor 18 (S58, human sensor) (i.e., when the human sensor 18 detects a person), the processor 22 changes the LP transition time and the SP transition time to the third transition time (S59). The third transition time for the LP mode and the third transition time for the SP mode may be the same or different.

[0120] The processor 22 may change the LP transition time and the SP transition time back to the original transition times. For example, the processor 22 changes the LP transition time from 1 minute to 30 minutes, and the SP transition time from 1 minute to 60 minutes.

[0121] If the cause of recovery is a cause other than the detection of a person by the human sensor 18 (S58, cause other than the human sensor), the processor 22 does not change the LP transition time and the SP transition time. In this case, the LP transition time and the SP transition time are maintained at the second transition time.

[0122] As described above, even if the power saving mode includes a plurality of different modes, when it is estimated that there is a person around the image forming apparatus 10, the transition time is changed to the third transition time which is longer than the second transition time.

[0123] When the user is authenticated by the image forming apparatus 10 using an IC card, the processor 22 may maintain the LP transition time at the second transition time (eg, 1 minute) and change the SP transition time to a third transition time (eg, 60 minutes).

[0124] Some of the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by a device other than the image forming apparatus 10. When some of the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are realized by a device other than the image forming apparatus 10, an information processing system may be configured by the image forming apparatus 10 and the other device. In other words, the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by a single device, or may be realized by an information processing system including multiple devices.

[0125] Each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized, for example, by cooperation between hardware and software. For example, each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the processor 22 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading and executing a program stored in a memory. 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. Similarly, each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by the processor 22 of the image forming apparatus 10 reading and executing a program stored in the memory. 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.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the control of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 has been described, but the processes according to the embodiment and modified examples may be applied to an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10. In other words, the apparatus according to the embodiment or modified example may be an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10 as long as it has a plurality of modes with different times until the process can be executed.

[0127] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may not only be performed by one processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0128] (Additional Note) (((1))) A processor is included. The processor, In an apparatus having a first mode and a second mode in which a time required for a process to be executed is longer than that required in the first mode, when a mode of the apparatus transitions from the first mode to the second mode due to the passage of a first transition time from the first mode to the second mode, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a second transition time which is shorter than the first transition time. Information processing system. (((2))) A human presence sensor detects people around the device, The processor, When the cause of returning from the second mode to the first mode is detection of a human by the human presence sensor, a transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed according to the detection result. An information processing system according to (((1))). (((3))) The processor, When the cause of the return is detection of a human by the human presence sensor, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time. The information processing system according to (((2))). (((4))) The processor, When the cause of the return is detection of a human by the human presence sensor, if the device is operated, changing a transition time from the first mode to the second mode to the third transition time which is longer than the second transition time. The information processing system according to (((3))). (((5))) The processor, When the cause of the return is detection of a human by the human sensor, if the device is operated and a process is executed by the device, changing a transition time from the first mode to the second mode to the third transition time which is longer than the second transition time. The information processing system according to (((4))). (((6))) The processor, when a time from a time when an instruction to execute a process on the device to a time when a human is detected by the human presence sensor is equal to or shorter than a threshold value, changing a transition time from the first mode to the second mode to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time; The information processing system according to (((3))). (((7))) The processor, When the cause of the return is detection of a person by the human presence sensor, if a person is detected multiple times by the human presence sensor, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to the third transition time which is longer than the second transition time. The information processing system according to (((3))). (((8))) the third transition time is the first transition time; The information processing system according to (((3))). (((9))) The computer In an apparatus having a first mode and a second mode in which a time required for a process to be executed is longer than that required in the first mode, when a mode of the apparatus transitions from the first mode to the second mode due to the passage of a first transition time from the first mode to the second mode, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a second transition time which is shorter than the first transition time. A program that makes it work. According to the information processing system relating to (((1))), (((2))) or (((8))), or the program relating to (((9))), in a device having a first mode and a second mode in which the time until processing can be executed is longer than in the first mode, it is possible to eliminate the need for a user to set the transition time from the first mode to the second mode. According to the inventions pertaining to (((3)))-(((7))), user convenience is improved compared to the case in which the transition time is maintained at the second transition time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10 image forming device, 22 processor.

Claims

1. A processor is included. The processor, In an apparatus having a first mode and a second mode in which a time required for a process to be executed is longer than that required in the first mode, when a mode of the apparatus transitions from the first mode to the second mode due to the passage of a first transition time from the first mode to the second mode, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a second transition time that is shorter than the first transition time. Information processing system.

2. A human presence sensor detects people around the device, The processor, When the cause of returning from the second mode to the first mode is detection of a human by the human presence sensor, a transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed according to the detection result. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, When the cause of the return is detection of a human by the human presence sensor, a transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor, When the cause of the return is detection of a human by the human presence sensor, if the device is operated, changing a transition time from the first mode to the second mode to the third transition time which is longer than the second transition time. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The processor, When the cause of the return is detection of a human by the human presence sensor, if the device is operated and a process is executed by the device, a transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to the third transition time which is longer than the second transition time.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4.

6. The processor, when a time from a time when an instruction to execute a process on the device is given to a time when a human is detected by the human presence sensor is equal to or shorter than a threshold value, a transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a third transition time that is longer than the second transition time. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

7. The processor, When the cause of the return is detection of a person by the human presence sensor, if a person is detected multiple times by the human presence sensor, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to the third transition time which is longer than the second transition time. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

8. the third transition time is the first transition time; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

9. The computer In an apparatus having a first mode and a second mode in which a time required for a process to be executed is longer than that required in the first mode, when a mode of the apparatus transitions from the first mode to the second mode due to the passage of a first transition time from the first mode to the second mode, the transition time from the first mode to the second mode is changed to a second transition time that is shorter than the first transition time. A program that makes it work.

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