Information processing system and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and a program that prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed, while a user instructing the execution of the job does not recognize switching of the mode.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises an image forming apparatus 10, a network N, and one or more terminal devices 12A, 12B, ..., 12N. In the image forming apparatus 10, 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 in an operation condition with a smaller operating sound than the first mode, a processor of the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the fact that the instruction to switch the mode is issued, to terminals 12A, 12B, ..., 12N of users instructing the execution of a job that can be at least partially executed in the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are known apparatuses that have a function for switching between a normal mode and a quiet mode in which, when executing a job (e.g., copying, printing, scanning, etc.), the job is executed under operating conditions that result in quieter operating noise than in the normal mode.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that has a function of switching between a standard operation mode and a low-noise operation mode, and that executes printing based on an instruction from an operation unit in the standard operation mode.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an image forming apparatus that, when an instruction to switch to normal mode is given while a job is being executed in silent mode, executes processing in a mode that allows the job to be completed quickly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-152760 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-068293 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, there are cases where a user other than the user who instructed the execution of a job wants to set the mode to quiet mode. In this case, if the mode is switched without informing the user who instructed the execution of the job, the job may be executed in quiet mode before the user who instructed the execution of the job is aware of the mode switch. Generally, the processing speed in quiet mode is slower than the processing speed in normal mode. Therefore, the time required for the job to be completed may be longer than the intention of the user who instructed the execution of the job.

[0007] 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 the execution of the job is not aware of the mode change. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention of claim 1 is an information processing system having a processor that, when an instruction is given to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode in which the job is executed under operating conditions with quieter operating noise than the first mode, notifies a user who has instructed the execution of a job, at least a portion of which may be executed in the second mode, that an instruction to switch modes has been given.

[0009] The invention of claim 2 is the information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processor requests the user for permission to switch modes, and executes a job for which the user's permission has been obtained in the second mode.

[0010] The invention of claim 3 is an information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the jobs that may be executed in the second mode are jobs that are being executed when an instruction is given to switch the mode from the first mode to the second mode, and jobs that are scheduled to be executed after the instruction to switch is given.

[0011] The invention of claim 4 is an information processing system as described in claim 2, wherein, if the user refuses permission, the processor executes the job that the user has instructed to be executed in the first mode, and after execution of the job that the user has instructed to be executed is completed, the processor switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode.

[0012] The invention of claim 5 is an information processing system as described in claim 2, wherein the processor executes a job instructed to be executed by the user in the first mode if there is no permission response from the user, and switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode after execution of the job instructed to be executed by the user is completed.

[0013] The invention of claim 6 is an information processing system as described in claim 2, wherein when multiple users instruct the execution of jobs that may be executed in the second mode, the processor requests permission to switch modes from the multiple users, and if there is a user among the multiple users who refuses permission, executes in the first mode the job instructed to be executed by the user who refused permission and a job to be executed before the job instructed to be executed by the user who refused permission.

[0014] The invention of claim 7 is the information processing system described in claim 6, wherein the processor executes, in the second mode, a job to be executed after a job instructed to be executed by a user who refused permission.

[0015] The invention of claim 8 is an information processing system as described in claim 1, in which the processor does not notify the user who instructed the execution of the job being executed at the time when an instruction to switch modes is received that an instruction to switch modes has been given, if the job being executed at the time when an instruction to switch modes is received ends within a predetermined time from the time.

[0016] The invention of claim 9 is an information processing system as described in claim 1, further comprising an apparatus main body that executes a job, and a switching device provided in the apparatus main body for instructing mode switching, and the processor accepts instructions given using the switching device.

[0017] The invention of claim 10 is a program that causes a computer to operate in such a way that, when an instruction is given to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode in which the job is executed under operating conditions with quieter operating noise than the first mode, the computer notifies a user who has instructed the execution of a job, at least a part of which may be executed in the second mode, that an instruction to switch modes has been given. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the invention as set forth in claims 1 and 10, it is possible to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed while a user who has instructed execution of the job is not aware of the mode change.

[0019] According to the invention as set forth in claim 2, it is possible to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed against the intention of a user who has instructed the execution of the job.

[0020] According to the invention of claim 3, for jobs being executed at the time when an instruction to switch modes is given, and jobs scheduled to be executed after that time, it is possible to prevent jobs from being executed in a mode with a slower processing speed while the user who instructed the job execution is not aware of the mode switch.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed against the intention of a user who refused permission to switch modes, and to execute the job in a second mode after the execution of the job is completed.

[0022] According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed against the will of a user who does not express an intention regarding whether or not to allow mode switching, and to execute the job in a second mode after the execution of the job is completed.

[0023] According to the invention of claim 6, a job to be executed before a job instructed to be executed by a user who has refused permission to switch modes is executed in the second mode, thereby preventing delays in the execution of the user's jobs.

[0024] According to the invention of claim 7, when multiple users instruct the execution of a job, it is possible to suppress delays in the execution of a job by a user who has refused permission to switch modes, and to execute the job in the second mode after the execution of that job is completed.

[0025] According to the invention as set forth in claim 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 that user.

[0026] According to the invention of claim 9, the user can instruct the switching of modes with fewer operations than when instructing the switching of modes by operating an operation panel provided on the device body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an entire system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process flow according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The configuration of the overall system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the overall system according to the embodiment.

[0029] The overall system according to the embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10 and one or more terminal devices.

[0030] In the example shown in Fig. 1, terminal devices 12A, 12B,...,12N are included in the overall system. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the terminal devices 12A, 12B,...,12N, each of the terminal devices 12A, 12B,...,12N will be referred to as "terminal device 12".

[0031] 1, multiple terminal devices 12 are included in the overall system, but the number of terminal devices 12 included in the overall system may be one. Multiple image forming devices 10 may be included in the overall system. Devices other than the image forming devices 10 and the terminal devices 12 may be included in the overall system.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 10 and the terminal apparatus 12 communicate with other apparatuses 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 may be established by wired communication or wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication path N may be short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier).

[0033] The image forming apparatus 10 is a printer, scanner, copier, facsimile, or multifunction machine (e.g., a device having the functions of multiple devices such as a printer, scanner, and copier). The image forming apparatus 10 executes jobs such as print jobs, scan jobs, and copy jobs. For example, when a user operates the image forming apparatus 10 to instruct the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a job, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the job according to the instruction. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction to execute a job from a terminal apparatus 12, it executes the job.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 10 has a normal mode and a quiet mode as job execution modes, that is, the image forming apparatus 10 has a normal function and a quiet function as job execution functions.

[0035] The quiet mode is a mode in which jobs are executed under operating conditions in which the operating noise is quieter than in the normal mode. In the quiet mode, power consumption and noise are reduced compared to the normal mode. An example of the quiet mode will be described below.

[0036] For example, in normal mode, a function for adjusting the skew of paper using hardware (e.g., registration using hardware) is executed. In quiet mode, registration using hardware is not executed. By not using hardware, the accuracy of the skew adjustment decreases compared to when registration using hardware is executed, but power consumption and noise are reduced. For example, in quiet mode, a function for adjusting the skew of an image generated by reading a document (e.g., registration by software) is executed.

[0037] For example, in normal mode, when paper on which an image is formed is discharged, a process of aligning the paper is executed using hardware, but in silent mode, such a process is not executed. For example, in silent mode, the set clamp or tamper for holding the paper does not operate, or the number of times of operation is set to be less than the number of times in normal mode. In this way, in silent mode, the positional accuracy of paper discharge is lower than in normal mode, but power consumption and noise are reduced.

[0038] For example, if the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a post-processing device (such as a device that performs stapling or creates booklets), the preparation time for performing post-processing is set longer in quiet mode than in normal mode. By doing so, the time to complete post-processing is longer in quiet mode than in normal mode, but the noise level is reduced. In this case, the job processing speed in quiet mode is slower than the job processing speed in normal mode.

[0039] For example, in quiet mode, the pitch of paper feed is lowered compared to normal mode. For example, in quiet mode, the paper feed speed is set lower compared to normal mode. By doing so, the job processing speed is slower in quiet mode compared to normal mode, but the noise is reduced. In this case, the job processing speed in quiet mode is slower than the job processing speed in normal mode.

[0040] The above example is merely an example. For example, in the normal mode, the use of the automatic document feeder may be permitted, and in the quiet mode, the use of the automatic document feeder may not be permitted. In this way, the job processing speed in the quiet mode is slower than in the normal mode, but power consumption and noise are reduced.

[0041] In the quiet mode, the fixing temperature may be set lower than in the normal mode, so that the job processing speed is slower in the quiet mode than in the normal mode, but power consumption is also reduced.

[0042] In the normal mode, the use of the post-processing device may be permitted, and in the quiet mode, the use of the post-processing device may not be permitted, thereby reducing power consumption and noise in the quiet mode compared to the normal mode.

[0043] The operations and processes in the silent mode described above are merely examples, and one of the multiple operations and processes described above may be executed, or multiple operations and processes may be executed.

[0044] The normal mode corresponds to an example of the first mode, and the silent mode corresponds to an example of the second mode.

[0045] The terminal device 12 is a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a tablet PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like. For example, when a user operates the terminal device 12 to instruct the image forming device 10 to execute a job, the terminal device 12 transmits job control information to the image forming device 10 via the communication path N. For example, the job control information includes information indicating the contents of the job, the conditions of the job, and an execution instruction. The job control information also includes identification information of the terminal device 12 that instructed 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.

[0046] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0047] The image forming device 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.

[0048] The image forming unit 14 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.

[0049] The UI 16 is a user interface and includes a display and an operation device. The display is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The operation device is a keyboard, a mouse, an input key, an operation panel, etc. The UI 16 may be a UI such as a touch panel (e.g., an operation panel) that combines a display and an operation device.

[0050] The communication device 18 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 18 may have a wireless communication function such as short-range wireless communication or Wi-Fi, or may have a wired communication function.

[0051] The switching device 20 is a device for allowing a 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 lever. When the image forming device 10 is in the normal mode, and the user instructs a mode change by operating the switching device 20, the image forming device 10 changes the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode. When the image forming device 10 is in the silent mode, and the user instructs a mode change by operating the switching device 20, the image forming device 10 changes the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode. The image forming device 10 corresponds to an example of the device body.

[0052] The memory 22 is a device that configures 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 types of memory (for example, RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (for example, optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0053] The processor 24 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0054] For example, the processor 24 accepts a job and executes the job. Specifically, the processor 24 accepts a job and causes the image forming unit 14 to execute the job. When the image forming device 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 device 10 is in the quiet mode, the processor 24 causes the image forming device 10 to execute the job in the quiet mode.

[0055] Furthermore, when a user instructs a mode change by operating switching device 20, processor 24 switches the mode of image forming device 10 in accordance with the instruction. When the mode of image forming device 10 is the normal mode, if a user instructs a mode change by operating switching device 20, processor 24 switches the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode. When the mode of image forming device 10 is the silent mode, if a user instructs a mode change by operating switching device 20, processor 24 switches the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode.

[0056] The switching of the mode may be instructed from the terminal device 12. For example, when a user operates the terminal device 12 to instruct the switching of the mode, the terminal device 12 transmits 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 to execute the job. In this case, the terminal device 12 transmits job control information including information indicating the mode specified by the user to the image forming device 10. The processor 24 switches the mode of the image forming device 10 to the mode specified by the user and executes the job.

[0057] When an instruction is given to switch the mode in which a job is executed from normal mode to silent mode, processor 24 notifies a user who has instructed the execution of a job that may be executed at least in part in silent mode that an instruction to switch modes has been given. For example, processor 24 transmits information indicating that an instruction to switch modes has been given to terminal device 12 of the user. The information is displayed on a display of terminal device 12 or output as sound from a speaker of terminal device 12. This makes it possible to inform the user who has instructed the execution of the job that an instruction to switch modes from normal mode to silent mode has been given.

[0058] Jobs that may be executed in quiet mode are jobs that are being executed when an instruction to switch the mode from normal mode to quiet mode is given, and jobs that are scheduled to be executed after the instruction to switch is given.

[0059] For example, when multiple jobs are executed by the image forming apparatus 10, the multiple jobs are executed in order. For example, the order is the order in which the image forming apparatus 10 accepts the jobs. The order may be changed by a user or by interrupt processing. The above-mentioned scheduled job is a job that is executed in that order after the point in time when a switching instruction is given.

[0060] Execution of a job may be reserved. For example, when a date and time for executing a job are specified and execution of the job is instructed, the processor 24 executes the job at the specified date and time. If the date and time of the reservation are later than the time when the switchover instruction is given, the reserved job corresponds to an example of the scheduled job described above.

[0061] For example, when user A operates terminal device 12A to instruct execution of a job such as a print job, image forming device 10 executes the job in sequence. If the mode when the execution of the job is instructed is normal mode, and an instruction is given to switch the mode from normal mode to silent mode during execution of the job, processor 24 transmits information indicating that an instruction to switch modes has been given to terminal device 12A. Similarly, if the job is to be executed after the instruction to switch modes has been given, processor 24 transmits information indicating that an instruction to switch modes has been given to terminal device 12A.

[0062] A plurality of users may instruct the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a job by operating their own terminal device 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 an instruction to switch the mode has been given to each of the terminal devices 12 of the plurality of users. In this way, the plurality of users can be notified that an instruction to switch the mode has been given.

[0063] When an instruction is given to switch the mode in which a job is executed from normal mode to quiet mode, the processor 24 may request permission to switch modes from the user who instructed the execution of a job that may be at least partially executed in quiet mode.

[0064] For example, the processor 24 transmits information indicating a request for permission to switch modes (hereinafter referred to as "request information") to the terminal device 12 of the user. The request information is displayed on a display of the terminal device 12, or is output as sound from a speaker of the terminal device 12. The request information may be included in the above-mentioned notification and transmitted to the terminal device 12, or may be transmitted to the terminal device 12 separately from the above-mentioned notification.

[0065] When the user who has received the request permits the switching by operating terminal device 12, terminal device 12 transmits information indicating the permission (hereinafter referred to as "permission information") to image forming apparatus 10. When processor 24 receives the permission information, it switches the mode from normal mode to quiet mode and executes the job in quiet mode. This prevents the job from being executed in quiet mode against the intention of the user who instructed the execution of the job.

[0066] When the user who has received the request operates the terminal device 12 to refuse permission to switch, the terminal device 12 transmits information indicating the refusal (hereinafter referred to as "rejection information") to the image forming device 10. When the processor 24 receives the rejection information, the processor 24 executes the job in the normal mode without switching the mode. After the execution of the job is completed, the processor 24 may switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode.

[0067] If the user who received the request does not respond to the request, the processor 24 may execute the job in the normal mode without switching the mode. After the execution of the job is completed, the processor 24 may switch the mode from the normal mode to the quiet mode.

[0068] For example, if the processor 24 receives neither permission information nor rejection information from the terminal device 12 within a predetermined time from the time when request information is sent from the image forming device 10 to the terminal device 12, the processor 24 does not need to switch modes.

[0069] As another example, if the processor 24 receives neither permission information nor rejection information from the terminal device 12 to which the request information is sent until the job is completed, the processor 24 does not need to switch modes.

[0070] As yet another example, when processor 24 receives permission information from terminal device 12 to which request information is to be sent while executing a job, processor 24 may switch the mode from normal mode to silent mode at the time of receiving the permission information and execute the job in silent mode. When processor 24 receives rejection information from terminal device 12 to which request information is to be sent while executing a job, processor 24 may execute the job without switching the mode.

[0071] When the mode is switched from the normal mode to the quiet mode, the processor 24 may continue to maintain the mode in the quiet mode, or may switch the mode from the quiet mode to the normal mode according to a predetermined condition.

[0072] The above-mentioned predetermined condition is a time-related condition or a job-related condition. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the mode was switched from the normal mode to the quiet mode, the processor 24 switches the mode from the quiet mode to the normal mode. As another example, a job is executed in the quiet mode, and after the execution is completed, the processor 24 may switch the mode from the quiet mode to the normal mode. As yet another example, a job is executed in the quiet mode, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution is completed, the processor 24 may switch the mode from the quiet mode to the normal mode.

[0073] A default mode may be set for image forming apparatus 10. The normal mode may be set as the default mode, or the quiet mode may be set as the default mode. If the mode is switched to a mode other than the default mode, processor 24 may return the mode to the default mode according to the above-mentioned predetermined conditions.

[0074] In the case where a default mode is set and the mode is switched by the switching device 20, the processor 24 may permit 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. After the mode is switched, a job is executed, and when the job is completed, the processor 24 may return the mode to the mode before the mode was switched.

[0075] When multiple users instruct the execution of jobs that may be executed in quiet mode, the processor 24 transmits request information to each of the terminal devices 12 of the multiple users. When there is a user who has refused permission among the multiple users (i.e., when there is a terminal device 12 that has transmitted refusal information to the image forming device 10 among the multiple terminal devices 12 that have received the request information), the processor 24 executes the job instructed to be executed by the user who refused permission and the job to be executed before the job instructed to be executed by the user who refused permission in quiet mode. The processor 24 executes jobs to be executed after the job instructed to be executed by the user who refused permission in quiet mode.

[0076] If the job being executed at the time when the processor 24 receives an instruction to switch the mode (i.e., the job being executed) ends within a predetermined time from the time, the processor 24 may not transmit information indicating that the instruction to switch the mode 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 transmit 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 to switch the mode is received to the completion of the execution of the job based on the contents of the job and the performance of the device that executes the job. If the calculated time is within the predetermined time, the processor 24 does not transmit information indicating that the instruction to switch the mode has been issued or request information to the terminal device 12. This prevents unnecessary notifications from being issued. If the calculated time exceeds the predetermined time, the processor 24 transmits information indicating that the instruction to switch the mode has been issued or request information to the terminal device 12.

[0077] In other words, if the time required for the job being executed to be completed is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the processor 24 does not need to transmit information indicating that an instruction to switch modes has been issued or request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job. If the time required for the job being executed to be completed exceeds the threshold, the processor 24 transmits information indicating that an instruction to switch modes has been issued or request information to the terminal device 12.

[0078] For example, the time required for a job to finish is the time required for the job to finish if the job is executed in silent mode, or as another example, the time required for a job to finish may be the time required for the job to finish if the job is executed in normal mode.

[0079] 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 equal to or less than a threshold, the processor 24 does not need to transmit information indicating that an instruction to switch modes has been given or request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job. If the number of remaining sheets of paper to be processed exceeds the threshold, the processor 24 transmits information indicating that an instruction to switch modes has been given or request information to the terminal device 12.

[0080] Processor 24 may calculate the time required for a job to be completed when the mode is switched from the normal mode to the silent mode (hereinafter referred to as the "delay time"), and transmit information indicating the delay time (hereinafter referred to as the "delay time information") to terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job. For example, processor 24 calculates the delay time based on the contents of the job and the performance of the device that runs in the silent mode to execute the job. Processor 24 may transmit the delay time information to terminal device 12 together with the above notification, or may transmit the delay time information to terminal device 12 together with the request information.

[0081] Image forming apparatus 10 may have multiple quiet modes with different operating sound levels. In this case, processor 24 may switch the quiet mode stepwise in accordance with a mode switching instruction, may switch the mode to a quiet mode specified by a user, or may switch the mode to a quiet mode according to a job.

[0082] The image forming apparatus 10 may include a lighting device such as an electric light. The processor 24 may change the manner of lighting by the lighting device depending on the mode. For example, the processor 24 may change the color of light emitted by the lighting device or the manner of blinking depending on whether the mode is the normal mode or the silent mode. The processor 24 may turn off the lighting device in the normal mode and turn on the lighting device in the silent mode. The processor 24 may turn on the lighting device in the normal mode and turn off the lighting device in the silent mode. The processor 24 may keep the lighting device always on in the normal mode and turn on the lighting device in the silent mode. The processor 24 may perform the opposite control. By changing the manner of lighting depending on the mode, it is possible to inform people around the image forming apparatus 10 of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0083] The terminal device 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the terminal device 12.

[0084] The UI 26 is a user interface and includes a display and an operation device. The display is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The operation device is a keyboard, a mouse, an input key, an operation panel, or the like. The UI 26 may be a UI such as a touch panel that combines a display and an operation device. The UI 26 may include a speaker and a microphone.

[0085] The communication device 28 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 28 may have a wireless communication function such as short-range wireless communication or Wi-Fi, or may have a wired communication function.

[0086] The memory 30 is a device that configures 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 types of memory (for example, RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (for example, optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0087] The processor 32 controls the operation of each part of the terminal device 12 .

[0088] For example, a user can operate the terminal device 12 to instruct the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a job.

[0089] When information indicating that the mode has been switched from normal mode to silent mode is sent from the image forming device 10 to the terminal device 12, the processor 32 causes the information to be displayed on the display of the UI 26 or output as sound from the speaker of the UI 26.

[0090] When the request information is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 to the terminal device 12, the processor 32 displays the request information on the display. For example, the processor 32 displays a selection screen for selecting whether or not to permit mode switching on the display of the UI 26.

[0091] When the user selects "permission" on the selection screen, the processor 32 transmits permission information to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0092] When the user selects rejection on the selection screen, the processor 32 transmits rejection information to the image forming device 10 .

[0093] The mode of the image forming apparatus 10 may be switched by using the terminal device 12. For example, the processor 32 displays a switching screen for switching the mode on the display of the UI 26. When the user instructs switching of the mode on the switching screen, the processor 32 transmits information indicating the instruction to the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when the user specifies silent mode on the switching screen, the processor 32 transmits information indicating an instruction to switch the mode to silent mode to the image forming apparatus 10. The processor 24 of the image forming apparatus 10 switches the mode to silent mode in accordance with the instruction.

[0094] The flow of processing by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing.

[0095] Here, as an example, the switching device 20 is a button. Hereinafter, the button is referred to as a “switching button.” Also, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 can be switched by a switching instruction from the terminal device 12.

[0096] First, the switching button is pressed (S01). For example, the switching button may be pressed by a person or the like around the image forming apparatus 10.

[0097] When the switching button is pressed, the processor 32 determines whether the pressing of the switching button has turned the button on or off (S02).

[0098] Turning the switching button on means giving an instruction to image forming apparatus 10 to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode. Turning the switching button off means giving an instruction to image forming apparatus 10 to switch the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode.

[0099] For example, when a person around image forming apparatus 10 or a user who has instructed the execution of a job wants to switch the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode, the person may press the switch button that is off to turn the switch button on. Conversely, when a person around image forming apparatus 10 or a user who has instructed the execution of a job wants to switch the mode from the silent mode to the normal mode, the person may press the switch button that is on to turn the switch button off.

[0100] When the switching button is switched from OFF to ON (S02, ON), the processor 24 causes the lighting device provided in the image forming apparatus 10 to blink (S03).

[0101] Next, the processor 24 checks the current mode of the image forming apparatus 10 (S04).

[0102] If 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, even if the switching button is turned off, the mode may already be switched to the silent mode by a switching instruction from the terminal device 12. If the switching button is turned on because the mode has already been switched to the silent mode, the processor 24 maintains the silent mode without switching the mode.

[0103] When the current mode is the normal mode (S04, normal), if there is no job being executed or reserved (S05, none), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S10) and sets the mode to the quiet mode (S11).

[0104] When the current mode is the normal mode (S04, normal), if there is at least one of an active job and a reserved job (S05, present), the processor 24 transmits request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the job (S06). For example, if there is an active job and a reserved job, the processor 24 transmits request information to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the active job and the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the reserved job. The processor 24 may transmit delay time information to the terminal device 12 together with the request information.

[0105] If the user of the terminal device 12 that has received the request information permits the mode switching (S07, Yes), the processor 24 determines the timing of the mode switching (S08). In other words, if the user permits the mode switching, permission information is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the image forming device 10. Upon receiving the permission information, the processor 24 determines the timing of the mode switching (S08).

[0106] When the request information is transmitted to multiple terminal devices 12, if all users permit the mode switching, the processor 24 judges the timing of the mode switching (S08). If there is an active job and a reserved job, the request information is transmitted to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the active job and the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the reserved job. When the processor 24 receives the permission information from the terminal devices 12 of all users, it judges the timing of the mode switching (S08).

[0107] For example, the timing of the mode switch is either (1) when the next sheet of paper to be printed for the currently running job is sent to the IOT (Image Output Terminal) (i.e., when paper is fed), (2) when the execution of the last job is completed if execution of multiple sets of jobs is instructed for the currently running job, or (3) when the currently running job is completed.

[0108] When any of the above conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied (S08, Yes), the processor 24 turns on the illumination 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 when the next paper to be printed is sent to the IOT.

[0109] If none of the above conditions (1) to (3) is met (S08, No), the processor 24 waits until any of the conditions (1) to (3) is met.

[0110] The above conditions (1) to (3) are merely examples. For example, even at times other than the times (1) to (3), the processor 24 may switch the mode to the quiet mode in the middle of a job being executed.

[0111] If the user of the terminal device 12 that received the request information does not permit the mode to be switched (S07, No), the processor 24 determines the timing of the mode switching (S09). For example, if the user rejects the mode switching, rejection information is transmitted from the terminal device 12 to the image forming device 10. Upon receiving the rejection information, the processor 24 determines the timing of the mode switching (S09).

[0112] When request information is transmitted to multiple terminal devices 12, if some of the users reject the mode switching, the processor 24 determines the timing of mode switching (S09). If there is an active job and a reserved job, the request information is transmitted to the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the active job and the terminal device 12 of the user who instructed the execution of the reserved job. When the processor 24 receives rejection information from some of the users' terminal devices 12, it determines the timing of mode switching (S09).

[0113] For example, the timing of the mode switch is (4) the timing when the running job and the scheduled job are finished, that is, the timing of the mode switch is the timing when all jobs are finished.

[0114] If the above condition (4) is met (S09, Yes), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S10) and sets the mode to the silent mode (S11).

[0115] If the above condition (4) is not met (S09, No), the processor 24 waits until the condition (4) is met.

[0116] When the switching button is switched from on to off (S02, off), the processor 24 causes the lighting device provided in the image forming apparatus 10 to blink (S12).

[0117] Next, the processor 24 checks the current mode of the image forming device 10 (S13).

[0118] If 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, even if the switching button is on, the mode may already be switched to the normal mode by a switching instruction from the terminal device 12. If the switching button is turned off because the mode has already been switched to the normal mode, the processor 24 maintains the normal mode without switching the mode.

[0119] When the current mode is the quiet mode (S13, quiet), if there is no job in progress or reserved job (S14, none), the processor 24 turns on the lighting device (S16) and sets the mode to the normal mode (S17).

[0120] When the current mode is the silent mode (S13, normal), if there is at least one of an active job and a reserved job (S14, yes), the processor 24 determines the timing for switching modes (S15).

[0121] For example, the timing of the mode switching is any one of the above-mentioned (1) to (3).

[0122] When any of the above conditions (1) to (3) is satisfied (S15, Yes), the processor 24 turns on the illumination 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 when the next paper to be printed is sent to the IOT.

[0123] If none of the above conditions (1) to (3) is met (S15, No), the processor 24 waits until any of the conditions (1) to (3) is met.

[0124] The following describes the embodiments by giving specific examples.

[0125] A first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a process flow according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows job execution timing, mode switching timing, notification timing, and permission timing. The horizontal axis shows time. The dashed line shows normal mode, and the solid line shows silent mode.

[0126] At time t1, the switching device 20 is operated to request switching of the mode from the normal mode to the silent mode. In addition, a user A instructs the image forming device 10 to execute a job A using his / her terminal device 12A. Job A is a job being executed at time t1. At time t1, job A is being executed in the normal mode. Note that the switching of the mode may be instructed from the terminal device 12.

[0127] When a request to switch the mode is made at time t1, processor 24 of image forming apparatus 10 notifies terminal device 12A of user A that the mode will be switched. For example, processor 24 transmits request information to terminal device 12A. When user A, who has received the request, permits the mode to be switched at time t2, processor 24 switches the mode from normal mode to quiet mode at time t2. Processor 24 then executes job A in quiet mode. This prevents job A from being executed in quiet mode against the intention of user A.

[0128] After the mode is switched from the normal mode to the quiet mode, the processor 24 switches the mode from the quiet mode to the normal mode according to a predetermined condition. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the mode is switched from the normal mode to the quiet mode, the processor 24 switches the mode from the quiet mode to the normal mode. As another example, after a job is executed in the quiet mode and the execution is completed, the processor 24 switches the mode from the quiet mode to the normal mode.

[0129] Processor 24 may calculate time T required for job A to be completed. For example, processor 24 calculates the time required for job A to be completed when job A is executed in silent mode as time T. As another example, processor 24 may calculate the time required for job A to be completed when job A is executed in normal mode as time T.

[0130] The processor 24 may not transmit the request information to the terminal device 12A when the time T is equal to or less than the threshold, and may transmit the request information to the terminal device 12A when the time T exceeds the threshold.

[0131] The processor 24 may not transmit the request information to the terminal device 12A when the remaining number of sheets to be processed in job A is equal to or less than the threshold, but may transmit the request information to the terminal device 12A when the remaining number of sheets exceeds the threshold.

[0132] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a process flow according to the second embodiment. Fig. 6 shows job execution timing, mode switching timing, notification timing, and permission timing. The horizontal axis shows time. The dashed line shows normal mode, and the solid line shows silent mode.

[0133] In the second embodiment, the processing speed of a job in the quiet mode is slower than the processing speed of a job in the normal mode. For example, the preparation time for post-processing is set longer than in the normal mode, and the paper feed speed is set lower than in the normal mode.

[0134] In the second embodiment, a plurality of jobs are reserved for execution. Specifically, jobs B to E are reserved for execution. Job B is a job whose execution has been instructed by user B. Job C is a job whose execution has been instructed by user C. Job D is a job whose execution has been instructed by user D. Job E is a job whose execution has been instructed by user E. The jobs are scheduled to be executed in the order of B, C, D, and E.

[0135] 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 are not being executed at time t3 and are scheduled to be executed after time t3. The switching of the mode may be instructed from the terminal device 12.

[0136] 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 apparatus 12B of user B, the terminal apparatus 12C of user C, the terminal apparatus 12D of user D, and the terminal apparatus 12E of user E that the mode will be switched. For example, the processor 24 transmits request information to each of the terminal apparatuses 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E.

[0137] While a job is reserved, that is, before job B is executed, users B and C respond to the request. User B permits the mode change, and user C rejects the mode change. In this case, the processor 24 executes job C, which was instructed to be executed by user C who rejected the permission, and job B, which is executed before job C, in normal mode. In other words, even if user B, who instructed the execution of job B, permits the mode change, if user C, who instructed the execution of job C, which is executed after job B, rejects the mode change, the processor 24 executes jobs B and C in normal mode.

[0138] In the second embodiment, the processing speed in quiet mode is slower than the processing speed in normal mode. Therefore, if job B is executed in quiet mode, the completion of not only job B but also job C will be delayed. Since user C refuses to switch modes, the delay in the completion of job C goes against the intention of user C. Therefore, by executing not only job C but also job B in normal mode, it is possible to prevent job C from being executed in quiet mode, which has a slow processing speed, against the intention of user C.

[0139] User E responded to the request during execution of job C and permitted mode switching. User D did not respond to the request at the start of execution of job D ("No response" in FIG. 6). Since user D did not permit mode switching, the processor 24 executes job D in normal mode.

[0140] User D permits mode switching while job D is being executed. Since user E also permits mode switching, processor 24 switches the mode from normal mode to quiet mode at the point in time when user D permits mode switching. Processor 24 executes job D partway through. In other words, processor 24 executes job D in normal mode before user D permits the switching, and executes job D in quiet mode after user D permits the switching. Since user E permits mode switching, processor 24 executes job E in quiet mode.

[0141] Furthermore, after the mode is switched from the normal mode to the quiet 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 quiet mode to the terminal device 12 of the user X. For example, when the user X sets the execution of the job X on the terminal device 12 of the user X, information indicating that the mode is the quiet 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 quiet mode.

[0142] If a user does not respond to the request, processor 24 may determine that the user has permitted the mode change. In this control example, since user D has not responded to the request and user E has permitted the change, processor 24 changes the mode from normal mode to quiet mode when job C ends. Processor 24 executes jobs D and E in quiet mode.

[0143] A third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a process flow according to the third embodiment. Fig. 7 shows the timing of job execution, the timing of mode switching, the timing of notification, and the timing of permission. The horizontal axis shows time. The dashed line shows normal mode, and the solid line shows silent mode.

[0144] In the third embodiment, the processing speed of a job in the silent mode is the same as the processing speed of a job in the normal mode. For example, in the silent mode, registration using hardware is not performed, and the process of aligning paper using hardware is not performed. The preparation time when performing post-processing is the same as the preparation time in the normal mode. The paper feed speed is the same as the speed in the normal mode.

[0145] In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the execution of jobs B to E is reserved. The jobs are scheduled to be executed in the order of B, C, D, and E.

[0146] 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 are not being executed at time t4 and are scheduled to be executed after time t4. The switching of the mode may be instructed from the terminal device 12.

[0147] 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 apparatus 12B of user B, the terminal apparatus 12C of user C, the terminal apparatus 12D of user D, and the terminal apparatus 12E of user E that the mode will be switched. For example, the processor 24 transmits request information to each of the terminal apparatuses 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E.

[0148] While the job is being reserved, i.e., before job B is executed, users B and C respond to the request. User B allows the mode switch and user C denies the mode switch. In this case, processor 24 executes job B in quiet mode and job C in normal mode.

[0149] In the third embodiment, the processing speed of a job in quiet mode is the same as the processing speed of a job in normal mode. Therefore, even if job B is executed in quiet mode, the completion of job C is not delayed. Therefore, processor 24 executes job B in quiet mode and executes job C in normal mode.

[0150] User E responded to the request during execution of job C and permitted mode switching. User D did not respond to the request at the start of execution of job D ("No response" in FIG. 6). Since user D did not permit mode switching, the processor 24 executes job D in normal mode.

[0151] User D permits mode switching during execution of job D. When user D permits mode switching, processor 24 switches the mode from normal mode to quiet mode. Processor 24 executes job D in the middle in quiet mode. User E permits mode switching, so processor 24 executes job E in quiet mode.

[0152] Furthermore, 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 on the terminal device 12 of the user X, information indicating that the mode is the silent mode is displayed on the display of the terminal device 12.

[0153] As in the second embodiment, if the user does not respond to the request, the processor 24 may determine that the user has authorized the mode switch.

[0154] Some of the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10. When some of the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are realized by an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10, an information processing system may be configured by the image forming apparatus 10 and the other apparatus. In other words, the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by an information processing system configured by a single apparatus, or may be realized by an information processing system including multiple apparatuses.

[0155] 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 24 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 24 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.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the mode control of the image forming apparatus 10 has been described, but the process according to the embodiment may be applied to an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 10.

[0157] 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.

[0158] (Additional Note) (((1))) A processor is included. The processor, when an instruction is given to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under operating conditions with less operating noise than the first mode, a user who has instructed the execution of a job, at least a part of which may be executed in the second mode, is notified that an instruction to switch modes has been given; Information processing system. (((2))) The processor, requesting permission from the user to switch modes; executing the job for which the user's permission has been obtained in the second mode; An information processing system according to (((1))). (((3))) The job that may be executed in the second mode is a job that is being executed when an instruction to switch the mode from the first mode to the second mode is given, and a job that is scheduled to be executed after the instruction to switch is given. 2. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a system for processing information according to any one of claims 1 to 10. (((4))) The processor, if the user refuses the permission, execute the job instructed to be executed by the user in the first mode, and after the execution of the job instructed to be executed by the user is completed, switch the mode from the first mode to the second mode; The information processing system according to (((2))). (((5))) The processor, if there is no response of permission from the user, the job instructed to be executed by the user is executed in the first mode, and after the execution of the job instructed to be executed by the user is completed, the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode. The information processing system according to (((2))). (((6))) The processor, When a plurality of users instruct execution of a job that may be executed in the second mode, a request is made to the plurality of users for permission to switch modes; When 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 to be executed before the job instructed to be executed by the user who has refused permission are executed in the first mode. The information processing system according to (((2))). (((7))) The processor, execute, in the second mode, a job to be executed after a job instructed to be executed by the user who has refused permission; An information processing system according to (((6))). (((8))) The processor, if a job being executed at the time when an instruction to switch modes is received is to be completed within a predetermined time from said time, the user who instructed the execution of the job being executed at said time is not notified that an instruction to switch modes has been given; 1. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((7))). (((9))) An apparatus main body for executing a job; A switching device provided in the device body for instructing switching of modes; Further comprising: The processor, Accepting an instruction given using the switching device; 13. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((8))). (((10))) The computer when an instruction is given to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under operating conditions with less operating noise than the first mode, a user who has instructed the execution of a job, at least a part of which may be executed in the second mode, is notified that an instruction to switch modes has been given; A program that makes it work. According to the information processing system of (((1))) and the program of (((10))), it is possible to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed while the user who instructed the execution of the job is not aware of the mode change. According to the information processing system of (((2))), it is possible to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed against the intention of a user who has instructed the execution of the job. According to the information processing system of (((3))), for jobs that are being executed at the time when an instruction to switch modes is given, and jobs that are scheduled to be executed after that time, it is possible to prevent jobs from being executed in a mode with a slower processing speed while the user who instructed the job execution is unaware of the mode switch. According to the information processing system of (((4))), it is possible to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed against the intention of a user who has refused permission to switch modes, and to execute the job in a second mode after execution of the job is completed. According to the information processing system of (((5))), it is possible to prevent a job from being executed in a mode with a slow processing speed against the will of a user who does not express an intention regarding whether or not to allow mode switching, and to execute the job in a second mode after execution of the job is completed. According to the information processing system of (((6))), a job to be executed before a job instructed to be executed by a user who has refused permission to switch modes is executed in the second mode, thereby preventing delays in the execution of the user's jobs. According to the information processing system of (((7))), when multiple users instruct the execution of a job, it is possible to suppress delays in the execution of a job of a user who has refused permission to switch modes, and to execute the job in the second mode after the execution of the job is completed. According to the information processing system of (((8))), it is possible to prevent notifications that may be unnecessary for a user who has instructed the execution of a job from being sent to that user. According to the information processing system of (((9))), the user can instruct the mode to be changed with fewer operations than if the user were to instruct the mode to be changed by operating an operation panel provided on the device body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10 image forming device, 12A, 12B, 12N terminal devices, 20 switching device, 24 processor.

Claims

1. A processor is included. The processor, when an instruction is given to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under operating conditions with less operating noise than the first mode, a user who has instructed the execution of a job, at least a part of which may be executed in the second mode, is notified that an instruction to switch modes has been given; Information processing system.

2. The processor, requesting permission from the user to switch modes; Executing the job for which the user's permission has been obtained in the second mode; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The job that may be executed in the second mode is a job that is being executed when an instruction to switch the mode from the first mode to the second mode is given, and a job that is scheduled to be executed after the instruction to switch is given. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

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

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

6. The processor, When a plurality of users instruct execution of a job that may be executed in the second mode, a request is made to the plurality of users for permission to switch modes; When 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 to be executed before the job instructed to be executed by the user who has refused permission are executed in the first mode. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

7. The processor, a job to be executed after a job instructed to be executed by the user who has refused permission is executed in the second mode; 7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The processor, if the job being executed at the time when the instruction to switch modes is received is to be completed within a predetermined time from said time, the user who instructed the execution of the job being executed at said time is not notified that the instruction to switch modes has been given; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. An apparatus main body for executing a job; A switching device provided in the device body for instructing switching of modes; Further comprising: The processor, Accepting an instruction given using the switching device; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

10. The computer when an instruction is given to switch a mode for executing a job from a first mode to a second mode for executing the job under operating conditions with less operating noise than the first mode, a user who has instructed the execution of a job, at least a part of which may be executed in the second mode, is notified that an instruction to switch modes has been given; A program that makes it work.

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