Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To make erroneous detection by the detection unit less likely to occur when the job is not received, as compared with a case where the range of the detection area by the detection unit is set to be equal between when the job is received and when the job is not received.SOLUTION: An image inspection device comprises: an operating unit that receives power and performs operations related to image formation; a detection unit that detects an entry of an object into a detection area, which is a predetermined range from the operating unit; and a processor. Upon receiving a job for the operating unit to perform the operations, the processor expands a range of the detection area by the detection unit compared to when not receiving the job, and changes a state of the operating unit according to a detection result by the detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including a box area for temporarily storing print data, a human sensor unit for detecting a person existing in a detection area, and a mode control unit for controlling switching between a normal mode, a light sleep mode, and a deep sleep mode. In this image forming apparatus, in the deep sleep mode, when the entry of a person into the detection area is detected while print data is stored in the box area, it returns to the normal mode, and when the entry of a person into the detection area is detected while no print data is stored in the box area, it returns to the light sleep mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image forming apparatus including an operation unit that performs operations related to image formation, the entry of an object such as a user into a predetermined detection area may be detected, and the state of the operation unit may be changed according to the detection result. Here, when the range of the detection area is fixed regardless of whether a job for executing an operation by the operation unit is being received, false detection is likely to occur in which a person or object other than the user using the image forming apparatus is detected and the state of the operation unit is changed when no job is being received. An object of the present invention is to make it less likely to cause false detection by a detection unit when no job is being received, as compared with the case where the range of the detection area by the detection unit is made equal when a job is being received and when a job is not being received.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 includes an operation unit that receives power supply and performs operations related to image formation, a detection unit that detects the entry of an object into a detection area which is a predetermined range from the operation unit, and a processor. When the processor receives a job for executing the operation by the operation unit, it expands the range of the detection area by the detection unit compared to the case where no job is received, and changes the state of the operation unit according to the detection result by the detection unit. It is an image forming apparatus. The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the processor receives a job and expands the range of the detection area, when a predetermined expansion time has elapsed, it returns the detection area to the original range. The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor varies the expansion time according to at least one of the type of the job and the state of the job. The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the processor receives a new job in a state where there is a previous job executed by the operation unit, the expansion time is shorter than the expansion time when a new job is received in a state where there is no previous job executed by the operation unit. The invention according to claim 5, wherein the operation unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium as the operation. When the detection unit detects the entry of an object into the detection area after the processor receives a job and expands the range of the detection area, the processor sets the operation unit to a state in which the operation by the image forming unit is possible. It is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The invention according to claim 6 is an image forming apparatus, wherein the operation unit further includes a display unit that performs display of information related to image formation as the operation, and the processor, when receiving a job and expanding the range of the detection area, until a predetermined period elapses, when detecting entry of an object in the detection area, sets the operation unit to a state in which operations by the display unit and the image forming unit are possible, and after the elapse of the period, when detecting entry of an object in the detection area, sets the operation unit to a state in which operations by the display unit are possible, as described in claim 5. The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming apparatus, wherein the detection unit detects entry of an object for each of a plurality of detection sections into which the detection area is divided, and the processor, when receiving a job, expands the range of the detection area by the detection unit for each of the detection sections, as described in claim 1. The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming apparatus, wherein the detection section for expanding the range of the detection area is preset for each type of job, and the processor expands the range of the preset detection section according to the type of the received job, as described in claim 7. The invention according to claim 9 is an image forming apparatus, wherein the detection section for expanding the range of the detection area is set based on a history of the detection unit detecting entry of an object when receiving a job in the past, as described in claim 8. The invention according to claim 10 is an image forming apparatus, wherein in a job in which the processor stores data used for image formation in a predetermined storage area, after the data is stored in the storage area, when an operation of forming an image based on the data is performed by the operation unit, the detection section in which the detection unit detected the presence of an object before the operation is set as the detection section for expanding the range of the detection area, as described in claim 9. The invention according to claim 11 is an image forming apparatus, wherein the processor, when the detection unit does not detect an operation by the operation unit for a predetermined period after detecting the presence of an object in the expanded detection section, sets the range of the detection section to be narrower, as described in claim 7. The invention according to claim 12 is an image forming apparatus, wherein the processor controls the operation unit to be in a normal state in which the operation is possible or a low power state in which power consumption is lower than that in the normal state, and when an object enters the detection area in a state where the operation unit is controlled to be in the low power state, the operation unit is changed from the low power state to the normal state. The invention according to claim 13 is an image forming apparatus, wherein the processor controls the operation unit to be in a first low power state and a second low power state in which power consumption is higher than that in the first low power state as the low power state, and when an object enters the expanded detection area in a state where the operation unit is controlled to be in the first low power state, the operation unit is changed from the first low power state to the second low power state, and when an object enters the detection area before expansion in a state where the operation unit is controlled to be in the second low power state, the operation unit is changed from the second low power state to the normal state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to make it less likely that false detection occurs in the detection unit when no job is received, compared to the case where the range of the detection area by the detection unit is made equal when a job is received and when no job is received. According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to make it less likely that false detection occurs in the detection unit, compared to the case where the range of the detection area continues to be expanded even after the expansion time has elapsed. According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to make it less likely that false detection occurs in the detection unit, compared to the case where the expansion time is made uniform regardless of the type and state of the job. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to make it less likely that false detection occurs in the detection unit, compared to the case where the expansion period is not shortened when a new job is received in a state where a job to be executed exists. According to the invention of claim 5, when the detection unit detects the entry of an object, the waiting time until the operation by the image forming unit starts after the user reaches the image forming apparatus can be shortened as compared with the case where the operation unit is not set to an operable state. According to the invention of claim 6, even after a predetermined period has elapsed, when the detection unit detects the entry of an object in the detection area, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus can be reduced as compared with the case where the operation unit is set to an operable state by the display unit and the image forming unit. According to the invention of claim 7, false detection by the detection unit can be made less likely to occur as compared with the case where the range of the detection area is not expanded for each detection section. According to the invention of claim 8, false detection by the detection unit can be made less likely to occur as compared with the case where the entire detection area is expanded regardless of the type of job. According to the invention of claim 9, the detection section that is expanded without being based on the history of the detection unit detecting the entry of an object makes it easier to expand the detection section where the user is likely to enter as compared with the case of setting. According to the invention of claim 10, the detection section where the detection unit detects the presence of an object before the operation of forming an image is not set as the detection section for expanding the range of the detection area, making it easier to expand the detection section where the user is likely to enter as compared with the case of setting. According to the invention of claim 11, false detection by the detection unit can be made less likely to occur as compared with the case where the range of the detection section is not narrowed when the operation by the operation unit is not performed. According to the invention of claim 12, when the detection unit detects the entry of an object, the waiting time until the operation by the operation unit starts after the user reaches the image forming apparatus can be shortened as compared with the case where the operation unit is not changed from the low power state to the normal state. According to the invention of claim 13, when the detection unit detects the entry of an object in the expanded detection area, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus can be reduced as compared with the case where the operation unit is changed from the first low power state to the normal state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is shown such that the front side of the paper surface is the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 10 that forms an image on a sheet, an image reading unit 20 that reads an image, and an operation display unit 30 that displays information to the user and accepts operation inputs from the user. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding unit 40 that supplies a sheet to the image forming unit 10, and a paper discharging unit 50 that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit 10. In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, the operation display unit 30, the paper feeding unit 40, and the paper discharging unit 50 are an example of operation units that receive power supply and perform operations related to image formation.

[0009] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a power supply device 60 that supplies power to the units constituting the image forming apparatus 1, a human presence sensor 70 that detects the entry of a user or the like from the image forming apparatus 1 into a predetermined area, and a control device 80 that controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that, in the present embodiment, the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, the operation display unit 30, the paper feeding unit 40, the paper discharging unit 50, the human presence sensor 70, the control device 80, etc. included in the image forming apparatus 1 may be referred to as units constituting the image forming apparatus 1.

[0010] The image forming unit 10 forms an image corresponding to a print job on a sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 10 includes, for example, a photoreceptor, a charger that charges the photoreceptor, an exposure device that exposes the photoreceptor based on image data, a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor by exposure with toner, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image developed by the developing device to the sheet, and a fixing unit that fixes the transferred toner image to the sheet.

[0011] The image reading unit 20 reads a document and generates image data representing the read image. The operation display unit 30 has a function of displaying information and a function of receiving operation inputs from the user. The operation display unit 30 is composed of a touch panel display in which a touch panel is laminated on a display such as a liquid crystal panel. The operation display unit 30 displays a display screen for receiving operations from the user, and receives operation inputs from the user via this display screen. In the present embodiment, the operation display unit 30 receives an instruction to execute output processing based on a print job in response to an operation input from the user.

[0012] The power supply device 60 receives power supply from a commercial power supply (not shown), and supplies power to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 such as the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, the operation display unit 30, the human presence sensor 70, and the control device 80. The power supply device 60 of the present embodiment supplies power to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 individually. Additionally, the power supply device 60 switches between a state of supplying power individually to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 and a state of stopping power supply in accordance with the control by an information processing unit 81 (see FIG. 2) of the control device 80 described later. Further, the power supply device 60 changes the amount of power supplied to each unit in accordance with the control by the information processing unit 81.

[0013] The human presence sensor 70 detects the presence of a user or the like who has entered a predetermined detection area 300 (see FIG. 3 described later) around the image forming apparatus 1. The human presence sensor 70 is an example of a detection unit. Note that the configuration of the human presence sensor 70 and the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 will be described in detail later.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device 80. The control device 80 includes an information processing unit 81 that processes information, a storage unit 82 that stores information, and a communication unit 83 that communicates with an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer). In the control device 80, the information processing unit 81, the storage unit 82, and the communication unit 83 are connected to a bus 85, and data is exchanged via this bus 85.

[0015] The information processing unit 81 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 81b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 81c. The CPU 81a is an example of a processor, and realizes each function of the control device 80 by loading various programs stored in the ROM 81b etc. into the RAM 81c and executing them. The RAM 81c is a memory used as a working memory etc. of the CPU 81a. The ROM 81b is a memory that stores various programs etc. executed by the CPU 81a.

[0016] Here, the program executed by the CPU 81a can be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Also, the program executed by the CPU 81a may be provided using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0017] The information processing unit 81 receives a print job from an external device such as a PC connected via the communication unit 83, for example. A print job is a series of processes performed by the image forming apparatus 1. Examples of the print job received by the information processing unit 81 include a print job that stores image data acquired from a PC etc. via the communication unit 83 in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 82 and then performs output processing. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 82 has a plurality of boxes (the first box, the second box, the third box, also refer to FIG. 6 described later) as predetermined storage areas. The first box, the second box, and the third box are created for each user who uses the image forming apparatus 1, for example, and information related to the user is associated with each box.

[0018] When a user attempts to execute a print job on the image forming apparatus 1, the user gives an instruction to execute the print job using a PC or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the user inputs information regarding a box for storing image data in the storage unit 82, information regarding the type of output process to be performed by the print job, and image data and the like to be used for the output process, using a PC or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The information regarding the box is, for example, information for specifying a box for storing image data among a plurality of boxes defined in the storage unit 82.

[0019] The type of output process to be performed by the print job is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include print processing for forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 10 based on image data, and transmission processing for transmitting image data to another apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 83. Further, examples of the transmission destination by the transmission processing include transmission of image data to a PC or another image forming apparatus 1, and FAX transmission of image data. Note that the output processes performed by these print jobs are merely examples and are not particularly limited.

[0020] The information processing unit 81 acquires information regarding the box, information regarding the type of output process to be performed by the print job, and image data to be used for the output process, and accepts the print job. When accepting the print job, the information processing unit 81 stores the acquired image data in the box of the storage unit 82 specified by the information regarding the box. Thereafter, when an operation is performed on the operation display unit 30 by the user and an instruction to perform an output process based on the print job is given, the information processing unit 81 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the output process.

[0021] Further, examples of the print job accepted by the information processing unit 81 include FAX reception processing for storing image data received by FAX via the communication unit 83 in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 82 and then forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 10 based on the image data. When the information processing unit 81 receives a FAX, for example, it notifies that a FAX has been received via the display screen of the operation display unit 30 or a PC or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 83. Thereafter, when an operation of the operation display unit 30 is performed by the user and an instruction to perform output processing based on a print job is given, the information processing unit 81 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 to form an image on a sheet based on the FAX-received image data.

[0022] Also, the information processing unit 81 of the present embodiment switches the image forming apparatus 1 to a plurality of power modes in which the mode of power supply from the power supply device 60 to each unit is different. In other words, the information processing unit 81 switches the image forming apparatus 1 to a plurality of power modes with different power consumptions. In the present embodiment, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to a normal mode and a low power mode with lower power consumption than the normal mode as the plurality of power modes.

[0023] The normal mode means a state in which power is supplied to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 by the power supply device 60 and each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 can perform a predetermined operation. The normal mode is an example of a normal state. For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal mode, by supplying power to the operation display unit 30, the operation display unit 30 can display a predetermined display screen and receive a user's operation input via the display screen. Also, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal mode, for example, an operation input by the user to the operation display unit 30 or the like triggers an operation of forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 10 or an operation of reading a document by the image reading unit 20. In other words, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal mode, output processing based on a print job can be performed.

[0024] The low power mode means a state where the power consumption is lower than in the normal mode by partially stopping the power supply to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 by the power supply device 60 or reducing the amount of power supplied to each unit. The low power mode is an example of a low power state. When the image forming apparatus 1 is in the low power mode, the amount of power supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced, except for the control device 80 and the human sensor 70. As a result, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the low power mode, no display screen is displayed on the operation display unit 30. Also, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the low power mode, the operation of forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 10 or the operation of reading a document by the image reading unit 20 cannot be performed.

[0025] In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the power mode is switched by the information processing unit 81 based on the operations of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 and the detection results by the human sensor 70. For example, when the operations of the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, the operation display unit 30, etc. of the image forming apparatus 1 are not performed within a predetermined period, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode to the low power mode. Also, when the human sensor 70 detects the entry of a user into a detection area 300 (see FIG. 3) described later, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode. In the present embodiment, when the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched to the normal mode, at least power is supplied to the operation display unit 30 and a display screen is displayed, and operations on the operation display unit 30 can be performed.

[0026] Here, the switching of the power mode in the image forming apparatus 1 is not performed immediately. That is, after the switching process of the power mode by the information processing unit 81 is started, it takes time until the switching of the power mode from the low power mode to the normal mode is completed. Hereinafter, the time required until the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the low power mode to the normal mode may be referred to as the switching time.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the human presence sensor 70 and an outline of the detection operation by the human presence sensor 70 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the detection operation by the human presence sensor 70. FIG. 3 corresponds to a view of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the III direction. That is, FIG. 3 corresponds to a view of the image forming apparatus 1 as seen from above.

[0028] The human presence sensor 70 detects the presence of a user or the like who has entered a predetermined area around the image forming apparatus 1. As the human presence sensor 70, for example, a distance measuring sensor including a light source that irradiates light to a predetermined area and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected from the light irradiated from the light source can be used. As shown in FIG. 3, the human presence sensor 70 irradiates light to a predetermined area on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. Hereinafter, an area in which the human presence sensor 70 can irradiate light to detect the presence of a user or the like will be referred to as a detection area 300. That is, the human presence sensor 70 irradiates light to the detection area 300 defined on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. In this example, the detection area 300 has a fan shape that spreads on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 with the human presence sensor 70 as the center when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from above. Also, in this example, the central angle of the fan-shaped detection area 300 is an angle of 150 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less. Note that the shape of the detection area 300 is not particularly limited, but a fan shape is preferable because a user moving toward the image forming apparatus 1 can be detected regardless of the moving direction of the user.

[0029] When a user using the image forming apparatus 1 enters the detection area 300, the light irradiated from the human presence sensor 70 is reflected by this user. The human presence sensor 70 detects the presence of the user in the detection area 300 by receiving the reflected light reflected by the user who has entered the detection area 300. Then, the human presence sensor 70 outputs the result of detecting the presence of the user in the detection area 300 to an information processing unit 81 (see FIG. 2) of the control device 80 described later. When the human presence sensor 70 detects the presence of a user in the detection area 300, the information processing unit 81 starts a process of switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0030] Here, consider the case where a user instructs the execution of a print job from a PC connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 83. First, the user operates the PC to instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a print job. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 1 accepts the print job. After that, the user moves in front of the image forming apparatus 1 and gives an instruction regarding the output of the print job by operating the operation display unit 30. Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 1, output processing of image data based on the print job is executed by the image forming unit 10 or the like.

[0031] In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when executing output processing of image data based on a print job, it is necessary to switch the power mode to the normal mode. As described above, in order to switch the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode, a switching time is required. For example, if the user who has instructed the execution of a print job tries to switch the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode after moving in front of the image forming apparatus 1, the user needs to wait in front of the image forming apparatus 1 until the power mode switching is completed and the operation input to the operation display unit 30 becomes possible. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when detecting the entry of a user into the detection area 300, a process of switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode is started. Thereby, the time for the user to wait until the operation input to the operation display unit 30 becomes possible after the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1 is shortened.

[0032] Here, the wider the range of the detection area 300 is, the farther away from the image forming apparatus 1 the user will enter the detection area 300. In this case, after the human presence sensor 70 detects that the user has entered the detection area 300, it takes time until the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1. For this reason, it becomes easier for the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to be switched from the low power mode to the normal mode before the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, after the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1, the time the user has to wait until operation input to the operation display unit 30 becomes possible is shorter. On the other hand, if the range of the detection area 300 is wide, it becomes easier for the human presence sensor 70 to detect a person other than the user who attempts to perform output processing based on a print job with the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when there is a passage where people pass or a desk where people work around the image forming apparatus 1, if the range of the detection area 300 is wide, it becomes easier for the human presence sensor 70 to detect the presence of people passing through the passage or working at the desk.

[0033] And when the image forming apparatus 1 has not received a print job and the human presence sensor 70 detects a person other than the user, the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the low power mode to the normal mode even though there is a high possibility that no output processing will be performed by the image forming apparatus 1 thereafter. Note that hereinafter, in some cases, detecting an object by the human presence sensor 70 and switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode although output processing based on a print job is not performed may be referred to as false detection. When false detection by the human presence sensor 70 occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, the power consumption by the image forming apparatus 1 tends to increase.

[0034] On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when a print job is received, the range of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 is expanded compared to the case where no print job is received. As a result, compared with the case where the range of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 is made equal between the case of receiving a print job and the case of not receiving a print job, false detection by the human presence sensor 70 when no print job is received is less likely to occur.

[0035] Hereinafter, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the process in which the information processing unit 81 expands the range of the detection area 300 when a print job is received will be specifically described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed by the information processing unit 81. FIGS. 5(a) to 5(b) are diagrams for explaining the range of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70. FIG. 5(a) shows the range of the detection area 300 when the image forming apparatus 1 has not received a print job, and FIG. 5(b) shows the range of the detection area 300 when the image forming apparatus 1 has received a print job. FIGS. 5(a) to 5(b) correspond to a view of the image forming apparatus 1 as seen from above.

[0036] When the operations of the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, the operation display unit 30, etc. of the image forming apparatus 1 are not performed during a predetermined period, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the low power mode (step 101). Next, the information processing unit 81 determines whether a print job has been received (step 102).

[0037] When the image forming apparatus 1 has not received a print job (NO in step 102), the information processing unit 81 sets the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 to a predetermined normal range 300A (step 103). As shown in FIG. 5(a), the normal range 300A is a fan-shaped range that spreads on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 centered on the human sensor 70, and is a range where the distance from the human sensor 70 is equal to or less than the distance D1. The distance D1 is the radius of the normal range 300A of the fan shape, that is, the distance from the human sensor 70 to the outer peripheral edge in the normal range 300A.

[0038] On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job (YES in step 102), the information processing unit 81 sets the detection area 300 by the human sensor 70 to an extended range 300B that is wider than the normal range 300A (step 104). In other words, the information processing unit 81 expands the range of the detection area 300 by the human sensor 70 compared to the case where the image forming apparatus 1 has not received a print job.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the extended range 300B is a fan-shaped range that spreads on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 centered on the human sensor 70, and is a range where the distance from the human sensor 70 is equal to or less than the distance D2. The distance D2 of the extended range 300B is larger than the distance D1 of the normal range 300A (D2 > D1). The distance D2 is the radius of the extended range 300B of the fan shape, that is, the distance from the human sensor 70 to the outer peripheral edge in the extended range 300B. In this example, the central angle does not change between the extended range 300B of the fan shape and the normal range 300A.

[0040] Next, the information processing unit 81 acquires an extension time, which is the time for setting the detection area 300 to the extended range 300B, from the storage unit 82 (step 105). In the present embodiment, the extension time is determined in advance according to the type of the print job and the state of the print job in the image forming apparatus 1, and is stored in the storage unit 82. The extension time will be described in detail later.

[0041] Next, after the information processing unit 81 sets the detection area 300 by the human sensor 70 to the extended range 300B in step 104, it determines whether or not the extension time acquired in step 105 has elapsed (step 106). When the extended time has not elapsed (NO in step 106), the information processing unit 81 continues the process of step 106 until the extended time elapses.

[0042] On the other hand, when the extended time has elapsed (YES in step 106), the information processing unit 81 sets the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 to the normal range 300A (step 107). As described above, the information processing unit 81 finishes a series of processes for setting the range of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70.

[0043] Note that after setting the detection area 300 to the normal range 300A in steps 103 and 107, and after setting the detection area 300 to the extended range 300B in step 104, the information processing unit 81 controls the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the detection result by the human presence sensor 70. In addition, when the information processing unit 81 detects the entry of a user or the like into the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70, it switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode. Also, when the information processing unit 81 does not detect the entry of a user or the like into the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70, it continues to set the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the low power mode.

[0044] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 to which this embodiment is applied includes each unit including an image forming unit 10 and an operation display unit 30 that receive power supply and perform operations related to image formation, a human presence sensor 70 that detects the entry of an object in a detection area 300 which is a predetermined range from the image forming unit 10, and an information processing unit 81. Then, when receiving a print job, the information processing unit 81 expands the range of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 compared to when not receiving a print job, and changes the states of the image forming unit 10 and the operation display unit 30 according to the detection result by the human presence sensor 70.

[0045] Here, in the above example, when a print job is received, as a mode of expanding the detection range of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 compared to the case where no print job is received, the case of expanding the area where the human presence sensor 70 can detect the presence of a user or the like has been described. Additionally, in the above example, when no print job is received, the human presence sensor 70 cannot detect the presence of a user or the like outside the normal range 300A. On the other hand, when a print job is received, by expanding the range of the detection area 300, the human presence sensor 70 can detect the presence of a user or the like in the expanded range 300B outside the normal range 300A.

[0046] The mode of expanding the detection range of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 when a print job is received, compared to the case where no print job is received, also includes the mode described below. That is, without changing the area where the human presence sensor 70 can detect the presence of a user or the like regardless of whether a print job is received or not, the range in which the information processing unit 81 performs the process of switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the detection result by the human presence sensor 70 may be changed between the case where a print job is received and the case where no print job is received.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5(b) for explanation, it is assumed that the human presence sensor 70 can detect the presence of a user or the like who has entered the normal range 300A and the expanded range 300B regardless of whether a print job is received or not. Then, when no print job is received, if the position of the user or the like detected by the human presence sensor 70 is within the normal range 300A, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode. On the other hand, if the position of the user or the like detected by the human presence sensor 70 is outside the normal range 300A, the information processing unit 81 does not perform the process of switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, when the information processing unit 81 receives a print job, in addition to the case where the position of the user or the like detected by the human sensor 70 is within the normal range 300A, when it is within the extended range 300B outside the normal range 300A, the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0048] Subsequently, an explanation will be given of the extension time, which is the time for setting the detection area 300 by the human sensor 70 to the extended range 300B when the information processing unit 81 receives a print job. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the information processing unit 81 receives a print job, the range of the detection area 300 by the human sensor 70 is set to the extended range 300B, which is wider than the normal range 300A. Thereby, after the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1, the time for the user to wait until an operation input to the operation display unit 30 becomes possible can be shortened.

[0049] On the other hand, if the detection area 300 by the human sensor 70 is continuously set to the extended range 300B after the information processing unit 81 receives a print job until the output process based on the print job is completed, false detection by the human sensor 70 is likely to occur. In contrast, in the present embodiment, after the information processing unit 81 receives a print job and sets the detection area 300 by the human sensor 70 to the extended range 300B, when a predetermined extension time has elapsed, the detection area 300 is set to the normal range 300A. Thereby, when the output process based on the print job is not performed after the information processing unit 81 receives a print job, false detection by the human sensor 70 is suppressed.

[0050] Here, the time from when the information processing unit 81 receives a print job until the user operates the image forming apparatus 1 to start the output process based on the print job may vary depending on the type of the print job received by the information processing unit 81, the state of the print job, and the like. For example, in a print job that performs output processing after storing image data in a box, after the user gives an instruction to execute the print job using a PC or the like, the user often moves in front of the image forming apparatus 1 and starts output processing based on the print job before a long time elapses. On the other hand, in a print job that forms an image on a sheet based on image data received by FAX, after the user receives the FAX and the print job at the image forming apparatus 1, the time until the user moves in front of the image forming apparatus 1 and starts output processing based on the print job tends to be long. In this case, if the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 continues to be the extended range 300B even though the possibility that the user performs output processing based on the print job is low, a person other than the user may enter the detection area 300 and false detection by the human presence sensor 70 is likely to occur.

[0051] The information processing unit 81 of the present embodiment varies the extension time according to the type of the received print job. Specifically, when the received print job is a print job that forms an image on a sheet based on image data received by FAX, the information processing unit 81 shortens the extension time compared to the case of a print job that performs output processing after storing image data in a box. When the received print job is a print job that performs output processing after storing image data in a box, the information processing unit 81 can set the extension time to, for example, 30 minutes. Further, when the received print job is a print job that forms an image on a sheet based on image data received by FAX, the information processing unit 81 can set the extension time to, for example, 5 minutes. Thereby, when the information processing unit 81 receives a print job in which the possibility that the user performs output processing based on the print job is low, entry of a person other than the user into the detection area 300 is suppressed, and false detection by the human presence sensor 70 is less likely to occur. Note that when there are a plurality of boxes that store image data used for output processing based on a print job, the extension time may be varied for each box.

[0052] Also, even in the case where the received print job is a print job that performs output processing after saving image data in the box, if another print job received by the information processing unit 81 in the past remains in the same box without output processing being performed, the user is less likely to start output processing based on the newly received print job. In this case, if the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 continues to be set to the extended range 300B despite the low likelihood of the user performing output processing based on the print job, it becomes easy for a person other than the user to enter the detection area 300 and for false detection by the human presence sensor 70 to occur.

[0053] The information processing unit 81 of the present embodiment varies the extension time according to the state of the print job in the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the information processing unit 81 sets the extension time when a new print job for the same box is received in a state where another print job before output processing remains in the box to be shorter than the extension time when a new print job is received in a state where there is no other print job. The information processing unit 81 can set the extension time, for example, to 10 minutes when a new print job for the same box is received in a state where another print job before output processing remains in the box. Also, as described above, the information processing unit 81 can set the extension time, for example, to 30 minutes when a new print job is received in a state where there is no other print job. Thereby, depending on the state of the print job in the image forming apparatus 1, when the likelihood of the user performing output processing based on the print job is low, entry of a person other than the user into the detection area 300 is suppressed, and false detection by the human presence sensor 70 is less likely to occur.

[0054] (Modification Example of Embodiment 1) In the above-described embodiment, when the human presence sensor 70 detects the entry of a user into the detection area 300 and switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode, the case where at least the operation display unit 30 is made operable has been described. Usually, a user who attempts to perform output processing based on a print job in the image forming apparatus 1 first operates the operation display unit 30 after moving in front of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, when the human presence sensor 70 detects the entry of a user into the detection area 300, if at least the operation on the operation display unit 30 becomes possible, it is possible to suppress an increase in the waiting time after the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0055] On the other hand, when the output processing based on the print job is a process of forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 10 based on image data, when performing the output processing, it is necessary to supply power to the image forming unit 10 to make the image forming unit 10 operable to form an image on the sheet. In order to make the image forming unit 10 operable, for example, it is necessary to supply power to the image forming unit 10 and heat the fixing unit to a predetermined temperature, which may take time. In contrast, after the information processing unit 81 receives a print job and sets the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 to the extended range 300B, when switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode according to the detection result by the human presence sensor 70, the image forming unit 10 may be made operable together with the operation display unit 30. Thereby, the waiting time of the user after reaching in front of the image forming apparatus 1 until the output processing based on the print job is started by the image forming unit 10 is shortened.

[0056] Further, after the information processing unit 81 receives a print job and sets the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 to the extended range 300B, when the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the low power mode to the normal mode according to the detection result by the human presence sensor 70 after a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the first return time) has elapsed, it is preferable to make only the operation display unit 30 operable. In other words, after the information processing unit 81 sets the detection area 300 to the extended range 300B, during the period until the first return time elapses, when the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the low power mode to the normal mode, the operation display unit 30 and the image forming unit 10 are made operable. Further, after the information processing unit 81 sets the detection area 300 to the extended range 300B and the first return time has elapsed, when the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the low power mode to the normal mode, only the operation display unit 30 is made operable.

[0057] In order to make the image forming unit 10 operable, as described above, heating of the fixing unit or the like is necessary, and the power consumption tends to be larger than when the operation display unit 30 is made operable. When the operation display unit 30 and the image forming unit 10 are made operable when switching the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode based on the detection result by the human sensor 70, if a false detection occurs by the human sensor 70, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 tends to increase. Further, when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the information processing unit 81 received a print job, there is a high possibility that the user will not perform an output process based on the print job, and a false detection by the human sensor 70 tends to occur. On the other hand, the information processing unit 81 sets the detection area 300 to the extended range 300B, and after the first return time has elapsed, when the image forming apparatus 1 is switched to the normal mode, only the operation display unit 30 is made operable, so that even if a false detection occurs by the human sensor 70, an excessive increase in the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

[0058] The first return time may vary according to the type of print job received by the information processing unit 81, the state of the print job, and the like. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the type or state of the print job received by the information processing unit 81, the first return time, and the extended time.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 6, for the types of print jobs received by the information processing unit 81, a first return time and an extension time are individually set for a print job that performs output processing after storing image data in a box, and a print job (FAX reception) that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data received by FAX. Also, for a print job that performs output processing after storing image data in a box, the first return time and the extension time are set for each box (first box, second box, third box) that stores the image data.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, when the received print job is a print job that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data received by FAX, the information processing unit 81 shortens the first return time compared to the case of a print job that performs output processing after storing the image data in a box. As described above, in a print job that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data received by FAX, after the user receives the FAX reception and the print job on the image forming apparatus 1, the time until the user moves in front of the image forming apparatus 1 and starts the output processing based on the print job tends to be long. In this case, if the first return time is lengthened even though the possibility that the user performs the output processing based on the print job is low, when a false detection occurs by the human presence sensor 70, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 tends to increase. When the received print job is a print job that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data received by FAX, the information processing unit 81 shortens the first return time compared to the case of a print job that performs output processing after storing the image data in a box, so that even when a false detection occurs by the human presence sensor 70, an excessive increase in the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

[0061] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, an aspect in which the information processing unit 81 expands the entire range of the detection area 300 has been described. In contrast, in Embodiment 2, the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 is divided into a plurality of blocks, and when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, the information processing unit 81 expands the detection area 300 for each block, which is different from Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the range of the detection area 300 when a print job is received. FIGS. 7 and 8 correspond to a view of the image forming apparatus 1 as seen from above.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, in Embodiment 2, the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 is divided into a plurality (12 in this example) of blocks (the first block 301, the second block 302,..., the twelfth block 312), which is an example of detection sections. Specifically, the detection area 300 has a fan shape that spreads to the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 centered on the human presence sensor 70, similar to Embodiment 1. Then, the detection area 300 is divided into the first block 301, the second block 302,..., the twelfth block 312 from left to right in the figure so as to divide the central angle into 12 equal parts. In the following, when the first block 301, the second block 302,..., the twelfth block 312 are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as blocks 301 to 312. Each of the blocks 301 to 312 has a fan shape centered on the human presence sensor 70.

[0063] The human presence sensor 70 of the present embodiment detects the presence of a user or the like for each of the blocks 301 to 312 in the detection area 300. Additionally, the human presence sensor 70 can detect which of the blocks 301 to 312 in the detection area 300 a user or the like has entered. Then, the human presence sensor 70 outputs the result of detecting the presence of a user or the like in the blocks 301 to 312 in the detection area 300 to the information processing unit 81 (see FIG. 2). When the human presence sensor 70 detects the presence of a user or the like in the blocks 301 to 312 in the detection area 300, the information processing unit 81 performs a process of switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode.

[0064] In the same manner as in the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is not receiving a print job, the information processing unit 81 of the present embodiment sets each of the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 to a predetermined normal range 300A.

[0065] Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 has received a print job, as shown in FIG. 8, the information processing unit 81 sets the ranges of the first block 301, the second block 302, and the third block 303 selected from among the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300 to an extended range 300B that is wider than the normal range 300A. Additionally, the information processing unit 81 extends the ranges of the first block 301, the second block 302, and the third block 303 of the detection area 300 as compared to the case where the image forming apparatus 1 is not receiving a print job. On the other hand, even when the image forming apparatus 1 has received a print job, the information processing unit 81 does not extend the ranges of the fourth block 304 to the twelfth block 312 of the detection area 300. In the following, among the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300, the blocks whose ranges are extended when the image forming apparatus 1 has received a print job may be referred to as specific blocks, and the blocks whose ranges are not extended may be referred to as other blocks.

[0066] In the present embodiment, by extending the ranges of the first block 301 to the third block 303 when the image forming apparatus 1 has received a print job, the human presence sensor 70 can detect a user who has entered the first block 301 to the third block 303 at a position farther from the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, when a user who intends to perform output processing based on a print job approaches the image forming apparatus 1 from the side of the first block 301 to the third block 303, it becomes easier to complete the switching of the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the low power mode to the normal mode before the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1. Consequently, the time that the user waits until an operation input to the operation display unit 30 becomes possible after the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1 is shorter.

[0067] Also, in this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, by not expanding the range of the fourth block 304 to the twelfth block 312, it becomes difficult for people other than the user who attempts to perform output processing based on the print job to enter the fourth block 304 to the twelfth block 312. As a result, when output processing based on the print job is not performed after receiving the print job, false detection by the human sensor 70 is less likely to occur.

[0068] The information processing unit 81 preferably sets, as specific blocks whose range is expanded when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, blocks among the plurality of blocks 301 to 312 in the detection area 300 where there is a high possibility that the user who attempts to perform output processing of the print job will enter. The information processing unit 81 can set, for example, specific blocks whose range is expanded when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, among the plurality of blocks 301 to 312 in the detection area 300, based on an operation input to the display screen displayed on the operation display unit 30.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 90 which is a display screen for setting specific blocks by operation input by the user and is displayed on the operation display unit 30. The information processing unit 81 can set specific blocks for each type of print job, for example, based on an operation input to the setting screen 90. In this example, the information processing unit 81 sets specific blocks for each box (the first box, the second box, the third box) that stores image data, for a print job that performs output processing after storing image data in the box. FIG. 9 shows a setting screen 90 for setting specific blocks whose range is expanded when the print job received by the information processing unit 81 is a print job that performs output processing after storing image data in the first box.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 9, the setting screen 90 includes a selection column 91 for selecting specific blocks whose range is expanded, from among the plurality of blocks 301 to 312 in the detection area 300. In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the selection column 91 of the setting screen 90, among the plurality of blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300, the first block 301, the second block 302, and the third block 303 are selected. Based on the selection for the selection column 91 of the setting screen 90, the information processing unit 81 sets the first block 301, the second block 302, and the third block 303 as specific blocks whose range is expanded when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job.

[0071] Here, as described above, in a print job in which output processing is performed after storing image data in a box, the boxes (the first box, the second box, the third box) in which the image data is stored are created for each user who uses the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, in a print job in which output processing is performed after storing image data in a box, for each box, the user who attempts to perform output processing based on the print job is determined. And generally, in a space such as an office where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed, the positions such as desks where each user works are often determined. Thus, in a print job in which output processing is performed after storing image data in a box, for each box, the direction in which the user who attempts to perform output processing based on the print job moves toward the image forming apparatus 1 is often limited to a specific direction. In the present embodiment, by determining, for each box, a specific block whose range is expanded when the information processing unit 81 receives a print job, it becomes easier to set, as a specific block, a block where there is a high possibility that the user who attempts to perform output processing of the print job enters.

[0072] In addition, when a user who attempts to perform output processing of a print job often moves toward the image forming apparatus 1 from a specific direction regardless of the type of the print job, the state of the print job, etc., the information processing unit 81 may collectively set a specific block whose range is expanded when accepting a print job, regardless of the type of the print job, the state of the print job, etc. In this case, compared with the case where specific blocks are individually set according to the type of the print job and the state of the print job, the burden on the user required for setting the specific block can be reduced.

[0073] Further, the information processing unit 81 may set a specific block whose range is expanded when accepting a print job, based on, for example, the history that the human sensor 70 has detected the entry of a user into the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300 when accepting a print job in the past. For example, after accepting a print job, when the human sensor 70 detects the entry of a user or the like into the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300, the information processing unit 81 associates the block in which the entry is detected with information regarding whether or not output processing based on the print job has been performed in the image forming apparatus 1 after the entry is detected, and stores it in the storage unit 82 as a history.

[0074] Then, based on the history stored in the storage unit 82, the information processing unit 81 sets, as a specific block whose range is expanded, a block among the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300 where the number of times output processing based on the print job has been performed in the image forming apparatus 1 after the human sensor 70 has detected the entry of a user or the like is large. Thereby, the information processing unit 81 can set, as a specific block whose range is expanded when the image forming apparatus 1 accepts a print job, a block among the plurality of blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300 where there is a high possibility that a user who attempts to perform output processing of a print job will enter.

[0075] Further, based on the history stored in the storage unit 82, the information processing unit 81 sets, among the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300, the blocks with a high number of times when no output process based on a print job was performed in the image forming apparatus 1 after the human presence sensor 70 detected the entry of a user or the like as other blocks whose range is not expanded. In other words, the information processing unit 81 sets, among the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300, the blocks where false detection by the human presence sensor 70 occurred after receiving a print job as other blocks. Thereby, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, if the possibility that the user performs an output process based on the print job is low, the entry of a person other than the user into the detection area 300 is suppressed, and false detection by the human presence sensor 70 is less likely to occur.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, when receiving a print job, the information processing unit 81 sets the range of the first block 301 to the third block 303, which are specific blocks, to the expansion range 300B, thereby expanding the range of the first block 301 to the third block 303 more than the range of the fourth block 304 to the twelfth block 312, which are other blocks. However, the mode in which the information processing unit 81 expands the range of a specific block when receiving a print job is not limited to this.

[0077] When receiving a print job, the information processing unit 81 may set the range of all the blocks 301 to 312 of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 to the expansion range 300B, and then reduce other blocks (for example, the fourth block 304 to the twelfth block 312) where the possibility that the user performs an output process based on the print job is low to a range (for example, the normal range 300A) smaller than the expansion range 300B. For example, when the information processing unit 81 receives a print job, it sets the range of all the blocks 301 to 312 in the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 as the extended range 300B. Then, it is assumed that although the human presence sensor 70 detects the entry of an object into one of the blocks 301 to 312 (for example, the fourth block 304), the output process based on the print job is not performed. In this case, when the information processing unit 81 receives the next print job, it sets the first block 301 to the third block 303 and the fifth block 305 to the twelfth block 312 of the detection area 300 excluding the fourth block 304 as the extended range 300B, and sets the fourth block 304 in a range narrower than the extended range 300B.

[0078] Then, the information processing unit 81 repeats the above process. As a result, the blocks in which the output process based on the print job is not performed despite the detection of the entry of an object by the human presence sensor 70 gradually become narrower in range compared to the other blocks. As a result, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, if the possibility that the user performs the output process based on the print job is low, the entry of a person other than the user into the detection area 300 is suppressed, and false detection by the human presence sensor 70 becomes less likely to occur.

[0079] [Embodiment 3] In Embodiment 1, the mode in which the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 between the normal mode and the low power mode with lower power consumption than the normal mode according to the detection result by the human presence sensor 70 etc. was described. On the other hand, in Embodiment 3, it is different from Embodiment 1 in that the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 between the normal mode and the first low power mode and the second low power mode with lower power consumption than the normal mode.

[0080] Here, in the normal mode, similar to Embodiment 1, power is supplied to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 by the power supply device 60, and each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 is in a state where it can perform predetermined operations. The first low power mode means a state where the power consumption is smaller than that in the normal mode by partially stopping the power supply to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 or reducing the amount of power supplied to each unit compared to the normal mode. The first low power mode is an example of the first low power state.

[0081] The second low power mode means a state where the power consumption is smaller than that in the normal mode and larger than that in the first low power mode by reducing the amount of power supplied to each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 compared to the normal mode. The second low power mode is an example of the second low power state. In the second low power mode, similar to the first low power mode, operations such as displaying the display screen by the operation display unit 30, forming an image by the image forming unit 10, and reading a document by the image reading unit 20 cannot be executed. On the other hand, in the second low power mode, a larger amount of power is supplied to the operation display unit 30, the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, etc. compared to the first low power mode. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 1, the second switching time required for switching the power mode is shorter when switching from the second low power mode to the normal mode compared to the first switching time required for switching from the first low power mode to the normal mode.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 corresponds to a view of the image forming apparatus 1 seen from above. In FIG. 10, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a printing job, the detection area 300 set by the information processing unit 81 (see FIG. 2) is shown. As shown in FIG. 10, the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 of the present embodiment has a fan shape that extends to the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 centering on the human presence sensor 70 as a whole. The detection area 300 has an inner peripheral area 400 located on the inner peripheral side of the detection area 300 and an outer peripheral area 500 that extends to the outer periphery of the inner peripheral area 400. In this example, the range of the inner peripheral area 400 is equal to the normal range 300A of the detection area 300 described in the first embodiment. Further, the range of the outer peripheral area 500 is equal to the range obtained by excluding the normal range 300A from the extended range 300B of the detection area 300 described in the first embodiment.

[0083] When the operations of the units constituting the image forming apparatus 1, such as the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, and the operation display unit 30, are not performed within a predetermined period, the information processing unit 81 of the present embodiment sets the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the first low power mode. Further, similar to the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 has not received a print job, the information processing unit 81 sets the range of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 to the normal range 300A. When the information processing unit 81 detects the entry of a user into the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 when not receiving a print job, it switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first low power mode to the normal mode. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 is in a state where power is supplied to at least the operation display unit 30 and operations on the operation display unit 30 can be performed.

[0084] When the information processing unit 81 receives a print job, as shown in FIG. 10, it sets the detection area 300 to the extended range 300B including the inner peripheral area 400 and the outer peripheral area 500. In other words, the information processing unit 81 expands the range of the detection area 300 compared to when the image forming apparatus 1 has not received a print job. Note that, similar to the first embodiment, after expanding the range of the detection area 300 for which a print job has been received, when a predetermined expansion time has elapsed, the information processing unit 81 returns the range of the detection area 300 to the normal range 300A.

[0085] Here, in the present embodiment, when the information processing unit 81 detects the entry of a user into the inner peripheral area 400 of the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 or when the human presence sensor 70 detects the entry of a user into the outer peripheral area 500 of the detection area 300, the image forming apparatus 1 is switched to different power modes. Specifically, when the human presence sensor 70 detects the entry of a user or the like into the outer peripheral area 500, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first low power mode to the second low power mode. Further, when a user or the like who has entered the outer peripheral area 500 further moves toward the image forming apparatus 1 and enters the inner peripheral area 400, and the human presence sensor 70 detects the entry of the user or the like into the inner peripheral area 400, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the second power mode to the normal mode.

[0086] In this way, when the information processing unit 81 of the present embodiment receives a print job, by setting the range of the detection area 300 to the extended range 300B including the inner peripheral area 400 and the outer peripheral area 500, compared with the case where the range of the detection area 300 is not expanded, it becomes easier to switch each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 to an operable state before the user who intends to perform the output process based on the print job reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1. Thereby, it is suppressed that the waiting time becomes long after the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0087] Also, in the extended range 300B including the inner peripheral area 400 and the outer peripheral area 500, it is easy for a person other than the user who intends to perform the output process based on the print job to enter the outer peripheral area 500. When the information processing unit 81 of the present embodiment detects the entry of a person or the like into the outer peripheral area 500 by the human presence sensor 70 and switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first low power mode to the second low power mode, for example, compared with the case of switching from the first low power mode to the normal mode, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 when the entry of a person into the outer peripheral area 500 is erroneously detected.

[0088] (Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 3) Here, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the first low power mode to the second low power mode when the human sensor 70 detects the entry of a user into the outer peripheral region 500 of the extended detection region 300 has been described. On the other hand, after the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job and expands the detection region 300, the information processing unit 81 may switch the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode in which each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1 can operate when the human sensor 70 detects the entry of a user into the outer peripheral region 500 until a predetermined return time elapses.

[0089] Specifically, after expanding the detection region 300, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode when the human sensor 70 detects the entry of a user into the outer peripheral region 500 until a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the second return time) elapses, and makes the operation display unit 30 and the image forming unit 10 operable. Thereby, the time for which the user waits until the output process based on the print job is started by the image forming unit 10 is shortened after the user reaches in front of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0090] In addition, after expanding the detection region 300 and after the second return time has elapsed, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode when the human sensor 70 detects the entry of a user into the outer peripheral region 500 until a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the third return time) elapses, and makes only the operation display unit 30 operable. As described above, after the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job and expands the detection region 300, if a long time elapses, there is a high possibility that the user will not perform the output process based on the print job, and false detection by the human sensor 70 tends to occur. On the other hand, after the second return time has elapsed and until the third return time has elapsed, when the human presence sensor 70 detects the user's entry into the outer peripheral area 500, only the operation display unit 30 is made operable. This can suppress an excessive increase in the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 even when a false detection occurs by the human presence sensor 70.

[0091] Note that after the detection area 300 is expanded and the second return time and the third return time have elapsed, when the human presence sensor 70 detects the user's entry into the outer peripheral area 500, the information processing unit 81 switches the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the first low power mode to the second low power mode, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0092] Here, the second return time and the third return time may vary according to the type of print job received by the information processing unit 81, the state of the print job, and the like. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the type of print job received by the information processing unit 81 or the state of the print job, and the second return time, the third return time, and the expansion time.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 11, for the print job that performs output processing after storing image data in a box and the print job that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data received by FAX (FAX reception), which are the types of print jobs received by the information processing unit 81, the second return time, the third return time, and the expansion time are set individually. Also, for the print job that performs output processing after storing image data in a box, the second return time, the third return time, and the expansion time are set for each box (first box, second box, third box) in which the image data is stored. Furthermore, for the print job that performs output processing after storing image data in a box, when there is another remaining print job before the output processing is performed on the box, the second return time, the third return time, and the expansion time are set.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 11, when the received print job is a print job for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data received by FAX, the information processing unit 81 shortens the second return time as compared with the case of performing output processing after storing the image data in the box. In this example, when the received print job is a print job for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data received by FAX, the second return time is set to 0 minutes. As described above, after the image forming apparatus 1 receives a FAX and accepts a print job, the time until the user moves in front of the image forming apparatus 1 and starts output processing based on the print job tends to be long. When the received print job is a print job for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data received by FAX, the information processing unit 81 shortens the second return time as compared with the case of performing output processing after storing the image data in the box, so that even when a false detection occurs by the human presence sensor 70, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 from becoming excessively large.

[0095] Here, when the second return time is 0 minutes, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, the information processing unit 81 makes only the operation display unit 30 operable when the human presence sensor 70 detects the entry of the user into the outer peripheral area 500. In this case, when the user enters the outer peripheral area 500 through near the image forming apparatus 1, the operation display unit 30 is activated, so that it becomes easier for the user to grasp that the image forming apparatus 1 has received the image data by FAX.

[0096] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, when there are other print jobs remaining before the output processing is performed in the box, the information processing unit 81 shortens the second return time and the third return time as compared with the case where there are no other print jobs remaining before the output processing is performed. In this example, when there are other print jobs remaining before the output processing is performed in the box, the information processing unit 81 sets the second return time to 0 minutes. When other print jobs received by the information processing unit 81 in the past remain in the same box without output processing being performed, the user is less likely to start output processing based on the newly received print job. On the other hand, when there are other print jobs remaining in the box before output processing is performed, the information processing unit 81 shortens the second return time and the third return time compared to the case where there are no other print jobs before output processing is performed, so that even when false detection occurs by the human presence sensor 70, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 from becoming excessively large.

[0097] (Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 3) Also, in Embodiment 3 as well, similar to Embodiment 2, the detection area 300 by the human presence sensor 70 may be divided into a plurality of blocks. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the range of the detection area 300 when a print job is received. FIG. 12 corresponds to a view of the image forming apparatus 1 seen from above.

[0098] The inner peripheral area 400 of the detection area 300 shown in FIG. 12 is divided into a plurality (12 in this example) of blocks (first block 401, second block 402,..., twelfth block 412), which are examples of detection sections. Similarly, the outer peripheral area 500 of the detection area 300 is divided into a plurality (12 in this example) of blocks (first block 501, second block 502,..., twelfth block 512), which are examples of detection sections.

[0099] And the human presence sensor 70 of the present embodiment detects the presence of a user or the like for each of the blocks 401 to 412 in the inner peripheral area 400 and the blocks 501 to 512 in the outer peripheral area 500 in the detection area 300. When the human presence sensor 70 detects the presence of a user or the like in the blocks 501 to 512 in the outer peripheral area 500 in the detection area 300, the information processing unit 81 performs a process of switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the second low power mode. In addition, when the human presence sensor 70 detects the presence of a user or the like in blocks 401 to 412 of the inner peripheral region 400 in the detection region 300, the information processing unit 81 performs a process of switching the power mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode.

[0100] In this example, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, the information processing unit 81 sets the detection region 300 to a range including the inner peripheral region 400 and the outer peripheral region 500. Also, in this example, as shown in FIG. 12, when expanding the detection region 300, the range of the first block 501 to the third block 503 in the outer peripheral region 500 is made wider than the fourth block 504 to the twelfth block 512. Thereby, in this example, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, the human presence sensor 70 can detect a user who has entered the first block 501 to the third block 503 of the outer peripheral region 500 at a position farther from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0101] Also, in this example, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job and expands the detection region 300, the information processing unit 81 makes the range of the fourth block 504 to the twelfth block 512 in the outer peripheral region 500 narrower than the first block 501 to the third block 503. As a result, it becomes difficult for a person other than the user who attempts to perform the output process based on the print job to enter the fourth block 504 to the twelfth block 512 of the outer peripheral region 500. Thereby, when the output process based on the print job is not performed after receiving the print job, false detection by the human presence sensor 70 is less likely to occur.

[0102] Note that the specific block in the outer peripheral region 500 whose range is wider than other blocks can be determined based on the operation input to the operation display unit 30 and the history of the human presence sensor 70 detecting a user or the like when receiving a print job in the past, in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0103] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that embodiments obtained by making various changes or improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0104] The processor in the above-described embodiment refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes, in addition to a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU (= Central Processing Unit)), a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU (= Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (= Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (= Field Programmable Gate Array), programmable logic device, etc.). In addition, the operation of the processor in the present embodiment may be executed by a single processor alone, or may be executed in cooperation by a plurality of processors existing at physically separated positions. Also, the order of execution of each operation in the processor is not limited to only the order described in the above-described embodiment, and may be individually changed.

[0105] <Addendum> (((1))) An operation unit that receives power supply and performs operations related to image formation, A detection unit that detects the entry of an object into a detection area that is a predetermined range from the operation unit, And a processor, The processor, When receiving a job to execute the operation by the operation unit, expands the range of the detection area by the detection unit compared to when not receiving a job, and changes the state of the operation unit according to the detection result by the detection unit An image forming apparatus. (((2))) The image forming apparatus according to ((1)), wherein after the processor receives a job and expands the range of the detection area, when a predetermined expansion time has elapsed, the detection area is returned to the original range. (((3))) The image forming apparatus according to ((2)), wherein the processor varies the extension time according to at least one of a job type and a job state. (((4))) The image forming apparatus according to ((3)), wherein the processor makes the extension time when a new job is received with a previous job existing in the operation unit shorter than the extension time when a new job is received with no previous job existing in the operation unit. (((5))) The operation unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium as the operation. When the detection unit detects entry of an object in the detection area after the processor receives a job and expands the range of the detection area, the processor enables the operation unit to operate by the image forming unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of ((1)) to ((4)). (((6))) The operation unit further includes a display unit that displays information related to image formation as the operation. The processor After receiving a job and expanding the range of the detection area, until a predetermined period elapses, when the detection unit detects entry of an object in the detection area, the processor enables the operation unit to operate by the display unit and the image forming unit. After the period has elapsed, when the detection unit detects entry of an object in the detection area, the processor enables the operation unit to operate by the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to ((5)). (((7))) The detection unit detects entry of an object for each of a plurality of detection sections into which the detection area is divided. When the processor receives a job, the processor expands the range of the detection area by the detection unit for each of the detection sections. The image forming apparatus according to any one of ((1)) to ((6)). (((8))) The detection section for expanding the range of the detection area is preset for each type of job, and the processor expands the range of the preset detection section according to the type of job received. The image forming apparatus according to ((7)). (((9))) The detection section for expanding the range of the detection area is set based on the history of the detection section detecting the entry of an object when receiving a job in the past. The image forming apparatus according to ((8)). (((10))) The processor In a job of storing data used for forming an image in a predetermined storage area, when an operation of forming an image based on the data is performed by the operation unit after the data is stored in the storage area, the detection section that detected the presence of an object before the operation is set as the detection section for expanding the range of the detection area. The image forming apparatus according to ((9)). (((11))) The processor After the detection section detects the presence of an object in the expanded detection section, if no operation is performed by the operation unit until a predetermined period elapses, the range of the detection section is set to be narrower. The image forming apparatus according to ((7)). (((12))) The processor controls the operation unit to a normal state in which the operation is possible or a low power state in which power consumption is lower than that in the normal state, and when the detection section detects the entry of an object in the detection area in a state where the operation unit is controlled to the low power state, the operation unit is changed from the low power state to the normal state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of ((1)) to ((11)). (((13))) The processor Control the operation unit to a first low-power state and a second low-power state with higher power consumption than the first low-power state as the low-power state. When an object enters the expanded detection area in a state where the operation unit is controlled to the first low-power state, change the operation unit from the first low-power state to the second low-power state. When an object enters the detection area before expansion in a state where the operation unit is controlled to the second low-power state, change the operation unit from the second low-power state to the normal state. The image forming apparatus according to ((12)).

[0106] According to the image inspection apparatus according to ((1)), it is possible to make it less likely that a false detection occurs in the detection unit when no job is received, as compared with the case where the range of the detection area by the detection unit is made equal between the case where a job is received and the case where no job is received. According to the image inspection system according to ((2)), it is possible to make it less likely that a false detection occurs in the detection unit, as compared with the case where the range of the detection area continues to be expanded even after the elapse of the expansion time. According to the image inspection system according to ((3)), it is possible to make it less likely that a false detection occurs in the detection unit, as compared with the case where the expansion time is made uniform regardless of the type and state of the job. According to the image inspection system according to ((4)), it is possible to make it less likely that a false detection occurs in the detection unit, as compared with the case where the expansion period is not shortened when a new job is received in a state where a job to be executed exists. According to the image inspection system according to ((5)), it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the operation by the image forming unit is started after the user reaches the image forming apparatus, as compared with the case where the operation unit is not made operable when the detection unit detects the entry of an object. According to the image inspection system according to ((6)), even after a predetermined period has elapsed, when the entry of an object in the detection area is detected, compared with the case where the operation unit is set to a state where operations by the display unit and the image forming unit are possible, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus can be reduced. According to the image inspection system according to ((7)), it is possible to make it less likely that the detection unit causes a false detection, compared with the case where the range of the detection area is not expanded for each detection section. According to the image inspection system according to ((8)), it is possible to make it less likely that the detection unit causes a false detection, compared with the case where the entire detection area is expanded regardless of the type of job. According to the image inspection system according to ((9)), compared with the case where an expanded detection section is set without depending on the history of the detection unit detecting the entry of an object, it becomes easier to expand the detection section where the user is likely to enter. According to the image inspection system according to ((10)), compared with the case where the detection section where the detection unit has detected the presence of an object before the operation of forming an image is not set as the detection section for expanding the range of the detection area, it becomes easier to expand the detection section where the user is likely to enter. According to the image inspection system according to ((11)), it is possible to make it less likely that the detection unit causes a false detection, compared with the case where the range of the detection section is not narrowed when the operation by the operation unit has not been performed. According to the image inspection system according to ((12)), compared with the case where the operation unit is not changed from the low power state to the normal state when the detection unit detects the entry of an object, the waiting time until the operation by the operation unit is started after the user reaches the image forming apparatus can be shortened. According to the image inspection system according to ((13)), when the entry of an object in the expanded detection area is detected, compared with the case where the operation unit is changed from the first low power state to the normal state, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

Explanation of Signs

[0107] 1…Image forming apparatus, 10…Image forming unit, 20…Image reading unit, 30…Operation display unit, 60…Power supply device, 70…Human sensor, 80…Control device, 81…Information processing unit, 90…Setting screen, 300…Detection area, 300A…Normal range, 300B…Expansion range, 400…Inner peripheral area, 500…Outer peripheral area

Claims

1. An operation unit that receives power supply and performs operations related to image formation, A detection unit that detects the entry of an object into a detection area, which is a predetermined range, from the operation unit, A processor, The processor, When receiving a job to execute the operation by the operation unit, expands the range of the detection area by the detection unit compared to when not receiving a job, and changes the state of the operation unit according to the detection result by the detection unit An image forming apparatus.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the processor receives a job and expands the range of the detection area, when a predetermined expansion time has elapsed, the detection area is returned to the original range.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor varies the expansion time according to at least one of the job type and the job state.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the processor receives a new job in a state where there is a previous job executed by the operation unit, the expansion time is shorter than the expansion time when receiving a new job in a state where there is no previous job executed by the operation unit.

5. The operation unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium as the operation, The processor, when the detection unit detects the entry of an object in the detection area after receiving a job and expanding the range of the detection area, sets the operation unit to a state in which the operation by the image forming unit is possible The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The operation unit further includes a display unit that displays information related to image formation as the operation, The processor, Until a predetermined period elapses after receiving a job and expanding the range of the detection area, when detecting the entry of an object in the detection area, sets the operation unit to a state in which the operations by the display unit and the image forming unit are possible, After the period has elapsed, when detecting the entry of an object in the detection area, sets the operation unit to a state in which the operation by the display unit is possible The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The detection unit detects the entry of an object for each of a plurality of detection sections into which the detection area is divided, The processor, when receiving a job, expands the range of the detection area by the detection unit for each of the detection sections The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The detection section that expands the range of the detection area is preset for each type of job. The processor expands the range of the preset detection section according to the type of the received job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the detection section that expands the range of the detection area is set based on a history of the detection section detecting the entry of an object when receiving a job in the past.

10. The processor In a job of storing data used for forming an image in a preset storage area, when an operation of forming an image based on the data is performed by the operation unit after the data is stored in the storage area, the detection section that detected the presence of an object before the operation is set as the detection section that expands the range of the detection area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The processor After the detection section detects the presence of an object in the expanded detection section, if no operation is performed by the operation unit until a preset period elapses, the range of the detection section is set to be narrower. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.

12. The processor Controls the operation unit to be in a normal state in which the operation is possible or a low power state in which power consumption is lower than that in the normal state, When the detection section detects the entry of an object in the detection area in a state where the operation unit is controlled to be in the low power state, changes the operation unit from the low power state to the normal state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

13. The processor Controls the operation unit to be in a first low power state and a second low power state in which power consumption is higher than that in the first low power state as the low power state, When the detection section detects the entry of an object in the expanded detection area in a state where the operation unit is controlled to be in the first low power state, changes the operation unit from the first low power state to the second low power state, When the detection section detects the entry of an object in the detection area before expansion in a state where the operation unit is controlled to be in the second low power state, changes the operation unit from the second low power state to the normal state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

Images