Image forming apparatus and function selection method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can automatically preferentially start up a frequently used function.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 has at least two functions of a plurality of functions including a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus 1 comprises: a counting unit 15 that counts and stores the frequency of use of the respective functions; and a preferential start-up unit 16 that, at the start-up of a power supply or while returning from a sleep mode to an operable mode, determines whether the frequency of use counted by the counting unit 15 has reached a preset threshold, and starts up, in a normal standby mode, the most frequently used function, of the functions whose frequency of use has reached the threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having at least two or more functions among a plurality of functions including a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function, and a function selection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices, known as multi-function peripherals (MFPs), face the problem of increased power consumption due to the need to operate various devices to realize multiple functions. To address this problem, an image forming device has been proposed that includes an operation panel that allows selective input operation of multiple functions, and a main control unit that activates only the selected function when the selected function is input within a set time from power-on. This configuration is said to enable precise power saving, since only the function selected by the input operation (function selection) is activated. Note that if no function is selected within the set time, all functions are activated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-243307 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the image forming apparatus described above, the user must perform an input operation (function selection) within a set time from power-on, which makes it very difficult to use for users who are unfamiliar with the operation method. Also, if the user inputs the wrong function, there is a risk that effective power saving cannot be achieved.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus and a function selection method that can automatically start up a function that is frequently used with priority. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an image forming device having at least two of a plurality of functions including a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function, and is equipped with a counting unit that counts and stores the number of times each of the functions has been used, and a priority startup unit that determines whether the number of times of use counted by the counting unit has reached a preset threshold when the power is turned on or when the device returns to an operable state from sleep mode, and starts in normal standby mode the function that has been used at least the most times among the functions that have reached the threshold.

[0007] In this case, the priority activation unit may activate at least the functions whose number of uses has not reached the threshold in a low-power standby mode that consumes less power than the normal standby mode.

[0008] In this case, the threshold values ​​may include a first threshold value used when the power is turned on and a second threshold value used when the power is restored, and the second threshold value may be greater than the first threshold value.

[0009] The present invention is a function selection method in an image forming device having at least two of a plurality of functions including a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function, and includes a counting step of counting and storing the number of times each of the functions has been used, a determination step of determining whether the number of times of use has reached a preset threshold when the power is turned on or when the device returns to an operable state from sleep mode, and a priority startup step of starting up in normal standby mode the function that has been used at least the most among the functions that have reached the threshold.

[0010] In this case, the priority activation step may activate at least the functions whose number of uses has not reached the threshold value in a low-power standby mode that consumes less power than the normal standby mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically start up a frequently used function with priority. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of times each function is used and a threshold value when the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is powered on and when the image forming apparatus returns from a sleep mode. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a function selection method for an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [Image forming equipment] An image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an operation unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of times N that each function is used and the threshold value L when the power is turned on and when the apparatus returns from sleep mode.

[0014] Image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called MFP having multiple (four) functions, such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. As shown in Fig. 1, image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer unit 20, a scanner unit 30, an image processing unit 35, a facsimile communication unit 40, a network input / output unit 41, and an operation unit 50. Printer unit 20, scanner unit 30, image processing unit 35, facsimile communication unit 40, network input / output unit 41, and operation unit 50 are input / output devices that perform multiple functions, and are electrically connected to control unit 10.

[0015] <Control unit> The control unit 10 is composed of a processor, memory, hardware circuits, etc., and controls the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 10 has a printer controller 11, a scanner controller 12, a copy controller 13, and a facsimile controller 14. The printer controller 11 controls the operation of the printer unit 20 and other units to realize the printer function. The scanner controller 12 controls the operation of the scanner unit 30 and other units to realize the scanner function. The copy controller 13 controls the operation of the printer unit 20 and scanner unit 30 and other units to realize the copy function. The facsimile controller 14 controls the operation of the facsimile communication unit 40 and other units to realize the facsimile function.

[0016] <Printer section> Printer unit 20 has a paper transport unit 21 including a paper feed cassette and paper feed rollers, an image forming unit 22 including a photosensitive drum, an exposure device, a developing device, etc., a transfer unit 23 including a transfer roller, and a fixing unit 24 including a fixing roller, a pressure roller, etc. Paper transport unit 21 transports paper toward image forming unit 22, image forming unit 22 forms a toner image corresponding to image data, transfer unit 23 transfers the toner image to the paper, and fixing unit 24 fixes the toner image to the paper. In this way, after forming an image on the paper (after printing processing), printer unit 20 discharges the paper to a paper output tray.

[0017] <Scanner section> The scanner unit 30 has a light-emitting unit 31 and a photoelectric sensor 32. The light-emitting unit 31 emits light toward a document set thereon, and the photoelectric sensor 32 receives the light reflected by the document and converts it into an electrical signal. This allows the image on the document to be optically read. The scanner unit 30 outputs (transmits) image data corresponding to the read image to an image processing unit 35.

[0018] <Image processing unit> Image processing unit 35 has a correction unit 36, an image processing unit 37, and an image memory 38. Correction unit 36 ​​performs correction processes such as level correction and Y correction on the image data output from scanner unit 30. Image processing unit 37 performs processing processes such as compressing or expanding the image data, and enlarging or reducing the image data. Image processing unit 35 performs correction processes and processing processes on the image data using correction unit 36 ​​and image processing unit 37 as necessary. Image processing unit 35 also stores the image data in image memory 38, and outputs (transmits) the image data to printer unit 20, facsimile communication unit 40, etc. as necessary.

[0019] <Facsimile Communications Department> The facsimile communication unit 40 has an encoding / decoding unit, a modulation / demodulation unit, and an NCU (Network Control Unit) (none of which are shown). The facsimile communication unit 40 transmits image data output from the scanner unit 30 to an external facsimile device or the like via a telephone line, and receives image data transmitted from an external facsimile device or the like.

[0020] <Network I / O section> The network input / output unit 41 controls the transmission and reception of various data to and from an external terminal (not shown), such as a personal computer connected to a wired or wireless local area network, etc. The network input / output unit 41 receives, for example, image data transmitted from the external terminal, and outputs (transmits) the image data to the printer unit 20, the facsimile communication unit 40, etc. as necessary.

[0021] The printer unit 20 described above receives image data sent from the scanner unit 30, image data sent from the outside via the facsimile communication unit 40, and image data sent from an external terminal via the network input / output unit 41, and executes printing processing on paper based on that image data. The copy function is a function that uses both the printer function and the scanner function, and the copy controller 13 processes the image data read by the scanner unit 30 in the image processing unit 35 as necessary, and executes printing processing based on the image data in the printer unit 20.

[0022] <Operation panel section> 1 and 2, the operation unit 50 has a touch panel 51, a start button 52, a sleep button 53, a low power button 54, etc. A user operates the operation unit 50 to input instructions (execution instructions, etc.) related to the printer function, scanner function, copy function, facsimile function, etc. The operation unit 50 transmits the instructions input by the user to the control unit 10.

[0023] The touch panel 51 is an input device that combines a liquid crystal panel and a pointing device. A plurality of touch buttons corresponding to a plurality of functions are displayed on the touch panel 51. Specifically, the touch panel 51 displays a printer selection button 55 for selecting the printer function, a scanner selection key 56 for selecting the scanner function, a copy selection key 57 for selecting the copy function, and a facsimile selection key 58 for selecting the facsimile function. The user touches the touch button corresponding to the desired function to activate the desired function and perform various input operations (e.g., specifying the number of copies or enlargement / reduction). The touch panel 51 also displays information corresponding to each function (e.g., the number of copies and paper size).

[0024] The start button 52 is pressed by the user to start the scanner function, copy function, or facsimile function. The sleep button 53 is pressed by the user to transition the image forming apparatus 1 from an operable state to a sleep mode, or to restore the image forming apparatus 1 from a sleep mode to an operable state. The low power button 54 is pressed by the user to transition the image forming apparatus 1 from a normal standby mode to a low power standby mode, or to restore the image forming apparatus 1 from a low power standby mode to the normal standby mode. Details of the "operable state," "sleep mode," "normal standby mode," and "low power standby mode" will be described later. The above-mentioned restoration can also be performed by the user touching a touch button displayed on the touch panel 51. The above-mentioned restoration can also be performed by the user sending a print instruction from an external terminal or receiving image data from an external facsimile machine, etc.

[0025] However, the image forming apparatus 1 has a problem in that power consumption increases because various devices and the like are operated to realize multiple functions. If all functions are activated when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or when it returns to an operable state from sleep mode, a large amount of power will be supplied to functions that are not being used, making it impossible to conserve power. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured to prioritize activation of necessary functions when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or when it returns to an operable state from sleep mode.

[0026] "Power-on" refers to supplying the image forming apparatus 1 with the power required to operate it, and refers to turning the power switch (not shown) on the image forming apparatus 1 from "off" to "on." "Sleep mode" refers to a state in which power consumption is minimized by turning off the touch panel 51 and reducing power supply to the fuser unit 24. "Operable state" refers to "normal standby mode" and "low-power standby mode." "Normal standby mode" refers to a state in which power is supplied to the printer controller 11, scanner controller 12, copy controller 13, and facsimile controller 14, which respectively control the printer, scanner, copy, and facsimile functions, so that various functions can be immediately performed (operated) upon user request. "Low-power standby mode" refers to a state in which the touch panel 51 and other components are turned off, but power is supplied to the printer unit 20, facsimile communication unit 40, and other components so that they can immediately return to normal standby mode upon receiving image data. Low-power standby mode consumes less power than normal standby mode, but consumes more power than sleep mode. To return from sleep mode to normal standby mode, the printer must wait until the fuser unit 24 and other components are operating stably, and the printer controller 11, scanner controller 12, copy controller 13, facsimile controller 14, and other components execute program-based function checks. Therefore, the time required to return from sleep mode to normal standby mode is longer than the time required to return from low-power standby mode to normal standby mode.

[0027] 1, the control unit 10 has a counting unit 15 and a priority activation unit 16. The counting unit 15 and the priority activation unit 16 are each realized by a processor executing programs, data, etc. stored in the memory of the control unit 10. The control unit 10 also has a timer function (not shown) that measures the date and time.

[0028] <Counting section> Counting unit 15 counts the number of times N that each function is used during normal operation of image forming apparatus 1. Counting unit 15 adds up the number of times N that each function is used over a certain period (e.g., one month). Counting unit 15 also stores the counted number of times N that each function is used in memory. For example, each time the date of the timer function changes, counting unit 15 may update the number of times N that each function is used over the certain period by subtracting the number of times N that each function is used on the previous date and adding the number of times N that each function is used on the new date. Note that the certain period over which the number of times N that each function is used may be freely changed, and may be freely set by the user, for example, by inputting information via operation unit 50.

[0029] <Priority startup section> When the power is turned on or when the device returns to an operable state from sleep mode, the priority activation unit 16 determines whether the number of uses N counted by the counting unit 15 has reached a preset threshold L. If there is a function whose number of uses N has reached threshold L, the priority activation unit 16 activates the function with the highest number of uses N among the functions whose number of uses N has reached threshold L in normal standby mode. On the other hand, the priority activation unit 16 activates a function with a number of uses N that has reached threshold L but is not the highest in low-power standby mode. Furthermore, if there is a function whose number of uses N has not reached threshold L among multiple functions, the priority activation unit 16 activates the function with a number of uses N that has not reached threshold L in low-power standby mode.

[0030] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the number of times the copy function has been used, N, is equal to or greater than threshold L (first threshold L1 and second threshold L2, described below) both when the power is turned on and when the power is restored, so the copy function is activated in normal standby mode. To be precise, the copy function uses both the printer function and the scanner function, so the printer function and the scanner function are also activated in normal standby mode. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the facsimile function is activated in low-power standby mode. If the number of times N of use of only one of the printer function, scanner function, and facsimile function is equal to or greater than threshold L, that one function is activated in normal standby mode, and the other functions are activated in low-power standby mode.

[0031] If the number of times N of use of all functions does not reach the threshold L, the priority activation unit 16 activates all functions in low-power standby mode. For ease of explanation, in this specification, the function with the highest number of times N of use among the number of times N of use that has reached the threshold L will be referred to as the "priority function," and the function with the number of times N of use that has reached the threshold L but is not the highest and the function with the number of times N of use that has not reached the threshold L will be referred to as the "other functions."

[0032] Incidentally, image forming apparatuses 1 used in offices and the like are often used intermittently as needed. If the apparatus remains unused for a certain period of time, it first switches from normal standby mode to low-power standby mode to avoid unnecessary power consumption. If the apparatus remains unused for a certain period of time, it switches from low-power standby mode to sleep mode. Furthermore, even during periods when the apparatus is not actively used (e.g., outside of office hours), the image forming apparatus 1 is often kept in an activated state to receive facsimiles, and is rarely turned off. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 is more likely to wake up from sleep mode than to be activated.

[0033] Taking into consideration the above-described usage habits, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the threshold value L includes a first threshold value L1 used at power-on and a second threshold value L2 used at recovery, with the second threshold value L2 being set to a value greater than the first threshold value L1. In this specification, as an example, the first threshold value L1 is set to "5 times" and the second threshold value L2 is set to "20 times," but these values ​​are not limited to these and may be freely changed. In this specification, the term "threshold value L" is used to refer to both the first threshold value L1 and the second threshold value L2.

[0034] [Method for selecting functions in an image forming apparatus] Next, a function selection method in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, in other words, operation control when the power is turned on or when the image forming apparatus 1 returns from sleep mode, will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the function selection method in the image forming apparatus 1. It is assumed that the number of times N that each function has been used up until the previous normal operation has been counted by the counting unit 15 and stored in memory.

[0035] First, when a user turns on the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 10 executes power-on control (step S1). The priority activation unit 16 determines whether the number of times N of each function has been used reaches the first threshold L1 (step S2 (first determination step)). If there is a function whose number of times N has been used reaches the first threshold L1 (YES in step S2), the priority activation unit 16 activates the priority function with the highest number of times N in normal standby mode and activates the other functions in low-power standby mode (step S3: priority activation step). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the priority activation unit 16 activates the copy function (printer function and scanner function) in normal standby mode and the facsimile function in low-power standby mode. Note that if the number of times N of all functions has not reached the first threshold L1 (NO in step S2), the priority activation unit 16 activates all functions in low-power standby mode (step S4).

[0036] The control unit 10 determines whether an instruction to execute a priority function has been received (step S5). If an instruction to execute a priority function (a copy instruction in the case of FIG. 3) has been received (YES in step S5), the control unit 10 executes the priority function while controlling it with a controller corresponding to the instruction (step S6). If an instruction to execute a priority function has not been received (NO in step S5), the control unit 10 determines whether an instruction to execute another function has been received (step S7). If an instruction to execute another function (an instruction to execute something other than copy in the case of FIG. 3) has been received (YES in step S7), the control unit 10 switches the other function corresponding to the instruction from the low-power standby mode to the normal standby mode as necessary, and executes the other function while controlling it with a controller corresponding to the instruction (step S8). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the printer function or scanner function is executed immediately without a mode transition, and the facsimile function is executed after a mode transition.

[0037] The control unit 10 continues to execute the function (steps S6 and S8) until the execution of the function is completed (NO in step S9). When the execution of the function is completed (YES in step S9), the counting unit 15 increments the number of times of use N by "1" (step S10: counting step), and the control unit 10 waits until it receives the next execution instruction. When the execution of the function is completed, the control unit 10 resets the elapsed time T (described later) measured by the timer function.

[0038] Returning to step S7, if an instruction to execute another function has not been received (NO in step S7), the control unit 10 uses the timer function to measure the elapsed time T during which none of the functions have been used, and compares this with the low-power transition time T1 pre-stored in memory (step S11). If the elapsed time T is less than the low-power transition time T1 (NO in step S11), the control unit 10 determines whether an instruction to execute the priority function has been received (step S5). On the other hand, if the elapsed time T is equal to or greater than the low-power transition time T1 (YES in step S11), the control unit 10 transitions the priority function from the normal standby mode to the low-power standby mode (step S12). This reduces power consumption while enabling the device to immediately respond to an execution instruction.

[0039] Next, the control unit 10 compares the elapsed time T with the sleep transition time T2 stored in advance in memory (step S13). If the elapsed time T is less than the sleep transition time T2 (NO in step S13), the control unit 10 determines whether an instruction to execute another function has been received (step S7). On the other hand, if the elapsed time T is equal to or greater than the sleep transition time T2 (YES in step S13), the control unit 10 transitions all functions from the low-power standby mode to the sleep mode (step S14). This allows maximum power saving to be achieved.

[0040] The sleep transition time T2 is set to be longer than the low power transition time T1. The low power transition time T1 and the sleep transition time T2 may be configured to be freely changeable by the user operating the operation unit 50.

[0041] The control unit 10 waits until it receives an execution instruction, in other words, an instruction to return from sleep mode to an operable state (normal standby mode or low-power standby mode) (NO in step S15). For example, when the user presses the sleep button 53 or the low-power button 54 or touches a touch button displayed on the touch panel 51 (YES in step S15), the priority activation unit 16 determines whether the number of times N of use of each function has reached the second threshold L2 (step S16 (second determination step)). If there is a function whose number of times N of use has reached the second threshold L2 (YES in step S16), the priority activation unit 16 activates the priority function with the highest number of times N of use in the normal standby mode and activates the other functions in the low-power standby mode (step S3: priority activation step). On the other hand, if the number of times N of use of all functions has not reached the second threshold L2 (NO in step S16), the priority activation unit 16 activates all functions in the low-power standby mode (step S4).

[0042] As described above, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or when the image forming apparatus 1 returns from the sleep mode.

[0043] In the image forming apparatus 1 (function selection method) according to the present embodiment described above, when the power is turned on or when the device returns from sleep mode, it is determined whether the number of uses N counted by the counter 15 has reached the threshold L, and the function with the highest number of uses N among the number of uses N that have reached the threshold L is activated in normal standby mode. This configuration allows for automatic activation of frequently used functions with priority, without relying on user input (function selection). This limits the activated functions to those that are frequently used, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption and improving user usability. Furthermore, the time required for an activated function to become available can be shortened compared to when all functions are activated.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the image forming device 1 of this embodiment, functions whose usage count N has not reached the threshold L are activated in low-power standby mode, thereby reducing the power consumed when the power is turned on or when returning from sleep mode.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the image forming device 1 of this embodiment, by setting the second threshold L2 used at the time of recovery to a value greater than the first threshold L1 used at the time of power-on, it becomes possible to prioritize the activation of frequently used functions while adapting to the usage of the image forming device 1.

[0046] Although the image forming apparatus 1 (function selection method) according to this embodiment has a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 1 only needs to have at least two of a plurality of functions including a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 only needs to have two or more functions selected from a plurality of functions, and the control unit 10 needs to include controllers corresponding to those functions.

[0047] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 (function selection method) according to the present embodiment, the priority activation unit 16 activates, in the normal standby mode, only the function whose usage count N has reached the threshold L and become the most frequently used function N. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The priority activation unit 16 may activate, in the normal standby mode, at least the function whose usage count N has reached the threshold L and become the most frequently used function N. For example, if there are multiple functions whose usage count N has reached the threshold L, the priority activation unit 16 may be configured to activate these multiple functions in the normal standby mode. In this case, the priority activation unit 16 activates, in the low-power standby mode, only the functions whose usage count N has not reached the threshold L. In other words, the priority activation unit 16 may activate, in the low-power standby mode, at least the functions whose usage count N has not reached the threshold L.

[0048] In the image forming apparatus 1 (function selection method) according to the present embodiment, if the number of times N of use of all functions has not reached the threshold L, the priority activation unit 16 activates all functions in the low-power standby mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. In such a case, the priority activation unit 16 may activate all functions in the normal standby mode.

[0049] Furthermore, in the image forming device 1 according to this embodiment, the second threshold value L2 used during recovery is a value greater than the first threshold value L1 used during power-on, but this is not limited to this, and the first threshold value L1 and the second threshold value L2 may be the same value.

[0050] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the printer selection button 55, the scanner selection key 56, the copy selection key 57, and the facsimile selection key 58 are touch buttons displayed on the touch panel 51, but they are not limited to this and may be hardware switches (not shown). In addition, the start button 52, the sleep button 53, and the low power button 54 are hardware switches, but they are not limited to this and may be touch buttons displayed on the touch panel 51 (not shown).

[0051] Furthermore, in the description of the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, but this is not limited to this, and the present invention may also be applied to, for example, an inkjet image forming apparatus (not shown), etc.

[0052] The above-described embodiment shows one aspect of the image forming apparatus and function selection method according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention may be variously changed, substituted, or modified without departing from the spirit of the technical concept, and the claims include all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Image forming device 15 Counting section 16 Priority activation part L threshold L1 First threshold L2 Second threshold N number of uses

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having at least two of a plurality of functions including a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function, a counting unit that counts and stores the number of times each of the functions has been used; an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: a priority startup unit that determines whether the number of uses counted by the counting unit has reached a predetermined threshold when the power is turned on or when the apparatus returns to an operable state from sleep mode, and that starts in normal standby mode the function that has been used at least the most among the number of uses that has reached the threshold.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the priority activation unit activates at least the functions whose usage counts have not reached the threshold in a low-power standby mode that consumes less power than the normal standby mode.

3. the threshold value includes a first threshold value used at the time of power-on and a second threshold value used at the time of restoration, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value.

4. 1. A function selection method for an image forming apparatus having at least two functions among a plurality of functions including a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function, comprising: a counting step of counting and storing the number of times each of the functions has been used; a determination step of determining whether or not the number of times of use has reached a preset threshold value when the power is turned on or when the device returns to an operable state from a sleep mode; a priority activation step of activating in normal standby mode, the function that has been used at least the most among the number of times that has reached the threshold.

5. The function selection method according to claim 4, wherein in the priority activation step, at least the functions whose number of uses has not reached the threshold are activated in a low-power standby mode that consumes less power than the normal standby mode.

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