Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and a control method for the image forming apparatus that enable reduction of power consumption. [Solution] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of this technology is an image forming apparatus having two states, a usable state and a power-saving state, and comprises a transition control unit. The transition control unit transitions the state of the image forming apparatus to the usable state or the power-saving state, obtains information regarding the usability of the image forming apparatus by the user, and changes the ease of the return transition, which is the transition from the power-saving state to the usable state, based on the information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to an image forming apparatus applicable to a copying machine or the like and a control method for the image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the number of users present is acquired, and according to the acquired number of users present, the transition time from the usable state to the power saving state is changed. Thereby, it becomes possible to efficiently reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a technology that enables reduction of the power consumption of an image forming apparatus.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of this technology is to provide an image forming apparatus and a control method for the image forming apparatus that enable reduction of power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of this technology is an image forming apparatus having two states, a usable state and a power saving state, and includes a transition control unit. The transition control unit shifts the state of the image forming apparatus to the usable state or the power saving state, acquires information regarding the availability of the image forming apparatus by a user, and based on the information, changes the ease of a return transition, which is a transition from the power saving state to the usable state.

[0007] In this image forming apparatus, information regarding user availability is acquired, and based on this information, processing is performed to change the ease of transitioning from a power-saving state to a usable state. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0008] The transition control unit may reduce the ease of the return transition as the availability decreases.

[0009] The image forming apparatus further includes a human presence sensor for detecting the user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, and the transition control unit may perform the return transition when the human presence sensor detects the user, and change the sensitivity of the human presence sensor based on the information.

[0010] The transition control unit may obtain information from the user regarding whether or not they plan to use the image forming apparatus, and if it is determined that they do not plan to use it, it may stop the operation of the human presence sensor.

[0011] The transition control unit may acquire, as information, the user's presence in the room where the image forming apparatus is installed.

[0012] The transition control unit may acquire the status of the image forming apparatus's receipt of print data as information.

[0013] The transition control unit may acquire the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus by the user as the information.

[0014] The transition control unit may acquire a time period as the information.

[0015] A control method for an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of this technology is a control method for an image forming apparatus having two states, an usable state and a power-saving state, and includes transitioning the state of the image forming apparatus to the usable state or the power-saving state. Information regarding the availability of the image forming apparatus to the user is acquired. Based on the information, the ease of the return transition, which is the transition from the power saving state to the usable state, is changed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the present technology. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing a processing example of the present technology. [Figure 4] It is a table showing variations of information regarding availability.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] [Outline of the Present Technology] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the present technology. In FIG. 1, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 according to the present technology and users 2 who use the image forming apparatus 1 are illustrated. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a copier (duplicator), a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of functions among these. In addition, any type of apparatus capable of forming an image on paper may be used.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 1 has two states: a usable state and a power saving state. The usable state is a state in which power is supplied from the power source to each mechanism of the image forming apparatus 1, and when the user 2 requests the provision of a function to the image forming apparatus 1, the function can be provided immediately.

[0019] The power saving state is a state in which the amount of power consumption is less than that in the usable state. For example, a state in which the supply of power to a predetermined mechanism is stopped and the supply of power to the mechanism related to control is always performed can be considered.

[0020] For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 has not been operated by the user 2 for a certain period of time, the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the usable state to the power saving state. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, in the power saving state, since a predetermined return time is required when providing functions to the user 2, there may also occur a demerit that the convenience of the user 2 decreases.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 1 incorporates a human presence sensor 3. In FIG. 1, the human presence sensor 3 is schematically illustrated by a circle, but the specific shape of the human presence sensor 3 is not limited. Further, the human presence sensor 3 may be disposed either inside or outside the image forming apparatus 1, and furthermore, within the range where the present technology can be realized, it may be configured separately from the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the human presence sensor 3 may be installed on a wall surface.

[0022] The human presence sensor 3 can detect the user 2 present in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1. Also, in the present embodiment, when the user 2 is detected by the human presence sensor 3, a return transition, which is a transition from the power saving state to the usable state, is executed. That is, when the user 2 approaches the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 automatically shifts to the usable state, and operations such as, for example, a UI (User Interface) being displayed on the display unit are executed.

[0023] In the present technology, control is performed to change the ease of return transition based on information regarding the availability of the image forming apparatus 1 by the user 2. The availability specifically means, for example, the probability that the image forming apparatus 1 is used within a predetermined period of time, etc., but the specific content thereof is not limited, and any index representing the probability that the image forming apparatus 1 is used by the user 2 may be used. For example, the availability may be represented by a simple value such as 0 to 100.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1A, when there are many users in the room (User 2), the likelihood of use is high. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 increases the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3. This makes it easier for the human presence sensor 3 to detect User 2, and thus makes it easier to return to the previous state.

[0025] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1B, when the number of users 2 in the room is small, the likelihood of use is low. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 reduces the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3. This makes it more difficult for the human presence sensor 3 to detect user 2, and reduces the ease of transitioning back to the previous state.

[0026] [Image forming apparatus] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a human presence sensor 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, and a controller 6. These are interconnected via a bus 7. Instead of the bus 7, each block may be connected using a communication network or a non-standardized proprietary communication method. A display unit, an operation unit, a speaker, and image forming mechanisms (ink head, rollers, tray, etc.) are also connected, but their illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[0027] The human presence sensor 3 is, for example, an infrared sensor that detects user 2 by sensing infrared radiation emitted from the human body. Alternatively, an ultrasonic sensor or a microwave sensor may be used. The specific type of human presence sensor 3 is not limited.

[0028] The communication unit 4 is a communication module for communicating with other devices via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). It may be equipped with a wireless LAN module such as WiFi, or a communication module for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. Communication equipment such as a modem or router may also be used.

[0029] The storage unit 5 is a storage device such as non-volatile memory, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, any non-transient storage medium readable by a computer may be used. The storage unit 5 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The method of installing the control program in the storage unit 5 is not limited.

[0030] Controller 6 controls the operation of each block in the image forming apparatus 1. Controller 6 has hardware circuits necessary for a computer, such as a CPU and memory (RAM, ROM). Various processes are executed by the CPU executing the program related to this technology stored in the storage unit 5 and memory. As Controller 6, devices such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) or other PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) may be used.

[0031] In this embodiment, the CPU of the controller 6 executes a program related to this technology (for example, an application program), thereby realizing the information acquisition unit 8, the sensitivity setting unit 9, and the transition unit 10 as functional blocks. These functional blocks then execute the control method according to this embodiment. Dedicated hardware such as ICs (integrated circuits) may be used as appropriate to realize each functional block.

[0032] The information acquisition unit 8 acquires information regarding the availability of the image forming apparatus 1 by user 2. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 8 acquires information regarding the availability, specifically the occupancy status of user 2 in the room where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. The occupancy status may include, for example, the number of users 2 staying in the room (occupancy count) and the location of each user 2 within the room, but the specific details are not limited.

[0033] For example, if there are many users 2 staying in the room, or if users 2 are relatively close to the image forming apparatus 1, the likelihood of using the image forming apparatus 1 is considered high. Conversely, if there are few users, or if users 2 are not close to the image forming apparatus 1, the likelihood of using it is considered low.

[0034] Thus, since it is possible to estimate availability to some extent based on the occupancy status, occupancy status can be said to be information about availability. Below, we will explain the case where the number of people in the room is obtained as the occupancy status. Note that information about availability is not limited to occupancy status. Variations of information will be explained in detail later.

[0035] The sensitivity setting unit 9 changes the sensitivity of the motion sensor 3 based on the number of people in the room acquired by the information acquisition unit 8. Specifically, the correspondence between the number of people in the room and sensitivity, such as "10 people in the room, high sensitivity", "5 people in the room, medium sensitivity", and "3 people in the room, low sensitivity", is stored in the memory unit 5 in advance.

[0036] In the above correspondence, it can be said that the number of occupants and sensitivity are matched such that sensitivity increases with a larger number of occupants and decreases with a smaller number of occupants. In other words, the correspondence is such that the ease of returning to normal operation increases with a higher likelihood of use and decreases with a lower likelihood of use. It should be noted that this is not limited to this example, and any correspondence may be used within the scope of what is feasible for this technology.

[0037] The sensitivity setting unit 9 calculates the sensitivity by referring to the correspondence. Furthermore, the sensitivity setting unit 9 sets the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3 to the calculated sensitivity. This changes the ease of the return transition.

[0038] Here, the motion sensor 3 operates at a predetermined frequency. For example, it detects changes in the state of infrared radiation at a predetermined frequency. By increasing the frequency, it becomes possible to detect more subtle changes in the state of infrared radiation. Therefore, increasing the frequency is equivalent to increasing the sensitivity. Conversely, decreasing the frequency is equivalent to decreasing the sensitivity. In addition, any control that changes how easily the motion sensor 3 detects user 2, such as controlling the detection distance, is included in changing the sensitivity.

[0039] Furthermore, to ensure that User 2 does not experience stress, a lower limit for sensitivity may be set, and control may be implemented to prevent sensitivity settings from falling below that value.

[0040] The transition unit 10 performs a transition from power-saving state to usable state when user 2 is detected by the human presence sensor 3. It also performs a transition from usable state to power-saving state when user 2 has not used the image forming apparatus 1 for a predetermined period of time. The information acquisition unit 8, the sensitivity setting unit 9, and the transition unit 10 correspond to one embodiment of the transition control unit according to this technology.

[0041] [Processing flow] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing using this technology. In this embodiment, the process shown in Figure 3 is executed at a predetermined interval, for example, once every minute. Of course, the specific interval at which this process is executed is not limited.

[0042] Information acquisition unit 8 acquires information regarding availability (step 101). In this embodiment, the number of people in the room is acquired as such information. The method for determining the number of people in the room is not limited, but for example, the room in which the image forming apparatus 1 is located is configured to require users to scan an ID card or perform fingerprint authentication when entering or leaving the room. The management system manages which user 2 entered or left the room and what time it was, so that the current number of people in the room is always known. Information acquisition unit 8 acquires the number of people in the room by communicating with the management system via communication unit 4.

[0043] Alternatively, a camera may be installed in the room, and the number of people in the room may be calculated by capturing an image of the entire room. In this case, the information acquisition unit 8 communicates with the camera to obtain the number of people in the room.

[0044] The sensitivity setting unit 9 calculates the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3 (step 102). Specifically, information is acquired from the information acquisition unit 8, and the corresponding relationships stored in the storage unit 5 are referenced to calculate the sensitivity. Subsequently, the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3 is set to the calculated sensitivity (step 103).

[0045] In addition to the processes shown in Figure 3, other processes such as transitioning from a usable state to a power-saving state and printing-related processes are also performed separately, but explanations of these will be omitted.

[0046] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, information regarding the availability by user 2 is acquired, and based on this information, a process is executed to change the ease of transitioning from a power-saving state to a usable state. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0047] While various conditions can be considered for the return-to-operation transition, this technology, for example, executes a process that reduces the ease of the return-to-operation transition when the likelihood of use is low. This reduces the possibility that the return-to-operation conditions will be met accidentally even though user 2 has no intention of using the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, it becomes possible to maintain the power-saving state for a longer period without compromising user 2's convenience, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0048] Furthermore, this technology performs a process that changes the sensitivity of the motion sensor 3 based on information regarding availability. This allows the sensitivity of the motion sensor 3 to be set lower when availability is low, for example, reducing the power consumption related to driving the motion sensor 3 without compromising the convenience of the user 2.

[0049] Furthermore, this technology acquires information regarding availability, specifically the number of people in the room where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. This makes it possible to more accurately adjust the ease of transitioning back to the previous state.

[0050] <Other Embodiments> This technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other embodiments can be realized.

[0051] [Variations] Figure 4 is a table showing variations in availability information. The embodiment described above, in which the number of occupants is obtained as information, corresponds to Case A in the table. In Case A, the sensitivity of the motion sensor 3 is increased when there are many occupants and decreased when there are few occupants. In addition, as shown in the notes, the number of people occupying each area of ​​the room may also be obtained.

[0052] In Case B, the information acquisition unit 8 acquires information regarding availability, specifically the status of print data reception by the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the status of the user box within the image forming apparatus 1 is acquired.

[0053] A user box is a function that allows data transmitted from a terminal such as a personal computer to the image forming apparatus 1 to be stored within the image forming apparatus 1 without being printed immediately. In Case B, information is obtained about who User 2 is who is storing data in the user box. Also in Case B, by identifying User 2 who enters or leaves the room using methods such as the aforementioned IC card or fingerprint authentication, the identity of User 2 in the room is always known.

[0054] Furthermore, if user 2, whose data is stored in the user box, is present in the room, the sensitivity of the motion sensor 3 is increased based on the assumption that user 2 is likely to print the data soon. On the other hand, if user 2, whose data is associated with the data, is not present in the room, the sensitivity of the motion sensor 3 is decreased based on the assumption that the data has only been transmitted and will not be printed immediately.

[0055] The reception status of the print data may include facsimile-related reception data, and similar control may be performed. Furthermore, the specific content of the reception status data to be acquired is not limited.

[0056] In Case C, the information acquisition unit 8 acquires information regarding availability, specifically the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus 1 by user 2. For example, for each user 2, a numerical value representing their usage status (utilization rate, etc.) for the past five days is acquired.

[0057] If the image forming apparatus 1 is in high use, the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3 is increased based on the assumption that the image forming apparatus 1 is likely to be used even now. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 1 is not in high use, the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3 is decreased based on the assumption that the likelihood of it being used even now is low. If the utilization rate is obtained, the utilization rate corresponding to the sensitivity may be adjustable.

[0058] In Case D, the information acquisition unit 8 acquires the time of day as information regarding availability. For example, if the current time of day is morning or noon, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is likely to be used because it is a time when user 2 is actively using it, and the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3 is increased. On the other hand, if lunchtime or nighttime is acquired, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is unlikely to be used, and the sensitivity of the human presence sensor 3 is decreased.

[0059] Specific times and days of the week, such as core hours, weekdays, and holidays, may be obtained. Other arbitrary information regarding time zones may also be obtained, and sensitivity control may be performed based on this information. Information from work calendars may also be considered when controlling sensitivity.

[0060] In Case E, the information acquisition unit 8 obtains information regarding availability, specifically whether or not user 2 plans to use the image forming apparatus 1. For example, user 2 may be asked about their plans to use the apparatus via email or chat, and the information acquisition unit 8 obtains user 2's response.

[0061] If user 2 responds that they will not be using the image forming apparatus 1, the operation of the human presence sensor 3 will be stopped, based on the assumption that it is not usable. This corresponds to setting the sensitivity and ease of recovery of the human presence sensor 3 to 0.

[0062] On the other hand, if the user responds that they will use image forming apparatus 1, the sensitivity will not be changed. Furthermore, user 2 may be asked about the likelihood of use, and the sensitivity may be changed depending on the response. Additionally, the user may be asked about their plans to use the apparatus only if the number of people in the room is small. In this case, a threshold for the number of people in the room at which the question is asked may be set.

[0063] By acquiring various types of information such as Cases A to E, it becomes possible to more accurately control the ease of recovery and transition based on availability. Furthermore, these types of information may be acquired in combination. The specific content of the availability-related information acquired by the information acquisition unit 8 is not limited.

[0064] User 2 may be detected by a mechanism other than the motion sensor 3. For example, electromagnetic waves may be emitted towards the space surrounding the image forming apparatus 1, and User 2 may be detected by the state of the reflected waves. Alternatively, User 2 may be detected by imaging the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1 with a camera. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1…Image forming apparatus 2…User 3…Human motion sensor 4… Communications Department 5...Storage section 6…Controller 7…Bus 8…Information acquisition section 9...Sensitivity setting section 10…Transition section

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having two states: a usable state and a power-saving state, The image forming apparatus comprises a transition control unit that transitions the state of the image forming apparatus to the usable state or the power-saving state, The transition control unit acquires information regarding the availability of the image forming apparatus by the user, and based on this information, changes the ease of the return transition, which is the transition from the power-saving state to the usable state. Image forming apparatus.

2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The transition control unit reduces the ease of the return transition as the availability decreases. Image forming apparatus.

3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further, The image forming apparatus is equipped with a human presence sensor that detects the user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus. The transition control unit executes the return transition when the user is detected by the human presence sensor, and changes the sensitivity of the human presence sensor based on the information. Image forming apparatus.

4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, The transition control unit obtains information from the user regarding whether or not they plan to use the image forming apparatus, and if it is determined that they do not plan to use it, it stops the operation of the human presence sensor. Image forming apparatus.

5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, The transition control unit acquires the user's presence status in the room where the image forming apparatus is installed as information. Image forming apparatus.

6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, The transition control unit acquires the status of the image forming apparatus's receipt of print data as information. Image forming apparatus.

7. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, The transition control unit acquires the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus by the user as the information. Image forming apparatus.

8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, The transition control unit acquires the time period as the information. Image forming apparatus.

9. A control method for an image forming apparatus having two states: a usable state and a power-saving state, The state of the image forming apparatus is changed to the usable state or the power-saving state. Information regarding the availability of the image forming apparatus by the user is obtained, Based on the above information, the ease of the recovery transition, which is the transition from the power-saving state to the usable state, is changed. A control method for an image forming apparatus.

Images