Image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, method for managing an image forming apparatus, image forming system, and program

Abstract

Improved user-friendliness regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus. [Solution] The image forming apparatus includes a notification means for notifying a plurality of items that can change the settings of the image forming apparatus, and a warning means for issuing a warning when an item related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected from among the plurality of items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the settings of an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Examples of image forming apparatuses include printers, multifunction devices, etc. There are cases where an image forming apparatus is connected to a network such as the Internet. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a personal computer are connected via a network. In this image forming system, it is possible to set whether to prioritize communication speed or power saving.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desired to improve the usability of the user regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a notification unit that notifies a plurality of items whose settings of the image forming apparatus can be changed, and a warning unit that warns when an item related to a setting in which power consumption changes among the plurality of items is specified as a selection target.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the usability of the user regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the external appearance of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a settings menu screen. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a power saving settings screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an additional information correspondence table. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed in an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a warning screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an application screen. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed on a host computer. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of a warning stop process performed in an image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are not limiting to the scope of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] In this specification, "image formation" (sometimes referred to as "print") refers not only to the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also to the formation of images, patterns, etc., regardless of whether they are meaningful or not. Furthermore, it broadly refers to the formation of images, patterns, etc., on a recording medium, regardless of whether they are manifested in a way that can be perceived by human eyes.

[0010] Furthermore, the term "recording medium" refers not only to paper commonly used in image forming apparatuses, but also to a wide range of ink-receiving materials such as cloth, plastic film, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. In the following embodiments, the recording medium will be described as recording paper, but as mentioned above, it can be applied to other types of recording media and is not limited to recording paper. Also, "image forming apparatus" refers to an apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium described above.

[0011] Furthermore, "ink" (sometimes referred to as "liquid") should be interpreted broadly, similar to the definition of "record (print)" above. Therefore, it refers to a liquid that, when applied to a recording medium, can be used to form images, patterns, designs, etc., or to process the recording medium, or to process the ink (for example, to solidify or insolubilize the colorants in the ink applied to the recording medium).

[0012] <First Embodiment> In recent years, there has been a growing demand to reduce the power consumption of image forming machines in order to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. One way to reduce power consumption is to implement power-saving modes in image forming machines, which is becoming increasingly common.

[0013] The implementation of power-saving mode increases the number of settings that can be configured on the image forming apparatus. With an increased number of configurable settings, users may not know whether changing a setting will affect power consumption. Therefore, power consumption may increase or decrease due to setting changes without the user's knowledge. The following describes examples of improving the usability of image forming apparatus settings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 will be described by taking as an example the case where it is an inkjet printer using ink as a recording material, but it is not limited thereto. Various printing method image forming apparatuses are applicable to the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a thermal printer such as a sublimation type or a thermal transfer type, a dot impact printer, an LED printer, or a laser printer.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a paper discharge guide 101, a display / operation panel 102, and an ink tank unit 103. The paper discharge guide 101 stacks the output recording paper. The display / operation panel 102 accepts various setting operations such as setting of the recording mode and setting of the recording paper. The display / operation panel 102 displays various information such as recording information and setting results. The ink tank unit 103 has a housing portion capable of housing one or more ink tanks such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The ink tank unit 103 supplies the ink in the ink tank housed in the housing portion to the recording head.

[0016] ; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 200 in the present embodiment. The image forming system 200 includes the image forming apparatus 100 and a host computer 210. The image forming apparatus 100 and the host computer 210 are connected via a network 211 such as the Internet or a LAN. The network 211 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 100 has only a printing function, but is not limited thereto. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a copying machine further including a reading device for reading an image on a document. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a multi-functional peripheral (MFP). The image forming apparatus 10 has a printer engine 220 and a printer controller 关于换行问题我按照原文格式保留了,你可根据实际需求调整。230.

[0018] The host computer 210 is an external device of the image forming apparatus 100. The host computer 210 is also a data providing device capable of providing print data. For example, the host computer 210 includes a personal computer, a reader for image reading, a digital camera, a smartphone, and the like. The host computer 210 may be a management device (management server) that manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses. A printer driver for providing print data is installed in the host computer 210. The host computer 210 has an operation unit 212 for inputting various types of information and a display unit 213 for displaying various types of information.

[0019] The printer engine 220 is an image forming unit that forms an image. The printer engine 220 includes a conveyance motor 221, a controller interface (CNT I / F) 222, and an inkjet head 223. The conveyance motor 221, the controller interface 222, and the inkjet head 223 are connected via a system bus 224.

[0020] The conveyance motor 221 is a motor that drives a conveyance roller capable of conveying a sheet such as roll paper. The conveyance motor 221 is controlled by the printer controller 230. The controller interface 222 is an interface for connecting the printer engine 220 to the printer controller 230. The inkjet head 223 is a printing unit that performs printing. The inkjet head 223 prints an image on a sheet based on image data. For example, the inkjet head 223 holds a plurality of print heads corresponding to a plurality of colors respectively. The inkjet head 223 discharges ink from the print head in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet to form an image on the sheet.

[0021] The printer controller 230 is a control unit that controls the printer engine 220. The printer controller 230 has a CPU 231. The CPU 231 is connected to the system bus 232. The CPU 231 is a processor (arithmetic unit) that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 231 performs various processes by executing programs or starting hardware.

[0022] The printer controller 230 has RAM 233. RAM 233 is connected to the system bus 232 via a memory controller 234. RAM 233 is used as the work area for the CPU 231. RAM 233 can also be used as a temporary data storage area.

[0023] The printer controller 230 has a FlashROM 235. The FlashROM 235 is connected to the system bus 232 via a ROM interface (ROM I / F) 236. The FlashROM 235 stores various types of data. For example, the FlashROM 235 stores programs for the CPU 231 to execute, or data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0024] The printer controller 230 has an HDD 237. The HDD 237 is connected to the system bus 232 via an HDD interface (HDD I / F) 238. The HDD 237 is a non-volatile storage device. Various types of data (information), such as print data, setting data for the image forming apparatus 100, and programs for the CPU 230 to execute, are stored in the HDD 237. Other storage devices may be used instead of the HDD 237, or in addition to the HDD 237.

[0025] The printer controller 230 has a host interface (host I / F) 239 and a print interface (PRN I / F) 240. The host interface 239 and the print interface 240 are connected to the system bus 232. The host interface 239 can exchange various data with the host computer 210 via the network 211. The print interface 240 is connected to the controller interface 222 via wires or the like, and can exchange various data with the printer engine 220.

[0026] The printer controller 230 has an image processing unit 241. The image processing unit 241 is connected to the system bus 232. The image processing unit 241 can perform various image processing operations. For example, the image processing unit 241 performs the process of expanding (converting) print data (e.g., data represented in a page description language) handled by the image forming apparatus 100 into image data (bitmap image data). Also, for example, the image processing unit 241 performs the process of converting the color space of the image data included in the print data (e.g., YCbCr) to the standard RGB color space (e.g., sRGB). Also, for example, the image processing unit 241 performs processing such as resolution conversion, image analysis, and image correction on the image data. The image data obtained as a result of the image processing by the image processing unit 241 is stored in the Flash ROM 235 or HDD 237.

[0027] The printer controller 230 has a power control unit 242. The power control unit 242 is connected to the system bus 232. The power control unit 242 operates the image forming apparatus 100 based on the power supplied from the power supply. The power control unit 242 can switch power modes so that the image forming apparatus 100 operates under predetermined power conditions. Power modes include a normal power mode and a power saving mode. The power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 as defined in the power saving mode is smaller than the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 as defined in the normal power mode (standard power). The power control unit 242 adjusts (controls) the amount of power consumed during the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 by executing either the normal power mode or the power saving mode. For example, in the normal power mode, the power control unit 242 supplies power to the printer engine 220 and the printer controller 230, respectively. In this normal power mode, the image forming apparatus 100 operates under normal power conditions (standard power conditions). On the other hand, in power-saving mode, the power control unit 242 supplies power to the printer controller 230 and stops supplying power to the printer engine 220. In this power-saving mode, the image forming apparatus 100 operates in a power-saving state. In this embodiment, the case where there is only one power-saving mode is given as an example, but there may be multiple power-saving modes. For example, multiple power-saving modes may be provided in order from the lowest power-saving efficiency (highest power consumption).

[0028] The printer controller 230 has a display / operation panel 102. The display / operation panel 102 is connected to the system bus 232 via a display / operation panel interface (display / operation panel I / F) 243. The display / operation panel 102 is an input / output device. The display / operation panel 102 includes an operation section such as hard keys, a touch panel, or a non-contact input panel for the user to perform various operations, and a display section for displaying (notifying) various information to the user. The display / operation panel 102 may notify the user of information by displaying an image such as a screen in the air. Alternatively, the display / operation panel 102 may notify the user of information by outputting sound (buzzer, voice, etc.) based on acoustic information from a sound generator.

[0029] In this embodiment, the display and operation panel 102 is provided on the image forming apparatus 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the display and operation panel 102 may be provided outside the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 211. If the display and operation panel 102 is provided outside the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 211, the display and operation panel 102 may be used as the operation unit 212 and display unit 213 of the host computer 210. In this case, the operation unit 212 and display unit 213 may not be provided. In addition, other input / output devices may be connected to the printer controller 230 via the network 211 or the like, separate from the display and operation panel 102.

[0030] The display and operation panel 102 displays various screens in response to user operations on the display and operation panel 102. Figure 3 shows an example of the settings menu screen 300. The settings menu screen 300 is a screen related to the settings of the image forming apparatus 100. The settings menu screen 300 is displayed on the display and operation panel 102 by the CPU 231. The settings menu screen 300 includes a title for the main unit settings and several items (setting items) whose settings can be changed on the image forming apparatus 100. In the example in Figure 3, there are items for "power saving settings," "date / time settings," and "date display format." The user can arbitrarily select one of the multiple items provided on the settings menu screen 300. For example, the user can select one of the multiple items provided on the settings menu screen 300 by operating the display and operation panel 102 and pressing a button.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an example of the power saving settings screen 400. The power saving settings screen 400 can be accessed from the settings menu screen 300. For example, when the "Power Saving Settings" item on the settings menu screen 300 is selected, the power saving settings screen 400 is displayed instead of the settings menu screen 300. The switch from the settings menu screen 300 to the power saving settings screen 400 is performed by the CPU 231. The power saving settings screen 400 is a screen for increasing or decreasing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100. The power saving settings screen 400 displays the type of power saving setting and the currently set time. The user can change the currently set time. The time can be changed by entering a value arbitrarily or by selecting from several predetermined options.

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 4, "Automatic power off" is displayed as "8 hours" and "Sleep timer" as "5 minutes". In this case, the power control unit 242 automatically turns off the power to the image forming apparatus 100 8 hours after it is powered on. In addition, if the image forming apparatus 100, which is operating in the normal power state, is not used for 5 minutes, the power control unit 242 stops the normal power mode and enters power saving mode.

[0033] In this embodiment, each of the multiple items on the settings menu screen 300 is associated with additional information. Figure 5 shows an example of an additional information correspondence table 500. The additional information correspondence table 500 is a table that associates additional information with the items (setting items) of the settings menu. The additional information correspondence table 500 is stored as data in the FlashROM 235 or HDD 237. The additional information includes information indicating whether or not power consumption may increase (power consumption increase information). In the example in Figure 5, the power consumption increase information is indicated by "Yes" or "No". If the power consumption increase information is "Yes", it means that changing the setting item setting may increase power consumption. If the power consumption increase information is "No", it means that changing the setting item setting will not increase power consumption. The format of the power consumption increase information is not particularly limited. For example, the power consumption increase information may be a flag.

[0034] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed in the image forming apparatus 100. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is realized by the CPU 231 reading a program stored in the Flash ROM 235 or HDD 237, etc., into the RAM 233 and executing it. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 6 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart (the same applies to flowcharts in this specification hereafter).

[0035] Figure 7 shows an example of a warning screen 700. The following explanation will use Figures 6 and 7. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is included in one of the management methods for the image forming apparatus 100. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is initiated when a command to display the setting menu screen 300 shown in Figure 3 is received from the display / operation panel 102.

[0036] In S601, the CPU 231 displays the setting menu screen 300 on the display / operation panel 102 and notifies the user of several items (setting items) that can be changed in the image forming apparatus 100. After notifying the user of several items, the CPU 231 proceeds to S602.

[0037] In S602, the CPU 231 determines whether one of the multiple items provided on the settings menu screen 300 has been selected. If it determines that no item has been selected, the CPU 231 does not proceed to S603. On the other hand, if it determines that one item has been selected, the CPU 231 proceeds to S603.

[0038] In S603, the CPU 231 refers to the additional information correspondence table 500 shown in Figure 5 and obtains the additional information corresponding to the item specified in S602 as the item to be selected. Once the CPU 231 has obtained the additional information, it proceeds to S604.

[0039] In S604, the CPU 231 determines, based on the additional information, whether or not there is a possibility that power consumption will increase due to a change in the settings of the item specified in S602 as the item to be selected. If the item specified in S602 as the item to be selected is an item such as "Date / Time Settings", the power consumption increase information included in the additional information shown in Figure 5 will be "No". In this case, the CPU 231 determines that there is no possibility that power consumption will increase due to a change in the settings of the item specified in S602 as the item to be selected. If the CPU 231 determines that there is no possibility of an increase in power consumption, it terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 6 without proceeding to S605. On the other hand, if the item specified in S602 as the item to be selected is an item called "Power Saving Settings", the power consumption increase information included in the additional information shown in Figure 5 will be "Yes". In this case, the CPU 231 determines that there is a possibility that power consumption will increase due to a change in the settings of the item specified in S602 as the item to be selected. If the CPU 231 determines that there is a possibility of an increase in power consumption, it proceeds to S605.

[0040] In S605, the CPU 231 issues a warning by displaying the warning screen 700 shown in Figure 7 on the display / operation panel 102. The warning screen 700 displays a warning message 701 and a confirmation button 702. In the example in Figure 7, the content of the warning message 701 is "Changing power management may increase power consumption," but it is not limited to this.

[0041] In this embodiment, the CPU 231 displays a warning screen 700 before displaying the power saving settings screen 400 shown in Figure 4. The warning issued by the warning screen 700 is issued regardless of whether or not the settings are actually changed in the power saving settings screen 400 that is displayed afterward. That is, even if it is possible to change the settings to reduce power consumption in the power saving settings screen 400, the warning screen 700 will be displayed in advance to indicate the possibility that power consumption may increase. To resolve any misunderstandings for the user, the content of the warning message 701 may be something like, "Changing the power management may increase or decrease power consumption." In other words, the warning screen 700 may warn that power consumption may change due to the setting change. After issuing a warning, the CPU 231 proceeds to S606.

[0042] In S606, the CPU 231 determines whether or not the warning has been acknowledged. That is, the CPU 231 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the user acknowledging the acknowledgment of the warning. In the example in Figure 7, whether or not the warning has been acknowledged is determined by whether or not the acknowledgment button 702 has been pressed, but it is not limited to this. If the CPU 231 has acknowledged the warning, it hides the warning screen 700 and then terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0043] When the flowchart shown in Figure 6 is completed, the CPU 231 executes a process to change the setting corresponding to the item specified in S602 as the item to be selected. For example, if the item specified in S602 as the item to be selected is "Power Saving Settings", the CPU 231 displays the power saving settings screen 400 instead of the settings menu screen 300. When the user changes the currently set time on the power saving settings screen 400, the CPU 231 sends the change to the power supply control unit 242.

[0044] In addition, if the warning confirmation is not accepted in S606, the CPU 231 may return to the settings menu screen 300 after completing the processing of the flowchart in Figure 6. In this case, the CPU 231 will not execute the process to change the setting corresponding to the item specified as the selection target in S602. Here, the case where the warning confirmation is not accepted means, for example, that the confirmation button 702 is not pressed for a certain period of time, or that a separate button indicating "do not change" is provided and that button is pressed.

[0045] As described above, this embodiment improves user convenience regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 issues a warning when an item related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected. This allows the user to intuitively recognize that power consumption will change when making changes to the settings of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, user convenience regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus 100 can be improved.

[0046] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the case in which the settings of the image forming apparatus 100 are changed on the image forming apparatus 100 was described as an example. In this embodiment, the case in which the settings of the image forming apparatus 100 are changed on the host computer 210 will be described as an example.

[0047] Figure 8 shows an example of an application screen 800. The application screen 800 is displayed on the display unit 213 by launching an application stored on the host computer 210. The application screen 800 is provided with a title bar 810 and a settings screen 811. In the example of Figure 8, the title bar 810 is named "Main Unit Settings" and is located directly below the menu bar of the application screen 800, but is not limited to this. The settings screen 811 is provided with multiple items whose settings can be changed on the image forming apparatus 100. In the example of Figure 8, there are items for "Power Saving Settings," "Date / Time Settings," and "Date Display Format." The user can arbitrarily select one of the multiple items provided on the settings screen 811 as the target. For example, the user can specify one of the multiple items provided on the settings screen 811 by operating the operation unit 212 and pressing it.

[0048] If the "Power Saving Settings" option is selected, the host computer 210 displays a warning screen 700 within the application screen 800. This is because power consumption may increase (change). Note that the warning screen 700 will not be displayed if an option that does not involve settings that increase (change) power consumption, such as "Date / Time Settings," is selected.

[0049] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed on the host computer 210. The flowchart shown in Figure 9 is realized when the CPU of the host computer 210 reads a program stored in a storage device into the RAM of the host computer 210 and executes it. The storage device may be built into the host computer 210, or it may be the FlashROM 235 or HDD 237 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0050] The flowchart shown in Figure 9 is included in one of the management methods for the image forming apparatus 100. The flowchart shown in Figure 9 is initiated when a command to display the application screen 800 is received from the operation unit 212.

[0051] In S901, the CPU of the host computer 210 notifies the user of several items (settings) that allow the image forming apparatus 100 to be configured, via the setting item screen 811 of the application screen 800. After notifying the user of several items, the CPU of the host computer 210 proceeds to S902.

[0052] In S902, the CPU of the host computer 210 determines whether one of the multiple items provided on the settings screen 811 has been selected. If it is determined that no item has been selected, the CPU of the host computer 210 does not proceed to S903. On the other hand, if it is determined that one item has been selected, the CPU of the host computer 210 proceeds to S903.

[0053] In S903, the CPU of the host computer 210 refers to the additional information correspondence table 500 and obtains additional information corresponding to the item specified in S902 as the item to be selected. In this embodiment, the additional information correspondence table 500 is stored in the memory built into the host computer 210, but it may also be read from the FlashROM 235 or HDD 237 of the image forming apparatus 100 into the RAM of the host computer 210. Once the CPU of the host computer 210 has obtained the additional information, the process proceeds to S904.

[0054] In S904, the CPU of the host computer 210 determines, based on the additional information, whether or not there is a possibility that power consumption will increase (change) due to a change in the setting of the item specified in S902 as a target for selection. If it is determined that there is no possibility of power consumption increasing (changing), the CPU of the host computer 210 terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 9 without proceeding to S905. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a possibility of power consumption increasing (changing), the CPU of the host computer 210 proceeds to S905.

[0055] In S905, the CPU of the host computer 210 issues a warning by displaying a warning screen 700 on the display unit 213. The warning issued by the warning screen 700 is issued regardless of whether or not the settings are actually changed in the power saving settings screen 400 that is displayed afterward. After issuing the warning, the CPU of the host computer 210 proceeds to S906.

[0056] In S906, the CPU of the host computer 210 determines whether or not the warning has been acknowledged. That is, the CPU of the host computer 210 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the user confirming or acknowledging the content of the warning. If the warning has been acknowledged, the CPU of the host computer 210 hides the warning screen 700 and then terminates the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0057] When the flowchart shown in Figure 9 is completed, the CPU 231 executes a process to change the settings corresponding to the item specified in S902 as the item to be selected. For example, if the item specified in S902 as the item to be selected is "Power Saving Settings", the CPU of the host computer 210 displays the power saving settings screen 400 shown in Figure 4 instead of the settings item screen 811 shown in Figure 8. When the user changes the currently set time on the power saving settings screen 400, the CPU 231, or the CPU of the host computer 210, sends the changes to the power control unit 242 via the network 211.

[0058] As described above, according to this embodiment, the host computer 210 can improve user convenience regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the host computer 210 issues a warning when an item related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected. This allows the user to intuitively recognize that power consumption will change when making changes to the settings of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, user convenience regarding the settings of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

[0059] <Third Embodiment> In this embodiment, the stopping of the warning screen 700 will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart of an example of the process for stopping the warning that is performed in the image forming apparatus 100. The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 is started, for example, when the warning screen 700 is displayed.

[0060] In S1001, the CPU 231 increments the warning count. The warning count is changed to zero, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is initialized. After the CPU 231 increments the warning count, the process proceeds to S1002.

[0061] In S1002, the CPU 231 compares a predetermined number of times with the number of warnings incremented in S1001. The predetermined number of times may be a number arbitrarily set by the user, or it may be a number set as a fixed value.

[0062] If the number of warnings is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the CPU 231 terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 10 without proceeding to S1003. On the other hand, if the number of warnings exceeds a predetermined number, the CPU 231 proceeds to S1003.

[0063] In S1003, the CPU 231 stops issuing further warnings. That is, even if the confirmation button 702 on the warning screen 700 displayed when the flowchart shown in Figure 10 is started is not pressed, the CPU 231 hides the warning screen 700. Furthermore, even if an item related to settings that change power consumption is selected as the target for subsequent operations, the CPU 231 does not display the warning screen 700.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, the CPU 231 stops issuing warnings after the number of warnings exceeds a predetermined number. This eliminates the inconvenience of receiving warnings at a time when the warning tends to become widely known.

[0065] The flowchart shown in Figure 10 describes a process executed by the CPU 231 of the image forming apparatus 100, but it could also be executed by the CPU of the host computer 210. Alternatively, instead of the flowchart shown in Figure 10, the warning could be manually stopped. For example, a message such as "Don't show this screen again" and a checkbox could be provided on the warning screen 700. If the user checks the checkbox, the display of the warning screen 700 would be stopped.

[0066] <Other Embodiments>

[0067] A configuration combining the first and second embodiments described above may also be used. This allows for a warning to be issued if the image forming apparatus 100's settings are changed from either the image forming apparatus 100 or the host computer 210, provided the changes are related to an increase or decrease in power consumption.

[0068] In the first embodiment described above, the warning screen 700 was shown in an example where it is displayed on the display and operation panel 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 in response to an operation on the display and operation panel 102 of the image forming apparatus 100, but it is not limited to this. For example, the warning screen 700 may be displayed on the display unit 213 of the host computer 210 in response to an operation on the display and operation panel 102 of the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the warning screen 700 may be displayed on both the display and operation panel 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the display unit 213 of the host computer 210 in response to an operation on the display and operation panel 102 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0069] In the first and second embodiments described above, the multiple configurable items of the image forming apparatus 100 were notified by display, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the multiple configurable items of the image forming apparatus 100 may be notified by voice. Alternatively, the multiple configurable items of the image forming apparatus 100 may be notified by both text and voice.

[0070] In the first and second embodiments described above, a warning was issued by notifying a textual warning message 701, but this is not limited to that. For example, a warning may be issued by notifying a warning message by voice. Alternatively, a warning may be issued by notifying a warning message by both text and voice. Alternatively, a warning may be issued by illuminating or flashing a warning light.

[0071] In the first and second embodiments described above, warning levels are not provided, but warning levels may be provided. The warning level is set so that it increases as the range of acceptable changes in power consumption due to the setting of an item (setting item) increases. For example, in the additional information shown in Figure 5, information indicating the level of the warning level is defined, such as "High" or "Low". In this example, the range of power consumption that changes due to the setting of an item associated with warning level "High" is greater than the range of power consumption that changes due to the setting of an item associated with warning level "Low". Also, the size of the warning screen displayed when an item associated with warning level "High" is selected is larger than the size of the warning screen displayed when an item associated with warning level "Low" is selected. In this way, the user can intuitively recognize the range of power consumption by the warning level.

[0072] In the first and second embodiments described above, the flowchart process shown in Figure 6 was performed in the image forming apparatus 100, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the flowchart process shown in Figure 6 may be performed in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or tablet device, or in an information processing device such as a stationary personal computer.

[0073] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0074] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following examples of image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus management method, image forming system, and program.

[0075] <Structure 1> A notification means for notifying multiple items that allow the image forming apparatus to be modified, A warning means that issues a warning when one of the aforementioned items related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

[0076] <Structure 2> The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising a determination means for determining whether or not the item relates to the setting that changes the power consumption.

[0077] <Structure 3> The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the power consumption may increase, based on information associated with the item.

[0078] <Structure 4> The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the notification means notifies by displaying a plurality of the items.

[0079] <Structure 5> The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the warning means stops issuing the warning after the number of warnings exceeds a predetermined number.

[0080] <Composition 6> The warning means is an image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5 that displays a warning on a display unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

[0081] <Composition 7> The warning means is an image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the warning means displays a warning on a display unit provided on a host computer connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0082] <Structure 8> A notification means for notifying multiple items whose settings can be changed on an information processing device, A warning means that issues a warning when one of the aforementioned items related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

[0083] <Composition 9> A step of notifying the user of multiple items that can be changed in the image forming apparatus, A step of issuing a warning when, among the multiple items, the item related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, A method for managing an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

[0084] <Composition 10> An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a host computer are connected via a network, At least one of the image forming apparatus and the host computer, Notification means for notifying multiple items that allow the image forming apparatus to change settings, A warning means that issues a warning when one of the aforementioned items related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, An image forming system characterized by having the following features.

[0085] <Composition 11> Computers, A notification means for notifying multiple items that allow the image forming apparatus to be modified, A warning means that issues a warning when one of the aforementioned items related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, A program to make each of them function as a separate entity.

Claims

1. A notification means for notifying multiple items that allow the image forming apparatus to be modified, A warning means that issues a warning when one of the aforementioned items related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination means for determining whether or not the item relates to the setting that changes the power consumption.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the power consumption may increase, based on information associated with the item.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means provides notification by displaying a plurality of items.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning means stops issuing the warning after the number of warnings exceeds a predetermined number.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning means displays a warning on a display unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning means displays a warning on a display unit provided on a host computer connected to the image forming apparatus.

8. A notification means for notifying multiple items whose settings can be changed on an information processing device, A warning means that issues a warning when one of the aforementioned items related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

9. A step of notifying the user of multiple items that can be changed in the image forming apparatus, A step to issue a warning when, among the multiple items, the item related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, A method for managing an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

10. An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a host computer are connected via a network, At least one of the image forming apparatus and the host computer, Notification means for notifying multiple items that allow the image forming apparatus to change settings, A warning means that issues a warning when one of the aforementioned items related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, An image forming system characterized by having the following features.

11. Computers, A notification means for notifying multiple items that allow the image forming apparatus to be modified, A warning means that issues a warning when one of the aforementioned items related to a setting that changes power consumption is selected as the target of selection, A program to make each of them function as a separate entity.

Images