Image forming apparatus, power supply control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an image forming apparatus, a power control method, and a program that can reduce power consumption by determining the priority of each user's functions and controlling the power supply accordingly. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a user information management unit 501 that manages association information relating at least a user to the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, a determination unit 502 that determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is low based on the number of times the target user is used in the association information, and a power supply control unit 504 that stops the power supply to the function that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a power supply control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] It has already been known to count the number of executions of functions related to jobs of an image forming apparatus, write the count into a usage frequency table, and perform control to cut off power supply to functions with low usage frequency.

[0003] As a technique for performing such power supply control, in order to save power, a configuration has been disclosed in which power is supplied only to functions permitted by a user who has been authenticated (for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technique, there is a problem that power supply to functions with low usage frequency is only cut off, and power supply control cannot be performed by determining priority functions for each user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus, a power supply control method, and a program that can perform power supply control by determining priority functions for each user and reduce power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a management unit that manages association information associating at least a user with the number of times of use of each function of the image forming apparatus; a determination unit that determines whether the usage frequency of each function of the image forming apparatus is low based on the number of times of use corresponding to a target user in the association information; and a power supply control unit that stops power supply to functions determined to have low usage frequency by the determination unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, power consumption can be reduced by determining the priority functions for each user and controlling the power supply accordingly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall external view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates the operation of writing user information for a new user in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the operation of writing user information of an existing user in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates how power control is performed based on user information in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates how power control is performed based on user information in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block in an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates power control based on user information in an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12]Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates power control based on user information in an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block of an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the image forming apparatus, power supply control method, and program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent. Moreover, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0010] [First Embodiment] (Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus) Figure 1 is an overall external view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or the like that performs image formation and the like according to an operation by a user via the operation unit 14. Here, the MFP is a multifunction device having at least two functions among a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body 21, a bank option 22, and an operation unit 14.

[0012] The main body 21 is a device that forms an image on a sheet fed from the bank option 22 according to a user operation on the operation unit 14. The main body 21 is equipped with, for example, as a heat source, a fixing unit that fixes a coloring material to the formed image sheet or a drying device that dries it.

[0013] The bank option 22 is an option device on which sheets are loaded and that feeds the sheets to the main body 21 in response to a command from the main body 21.

[0014] The operation unit 14 is a device that receives an operation by a user and displays various screens and the like.

[0015] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the bank option 22 is exemplified as an option device included in the image forming apparatus 10, but it is not limited thereto, and a configuration may be provided with another option device such as a paper discharge option, an automatic duplex document feeder (ARDF), or a card reader.

[0016] (Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described while referring to FIG. 2.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a controller unit 11, a scanner unit 12, and a printer unit 13.

[0018] The controller unit 11 is a controller that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in Figure 2, the controller unit 11 includes a control device 111, a transmit / receive interface 112, a transmit / receive interface 113, a communication interface 114, and an image processing unit 115.

[0019] The control device 111 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that oversees the overall control of the controller unit 11.

[0020] The transmit / receive interface 112 is an interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals with the scanner unit 12 (transmit / receive interface 122, which will be described later).

[0021] The transmit / receive interface 113 is an interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals with the printer unit 13 (transmit / receive interface 132, which will be described later).

[0022] The communication interface I / F114 is an interface circuit compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard for data communication with external devices such as a PC (Personal Computer) 20.

[0023] The image processing unit 115 is a circuit that performs predetermined image processing on the scanned image read by the scanner unit 12, etc.

[0024] The storage device 116 is a storage device for storing data.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the scanner unit 12 includes a control device 121, a transmit / receive interface 122, an image reading unit 123, a power supply unit 124, and a document set detection sensor 125 (an example of a sensor).

[0026] The control device 121 is a CPU that oversees the overall control of the scanner unit 12. Operation signals made to the operation unit 14 are received by the control device 121 and transmitted to the controller unit 11 via the transmit / receive interface 122.

[0027] The transmit / receive interface 122 is an interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals with the controller unit 11 (transmit / receive interface 112).

[0028] The image reading unit 123 is a reading device that performs a reading operation on the set document.

[0029] The power supply unit 124 is a device that controls the power supply for each function of the scanner unit 12 via the control device 121, in accordance with the control of the controller unit 11.

[0030] The document set detection sensor 125 is a sensor that detects whether or not a document has been placed in the scanner unit 12.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the printer unit 13 includes a control device 131, a transmit / receive interface 132, an image printing unit 133, a power supply unit 134, and a paper feed tray paper set detection sensor 135 (an example of a sensor).

[0032] The control device 131 is a CPU that oversees the overall control of the printer unit 13.

[0033] The transmit / receive interface 132 is an interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals with the controller unit 11 (transmit / receive interface 113).

[0034] The image printing unit 133 is a device that performs printing operations on paper supplied from the bank option 22.

[0035] The power supply unit 134 is a device that controls the power supply for each function of the printer unit 13 via the control device 131, in accordance with the control of the controller unit 11.

[0036] The paper feed tray paper set detection sensor 135 is a sensor that detects whether or not paper is set in the paper feed tray of the bank option 22.

[0037] Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and it is not necessary to include all of the components shown in Figure 2, or other components may be included.

[0038] (Configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus) Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the functional block of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of writing user information for a new user in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of writing user information for an existing user in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating power control based on user information in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating power control based on user information in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional block of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the controller unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a user information management unit 501 (management unit), a determination unit 502, a counting unit 503, a power supply control unit 504, and a storage unit 505.

[0040] The user information management unit 501 is a functional unit that manages user information stored in the storage unit 505 and performs reading and writing operations. For example, if the user information management unit 501 does not have information about a user who has logged into the image forming apparatus 10, it registers the user's information in the user information (registering the number of uses for each function as 0), as shown in Figure 4. Here, user information is association information that associates at least the user (e.g., user ID) with the number of uses for each function, as shown in Figure 5. In addition to the information shown in Figure 5, the user information may also store, in association with the user, the usage environment conditions when each function is used (e.g., the state of the document or paper setting, the open / closed state of the cover, the frequency of touch operations on the operation unit 14, the presence or absence of a USB cable connection to the communication I / F 114 and its history, etc.). Furthermore, although the user information shown in Figure 5 above is in table format, it is not limited to this, and any format of information is acceptable as long as the values ​​of each column in the table can be managed in association with each other. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(a), user information may be managed by counting the number of times each function is used on a daily basis. The functions mentioned above include, for example, the functions of the scanner unit 12 (scanner function), the printer unit 13 (printer function), and the copy function of the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in Figure 5.

[0041] The determination unit 502 is a functional unit that determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is low for each user. Specifically, the determination unit 502 refers to the user information stored in the storage unit 505 corresponding to the logged-in user (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the logged-in user) (target user), and determines whether the number of times the user has used each function is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 30% of the total number of uses for all functions). If the number of uses is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the determination unit 502 determines that the frequency of use of that function is low. For example, in the case of the user information shown in Figure 6(a), User B has used the scanner function 6 times, the copy function 3 times, and the printer function 2 times. Therefore, the total number of uses for all functions is 11 times, and it is determined that the scanner function is used frequently, the copy function is used frequently, and the printer function is used frequently. Also, Users C and D have the same number of uses for each function, and there is no difference in the frequency of use of each function, so it is determined that the frequency of use of each function is not low.

[0042] Furthermore, if user information is managed by counting the number of times each function is used on a daily basis, as shown in Figure 7(a), the determination unit 502 should refer to the number of times each function is used by the user on the day of the week in which the user logged into the image forming apparatus 10, and determine whether the frequency of use of each function is low or not.

[0043] The counting unit 503 is a function unit that, when a specific function is used, counts up the number of times the logged-in user has used that function, as read by the user information management unit 501. The user information management unit 501 then updates the user information with the counted usage count from the counting unit 503. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when the scanner function is used by a new user, the counting unit 503 counts up the number of times the scanner function has been used, and the user information management unit 501 updates the user information with the counted usage count of "1". Also, for example, as shown in Figure 5, when the scanner function is used by user B, the counting unit 503 counts up the number of times the scanner function has been used from "5" to "6", and the user information management unit 501 updates the user information with the counted usage count of "6".

[0044] The power control unit 504 is a functional unit that controls the power supply for each function according to the determination result of the determination unit 502. Specifically, the power control unit 504 stops the power supply to functions that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently, and supplies power to functions that have not been determined to be used infrequently. For example, if the logged-in user is user B, and the determination unit 502 has determined that the copy function and printer function are used infrequently, as shown in Figure 6(a), the power control unit 504 stops the power supply to each device that implements the copy function and printer function, as shown in Figure 6(b). Furthermore, specifically, the power control unit 504 may stop the power supply to all of the devices that implement the function among the hardware configuration devices shown in Figure 2, or it may stop the power supply to some of the devices.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(a), if user information is managed by counting the number of times each function is used on a daily basis, and the logged-in user is User B, the day the image forming apparatus 10 is used is Tuesday, and the determination unit 502 determines that the scanner function and printer function are used infrequently, then, as shown in Figure 7(b), the power supply control unit 504 stops supplying power to the devices that implement the scanner function and printer function. However, even if the power supply to the devices that implement the function determined to be used infrequently is stopped, the power supply control unit 504 may not stop supplying power to devices that are used in common to implement other functions (for example, functions that are used frequently) (for example, the image printing unit 133 is used in common for the copy function and the print function).

[0046] The memory unit 505 is a functional unit that stores various data such as user information. The memory unit 505 is implemented by the storage device 116 shown in Figure 2.

[0047] The user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, and power supply control unit 504 described above are implemented by the control device 111 shown in Figure 2 executing a program. Note that some or all of the user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, and power supply control unit 504 may be implemented not by a software program, but by hardware circuits such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0048] Note that the functional units of the controller unit 11 shown in Figure 3 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the controller unit 11 in Figure 3 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the controller unit 11 shown in Figure 3 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the controller unit 11 does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 3; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the controller unit 11.

[0049] (Flow of power control operation of an image forming apparatus) Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0050] <Step S11> The power control unit 504 turns on the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 10 or returns it from the energy-saving state in response to the user's operation on the control unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0051] <Step S12> The user information management unit 501 obtains the user ID of the user (logged-in user) by reading the ID card or smart device held by the user using a reader. Then, it proceeds to step S13.

[0052] <Step S13> The user information management unit 501 refers to the user information stored in the storage unit 505 and determines whether the acquired user ID is registered in the user information. If the user ID is not registered in the user information (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S14; if it is registered (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0053] <Step S14> The User Information Management Unit 501 registers the logged-in user's user ID in the user information (registering the usage count for each function as 0). Then, it proceeds to step S15.

[0054] <Step S15> The counting unit 503 increments the number of times a specific function has been used by the logged-in user when that function is used (in this case, the number of uses is set to "1"). Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0055] <Step S16> The user information management unit 501 then updates the user information in the storage unit 505 with the number of uses counted up by the counting unit 503. The user information management unit 501 may also store the usage environment conditions related to the function as described above in the user information, associated with the user ID of the logged-in user. The process then returns to step S13 unless the main power supply is turned off or enters an energy-saving state.

[0056] <Step S17> The user information management unit 501 determines the information corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user (existing user) in the user information of the storage unit 505 as the reference destination. Then, it proceeds to step S18.

[0057] <Step S18> The user information management unit 501 reads the usage count of each function corresponding to the logged-in user's user ID from the user information. Then, it proceeds to step S19.

[0058] <Step S19> The determination unit 502 determines whether the usage frequency of each function is low or low based on the usage count of each function read by the user information management unit 501. Specifically, the determination unit 502 determines whether the usage count of each function is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 30% of the total usage count of all functions), and if the usage count is less than or equal to the predetermined value, it determines that the usage frequency of that function is low. If there are no functions with low usage frequency (step S19: No), the process proceeds to step S20, and if there are functions with low usage frequency (step S19: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0059] <Step S20> The power control unit 504 supplies power to all functions because there are no infrequently used functions. Then, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0060] <Step S21> The power control unit 504 stops supplying power to functions that are determined to be used infrequently, and supplies power to functions that are determined to be used regularly. Then, it proceeds to step S22.

[0061] <Step S22> The counting unit 503 increments the number of times a specific function has been used, as read by the user information management unit 501, when the logged-in user has used that function. Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0062] <Step S23> The user information management unit 501 updates the user information in the storage unit 505 with the number of uses counted up by the counting unit 503. Then, unless the main power supply is turned off or enters an energy-saving state, the process returns to step S13.

[0063] The power control operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is performed through the steps S11 to S23 described above.

[0064] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the user information management unit 501 manages user information that associates at least the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is used, the determination unit 502 determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is low or low based on the number of times the logged-in user in the association information is used, and the power supply control unit 504 stops the power supply to the function that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently. This makes it possible to determine the priority function for each user and control the power supply, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The copy function is a function that can be operated by the image forming apparatus alone, while the scanner function and printer function are often used by connecting to an external device such as a PC via a USB cable or the like. In this embodiment, the configuration and operation for detecting the presence or absence of a USB connection and determining the frequency of use will be described. The overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0066] (Configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus) Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block in an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating power control based on user information in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional block in the image forming apparatus 10a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the controller unit 11a of the image forming apparatus 10a includes a user information management unit 501 (management unit), a determination unit 502, a counting unit 503, a power supply control unit 504, a storage unit 505, and a connection detection unit 506. The operation of the user information management unit 501, the determination unit 502, the counting unit 503, and the power supply control unit 504 is as described in the first embodiment above.

[0068] The connection detection unit 506 is a functional unit that detects whether or not an external device (e.g., a PC 20) is connected (e.g., via USB connection) to the communication I / F 114.

[0069] The memory unit 505 is a functional unit that stores user information, etc., as shown in Figure 10(a). This user information is association information that associates a user (e.g., user ID) with the number of times each function has been used depending on whether or not a USB connection is made. The memory unit 505 is implemented by the storage device 116 shown in Figure 2.

[0070] In the example of user information shown in Figure 10(a), for example, user D uses the scanner function only when a USB connection is available. In this case, as shown in Figure 10(b), the power control unit 504 will stop supplying power to the copy and printer functions when the connection detection unit 506 detects that a USB connection is available.

[0071] The user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and connection detection unit 506 described above are implemented by the control device 111 shown in Figure 2 executing a program. Note that some or all of the user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and connection detection unit 506 may be implemented by hardware circuits such as FPGAs or ASICs instead of software programs.

[0072] Note that the functional units of the controller unit 11a shown in Figure 9 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the controller unit 11a in Figure 9 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the controller unit 11a shown in Figure 9 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the controller unit 11a does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 9; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the controller unit 11a.

[0073] (Flow of power control operation of an image forming apparatus) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus 10a according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Note that in Figure 11, it is assumed that the acquired login user ID is already registered in the user information.

[0074] <Step S31> The power control unit 504 turns on the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 10a or returns it from the energy-saving state in response to the user's operation on the control unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0075] <Step S32> The user information management unit 501 obtains the user ID of the user (logged-in user) by reading the ID card or smart device held by the user using a reader. Then, it proceeds to step S33.

[0076] <Step S33> The connection detection unit 506 detects whether an external device (e.g., PC20) is connected to the communication interface 114 (in this case, via USB connection). If the USB connection is not present (step S33: No), the process proceeds to step S34. If the USB connection is present (step S33: Yes), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0077] <Step S34> The user information management unit 501 determines the reference destination for the information corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user in the user information of the storage unit 505 that corresponds to the case without a USB connection (reference pattern (1) shown in Figure 10(a)). Then, it proceeds to step S35.

[0078] <Step S35> The user information management unit 501 reads the usage count of each function corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user from the user information reference pattern (1). The determination unit 502 then determines whether the usage frequency of each function is low or low based on the usage count of each function read by the user information management unit 501. The power control unit 504 then stops the power supply to the functions that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently, and supplies power to the functions that have been determined not to be used infrequently. Note that the processing in this step is the same as the processing in steps S18 to S21 shown in Figure 8 above. Then, the process proceeds to step S38.

[0079] <Step S36> The user information management unit 501 determines the reference destination for the information corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user in the user information of the storage unit 505 that corresponds to the case without a USB connection (reference pattern (2) shown in Figure 10(a)). Then, it proceeds to step S37.

[0080] <Step S37> The user information management unit 501 reads the usage count of each function corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user from the user information reference pattern (2). The determination unit 502 then determines whether the usage frequency of each function is low or low based on the usage count of each function read by the user information management unit 501. The power control unit 504 then stops the power supply to the functions that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently, and supplies power to the functions that have been determined not to be used infrequently. Note that the processing in this step is the same as the processing in steps S18 to S21 shown in Figure 8 above. Then, the process proceeds to step S38.

[0081] <Step S38> When a specific function is used by a logged-in user, the counting unit 503 increments the number of times that function has been used, as read by the user information management unit 501. Then, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0082] <Step S39> The user information management unit 501 updates the user information in the storage unit 505 with the number of uses counted up by the counting unit 503. Then, unless the main power supply is turned off or enters an energy-saving state, the process returns to step S33.

[0083] The power control operation of the image forming apparatus 10a is performed according to the steps S31 to S39 described above.

[0084] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10a according to this embodiment, user information associates the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus 10a is used, depending on whether or not there is a USB connection between the image forming apparatus 10a and an external device such as a PC 20. The connection detection unit 506 detects the USB connection between the image forming apparatus 10a and the external device, and the determination unit 502 determines whether or not the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus 10a is low, based on the number of uses corresponding to the logged-in user in the user information, depending on whether or not there is a USB connection detected by the connection detection unit 506. By detecting USB connections and the like in this way, power control that is more in line with the user's usage of each function can be realized.

[0085] [Third Embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. It is assumed that the frequency of use of each function will differ depending on whether the user operates from the operation unit 14 or not. For example, when the user operates from the operation unit 14 while connected via USB, the scanner function is often used. In this embodiment, we will describe a configuration and operation that determines the frequency of use not only by detecting whether or not a USB connection is made, but also by determining the frequency of operation of the operation unit 14. Note that the overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0086] (Configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus) Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of a functional block in an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating power control based on user information in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional block in the image forming apparatus 10b according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0087] As shown in Figure 12, the controller unit 11b of the image forming apparatus 10b includes a user information management unit 501 (management unit), a determination unit 502, a counting unit 503, a power supply control unit 504, a storage unit 505, a connection detection unit 506, and an operation frequency determination unit 507. The operation of the user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and connection detection unit 506 is as described in the second embodiment above.

[0088] The operation frequency determination unit 507 is a functional unit that determines whether the user operates the operation unit 14 frequently or not. For example, the operation frequency determination unit 507 may refer to the user information in the storage unit 505 and refer to the operation frequency information of the operation unit 14 included in the usage environment conditions corresponding to the logged-in user to determine whether the logged-in user operates the operation unit 14 frequently or not.

[0089] The memory unit 505 is a functional unit that stores user information, as shown in Figure 13(a). This user information is association information that links the user (e.g., user ID) with the number of times each function is used, depending on whether or not a USB connection is made and the frequency of operation of the operation unit 14. The memory unit 505 is implemented by the storage device 116 shown in Figure 2.

[0090] Here, in the example of user information shown in Figure 13(a), for example, in the case of user C, it is shown that when there is a USB connection, the frequency of operation of the control unit 14 is high, but the frequency of use of the printer function is low. In this case, as shown in Figure 13(b), the power supply control unit 504 will stop supplying power to the printer function if the connection detection unit 506 detects that there is a USB connection and the operation frequency determination unit 507 determines that the user operates the control unit 14 frequently.

[0091] The user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, connection detection unit 506, and operation frequency determination unit 507 described above are implemented by the control device 111 shown in Figure 2 executing a program. Note that some or all of the user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, connection detection unit 506, and operation frequency determination unit 507 may be implemented by hardware circuits such as FPGAs or ASICs instead of software programs.

[0092] Note that the functional units of the controller unit 11b shown in Figure 12 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the controller unit 11b in Figure 12 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the controller unit 11b shown in Figure 12 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the controller unit 11b does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 12; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the controller unit 11b.

[0093] (Flow of power control operation of an image forming apparatus) Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus 10b according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 14. Note that in Figure 14, it is assumed that the acquired login user ID is already registered in the user information.

[0094] <Step S51> The power control unit 504 turns on the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 10b or returns it from the energy-saving state in response to the user's operation on the control unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0095] <Step S52> The user information management unit 501 obtains the user ID of the user (logged-in user) by reading the ID card or smart device held by the user using a reader. Then, it proceeds to step S53.

[0096] <Step S53> The connection detection unit 506 detects whether an external device (e.g., PC20) is connected to the communication interface 114 (in this case, via USB connection). If the USB connection is not present (step S53: No), the process proceeds to step S54. If the USB connection is present (step S53: Yes), the process proceeds to step S59.

[0097] <Step S54> The operation frequency determination unit 507 determines whether the user operates the operation unit 14 frequently or not. If the user does not operate the operation unit 14 frequently (step S54: No), the process proceeds to step S55. If the user operates it frequently (step S54: Yes), the process proceeds to step S57.

[0098] <Step S55> The user information management unit 501 determines the reference destination for the information corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user in the user information of the storage unit 505 that does not have a USB connection and is not frequently operated (reference pattern (4) shown in Figure 13(a)). Then, it proceeds to step S56.

[0099] <Step S56> The user information management unit 501 reads the usage count of each function corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user from the user information reference pattern (4). The determination unit 502 then determines whether the usage frequency of each function is low or low based on the usage count of each function read by the user information management unit 501. The power control unit 504 then stops the power supply to the functions that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently, and supplies power to the functions that have been determined not to be used infrequently. Note that the processing in this step is the same as the processing in steps S18 to S21 shown in Figure 8 above. Then, the process proceeds to step S64.

[0100] <Step S57> The user information management unit 501 determines the reference destination for the information corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user in the user information of the storage unit 505 that does not have a USB connection and is frequently operated (reference pattern (3) shown in Figure 13(a)). Then, it proceeds to step S58.

[0101] <Step S58> The user information management unit 501 reads the usage count of each function corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user from the user information reference pattern (3). The determination unit 502 then determines whether the usage frequency of each function is low or low based on the usage count of each function read by the user information management unit 501. The power control unit 504 then stops the power supply to the functions that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently, and supplies power to the functions that have been determined not to be used infrequently. Note that the processing in this step is the same as the processing in steps S18 to S21 shown in Figure 8 above. Then, the process proceeds to step S64.

[0102] <Step S59> The operation frequency determination unit 507 determines whether the user operates the operation unit 14 frequently or not. If the user does not operate the operation unit 14 frequently (step S59: No), the process proceeds to step S60. If the user does operate it frequently (step S59: Yes), the process proceeds to step S62.

[0103] <Step S60> The user information management unit 501 determines the reference destination for the information corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user in the user information of the storage unit 505 that has a USB connection and is not frequently operated (reference pattern (6) shown in Figure 13(a)). Then, it proceeds to step S61.

[0104] <Step S61> The user information management unit 501 reads the usage count of each function corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user from the user information reference pattern (6). The determination unit 502 then determines whether the usage frequency of each function is low or low based on the usage count of each function read by the user information management unit 501. The power control unit 504 then stops the power supply to the functions that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently, and supplies power to the functions that have been determined not to be used infrequently. Note that the processing in this step is the same as the processing in steps S18 to S21 shown in Figure 8 above. Then, the process proceeds to step S64.

[0105] <Step S62> The user information management unit 501 determines the reference destination for the information corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user in the user information of the storage unit 505 that is USB connected and frequently operated (reference pattern (5) shown in Figure 13(a)). Then, it proceeds to step S63.

[0106] <Step S63> The user information management unit 501 reads the usage count of each function corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user from the user information reference pattern (5). The determination unit 502 then determines whether the usage frequency of each function is low or low based on the usage count of each function read by the user information management unit 501. The power control unit 504 then stops the power supply to the functions that the determination unit 502 has determined to be used infrequently, and supplies power to the functions that have been determined not to be used infrequently. Note that the processing in this step is the same as the processing in steps S18 to S21 shown in Figure 8 above. Then, the process proceeds to step S64.

[0107] <Step S64> The counting unit 503 increments the number of times a specific function has been used, as read by the user information management unit 501, when that function is used by the logged-in user. Then, the process proceeds to step S65.

[0108] <Step S65> The user information management unit 501 updates the user information in the storage unit 505 with the number of uses counted up by the counting unit 503. Then, unless the main power supply is turned off or enters an energy-saving state, the process returns to step S53.

[0109] The power control operation of the image forming apparatus 10b is performed according to the steps S51 to S65 described above.

[0110] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10b according to this embodiment, user information is associated with the user, whether or not there is a USB connection between the image forming apparatus 10b and an external device such as a PC 20, and the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus 10b is used according to the frequency of operation of the operation unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 10b. The operation frequency determination unit 507 determines whether or not the login user operates the operation unit 14 frequently. The determination unit 502 determines whether or not the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus 10b is low, based on the presence or absence of a USB connection detected by the connection detection unit 506 and the number of times the operation unit 14 is used in the user information corresponding to the login user, according to the frequency of operation of the operation unit 14 determined by the operation frequency determination unit 507. By detecting USB connections and determining the frequency of operation of the operation unit 14 in this way, power control that is more in line with the user's usage of each function can be realized.

[0111] [Fourth Embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of controlling the presence or absence of power supply to the operation unit 14 by determining the frequency of operation of the operation unit 14 will be described. Note that the overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0112] (Configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus) Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of the functional block of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional block of the image forming apparatus 10c according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15.

[0113] As shown in Figure 15, the controller unit 11c of the image forming apparatus 10c includes a user information management unit 501 (management unit), a determination unit 502, a count unit 503, a power supply control unit 504, a storage unit 505, and an operation frequency determination unit 507. The operation of the user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, count unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and storage unit 505 is as described in the first embodiment above. The operation of the operation frequency determination unit 507 is as described in the third embodiment above.

[0114] The user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and operation frequency determination unit 507 described above are implemented by the control device 111 shown in Figure 2 executing a program. Note that some or all of the user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and operation frequency determination unit 507 may be implemented by hardware circuits such as FPGAs or ASICs instead of software programs.

[0115] Note that the functional units of the controller unit 11c shown in Figure 15 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the controller unit 11c in Figure 15 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the controller unit 11c shown in Figure 15 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the controller unit 11c does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 15; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the controller unit 11c.

[0116] (Flow of power control operation of an image forming apparatus) Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus 10c according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 16. Note that in Figure 16, it is assumed that the acquired login user ID is already registered in the user information.

[0117] <Step S71> The power control unit 504 turns on the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 10c or returns it from the energy-saving state in response to the user's operation on the control unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S72.

[0118] <Step S72> The user information management unit 501 obtains the user ID of the user (logged-in user) by reading the ID card or smart device held by the user using a reader. Then, it proceeds to step S73.

[0119] <Step S73> The operation frequency determination unit 507 determines whether the user operates the operation unit 14 frequently or not. If the user does not operate the operation unit 14 frequently (step S73: No), the process proceeds to step S74. If the user operates it frequently (step S73: Yes), the process proceeds to step S75.

[0120] <Step S74> The power supply control unit 504 stops supplying power to the operation unit 14 because the operation frequency determination unit 507 has determined that the operation frequency is not high. Then, the process proceeds to step S76.

[0121] <Step S75> The power supply control unit 504 supplies power to the operation unit 14 because the operation frequency determination unit 507 has determined that the operation frequency is high.

[0122] <Step S76> When a specific function is used by a logged-in user, the counting unit 503 increments the number of times that function has been used in the user information of the user in the storage unit 505, corresponding to the logged-in user. Then, the process proceeds to step S77.

[0123] <Step S77> The user information management unit 501 updates the user information in the storage unit 505 with the number of uses counted up by the counting unit 503. Then, unless the main power supply is turned off or enters an energy-saving state, the process returns to step S73.

[0124] The power control operation of the image forming apparatus 10c is performed according to the steps S71 to S77 described above. Note that the operations in steps S71 to S77 may be performed in parallel with the power control operations described in the first to third embodiments above.

[0125] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10c according to this embodiment, the operation frequency determination unit 507 determines whether the logged-in user operates the operation unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 10c frequently, and the power supply control unit 504 stops supplying power to the operation unit 14 if the operation frequency determination unit 507 determines that the operation frequency of the operation unit 14 is not high. In this way, power consumption can be reduced by controlling the power supply to the operation unit 14 according to the operation frequency of the operation unit 14.

[0126] [Fifth Embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of controlling the power supply to the operation unit 14 by determining the frequency of setting documents to the scanner unit 12 or the frequency of setting paper to the paper tray will be described. The overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0127] (Configuration and operation of the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus) Figure 17 shows an example of the configuration of the functional block of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The configuration and operation of the functional block of the image forming apparatus 10d according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 17.

[0128] As shown in Figure 17, the controller unit 11d of the image forming apparatus 10d includes a user information management unit 501 (management unit), a determination unit 502, a counting unit 503, a power supply control unit 504, a storage unit 505, and a paper set determination unit 508 (set determination unit). The operation of the user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and storage unit 505 is as described in the first embodiment above.

[0129] The paper setting determination unit 508 is a functional unit that determines whether the frequency of setting documents in the scanner unit 12 or paper in the paper tray is high or low. For example, the paper setting determination unit 508 may refer to the user information in the storage unit 505 and refer to the information on the frequency of setting documents in the scanner unit 12 or paper in the paper tray included in the usage environment conditions corresponding to the logged-in user to determine whether the login user's frequency of setting documents in the scanner unit 12 or paper in the paper tray is high or low.

[0130] The user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and paper set determination unit 508 described above are implemented by the control device 111 shown in Figure 2 executing a program. Note that some or all of the user information management unit 501, determination unit 502, counting unit 503, power supply control unit 504, and paper set determination unit 508 may be implemented by hardware circuits such as FPGAs or ASICs instead of software programs.

[0131] Note that the functional units of the controller unit 11d shown in Figure 17 are conceptual representations of their functions and are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple functional units shown as independent functional units in the controller unit 11d in Figure 17 may be configured as a single functional unit. Alternatively, the functions of a single functional unit in the controller unit 11d shown in Figure 17 may be divided into multiple functions and configured as multiple functional units. Furthermore, each functional unit of the controller unit 11d does not need to be configured as a clear software module as a block as shown in Figure 17; the individual functions of each functional unit may be realized as a whole when a program is executed in the controller unit 11d.

[0132] (Flow of power control operation of an image forming apparatus) Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The power control operation flow of the image forming apparatus 10d according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 18. Note that in Figure 18, it is assumed that the acquired login user ID is already registered in the user information.

[0133] <Step S91> The power control unit 504 turns on the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 10d or returns it from the energy-saving state in response to the user's operation on the control unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S92.

[0134] <Step S92> The user information management unit 501 obtains the user ID of the user (logged-in user) by reading the ID card or smart device held by the user using a reader. Then, it proceeds to step S93.

[0135] <Step S93> The paper setting determination unit 508 determines whether the logged-in user frequently sets documents in the scanner unit 12 or frequently sets paper in the paper tray. If neither the frequency of setting documents in the scanner unit 12 nor the frequency of setting paper in the paper tray is high (step S93: No), the system proceeds to step S94. If either is high (step S93: Yes), the system proceeds to step S95.

[0136] <Step S94> The power control unit 504 stops supplying power to the sensors that detect the placement of documents and paper (document placement detection sensor 125, paper tray paper placement detection sensor 135). Then, the process proceeds to step S96.

[0137] <Step S95> The power control unit 504 supplies power to the sensors that detect the setting of documents and paper (document setting detection sensor 125, paper tray paper setting detection sensor 135) because the paper setting determination unit 508 has determined that the frequency of setting documents in the scanner unit 12 or paper in the paper tray is high.

[0138] <Step S96> When a specific function is used by a logged-in user, the counting unit 503 increments the number of times that function has been used in the user information of the storage unit 505, corresponding to the logged-in user. Then, the process proceeds to step S97.

[0139] <Step S97> The user information management unit 501 updates the user information in the storage unit 505 with the number of uses counted up by the counting unit 503. Then, unless the main power supply is turned off or enters an energy-saving state, the process returns to step S93.

[0140] The power control operation of the image forming apparatus 10d is performed according to the steps S91 to S97 described above. Note that the operations in steps S71 to S77 described above may be performed in parallel with the power control operations described in the first to third embodiments above.

[0141] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10d according to this embodiment, a sensor such as the document set detection sensor 125 or the paper feed tray paper set detection sensor 135 detects the setting of a document or paper in the image forming apparatus 10d, the paper set determination unit 508 determines whether the frequency of setting a document or paper in the image forming apparatus 10d is high or low, and the power supply control unit 504 stops supplying power to the sensor if the paper set determination unit 508 determines that the frequency of setting a document or paper in the image forming apparatus 10d is not high. In this way, power consumption can be reduced by controlling the power supply to the sensor according to the frequency of setting a document or paper in the image forming apparatus 10d.

[0142] In each of the embodiments described above, if at least one of the functional units of the controller units 11, 11a, and 11d of the image forming apparatus 10, 10a, and 10d is implemented by program execution, the program is provided pre-installed in ROM or the like. In addition, in each of the embodiments described above, the program executed by the controller units 11, 11a, and 11d of the image forming apparatus 10, 10a, and 10d may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the program executed by the controller units 11, 11a, and 11d of the image forming apparatus 10, 10a, and 10d may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the programs executed by the controller units 11, 11a, and 11d of the image forming apparatus 10, 10a, and 10d may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Also, in each of the embodiments described above, the programs executed by the controller units 11, 11a, and 11d of the image forming apparatus 10, 10a, and 10d are configured as modules that include at least one of the functional units described above, and in actual hardware, the control device 111 (CPU) reads the program from the storage device and executes it, thereby loading and generating the functional units described above onto the main memory.

[0143] The embodiments of the present invention are as follows. <1> An image forming apparatus, A management unit that manages association information linking at least the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, A determination unit that determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low or low based on the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, A power control unit that stops the power supply to functions that the determination unit has determined to be used infrequently, This is an image forming apparatus equipped with the following features. <2> The management unit reads the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the target user has been used from the association information, The system further includes a counting unit that counts up the number of times a specific function of the image forming apparatus is used, as read by the management unit, when the aforementioned target user uses that function. The management unit updates the associated information with the number of uses counted up by the counting unit. <1> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <3> The determination unit determines that the frequency of use of the function corresponding to the number of uses is low if the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information is less than or equal to a predetermined value. <1> or <2> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <4> The power supply control unit supplies power to functions that the determination unit has determined not to be used infrequently. <1> ~ <3> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <5> The association information associates the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used on each day of the week. The determination unit determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low, based on the number of times the target user in the association information uses the image forming apparatus on the days of the week the target user uses the image forming apparatus. <1> ~ <4> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <6> The association information associates the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, depending on whether or not there is a communication connection between the image forming apparatus and an external device. The system further includes a connection detection unit that detects the communication connection between the image forming apparatus and an external device, The determination unit determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low, based on the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, according to whether or not the communication connection is detected by the connection detection unit. <1> ~ <5> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <7> The association information associates the user with whether or not there is a communication connection between the image forming apparatus and an external device, and the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used according to the frequency of operation of the operating section of the image forming apparatus. The system further includes an operation frequency determination unit that determines whether the operation frequency of the target user on the operation unit is high or low, The determination unit determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low or low, based on the presence or absence of the communication connection detected by the connection detection unit and the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, which corresponds to the level of operation of the operation unit determined by the operation frequency determination unit. <6> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <8> The system further includes an operation frequency determination unit that determines whether the target user frequently operates the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. The power supply control unit, when the operation frequency determination unit determines that the operation frequency of the operation unit is not high, stops supplying power to the operation unit. <1> ~ <5> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <9> A sensor for detecting the setting of a document or paper in the image forming apparatus, A set determination unit that determines whether the frequency of setting originals or paper into the image forming apparatus is high, Furthermore, The power supply control unit, when the set determination unit determines that the frequency of setting originals or paper into the image forming apparatus is not high, stops supplying power to the sensor. <1> ~ <5> The image forming apparatus is one of the items described in any one of the above. <10> A power control method for an image forming apparatus, A management step that manages association information relating at least a user to the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, A determination step to determine whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low or low, based on the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, A power control step which stops the power supply to the function that is determined to be used infrequently by the determination step, This is a power supply control method that has the following characteristics. <11> On the computer, A management step that manages association information linking at least the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, A determination step to determine whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low or low, based on the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, A power control step which stops the power supply to the function that is determined to be used infrequently by the determination step, This is a program to execute [the command / action]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 10, 10a~10d Image forming apparatus 11, 11a~11d Controller Unit 12 Scanner Units 13 Printer Unit 14 Control section 20 PC 21 Main unit 22 Bank Options 111 Control device 112, 113 Transmit / Receive Interface 114 Communication I / F 115 Image Processing Unit 116 Storage device 121 Control device 122 Transmit / Receive Interface 123 Image reading unit 124 Power supply section 125 Document Set Detection Sensor 131 Control device 132 Transmit / Receive Interface 133 Image Printing Section 134 Power supply section 135 Paper feed tray paper set detection sensor 501 User Information Management Department 502 Judgment section 503 Counting section 504 Power Control Unit 505 Storage section 506 Connection detection unit 507 Operation frequency determination unit 508 Paper Set Determination Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0145] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-073018

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, A management unit that manages association information linking at least the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, A determination unit that determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low or low based on the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, A power control unit that stops the power supply to functions that the determination unit has determined to be used infrequently, An image forming apparatus equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The management unit reads the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the target user has been used from the association information, The system further includes a counting unit that counts up the number of times a specific function of the image forming apparatus is used, as read by the management unit, when the aforementioned target user uses that function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit updates the number of uses counted up by the counting unit with respect to the association information.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines that the frequency of use of the function corresponding to the number of uses is low if the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply control unit supplies power to functions that the determination unit has determined not to be used infrequently.

5. The association information associates the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used on each day of the week. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low, based on the number of times the target user in the association information uses the image forming apparatus on the days of the week the target user uses the image forming apparatus.

6. The association information associates the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, depending on whether or not there is a communication connection between the image forming apparatus and an external device. The system further includes a connection detection unit that detects the communication connection between the image forming apparatus and an external device, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low, based on the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, according to whether or not the communication connection is detected by the connection detection unit.

7. The association information associates the user with whether or not there is a communication connection between the image forming apparatus and an external device, and the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used according to the frequency of operation of the operating section of the image forming apparatus. The system further includes an operation frequency determination unit that determines whether the operation frequency of the target user on the operation unit is high or low, The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit determines whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low, based on the presence or absence of the communication connection detected by the connection detection unit and the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, which corresponds to the high or low frequency of operation of the operation unit determined by the operation frequency determination unit.

8. The system further includes an operation frequency determination unit that determines whether the target user frequently operates the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply control unit stops supplying power to the operation unit when the operation frequency determination unit determines that the operation frequency to the operation unit is not high.

9. A sensor for detecting the setting of a document or paper in the image forming apparatus, A set determination unit that determines whether the frequency of setting originals or paper into the image forming apparatus is high, Furthermore, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply control unit stops supplying power to the sensor when the set determination unit determines that the frequency of setting originals or paper to the image forming apparatus is not high.

10. A power control method for an image forming apparatus, A management step that manages association information relating at least a user to the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, A determination step to determine whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low or low, based on the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, A power control step which stops the power supply to the function that is determined to be used infrequently by the determination step, A power control method having the following characteristics.

11. On the computer, A management step that manages association information linking at least the user with the number of times each function of the image forming apparatus is used, A determination step to determine whether the frequency of use of each function of the image forming apparatus is low or low, based on the number of uses corresponding to the target user in the association information, A power control step which stops the power supply to the function that is determined to be used infrequently by the determination step, A program to execute.

Images