Information Processing Apparatus and Program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a program which prevent user's operation from being inhibited by the execution of a timed processing instruction after its designated time when a normal operation mode is restored from a power-saving mode.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus comprises a processor. If a timed processing instruction which executes designated processing at a designated time is set, the processor suspends the execution of the timed processing instruction of which the designated time has passed, in response to detecting the presence of a user near the apparatus at the time of restoration from a power saving mode to a normal operation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus that realizes power saving control for stopping power supply to an arithmetic unit while maintaining power supply to a main memory device, not limited to a specific architecture.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a computer device capable of quick startup that holds information at the time of the previous startup and uses the information for startup, and includes a timing means for measuring time and generating an interrupt when a set time is reached, a detection means for detecting whether power off or power on is instructed, a determination means for determining whether quick startup is effective when power off is detected by the detection means, and a setting means for setting to disable the interrupt by the timing means when it is determined by the determination means that quick startup is effective.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an information processing apparatus such as a multifunction device, when executing a time-specified processing instruction such as a time-specified job, the apparatus receives a notification from a timer and executes the processing. In the information processing apparatus, since the timer also stops during a power-saving state in which some functions including the processor are stopped, when the user returns the information processing apparatus from the power-saving state for an operation, a time-specified processing instruction for which the specified time has elapsed is executed first at the time of return, and the user cannot perform a desired operation immediately, resulting in a problem of reduced usability.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program that do not inhibit a user's operation by executing a time-specified processing instruction for which the specified time has elapsed when returning from a power-saving state to a normal operation state.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a processor. When a time-specified processing instruction for executing a specified process at a specified time is set, when returning from a power-saving state to a normal operation state, if it is detected that a user is present around the own apparatus, the execution of the time-specified processing instruction for which the specified time has elapsed is postponed.

[0008] The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the processor detects that a user is present around the own apparatus by a human sensor provided in the own apparatus.

[0009] The information processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the processor detects that a user is present around the own apparatus when an operation on the own apparatus is being performed.

[0010] The information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein when the processor detects that the user has left the vicinity of the own apparatus, the processor executes the postponed time-specified processing instruction.

[0011] The information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the processor detects that the user has left the vicinity of the own apparatus by means of a human presence sensor provided in the own apparatus.

[0012] The information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein when the processor detects that the user's operation has ended, the processor executes the time-specifying processing instruction that has been suspended.

[0013] The information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein when the operation on the own apparatus has not been performed for a preset time or longer, the processor detects that the user's operation has ended.

[0014] The information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein when a logout operation on the own apparatus is performed, the processor detects that the user's operation has ended.

[0015] The information processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein even when the processor detects that a user is present around the own apparatus, the processor executes the time-specifying processing instruction for which a preset time has elapsed since the specified time.

[0016] The information processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the processor executes a plurality of time-specifying processing instructions in a preset order regardless of the specified time.

[0017] The information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the processor notifies the user of the time-specifying processing instruction whose execution has been suspended.

[0018] The information processing apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein when there are a plurality of time specification processing instructions for which the specified time has elapsed, and there is a time specification processing instruction that does not satisfy a preset condition, the processor shifts to the time specification processing instruction for the next specified time.

[0019] When a time specification processing instruction for executing a specified process at a specified time is set, and when it is detected that a user is present around the own device when returning from the power saving state to the normal operation state, the program according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention causes the computer to execute a step of suspending the execution of the time specification processing instruction for which the specified time has elapsed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the information processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, when returning from the power saving state to the normal operation state, it is possible to prevent the operation of the user from being hindered by the execution of the time specification processing instruction for which the specified time has elapsed.

[0021] According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect that a user is present around the own device by means of a human presence sensor provided in the own device.

[0022] According to the information processing apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect that a user is present around the own device by using a user interface device provided in the own device.

[0023] According to the information processing apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to execute the suspended time specification processing instruction without hindering the operation of the user.

[0024] According to the information processing apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect that the user has left around the own device by means of a human presence sensor provided in the own device.

[0025] According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to execute a suspended time-specifying processing instruction without inhibiting the user's operation.

[0026] According to the information processing apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect that the user's operation has ended by using the user interface device provided in the own device.

[0027] According to the information processing apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect that the user's operation has ended based on the logout information for the own device.

[0028] According to the information processing apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the execution of the time-specifying processing instruction from being too late from the specified time.

[0029] According to the information processing apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily set the execution order of a plurality of time-specifying processing instructions.

[0030] According to the information processing apparatus of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the user can grasp the suspended time-specifying processing instruction.

[0031] According to the information processing apparatus of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of time-specifying processing instructions for which the specified time has elapsed, and there is a time-specifying processing instruction that does not satisfy a preset condition, it is possible to prevent the next time-specifying processing instruction from being suspended without being executed until this time-specifying processing instruction is executed.

[0032] According to the program of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when returning from the power-saving state to the normal operation state, it is possible to prevent the execution of the time-specifying processing instruction for which the specified time has elapsed from inhibiting the user's operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a terminal device 30 that are interconnected by a network 40. The terminal device 30 generates print data and transmits the generated print data to the image forming apparatus 10 via the network 40. The image forming apparatus 10 receives the print data transmitted from the terminal device 30 and outputs an image corresponding to the print data onto a sheet. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 is a so-called multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function, and is an example of an information processing apparatus in the present invention.

[0037] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in the image forming system of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) 13, a human sensor 14, a user interface (abbreviated as UI) device 15, a storage device 16 such as a hard disk drive, and a communication interface (abbreviated as IF) 17 that transmits and receives data to and from an external device or the like, a scanner 18, and a print engine 19. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 20.

[0038] The CPU 11 is a processor that executes predetermined processing based on a control program stored in the storage device 16 to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 is described as reading and executing a control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 16, but it is also possible to store the program in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) and provide it to the CPU 11.

[0039] The RTC 13 counts the passage of time and sends a notification when the set time is reached.

[0040] The human sensor 14 is a sensor for detecting the presence of a user around the own device, and various known sensors such as an infrared sensor can be used.

[0041] The UI device 15 includes an operation panel constituted by, for example, a touch panel in addition to a power button 15a combined with software. The operation panel displays various information to the user and inputs operations from the user.

[0042] The communication IF17 includes a plurality of communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices such as the network 40 and USB (Universal Serial Bus). The scanner 18 reads a document image from the set document. The print engine 19 prints an image on a recording medium such as printing paper through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing.

[0043] Next, the types of operating states of the image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment includes a hardware switch (not shown). When the hardware switch is OFF, the power supply to the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped, and the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is completely stopped.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment has three operating states: a power-off state, a normal operation state, and a power-saving state when the hardware switch is ON.

[0045] When the hardware switch (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10 is ON and the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power-off state, if the power button 15a is pressed or a return instruction to the normal operation state is received from the terminal device 30, the CPU 11 sets the image forming apparatus 10 to the normal operation state. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operation state, if the power button 15a is long-pressed, the CPU 11 sets the image forming apparatus 10 from the normal operation state to the power-off state. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operation state, if the power button 15a is short-pressed, the CPU 11 sets the image forming apparatus 10 from the normal operation state to the power-saving state.

[0046] Here, a long press of the power button 15a means that the power button 15a is continuously pressed for a preset time or longer, and a short press of the power button 15a means that the power button 15a is continuously pressed for a time shorter than the preset time. For example, when the power button 15a is continuously pressed for 2 seconds or longer, it is a long press of the power button 15a, and when the power button 15a is continuously pressed for less than 2 seconds, it is a short press of the power button 15a.

[0047] The power-off state means that, except for the standby power required for detecting the pressing of the power button 15a, the power supply to all the hardware components constituting the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped, and the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 has stopped.

[0048] The normal operation state means that normal power is supplied to all the hardware components constituting the image forming apparatus 10, and the normal operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is possible. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal operation state, the CPU 11 is also in the normal operation state. When transitioning from the power-off state to the normal operation state, the CPU 11 is started from the initial state. That is, the CPU 11 reads the control program stored in the storage device 16, expands it in the memory 12, and executes predetermined processing to bring the image forming apparatus 10 into the normal operation state.

[0049] The power-saving state means that normal power is supplied only to the memory 12, the human sensor 14, and the power button 15a of the UI device 15, the CPU 11 is supplied with only standby power, the power supply to other hardware components is stopped, and the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 have stopped. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power-saving state, the CPU 11 is also in the power-saving state where the function has stopped, so-called the suspend mode.

[0050] Even while the CPU 11 is executing a control program, it stops operating at a point during execution and enters the suspend mode. In the power-saving state, in the memory 12, the information stored with the information of the CPU 11 during execution is maintained. Therefore, when the CPU 11 resumes from the suspend mode to the normal operating state, the CPU 11 can start up quickly using the information stored in the memory 12. Such a quick startup of the CPU 11 is generally called quick boot. That is, the time until the CPU 11 resumes from the suspend mode to the normal operating state (the time required for so-called quick boot) is shorter compared to the time until the CPU 11 shifts from the power-off state to the normal operating state.

[0051] When a time-specifying processing instruction for executing a specified process at a specified time is set in the CPU 11, the CPU 11 sets the time to execute the time-specifying processing instruction in the RTC 13. As shown in FIG. 2, when the set time arrives, the RTC 13 sends a notification to the CPU 11, and when the CPU 11 receives the notification from the RTC 13, the CPU 11 executes the time-specifying processing instruction set at the received time.

[0052] The time-specifying processing instruction is an instruction to execute a specified process at a specified time. As an example, time-specifying FAX, time-specifying print, time-specifying power-on, FW (FirmWare) update check, transmission of maintenance information, clock correction by NTP (Network Time Protocol), etc. can be mentioned.

[0053] When the time-specifying processing instruction is set by the user, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 11 registers the time-specifying processing instruction set by the user in the time-specifying processing instruction list in the order of the specified times. This time-specifying processing instruction list is stored in the memory 12. Further, the CPU 11 sets the RTC 13 to send a notification at the specified time of the time-specifying processing instruction.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the power supply state of the image forming apparatus 10 during the power saving state. In FIG. 4, components where power supply is stopped or restricted are shown with hatching.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, during the power saving state of the image forming apparatus 10, the power supply to the RTC 13 is stopped and the function of the RTC 13 stops. Therefore, even if the designated time of the time designation processing command arrives during the power saving state of the image forming apparatus 10, the RTC 13 cannot send a notification to the CPU 11. That is, while the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving state, the CPU 11 cannot execute the time designation processing command.

[0056] Therefore, in a conventional image forming apparatus, when the user resumes the image forming apparatus from the power saving state to the normal operation state for operation, the time designation processing command for which the designated time has elapsed is executed prior to the user's operation. In this case, however, since the user cannot immediately perform a desired operation, there has been a problem of a decrease in user-friendliness.

[0057] To solve such a problem, in the present embodiment, when a time designation processing command for executing the designated processing at the designated time is set, the CPU 11, when resuming from the power saving state to the normal operation state, holds the execution of the time designation processing command for which the designated time has elapsed when it detects that a user is present around the own apparatus.

[0058] By adopting such an aspect, it is possible to prevent the operation of the user from being hindered by the execution of the time designation processing command for which the designated time has elapsed when resuming from the power saving state to the normal operation state.

[0059] Here, the CPU 11 may detect that a user is present around the own apparatus by means of a human presence sensor 14 provided in the own apparatus, or may detect that a user is present around the own apparatus when an operation on the own apparatus is being performed.

[0060] Note that the case of "when an operation is being performed on the own device" may be, for example, when an operation on the UI device 15 is detected. Also, when the touch panel or buttons provided in the UI device 15 are configured such that the light is turned on when in an operation-receivable state, the time when the light of the touch panel or buttons is turned on may be regarded as the case when an operation is being performed on the own device. Also, the period when the user is logged in may be regarded as the case when an operation is being performed on the own device.

[0061] Further, the CPU 11 may notify the user of the time-specifying processing instruction whose execution is suspended. This notification may, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 as an example, display the time-specifying processing instruction whose execution is suspended on the operation panel 15b, or may notify by voice.

[0062] Further, the CPU 11 may execute the suspended time-specifying processing instruction when it detects that the user has moved away from around the own device.

[0063] Here, the CPU 11 may detect that the user has moved away from around the own device by means of the human sensor 14 provided in the own device.

[0064] Further, the CPU 11 may execute the suspended time-specifying processing instruction when it detects that the user's operation has ended.

[0065] Here, the CPU 11 may detect that the user's operation has ended when the operation on the own device has not been performed for a preset time or more, or may detect that the user's operation has ended when a logout operation on the own device has been performed. Further, the CPU 11 may detect that the user's operation has ended when the conditions for first shifting to the power saving state are satisfied after returning from the power saving state to the normal operation state. Further, when the touch panel or button provided in the UI device 15 is configured such that the light is turned on when the operation can be accepted, the CPU 11 may detect that the user's operation has ended when the light of the touch panel or button changes from the on state to the off state. Further, when the touch panel provided in the UI device 15 is configured to shift to the initial screen when no operation has been performed for a certain period of time, the CPU 11 may detect that the user's operation has ended when the screen of the touch panel shifts from the operation state to the initial screen.

[0066] Next, an outline of the processing at the time of returning from the power saving state to the normal operation state in the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0067] First, when the CPU 11 detects the return of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving state to the normal operation state in step S01, it determines in step S02 whether there is a time designation processing command after the time specified at the time of return has elapsed.

[0068] If it is determined in step S02 that there is no time designation processing command after the specified time has elapsed (determination result: No), the CPU 11 ends the processing at the time of returning to the normal operation state and directly shifts to the normal operation state.

[0069] If it is determined in step S02 that there is a time designation processing command after the specified time has elapsed (determination result: Yes), the CPU 11 determines in step S03 whether a user exists around the own device.

[0070] In step S03, if it is determined that a user exists around the own device (judgment result: Yes), the CPU 11 suspends the execution of the time specifying processing instruction after the specified time has elapsed in step S04.

[0071] Next, in step S05, the CPU 11 determines whether the user has left the vicinity of the own device and whether the user's operation has ended.

[0072] In step S05, if it is determined that the user has left the vicinity of the own device or that the user's operation has ended (judgment result: Yes), the CPU 11 executes the time specifying processing instruction after the specified time has elapsed in step S06, then ends the processing at the time of returning to the normal operation state, and directly shifts to the normal operation state.

[0073] In step S05, if it is determined that the user has not left the vicinity of the own device or that the user's operation has not ended (judgment result: No), the CPU 11 shifts to step S04 and continues to suspend the execution of the time specifying processing instruction after the specified time has elapsed.

[0074] Also, in step S03, if it is determined that no user exists around the own device (judgment result: No), the CPU 11 shifts to step S06, executes the time specifying processing instruction after the specified time has elapsed, then ends the processing at the time of returning to the normal operation state, and directly shifts to the normal operation state.

[0075] Note that in this embodiment, even if the CPU 11 detects that a user is present around the own device when returning from the power saving state to the normal operation state, the time specifying processing instruction after the preset time has elapsed from the specified time may be executed prior to the user's operation without suspending the execution.

[0076] Also, the CPU 11 may execute a plurality of time specifying processing instructions in a preset order regardless of the specified time.

[0077] Also, when there are a plurality of time specification processing instructions and the specified time has elapsed, if there is a time specification processing instruction that does not satisfy a preset condition, the CPU 11 may shift to the time specification processing instruction at the next specified time without waiting for the execution of the time specification processing instruction that does not satisfy the condition.

[0078] [Modification Example] As described above, the image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be appropriately changed.

[0079] In each of the above embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and a dedicated processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0080] Also, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be achieved not only by one processor but also by a plurality of physically separated processors cooperating with each other. Also, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be appropriately changed.

[0081] Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be various apparatuses.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0082] 10 Image forming apparatus 11 CPU 12 Memory 13 RTC 14 Human sensor 15 UI device 15a Power button 15b Operation panel 16 Memory device 17 Communication IF 18 Scanner 19 Print engine 20 Control bus 30 Terminal device 40 Network

Claims

1. comprising a processor, wherein the processor, when a time - specified processing instruction for executing a specified process at a specified time is set, and when it is detected that a user exists around the own device when returning from a power - saving state to a normal operation state, the execution of the time - specified processing instruction whose specified time has elapsed is suspended, even when it is detected that a user is present around the own device, the time - specified processing instruction for which a preset time has elapsed since the specified time is executed an information processing apparatus.

2. wherein the processor, detects that a user exists around the own device by means of a human presence sensor provided in the own device the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. wherein the processor, when an operation on the own device is being performed, detects that a user exists around the own device the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. wherein the processor, when it is detected that a user has left around the own device, executes the suspended time - specified processing instruction the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. wherein the processor, detects that a user has left around the own device by means of a human presence sensor provided in the own device the information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. wherein the processor, when it is detected that the user's operation has ended, executes the suspended time - specified processing instruction the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. wherein the processor, When an operation on the device has not been performed for a preset time or longer, it is detected that the user's operation has ended. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The processor When a logout operation on the device is performed, it is detected that the user's operation has ended. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

9. The processor For a plurality of time-specifying processing instructions, regardless of the specified time, execute them in a preset order. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The processor Notify the user of the time-specifying processing instructions whose execution is pending. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The processor When there are a plurality of time-specifying processing instructions for which the specified time has elapsed, and there is a time-specifying processing instruction that does not satisfy a preset condition, shift to the time-specifying processing instruction for the next specified time. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. When a time-specifying processing instruction for executing a specified process at a specified time is set, when it is detected that a user is present around the device when returning from the power-saving state to the normal operation state, the step of suspending the execution of the time-specifying processing instruction for which the specified time has elapsed, and Even when it is detected that a user is present around the device, the step of executing the time-specifying processing instruction for which the preset time has elapsed from the specified time. A program for causing a computer to execute.

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