Information processing system, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To suppress the decline in the effect of power saving compared to a case where the transition time until a device shifts to a mode that takes longer than the other modes among the plurality of modes.SOLUTION: The processor outputs a history of the processing performed on a device that has multiple modes with different times until processing can be performed, which shows the number of times processing was performed in each of at least two of the multiple modes, and a set value for the transition time until the device shifts to a mode with a longer time until processing can be performed than other modes among the multiple modes on the basis of a target value for the ratio of specific processing performed by the device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a program, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Devices having a power saving function are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a system that supplies a timeout value for a device such as a printer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, devices having a plurality of modes with different times until the execution of processing becomes possible are known. The amount of processing executed by the device and the time interval of each processing may differ for each period such as a day or a week. Therefore, if the transition time until the device transitions to a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that of other modes among the plurality of modes is constant, the power saving effect may decrease.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in the power saving effect as compared with a case where the transition time until the device transitions to a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that of other modes among the plurality of modes is constant.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The invention according to claim 1 has a processor, and the processor After a specific event that causes a return occurs Until the execution of the process becomes possible StandbyA history of processes executed in an apparatus having a plurality of modes with different times, the history indicating the number of times of processes executed in each of at least two of the plurality of modes, and a target value of a ratio of a specific process executed by the apparatus, based on which, among the plurality of modes The standby Time The longest An information processing system that outputs a set value of a transition time until the apparatus transitions to a long time mode That is, when a person around the device is detected, if the function that the mode of the device shifts from the mode with the longest standby time among the plurality of modes to the mode with the shortest standby time is operating in the device, the processor reduces the target value compared to the case where the function is not operating in the device. Information processing system is.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the history is a ratio of the number of times of processes executed in each of the at least two modes.

[0009] The invention according to claim 3, wherein the at least two modes include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, the first mode is a mode in which the apparatus waits for execution of a process, and the second mode is The standby a mode with a longer time than the first mode, and the third mode is The standby a mode with a longer time than the second mode, and the history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processes executed in the first mode, the number of times of processes executed in the second mode, and the number of times of processes executed in the third mode. It is the information processing system according to claim 2.

[0010] The invention according to claim 4, wherein the at least two modes include a first mode and a second mode, the first mode is a mode in which the apparatus waits for execution of a process, and the second mode is The standby a mode with a longer time than the first mode, and the history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processes executed in the first mode and the number of times of processes executed in the second mode. It is the information processing system according to claim 2.

[0011] The invention according to claim 5, wherein the at least two modes include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, the first mode being a mode in which the apparatus waits for the execution of a process, and the second mode being The standby a mode with a longer time than the first mode, and the third mode being The standby a mode with a longer time than the second mode, and the history is a ratio calculated using the number of processes executed in the second mode and the number of processes executed in the third mode, which is the information processing system according to claim 2.

[0012] The invention according to claim 6, wherein the history is a ratio calculated using the number of processes whose execution time intervals are within the transition time and the total number of processes, which is the information processing system according to claim 2.

[0013] The invention according to claim 7, wherein the number of processes executed in each of the at least two modes is the number of times the user interface of the apparatus is operated in each of the at least two modes, which is the information processing system according to claim 1.

[0014] The invention according to claim 8, wherein when the number of times the user interface is operated is less than or equal to a threshold value, the number of processes executed in each of the at least two modes is the number including the number of processes other than the operation of the user interface, which is the information processing system according to claim 7.

[0015] The invention according to claim 9, wherein the processor calculates a set value of the transition time from the history and the target value by using a cumulative exponential distribution function, which is the information processing system according to claim 1.

[0016] The invention according to claim 10 is such that the history is the number of times of processing for each predetermined unit period, and the processor outputs a set value of the transition time in the second unit period following the first unit period based on the history indicating the number of times of processing in the first unit period and the target value, and when the number of times of processing in the first unit period is less than a threshold value, outputs the set value of the transition time in the first unit period as the set value of the transition time in the second unit period, which is the information processing system according to claim 1.

[0017] The invention according to claim 11 is such that the processor estimates a change in the usage environment of the device based on a change in the set value of the transition time, which is the information processing system according to claim I.

[0019] Claim 1 2 The invention according to is such that the target value is a value calculated by subtracting a predetermined value from the ratio, and the predetermined value when the function is operating in the device is larger than the predetermined value when the function is not operating in the device, which is the information processing system according to claim 1 described. The invention according to claim 13 is an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two modes among the plurality of modes is the number of times of shifting to a mode with a shorter standby time than the at least two modes.

[0020] The invention according to claim 14 is a program that causes a computer to After a specific event that causes a return occurs operate so as to output a set value of a transition time until the device having a plurality of modes with different times until execution of processing becomes possible, based on a history of processing executed in the device having a plurality of modes with different times until execution of processing becomes possible, a history indicating the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two of the plurality of modes, and a target value of the time until execution of processing becomes possible by the device, among the plurality of modes Standby The standby when the time is The longest long. That is, when a person around the device is detected, if the function that the mode of the device shifts from the mode with the longest standby time among the plurality of modes to the mode with the shortest standby time is operating in the device, a program for operating the computer to reduce the target value compared to the case where the function is not operating in the device. is.

[0021] The invention according to claim 15 is such that the processor After a specific event that causes a return occurs operates so as to output a set value of a transition time until the device having a plurality of modes with different times until execution of processing becomes possible, based on a history of processing executed in the device having a plurality of modes with different times until execution of processing becomes possible, a history indicating the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two of the plurality of modes, and a target value of the time until execution of processing becomes possible by the device, among the plurality of modes Standby ​A history of processing executed in a device having a plurality of modes with different times, the history indicating the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two of the plurality of modes, and a target value of a ratio of a specific processing executed by the device, based on which, among the plurality of modes The standby Time is The longest An information processing method that outputs a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to a mode with a long time That is, when a person around the device is detected, if the function that the mode of the device shifts from the mode with the longest standby time among the plurality of modes to the mode with the shortest standby time is operating in the device, the method is characterized in that the processor reduces the target value compared to the case where the function is not operating in the device. It is. The invention according to claim 16 has a processor, and the processor calculates the transition time to shift to the first mode based on the number of times of processing executed in the first mode in which the waiting time from the occurrence of a specific event that causes a return until the execution of processing becomes possible is the first time, and the number of times of processing executed in the second mode in which the waiting time is shorter than the first time, or the number of times of shifting from the first mode to the third mode in which the waiting time is even shorter than the second mode and the number of times of shifting from the second mode to the third mode. When the function of shifting to the mode with the shortest waiting time operates when a person around is detected, control is performed so that in the calculation of the transition time, a transition time shorter than the transition time calculated when the function does not operate is calculated. It is an information processing system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the inventions according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 14, 15 ,16 According to the invention according to claim 19, compared with the case where the transition time until the device transitions to a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible among a plurality of modes is longer than other modes is constant, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the power saving effect. Furthermore, the power saving effect can be improved as compared with the case where the target value is not changed according to the presence or absence of the operation of the function.

[0023] According to the invention according to claim 24, it is possible to output a set value of the transition time without using the number of times of processing executed in the first mode.

[0024] According to the invention according to claim 28, it is possible to output a set value of the transition time without counting the number of times of processing for each mode.

[0025] According to the invention according to claim 32, it is possible to output a set value of the transition time based on the operation history of the user interface.

[0026] According to the invention according to claim 36, even when the number of operations of the user interface is equal to or less than a threshold value, it is possible to output a set value of the transition time.

[0027] According to the invention according to claim 40, it is possible to calculate a set value of the transition time using the cumulative exponential distribution function.

[0028] According to the invention according to claim 10, even when data with a processing count equal to or greater than a threshold value cannot be collected, the transition between modes can be controlled using the same set value.

[0029] According to the invention according to claim 11, changes in the usage environment of the apparatus can be estimated using the set value of the transition time.

[0030] Claim 12 According to the invention according to, compared with the case where the target value is not changed according to the presence or absence of the operation of the function, the power saving effect can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] With reference to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12, a UI 14, a communication device 16, a memory 18, and a processor 20. The image forming apparatus 10 is a printer, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction device (for example, a device having functions of a plurality of devices such as a printer, a scanner, and a copier).

[0034] The image forming unit 12 has at least one function among a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. Note that the printing method, the scanning method, and the like are not particularly limited. For example, as the printing method, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal method, a thermal transfer method, or the like is used.

[0035] The UI 14 is a user interface and includes a display and an input device. The display is a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. The input device is a keyboard, a mouse, an input key, an operation panel, or the like. The UI 14 may be a UI such as a touch panel (for example, an operation panel) that combines a display and an input device.

[0036] The communication device 16 includes one or more communication interfaces having a communication chip, a communication circuit, or the like, and has a function of transmitting information to other devices and a function of receiving information from other devices. The communication device 16 may have a wireless communication function such as short-range wireless communication or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or may have a wired communication function.

[0037] The memory 18 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. The memory 18 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various memories (for example, RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (for example, optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0038] The processor 20 controls the operations of each part of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 10 has a plurality of modes with different times until processing can be executed. Since the time until processing can be executed can be said to be the time the user waits for the processing to be executed, it can be said to be the waiting time for the user.

[0040] For example, the plurality of modes include a Ready mode (hereinafter referred to as the "Ready mode") and a power saving mode. The power saving mode is a mode in which the time until processing can be executed (that is, the waiting time) is longer than that in the Ready mode. The power saving mode may include a plurality of modes with different times until processing can be executed.

[0041] The Ready mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 waits for the execution of processing. The Ready mode is a mode in which power is supplied to the image forming apparatus 10 for which warm-up has been completed and the image forming apparatus 10 can execute processing, but the image forming apparatus 10 is not executing processing. For example, the processing is a print job, a scan job, a copy job, a job of transferring image data generated by scanning to an external device, or a job of storing image data generated by scanning in the image forming apparatus 10. Of course, these processes are merely examples, and other processes may be executed by the image forming apparatus 10. The process executed by the user operating the UI 14 may also be the process according to the present embodiment.

[0042] The power saving mode is a mode in which power is not supplied to some of the components constituting the image forming apparatus 10, or a mode in which power lower than the power in the Ready mode is supplied to some or all of the components constituting the image forming apparatus 10. The power consumed in the power saving mode is smaller than the power consumed in the Ready mode.

[0043] Hereinafter, the time from when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the Ready mode to the power saving mode is referred to as the "shift time". The set value of the shift time is stored in the memory 18, and the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the Ready mode to the power saving mode according to the shift time.

[0044] For example, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the ready mode, if the elapsed time since the point in time when the image forming apparatus 10 last performed processing (for example, the point in time when the processing was completed) or the point in time when the image forming apparatus 10 was last operated by the user has passed, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the power saving mode. That is, when the time during which processing such as a job is not being executed by the image forming apparatus 10 or the time during which the UI 14 is not being operated by the user becomes equal to or longer than the transition time, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the power saving mode.

[0045] When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the ready mode, if the user instructs a transition to power saving (for example, when a power saving button provided on the image forming apparatus 10 is pressed), the processor 20 may shift the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the power saving mode.

[0046] When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the power saving mode, if a specific event occurs, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the ready mode. As a result, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 returns to the ready mode.

[0047] The specific event is an event corresponding to an instruction to return. For example, the specific event is an operation of the UI 14, reception of a job, reception of an instruction to execute a job, or pressing of a return button. These are merely examples of specific events, and events other than these may be defined as specific events.

[0048] For example, when the UI 14 is operated by the user, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the ready mode.

[0049] When the image forming apparatus 10 receives an instruction to execute a process, the processor 20 may shift the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the ready mode. For example, when a print job is transmitted from an external device to the image forming apparatus 10 and the processor 20 receives the print job, the processor 20 determines that a specific event has occurred and shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the ready mode. The processor 20 executes the print job by controlling the image forming unit 12 according to the received print job.

[0050] When a return button is provided on an operation panel or the like of the image forming apparatus 10 and the return button is pressed, the processor 20 may shift the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the power saving mode to the ready mode.

[0051] When the power saving mode includes a plurality of different modes, a transition time is set for each individual mode, and the set value of each transition time is stored in the memory 18.

[0052] For example, the power saving mode includes a Low Power mode (hereinafter referred to as "LP mode") and a Sleep mode (hereinafter referred to as "SP mode").

[0053] The LP mode is a mode in which the time until execution of a process (i.e., the standby time) is longer than that in the ready mode. The SP mode is a mode in which the time until execution of a process (i.e., the standby time) is longer than that in the LP mode. The power consumed in the SP mode is smaller than the power consumed in the LP mode. That is, the SP mode is a mode in which a higher power saving effect than the LP mode can be obtained. The ready mode corresponds to an example of the first mode, the LP mode corresponds to an example of the second mode, and the SP mode corresponds to an example of the third mode.

[0054] In the ready mode, power is supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, power is supplied to the image forming unit 12, the UI 14, the communication device 16, the memory 18, and the processor 20, and the state of the image forming apparatus 10 is a state in which processing such as a print job can be executed.

[0055] In the LP mode, the power supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus 10 is smaller than that in the ready mode. For example, in the LP mode, power is not supplied to the scanner included in the image forming unit 12 and the operation panel included in the UI 14, or the power supplied to the scanner and the UI 14 is smaller than the power supplied in the ready mode. For example, when the operation panel has a backlight, the backlight is turned off. In the LP mode, power is supplied to the memory 18 and the processor 20.

[0056] In the SP mode, the power supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus 10 is smaller than that in the LP mode. For example, in the SP mode, power is not supplied to the image forming unit 12 and the UI 14, or the power supplied to the image forming unit 12 and the UI 14 is smaller than the power supplied in the LP mode. Also, the power supplied to the memory 18 and the processor 20 may be smaller than the power supplied in the LP mode.

[0057] The power supply forms in the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode described above are only examples, and power supply forms other than the above may be executed. Also, the power supply form in each mode may be set by the user.

[0058] For example, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 in the order of the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode.

[0059] The set value of the first transition time (hereinafter referred to as the "LP transition time") until the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the ready mode to the LP mode is stored in the memory 18, and the LP transition time is set in the image forming apparatus 10. The LP transition time is the time from the start point of the ready mode to the start point of the LP mode.

[0060] The set value of the second transition time (hereinafter referred to as the "SP transition time") until the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions from the ready mode to the SP mode is stored in the memory 18, and the SP transition time is set in the image forming apparatus 10. The SP transition time is the time from the start point of the ready mode to the start point of the SP mode. The SP transition time is set to the same time as the LP transition time or a time longer than the LP transition time. Thereby, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 often transitions in the order of the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode. When the SP transition time and the LP transition time are the same, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the SP mode without transitioning from the ready mode to the LP mode. Note that the SP transition time may be the time from the start point of the LP mode to the start point of the SP mode.

[0061] When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the ready mode, if the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 has not performed processing or the time during which the UI 14 has not been operated by the user becomes equal to or longer than the LP transition time, the processor 20 causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from the ready mode to the LP mode. That is, when the LP transition time has elapsed since the last time processing or operation was performed, the processor 20 causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from the ready mode to the LP mode. When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the LP mode, if a specific event that causes a return occurs, the processor 20 causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to transition from the LP mode to the ready mode.

[0062] Even when the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing processing or the time during which the UI 14 is not being operated by the user does not exceed the LP transition time, the processor 20 may shift the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the LP mode. For example, when the processor 20 receives a print job from an external device while the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the LP mode, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the ready mode and executes the print job. After the completion of this print job processing, the processor 20 may return the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode (LP mode) at the time when the processor 20 received the print job without waiting for the LP transition time to elapse. That is, when the processor 20 receives a print job while the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the LP mode, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is promptly returned to the LP mode after the completion of the print job.

[0063] When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the LP mode and the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing processing or the time during which the UI 14 is not being operated by the user exceeds the SP transition time, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the SP mode. That is, when the SP transition time has elapsed since the last time processing or operation was performed, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the SP mode. When a specific event that causes a return occurs while the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the SP mode, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the SP mode to the ready mode.

[0064] Even when the time during which the processor 20 is not being processed by the image forming apparatus 10 or the time during which the UI 14 is not being operated by the user does not exceed the SP transition time, the processor 20 may shift the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the SP mode. For example, when the processor 20 receives a print job from an external device while the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the SP mode, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the SP mode to the ready mode and executes the print job. After the completion of this print job process, the processor 20 may return the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode (SP mode) at the time when the processor 20 received the print job without waiting for the SP transition time to elapse. That is, when the processor 20 receives a print job while the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the SP mode, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is promptly returned to the SP mode after the completion of the print job.

[0065] The time required to shift from the power saving mode to the ready mode (i.e., the standby time) varies depending on each power saving mode. In the SP mode, the supplied power is less than that in the LP mode. Therefore, the time required to shift from the SP mode to the ready mode is longer than the time required to shift from the LP mode to the ready mode.

[0066] The LP mode and the SP mode are merely examples of the power saving mode, and the image forming apparatus 10 may have three or more different power saving modes. Of course, there may be only one power saving mode.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows the power consumed in each of the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents power consumption. Here, as an example, it is assumed that a job is executed as a process.

[0068] For example, when Job 1 (e.g., a print job) is executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and the execution of Job 1 is completed, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the ready mode. When the LP transition time elapses from the time when Job 1 is completed without any job or operation being performed, the processor 20 causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to shift from the ready mode to the LP mode. Further, when the SP transition time elapses from the time when Job 1 is completed without any job or operation being performed, the processor 20 causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to shift from the LP mode to the SP mode.

[0069] When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the SP mode and a specific event that causes a return occurs (e.g., when the UI14 is operated or the processor 20 accepts a job), the processor 20 causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to shift from the SP mode to the ready mode. When the processor 20 accepts a job (e.g., Job 2), the processor 20 executes the accepted Job 2. The time from the end of the SP mode to the start time of the execution of Job 2 corresponds to the standby time of the SP mode.

[0070] When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the LP mode and a specific event that causes a return occurs, the processor 20 causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to shift from the LP mode to the ready mode. The time from the end of the LP mode to the start time of the execution of a job corresponds to the standby time of the LP mode.

[0071] For example, the standby time of the SP mode is 3 seconds, and the standby time of the LP mode is 1 second or less. Also, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the ready mode, the time required until a job is executed (i.e., the time corresponding to the standby time of the ready mode) is 1 second or less. These times are merely examples and can vary depending on the type, function, performance, etc. of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0072] Generally, the longer the transition time such as the LP transition time or the SP transition time, the longer the time until the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the LP mode or the SP mode, so the convenience for the user is improved. On the other hand, since more standby power is generated, the energy saving performance deteriorates. Conversely, if the transition time is shortened, the energy saving performance is improved, but the convenience for the user deteriorates. Although it is conceivable for the user to set the transition time according to the usage situation of the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, the execution frequency of jobs, etc.), it is difficult to achieve both improvement in convenience and improvement in energy saving by the user's setting.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the processor 20 manages a history (hereinafter referred to as "processing history") indicating the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two modes. Information indicating the processing history is stored in the memory 18. The processor 20 outputs a set value of the transition time until the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that in other modes, based on the processing history and a target value of the ratio of a specific processing executed by the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the set value is stored in the memory 18. The processor 20 causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 to transition to a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that in other modes according to the set value. The set value of the transition time may be a set value of the SP transition time, may be a set value of the LP transition time, or may be set values of both the SP transition time and the LP transition time. For example, the target value of the ratio of a specific processing corresponds to the convenience when the user uses the image forming apparatus 10. For example, this convenience is evaluated from the viewpoint of whether it is possible to use the image forming apparatus 10 with a shorter standby time. The target value of the ratio of a specific processing is a target value corresponding to the ratio of the number of times of processing described later.

[0074] The number of times of processing may be the number of times of processing executed by operating the UI 14, may be the number of times of processing of a print job instructed remotely via a network or the like, or may be the total of the number of times of processing executed by operating the UI 14 and the number of times of processing of a print job or the like instructed remotely.

[0075] For example, the processing history is the number of times of processing executed during a predetermined period.

[0076] Hereinafter, the number of times of processing executed in the ready mode is referred to as "R", the number of times of processing executed in the LP mode is referred to as "LP", and the number of times of processing executed in the SP mode is referred to as "SP".

[0077] For example, the processing history may be the number of times of processing executed in all modes. That is, in this case, the processing history is the total number of the number of times of processing executed in the ready mode, the number of times of processing executed in the LP mode, and the number of times of processing executed in the SP mode. Hereinafter, this total number is referred to as the total number of processing times. Total number of processing times = R + LP + SP

[0078] Also, the processing history may be the total number of times of processing executed in the power saving mode. That is, in this case, the processing history is the total number of the number of times of processing executed in the LP mode and the number of times of processing executed in the SP mode. Hereinafter, this total number is referred to as the number of processing times in the power saving mode. Number of processing times in the power saving mode = LP + S

[0079] The predetermined period may be specified by the user. For example, the predetermined period is a period in time units, a period in days, a period in weeks, a period in months, or any other arbitrary period.

[0080] When the number of times UI14 is operated during the period is less than or equal to a predetermined number of times, the first history may be the number of times jobs such as print jobs and copy jobs are executed, or the total number of times.

[0081] For example, the processor 20 counts the number of times of processing executed in at least two of the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode, and stores information indicating the number of times of processing executed in each mode (that is, information indicating the processing history) in the memory 18.

[0082] The number of processes executed in the ready mode is the number of processes executed when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the ready mode.

[0083] The number of processes executed in the LP mode is the number of processes executed when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the LP mode. In other words, it is the number of times a specific event has occurred when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the LP mode. For example, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the LP mode, the number of times the UI 14 is operated and the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the LP mode to the ready mode, or the number of times a job is received by the processor 20 and the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the LP mode to the ready mode, etc. are the number of processes executed in the LP mode.

[0084] The number of processes executed in the SP mode is the number of processes executed when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the SP mode. In other words, it is the number of times a specific event has occurred when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the SP mode. For example, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is the SP mode, the number of times the UI 14 is operated and the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the SP mode to the ready mode, or the number of times a job is received by the processor 20 and the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 shifts from the SP mode to the ready mode, etc. are the number of processes executed in the SP mode.

[0085] The target value may be predetermined, may be specified by the user, or may be a value calculated by learning for calculating the target value.

[0086] The output setting value may be the setting value of the LP transition time, may be the setting value of the SP transition time, or may be the values of both the LP transition time and the SP transition time.

[0087] When the output setting value is the setting value of the LP transition time, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to the LP mode according to the output setting value. When the output setting value is the setting value of the SP transition time, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the LP mode to the SP mode according to the output setting value.

[0088] Note that when only one of the LP mode or the SP mode is set as the power saving mode, the output setting value is the setting value of the transition time of that one mode. In this case, the processor 20 shifts the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the ready mode to that one mode according to the setting value.

[0089] For example, the processing history is the ratio of the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two modes. An example of the ratio is shown below. Ratio 1: (R + LP) / (R + LP + SP) Ratio 2: LP / (LP + SP) Here, as described above, R, LP, and SP are the number of times of processing executed in the ready mode, the number of times of processing executed in the LP mode, and the number of times of processing executed in the SP mode, respectively.

[0090] The above ratios 1 and 2 respectively correspond to values representing the convenience of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, each of the ratios 1 and 2 is the ratio of the number of processes with a standby time equal to or less than the threshold value. For example, the threshold value is 1 second. This threshold value is merely an example and is determined by the type, function, performance, etc. of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, since the standby time in the ready mode and the standby time in the LP mode are 1 second or less, the threshold value is set to 1 second. If these standby times change, the threshold value is set accordingly. When the threshold value is set to 1 second, ratios 1 and 2 respectively correspond to the ratios of the processes executed with a standby time of 1 second or less. The higher the ratio 1, the larger the number of processes executed with a standby time of 1 second or less, so it can be said that the convenience of the user is higher in terms of faster execution of processes. The same applies to ratio 2. Therefore, it can be said that ratios 1 and 2 represent the convenience of the user.

[0091] Ratio 1 is the ratio of the number of processes with a standby time equal to or less than the threshold value to the number of processes executed in all modes. The number of processes executed in all modes is the total of the number of processes executed in the ready mode, the number of processes executed in the LP mode, and the number of processes executed in the SP mode. The number of processes with a standby time equal to or less than the threshold value is the total of the number of processes executed in the ready mode and the number of processes executed in the LP mode.

[0092] Ratio 2 is a ratio calculated without using the number of times the process was executed in the ready mode, and is a simplified ratio of Ratio 1. Ratio 2 can be called a simplified ratio. By counting the number of times the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 has returned from the LP mode to the ready mode, the number of times the process was executed in the LP mode is counted. By counting the number of times the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 has returned from the SP mode to the ready mode, the number of times executed in the SP mode is counted. In contrast, for the ready mode, instead of the number of returns, the number of times the process actually executed in the ready mode is counted, and the number of times executed in the ready mode is counted. For example, when a process (e.g., a print job) is continuously executed in the ready mode, since there is no mode transition, it may be difficult to accurately count the number of times the continuously executed process. That is, it may not be clear whether the number of times the continuously executed process is 1 or more than 1. By using Ratio 2, it is not necessary to count the number of times the process was executed in the ready mode.

[0093] Note that the user may select the ratio to be used from among Ratio 1 and Ratio 2, or the ratio to be used may be predetermined.

[0094] Here, with reference to FIG. 3, the relationship between Ratio 1 and Ratio 2 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a graph indicating the relationship between Ratio 1 and Ratio 2. The horizontal axis represents Ratio 1 which is the actual ratio. The vertical axis represents Ratio 2 which is the simplified ratio. As shown in FIG. 3, since there is a correlation between Ratio 1 and Ratio 2, by calculating Ratio 2, it is possible to calculate the ratio of the number of times the process for which the waiting time is equal to or less than the threshold value, without calculating Ratio 1.

[0095] For example, the processor 20 calculates a set value of the transition time from the process history and the target value by using the cumulative exponential distribution function.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, the cumulative exponential distribution function will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of the cumulative exponential distribution function. The horizontal axis indicates the time (minutes) until the image forming apparatus 10 is used next, and the vertical axis indicates the cumulative occurrence probability f(t).

[0097] The cumulative occurrence probability f(t) is the probability that an event occurs an average of λ times per unit time, and is represented by the following formula (1). f(t)=1 - e^(-λt) ··· (1) t is the time (hours).

[0098] The time until the image forming apparatus 10 is used next corresponds to the transition time (for example, the SP transition time). The cumulative occurrence probability corresponds to the probability that the image forming apparatus 10 can be used without transitioning to the SP mode, and specifically corresponds to the above-described ratios (for example, ratio 1 and ratio 2).

[0099] The distribution when the image forming apparatus 10 is actually used (for example, the relationship between the SP transition time and the ratio) does not coincide with the ideal cumulative exponential distribution, but the actual distribution is close to the ideal cumulative exponential distribution. In the present embodiment, for example, the processor 20 estimates the cumulative exponential distribution function by learning such as machine learning, and calculates the set value of the transition time by using the estimated cumulative exponential distribution function.

[0100] Based on the processing history during the learning period, the processor 20 estimates a cumulative exponential function and calculates a set value of the transition time. The learning period is a predetermined period, for example, a period in units of time (such as 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.), a period in units of days (such as 1 day, 2 days, etc.), a period in units of weeks (such as 1 week, 2 weeks, etc.), or a period in units of months (such as 1 month, 2 months, etc.). The processor 20 controls the transition of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the calculated transition time. Also, after the learning period, the processor 20 learns the cumulative exponential function for each unit control period and updates the set value of the transition time. The unit control period is a predetermined period, for example, a period in units of time (such as 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.), a period in units of days (such as 1 day, 2 days, etc.), a period in units of weeks (such as 1 week, 2 weeks, etc.), or a period in units of months (such as 1 month, 2 months, etc.).

[0101] The processor 20 counts the number of times of processing executed in each of the ready mode, LP mode, and SP mode during the learning period. For example, for the LP mode and the SP mode, the processor 20 counts the number of times of transitioning from the LP mode to the ready mode (i.e., the number of times of resuming from the LP mode) and the number of times of transitioning from the SP mode to the ready mode (i.e., the number of times of resuming from the SP mode) during the learning period. Note that the number of times of processing is not limited to the number of times of jobs executed, and the number of times of operating the UI 14 may also be included in the number of times of processing. That is, the number of times of the mode transitioning to the ready mode by operating the UI 14 may be included in the number of times of processing.

[0102] For example, the processor 20 calculates a ratio 1 (= (R + LP) / (R + LP + SP)) based on the number of times of processing executed during the learning period. The processor 20 may calculate a ratio 2 (= LP / (LP + SP)) which is a simplified ratio. Note that when the ratio 2 is used, the number of times of processing executed in the ready mode may not be counted. Here, as an example, the ratio 1 is used.

[0103] Note that in order to avoid the inability to calculate the cumulative index, extreme values may be used. For example, when Ratio 1 exceeds 0.99 (that is, when Ratio 1 exceeds 99%), the processor 20 may use 0.99 (that is, 99%) as Ratio 1. Also, when Ratio 1 is less than 0.01 (that is, when Ratio 1 is less than 1%), the processor 20 may use 0.01 (that is, 1%) as Ratio 1.

[0104] The processor 20 sets a target value. For example, as shown in the following formula (2), the processor 20 sets, as the target value, a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from Ratio 1 during the learning period. For example, the predetermined value is 0.1 (that is, 10%). Note that the predetermined value may be set by the user. Target value = Ratio 1 during learning period - 0.1 ··· (2)

[0105] As described above, since Ratio 1 can be said to represent the convenience of the user, subtracting a predetermined value (for example, 0.1) from the ratio during the learning period means reducing the convenience by that value.

[0106] Note that when the target value is less than 0.01 (that is, less than 1%), the processor 20 sets 0.01 (that is, 1%) as the target value.

[0107] For example, when Ratio 1 is 13%, the target value is 3%. When Ratio 1 is 12%, the target value is 2%. When Ratio 1 is 11%, the target value is 1%. When Ratio 1 is 10%, the target value is 1%. When Ratio 1 is 9%, the target value is 1%.

[0108] By using the cumulative index distribution function, a ratio (for example, Ratio 1 or Ratio 2) is represented by the following formula (3). Ratio = 1 - e^(-λ × set value of SP transition time) ··· (3)

[0109] λ is the average number of events occurring per unit time, and is calculated by dividing the number of times of processing executed in the most recent period (for example, the most recent one week) (total number of processing = R + LP + SP) by the corresponding usage time (for example, the value obtained by converting the usage time of the most recent one week into time units).

[0110] The usage time may be calculated by multiplying a predetermined average usage time per day (for example, 8 hours / day) by the number of usage days, or may be calculated from the energization time of the image forming apparatus 10 or the like.

[0111] Also, since the following formula (4) can be obtained by transforming formula (3), λ may be calculated by substituting the set value of the SP transition time in the most recent period (for example, the most recent one week) and the ratio (for example, ratio 1) during that period into formula (4). λ = log e (1 - ratio) / (set value of SP transition time) ··· (4)

[0112] Also, it is possible to use the number of times of processing executed in the most recent period (for example, the most recent one week) as the number of times of processing in the power saving mode (LP + SP).

[0113] Formula (3) is transformed to obtain formula (5). Set value of SP transition time = -log e (1 - ratio) / λ ··· (5)

[0114] Based on formula (5), the processor 20 calculates the set value of the SP transition time for making the ratio 1 of the next week the target value (that is, ratio 1 - 0.1 during the learning period). The following formula (6) is the formula for calculating the set value. Set value of SP transition time of next week = -log e (1 - target value) / λ ··· (6)

[0115] Note that the processor 20 rounds off the first decimal place of the set value of the SP transition time of the next week to make the set value of the SP transition time of the next week an integer.

[0116] Note that the processor 20 may correct the set value of the SP transition time for the next week obtained by Equation (6).

[0117] If the initial value of the SP transition time < the set value of the SP transition time for the next week, the processor 20 replaces the set value of the SP transition time for the next week with the initial value and continues the automatic control. When the initial value is 60 and this condition is met, the set value of the SP transition time for the next week is 60.

[0118] If the set value of the SP transition time for the next week is less than the lower limit value at which the SP transition time can be set, the processor 20 replaces the set value of the SP transition time for the next week with the lower limit value and continues the automatic control. For example, the lower limit value at which the SP transition time can be set is 1. When the set value of the SP transition time for the next week becomes 0, that is, when the set value before rounding is less than 0.5, this condition is met. In this case, the set value of the SP transition time for the next week is 1.

[0119] When the set value of the SP transition time for the next week satisfies 1 ≤ the set value of the SP transition time for the next week ≤ the initial value, the processor 20 controls the image forming apparatus 10 according to the calculated set value of the SP transition time for the next week.

[0120] If the number of processes (for example, the total number of processes executed in the ready mode, the number of processes executed in the LP mode, and the number of processes executed in the SP mode) during the first unit control period (for example, this week) is less than the threshold value, the processor 20 may determine that the first unit control period is an invalid period. For example, the threshold value is 25. The threshold value may be set by the user. For example, when the first unit control period is one week and the number of times during that one week is less than 25, the processor 20 determines that the period is an invalid period. For example, when the unit control period is determined to be an invalid period, the processor 20 may use the set value for this week as the set value for next week. For example, when the number of processes is less than the threshold value, it is presumed that the usage pattern of the image forming apparatus 10 has changed due to a consecutive holiday or a long vacation.

[0121] In this way, when the number of processes during the first unit control period (e.g., this week) is less than the threshold value (e.g., 25 times), the processor 20 outputs the set value of the transition time in the first unit control period as the set value of the transition time in the second unit control time (e.g., next week). That is, the processor 20 sets the set value of the transition time for this week as the set value of the transition time for next week.

[0122] Hereinafter, specific examples of learning and the control after such learning will be described. First, a specific example of learning will be described, and then a specific example of automatic control of the mode using the learning result will be described. Note that each value described below is merely an example, and each value may vary depending on the usage environment of the image forming apparatus 10, the circumstances of the user, the functions of the image forming apparatus 10, and the like.

[0123] <Learning step> (Step S01: At start) The processor 20 counts the number of processes (i.e., the number of returns) executed in each of the ready mode, the LP mode, and the SP mode during the learning period. The number of processes is not limited to the number of times a job is executed, and the number of times the UI 14 is operated is also included in the number of processes. For example, the learning period is generally one week. As an exception, the learning period is extended in one-week units.

[0124] The SP transition time during the learning period uses the initial set value. Note that the LP transition time during the learning period may use the initial set value, or the shortest settable time may be used when the influence of the LP transition time on convenience is small. For example, the time required until a job is executed in the ready mode (i.e., the time corresponding to the standby time in the ready mode) is 1 second or less. The standby time in the SP mode is 3 seconds, and the standby time in the LP mode is 1 second or less. That is, since the standby time in the LP mode is 1 second or less, which is the same as the ready mode, the shortest value of 1 is used as the LP transition time during learning here.

[0125] (Step S02: After one week) The processor 20 determines the validity of the number of processes counted during the first learning period (i.e., the first week) according to the following criteria. {The number of processes executed in the ready mode + the number of processes executed in the LP mode (i.e., the number of returns from the LP mode) + the number of processes executed in the SP mode (i.e., the number of returns from the SP mode)} ≥ 25 times: Valid {The number of processes executed in the ready mode + the number of processes executed in the LP mode (i.e., the number of returns from the LP mode) + the number of processes executed in the SP mode (i.e., the number of returns from the SP mode)} < 25 times: Invalid

[0126] If the counted number of processes is valid, the processor 20 stores the values of the number of returns from the LP mode and the number of returns from the SP mode in the memory 18 as the first-week actual values.

[0127] If the counted number is invalid, the processor 20 discards the value of the number counted during the learning period and extends the learning period to the next week. If the number of processes is less than the threshold value (e.g., 25 times), it is presumed that the usage pattern of the image forming apparatus 10 has changed due to consecutive holidays or long vacations. In this case, in order not to reflect the influence in the next week, the value of the counted number is discarded and the learning period is extended to the next week.

[0128] (Step S03: After two weeks) The processor 20 determines the validity of the number counted during the next learning period (i.e., the second week) according to the same criteria as in step S02.

[0129] If the counted number is valid and the first-week actual value is stored in the memory 18, the processor 20 stores the second-week actual value (i.e., the total of the number of processes executed in the ready mode, the number of returns from the LP mode, and the number of returns from the SP mode counted during the second week) in the memory 18. The processor 20 ends the learning and sets the target value. The process proceeds to step S05 without proceeding to step S04.

[0130] When the counted number of times is valid and the actual value for the first week is not stored in the memory 18, the actual value for the second week is stored in the memory 18 as the actual value for the first week. The processor 20 extends the learning period until the next week and continues the learning. The process proceeds to step S04.

[0131] When the counted number of times is invalid, the processor 20 discards the value of the counted number of times for that week, extends the learning period until the next week, and continues the learning. The process proceeds to step S04.

[0132] (Step S04: One week later) The processor 20 determines the validity of the counted number of times during the next learning period (i.e., the third week) according to the same determination criteria as in step S02.

[0133] When the counted number of times is valid and the actual value for the first week is stored in the memory 18, the processor 20 stores the actual value for the third week (i.e., the total number of times the processes executed in the ready mode, the number of times of returning from the LP mode, and the number of times of returning from the SP mode counted during the third week) in the memory 18 as the actual value for the second week. The processor 20 ends the learning and sets the target value. The process proceeds to step S05.

[0134] When the counted number of times is valid and the actual value for the first week is not stored in the memory 18, the processor 20 stores the actual value for the third week in the memory 18 as the actual value for the first week. The processor 20 extends the learning period until the next week and continues the learning. For example, the processor 20 executes the same process as in step S04 based on the counted number of times for the next week.

[0135] When the counted number of times is invalid, the processor 20 discards the value of the counted number of times for that week, extends the learning period until the next week, and continues the learning.

[0136] Note that the processor 20 may repeatedly execute the process of step S04.

[0137] (Step S05: Setting of target value) The processor 20 calculates the ratio 1 (R + LP) / (R + LP + SP). As R, the number of times of processing executed in the ready mode included in the first-week actual value and the second-week actual value is used. As LP, the number of times of return from the LP mode included in the first-week actual value and the second-week actual value is used. As SP, the number of times of return from the SP mode included in the first-week actual value and the second-week actual value is used. As R, the number of times of processing executed in the ready mode included in the first-week actual value or the second-week actual value may be used. As LP, the number of times of return from the LP mode included in the first-week actual value or the second-week actual value may be used. As SP, the number of times of return from the SP mode included in the first-week actual value or the second-week actual value may be used.

[0138] For example, when the ratio 1 exceeds 0.99 (that is, 99%), the processor 20 may use 0.99 as the ratio 1, and when the ratio 1 is less than 0.01 (that is, 1%), the processor 20 may use 0.01 as the ratio 1.

[0139] Next, the processor 20 calculates the target value according to the above-described formula (2). In this case, when the calculated target value is less than the lower limit value (for example, 0.01), the processor 20 sets the lower limit value as the target value.

[0140] <Automatic control step> (Step S11: At start) When the target value is calculated in the learning step, next, the processor 20 calculates the set value of the transition time. Here, as an example, the processor 20 calculates the set value of the SP transition time. Of course, the processor 20 may calculate the set values of both the SP transition time and the SP transition time, or may calculate only the set value of the LP transition time.

[0141] (1) Calculation of λ of cumulative exponential distribution function First, the processor 20 calculates λ of the cumulative exponential distribution function according to the following formula (7). λ = total number of processed times (R + LP + SP) during the learning period (two weeks) / usage time during the learning period ··· (7) The usage time during the learning period may be calculated by multiplying the number of usage days by a predetermined average usage time (for example, 8 hours per day), or may be calculated from the power-on time of the image forming apparatus 10 or the like. The set value of the SP transition time here is the initial set value of the SP transition time.

[0142] (2) Calculation of the set value of the SP transition time Next, the processor 20 calculates the set value of the SP transition time by substituting λ calculated by the above formula (7) and the target value into the following formula (8). Set value of the SP transition time = -log e (1 - target value) / λ ··· (8) The target value here is the value calculated by the above-mentioned formula (2). Further, the processor 20 rounds off the first decimal place of the set value of the SP transition time to make the set value an integer.

[0143] (3) Correction of the set value Also, the processor 20 may correct the set value of the SP transition time. For example, when the set value of the SP transition time is larger than the initial value, the processor 20 sets the initial value as the set value of the SP transition time. When the set value of the SP transition time is 0, the processor 20 sets the set value of the SP transition time to 1.

[0144] The processor 20 controls the transition of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above set value. The processor 20 counts the number of processes executed in the ready mode, and the number of processes executed in each of the LP mode and the SP mode (that is, the number of returns) during a unit control period (here, one week as an example). The number of processes is not limited to the number of times a job is executed, and the number of times the UI14 is operated is also included in the number of processes.

[0145] (Step S12: After one week) (1) Judgment of data validity The processor 20 determines the validity of the number of processes counted in the most recent week according to the following criteria. {The number of processes executed in the ready mode in the most recent week + the number of processes executed in the LP mode in the most recent week (i.e., the number of returns from the LP mode) + the number of processes executed in the SP mode in the most recent week (i.e., the number of returns from the SP mode)} ≥ 25 times: Valid {The number of processes executed in the ready mode in the most recent week + the number of processes executed in the LP mode in the most recent week (i.e., the number of returns from the LP mode) + the number of processes executed in the SP mode in the most recent week (i.e., the number of returns from the SP mode)} < 25 times: Invalid

[0146] If the counted number of processes is valid, the processor 20 executes the processes after step S12(2) described below.

[0147] If the counted number of processes is invalid, the processor 20 discards the value of the number counted in the most recent week and does not execute the processes after step S12(2). In this case, the processor 20 sets the set value of the SP transition time used this week as the set value for next week and continues the control.

[0148] (2) Calculation of λ of the cumulative exponential distribution function When it is determined in step S12(1) described above that the data is valid, the processor 20 executes the processes after step S12(2). The processor 20 calculates λ of the cumulative exponential distribution function according to the following formula (9). λ = Total number of processes in the most recent week (R + LP + SP) / Usage time in the most recent week ··· (9) The usage time in the most recent week may be calculated by multiplying the average usage time (e.g., 8 hours / day) etc. determined in advance by the number of usage days, or may be calculated from the power-on time etc. of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0149] (3) Calculation of the set value of the SP transition time Next, the processor 20 calculates the set value of the SP transition time for the next week by substituting λ calculated by the above formula (9) and the actual value of the ratio 1 for the most recent week into the following formula (10). Set value of SP transition time for next week = -log e (1 - ratio 1 for the most recent week) / λ ··· (10) The processor 20 rounds off the first decimal place of the set value of the SP transition time to make the set value an integer.

[0150] (4) Branch processing based on the set value of the SP transition time The processor 20 executes the following processing according to the set value of the SP transition time for the next week calculated in step S12(3). (a) Initial value < SP transition time set value: The processor 20 replaces the set value of the SP transition time for the next week with the initial value and continues the automatic control. (b) 1 ≤ SP transition time set value < initial value: The processor 20 adopts the calculated set value of the SP transition time for the next week and continues the automatic control according to the set value. (c) SP transition time set value = 0: The processor 20 replaces the set value of the SP transition time for the next week with 1 and continues the automatic control.

[0151] When the above (a), (b), or (c) is applicable, the processor 20 controls the transition of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the calculated set value of the SP transition time for the next week in the next week.

[0152] (Step S13: One more week later) Thereafter, the processor 20 executes the processing of step S12 at the end of each week. In this way, the processor 20 repeats the processing of step S12 at the end of each week.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 5, the relationship between Ratio 1 and the SP transition time will be described. FIG. 5 shows a graph indicating this relationship. The horizontal axis represents the SP transition time, and the vertical axis represents the actual value of Ratio 1. The functions representing each of curves 22 to 30 are calculated, for example, by the above-described equations (9) and (10).

[0154] Curves 22 to 30 represent the relationship between Ratio 1 and the set value of the SP transition time in different weeks. The value of λ changes according to the usage method and usage environment of the image forming apparatus 10, and as a result, the shape of the curve changes. As a result, the transition time corresponding to the target value changes.

[0155] For example, when curve 22 is obtained by using the image forming apparatus 10 in a certain week, the transition time corresponding to the target value of Ratio 1 is transition time T1. In this case, the processor 20 sets T1 as the set value of the SP transition time and controls the transition of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10. Similarly, when curve 28 is obtained, transition time T2 is used as the set value, and when curve 30 is obtained, transition time T3 is used as the set value. Thus, the set value of the transition time is changed according to the usage method of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0156] For example, the curve may change according to the usage method of the image forming apparatus 10, and the set value of the transition time may change. Specifically, due to peak seasons, consecutive holidays, long vacations, etc., the usage method of the image forming apparatus 10 may change, and as a result, the obtained curve may change. Also, the curve may change according to the usage environment of the image forming apparatus 10, and the set value of the transition time may change. Specifically, the obtained curve may change depending on business hours, business forms, the number of users, etc. Even when the usage method and usage environment change in this way, the set value of the transition time is calculated by learning, and the transition of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled according to the set value.

[0157] Processor 20 may estimate a change in the environment of the image forming apparatus 10 based on a change in the set value of the transition time. For example, when the difference between the set value in the most recent unit control period and the set value in the previous unit control period is equal to or greater than a threshold value, processor 20 determines that the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 has changed. The threshold value is set in advance. The threshold value may be set by the user. When the difference is less than the threshold value, processor 20 determines that the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 has not changed. has not changed.

[0158] For example, when processor 20 determines that the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 has changed, it resets the learning and performs the learning again, and when it determines that the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 has not changed, it continues the automatic control.

[0159] For example, when the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 changes, as with curve 30, the shape of the resulting curve is significantly different from the shapes of other curves (for example, curves 22 to 28). Therefore, even if the target value is the same, the set value of the transition time obtained from curve 30 is significantly different from the set values of the transition time obtained from curves other than curve ^{-} 30 (for example, curves 22 to 28). That is, the difference between the set value of the transition time obtained from curve 30 and the set values of the transition time obtained from curves other than curve 30 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Thus, by calculating the difference in the set values of the transition time, it is possible to determine whether or not the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 has changed.

[0160] Processor 20 may output information indicating that the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 has changed, or information indicating that the usage environment of image forming apparatus 10 has not changed. For example, processor 20 may display the information on the display of UI14.

[0161] <Specific Example> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the results of executing the processing according to the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0162] (Specific Example 1) Referring to FIG. 6, Specific Example 1 will be described. FIG. 6 shows the time change of the SP transition time, the time change of Ratio 1 and 2, and the time change of the power consumption. The horizontal axis of each graph indicates the week. In Specific Example 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is operated 40 times a day between 9:00 and 18:00.

[0163] Graph 32 is a graph showing the time change of the SP transition time. Graph 34 is a graph showing the time change of Ratio 1. Graph 36 is a graph showing the time change of Ratio 1. Graph 38 is a graph showing the time change of the power consumption other than the power consumption consumed in the execution of the job.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 6, by using Ratio 1, the transition of the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 can be controlled. Also, while maintaining the target value of the ratio, the SP transition time can be shortened. For example, as time passes, the SP transition time has been shortened from 14 minutes to 17 minutes. The ratio reflects convenience. Also, the shorter the SP transition time, the earlier the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the SP mode, so the energy saving performance becomes higher. In Specific Example 1, the energy saving performance can be improved while maintaining the target convenience. Also, the power consumption other than the power consumption consumed in the execution of the job has been reduced. Specifically, 22% of the power consumption has been reduced.

[0165] (Specific Example 2) Referring to FIG. 7, Specific Example 2 will be described. FIG. 7 shows the time change of the SP transition time (Graph 40), the time change of Ratio 1 (Graph 42), and the time change of the power consumption (Graph 44). The horizontal axis of each graph indicates the week. In Specific Example 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is operated 40 times a day between 9:00 and 14:00. In Specific Example 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is used intensively in a shorter period than in Specific Example 1.

[0166] In Specific Example 2, the same effects as in Specific Example 1 can be obtained. In Specific Example 2, the SP transition time is shortened to 7 to 8 minutes. In Specific Example 1 and Specific Example 2, the number of processing times is the same, but in Specific Example 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is intensively used in a shorter period than in Specific Example 1. This usage pattern is reflected in the transition time, and the transition time in Specific Example 2 is shorter than that in Specific Example 1. Also, 33% of the power consumption is reduced.

[0167] (Specific Example 3) Specific Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows the time change of the SP transition time (graph 46), the time change of Ratio 1 (graph 48), and the time change of the power consumption (graph 50). The horizontal axis of each graph indicates the week.

[0168] In Specific Example 3, the usage pattern of the image forming apparatus 10 changes according to the period. FIG. 8 shows periods A, B, and C. Periods A and C are normal periods. In Period A, the image forming apparatus 10 is used 40 times a day. Period B is a busy period. In Period B, the image forming apparatus 10 is used 80 times a day.

[0169] In Period A, the SP transition time is stable at 15 to 16 minutes. In Period B, the SP transition time is shortened to 7 to 8 minutes. In Period C, the SP transition time is stable at 15 to 16 minutes. Thus, the SP transition time is controlled to follow according to the usage pattern of the image forming apparatus 10. Also, 26% of the power consumption is reduced.

[0170] (Modification Example 1) Hereinafter, Modification Example 1 will be described.

[0171] In the above-described embodiments, Ratio 1 or Ratio 2 is used as the ratio, but these are merely examples of the ratio, and another ratio may be used. For example, Ratio 3 or Ratio 4 shown below may be used. Ratio 3: LP / SP Ratio 4: R / (R + LP + SP)

[0172] For example, ratio 4 may be used when the standby time for returning from the LP mode is set long. Ratio 4 may be used when controlling the LP transition time without changing the SP transition time.

[0173] When the ratio of the number of executions of jobs with a relatively short standby time is relatively high, the processor 20 may calculate the ratio using the number of executions of the jobs executed by operating the UI14. When the ratio of the number of executions of jobs with a relatively short standby time is relatively low, the processor 20 may calculate the ratio using the number of executions of all jobs.

[0174] When the image forming apparatus 10 does not have the LP mode, the processor 20 may calculate the set value of the SP transition time using ratio 5 shown below. In this case, the processor 20 controls the SP transition time. Ratio 5: R / (R + SP)

[0175] When the image forming apparatus 10 has a fixing device and the image forming apparatus 10 has a power saving mode for the fuser of the fixing device, ratio 6 shown below may be used. Ratio 6: (R + F) / (R + F + SP) F is the number of returns from the power saving mode of the fuser.

[0176] The processor 20 may calculate the ratio using the number of times the process has been executed and the time interval during which the process has been executed. Specifically, the processor 20 calculates ratio 7 shown below using the number of times the process has been executed within the transition time (for example, the SP transition time) of the time interval during which the process has been executed and the total number of times the process has been executed. The time interval during which the process has been executed is the time interval from the time when a certain process has been executed to the time when the next process has been executed. By using ratio 7, it is not necessary to count the number of times the process is executed for each mode. The total number of times the process has been executed is the total number of times the process has been executed during the learning period or the automatic control period. Ratio 7: (the number of times the process has been executed within the transition time of the time interval during which the process has been executed) / the total number of times the process has been executed

[0177] (Modification Example 2) Referring to FIG. 9, Modification Example 2 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to Modification Example 2. The image forming apparatus 10A is an example of an image forming apparatus according to Modification Example 2 and includes the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 and the sensor 52. The configuration other than the sensor 52 is the same as the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0178] The sensor 52 is a human sensor or a camera and detects people around the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the sensor 52 detects a person in the area in front of the image forming apparatus 10. The human sensor is an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a visible light sensor, or the like, but is not limited thereto. When a camera is used as the sensor 52, a person is detected by analyzing an image generated by photographing with the camera. For example, the analysis of the image is performed by the processor 20.

[0179] In Modification Example 2, when a person is detected by the sensor 52 within the detection area of the sensor 52, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10A shifts from a mode in which the time until the execution of processing is possible is longer than that in other modes to a shorter mode (hereinafter, this function is referred to as the "shift function"). When the shift function is operating in the image forming apparatus 10A, the processor 20 sets the above target value to be smaller than when the shift function is not operating in the image forming apparatus 10A. For example, the long mode is the SP mode or the LP mode, and the short mode is the R mode.

[0180] For example, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 10A is the SP mode or the LP mode and a person is detected by the sensor 52 within the detection area of the sensor 52, the shift function causes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10A to shift from the SP mode or the LP mode to R a mode.

[0181] That the transition function is not operating in the image forming apparatus 10A means that the image forming apparatus 10A does not have the transition function, or that the image forming apparatus 10A has the transition function but is set so that the transition function does not operate. For example, when the transition function is turned on in the image forming apparatus 10A equipped with the transition function, if a person is detected within the detection area of the sensor 52, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10A shifts from the long mode to the short mode. When the transition function is turned off in the image forming apparatus 10A equipped with the transition function, even if a person is detected within the detection area of the sensor 52, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10A does not shift from the long mode to the short mode.

[0182] The target value when the transition function is not operating in the image forming apparatus 10A (hereinafter referred to as "target value A") is, for example, the value defined by the above-described formula (2). Target value A = ratio 1 - α during the learning period (for example, α = 0.1) ··· (2)

[0183] The target value when the transition function is operating in the image forming apparatus 10A (hereinafter referred to as "target value B") is, for example, the value defined by the following formula (11). Target value B = ratio 1 - α during the learning period (for example, α = 0.4) ··· (11)

[0184] That is, the target values A and B are values calculated by subtracting a predetermined value α from the ratio. The value α (for example, the above "0.4") when the transition function is operating in the image forming apparatus 10A is larger than the value α (for example, the above "0.1") when the transition function is not operating in the image forming apparatus 10A. The values α cited here are merely examples, and other values may be used as the value α. Also, as the ratio, a ratio other than ratio 1 (for example, any of ratios 2 to 6) may be used.

[0185] For example, when a user approaching the image forming apparatus 10A is detected by the sensor 52, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10A is shifted from the SP mode or the LP mode to the R mode by the shift function. By doing so, since the shift to the R mode progresses while the user approaches the image forming apparatus 10A, the time for which the user waits in front of the image forming apparatus 10A (that is, the time for which the user waits until the shift to the R mode is completed) is shorter than the case where the shift function does not operate. Therefore, even if the shift time to the SP mode is set short, the convenience for the user does not decrease, and both convenience and power saving can be achieved. However, even in the image forming apparatus 10A in which the shift function operates, such an effect of power saving cannot be obtained if the shift time to the SP mode is set long.

[0186] Therefore, in Modification 2, as a target value when the shift function is operating, a target value B smaller than the target value A when the shift function is not operating is used. By doing so, both convenience and power saving can be achieved.

[0187] For example, when the transition function is not operating, a job may occur for which the user has to wait in front of the image forming apparatus 10A. Specifically, when the user operates the image forming apparatus 10A while the mode is the SP mode, the user has to wait in front of the image forming apparatus 10A. When the transition function is operating, since the transition to the R mode proceeds while the user approaches the image forming apparatus 10A, the transition to the R mode is completed when the user arrives at the image forming apparatus 10A, or the waiting time of the user in front of the image forming apparatus 10A is shortened. The job in this case is a job in which no waiting time occurs or a job in which the waiting time is short. Therefore, even if the job to be executed is a job that is executed after the mode returns from the SP mode to the R mode, the waiting time of the user may not occur or the waiting time may be short. From this, it can be said that the convenience when the transition function is operating is higher than the convenience when the transition function is not operating. Therefore, when the transition function is operating, it can be said that the actual convenience of the user does not decrease even if the target value is made smaller than when the transition function is not operating. Also, by making the target value smaller, the energy saving effect is increased. Therefore, by using the target value B when the transition function is operating, it is possible to achieve both convenience and power saving.

[0188] Note that the larger the value α, the higher the energy saving effect, but if the value α is made too large, the above-described reset may occur unnecessarily. For example, by setting the value α to a value between 0.1 and 0.4, the possibility of unnecessary reset occurring is reduced. Of course, this value is just an example and can vary depending on the performance and usage environment of the image forming apparatus 10A and the like.

[0189] For example, when the initial setting value of the transition time in the SP mode is 50 minutes, the value α is set to 0.4, when the initial setting value is 30 minutes, the value α is set to 0.3, and when the initial setting value is 10 minutes, the value α is set to 0.1. By such settings, it is possible to increase the energy saving effect while avoiding the occurrence of unnecessary resets. These values are just examples and can vary depending on the performance and usage environment of the image forming apparatus 10A and the like.

[0190] Figure 10 shows the time change and the like of the SP transition time according to Modification 2. Graph 54 represents the time change of the SP transition time according to Modification 2. Graph 56 represents the time change of Ratio 1 according to Modification 2. Graph 58 represents the time change of the power consumption according to Modification 2. Graph 60 represents the time change of the power consumption when the target value is constant. The horizontal axis of each graph indicates the week.

[0191] As represented by Graph 54, the SP transition time is set shorter as time elapses. As represented by Graph 56, the change in Ratio 1 becomes less as time elapses. Also, as represented by Graphs 58 and 60, according to Modification 2, the power consumption can be reduced. For example, according to Modification 2, the power reduction rate increases by 32% compared to the case of continuously using Target Value A as the target value.

[0192] In the above-described embodiments and Modifications 1 and 2, the number of times the process is executed in each mode may be the number of times UI14 is operated in each mode. Each of R, LP, and SP described above is the number of times UI14 is operated, and the processor 20 calculates a ratio (for example, Ratios 1 to 7) based on the number of times UI14 is operated in each mode. Usually, when the user operates UI14, the user moves in front of the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 10A and operates UI14. By calculating the ratio based on the number of times UI14 is operated, a ratio is calculated in consideration of the convenience in the situation where the user is actually in front of the image forming apparatus 10 and operates the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, a set value of the transition time is calculated in consideration of the convenience in such a situation.

[0193] When the number of operations of UI14 is equal to or less than a threshold value, the processor 20 may calculate ratios such as ratios 1 to 7 based on the number of times including the number of times of processing (for example, jobs) other than the operations of UI14. The threshold value is a predetermined value. The threshold value may be set by the user. For example, when the number of operations of UI14 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the processor 20 calculates a ratio based on the total of the number of executions of all jobs and the number of operations of UI14. That is, each of R, LP, and SP described above is the total of the number of executions of all jobs and the number of operations of UI14, and the processor 20 calculates a ratio based on the total in each mode.

[0194] Some functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by other apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus 10. When some functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are realized by other apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus 10, an information processing system may be configured by the image forming apparatus 10 and the other apparatus. That is, the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 may be realized by a single apparatus or may be realized by an information processing system including a plurality of apparatuses. The same applies to the image forming apparatus 10A, and some functions of the image forming apparatus 10A may be realized by other apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus 10A.

[0195] Each function of the image forming apparatuses 10 and 10A is realized by cooperation of hardware and software as an example. For example, when the processor 20 of the image forming apparatuses 10 and 10A reads and executes a program stored in a memory, each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized. The program is stored in the memory via a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. Similarly, when the processor 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 reads and executes a program stored in a memory, each function of the image forming apparatus 10 is realized. The program is stored in the memory via a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD, or via a communication path such as a network.

[0196] In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the control of the modes of the image forming apparatuses 10 and 10A has been described. However, the processing according to the embodiments and modifications may be applied to apparatuses other than the image forming apparatuses 10 and 10A. That is, the apparatus according to the embodiment or modification may be an apparatus other than the image forming apparatuses 10 and 10A as long as it has a plurality of modes in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is different.

[0197] 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.). Further, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be achieved not only by one processor, but also by a plurality of processors existing at physically separated positions 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 changed as appropriate.

[0198] (Supplementary Note) (((1))) Having a processor, The processor is A history of processing executed in an apparatus having a plurality of modes in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is different, the history indicating the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two of the plurality of modes, and a target value of a ratio of a specific processing executed by the apparatus, and based on these, outputs a set value of a transition time until the apparatus transitions to a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than other modes among the plurality of modes. An information processing system. (((2))) The history is a ratio of the number of times of processing executed in each of the at least two modes. The information processing system described in ((1)). ((3)) The at least two modes include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, The first mode is a mode in which the apparatus waits for the execution of processing, The second mode is a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that in the first mode, The third mode is a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that in the second mode, The history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processing executed in the first mode, the number of times of processing executed in the second mode, and the number of times of processing executed in the third mode, The information processing system described in ((2)). ((4)) The at least two modes include a first mode and a second mode, The first mode is a mode in which the apparatus waits for the execution of processing, The second mode is a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that in the first mode, The history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processing executed in the first mode and the number of times of processing executed in the second mode, The information processing system described in ((2)). ((5)) The at least two modes include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, The first mode is a mode in which the apparatus waits for the execution of processing, The second mode is a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that in the first mode, The third mode is a mode in which the time until the execution of processing becomes possible is longer than that in the second mode, The history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processing executed in the second mode and the number of times of processing executed in the third mode, The information processing system according to ((2)). ((6)) The history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processing within the transition time of the time interval during which the processing was executed and the total number of times of processing. The information processing system according to ((2)). ((7)) The number of times of processing executed in each of the at least two modes is the number of times the user interface of the device is operated in each of the at least two modes. The information processing system according to ((1)). ((8)) When the number of times the user interface is operated is equal to or less than a threshold value, the number of times of processing executed in each of the at least two modes is the number of times including the number of times of processing other than the operation of the user interface. The information processing system according to ((7)). ((9)) The processor Calculates a set value of the transition time from the history and the target value by using a cumulative exponential distribution function. The information processing system according to ((1)). ((10)) The history is the number of times of processing for each predetermined unit period. The processor Outputs a set value of the transition time in a second unit period following the first unit period based on the history indicating the number of times of processing during the first unit period and the target value. When the number of times of processing during the first unit period is less than a threshold value, outputs the set value of the transition time in the first unit period as the set value of the transition time in the second unit period. The information processing system according to ((1)). ((11)) The processor Estimates a change in the usage environment of the device based on a change in the set value of the transition time. The information processing system according to ((1)). ((12)) When a person around the device is detected, if the function of the device to shift the mode of the device from a mode in which the time until execution of processing is longer than that of other modes to a mode in which the time until execution of processing is shorter among the plurality of modes is operating in the device, the processor reduces the target value compared to the case where the function is not operating in the device. The information processing system according to ((1)). ((13)) The target value is a value calculated by subtracting a predetermined value from the ratio. The predetermined value when the function is operating in the device is larger than the predetermined value when the function is not operating in the device. The information processing system according to ((12)). ((14)) A computer A history of processing executed in a device having a plurality of modes with different times until execution of processing is possible, the history indicating the number of times of processing executed in at least two of the plurality of modes, and a target value of a ratio of a specific processing executed by the device, based on which a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to a mode in which the time until execution of processing is longer than that of other modes among the plurality of modes is output. A program for operating as described above. ((15)) A processor A history of processing executed in a device having a plurality of modes with different times until execution of processing is possible, the history indicating the number of times of processing executed in at least two of the plurality of modes, and a target value of a ratio of a specific processing executed by the device, based on which a set value of a transition time until the device transitions to a mode in which the time until execution of processing is longer than that of other modes among the plurality of modes is output. An information processing method.

[0199] (((1))),(((2))),(((3))),(((4))) according to the information processing system, the program according to (((14))), or the information processing method according to (((15))), when the transition time until the apparatus transitions to a mode in which the processing can be executed among a plurality of modes is constant compared to a case where the transition time is longer than other modes, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the power saving effect. (((5))) according to the information processing system, it is possible to output a set value of the transition time without using the number of times of processing executed in the first mode. (((6))) according to the information processing system, it is possible to output a set value of the transition time without counting the number of times of processing for each mode. (((7))) according to the information processing system, it is possible to output a set value of the transition time based on the operation history of the user interface. (((8))) according to the information processing system, even when the number of operations of the user interface is equal to or less than a threshold value, it is possible to output a set value of the transition time. (((9))) according to the invention, it is possible to calculate a set value of the transition time using the cumulative exponential distribution function. (((1))) according to the information processing system, even when data of the number of times of processing equal to or more than the threshold value cannot be collected, it is possible to control the transition of the mode using the same set value. (((11))) according to the invention, it is possible to estimate a change in the usage environment of the apparatus using the set value of the transition time.

[0200] 10, 10A image forming apparatus, 20 processor.​

Claims

1. An information processing system having a processor, wherein the processor is a history of processing executed in an apparatus having a plurality of modes in which a waiting time from the occurrence of a specific event that causes a return until execution of processing becomes possible is different, and is a history indicating the number of times of processing executed in at least two of the plurality of modes, and based on a target value of a ratio of a specific process executed by the apparatus, outputs a set value of a transition time until the apparatus transitions to the mode having the longest waiting time among the plurality of modes. An information processing system, wherein when a person around the apparatus is detected, if a function of the apparatus to transition the mode of the apparatus from the mode having the longest waiting time among the plurality of modes to the mode having the shortest waiting time is operating in the apparatus, the processor makes the target value smaller than when the function is not operating in the apparatus. The information processing system.

2. The history is a ratio of the number of times of processing executed in each of the at least two modes. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The at least two modes include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the apparatus waits for execution of processing, the second mode is a mode in which the waiting time is longer than that of the first mode, the third mode is a mode in which the waiting time is longer than that of the second mode, and the history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processing executed in the first mode, the number of times of processing executed in the second mode, and the number of times of processing executed in the third mode. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The at least two modes include a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the apparatus waits for execution of processing, the second mode is a mode in which the waiting time is longer than that of the first mode, and the history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processing executed in the first mode and the number of times of processing executed in the second mode. The information processing system according to claim 2.

5. The at least two modes include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the apparatus waits for execution of processing, The second mode is a mode in which the standby time is longer than that in the first mode, The third mode is a mode in which the standby time is longer than that in the second mode, The history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processing executed in the second mode and the number of times of processing executed in the third mode, The information processing system according to claim 2.

6. The history is a ratio calculated using the number of times of processing whose execution time interval is within the transition time and the total number of times of processing, The information processing system according to claim 2.

7. The number of times of processing executed in each of the at least two modes is the number of times the user interface of the device is operated in each of the at least two modes, The information processing system according to claim 1.

8. When the number of times the user interface is operated is equal to or less than a threshold value, the number of times of processing executed in each of the at least two modes is the number of times including the number of times of processing other than the operation of the user interface, The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. The processor, Calculates a set value of the transition time from the history and the target value by using a cumulative exponential distribution function, The information processing system according to claim 1.

10. The history is the number of times of processing for each predetermined unit period, The processor, Based on the history indicating the number of times of processing in the first unit period and the target value, outputs a set value of the transition time in the second unit period following the first unit period, When the number of times of processing in the first unit period is less than a threshold value, outputs the set value of the transition time in the first unit period as the set value of the transition time in the second unit period, The information processing system according to claim 1.

11. The processor, Estimates a change in the usage environment of the device based on a change in the set value of the transition time, The information processing system according to claim 1.

12. The target value is a value calculated by subtracting a predetermined value from the ratio, The predetermined value when the function is operating in the device is larger than the predetermined value when the function is not operating in the device, The information processing system according to claim 1.

13. The number of times of processing executed in each of at least two modes among the plurality of modes is the number of times of transition to a mode with a shorter waiting time than the at least two modes, the information processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 12.

14. A program for causing a computer to output a set value of a transition time until the apparatus transitions to the mode with the longest waiting time among the plurality of modes, based on a history of processing executed in an apparatus having a plurality of modes with different waiting times from when a specific event causing a return occurs until processing can be executed, the history indicating the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two modes among the plurality of modes, and a target value of a ratio of a specific process executed by the apparatus. operate as follows: when a function for the mode of the apparatus to transition from the mode with the longest waiting time among the plurality of modes to the mode with the shortest waiting time operates in the apparatus when a person around the apparatus is detected, the computer is caused to operate so as to reduce the target value compared to when the function does not operate in the apparatus. The program is characterized by this.

15. A processor outputs a set value of a transition time until the apparatus transitions to the mode with the longest waiting time among the plurality of modes, based on a history of processing executed in an apparatus having a plurality of modes with different waiting times from when a specific event causing a return occurs until processing can be executed, the history indicating the number of times of processing executed in each of at least two modes among the plurality of modes, and a target value of a ratio of a specific process executed by the apparatus. An information processing method characterized in that when a function for the mode of the apparatus to transition from the mode with the longest waiting time among the plurality of modes to the mode with the shortest waiting time operates in the apparatus when a person around the apparatus is detected, the processor reduces the target value compared to when the function does not operate in the apparatus.

16. having a processor, wherein the processor Execute the calculation of the transition time to the first mode based on the number of times of processing executed in the first mode where the waiting time until processing can be executed after a specific event that causes a return occurs is the first time, the number of times of processing executed in the second mode where the waiting time is shorter than the first time, or the number of times of transition from the first mode to the third mode where the waiting time is even shorter than the second mode and the number of times of transition from the second mode to the third mode. When the function of transitioning to the mode with the shortest waiting time operates when a person around is detected, control is performed so that in the calculation of the transition time, a transition time shorter than the transition time calculated when the function does not operate is calculated. Information processing system.

Images