Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing program in which the transition to a second mode with less energy consumption may be made in a shorter period than in a case where non-detection period is always reset in response to detection of the presence of a user around the apparatus.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: cause the information processing apparatus to make transition from a first mode to a second mode with less energy consumption than the first mode when a non-detection period in which presence of a user is not detected around the information processing apparatus has reached a preset threshold period; and continue to measure the non-detection period when the presence of the user is detected and a preset condition is satisfied while the non-detection period is being measured before reaching the threshold period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is technology to transition to a mode that consumes less energy.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply state transition control means for an operated part that operates by receiving power from a commercial power supply unit, which transitions the state between a plurality of power supply states with different power consumptions and a power non-supply state in which power is not supplied from the commercial power supply unit or is below a predetermined level and power necessary for determining whether or not to supply power is supplied; a first moving body detection means including a user to be used for the operated part, which detects a moving body within a relatively wide predetermined area, and which receives power in the power non-supply state for the determination control; and a second moving body detection means for detecting a moving body within a relatively narrow predetermined area close to the operated part. A power supply control device is disclosed that includes: a plurality of moving body detection means that detect moving bodies and that include a second moving body detection means that receives power supply for the discrimination control when the moving body is detected by the first moving body detection means; an instruction means that instructs a state transition between the no-power supply state and the power supply state based on predetermined transition conditions including the detection results of the plurality of moving body detection means; and a state maintenance means that maintains the power supply state in response to the instruction means's transition instruction from the power supply state to the no-power supply state when the transition condition is met, until the second moving body detection means no longer detects the moving body.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a power supply control device having a power supply state transition control means for an operated part that operates by receiving power from a commercial power supply unit, which transitions the state between a plurality of power supply states with different power consumption and a power non-supply state in which no power is supplied from the commercial power supply unit or the power is supplied below a predetermined level and the operated part receives power necessary for determining whether to supply power; a plurality of moving body detection means that detect moving bodies within a predetermined area, including users who intend to use the operated part, and each of which has different detection conditions; a timing means that times the non-use state of the operated part in the power supply state; a transition instruction means that instructs the power supply state transition control means to transition to the power non-supply state if the non-use state of the operated part continues even when the time counted by the timing means reaches a predetermined power non-supply state transition time; and an instruction time postponement means that postpones the instruction time if the moving body is detected by the plurality of moving body detection means at the time instructed by the transition instruction means.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes at least two types of moving object detection means capable of detecting a moving object in the vicinity of a processing device main body having an operating object that operates by receiving power supply, and at least having a relatively long and short detectable distance; state transition means for transitioning the operating object to either a power supply state in which power is supplied to the operating object or a power supply cut-off state in which power supply is cut off when a predetermined condition is met; manual return operation means for operating to make the condition met when the state transition means transitions from the power supply cut-off state to the power supply state; and when one of the moving object detection means with a longer detection distance detects a moving object, the other moving object detection means with a shorter detection distance starts detection, and the other moving object detection means A power supply control device is disclosed that has an automatic return control means that, when a moving object is detected, satisfies the condition for transitioning from the power supply cutoff state to the power supply state by the state transition means; a selection means that selects whether to enable or disable the function of the automatic return control means; a power supply cutoff control means that sets the time for transitioning from the power supply state to the power supply cutoff state by the state transition means to the time when a preset time has elapsed since the other moving object detection means no longer detects a moving object; and a time setting means that, when the selection means selects to disable the automatic return control means in the power supply cutoff control means, sets the preset time to be shorter than when the automatic return control means is selected to be enabled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-029839 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-186720 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-189596 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] There is an information processing device that can transition between a first mode and a second mode that consumes less energy than the first mode. The information processing device is, for example, an image forming device or other device. The device is equipped with, for example, a human presence sensor to detect the presence of a user around the device. When the human presence sensor no longer detects the presence of a user, the device measures a non-detection time during which the device is not detected. When the measured non-detection time reaches a predetermined elapsed time, the device transitions from the first mode to the second mode.

[0008] If the human presence sensor detects the presence of a user before the elapsed time of undetected time has elapsed, the device initializes the undetected time measured up to that point.

[0009] Here, even if the human sensor detects a passerby who is not using the device, the undetected time is initialized. Therefore, even if the time during which the device has not been used by the user reaches the elapsed time, the device may not transition to the second mode.

[0010] The technology disclosed herein aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can transition to a second mode, which consumes less energy, in a shorter time than when the undetected time is always initialized when the presence of a user is detected around the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An information processing device according to a first aspect includes a processor, and when a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed during which the device does not detect the presence of a user around the device, the processor transitions the device from a first mode to a second mode that consumes less energy than the first mode, and if the device detects the presence of a user while measuring the undetected time before the elapsed time is reached, the processor continues measuring the undetected time when a predetermined condition is met.

[0012] An information processing device according to a second aspect is the information processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the predetermined condition is that no operation is performed by the user.

[0013] An information processing device according to a third aspect is an information processing device according to the first or second aspect, in which the processor transitions to the second mode when the processor has not detected the presence of a user and the undetected time has reached the elapsed time.

[0014] An information processing device according to a fourth aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein when the processor detects the presence of a user around the device while measuring the undetected time, the processor stores the undetected time being measured, and when the processor no longer detects the presence of a user around the device in the absence of any operation by the user, the processor resumes measurement from the stored undetected time.

[0015] An information processing device according to a fifth aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the processor is capable of transitioning the device to one of three or more modes, each having a different energy consumption, and an elapsed time is set for each transition.

[0016] In an information processing device according to a sixth aspect, in the information processing device according to the fifth aspect, when the processor detects the presence of a user around the device while measuring the undetected time, the processor memorizes a mode in which the undetected time was being measured, and while continuing to measure the undetected time, transitions to a mode that consumes more energy than the mode in question, and when the processor no longer detects the presence of a user around the device in the absence of any operation by the user, the processor transitions back to the memorized mode.

[0017] An information processing device according to a seventh aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the processor detects the presence of a user around the device using a sensor that detects changes in the device's surroundings.

[0018] An information processing device according to an eighth aspect is the information processing device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the predetermined condition is that another sensor that detects changes in a range narrower than the surrounding area does not detect any changes.

[0019] An information processing device according to a ninth aspect is the information processing device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the processor initializes the undetected time if the other sensor detects a change while measuring the undetected time.

[0020] An information processing device according to a 10th aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the first to 9th aspects, in which the processor detects the presence of a user around the device based on a short-range wireless communication connection request from a terminal carried by the user.

[0021] An information processing device according to an eleventh aspect is an information processing device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the processor initializes the undetected time being measured when a user operation is performed while the undetected time is being measured.

[0022] The information processing program of the twelfth aspect causes a computer to transition the device from a first mode to a second mode that consumes less energy than the first mode when a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed during which the device does not detect the presence of a user around the device, and if the device detects the presence of a user while measuring the undetected time before the elapsed time has elapsed, continue measuring the undetected time when a predetermined condition is met. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the first and twelfth aspects, when the presence of a user is detected around the device, the device can transition to the second mode, which consumes less energy, in a shorter time than when the undetected time is initialized.

[0024] According to the second aspect, if there is no operation by the user, the mode can be transitioned to the second mode in a short time.

[0025] According to the third aspect, it is possible to prevent transition to the second mode while the presence of the user is being detected.

[0026] According to the fourth aspect, while the presence of a user is being detected, measurement of the non-detection time can be temporarily stopped.

[0027] According to the fifth aspect, when a plurality of modes are provided, it is possible to set an elapsed time suited to each mode.

[0028] According to the sixth aspect, when the presence of a user is detected, the device can switch to a mode with high energy consumption and wait for user operation, and even if there is no user operation, the device can transition from one mode to a mode with even lower energy consumption based on the undetected time that is continuously measured regardless of the user's presence.

[0029] According to the seventh aspect, the detection of a change in the surroundings can be simulated as the detection of the presence of a user.

[0030] According to the eighth aspect, unless a change in the surroundings is detected by another sensor, detection during the non-detection period can be continued regardless of detection by a sensor that detects changes over a wider range, and transition to the second mode can be made in a short time.

[0031] According to the ninth aspect, when a change in a narrow range is detected, it is possible to regard the user as operating the device itself, and initialize the measurement of the non-detection time.

[0032] According to the tenth aspect, the presence of a user can be detected without using a dedicated device for detecting the presence of a user.

[0033] According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to prevent transition to the second mode during a user operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2]1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of transition processing of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an example showing a transition process of a conventional image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] 10 is an example showing a transition process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of transition processing of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is an example showing a transition process of a conventional image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] 10 is an example showing a transition process of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of transition processing of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an example showing a transition process of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with multiple sensors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent components and parts in each drawing are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 10 of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 shows a detection range 1 of a sensor 19, which is a range within which the image forming apparatus 10, which is an example of an information processing apparatus, can detect the presence of a user 9.

[0037] The image forming device 10 is capable of performing processes such as printing, copying, scanning, and faxing in response to operations by a user 9. The image forming device 10 is equipped with a sensor 19 for detecting the presence of the user 9. When a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed during which the image forming device 10 does not detect the presence of the user 9 in the vicinity, the image forming device 10 transitions from a first mode to a second mode, which consumes less energy than the first mode. Specifically, the image forming device 10 can transition to a standby mode (first mode) in which processes such as printing can be performed, and a power-saving mode (second mode) which consumes less energy than the standby mode. Energy consumption refers to power consumption, and the power-saving mode reduces energy consumption more than the standby mode by, for example, turning off the power to the display unit, maintaining the temperature of the fuser of the image forming unit lower than in the standby mode, or turning off the power to the fuser. If the image forming device 10 detects the presence of the user 9 while measuring the undetected time before the elapsed time has elapsed, the image forming device 10 continues measuring the undetected time if there is no operation by the user 9. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 10 does not detect the presence of the user 9, if the undetected time reaches the elapsed time, the image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the power saving mode. The elapsed time can be determined in advance as a grace period before transitioning from the first mode to the second mode.

[0038] [First embodiment] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, a communication interface (communication I / F) 17, an image forming unit 18, and a sensor 19. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 20 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0039] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. That is, the CPU 11 reads programs from the ROM 12 or storage 14 and executes the programs using the RAM 13 as a work area. The CPU 11 controls the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 12 or storage 14. In this embodiment, the ROM 12 or storage 14 stores an information processing program that transitions between modes.

[0040] The ROM 12 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 14 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0041] The input unit 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used to perform various inputs.

[0042] The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 16 may also function as the input unit 15 by adopting a touch panel system.

[0043] The communication interface 17 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as a database, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0044] The image forming unit 18 forms print data onto a recording medium such as paper. The image forming method may be a toner method, an inkjet method, or the like. The image forming unit 18 includes, for example, a fuser that fixes the toner onto the recording medium by heating.

[0045] The sensor 19 detects the presence of the user 9 around the image forming device 10 by detecting a change in the detection range 1. The sensor 19 detects the presence of the user 9 by detecting changes in the surroundings of the image forming device 10, including, for example, a change in temperature or the movement of an object. The sensor 19 is, for example, a human presence sensor such as a pyroelectric sensor that detects infrared rays or a reflective sensor that detects reflected light. The time during which the sensor 19 does not detect the presence of the user 9 is the "non-detection time" in this embodiment. Note that a case in which the image forming device 10 includes multiple sensors 19 will be described later in a third embodiment.

[0046] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of transition processing by image forming apparatus 10. The transition processing is performed by CPU 11 reading a transition program from ROM 12 or storage 14, expanding it into RAM 13, and executing it. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 3 is executed, for example, when image forming apparatus 10 is started up, or when a user starts using image forming apparatus 10 in power saving mode.

[0047] In step S101, CPU 11 transitions to standby mode. That is, CPU 11 transitions image forming apparatus 10, which is its own device, to standby mode. In other words, image forming apparatus 10 transitions to standby mode. CPU 11 proceeds to step S102.

[0048] In step S102, the CPU 11 starts measuring the undetected time, and then the CPU 11 proceeds to step S103.

[0049] In step S103, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there has been an operation by the user 9. An operation by the user 9 is, for example, the user 9 operating the input unit 15. If it is determined that there has been no operation by the user 9 (step S103: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S104. If it is determined that there has been an operation by the user 9 (step S103: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S102. That is, if the CPU 11 determines that there has been an operation by the user 9 (step S103: NO), it initializes the undetected time and starts measuring the undetected time from the initialized state.

[0050] In step S104, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the sensor 19 is detecting something. If it is determined that the sensor 19 is detecting something (step S104: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S103. If it is determined that the sensor 19 is not detecting something (step S104: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S105. Note that when there is no operation by the user 9 (step S103: YES) and the sensor 19 is detecting something (step S104: YES), this includes, for example, when the sensor 19 detects a passerby passing in front of the image forming apparatus 10. Similarly, this also includes when the image forming apparatus 10 detects the user 9 taking a printout output by the image forming apparatus 10, when it detects a temperature change due to sunlight, or when it detects the movement of an object due to wind.

[0051] In step S105, the CPU 11 determines whether the undetected time has reached the elapsed time. If it is determined that the undetected time has reached the elapsed time (step S105: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S106. If it is determined that the undetected time has not reached the elapsed time (step S105: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S103.

[0052] In step S106, the CPU 11 transitions to the power saving mode, and then ends the transition process.

[0053] As described above, in steps S102 to S104, if the CPU 11 detects the presence of the user 9 while measuring the undetected time before the elapsed time is reached, and if there is no operation by the user 9, the CPU 11 continues measuring the undetected time. Also, in steps S104 to S106, if the CPU 11 has not detected the presence of the user 9 and the undetected time has reached the elapsed time, the CPU 11 transitions to the power saving mode.

[0054] An example of transition processing of an image forming device will be described using Figures 4 and 5. First, a conventional image forming device 99 will be described using Figure 4. Next, an image forming device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 5. Here, the conventional image forming device 99 is a device that initializes the undetected time if it detects the presence of a user 9 while measuring the undetected time. Note that the image forming device 10 and the conventional image forming device 99 transition to power saving mode when the undetected time reaches elapsed time P1. 4 and 5, the horizontal axis is the time axis, with time passing toward the right side of the diagram. At time T1, image forming apparatus 10 and conventional image forming apparatus 99 accept an operation by user 9 and begin measuring the undetected time. Image forming apparatus 10 and conventional image forming apparatus 99 detect the presence of user 9 from time T2 to time T3. Note that there is no operation by user 9 after time T1.

[0055] 4, the conventional image forming device 99 detects the presence of user 9 at time T2 while measuring the undetected time, and therefore initializes the measurement of the undetected time. Then, from time T3 when the conventional image forming device 99 no longer detects the presence of user 9, the conventional image forming device 99 starts measuring the undetected time from the initialized state. Therefore, the conventional image forming device 99 transitions to the power saving mode at time T4 when the undetected time that began to be measured at time T3 reaches elapsed time P1.

[0056] 5, image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment detects the presence of user 9 from time T2 to time T3, but because there is no operation by user 9, it continues measuring the undetected time as processing corresponding to steps S103 and S104 described above (step S103: YES, step S104: YES). Therefore, image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the power-saving mode at time T5, when the undetected time that began to be measured at time T1 reaches elapsed time P1. In other words, image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the power-saving mode at time T5, which is earlier than time T4, when a conventional image forming apparatus 99 transitions to the power-saving mode.

[0057] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the method of the second embodiment performs transition processing to transition to three or more modes. The hardware configuration of the second embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used for parts having the same configuration and function as the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The image forming device 10 can transition to one of three or more modes, each with a different energy consumption. The image forming device 10 has a set elapsed time for each transition. Specifically, the image forming device 10 can transition to a standby mode in which processing such as printing can be performed, a low-power mode that consumes less energy than the standby mode, and a sleep mode that consumes less energy than the low-power mode. The low-power mode consumes less energy than the standby mode, for example, by turning off the power to the display unit 16 or by maintaining the temperature of the fuser of the image forming unit 18 at a lower temperature than in the standby mode. The sleep mode consumes less energy than the low-power mode, for example, by turning off the power to the image forming unit 18.

[0059] Furthermore, if image forming device 10 detects the presence of user 9 while measuring the undetected time, it stores low power mode as a mode to which it has already transitioned, and transitions to standby mode, which consumes more energy than low power mode. After transitioning to standby mode, if image forming device 10 no longer detects the presence of user 9 and there is no operation by user 9, it transitions back to the stored low power mode.

[0060] The following describes the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of transition processing by the image forming apparatus 10. The transition processing is performed by the CPU 11 reading out a transition program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14, expanding it into the RAM 13, and executing it.

[0061] In step S201, the CPU 11 transitions to the standby mode, and then the process proceeds to step S202.

[0062] In step S202, the CPU 11 starts measuring the undetected time, and then the CPU 11 proceeds to step S203.

[0063] In step S203, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there has been an operation by the user 9. If it is determined that there has been no operation by the user 9 (step S203: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S204. If it is determined that there has been an operation by the user 9 (step S203: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S201.

[0064] In step S204, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the sensor 19 is detecting something. If it is determined that the sensor 19 is detecting something (step S204: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S203. If it is determined that the sensor 19 is not detecting something (step S204: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S205.

[0065] In step S205, the CPU 11 determines whether the undetected time has reached the elapsed time. If it is determined that the undetected time has reached the elapsed time (step S205: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S206. If it is determined that the undetected time has not reached the elapsed time (step S205: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S203. Note that the elapsed time in step S205 is a time that is preset for transitioning to the low power mode.

[0066] In step S206, the CPU 11 transitions to the low power mode, and then the process proceeds to step S207.

[0067] In step S207, the CPU 11 starts measuring the undetected time, and then the CPU 11 proceeds to step S208.

[0068] In step S208, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there has been an operation by the user 9. If it is determined that there has been no operation by the user 9 (step S208: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S209. If it is determined that there has been an operation by the user 9 (step S208: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S201.

[0069] In step S209, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the sensor 19 is detecting something. If it is determined that the sensor 19 is detecting something (step S209: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S210. If it is determined that the sensor 19 is not detecting something (step S209: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S211.

[0070] In step S210, the CPU 11 transitions to the standby mode. In other words, the CPU 11 transitions to the standby mode, which is a mode that consumes more energy than the low power mode to which the transition has been made. The CPU 11 also stores the fact that the mode to which the transition has been made was the low power mode. The CPU 11 also does not initialize the undetected time, and continues to measure the undetected time. The CPU 11 proceeds to step S208.

[0071] In step S211, the CPU 11 transitions to the low power mode. That is, the CPU 11 transitions back to the low power mode stored in step S210. Note that if the CPU 11 has already transitioned to the low power mode, it does not have to do anything. The CPU 11 proceeds to step S212.

[0072] In step S212, the CPU 11 determines whether the undetected time has reached the elapsed time. If it is determined that the undetected time has reached the elapsed time (step S212: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S213. If it is determined that the undetected time has not reached the elapsed time (step S212: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S208. Note that the elapsed time in step S212 is a time that is preset for transitioning to sleep mode.

[0073] In step S213, the CPU 11 transitions to the sleep mode, and then ends the transition process.

[0074] As described above, in steps S205 and S212, CPU 11 determines whether the measurement of the undetected time has reached the elapsed time set for each transition. Furthermore, in steps S207 to S211, if CPU 11 detects the presence of user 9 while measuring the undetected time, it stores low power mode as the mode to which it has transitioned, and transitions to standby mode, which consumes more energy than low power mode, while continuing to measure the undetected time. Then, when CPU 11 no longer detects the presence of user 9 in the absence of any operation by user 9, it transitions back to the stored low power mode.

[0075] An example of transition processing of an image forming apparatus will be described using FIGS. 7 and 8. First, a conventional image forming apparatus 99 will be described using FIG. 7. Next, an image forming apparatus 10 according to a second embodiment will be described using FIG. 8. Here, the conventional image forming apparatus 99 is an apparatus that, when transitioning from low power mode to standby mode, starts measuring the elapsed time in order to transition to low power mode even when there is no user operation. Note that, if the image forming apparatus 10 and the conventional image forming apparatus 99 have already transitioned to standby mode, they transition to low power mode when the undetected time reaches elapsed time P2. Also, if the image forming apparatus 10 and the conventional image forming apparatus 99 have already transitioned to low power mode, they transition to sleep mode when the undetected time reaches elapsed time P3. 7 and 8, the horizontal axis is the time axis, with time elapsed toward the right side of the diagram. At time T11, image forming apparatus 10 and conventional image forming apparatus 99 accept an operation by user 9 and begin measuring the undetected time. At time T12, when the undetected time measurement began at time T11 reaches elapsed time P2, image forming apparatus 10 and conventional image forming apparatus 99 transition to low power mode and begin measuring the undetected time. Between time T13 and time T14, image forming apparatus 10 and conventional image forming apparatus 99 detect the presence of user 9 and transition to standby mode at time T13. Note that there is no operation by user 9 after time T11.

[0076] 7, the conventional image forming device 99 detects the presence of user 9 at time T13 while measuring the undetected time, and therefore initializes the measurement of the undetected time. Then, from time T14 when the conventional image forming device 99 no longer detects the presence of user 9, the conventional image forming device 99 starts measuring the undetected time from the initialized state, and transitions to the low power mode at time T15 when the undetected time reaches elapsed time P2. Then, the conventional image forming device 99 transitions to the sleep mode at time T16 when the undetected time, which began to be measured at time T15, reaches elapsed time P3.

[0077] 8, the image forming device 10 detects the presence of the user 9 from time T13 to time T14, but continues to measure the non-detection time because there is no operation by the user 9. Then, at time T14 when the image forming device 10 no longer detects the presence of the user 9, the image forming device 10 transitions to the low power mode as processing corresponding to step S211 described above. The image forming device 10 also transitions to the sleep mode at time T17 when the non-detection time, which began to be measured at time T12, reaches elapsed time P3. That is, the image forming device 10 transitions to the sleep mode at time T17, which is earlier than time T16 when the conventional image forming device 99 transitions to the power saving mode.

[0078] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In addition to the configuration of the first or second embodiment, the method of the third embodiment performs transition processing to temporarily suspend the undetected time being measured. The hardware configuration of the third embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the first embodiment. Note that parts with the same configuration and function as the first and second embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0079] When the sensor 19 detects the presence of the user 9, the image forming device 10 temporarily stops measuring the non-detection time. When the sensor 19 no longer detects the presence of the user 9, the image forming device 10 releases the temporary stop of measuring the non-detection time and resumes measurement.

[0080] The following describes the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of transition processing by the image forming apparatus 10. The transition processing is performed by the CPU 11 reading out a transition program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14, expanding it into the RAM 13, and executing it.

[0081] In step S301, the CPU 11 transitions to the standby mode, and then the process proceeds to step S302.

[0082] In step S302, the CPU 11 starts measuring the undetected time, and then the CPU 11 proceeds to step S303.

[0083] In step S303, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there has been an operation by the user 9. If it is determined that there has been no operation by the user 9 (step S303: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S304. If it is determined that there has been an operation by the user 9 (step S303: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S302.

[0084] In step S304, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the sensor 19 is detecting something. If it is determined that the sensor 19 is detecting something (step S304: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S305. If it is determined that the sensor 19 is not detecting something (step S304: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S306.

[0085] In step S305, the CPU 11 stores the undetected time being measured, and then the CPU 11 proceeds to step S303.

[0086] In step S306, the CPU 11 restarts measurement from the stored undetected time. If the undetected time is not stored, the CPU 11 continues measurement of the undetected time that started in step S302. The CPU 11 proceeds to step S307.

[0087] In step S307, the CPU 11 determines whether the undetected time has reached the elapsed time. If it is determined that the undetected time has reached the elapsed time (step S307: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S308. If it is determined that the undetected time has not reached the elapsed time (step S307: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S303.

[0088] In step S308, the CPU 11 transitions to the power saving mode, and then ends the transition process.

[0089] As described above, in steps S305 and S306, the CPU 11 suspends the measurement of the undetected time when the sensor 19 detects something. Then, when the sensor 19 no longer detects something in the absence of any operation by the user 9, the CPU 11 cancels the suspension of the measurement of the undetected time and resumes the measurement.

[0090] An example of the transition process of the image forming device 10 will be described using FIG. 10. The image forming device 10 transitions to the power saving mode when the undetected time reaches elapsed time P1. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents time, with time elapsed toward the right side of the figure. At time T1, the image forming device 10 accepts an operation by the user 9 and starts measuring the undetected time. The image forming device 10 detects the presence of the user 9 from time T2 to time T3. There is no operation by the user 9 after time T1.

[0091] To detect the presence of user 9 from time T2 to time T3, image forming apparatus 10 stores the undetected time being measured, a process corresponding to step S305 described above. Then, at time T3 when image forming apparatus 10 no longer detects user 9, image forming apparatus 10 resumes measurement from the stored undetected time, a process corresponding to step S306 described above. In other words, image forming apparatus 10 temporarily suspends measurement of the undetected time at time T2 when it detects user 9's presence, and resumes measurement of the undetected time at time T3 when it no longer detects user 9's presence. Therefore, image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the power-saving mode at time T6, when the sum of the undetected time from time T1 to time T2 and the undetected time from time T3 onward reaches elapsed time P1. That is, image forming apparatus 10 transitions to the power-saving mode at time T6, which is earlier than time T4 at which a conventional image forming apparatus 99 transitions to the power-saving mode.

[0092] [Variations] The image forming apparatuses of the first, second, and third embodiments have been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various improvements and modifications are possible.

[0093] In addition to sensor 19, image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment may include another sensor that detects changes in a range narrower than detection range 1 of sensor 19. As shown in FIG. 11 , image forming apparatus 10 includes sensor 19A that detects the presence of user 9 in detection range 1A and sensor 19B that detects the presence of user 9 in detection range 1B, which is narrower than detection range 1A. Instead of determining whether or not there is an operation by user 9 in step S103, step S203, step S208, or step S303, image forming apparatus 10 may determine whether or not another sensor, sensor 19B, has detected the presence of user 9. For example, if sensor 19B has not detected the presence of user 9 in step S103 (step S103: YES), CPU 11 proceeds to step S104. If sensor 19B has detected the presence of user 9 (step S103: NO), CPU 11 proceeds to step S102. That is, when the sensor 19B detects the presence of the user 9 (step S103: NO), the CPU 11 initializes the undetected time and starts measuring the undetected time from the initialized state.

[0094] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment may determine whether or not there is a job instead of determining whether or not there is an operation by the user 9 in step S103, step S203, step S208, or step S303. A job is the execution of a process such as printing, copying, scanning, or facsimile.

[0095] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment may detect the presence of the user 9 based on a connection request for short-range wireless communication from a terminal carried by the user 9. Examples of short-range wireless communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The image forming apparatus 10 may determine whether a connection request for short-range wireless communication has been received from a terminal carried by the user 9, instead of whether the sensor 19 has detected an abnormality in step S104, step S204, step S209, or step S304. For example, if the CPU 11 determines in step S104 that a connection request for short-range wireless communication has been received from a terminal carried by the user 9 (step S104: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S103. If the CPU 11 determines that a connection request for short-range wireless communication has not been received from a terminal carried by the user 9 (step S104: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S105.

[0096] The above processing can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit, in which case it may be executed by a single piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware.

[0097] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0098] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by a single processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0099] The program for operating the image forming apparatus 10 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred and stored in a memory or storage device. The program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device of the image forming apparatus 10 as a function of the device. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to image forming apparatuses, but can also be applied to various information processing devices, such as automated teller machines installed in banks, vending machines, and home appliances such as televisions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1, 1A, 1B detection range 9 users 10 Image forming device 19, 19A, 19B sensors 99 Conventional image forming device

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: When a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed during which the device does not detect the presence of a user around the device, the device transitions from a first mode to a second mode that consumes less energy than the first mode; If the presence of a user is detected during measurement of the undetected time before the elapsed time is reached, and a predetermined condition is satisfied, measurement of the undetected time is continued without being paused. Information processing device.

2. The predetermined condition is that there is no operation by the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: When the presence of a user is not detected and the non-detection time reaches the elapsed time, the mode is transitioned to the second mode.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The processor: The device can transition to one of three or more modes with different energy consumptions, and an elapsed time is set for each transition. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A processor is provided, The processor: When a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed during which the device does not detect the presence of a user around the device, the device transitions from a first mode to a second mode that consumes less energy than the first mode; If the presence of a user is detected during measurement of the undetected time before the elapsed time is reached, measurement of the undetected time is continued when a predetermined condition is satisfied; The device can be transitioned to one of three or more modes each having a different energy consumption, and an elapsed time is set for each transition, If the presence of a user is detected around the device while measuring the undetected time, the device stores the mode in which the undetected time is being measured, and transitions to a mode with higher energy consumption than the mode in question while continuing to measure the undetected time. If there is no operation by the user and the device no longer detects the presence of a user around the device, the device transitions back to the stored mode. Information processing device.

6. The processor: The presence of a user around the device is detected by a sensor that detects changes in the device's surroundings. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A processor, The processor: When a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed during which the device does not detect the presence of a user around the device, the device transitions from a first mode to a second mode that consumes less energy than the first mode; If the presence of a user is detected during measurement of the undetected time before the elapsed time is reached, measurement of the undetected time is continued when a predetermined condition is satisfied; Detecting the presence of a user around the device by a sensor that detects changes in the surroundings of the device; The predetermined condition is that other sensors that detect changes in a range narrower than the surrounding area do not detect any changes. Information processing device.

8. The processor: If the other sensor detects a change while the undetected time is being measured, the undetected time is initialized. The information processing device according to claim 7 .

9. The processor: If the presence of a user is detected around the device while the undetected time is being measured, the undetected time being measured is stored; When the presence of a user is no longer detected around the device in the absence of any operation by the user, the device restarts measuring from the stored undetected time.

9. The information processing device according to claim 5, claim 7, or claim 8.

10. The processor: The presence of a user around the device is detected by a short-range wireless communication connection request from a terminal carried by the user. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The processor: If a user operation is performed while the undetected time is being measured, the undetected time being measured is initialized. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. When a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed during which the device does not detect the presence of a user around the device, the device transitions from a first mode to a second mode that consumes less energy than the first mode; If the presence of a user is detected during measurement of the undetected time before the elapsed time is reached, and a predetermined condition is satisfied, measurement of the undetected time is continued without being paused. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process.

Images