Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a power saving effect while deterioration in convenience of an apparatus is inhibited as compared with a case where a power saving setting of the apparatus is changed to a certain setting at once.SOLUTION: A processor stepwisely changes a power saving setting of an apparatus based on a usage status of the apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[[Technical Field]]

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

[0002] An apparatus having a power saving function is known in the art.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 describes an apparatus that acquires an event indicating that an image forming apparatus enters a power saving state and an event indicating that the image forming apparatus recovers from the power saving state, accumulates the types of the acquired events and the occurrence times of the events, and controls the sleep state of the image forming apparatus based on a result of analysis of the accumulated information. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-118534 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to achieve a power saving effect while suppressing a decrease in convenience of the apparatus, as compared with a case where the power saving setting of the apparatus is changed to a certain setting at one time. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 includes a processor, wherein the processor stepwise changes the power saving setting of the apparatus based on a usage status of the apparatus, The power saving states of the device are defined as a first power saving state and a second power saving state that takes longer to recover from than the first power saving state. When the processor changes the power saving settings of the device in stages, it first changes the setting related to the first power saving state. Changing the power saving settings of the device in stages means that when the processor changes the setting related to the first power saving state or the setting related to the second power saving state, it changes the setting that was not changed in the previous change. which is an information processing apparatus.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the stepwise Settings power saving setting change of the apparatus includes a first-stage setting change and a second-stage setting, wherein the first-stage setting change is included, and the first-stage setting change and the setting of the second stage mentioned above change This is a setting for different settings items. change The information processing device is as described in claim 1.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is the setting of the second stage change The first stage setting change A setting that provides a higher energy-saving effect. change This is the information processing device described in claim 2.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 relates to the power saving of the device. Settings gradual change This is the setting for the first stage. change and the setting for the second stage change The processor includes the setting of the power saving setting of the device is the setting of the first stage. change to twist Based on the usage status of the device after the change, the power saving setting of the device will be set to the second setting. change to twist The modified information processing device is the one described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0011] The invention according to claim 5 is ,before The second power-saving state provides a higher power-saving effect than the first power-saving state, and a first time is defined for the state of the device to transition to the first power-saving state, and a second time is defined for the state of the device to transition from the first power-saving state to the second power-saving state, and the processor sets the first stage setting change Then, change the length of the first time and set the second stage. change The information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which changes the length of the second time.

[0012] Claim 6 The invention relating to this claim is that the processor changes the length of the first time or the second time according to the result of comparing the recovery time required for the device to recover from the power-saving state with a target value for the recovery time. 5 This is the information processing device described above.

[0013] Claim 7 The invention according to is the information processing apparatus according to Claim , wherein the processor changes the length of said first time or said second time in accordance with a comparison result between an actual power consumption of said apparatus and a target value of power consumption. 5 The invention according to claim 8 is an information processing device according to claim 1, wherein a standby state is separately defined as a power-saving state of the device, in which power is supplied to the device and a process can be executed but has not yet been executed, and a recovery time is defined which is the time it takes to return from the first power-saving state and the second power-saving state to the standby state, and the recovery time from the second power-saving state is longer than the recovery time from the first power-saving state.

[0014] The invention according to Claim 9 is a program that causes a computer to operate so as to stepwise change power saving settings of an apparatus based on a usage status of the apparatus, The power saving states of the device are defined as a first power saving state and a second power saving state that takes longer to recover from than the first power saving state. The program is configured such that when the computer changes the power saving settings of the device in stages, it first changes the settings related to the first power saving state. Changing the power saving settings of the device in stages means that when changing the settings related to the first power saving state or the settings related to the second power saving state, the setting that was not changed in the previous change is changed. , which is a program. Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the inventions of Claims 1 to 3, 8, and 9, compared to a case where the power saving setting of the apparatus is changed to a certain setting at one time, a power saving effect can be obtained while suppressing a decrease in convenience of the apparatus Furthermore, compared to the case where the second setting related to the second power-saving state is changed first, the decrease in the convenience of the device can be suppressed.

[0016] According to the invention of Claim 4, the usage status of the apparatus after the power saving setting is changed to the first-stage setting can be reflected in the power saving setting.

[0018] Claim 5 - 7 According to the invention according to , compared to a case where the time for shifting to the power saving state is changed at one time, a power saving effect can be obtained while suppressing a decrease in convenience of the apparatus. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing each mode of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for changing power saving settings. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a screen for setting a target level. ​ [Figure 5] This figure shows the relationship between power consumption and recovery time for each target level. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the energy efficiency of each mode in the second setting. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the convenience of each mode in the second setting. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the energy efficiency of each mode in setting 3A. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the convenience of each mode in setting 3A. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the energy efficiency of each mode in setting 3B. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the convenience of each mode in setting 3B. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The apparatus according to this embodiment is an apparatus that has a function to transition the state of the apparatus to an energy-saving state. The apparatus according to this embodiment may be any apparatus as long as it is such an apparatus.

[0021] The device according to this embodiment includes an operating state, a standby state, and a power-saving state. Hereinafter, the mode of the device when it is in the operating state will be referred to as the "operating mode." The mode of the device when it is in the standby state will be referred to as the "standby mode." The mode of the device when it is in the power-saving state will be referred to as the "power-saving mode."

[0022] In operating mode, the state of a device is one in which power is supplied to each component of the device and each component is operating. For example, the state of a device during warm-up or when it is executing a process are both considered states of a device in operating mode. Warm-up refers to the process of turning on the power to the device so that it can perform its processing.

[0023] In standby mode, the device is in a state where it has completed warming up, power is supplied, and the device is capable of performing processing, but it is not actually performing any processing. For example, power consumption in standby mode is less than power consumption in operating mode. Of course, depending on the state of the device in operating mode, power consumption in operating mode may be the same as or less than power consumption in standby mode.

[0024] In power-saving mode, the device is in a state where power is not supplied to some of its components, or where some or all of its components are supplied with power lower than that supplied in standby mode.

[0025] In the following, the time it takes for the device to transition from standby mode to power-saving mode will be referred to as "transition time."

[0026] When the device is in standby mode, if a transition time has elapsed since the last time the device performed processing or the last time it was operated by a user, the device will switch to power-saving mode. In other words, if a transition time has elapsed since the last time processing was performed or the last time an operation was performed, the device will switch from standby mode to power-saving mode.

[0027] If the device is in standby mode, and the user instructs the device to perform power saving (for example, by pressing a power saving button installed on the device), the device may switch from standby mode to power saving mode.

[0028] When the device is in power-saving mode, if a specific event occurs, the device will revert to standby mode or operating mode. By reverting to standby mode or operating mode, the device will be able to perform processing. The specific event is an event that corresponds to an instruction to revert. For example, if the device is provided with a revert button, and the user presses the revert button, the device will revert from power-saving mode to standby mode or operating mode. Also, if the device receives an instruction to perform processing, the device may revert from power-saving mode to standby mode or to operating mode. Note that the device may revert from power-saving mode to standby mode, or from power-saving mode to operating mode. For example, when the device is in power-saving mode, if the device receives an instruction to perform processing, the device may transition from power-saving mode to operating mode to perform the processing.

[0029] It takes time (hereinafter referred to as "recovery time") for the device to return from power-saving mode to standby mode or operating mode. Recovery time is the time required for the state of each component constituting the device to change from a power-saving state to a state in which processing or function can be executed. Since each component constituting the device has different functions, performance, or characteristics, the recovery time may differ for each component.

[0030] In the following, an image forming apparatus will be used as an example of the apparatus to describe the embodiments. However, the image forming apparatus is merely one example of the apparatus, and the embodiments may be applied to apparatuses other than image forming apparatuses.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0032] 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, scanner, copier, facsimile, or multifunction device (for example, a device having the functions of multiple devices such as a printer, scanner, and copier).

[0033] The image forming unit 12 has at least one function from among printing, scanning, copying, and facsimile. The printing method, scanning method, etc., are not particularly limited. For example, the printing method may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal method, or a thermal transfer method.

[0034] UI14 is a user interface and includes a display and an input device. The display is an LCD or EL display, etc. The input device is a keyboard, mouse, input keys, or control panel, etc. UI14 may also be a UI such as a touch panel that combines a display and an input device.

[0035] The communication device 16 includes one or more communication interfaces having a communication chip, communication circuits, etc., and has the function of transmitting information to other devices and the function of receiving information from other devices. The communication device 16 may have wireless communication functions such as short-range wireless communication or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or it may have wired communication functions.

[0036] Memory 18 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. Memory 18 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various types of memory (e.g., RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (e.g., optical discs, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0037] The processor 20 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0038] For example, if the power saving state of the image forming apparatus 10 is changed from the default first setting to another second setting, the processor 20 changes the power saving setting of the image forming apparatus 10 from the second setting to another third setting, based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10. An example of the first, second, and third settings is the setting of the transition time.

[0039] The third setting is either a setting that provides greater energy savings than the second setting, or a setting that offers greater convenience than the second setting.

[0040] The setting that provides a higher power saving effect than the second setting is one in which the transition time for the image forming apparatus 10 to switch from standby mode to power saving mode is shorter than the transition time in the second setting. The shorter the transition time, the earlier the mode switches from standby mode to power saving mode, and therefore a higher energy saving effect can be expected.

[0041] A setting that is more convenient than the second setting is one in which the transition time for the image forming apparatus 10 to switch from standby mode to power-saving mode is longer than the transition time in the second setting. The longer the transition time, the later the mode switches from standby mode to power-saving mode, thus suppressing the decrease in convenience of the image forming apparatus 10. In other words, the longer the transition time, the faster the recovery from standby mode to the operating mode is, thus suppressing the decrease in convenience.

[0042] For example, the first transition time, which is the default first setting, is pre-set in the image forming apparatus 10. If the transition time set in the image forming apparatus 10 has not been changed from the first transition time, and the first transition time has elapsed since the time the last process was executed or the last operation was performed, the processor 20 changes the state of the image forming apparatus 10 from the operating state to the power saving state.

[0043] When the transition time set in the image forming apparatus 10 is changed from the first transition time to the second transition time (the second setting), and the second transition time has elapsed since the time the last process was executed or the last operation was performed, the processor 20 changes the state of the image forming apparatus 10 from the operating state to the power-saving state.

[0044] If the transition time set in the image forming apparatus 10 is changed from the default first transition time to the second transition time, the processor 20 changes the power saving setting of the image forming apparatus 10 to a third transition time that is more power-saving than the second transition time, or a third transition time that is more convenient than the second transition time, based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10. The third transition time is an example of a third setting.

[0045] Here, we will explain specific examples of the modes of the image forming apparatus 10. As mentioned above, the modes of the image forming apparatus 10 include "operating mode," "standby mode," and "power saving mode."

[0046] The operating modes include a warm-up mode and a processing execution mode. The warm-up mode is a mode in which the power of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on and the image forming apparatus 10 is ready to perform processing. The processing execution mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 performs processing. Processing includes printing, scanning, or copying. Examples of processing execution modes include print mode and scan mode. Print mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 performs printing. Scan mode is a mode in which the image forming apparatus 10 performs scanning.

[0047] In standby mode, the image forming apparatus 10 is in a state where power is supplied to the image forming apparatus 10 after warming up is complete, and the image forming apparatus 10 is capable of executing processes such as print jobs, but the image forming apparatus 10 is not actually executing any processes.

[0048] In power-saving mode, the state of the image forming apparatus 10 is such that power is not supplied to some of its components, or that some or all of its components are supplied with power lower than that supplied in standby mode.

[0049] The time required to transition from standby mode to power-saving mode (i.e., the transition time) is set in the image forming apparatus 10. The set value of the transition time is stored in memory 18. When the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 is standby mode, if the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing any processing such as print jobs, or the time during which the UI 14 is not being operated by the user, exceeds the transition time, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from standby mode to power-saving mode. In other words, if the transition time has elapsed since the last time processing was performed or the last time an operation was performed, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from standby mode to power-saving mode.

[0050] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in standby mode, if the user operates the UI 14 to instruct the system to perform power saving (for example, by pressing the power saving button), the processor 20 may change the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from standby mode to power saving mode.

[0051] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in power-saving mode, if a specific event occurs, the processor 20 returns each part of the image forming apparatus 10 from power-saving mode to standby mode. The state after returning to standby mode is a state in which each component of the image forming apparatus 10 is able to perform processing and functions such as print jobs. Returning to standby mode means changing the state of each component of the image forming apparatus 10 from the state in power-saving mode to a state in which processing and functions can be performed. The specific event is an event that corresponds to the instruction for this return. For example, if a return button is provided on the control panel and the user presses the return button, the processor 20 determines that a specific event has occurred and changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from power-saving mode to standby mode. If the power of a component of the image forming apparatus 10 is off in power-saving mode, the processor 20 turns on the power of that component. If the power supplied to a component is lower than the power in standby mode, the processor 20 supplies the power in standby mode to that component. Furthermore, when a print job is sent from an external device to the image forming apparatus 10 and the processor 20 accepts the print job, the processor 20 determines that a specific event has occurred and changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from power-saving mode to standby mode. In this case, the processor 20 may also change the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from power-saving mode to processing execution mode (for example, print mode). The specific event described here is merely one example of an event that causes recovery, and other events may be set as events that cause recovery.

[0052] The processor 20 may change the power saving settings of the image forming apparatus 10 in stages based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the staged settings include a first-stage setting and a second-stage setting. The first-stage setting and the second-stage setting are settings for different setting items. For example, the second-stage setting is a setting that provides a higher power saving effect than the first-stage setting.

[0053] For example, several different power-saving modes can be set. Here, as an example, a first power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode are set. The second power-saving mode consumes less power than the first power-saving mode. In other words, the second power-saving mode is a mode that provides a higher power-saving effect than the first power-saving mode. The power-saving mode realized by the first setting is the first power-saving mode. The power-saving mode realized by the second setting is the second power-saving mode. The state of the image forming apparatus 10 in the first power-saving mode corresponds to an example of the first power-saving state. The state of the image forming apparatus 10 in the second power-saving mode corresponds to an example of the second power-saving state.

[0054] When multiple different power-saving modes are set, a transition time is set for each power-saving mode. For example, transition time A is set for the transition from standby mode to the first power-saving mode, and transition time B is set for the transition from the first power-saving mode to the second power-saving mode.

[0055] In the first setting, the processor 20 changes the length of the transition time A from standby mode to the first power saving mode, and in the second setting, it changes the transition time B from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode.

[0056] For example, a first power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode are set considering the energy-saving effect and recovery time. Recovery time is the time required for each part of the image forming apparatus 10 to return from power-saving mode to standby mode. In other words, recovery time is the time required for the state of each component constituting the image forming apparatus 10 to change from the state in power-saving mode to a state in which processing and function execution is possible. The recovery time may differ for each component constituting the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the recovery time of a component that functions immediately when power is supplied, such as the control panel, is relatively short. On the other hand, the recovery time of a component that functions after a certain amount of time has elapsed since power was supplied, such as the fuser, is relatively long. To explain using the fuser as an example, since it is necessary to raise the temperature of the fuser to the target temperature required for fixing, the transition time is longer by the time required for the temperature to rise. Generally, once the power to the fuser is turned off, the time required from the power-off state until actual printing can be done becomes longer.

[0057] The recovery time corresponds to the time the user waits for the image forming apparatus 10 to switch from power saving mode to standby mode. Therefore, the recovery time can be described as the user's waiting time.

[0058] When multiple different power-saving modes are set, the first, second, and third settings described above each include a transition time A for transitioning from standby mode to the first power-saving mode, and a transition time B for transitioning from the first power-saving mode to the second power-saving mode. In other words, the first transition time included in the first setting, the second transition time included in the second setting, and the third transition time included in the third setting each include transition times A and B, respectively.

[0059] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in standby mode, if the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing any processing or the UI 14 is not being operated by the user exceeds transition time A, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from standby mode to first power saving mode. In other words, if transition time A has elapsed since the last time processing or operation was performed, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from standby mode to first power saving mode. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in first power saving mode, if a specific event occurs that causes a recovery, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from first power saving mode to standby mode.

[0060] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the first power-saving mode, if the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing any processing or the UI 14 is not being operated by the user exceeds the transition time B, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the first power-saving mode to the second power-saving mode. In other words, if transition time B has elapsed since the transition to the first power-saving mode without any processing or operation, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the first power-saving mode to the second power-saving mode. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the second power-saving mode, if a specific event occurs that causes a recovery, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from the second power-saving mode to standby mode.

[0061] The first and second power saving modes are merely examples; three or more different power saving modes may be set, and the power saving mode may be changed in stages.

[0062] The standby mode, low-power mode, and sleep mode will be described below with reference to Figure 2. In the following, the low-power mode may be referred to as "LP mode" and the sleep mode as "SP mode". As mentioned above, the standby mode is a mode in which power is supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus 10. The low-power mode and sleep mode are examples of power saving modes. The low-power mode is an example of a first power saving mode, and the sleep mode is an example of a second power saving mode. The sleep mode is a mode that consumes less power than the low-power mode. In other words, the sleep mode is a mode in which a higher power saving effect can be obtained than the low-power mode.

[0063] In the following section, we will explain each mode by focusing on the power supply to the reader, operation panel, control device, and output device, as an example.

[0064] The reading device is a device included in the image forming unit 12 that generates image data by optically reading information from a document. The operation panel is a device included in the UI 14 that displays images and receives instructions from the user. The control device includes a memory 18 and a processor 20 and controls the image forming apparatus 10. The output device is a device included in the image forming unit 12 that performs printing functions. For example, the output device includes a device that forms a toner image by exposure and development, a transfer device that transfers the toner image to paper, and a fixing device that fixes the toner image transferred to the paper to the paper.

[0065] In standby mode, power is supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, power is supplied to the reader, operation panel, control device, and output device, and the image forming apparatus 10 is in a state where it can perform processing such as printing jobs.

[0066] In low-power mode, the reader and control panel are in a power-saving state. Specifically, the power to the reader and control panel is turned off, and no power is supplied to them. For example, if the control panel has a backlight, that backlight is turned off.

[0067] Low mode may be implemented as a low-power mode. Low mode is a mode in which power is supplied to the output device to maintain the fuser temperature within a predetermined temperature range without turning off the output device's power. This predetermined temperature range is lower than the fuser temperature during printing (i.e., the target temperature required for fixing) and higher than the fuser temperature before the fuser is heated when the fuser power is off. This predetermined temperature range may be a constant temperature. By lowering the fuser temperature to a temperature lower than the target temperature required for fixing, the fuser's power consumption is reduced. In addition, the time to return to standby mode is shortened compared to when the fuser power is turned off. Thus, Low mode achieves both a reduction in fuser power consumption and a shortened fuser recovery time.

[0068] In sleep mode, the reader, control panel, and output device are in a power-saving state. Specifically, the power to the reader, control panel, and output device is turned off, and no power is supplied to them.

[0069] Furthermore, in sleep mode, the control unit is in a power-saving state. For example, the control unit's power-saving state may include a state where the clock of the processor 20 included in the control unit is turned off, a state where the power supply to the processor 20 is stopped, or a state where the power supply to components other than the memory 18 included in the control unit is stopped. These are merely examples of sleep mode, and other power control measures may be taken as long as the power consumption in sleep mode is lower than the power consumption in low-power mode.

[0070] A transition time is set for each power saving mode. For example, a transition time A is set, which is the time it takes to transition from standby mode to low power mode, and a transition time B is set, which is the time it takes to transition from low power mode to sleep mode. The values ​​of transition time A and transition time B are stored in memory 18.

[0071] In the following, the transition time A from standby mode to low power mode will be referred to as "LP transition time," and the transition time B from low power mode to sleep mode will be referred to as "SLP transition time."

[0072] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in standby mode, if the time during which the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing any processing or the UI 14 is not being operated by the user exceeds the LP transition time, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from standby mode to low power mode. In other words, if the LP transition time has elapsed since the last time processing or operation was performed, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from standby mode to low power mode.

[0073] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in low-power mode, if a specific event that causes a recovery occurs, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from low-power mode to standby mode.

[0074] If the image forming apparatus 10 is in low-power mode, and the time during which no processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 10 or the UI 14 is not operated by the user exceeds the SLP transition time, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from low-power mode to sleep mode. In other words, if the SLP transition time has elapsed since the transition to the first power-saving mode without any processing or operation, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from low-power mode to sleep mode.

[0075] When the image forming apparatus 10 is in sleep mode, if a specific event occurs that causes it to resume operation, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from sleep mode to standby mode.

[0076] The time required to return from power saving mode to standby mode varies depending on the power saving mode. Specifically, the time required to return from sleep mode to standby mode is longer than the time required to return from low power mode to standby mode.

[0077] The process of changing power saving settings will be explained below, referring to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a flowchart illustrating the flow of the process for changing power saving settings.

[0078] In the following, it is assumed that low power mode and sleep mode are set as power saving modes, and that LP transition time and SLP transition time are set as transition times.

[0079] Furthermore, the transition time for the first setting will be referred to as "Transition Time 1". The LP transition time and SLP transition time included in Transition Time 1 will be referred to as "LP1" and "SLP1", respectively.

[0080] The transition time for the second setting is referred to as "Transition Time 2". The LP transition time and SLP transition time included in Transition Time 2 are referred to as "LP2" and "SLP2", respectively.

[0081] There are several different settings for the third setting. Here, as an example, there are two different settings for the third setting. We will refer to one setting as "Third Setting A" and the other setting as "Third Setting B".

[0082] The transition time for setting 3A is referred to as "Transition Time 3A". The LP transition time and SLP transition time included in Transition Time 3A are referred to as "LP3" and "SLP2", respectively.

[0083] The transition time for setting 3B is referred to as "Transition Time 3B". The LP transition time and SLP transition time included in Transition Time 3B are referred to as "LP3" and "SLP3", respectively.

[0084] First, the processor 20 determines whether the transition time set in the image forming apparatus 10 is the default transition time (S01). The default transition time setting corresponds to an example of the first setting. In step S01, the processor 20 determines whether the power saving setting of the image forming apparatus 10 has been changed from the first setting, which is the default setting, to another second setting.

[0085] If the power saving setting of the image forming apparatus 10 is the default first setting (S01, Yes), the process ends. In this case, the processor 20 controls the power saving of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first setting (LP1, SLP1). The process is executed from step S01.

[0086] If the power saving setting of the image forming apparatus 10 is not the default first setting (S01, No), the processor 20 collects usage data of the image forming apparatus 10 over a predetermined period (S02). For example, if the power saving setting is changed from the first setting (LP1, SLP1) to the second setting (LP2, SLP2), the processor 20 collects usage data of the image forming apparatus 10 over a predetermined period from the time the power saving setting is changed from the first setting to the second setting.

[0087] The usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 is a history of its use, and information indicating the usage status is stored in the memory 18. Specifically, the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 includes the operating time of each mode during the above period, the number of times the image forming apparatus 10 returned from power saving mode to standby mode during the above period (hereinafter referred to as "number of returns"), and the amount of power consumed in each mode during the above period.

[0088] Mode operation time refers to the length of time during the above period that the image forming apparatus 10 was in the state of that mode. The operation time for each mode is used. For example, the operation time for warm-up mode is the time during the above period that the image forming apparatus 10 was warming up. The operation time for standby mode is the time during the above period that the image forming apparatus 10 was in standby mode. The same applies to other modes.

[0089] The number of times the system has recovered from each power-saving mode is used. Specifically, the number of times the image forming apparatus 10 recovered from low-power mode to standby mode during the above period (i.e., the number of times it recovered from low-power mode) and the number of times the image forming apparatus 10 recovered from sleep mode to standby mode during the above period (i.e., the number of times it recovered from sleep mode) are used. In addition, the number of times the image forming apparatus 10 executed processing when its mode was standby mode is defined as the number of times it recovered from standby mode, and this number of times it recovered from standby mode is also included in the number of times it recovered as a usage status.

[0090] The second setting may be one in which both the LP transition time and the SLP transition time are changed from the first setting, or one of either the LP transition time or the SLP transition time is changed. In other words, the second setting may be (LP1, SLP2) or (LP2, SLP1).

[0091] The processor 20 calculates the energy efficiency value and convenience value of the image forming apparatus 10 based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 collected in step S02 (S03).

[0092] The energy efficiency value is a value relating to the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the processor 20 calculates the amount of power consumed in each mode and the operating time of each mode for the above period, and calculates the total amount of power consumed by all modes for the above period. This total is the energy efficiency value for the above period.

[0093] The convenience value is a value related to the recovery time (i.e., the waiting time for the user). Specifically, the processor 20 calculates the average recovery time (i.e., the average waiting time) based on the number of recovery attempts and the recovery time during the above period. This average value is the convenience value for the above period.

[0094] The number of times a device can be restored from standby mode, low power mode, or sleep mode is used as the measure of the number of times it can be restored from sleep mode.

[0095] The recovery time used to calculate the average recovery time differs for each mode. Furthermore, the recovery time for each mode is predetermined. The recovery times used include the recovery time from standby mode, the recovery time from low-power mode, and the recovery time from sleep mode. Note that when the image forming apparatus 10 is in standby mode, the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 has already returned to standby mode, so the recovery time for standby mode cannot be conceived, and its value is "0". Here, the recovery time for standby mode is used to calculate the average recovery time.

[0096] The processor 20 obtains energy efficiency and convenience target values ​​(S04). The energy efficiency target value is the target value for power consumption. The convenience target value is the target value for recovery time (i.e., standby time). Either the energy efficiency target value or the convenience target value may be used, or a target value combining the energy efficiency target value and the convenience target value may be used.

[0097] The target value is specified by the user. For example, the user operates the UI 14, and the target value is input to the image forming apparatus 10 and stored in memory 18. The timing of inputting the target value to the image forming apparatus 10 is not particularly limited. The target value may be input to the image forming apparatus 10 during initial setup or after the image forming apparatus 10 has been used for a certain period of time. The processor 20 retrieves the target value stored in memory 18.

[0098] The processor 20 calculates the LP transition time based on the values ​​calculated in step S03 (i.e., the energy efficiency value and the convenience value) and the target value obtained in step S04, and changes the LP transition time in the second setting (LP2, SLP2) to the calculated LP transition time (S05). The changed setting is the third setting A (LP3, SLP2). In other words, the processor 20 changes the LP transition time without changing the SLP transition time from the second setting.

[0099] Specifically, the processor 20 compares the value calculated in step S03 with the target value, and calculates the LP transition time (LP3) for the third setting A based on the comparison result.

[0100] Here, we will explain the relationship between transition time, energy efficiency, and convenience.

[0101] The shorter the LP transition time, the earlier the mode transitions from standby mode to low-power mode. Since power consumption in low-power mode is lower than in standby mode, a faster transition from standby mode to low-power mode can be expected to result in greater energy savings. On the other hand, focusing on the recovery time, the recovery time from low-power mode is longer than the recovery time from standby mode (in reality, recovery time is not conceptually applicable). Therefore, if the mode transitions from standby mode to low-power mode earlier, the recovery time becomes longer, reducing user convenience.

[0102] Conversely, the longer the LP transition time, the later the mode transitions from standby mode to low-power mode, which improves user convenience but reduces energy saving.

[0103] Thus, it can be said that there is a trade-off relationship between energy efficiency and convenience with respect to transition time. The processor 20 changes the transition time to improve energy efficiency or to improve convenience based on the relationship between the values ​​of energy efficiency and convenience and the target value.

[0104] For example, focusing on convenience, if the recovery time calculated in step S03 (i.e., the actual recovery time) is shorter than the target recovery time, the processor 20 shortens the LP transition time (LP3) of the third setting A to the LP transition time (LP2) of the second setting. If the actual recovery time is shorter than the target recovery time (i.e., the recovery time represented by the target value), it is presumed that the user is not dissatisfied with the convenience. In other words, it is presumed that the user does not find the recovery time inconvenient. Therefore, it is presumed that even if the power saving setting is changed to a setting that provides a higher energy saving effect than the second setting, the user's convenience will not decrease. The shorter the LP transition time, the earlier the mode transitions from standby mode to low power mode, resulting in a higher energy saving effect. Therefore, if the actual recovery time is shorter than the target recovery time, the processor 20 shortens the LP transition time (LP3) of the third setting A to the LP transition time (LP2) of the second setting. The amount of this shortening may be predetermined, specified by the user, or may be a value corresponding to the difference between the actual recovery time and the target value.

[0105] On the other hand, if the actual recovery time is longer than the target recovery time, the processor 20 makes the LP transition time (LP3) of the third setting A longer than the LP transition time (LP2) of the second setting. If the actual recovery time is longer than the target recovery time, it is presumed that the user is dissatisfied with the convenience and is requesting convenience. Therefore, in order to improve convenience, the processor 20 makes LP3 longer than LP2. The longer the LP transition time, the later the mode transitions from standby mode to low power mode, thus improving convenience. The amount by which it is extended may be predetermined, specified by the user, or may be a value corresponding to the difference between the actual recovery time and the target value.

[0106] Furthermore, focusing on energy efficiency, if the total power consumption of all modes calculated in step S03 (i.e., the total actual power consumption) is less than the target power consumption value, the processor 20 extends LP3 of the third setting A to longer than LP2 of the second setting. If the total actual power consumption is less than the target power consumption (i.e., the power consumption represented by the target value), it is presumed that the user is not dissatisfied with the energy efficiency. Therefore, it is presumed that even if the power saving setting is changed to a setting that provides a lower energy saving effect than the second setting, the energy saving effect requested by the user will be obtained. The longer the LP transition time, the later the mode transitions from standby mode to low power mode, resulting in a lower energy saving effect. On the other hand, convenience is improved. Taking this into consideration, if the total actual power consumption is less than the target power consumption, the processor 20 extends LP3 to longer than LP2. The amount of extension may be predetermined, specified by the user, or a value corresponding to the difference between the total actual power consumption and the target value.

[0107] On the other hand, if the total actual power consumption is greater than the target power consumption, the processor 20 shortens LP3 to be shorter than LP2. If the total actual power consumption is greater than the target power consumption, it is presumed that the user is dissatisfied with energy efficiency and is requesting it. Therefore, in order to improve energy efficiency, the processor 20 shortens LP3 to be shorter than LP2. The shorter the LP transition time, the earlier the mode transitions from standby mode to low-power mode, thus improving energy efficiency. The amount of shortening may be predetermined, specified by the user, or may be a value corresponding to the difference between the total actual power consumption and the target value.

[0108] The processor 20 may use as LP3 of the third setting A either (1) the LP transition time calculated by comparing the actual convenience value (i.e., the actual recovery time) with the convenience target value (i.e., the target recovery time), or (2) the LP transition time calculated by comparing the actual energy saving value (i.e., the total actual power consumption) with the energy saving target value (i.e., the target power consumption). In other words, the processor 20 may calculate either the LP transition time from (1) or the LP transition time from (2) and use the calculated LP transition time as LP3 of the third setting A.

[0109] Furthermore, the processor 20 may use the LP transition time calculated by the comparison result of (1) and (2) as LP3 of the third setting A. For example, if the comparison results of both (1) and (2) result in a longer LP transition time, the processor 20 will make LP3 longer than LP2. If the comparison results of both (1) and (2) result in a shorter LP transition time, the processor 20 will make LP3 shorter than LP2. If the comparison result of (1) and the comparison result of (2) are contradictory, the processor 20 will adopt either the comparison result of (1) or the comparison result of (2) to set LP3 of the third setting A. For example, the user will select either the comparison result of (1) or the comparison result of (2), and the processor 20 will set LP3 of the third setting A according to the user's selection. Alternatively, the processor 20 may adopt a pre-set comparison result from the comparison results of (1) and (2) to set LP3 of the third setting A.

[0110] Once LP3 is calculated, the processor 20 controls power saving for the image forming apparatus 10 according to the third setting A (LP3, SLP2). In other words, if the LP transition time indicated by LP3 has elapsed since the last time processing was performed or the last time an operation was performed, the processor 20 changes the mode of the image forming apparatus 10 from standby mode to low power mode.

[0111] When the power saving setting is changed to the third setting A (LP3, SLP2), the processor 20 collects usage data of the image forming apparatus 10 for a predetermined period of time from the time the power saving setting is changed from the second setting to the third setting A (S06). This period may be the same length as the period in step S02, or it may be a different length.

[0112] Next, the processor 20 calculates the energy efficiency value and the convenience value of the image forming apparatus 10 based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 collected in step S06, similar to step S03 (S07).

[0113] Next, the processor 20 calculates the SLP transition time based on the values ​​calculated in step S07 (i.e., the energy efficiency value and the convenience value) and the target value obtained in step S04, and changes the SLP transition time in third setting A (LP3, SLP2) to the calculated SLP transition time (S08). The changed setting is third setting B (LP3, SLP3). In other words, the processor 20 changes the SLP transition time without changing the LP transition time from third setting A.

[0114] The method for changing the SLP transition time is the same as the method for changing the LP transition time. In other words, the processor 20 compares the value calculated in step S07 with the target value and calculates the SLP transition time (SLP3) for the third setting B based on the comparison result.

[0115] Focusing on convenience, if the recovery time calculated in step S07 (i.e., the actual recovery time) is shorter than the target recovery time, the processor 20 shortens the SLP transition time (SLP3) for the third setting B to be shorter than the SLP transition time (SLP2) for the second setting and the third setting A. If the actual recovery time is shorter than the target recovery time (i.e., the recovery time represented by the target value), it is presumed that the user is not dissatisfied with the convenience. In other words, it is presumed that the user does not find the recovery time inconvenient. Therefore, it is presumed that even if the power saving setting is changed to a setting that provides a higher energy saving effect than the second setting and the third setting A, the user's convenience will not decrease. The shorter the SLP transition time, the earlier the mode transitions to sleep mode, resulting in a higher energy saving effect. Therefore, if the actual recovery time is shorter than the target recovery time, the processor 20 shortens the SLP transition time (SLP3) for the third setting B to be shorter than the SLP transition time (SLP2) for the second setting and the third setting A. The amount to be shortened may be predetermined, specified by the user, or it may be a value corresponding to the difference between the actual recovery time and the target value.

[0116] On the other hand, if the actual recovery time is longer than the target recovery time, the processor 20 makes the LP transition time (SLP3) for the third setting B longer than the SLP transition time (SLP2) for the second setting and the third setting A. If the actual recovery time is longer than the target recovery time, it is presumed that the user is dissatisfied with the convenience and is requesting convenience. Therefore, in order to improve convenience, the processor 20 makes SLP3 longer than SLP2. The longer the SLP transition time, the later the mode transitions to sleep mode, thus improving convenience. The amount by which it is extended may be predetermined, specified by the user, or may be a value corresponding to the difference between the actual recovery time and the target value.

[0117] Furthermore, focusing on energy efficiency, if the total power consumption of all modes calculated in step S07 (i.e., the total actual power consumption) is less than the target power consumption value, the processor 20 extends SLP3 in the third setting B to a longer duration than SLP2 in the second setting and third setting A. If the total actual power consumption is less than the target power consumption (i.e., the power consumption represented by the target value), it is presumed that the user is not dissatisfied with the energy efficiency. Therefore, it is presumed that even if the power saving setting is changed to a setting that provides a lower energy saving effect than the second setting and third setting A, the energy saving effect requested by the user can be obtained. The longer the SLP transition time, the later the mode transitions to sleep mode, resulting in a lower energy saving effect. On the other hand, convenience is improved. Taking this into consideration, if the total actual power consumption is less than the target power consumption, the processor 20 extends SLP3 to a longer duration than SLP2. The amount of extension may be predetermined, specified by the user, or a value corresponding to the difference between the total actual power consumption and the target value.

[0118] On the other hand, if the total actual power consumption is greater than the target power consumption, the processor 20 shortens SLP3 compared to SLP2. If the total actual power consumption is greater than the target power consumption, it is presumed that the user is dissatisfied with energy efficiency and is requesting it. Therefore, in order to improve energy efficiency, the processor 20 shortens SLP3 compared to SLP2. The shorter the SLP transition time, the earlier the mode transitions to sleep mode, thus improving energy efficiency. The amount of shortening may be predetermined, specified by the user, or may be a value corresponding to the difference between the total actual power consumption and the target value.

[0119] The processor 20 may use as the SLP3 of the third setting B an SLP transition time calculated by comparing (4) the actual convenience value (i.e., the actual recovery time) with the convenience target value (i.e., the target recovery time), or (5) the SLP transition time calculated by comparing the actual energy saving value (i.e., the total actual power consumption) with the energy saving target value (i.e., the target power consumption). In other words, the processor 20 may calculate either the SLP transition time of (4) or the SLP transition time of (5) and use the calculated SLP transition time as the SLP3 of the third setting B.

[0120] Furthermore, the processor 20 may use the SLP transition time calculated by the comparison result of (4) and (5) as SLP3 for the third setting B. For example, if the comparison results of both (4) and (5) result in a longer SLP transition time, the processor 20 will make SLP3 longer than SLP2. If the comparison results of both (4) and (5) result in a shorter SLP transition time, the processor 20 will make SLP3 shorter than SLP2. If the comparison result of (4) and the comparison result of (5) are contradictory, the processor 20 will adopt either the comparison result of (4) or the comparison result of (5) to set SLP3 for the third setting B. For example, the user will select either the comparison result of (4) or the comparison result of (5), and the processor 20 will set SLP3 for the third setting B according to the user's selection. The processor 20 may also adopt a predetermined comparison result from among the comparison results of (4) and (5) to set SLP3 for the third setting B.

[0121] When the power saving setting is changed to the third setting B, the processor 20 controls the power saving of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the third setting B. In other words, the processor 20 controls the transition to low power mode according to LP3 as the LP transition time, and controls the transition to sleep mode according to SLP3 as the SLP transition time.

[0122] Furthermore, an optimization loop may be executed after the power saving setting is changed to the third setting B. For example, the processor 20 learns the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 and, based on the learning results, changes the LP transition time or SLP transition time as described above. Artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to learn the usage status.

[0123] The execution of the process shown in Figure 3 may be set. For example, if the setting to execute the process is turned on in the image forming apparatus 10, the processor 20 will execute the process. If the setting to execute the process is turned off in the image forming apparatus 10, the processor 20 will not execute the process. The on / off setting may be pre-configured in the image forming apparatus 10, or the user may select on or off.

[0124] In the example above, the LP transition time is changed in step S05 (for example, the setting for the first stage), and then the SLP transition time is changed in step S08 (for example, the setting for the second stage). In another example, the LP transition time may be changed in both steps S05 and S08, or the SLP transition time may be changed. For example, the LP transition time may be changed to a certain value (for example, 30 minutes) in step S05, and then to a different value (for example, 10 minutes) in step S07. The same applies to the SLP transition time.

[0125] The following explains how to change the power saving settings from the first setting (LP1, SLP1) to the second setting (LP2, SLP2).

[0126] For example, a user could manually change the power saving setting from the first setting to the second setting. Another example is that the power saving setting of another image forming machine could be used as the second setting for image forming machine 10. For example, cloning could be used. Cloning involves copying the setting information of another image forming machine and transferring it to image forming machine 10, and then setting image forming machine 10 to the same settings as the other image forming machine. In this case, the second setting information indicating the power saving setting (i.e., the second setting) of the other image forming machine is sent from the other image forming machine to image forming machine 10, and the power saving setting of image forming machine 10 is changed from the first setting to the second setting. As described above, after the power saving setting is changed from the first setting to the second setting, the usage status of image forming machine 10 is collected, and based on that usage status, the power saving setting is changed from the second setting to the third setting. For example, if the other image forming machine is an older model and image forming machine 10 is a newer model, it is conceivable that the old model will be replaced with the new model. In that case, the settings of the old model will be set on the new model through cloning. Users may manually set the migration time and other settings for the new device from the old device.

[0127] If it is presumed that the settings of the old model will not provide sufficient energy savings for the new model, the processor 20 may execute the processes from step S02 onward. For example, if the target value cannot be achieved with the settings of the old model, the processor 20 will execute the processes from step S02 onward.

[0128] Possible timings for changing the power saving setting from the first setting to the second setting include, for example, when a new image forming apparatus 10 is installed in an office or other location, or when the initial setup of the image forming apparatus 10 is performed. Initial setup includes, for example, connecting a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, configuring communication settings (e.g., obtaining and setting an IP address), setting a password, and registering users. For example, when an image forming apparatus used in an office or other location is replaced with a new image forming apparatus 10, the power saving setting may be changed from the first setting to the second setting. Alternatively, the power saving setting may be changed from the first setting to the second setting between the initial power-on and power-off of the new model of image forming apparatus 10. This change also corresponds to an example of a power saving change during initial setup.

[0129] If the power saving setting is changed from the first setting to the second setting during the initial setup of the image forming apparatus 10, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the initial setup, the processor 20 changes the power saving setting from the second setting to the third setting based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 after the initial setup. The usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 after the initial setup is, for example, the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 during a predetermined period from the initial setup.

[0130] The power saving setting may be changed from the first setting to the second setting after the image forming apparatus 10 has been used for a predetermined period of time from its initial settings. In this case, the processor 20 may change the power saving setting from the second setting to the third setting (for example, third setting A) based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 during the period between the time the power saving setting was changed from the first setting to the second setting. In other words, the processor 20 changes the power saving setting from the second setting to the third setting (for example, third setting A) based on the usage status prior to the time the power saving setting was changed to the second setting (i.e., past usage status). Thus, the usage status before the power saving setting was changed to the second setting may be used.

[0131] If the power saving setting is changed from setting 2 to setting 3A, the processor 20 may display information on the UI 14 display indicating that the power saving setting has been changed from setting 2 to setting 3A. For example, the processor 20 may display a message such as "Power saving setting has been changed from setting 2 to setting 3A" or "LP transition time has been changed from LP2 to LP3" on the UI 14 display. The processor 20 may also generate audio corresponding to these messages from the speaker, or transmit information indicating these messages to the user's terminal device (for example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), tablet PC, smartphone, or mobile phone). The processor 20 may also display information indicating LP3 on the display, generate audio representing that information from the speaker, or transmit that information to the terminal device.

[0132] Similarly, if the power saving setting is changed from setting 3A to setting 3B, the processor 20 may display information on the UI 14 display indicating that the power saving setting has been changed from setting 3A to setting 3B. For example, the processor 20 may display a message such as "Power saving setting has been changed from setting 3A to setting 3B" or "SLP transition time has been changed from SLP2 to SLP3" on the UI 14 display. The processor 20 may also generate audio corresponding to these messages from the speaker, or send information indicating these messages to the user's terminal device. The processor 20 may also display information indicating SLP3 on the display, generate audio representing that information from the speaker, or send that information to the terminal device.

[0133] The processor 20 may display information indicating that the power saving setting has been changed from the second setting to the third setting A on the login screen that is first displayed after the power saving setting has been changed from the second setting to the third setting A. The login screen is a screen for the user to enter authentication information (e.g., user ID and password) necessary to log in to the image forming apparatus 10. The login screen is displayed on the UI 14 display. When the authentication information is entered on the login screen and authentication is successful, the user is allowed to log in to the image forming apparatus 10. The functions and processes that the user is allowed to use differ before and after logging in. For example, a user logs in to the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 executes a process, and then the user logs out of the image forming apparatus 10. If the power saving setting is then changed from the second setting to the third setting A, the processor 20 will display information indicating that the power saving setting has been changed from the second setting to the third setting A on the login screen that is displayed after the logout. Information indicating SLP3 may also be displayed on the login screen.

[0134] The same applies when the power saving setting is changed from setting 3A to setting 3B. The processor 20 displays information indicating that the power saving setting has been changed from setting 3A to setting 3B on the first login screen displayed after the power saving setting has been changed from setting 3A to setting 3B.

[0135] The following describes a specific example of how to change the power saving settings of the image forming apparatus 10 based on its usage when the power saving settings of the image forming apparatus 10 are changed from the default first setting to the second setting.

[0136] Figure 4 shows screen 22 for setting the target level. The target level is a value corresponding to the target values ​​for energy efficiency and convenience. In the example shown in Figure 4, the target level can be specified within the range of 1 to 5. Level 1 is the level that prioritizes recovery time, i.e., the level that prioritizes convenience. Level 5 is the level that prioritizes energy efficiency. The user specifies the desired level from levels 1 to 5 on screen 22. In the example shown in Figure 4, level 3 is specified.

[0137] Figure 5 shows the power consumption and average recovery time for each target level. Power consumption is the target value for energy saving, and the average recovery time is the target value for convenience. The average recovery time shown in Figure 5 is the average recovery time for the control panel that makes up UI14.

[0138] The energy efficiency target value corresponding to Level 3 is 5000 [Wh], and the convenience target value corresponding to Level 3 (i.e., the target value for the average recovery time of the control panel) is 1.5 [seconds]. In step S05 described above, the processor 20 calculates the LP transition time by comparing the value calculated in step S03 with the target value corresponding to Level 3. Similarly, in step S08 described above, the processor 20 calculates the SLP transition time by comparing the value calculated in step S07 with the target value corresponding to Level 3.

[0139] Note that target values ​​do not necessarily have to be specified by level. For example, the user may use UI14 to input specific values ​​for energy efficiency target values ​​and convenience target values. Levels finer or coarser than levels 1-5 may also be defined.

[0140] The following explanation will refer to Figures 6 and 7 to describe the energy efficiency and convenience values ​​when the power saving setting is set to the second setting (LP2, SLP2). Figure 6 shows an example of the energy efficiency value. An example of the energy efficiency value is the amount of electricity consumed. Figure 7 shows an example of the convenience value. An example of the convenience value is the recovery time (i.e., standby time). LP2 is 60 minutes, and SLP2 is 60 minutes.

[0141] Figures 6 and 7 show the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 during a predetermined period starting from the time the power saving setting was changed to the second setting. Figure 6 shows the modes in which the image forming apparatus 10 was used during that period. Specifically, the operating time and power consumption for each mode are shown as an example of the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 7 shows the number of times the apparatus was restored from standby mode, low power mode, and sleep mode, and the average restoration time, as well as an example of the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 during that period.

[0142] Figure 6 shows the power value [W], operating time [minutes], and energy consumption [Wh] for each mode. The power value [W] for a given mode corresponds to the power consumed in that mode and is predetermined. The operating time for a given mode is the length of time during the above period that the image forming apparatus 10 was actually in that mode. For example, the operating time for standby mode is 1800 [minutes] during the above period. The energy consumption [Wh] for a given mode corresponds to the power actually consumed in that mode. The total is the sum of the actual energy consumption during the above period.

[0143] Figure 6 shows examples of operating modes, including warm-up mode, print mode, and scan mode. The power consumption in warm-up mode is the highest among these modes. Standby mode, low-power mode, and sleep mode are also shown. The power consumption in sleep mode is the lowest among all modes.

[0144] Figure 7 shows the recovery time [seconds], number of recoveries, and average recovery time [seconds] for each mode. It shows the recovery time from standby mode, low power mode, and sleep mode.

[0145] Furthermore, the recovery time is indicated for both the control panel and the fuser. The control panel recovery time is the time required for the control panel to recover from each mode. The control panel recovery means that the backlight of the control panel turns on and operation using the control panel becomes possible. The fuser recovery time is the time required for the fuser to recover from each mode. The fuser recovery means that power is supplied to the fuser, and the fuser heats up until it is ready to perform fixing.

[0146] For each mode, the reset times for the control panel and the fuser are indicated. These reset times are predetermined.

[0147] The recovery time from standby mode is defined as "0" seconds. The recovery time from sleep mode is longer than the recovery time from low-power mode. This is because the power supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus 10 in sleep mode is lower than the power supplied in low-power mode, or power is not supplied to some parts of the image forming apparatus 10 in sleep mode.

[0148] Figure 7 shows the number of times the device has recovered from standby mode, low power mode, and sleep mode.

[0149] The average recovery time is the average of the recovery times (i.e., the average of the waiting times). Here, as an example, the average recovery time for the control panel and the average recovery time for the fuser unit are shown. For the control panel, the processor 20 calculates the product of the recovery time and the number of recovery cycles for each mode, calculates the sum of the products for each mode, and divides this sum by the total number of recovery cycles. This gives the average recovery time for the control panel. The same procedure is followed for the average recovery time for the fuser unit.

[0150] The average recovery time for the control panel is calculated as follows: {Wake-up time from standby mode (0 seconds) × number of wake-ups (55 times) + Wake-up time from low power mode (1 second) × number of wake-ups (32 times) + Wake-up time from sleep mode (3 seconds) × number of wake-ups (15 times)} / (55 times + 32 times + 15 times) = 0.75 seconds

[0151] The average recovery time of the fixing device is calculated as follows: {Time to wake from sleep mode (0 seconds) × Number of wake-ups (55 times) + Time to wake from low power mode (3 seconds) × Number of wake-ups (32 times) + Time to wake from sleep mode (5 seconds) × Number of wake-ups (15 times)} / (55 times + 32 times + 15 times) = 2.22 seconds

[0152] The total shown in Figure 6 (8947 [Wh]) represents the energy-saving value, while the average recovery time shown in Figure 7 (0.75 [seconds], 2.22 [seconds]) represents the convenience value.

[0153] In step S05 described above, the processor 20 compares the energy efficiency and convenience values ​​with the target values ​​and calculates the LP transition time (LP3) for the third setting A based on the comparison results. In this way, the processor 20 calculates the LP transition time for the third setting A based on the energy efficiency value and average recovery time calculated from the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, the usage status shown in Figures 6 and 7) during a predetermined period from the time the power saving setting is changed to the second setting.

[0154] In the example shown in Figure 5, a target value for the average recovery time of the control panel is specified. In this case, the processor 20 compares the actual average recovery time calculated as described above with the target value for average recovery time in terms of usability.

[0155] Target level 3 is specified, and the target value for the average recovery time at that time is 1.5 seconds. The actual average recovery time shown in Figure 7 is 0.75 seconds, so the actual average recovery time is below the target value. In other words, when the power saving setting is set to setting 2, the user's goal regarding convenience is met.

[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the target power consumption corresponding to target level 3 is 5000 [Wh]. The actual total power consumption shown in Figure 6 is 8947 [Wh], so the actual total power consumption exceeds the target value. In other words, when the power saving setting is set to level 2, the user's energy-saving target is not met.

[0157] If the above comparison results are obtained, the processor 20 shortens the LP transition time compared to the LP transition time of the second setting in order to obtain a higher energy saving effect than the second setting, and changes the power saving setting from the second setting to the third setting A, which includes the shorter LP transition time. For example, the processor 20 changes the LP transition time from 60 minutes to 5 minutes. In this case, LP3 = 5 minutes. In the third setting A, LP3 is 5 minutes, and SLP2 remains 60 minutes. Note that the value "5 minutes" may be a value corresponding to the difference between the total actual power consumption and the target value, and the difference between LP2 and LP3 may be a predetermined value.

[0158] Figures 8 and 9 show the usage of the image forming apparatus 10 during a predetermined period starting from the point when the power saving setting was changed from the second setting to the third setting A. Figure 8 shows the energy saving value, and Figure 9 shows the convenience value. The meaning of each value shown in Figure 8 is the same as the meaning of each value shown in Figure 6. The meaning of each value shown in Figure 9 is the same as the meaning of each value shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 shows the modes in which the image forming apparatus 10 was used during that period. Specifically, the operating time and power consumption of each mode are shown as an example of the usage of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 9 shows the number of times the apparatus was restored from standby mode, low power mode, and sleep mode, and the average restoration time, as an example of the usage of the image forming apparatus 10 during that period. Similar to the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the power consumption, total power consumption, and average restoration time are calculated for a predetermined period starting from the point when the power saving setting was changed from the second setting to the third setting A. This calculation is an example of the calculation in step S07.

[0159] As shown in Figure 9, the actual average recovery time is 1.15 seconds, which is below the target value of 1.5 seconds. In other words, when the power saving setting is set to setting 3A, the user's goal regarding convenience is met.

[0160] As shown in Figure 8, the total actual electricity consumption is 6964 [Wh], which exceeds the target value of 5000 [Wh]. In other words, when the power saving setting is set to setting 3A, the user's energy-saving target is not met.

[0161] If the above comparison results are obtained, the processor 20 shortens the SLP transition time to be shorter than the SLP transition time of the third setting A in order to obtain a higher energy saving effect than the third setting A, and changes the power saving setting from the third setting A to the third setting B, which includes the shorter SLP transition time. For example, the processor 20 changes the SLP transition time from 60 minutes to 15 minutes. In this case, SLP3 = 5 minutes. LP3 in the third setting B remains 5 minutes, and SLP3 is 5 minutes. Note that the value "5 minutes" may be a value corresponding to the difference between the total actual power consumption and the target value, and the difference between SLP2 and SLP3 may be a predetermined value. In this way, the processor 20 calculates the SLP transition time for the third setting B based on the energy saving value calculated from the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 (for example, the usage status shown in Figures 8 and 9) and the average recovery time during a predetermined period from the time the power saving setting was changed to the third setting A.

[0162] Figures 10 and 11 show the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 during a predetermined period from the time the power saving setting was changed to setting 3B. Figure 10 shows the energy saving value, and Figure 11 shows the convenience value. The meaning of each value shown in Figure 10 is the same as the meaning of each value shown in Figures 6 and 8. The meaning of each value shown in Figure 11 is the same as the meaning of each value shown in Figures 7 and 9. Similar to the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the amount of electricity, the total amount of electricity, and the average recovery time are calculated for a predetermined period from the time the power saving setting was changed from setting 3A to setting 3B.

[0163] As shown in Figure 11, the actual average recovery time is 1.48 seconds, which is below the target value of 1.5 seconds. In other words, when the power saving setting is set to setting 3A, the user's goal regarding convenience is met.

[0164] As shown in Figure 10, the total actual electricity consumption is 4725 [Wh], which is below the target value of 5000 [Wh]. In other words, when the power saving setting is set to setting 3A, the user's energy-saving target is met.

[0165] As described above, by setting the power saving setting to setting 3B, the user can achieve their specified goals in terms of both energy efficiency and convenience.

[0166] Subsequently, the optimization loop may be executed, which could change the power saving setting from the third setting B to another setting.

[0167] As described above, the power saving settings are changed based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10 and the target value so that the target value is achieved.

[0168] The examples shown in Figures 6 to 11 are merely examples of processes that change power saving settings based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10. As another example, the processor 20 calculates the time intervals in which jobs (e.g., print jobs) are executed within a specific period, and calculates the sum of the shortest time interval and a predetermined value (e.g., a buffer time). If this sum is shorter than the transition time currently set in the image forming apparatus 10, the processor 20 changes the transition time to that sum. To explain with a specific example, if the shortest time interval is 5 minutes and the buffer time is 3 minutes, the sum is 8 minutes. If the transition time currently set in the image forming apparatus 10 is longer than 8 minutes, the processor 20 changes the transition time to 8 minutes. The buffer time may be set by the user or may be set in advance in the image forming apparatus 10. The time intervals in which jobs are executed are also included in the concept of the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10, and changing the power saving settings based on those time intervals may also be included in changing the power saving settings based on the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0169] The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing device. The processing shown in Figure 3 may not be performed by the image forming apparatus 10, but by an external device other than the image forming apparatus 10 (e.g., a PC or server). In this case, the external device is an example of an information processing device. For example, the external device obtains data indicating the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10, data indicating the power saving settings, and data indicating target values ​​from the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication path such as a network, calculates LP3 and SLP3, and transmits data indicating LP3 and SLP3 to the image forming apparatus 10. The processor 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 controls power saving of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the LP3 and SLP3 calculated by the external device. At predetermined intervals, data indicating the usage status of the image forming apparatus 10, data indicating the power saving settings, and data indicating target values ​​may be transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 to the external device. The LP3 and SLP3 calculated by the external device may be displayed on the display of the external device or the image forming apparatus 10. The LP3 and SLP3 calculated by the external device may be input to the image forming apparatus 10 by the user.

[0170] In the embodiments described above, an image forming apparatus 10 was used as an example of a device, but the embodiments may also be applied to devices such as PCs and displays, or to other devices that have a sleep mode (for example, home appliances and industrial equipment).

[0171] The functions of the image forming apparatus 10 described above are realized, for example, through the cooperation of hardware and software. For instance, the processor reads and executes programs stored in the memory of each device, thereby realizing the functions of each device. The programs are stored in memory via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network.

[0172] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including 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.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. In addition, the order of the processor's operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0173] 10 Image forming apparatus, 12 Image forming unit, 20 Processor.

Claims

1. It has a processor, The aforementioned processor, Based on the usage status of the device, the power saving settings of the device are changed in stages. The power-saving states of the device are defined as a first power-saving state and a second power-saving state that takes longer to recover from than the first power-saving state. The aforementioned processor, When changing the power saving settings of the device in stages, the setting related to the first power saving state is changed first. The stepwise change of the power saving settings of the device means that when the processor changes the setting related to the first power saving state or the setting related to the second power saving state, it changes the setting that was not changed in the previous change. Information processing device.

2. The stepwise change of the power saving settings of the device includes a first-stage setting change and a second-stage setting change. The setting changes in the first and second stages described above are setting changes for different setting items. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The second setting change described above is a setting change that provides a higher power saving effect than the first setting change described above. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The stepwise change of the power saving settings of the device includes a first-stage setting change and a second-stage setting change. The aforementioned processor, Based on the usage status of the device after the power saving setting of the device has been changed by the first setting change, the power saving setting of the device is changed by the second setting change. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second power saving state provides a higher power saving effect than the first power saving state. A first time is defined during which the state of the device transitions to the first power-saving state, and a second time is defined during which the state of the device transitions from the first power-saving state to the second power-saving state. The aforementioned processor, In the first setting change, the length of the first time is changed, In the second setting change mentioned above, the length of the second time is changed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The aforementioned processor, Depending on the comparison between the recovery time required for the device to recover from the power-saving state and the target value of the recovery time, the length of the first or second time is changed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned processor, Depending on the comparison result between the actual power consumption of the device and the target power consumption, the length of the first or second time is changed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

8. A separate power-saving state for the aforementioned device is defined as a standby state in which power is supplied to the device and a process can be executed, but the process has not yet been executed. A recovery time is defined, which is the time it takes to return to the standby state from the first power saving state and the second power saving state. The recovery time from the second power-saving state is longer than the recovery time from the first power-saving state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. Computers Based on the usage status of the device, the power saving settings of the device are changed in stages. A program that makes it work in this way, The power-saving states of the device are defined as a first power-saving state and a second power-saving state that takes longer to recover from than the first power-saving state. The aforementioned program is used by the computer, When changing the power saving settings of the device in stages, the device is operated to change the setting related to the first power saving state first. Changing the power saving settings of the device in stages means that when changing the setting related to the first power saving state or the setting related to the second power saving state, the setting that was not changed in the previous change is changed. program.

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