JP2015174281A - Image forming apparatus, control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which achieves both user convenience and high energy-saving efficiency, and a control method thereof; and to provide a program.SOLUTION: In an image forming device 200, a user's instruction received from a host device as well as user information for identifying the user are stored in a storage unit; when it is detected that the user is present within a range predetermined by the image forming device when it operates with a smaller power consumption under a power saving operation state than under another state, the user information of the user who exists in the predetermined range is acquired; and when it is determined whether the acquired user information is identical with the user information stored in the storage unit, and the former is determined not to be identical with the latter, the power saving operation state is returned to another operation state under which a power consumption is larger than under the power saving operation state, and when the former is determined to be identical with the latter, the power saving operation state is maintained.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when using a plurality of terminals such as personal computers arranged in a room or field environment, a security system is known in which a user is identified and only authenticated users can use the terminal (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  In this security system, communication is performed between a communication device arranged in the vicinity of the terminal and a wireless tag carried by the user, and the user is automatically activated when the terminal that the user approaches and user authentication. The convenience of was planned.

JP 2002-157040 A

  However, when the security system of the above-described conventional example is applied to an image forming apparatus and the use permission of the image forming apparatus is obtained, a plurality of users having use permission such as a license of the image forming apparatus pass only in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the image forming apparatus in the sleep mode that is in the power saving operation state automatically returns.

  Generally, a user who gives a print instruction from a personal computer comes to the front of the image forming apparatus to pick up output paper.

  At this time, the user just picks up the output paper and does not operate the image forming apparatus. However, the power saving operation state is canceled when the user approaches the image forming apparatus, so that the energy saving efficiency deteriorates. There is a problem to do.

  Further, there is a problem that the image forming apparatus starts up every time the output paper is taken and it is bothersome.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program that achieve both user convenience and energy saving efficiency.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus operable in a plurality of operation states having different power consumption amounts, and print instructions by a user together with user information for identifying the user. A receiving unit that receives from a host device, a storage unit that stores the user information received by the receiving unit in a storage unit, and a power consumption that is less than other states among the plurality of operating states. A detecting means for detecting that the user is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus when operating in a power operating state; and the user is within a predetermined range by the detecting means. An acquisition means for acquiring user information of a user existing within the predetermined range, and user information acquired by the acquisition means when the detection is performed. A discriminating unit that discriminates whether or not the user information matches the user information stored in the unit; and when the discriminating unit discriminates that the user information does not match, It is characterized by comprising return means for returning to the operating state and maintenance means for maintaining the operating state in the power saving operating state when the determining means determines that they match.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not a user who exists within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus matches the user who has instructed printing, and in the case of matching, the power saving operation state is canceled. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can achieve both user convenience and energy saving efficiency, a control method therefor, and a program.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a return condition from a sleep mode of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus and the document feeding apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the electrical structure of the scanner part and printer part in FIG. It is a figure which shows the electrical structure of IC tag reader / writer and non-contact IC. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the user ID process performed by CPU in FIG. 4 (B). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a return process from a sleep mode executed by a CPU in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation | movement process performed by CPU of the control part in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a return process from a sleep mode when a face recognition camera is used, which is executed by the CPU in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 100 including an image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 200, a document feeding apparatus 800, and a finisher 900. The image forming apparatus 200 is provided with an IC tag reader / writer 500 and an operation panel 700, and is connected to the network 14. The image forming apparatus 200 reads a document and prints the image data on a recording medium such as paper, or prints image data received from a personal computer via the network 14 on a recording medium. The document feeder 800 is mounted on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200. The finisher 900 is attached to the side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200 and performs post-processing of output paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 200. The operation panel 700 is provided on the upper front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200.

  The IC tag reader / writer 500 is provided in front of the main body of the image forming apparatus 200, and reads / writes information from / to the non-contact IC 600 incorporated in the authentication tags 101, 102, 103 possessed by the user. The non-contact IC 600 is also called an IC tag, and has a memory unit capable of storing a wireless function and information therein, as will be described later. These authentication tags are communication devices that can wirelessly communicate with the image forming apparatus 200 within a predetermined range.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not the user is approaching is determined based on whether or not the authentication tags 101, 102, and 103 possessed by each user are in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 200. When the user having the authentication tags 101, 102, and 103 passes near the image forming apparatus 200, that is, when the non-contact IC 600 exists within the range of the radio wave emitted by the IC tag reader / writer 500, communication is possible between them. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 200 receives the communicable interrupt signal from the IC tag reader / writer 500 and determines that the user has approached. The range of the radio wave is within a predetermined range.

  The IC tag reader / writer 500 may be configured to be powered by detection by a pyroelectric sensor (not shown) that reacts to the heat of the moving user. In general, the pyroelectric sensor has less standby power consumption than the IC tag reader / writer 500, leading to energy saving efficiency. As described above, when the IC tag reader / writer 500 is operated, the pyroelectric sensor is further provided as another detection unit for detecting the user with low power consumption compared to the power consumption consumed when the IC tag reader / writer 500 is operated. Alternatively, the IC tag reader / writer 500 may be powered and the IC tag reader / writer 500 may be activated.

  In the present embodiment, authentication tags 101, 102, 103 possessed by each user are realized as ID cards. The authentication tag is not limited to an ID card as long as it has a wireless function and a storage function like a smartphone.

  When a user who has one of the authentication tags 101, 102, 103 passes near the image forming apparatus 200, that is, when the non-contact IC 600 in the authentication tag is within the range of radio waves emitted by the IC tag reader / writer 500, Communication is performed between the contact IC 600 and the IC tag reader / writer 500.

  The image forming apparatus 200 has a user authentication function. When communication between the IC tag reader / writer 500 and the non-contact IC 600 is performed by a user having one of the authentication tags 101, 102, and 103 passing near the image forming apparatus 200, the image forming apparatus 200 User authentication is performed based on communication.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print instruction from the personal computer via the network 14, the image forming apparatus 200 acquires user information attached to the print instruction. Since this user information is a user ID in this embodiment, the user information is expressed as a user ID in the following description. When the printing based on the printing instruction is completed, the “printed” information is held in correspondence with the user ID.

  The image forming apparatus 200 stores a user ID permitted to use the image forming apparatus in the ROM 303 in advance. This “user ID that is permitted to use the image forming apparatus” is expressed as a use-permitted user ID in the following description. When the image forming apparatus 200 authenticates the user, the image forming apparatus 200 searches the stored use-permitted user ID and determines whether or not the user to be authenticated is use-permitted. When there is no user ID corresponding to the stored permitted user ID, it is determined that the use is not permitted.

  When the image forming apparatus 200 is not used for a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus 200 shifts to a sleep mode that is a power saving operation state. For example, if the copying machine has not been used for a certain period of time, it automatically shifts to the sleep mode. As described above, the image forming apparatus 200 can operate in a plurality of operation states with different power consumption, and can operate in a sleep mode in which the power consumption is smaller than in other states.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a return condition from the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 200 in FIG. A matrix table indicating the return condition is stored in the ROM 303.

  As shown in the matrix table in FIG. 2, the user authentication result does not return from the sleep mode for a user whose use is not permitted. This “unauthorized use” user is a user whose user ID does not correspond to the above-described permitted user ID. One “use permitted” user is a user having a user ID corresponding to the above-described use permitted user ID.

  Further, even if the user is “use permitted”, if the user corresponds to “printed” information, the user does not return from the sleep mode. That is, when printing based on the print instruction from the personal computer is finished, and the user authentication result matches the user who issued this print instruction, the sleep mode is not restored. This is because it is considered that the user has just come to obtain the print result and does not use the image forming apparatus.

  Only when the user authentication result is “use permitted” and the user print instruction detection result is “not printing”, the image forming apparatus 200 is in the normal power consumption state during use from the sleep mode. Return to normal mode. This is because it is considered that this user is highly likely to use the image forming apparatus 200.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the sleep mode is not canceled when a user who has just come to pick up the output paper and authenticates a user who is unlikely to operate the image forming apparatus 200 is authenticated. It is possible to achieve both user convenience and energy saving efficiency.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 200 and the document feeding apparatus 800 in FIG.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus 200. FIG. 3A shows an image forming apparatus in which a pressure plate is placed instead of the document feeder 800. The image forming apparatus 200 includes an image reader unit 201 that reads a document image and a printer unit 202 that reproduces image data read by the image reader unit 201.

  The image reader unit 201 reads an image of a document at a resolution of 400 dpi (dots / inch) and performs digital signal processing. The printer unit 202 prints an image corresponding to the original image read by the image reader unit 201 on a designated sheet in full color at a resolution of 1200 dpi. In the image reader unit 201, when a document 204 on a platen 203 that is a platen glass is irradiated by a lamp 205, the reflected light is guided to mirrors 206, 207, and 208. The reflected light is connected as an image by the lens 209 to the CCD 210, which is a three-line sensor that converts the collected light into an electrical signal. Red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components, which are full color information indicating an image, are sent to the signal processing unit 211. The carriage to which the lamp 205 and the mirror 206 are fixed moves at a speed v in the direction perpendicular to the electric scanning direction of the line sensor, and the mirrors 207 and 208 move at a speed 1 / 2v, thereby Scan the entire surface.

  The read image data is temporarily stored in the memory. When the image data is read again from the memory, the signal processing unit 211 processes the read image data and decomposes it into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (Bk) components. Then, an image signal indicating them is sent to the printer unit 202. M, C, Y, and Bk image signals sent from the image reader unit 201 are sent to the laser driver 212. The laser driver 212 modulates and drives the semiconductor laser 213 in accordance with the transmitted image signal. The laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 217 via the polygon mirror 214, the f-θ lens 215, and the mirror 216. The rotary developing unit 218 includes a magenta developing unit 219, a cyan developing unit 220, a yellow developing unit 221, and a black developing unit 222. The four developing units are in contact with the photosensitive drum 217 alternately, and latent images formed on the photosensitive drum 217 are formed. Image development is developed with toner. The transfer drum 223 winds the paper supplied from the paper cassette 224 or 225 around the surface, and transfers the image developed on the photosensitive drum 217 to the paper. Thus, after the four colors M, C, Y, and Bk are sequentially transferred, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 226, and is discharged after the toner is fixed.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the configuration of the document feeder 800. The document feeder 800 conveys the document to a predetermined reading position of the image reader unit 201. The document feeder 800 has a document tray 154 on which documents are placed, and a wide belt 157 wound around a driving roller 536 and a turn roller 537 below the document tray 154. The document P placed on the document tray 154 is sequentially separated from the uppermost sheet and conveyed to the platen 203 that is the reading position of the image reader unit 201. The wide belt 157 is in contact with the platen 203 and places the document P conveyed from the document tray 154 at a predetermined position on the platen 203 or carries the document P placed on the platen 203 to the discharge tray 510. To do. The document tray 154 is for stacking documents. A stopper 521 is rotatably provided at the downstream end of the document tray 154 in the transport direction, and the sheet document P set on the document tray 154 protrudes. It is restricted by the stopper 521 and cannot advance downstream. In the vicinity of the upstream portion of the stopper 521, a document set detection sensor 540 (540a, 540b) including a transmission type optical sensor that detects that the sheet document bundle P is set is provided. A document set signal that is a detection signal from the document set detection sensor 540 is input to the image reader unit 201.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image reader unit 201 and the printer unit 202 in FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image reader unit 201. In FIG. 4A, the image reader unit 201 has a configuration in which a local bus 404 and an I / O bus 405 are connected via a bridge circuit 406. The I / O bus 405 is an internal bus for function expansion.

  A CPU 401, a RAM 402, and a ROM 403 are connected to the local bus 404. The CPU 401 controls each unit of the image reader unit 201. The RAM 402 temporarily stores the result calculated by the CPU 401, the image data read by the image reader unit 201, and the like. The ROM 403 stores a program executed by the CPU 401 and the like. On the other hand, a network interface controller 410, an IPU 409 that is an image processing unit, a scanner interface 408, an extended I / O interface 411, a printer interface 413, and an auto feeder interface 414 are connected to the I / O bus 405. The scanner unit 407 converts an optical signal read from the document placed on the document table into electronic data using a CCD or the like, and transfers the electronic data to the scanner interface 408.

  The scanner interface 408 connects the scanner unit 407 and the I / O bus 405, and transfers the scanned image data of the original transferred from the scanner unit 407 to the RAM 402 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 401. The network interface controller 410 is used for connecting to the network 14. The IPU 409 performs image processing such as resolution conversion, and constitutes the signal processing unit 211 described above. The extended I / O interface 411 is an interface circuit for the communication between the portable device and the CPU 401, for example. Examples of the communication method include serial communication, a bicentro interface, and wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). A printer unit 202 is connected to the printer interface 413 and is used when image data and various signals stored in the RAM 402 are transferred to the printer unit 202. A document set detection sensor 540 of the document feeder 800 is connected to the auto feeder interface 414.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer unit 202. In FIG. 4B, the printer unit 202 has a configuration in which a local bus 304 and an I / O bus 305 are connected via a bridge circuit 306. The I / O bus 305 is an internal bus for function expansion. A CPU 301, a RAM 302, and a ROM 303 are connected to the local bus 304. A CPU 301 controls each unit of the printer unit 202. A RAM 302 serving as a storage unit temporarily stores results calculated by the CPU 301, image data handled by the printer unit 202, and the like. The ROM 303 stores a program executed by the CPU 301, font data for generating image data, and the like. A flowchart showing processing of the image forming apparatus 200 described later shows a procedure for the CPU 301 to execute a program stored in the ROM 303. On the other hand, the I / O bus 305 includes a printer interface 308, an IDE interface 310, a NIC 311, an IPU 312, a raster image processor RIP 313, a VRAM 314, a video interface 315, an extended I / O interface 316, a scanner interface 317, a panel interface 318, The IC tag reader / writer 500 is connected. The printer unit 307 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper, and can be printed by an electrophotographic method in this embodiment. The printer interface 308 connects the printer unit 307 and the I / O bus 305, and can transfer image data stored in the RAM 302 to the printer unit 307 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 301.

  The hard disk drive 309 is connected to the I / O bus 305 via the IDE interface 310, and spools image data and stores programs executed by the CPU 301. The NIC 311 is used to connect to the network 14. The IPU 312 performs image processing such as resolution conversion. The RIP 313 expands the image data of the page description language transferred from the outside via the NIC 311 into a bitmap image according to the instruction of the CPU 301, and stores the expanded bitmap data in the RAM 302. Display data displayed on an external CRT or LCD panel by the CPU 301 is written into the VRAM 314. The video interface 315 is an interface for displaying display data stored in the VRAM 314 on an external CRT or LCD panel. The extended I / O interface 316 is an interface circuit for the CPU 301 to communicate with, for example, a portable device. As this communication method, there is a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) in addition to serial communication and a Bicentro interface. The IC tag reader / writer 500 reads / writes data from / to the non-contact IC 600 by wireless communication. An operation panel 700 is connected to the I / O bus 305 via a panel interface 318 and an image reader unit 201 is connected via a scanner interface 317.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the IC tag reader / writer 500 and the non-contact IC 600. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the IC tag reader / writer 500. In FIG. 5A, the IC tag reader / writer 500 reads and writes data from and to the non-contact IC 600 by wireless communication. The IC tag reader / writer 500 includes a transmission antenna unit 501, a modulation circuit 502, a reception antenna unit 503, a demodulation circuit 504, a control unit 505, an interface unit 506, and a power source 507. The transmitting antenna unit 501 transmits radio waves to the non-contact IC 600. The modulation circuit 502 modulates radio waves transmitted from the transmission antenna unit 501. The reception antenna unit 503 receives radio waves transmitted from the non-contact IC 600.

  The demodulation circuit 504 demodulates the signal received from the receiving antenna unit 503. The interface unit 506 communicates with the host device. The power source 507 is connected to the transmission antenna unit 501 and supplies power to the non-contact IC 600. The control unit 505 controls the transmission antenna unit 501, the modulation circuit 502, the reception antenna unit 503, and the demodulation circuit 504. Further, the control unit 505 modulates a radio wave for supplying power and data to be transmitted using the modulation circuit 502 in accordance with an instruction from the outside, and transmits the radio wave from the transmission antenna unit 501 to the outside. Further, the control unit 505 can convert a radio signal received from the outside so that it can be handled as a data signal after being received by the receiving antenna unit 503 and demodulated by the demodulation circuit 504.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the non-contact IC 600. 5B, the non-contact IC 600 is incorporated in each of the authentication tags 101, 102, and 103. The non-contact IC 600 includes a nonvolatile memory 601, an antenna unit 602, a resonance capacitor 603, a power generation unit 604, a post modulation unit 605, and a control unit 606. The antenna unit 602 transmits and receives radio waves, and is combined with a resonance capacitor 603 to form a resonance circuit. The power generation unit 604 performs rectification and smoothing of the power source. The rear modulation unit 605 modulates and demodulates radio waves.

  When a radio signal for supplying power from the outside is sent, the radio signal is received by the resonance circuit described above and supplied to the power generation unit 604. As a result, the power generation unit 604 can supply power necessary for operating the non-contact IC 600. This power is also supplied to the nonvolatile memory 601 and the post-modulation unit 605. The control unit 606 includes a CPU and a ROM (not shown), and controls the non-contact IC 600. Along with radio waves for supplying power from the outside, data to be read from and written to the non-contact IC 600 is also transmitted / received simultaneously. A flowchart showing processing of the non-contact IC 600 described later shows a procedure for the CPU to execute a program stored in the ROM. The signal sent to the non-contact IC 600 is demodulated by the post-modulation unit 605 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 601 by the control unit 606. Further, data read from the nonvolatile memory 601 by the control unit 606 is modulated by the post-modulation unit 605 and transmitted from the antenna unit 602 as a radio wave signal.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of user ID processing executed by the CPU 301 in FIG. The user ID process shown in FIG. 6 is performed for each print instruction from the personal computer. For example, when the image forming apparatus 200 continuously receives two print instructions from a personal computer, the print instructions are performed independently for each of the two print instructions.

  In FIG. 6, the CPU 301 receives a print instruction from the personal computer via the network 14 (YES in step S101). When the print instruction is received, a user ID for identifying the user attached to the print instruction is detected and stored in the RAM 302 (step S102). Next, the CPU 301 starts time measurement (step S103). This is performed in order to measure the elapsed time after the user issues a print instruction. When a predetermined time elapses (YES in step S104), the user ID stored in the RAM 302 is deleted (step S105), and this process is terminated.

  If the user does not appear in front of the image forming apparatus 200 within a predetermined time after issuing the print instruction, he / she willingly take the output paper from himself / herself, such as having another user pick up the output paper together There is a high possibility that there is no. When the same user appears in front of the image forming apparatus 200 after a predetermined time, there is a high possibility that the image forming apparatus 200 will be operated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed in step S104, the user ID stored in RAM 302 is deleted.

  If a print instruction is received from the personal computer via the network 14 in step S101, the image forming apparatus 200 performs a printing process according to the print instruction. At this time, if the image forming apparatus 200 is in the sleep mode, the print mode is returned from the sleep mode to the normal state in response to the reception of the print instruction.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the return processing from the sleep mode executed by the CPU 301 in FIG.

  When the image forming apparatus 200 is in the sleep mode (YES in step S201), when the user approaches within a predetermined range of the image forming apparatus 200 (YES in step S202), the CPU 301 does not respond to the IC tag reader / writer 500. A read request for accessing the internal memory of the contact IC 600 is made. That is, when the non-contact IC 600 in the authentication tag held by the user enters the range of radio waves emitted from the IC tag reader / writer 500, communication is started between the non-contact IC 600 and the IC tag reader / writer 500. The step S202 detects that the user is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus 200 when operating in the sleep mode.

  In response to this read request, the non-contact IC 600 performing communication transfers the user ID to the IC tag reader / writer 500. The CPU 301 acquires a user ID from the IC tag reader / writer 500 and stores it in the RAM 302 (step S203). In this step S203, when it is detected that the user exists within the predetermined range, the user ID of the user existing within the predetermined range is acquired.

  Using the user ID acquired in step S203, it is authenticated whether the user can use the image forming apparatus (step S204). The CPU 301 determines whether or not the user ID acquired in step S204 corresponds to the use permitted user ID described above. If a user ID that matches the user ID acquired in step S203 exists in the use-permitted user ID stored in advance in the ROM 303, it is determined that the user is usable. On the other hand, if it does not exist in the stored use permitted user ID, it is determined that the user cannot be used (step S205).

  If it is determined in step S205 that the user is not usable (NO in step S205), the process returns to step S202.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S205, if it is determined that the user is usable (YES in step S205), the user ID acquired in step 203 is stored in the RAM by the process shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not it matches the user ID. That is, it is determined whether or not the approaching user is a “user instructing printing” (step S206). Here, the “user who has instructed printing” refers to a user who has instructed printing and for which a predetermined time has not passed after the printing instruction. This is a user whose user ID stored in the RAM in the process of FIG. 6 has not been erased. The “user instructing printing” here corresponds to the “user who printed” in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S206 that the approaching user is “user instructing printing” (YES in step S206), the user ID stored in the RAM is erased by the process of FIG. 6 (step S208). Return to S202. The process branching from step S206 to step S208 maintains the operation state in the sleep mode.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the user is not the “user who has instructed printing” (NO in step S206), the process returns from the sleep state to the normal state (step S207), and the process ends. “Not a“ user who has instructed printing ”” corresponds to “a user who has not printed” in FIG.

  When returning from the sleep state to the normal state, the CPU 301 supplies power to a circuit in the image forming apparatus 200 that has not been supplied with power.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, when the approaching user is “use permitted” and “printed”, the CPU 301 does not perform the process of returning from the sleep mode to the normal state. On the other hand, when the approaching user is “use permitted” and “not printing”, a process for returning from the sleep mode to the normal state is performed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of operation processing executed by the control unit 606 in the non-contact IC 600 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, when a user having a non-contact IC 600 enters the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 200 and receives a radio wave emitted from the IC tag reader / writer 500 through the antenna unit 602 (YES in step S301), a read request is issued from the IC tag reader / writer 500. It is determined whether or not there is (step S302).

  If it is determined in step S302 that there is a read request from the IC tag reader / writer 500 (YES in step S302), the user ID stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 601 is read, and the IC tag reader / writer 500 is read through the antenna unit 602. (Step S303), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S302, if there is no read request from the IC tag reader / writer 500 and there is another request or no request (NO in step S302), other processing corresponding to the request is performed. Or, nothing is done (step S304), and this process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the case where the user carrying the authentication tag enters the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 200 but also when the user has not instructed printing in advance. Since the 200 is returned from the sleep mode to the normal mode, the user should not return from the sleep mode to the normal mode when there is no need to return from the sleep mode as in the case where the user gives a print instruction and picks up the output paper. Can do.

  In the embodiment described above, whether or not the user has approached is determined by the non-contact IC 600 and the IC tag reader / writer 500 possessed by the user.

  Instead, a process when a face recognition camera that can capture a user's face and has a function of recognizing the face is used will be described.

  First, the image forming apparatus 200 is provided with a face recognition camera at a position where the user's face can be easily photographed. In this case, the face recognition camera may be configured to be powered by detection by a pyroelectric sensor (not shown) that reacts to the heat of the moving user. In general, pyroelectric sensors consume less standby power than face recognition cameras, leading to energy savings.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the return processing from the sleep mode when the face recognition camera is used, which is executed by the CPU 301 in FIG.

  9 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 7 in the actual processing because of steps S402 and S403, the other step numbers are the same as those in FIG. 7, and the description thereof is omitted. .

  First, the determination of whether or not the user has approached in step S402 will be described. The CPU 301 determines whether or not the user is approaching based on whether or not the face recognition camera recognizes the user.

  When the user passes in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 200, that is, when the user exists within the shooting range of the face recognition camera, the CPU 301 acquires the user ID by the face recognition function of the face recognition camera. Thus, CPU301 discriminate | determines that the user approached with the face recognition camera. In this case, the photographing range of the face recognition camera is within a predetermined range.

  When the CPU 301 is notified that the user has approached by the face recognition camera and the CPU 301 determines that the user has approached (YES in step S402), the CPU 301 makes a read request to the face recognition camera.

  The face recognition camera responding to this read request acquires the user ID associated with the face recognized face stored in the internal memory of the face recognition camera. Then, the CPU 301 acquires a user ID obtained from the internal memory of the face recognition camera (step S403).

  Thereafter, the processing after step S204 described in FIG. 7 is executed. Also, if a negative determination is made in step S402, the process returns to step S402 as in FIG.

  As described above, when the face recognition camera is used, the CPU 301 recognizes the user's face by the face recognition camera and acquires the user ID. Therefore, even if the user does not have an authentication tag, the user issues a print instruction. When there is no need to return from the sleep mode as in the case of taking the output paper, it is not possible to return from the sleep mode to the normal mode.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and may be any configuration that can achieve the functions shown in the claims or the functions of the configuration of the present embodiment. Even if it exists, it is applicable.

  For example, in the above embodiment, whether the user is approaching the image forming apparatus 200 is constantly monitored by the IC tag reader / writer 500 or the face recognition camera. From the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, a pyroelectric sensor with low power consumption, etc. When an approach of the user is detected using the IC tag reader / writer 500 or the face recognition camera that consumes a large amount of power, the user ID of the approaching user may be identified.

  In the above embodiment, the case of returning from the sleep mode to one normal mode has been described. However, when there are two or more modes to return, such as the first return mode and the second return mode, the operation unit Depending on the set contents, the return mode may be selected as the first return mode or the second return mode.

  As an example in which there are two or more modes to return, the use of the printer unit is restricted, and when using as a scanner, only the scanner unit is returned to the normal mode, and the printer unit remains in the sleep mode. An image forming apparatus having a first return mode and a second return mode for returning both the scanner unit / printer unit to the normal mode can be given.

  Further, by using surf fixing or IH fixing for fixing, or by adjusting the fixing temperature in advance, the return time from the sleep mode can be shortened.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions as a so-called multifunction peripheral is shown, but the present invention may be applied to an apparatus having one function such as a printer.

  Further, the present embodiment may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.

  Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and store the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus. It is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored on the medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a ROM, a flexible disk, a memory card such as a PCMCIA card and a compact flash (registered trademark), a hard disk, a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R, a CD-RW, and the like. Or a phase change optical disk such as a DVD. The program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. This includes the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a user who exists within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus 200 matches the user who issued the print instruction. The sleep mode is maintained without being released.

  As a result, the user simply picks up the output paper, and the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus is not canceled, so that energy saving efficiency can be achieved. In addition, since the image forming apparatus is activated each time the output paper is taken and the user does not feel bothersome, user convenience can be obtained.

101,102,103 Authentication tag (ID card)
200 Image forming apparatus 301, 401 CPU
500 IC tag reader / writer 600 Non-contact IC (IC tag)
700 Operation panel

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus operable in a plurality of operating states with different power consumptions,
Receiving means for receiving a print instruction from a user together with user information for identifying the user from a host device;
Storage means for storing the user information received by the receiving means in a storage unit;
The user is present within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus when operating in a power saving operation state in which the power consumption is less than other states among the plurality of operation states. Detecting means for detecting;
An acquisition unit configured to acquire user information of a user existing in the predetermined range when the detection unit detects that the user exists in a predetermined range;
A discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not the user information acquired by the acquiring unit matches the user information stored in the storage unit;
A return means for returning to another operation state in which the power consumption is larger than the power saving operation state when it is determined by the determination means that they do not match;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a maintaining unit configured to maintain the operation state in the power-saving operation state when the determination unit determines that they match. The user has a communication device capable of wireless communication with the image forming apparatus within the predetermined range,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects that a user is within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus when communication with the communication device is enabled. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the user information stored in the communication device from the communication device.   The detecting means detects that the user exists within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus by a face recognition camera capable of photographing the user's face existing within the predetermined range. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the user information from the face recognition camera.   The said user information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part by the said memory | storage means is erase | eliminated from the said memory | storage part when predetermined time passes, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus. And further comprising other detection means for detecting the user with less power consumption than the power consumption consumed when the detection means is executed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied to cause the detection unit to be executed when the detection unit detects the detection unit. An image forming apparatus control method capable of operating in a plurality of operating states with different power consumptions,
Receiving a print instruction from a user together with user information for identifying the user from a host device;
A storage step of storing the user information received in the reception step in a storage unit;
The user is present within a predetermined range from the image forming apparatus when operating in a power saving operation state in which the power consumption is less than other states among the plurality of operation states. A detection step to detect;
An acquisition step of acquiring user information of the user existing in the predetermined range when the detection step detects that the user exists in the predetermined range;
A determination step of determining whether or not the user information acquired by the acquisition step matches the user information stored in the storage unit;
A return step for returning to another operation state in which the power consumption is larger than the power saving operation state when it is determined by the determination step that they do not match;
A control method comprising: a maintaining step of maintaining the operation state in the power saving operation state when it is determined by the determination step that the two match.   A program stored in a storage medium so as to be readable by a computer for realizing the control method according to claim 8 using a computer.

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