JP6543382B2 - Electronic device having power saving function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a function of detecting a person and returning to a normal state from a power saving state, and in particular, an electronic device capable of starting return processing to a standby state at an appropriate timing according to the power saving state. It relates to the equipment.

  As one type of image processing apparatus which is an electronic apparatus, an image forming apparatus (typically, a copier) for forming an image on a recording sheet has been introduced to many business establishments (company, office, etc.). A multifunction peripheral (MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral)), which is one type of such an image forming apparatus, has a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter, also referred to as a facsimile as a facsimile), a printer mode compatible with a network, and a scanner mode. It has several basic operating modes.

  In recent years, energy saving has been advocated, and there is an increasing number of devices that are constantly energized and used in an office having a function of transitioning to a power saving state (hereinafter also referred to as an energy saving state or an energy saving mode). For example, in the image forming apparatus, a schedule is set to shift from a normal standby state (a state in which an instructed function (such as copy) can be immediately executed) to an energy saving mode with low power consumption.

  The power saving function (energy saving function) of the conventional image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus supplies power to each unit to perform warm-up, and then, at time T1, the image forming apparatus is in a standby state, that is, a state in which normal operation is possible. After that, when the predetermined time (first time Δt1) elapses without the image forming apparatus being operated (time T2), the image forming apparatus shifts to the preheating state. In the preheating state, for example, the temperature of the fixing portion for forming an image on a recording sheet is lowered to reduce the power consumption. In this state, although the power saving rate is lower than the auto power shutoff state described later, when the operation is received, it can return to the standby state in a relatively short time.

  Further, when the predetermined time (second time Δt2) elapses in the preheated state (time T3), the image forming apparatus is in the auto power shutoff state. The auto power shutoff state is a state in which power supply to the operation unit, the fixing unit, and the like is stopped when the operation unit is not operated, and the power consumption is reduced to a minimum.

  When the user performs a return operation such as pressing a predetermined button in the auto power shutoff state (time Ta), the image forming apparatus returns from the auto power shutoff state to the standby state. In the auto power shutoff state, although the power saving rate is high, when it receives an operation, it takes a relatively long time to return.

  In the image forming apparatus having such an energy saving function, a schedule as shown in FIG. 2 is set to realize the energy saving function according to the usage condition of the image forming apparatus. Different waiting periods (first time Δt1 and second time Δt2) are set for each level in FIG. The waiting period is set, for example, as shown in Table 1.

  That is, level 1 is set in a time zone in which the image forming apparatus is frequently used (standby period is relatively long), and level 3 is set in a time zone in which use frequency is low, (standby period is relatively short), Level 2 is set in a time zone of usage frequency (normal usage frequency) between them (waiting period is intermediate between levels 1 and 2).

  The first time Δt1 and the second time Δt2 are set, for example, so that the second time Δt2 becomes longer as the first time Δt1 becomes longer. In addition, the standby period may be set so that the first time Δt1 is constant and the second time Δt2 (preheating period) is different.

  The following Patent Document 1 discloses an energy optimum operation system for setting the time to shift to power saving according to the time zone in a large ship or the like. This system is based on the ship's energy forecasting model including residential area, advance operation plan, and forecasting information, and it is forecasting the demand for the propulsion power, the heat required for heating auxiliary equipment, and the heat for heating and cooling based on the forecast information. And optimize the power ratio of each of the plurality of engines based on the demand forecast. Then, based on the optimum conditions, it is disclosed that the propulsion power is predicted from the operation plan / time, the number of passengers, the weather forecast, and the sea condition forecast using the onboard energy forecasting model, and the energy operation plan for the entire board is formulated. ing.

  Further, Patent Document 2 below includes a detection device having an imaging function, and achieves improvement in energy saving performance and convenience by using a plurality of types of detection devices having different power consumption and operation specifications during operation. An image processing apparatus is disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes a human sensor, an access camera, and an authentication camera as first to third sensors for monitoring the presence or absence of surrounding people. In the sleep mode, when the moving object (person) is detected by the human sensor in the sleep mode, the access camera is energized to determine whether or not the moving object is approaching, and the sleep state is canceled if the moving object is approaching.

JP, 2014-125123, A JP, 2014-99205, A

  As described above, the predetermined energy saving effect can be obtained by the conventional technique. However, it is preferable to realize further energy saving.

Conventionally, various proposals have been made regarding the transition of the image forming apparatus to the energy saving state, but the recovery of the image forming apparatus from the energy saving state to the normal state has not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, although it is a time zone where the image forming apparatus is used frequently, it takes time to return from the energy saving state to the normal state, the business efficiency is lowered, and problems such as making the user feel stress are still It can occur.

  These problems can not be solved by the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 as well. The image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 2 can detect the approach of a person by a human sensor and a camera and can return from the energy saving state, but the timing of returning from the energy saving state is the image processing of the detected person It depends on the position relative to the device. Therefore, depending on the level of the energy saving state, it may not be possible to return at an appropriate timing.

  Therefore, the present invention can transition to the energy saving level according to the frequency of use of the electronic device such as an image forming apparatus, and detects a person and returns from the power saving state to the standby state according to the power saving state. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device capable of starting return processing to a standby state at an appropriate timing.

An electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention is
It is an electronic device which changes an operation state according to the selected energy saving level. The electronic device includes a control unit that controls the power consumption state of the electronic device, a detection unit that detects a person, and a setting that sets the detection sensitivity of the detection unit according to the energy saving level. The control unit causes the electronic device to transition to the energy saving level according to the selection, and transitions the electronic device to the standby state in response to detection of a person by the detection unit. The energy saving level includes a first energy saving level, which consumes less power than the standby state, and a second energy saving level, which consumes less power than the first energy saving level. In the state of transition to the level, the detection sensitivity of the detection unit is set higher than the state of the electronic device transition to the first energy saving level.

  Thus, the electronic device can be transitioned to the energy saving state according to the selected energy saving level, and when the detection unit detects a person, the energy saving state can be returned to the standby state. Since the detection sensitivity of the detection unit is set higher in the energy saving state of the second energy saving level than in the energy saving state of the first energy saving level, a person at a distant position is detected, and the standby state is reached at an early timing. Recovery processing can be started. Therefore, a user who comes to the electronic device can use the electronic device promptly.

  The electronic device according to the second aspect of the present invention is an electronic device that changes the operating state according to the energy saving level set for each predetermined condition. This electronic device is an image forming apparatus, and a storage unit for storing predetermined settings including an energy saving level, and a predetermined setting read from the storage unit, and an energy saving level corresponding to a predetermined setting corresponding to a current predetermined condition. And a control unit that controls the power consumption state of the electronic device, a detection unit that detects a person, and a setting unit that sets the detection sensitivity of the detection unit according to the energy saving level. The control unit causes the electronic device to transition to the preheating state in which the heater temperature of the fixing unit used for image formation is lowered in response to the elapse of a predetermined first time while the electronic device is in the standby state. In response to the fact that the device has been preheated and the predetermined second time has elapsed, and the determination unit has determined that the energy saving level corresponding to the current time zone is the first energy saving level, the electronic device is Transition to the energy saving level, the second time passes while the electronic device is preheated, and the determination unit determines that the energy saving level corresponding to the current time zone is the second energy saving level. And transitioning the electronic device to the second energy saving level, and transitioning the electronic device to the standby state in response to detection of a person by the detection unit. The power consumption of the electronic device decreases in the order of the standby state, the preheating state, the first energy saving level, and the second energy saving level, and the setting unit indicates that the electronic device is in a state where the electronic device has transitioned to the second energy saving level. The detection sensitivity of the detection unit is set higher than in the state of transition to the first energy saving level.

Thus, energy saving can be efficiently realized by causing the image forming apparatus to transition from the standby state to the preheating state first. Further, the image forming apparatus is transitioned from the preheating state to the energy saving state in accordance with predetermined settings set in advance according to the use frequency of the image forming apparatus, and when a person is detected by the detection unit, the energy saving state is changed to the standby state. It can be returned.

  Preferably, the detection sensitivity is set by the detection distance, and the setting unit detects the detection unit in a state in which the electronic device has transitioned to the second energy saving level than in a state in which the electronic device has transitioned to the first energy saving level. Set the distance longer.

  More preferably, the detection sensitivity is set by the detection angle, and the setting unit is configured to detect the detection unit in a state in which the electronic device transitions to the first energy saving level in a state in which the electronic device transitions to the second energy saving level. Set the detection angle widely.

  More preferably, the detection sensitivity is set by the detection angle and the detection distance, and the setting unit is more in a state where the electronic device has transitioned to the first energy saving level in a state where the electronic device has transitioned to the second energy saving level. The detection distance of the detection unit is set long and the detection angle is set wide.

  As a result, it is possible to cause the electronic device to start the process of returning to the standby state at an appropriate timing according to the energy saving level. In addition, false detection by the detection unit can be reduced in a time zone in which the frequency of use is high.

  According to the present invention, transition to the selected energy saving level can be performed, and the electronic device can start the process of returning to the standby state at an appropriate timing according to the power saving state.

  At the energy saving level where the power consumption is small, high power saving effect can be realized, and when people are detected at a relatively long distance, processing to return to the normal state is started, so it came to the electronic device It is possible to prevent the user from waiting. In addition, at the energy saving level where power consumption is small, the electronic device can be maintained in the power saving state until a person comes close to the electronic device, so the power saving effect is enhanced. Also in this case, since the normal state can be restored in a short time, it is possible to prevent the user who has come to the electronic device from waiting. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a drop in work efficiency and to avoid giving stress to the user.

It is a graph which shows transition of the operation mode (power consumption state) in the conventional image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the schedule for implement | achieving an energy saving function. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a graph which shows the transition to the energy saving state in the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a top view which shows typically the difference of the detection distance of a human sensor. 5 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for realizing energy saving control in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3; 5 is a graph showing return to a standby state in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3; It is a top view which shows typically the difference of the detection range of the human sensor in the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program for implement | achieving energy saving control in the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows typically the difference of the detection area | region of the human sensor in the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows the control structure of the program for realizing energy saving control in the image forming device concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program for implement | achieving energy saving control in the image forming apparatus of a modification.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also identical. Therefore, detailed description about them will not be repeated.

First Embodiment
Referring to FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 110, an image forming unit 120, an operation unit 130, a sheet feeding unit 140, a sheet discharge tray 150, and a human sensor 170. The operation unit 130 includes a touch panel display 132 and an operation key unit 134.

  The human sensor 170 is a sensor for detecting the presence of a person, and is disposed on the front of the image forming apparatus 100. The human sensor 170 is, for example, an infrared sensor. The human sensor 170 receives infrared light and outputs a signal corresponding to the received signal strength.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in addition to the components described above, image forming apparatus 100 further includes control unit 160, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 162, management unit 164, image processing unit 166, communication unit 168, and power supply. A unit 174 and a timer 176 are provided.

The image reading unit 110 reads a document and inputs image data. The control unit 160 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 160
The image forming apparatus 100 includes the ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) for storing programs and the like, and the RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) which is a volatile storage device. Control each part. Programs and data required to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 are stored in the ROM. The control unit 160 reads the program from the ROM onto the RAM, and executes the program using a part of the RAM as a work area. That is, the control unit 160 controls each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM to realize each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Operation unit 130 receives an input such as an instruction to image forming apparatus 100 by the user. The communication unit 168 communicates with an external device such as a computer via the network 190. The image forming unit 120 prints the image data on a recording sheet. The HDD 162 stores image data. The management unit 164 stores control information of the image forming apparatus 100, setting information, and the like.

  Control unit 160 controls the overall operation of image forming apparatus 100 based on the information stored in management unit 164. The image processing unit 166 performs various image processing on the read image data. In addition, the control unit 160 appropriately acquires the current time from the timer 176, and operates in a predetermined operation mode according to the schedule stored in the HDD 162. The schedule is preset by the administrator or the like via the operation unit 130. In the normal mode, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to supply power externally supplied to the image forming apparatus 100 to each unit via a power supply line (not shown). In the energy saving mode, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit (for example, the operation unit 130 or a fixing unit described later).

  The paper feed unit 140 includes a plurality of paper feed trays. In FIG. 4, the first sheet feeding tray 142 and the second sheet feeding tray 144 are representatively shown.

  Hereinafter, each part of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described more specifically. The image reading unit 110 has, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) 112 as an image reading device, and an original detection sensor 114 for detecting an original set on an original table, an automatic original feeding device (ADF) or the like. And have.

  The operation unit 130 includes an operation key unit 134 having various input keys (hardware keys), and a touch panel display 132 in which a touch panel is disposed on a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). ing. The user inputs an operation to the image forming apparatus 100 and inputs various settings via the operation unit 130.

  The control unit 160 monitors the user's operation on the touch panel display 132 and the input button etc. provided in the operation unit 130 and also notifies the touch panel display 132 of information etc. to the user such as information on the state of the image forming apparatus 100 indicate.

  The image forming unit 120 processes and outputs image data. The image forming unit 120 includes a memory 122 and a printing unit 124.

  The image forming unit 120 temporarily stores the image data read by the image reading unit 110 in the memory 122, and then stores the image data on the memory 122 in the HDD 162. Further, the image forming unit 120 reads the image data stored in the HDD 162 into the memory 122, transmits it to the printing unit 124, prints it on a recording sheet, and outputs it. The printed recording sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 150.

  The HDD 162 stores the input image data. The HDD 162 is a magnetic storage medium, and can store a large amount of image data and sequentially process the image data. Thus, the image forming apparatus 100 can efficiently process instructions from a plurality of users.

  Image processing unit 166 is controlled by control unit 160 which receives an instruction of the user from operation unit 130, reads image data from memory 122, executes the instructed image processing, and stores the result in memory 122 . The image data of the processing result is displayed on the touch panel display 132 via the control unit 160. Thereafter, the image data on the memory 122 is transmitted to the printing unit 124 and printed on a recording sheet in response to a user instruction, or is output to the network 190 via the communication unit 168. If the image forming apparatus 100 includes a fax modem and is connected to the telephone network, the image data on the memory 122 can be output to the telephone line via the fax modem.

  The printing unit 124 includes an optical scanning device, a developing unit, a photosensitive drum, a charger, an intermediate transfer belt unit, a fixing unit, and the like. If the image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus capable of color printing using toners of each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y), a developing device, a photosensitive drum, and The chargers are provided four by four so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors.

  After the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the photosensitive drum by the light scanning device, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum by the developing device. The intermediate transfer belt unit transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt, and then transfers the toner image to a recording sheet conveyed from the tray. The fixing unit includes a heat roller and a pressure roller. The heat roller is heated by a heater, and the heat roller and the pressure roller rotate while sandwiching the recording sheet, and thermocompression bonding is performed to melt, mix, and press the multicolor toner image transferred to the recording sheet, Fix heat to Thus, an image is formed on the recording sheet.

  Hereinafter, energy saving control of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the same schedule as that in FIG. 2 is set in the image forming apparatus 100. Further, it is assumed that the auto power shutoff state includes a plurality of levels (specifically, levels 1 to 3), and each level is determined as shown in Table 2, for example. That is, levels 1 to 3 are for setting the power consumption level of the image forming apparatus 100, unlike the above-described prior art.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus 100 controls the operation mode as shown in FIG. When the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies power to each part to perform warm-up, and then, at time T1, the standby state, that is, the normal operation becomes possible. Thereafter, when the predetermined time (first time Δt1) elapses without the image forming apparatus 100 being operated (time T2), the image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the preheating state. Furthermore, when a predetermined time (second time Δt2) elapses in the preheated state (time T3), the image forming apparatus 100 enters an auto power shutoff state. At this time, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the energy saving mode according to the current time zone according to the schedule. In the schedule, if the energy saving mode in the current time zone is set to level 1, the power consumption transitions to a relatively high energy saving level. If the energy saving mode in the current time zone is set to level 3, the power consumption transitions to a relatively low energy saving level. If the energy saving mode in the current time zone is set to level 2, the power consumption transitions to the energy saving level between levels 1 and 3.

  In the following, levels 1 to 3 represent information on the energy saving mode set in the schedule and also represent power consumption (energy saving level) to which the actual image forming apparatus 100 transitions.

  The detection sensitivity of the human sensor 170 is set according to each energy saving level. Here, the detection distance is used as the detection sensitivity, and for example, as shown in Table 2, the distances L1 to L3 are set corresponding to the levels 1 to 3. The human sensor 170 can detect a person within the set detection distance. The distances L1 to L3 become longer in the order of L1, L2, and L3, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, broken lines indicate the outer periphery of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Note that FIG. 6 schematically shows the difference in detection distance with the detection range (two-dimensional distribution) of the human sensor 170 as a fan-shape, and the shape of the detection range corresponds to the sensor actually used. It is different.

The detection distance of the human sensor 170 can be changed electrically or mechanically, and a circuit or mechanism therefor may be a known one. For example, when an infrared sensor (pyroelectric sensor or the like) is used as the human sensor 170, an output signal from the infrared sensor is amplified by an amplifier and output. If the output signal from the amplifier is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, it can be determined that a person has been detected. The detection sensitivity of the sensor decreases as the distance from the sensor increases. Therefore, by changing the amplification factor of the amplifier that amplifies the output signal from the sensor,
The detection distance of the sensor can be changed.

  A control structure of a program for the image forming apparatus 100 to realize the above-described energy saving function will be described with reference to FIG. The program is activated when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on and an operation screen (for example, a home screen for selecting an operation mode) is displayed on the operation unit 130. When the program is activated, the human sensor 170 is off.

  In step 300, the control unit 160 acquires information indicating the current time (hereinafter, simply referred to as the current time) from the timer 176 and stores the information in the RAM.

  In step 302, the control unit 160 determines whether a predetermined first time Δt1 has elapsed since the current time was stored in step 300. Specifically, the control unit 160 acquires the current time from the timer 176, compares the acquired time with the time stored in the RAM in step 300, and determines whether the first time Δt1 has elapsed. . If it is determined that the first time Δt1 has elapsed, the control proceeds to step 306. At this time, the control unit 160 stores the acquired current time in the RAM. Otherwise, control transfers to step 304.

  In step 304, the control unit 160 determines whether the operation unit 130 has been operated. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control unit 160 returns to step 300 after performing the corresponding processing. For example, the control unit 160 activates a program for executing an instruction corresponding to the operation. If not (if not operated), control returns to step 302.

  When the first time Δt1 elapses without the image forming apparatus 100 being operated, in step 306, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to a preset preheating state. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit in order to bring it into a preheating state. For example, the amount of power supplied to the heater of the fixing unit is reduced to lower the fixing temperature. Here, it is assumed that the power supply to the touch panel display 132 of the operation unit 130 is maintained, the backlight is on (lit), and the human sensor 170 remains off.

  At step 308, the control unit 160 determines whether or not a predetermined second time Δt2 has elapsed since the current time was stored at step 302. Specifically, the control unit 160 acquires the current time from the timer 176, compares the acquired time with the time stored in the RAM in step 302, and determines whether the second time Δt2 has elapsed. . If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the control proceeds to step 314. Otherwise, control passes to step 310.

  At step 310, the control unit 160 determines whether the operation unit 130 has been operated. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 312. If not (if not operated), control returns to step 308.

  In step 312, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the standby state. Thereafter, control returns to step 300. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to resume the power supply to the unit whose power supply has been restricted or stopped.

In step 314, the control unit 160 determines whether the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is level 1 or not. The control unit 160 acquires the current time from the timer 176, and can refer to the schedule stored in the HDD 162 at the acquired time to determine the energy saving mode set in the current time zone. If so, control transfers to step 318. Otherwise, control transfers to step 316.

  At step 316, the control unit 160 determines whether the energy saving mode determined from the schedule at step 310 is level 2 or not. If it is determined that it is level 2, then control transfers to step 320. Otherwise (the energy saving mode determined from the schedule is level 3), the control proceeds to step 322.

  In step 318, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the level 1 energy saving mode, sets a detection distance corresponding to the set energy saving mode, and turns on the human sensor 170. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit in order to achieve level 1 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . For example, processing such as stopping the power supply to the main substrate is executed while maintaining the power supply to the sub substrate among the plurality of control substrates. At this time, the backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off, and the display screen of the operation unit can not be viewed. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection distance is set to the distance L1. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  In step 320, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the level 2 energy saving mode, sets a detection distance corresponding to the set energy saving mode, and turns on the human sensor 170. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit to attain level 2 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . For example, power supply to a plurality of control boards (main board and sub board) and a motor is restricted or stopped, and the backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection distance is set to the distance L2. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  In step 322, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the energy saving mode of level 3, sets the detection distance corresponding to the set energy saving mode, and turns on the human sensor 170. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit in order to attain level 3 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . For example, the power supply to the plurality of control boards (main board and sub board), the motor, and the heater of the fixing unit is stopped, and the backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection distance is set to the distance L3. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  At step 324, the control unit 160 determines whether a person has been detected. Specifically, the control unit 160 determines whether or not a signal of a predetermined level or more is received from the human sensor 170. When a signal of a predetermined level or more is received from the human sensor 170, the control proceeds to step 322. Otherwise, step 324 is repeated. At this time, to what extent a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100, whether it is detected by the human sensor 170 depends on the detection distance set in steps 318 to 320.

  In step 326, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition from the energy saving mode to the standby state, and turns off the human sensor 170. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to resume the power supply to the unit whose power supply is restricted or stopped, and stops the power supply to the human sensor 170. The backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned on. Thereafter, control returns to step 300.

  The program is executed while the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, and ends when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned off.

  The transition to the standby state when a person is detected in step 324 is as shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 8, after the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to level 1 in step 318, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to level 2 in step 320, or the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to level 3 in step 322. The change in the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 when a person is detected by the human sensor 170 at time Ta is schematically shown. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the time from the level 1 state to the return to the standby state is the shortest, and the time from the level 3 state to the return to the standby state is the longest. The time to return from the level 2 state to the standby state is intermediate between transition from level 1 and level 3.

  Although FIG. 8 shows transitions from levels 1 to 3 to the standby state with substantially the same slope, in fact, the slopes are not the same. The slope for each of the levels 1 to 3 depends on which unit the power supply to each level is set to be limited or stopped. Normally, at level 3, the unit takes a relatively long time to return to the normal state after stopping energization, such as stopping energization of the fixing unit heater. The slope of S is gentler than levels 1 and 2, and the time to return to the standby state is longer.

  As described above, in the schedule of FIG. 2, level 1 is set in the time zone where the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus 100 is high, and level 3 is set in the time zone where the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus 100 is low. If level 2 is set in the time zone of use frequency of the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to level 1 which is a shallow energy saving mode when transitioning to the energy saving mode in the high frequency of use mode. The detection distance of the sensor 170 is set to a relatively short distance L1 (step 318). When the human sensor 170 detects that a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to the standby state. At this time, since the image forming apparatus 100 can return to the standby state in a relatively short time, it is detected that a person approaches close to the image forming apparatus 100 (within the distance L1) and then the process for returning to the standby state When the person arrives at a position where the user can operate the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 can be in the standby state. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can be maintained in the energy saving state for a longer time.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the energy saving mode in a time zone where the frequency of use is low, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the deep energy saving mode level 3 and the detection distance of the human sensor 170 is set to a relatively long distance L3. Step 322). Therefore, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 can be minimized. When a person is detected by the human sensor 170, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to the standby state. At this time, it takes a relatively long time for the image forming apparatus 100 to return to the standby state, but the human sensor 170 can detect a person at a position relatively far from the image forming apparatus 100 (within a distance L3 Therefore, the start timing of the return processing to the standby state can be made earlier. Therefore, when a person arrives at a position where the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated, the image forming apparatus 100 can be in the standby state.

In addition, when transitioning to the energy saving mode in the normal use frequency time zone, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to level 2 which is the intermediate energy saving mode, and the detection distance of the human sensor 170 is a medium distance L2. It is set (step 320). Therefore, both reduction of power consumption and start timing of return processing to the standby state when a person is detected by the human sensor 170 can be achieved in a well-balanced manner. Also in this case, when a person arrives at a position where the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated, the image forming apparatus 100 can be in the standby state.

  As described above, by setting the detection sensitivity (detection distance) of the human sensor 170 according to the energy saving level, power consumption can be reduced, and according to the speed of return from the energy saving mode to the standby state. Thus, the recovery process can be started at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the user waits in front of the image forming apparatus 100 without being operated by a person until the image forming apparatus 100 returns to the standby state.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the detection distance of the human sensor 170 is set according to the energy saving level. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the detection angle of the human sensor 170 is set according to the energy saving level.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the reference numerals in FIGS. 3 and 4 are cited. Further, the energy saving function of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. That is, in the image forming apparatus 100, the schedule shown in FIG. 2 is set, and as shown in FIG. 5, transition is made to the energy saving mode. The detection sensitivity of the human sensor 170 is set according to each energy saving level, as in the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, a detection range is used as the detection sensitivity. For example, as shown in Table 3, ranges R1 to R3 are set corresponding to levels 1 to 3.

  The ranges R1 to R3 represent detection angles as shown in FIG. 9 and become wider in the order of R1, R2 and R3. In FIG. 9, broken lines indicate the outer periphery of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Note that FIG. 9 schematically shows the difference in detection range with the detection range (two-dimensional distribution) of the human sensor 170 as a fan-shape, and the shape of the detection range is in accordance with the sensor actually used. It is different. The detection range of the human sensor 170 can be changed electrically or mechanically, and a circuit or mechanism therefor may be a known one. For example, when an infrared sensor (such as a pyroelectric sensor) is used as the human sensor 170, a shutter member (such as a deflection filter) capable of electrically controlling the transmission range of infrared light is disposed on the front of the sensor. Thus, the detection angle can be electrically changed. For example, in the shutter member, a narrow detection range R1 can be realized by making the part facing the center of the sensor transparent to infrared light and making the other parts transparent to infrared light. Furthermore, the detection ranges R2 and R3 can be realized by sequentially increasing the area of the portion that allows infrared light to pass.

  A control structure of a program for the image forming apparatus 100 to realize the above-described energy saving function will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 10 is obtained by replacing steps 318 to 322 with steps 400 to 404 in the flowchart of FIG. 7.

  This program is activated when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on and the operation screen (home screen) is displayed on the operation unit 130. When the program is activated, the human sensor 170 is off.

  In steps 300 to 308, when the first time Δt1 has elapsed, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the preheating state, and determines whether the second time Δt2 has elapsed in the preheating state. In the preheating state, for example, while maintaining the power supply to the touch panel display 132 of the operation unit 130, the control unit 160 decreases the amount of power supplied to the heater of the fixing unit to lower the fixing temperature. The backlight is on (lit) and the human sensor 170 remains off.

  When the second time has elapsed, it is determined in step 314 whether the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is level 1 or not. When it is determined that the level is 1, in step 400, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the energy saving mode of level 1, sets a detection range corresponding to the set energy saving mode, and detects the human sensor 170. Turn on. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit in order to achieve level 1 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . The backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off, and the display screen of the operation unit can not be viewed. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection range is set to the range R1. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  If it is determined in step 314 that the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is not level 1, then it is determined in step 316 whether the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is level 2. When it is determined that the level 2 is set, in step 402, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the energy saving mode of level 2 and sets a detection range corresponding to the set energy saving mode to detect the human feeling sensor 170. Turn on. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit to attain level 2 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . The backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection range is set to the range R2. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  If it is determined in step 316 that the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is not level 2, then in step 404, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the energy saving mode of level 3 and sets the energy saving mode. The detection range corresponding to is set and the human sensor 170 is turned on. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit in order to attain level 3 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . The backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection range is set to the range R3. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  Thereafter, when a person is detected in steps 324 and 326, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions from the energy saving mode to the standby state, and the human sensor 170 is turned off. At this time, to what extent a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100, whether it is detected by the human sensor 170 depends on the detection range set in steps 400 to 404. The transition to the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100 is as shown in FIG. 8 as in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the schedule of FIG. 2, level 1 is set in the time zone where the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus 100 is high, and level 3 is set in the time zone where the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus 100 is low. If level 2 is set in the time zone of use frequency of the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to level 1 which is a shallow energy saving mode when transitioning to the energy saving mode in the high frequency of use mode. The detection range of the sensor 170 is set to a relatively narrow range (narrow angle) R1 (step 400). When the human sensor 170 detects that a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to the standby state. At this time, since the image forming apparatus 100 can return to the standby state in a relatively short time, it is detected that a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100 (within the range R1) and then the process to return to the standby state. The image forming apparatus 100 can be made to be in a standby state when a person arrives at a position where the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can be maintained in the energy saving state for a longer time.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the energy saving mode in a time zone where the frequency of use is low, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the deep energy saving mode level 3 and the detection range of the human sensor 170 is relatively wide (wide angle) It is set to R3 (step 404). Therefore, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 can be minimized. When a person is detected by the human sensor 170, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to the standby state. At this time, it takes a relatively long time for the image forming apparatus 100 to return to the standby state, but the human sensor 170 can detect a person at a position relatively far from the image forming apparatus 100 (within the range R3 Therefore, the start timing of the return processing to the standby state can be made earlier. Therefore, when a person arrives at a position where the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated, the image forming apparatus 100 can be in the standby state.

  In addition, when transitioning to the energy saving mode, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the intermediate energy saving mode, level 2, and the detection range of the human sensor 170 is in the middle range (middle An angle of about R2 is set (step 402). Therefore, both reduction of power consumption and start timing of return processing to the standby state when a person is detected by the human sensor 170 can be achieved in a well-balanced manner. Also in this case, when a person arrives at a position where the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated, the image forming apparatus 100 can be in the standby state.

Third Embodiment
In the first and second embodiments, the detection distance or detection angle of the human sensor 170 is set in accordance with the energy saving level. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the detection area (area) of the human sensor 170 is set according to the energy saving level.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the reference numerals in FIGS. 3 and 4 are cited. Further, the energy saving function of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. That is, in the image forming apparatus 100, the schedule shown in FIG. 2 is set, and as shown in FIG. 5, transition is made to the energy saving mode. The detection sensitivity of the human sensor 170 is set according to each energy saving level, as in the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the detection distance and the detection angle are used as the detection sensitivity. For example, as shown in Table 4, areas A1 to A3 are set corresponding to levels 1 to 3.

  Regions A1 to A3 represent detectable areas as shown in FIG. 11 and become wider in the order of A1, A2 and A3. The area Ai (i = 1 to 3) is a fan-shaped area having a radius Li (i = 1 to 3) and an angle Ri in a range Ri (i = 1 to 3). In FIG. 11, broken lines indicate the outer periphery of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Note that FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the difference between detection areas with the detection area (two-dimensional distribution) of the human sensor 170 as a fan-shape, and the shape of the detection area corresponds to the sensor actually used. It is different. The detection area of the human sensor 170 can be changed electrically or mechanically, and a circuit or mechanism therefor may be a known one. For example, when an infrared sensor (pyroelectric sensor or the like) is used as the human sensor 170, a shutter member (such as a deflection filter) capable of electrically controlling the transmission range of infrared light is disposed on the front of the sensor The detection area (detection distance and detection angle) can be electrically changed by changing the amplification factor of an amplifier that amplifies the output signal from the sensor and the transmission range of infrared light of the shutter member.

  A control structure of a program for the image forming apparatus 100 to realize the above-described energy saving function will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 12 is obtained by replacing steps 318 to 322 with steps 500 to 504 in the flowchart of FIG. 7.

  This program is activated when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on and the operation screen (home screen) is displayed on the operation unit 130. When the program is activated, the human sensor 170 is off.

  In steps 300 to 308, when the first time Δt1 has elapsed, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the preheating state, and determines whether the second time Δt2 has elapsed in the preheating state. In the preheating state, for example, while maintaining the power supply to the touch panel display 132 of the operation unit 130, the control unit 160 decreases the amount of power supplied to the heater of the fixing unit to lower the fixing temperature. The backlight is on (lit) and the human sensor 170 is off.

  When the second time has elapsed, it is determined in step 314 whether the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is level 1 or not. When it is determined that the level is 1, in step 500, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the energy saving mode of level 1, sets the detection range corresponding to the set energy saving mode, and detects the human sensor 170. Turn on. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit in order to achieve level 1 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . The backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off, and the display screen of the operation unit can not be viewed. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection area is set to the area A1. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

If it is determined in step 314 that the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is not level 1, then it is determined in step 316 whether the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is level 2. When it is determined that the level 2 is set, in step 502, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the energy saving mode of level 2, and sets a detection range corresponding to the set energy saving mode. Turn on. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit to attain level 2 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . The backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection area is set to the area A2. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  If it is determined in step 316 that the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone is not level 2, then in step 504, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to the energy saving mode of level 3 and sets the energy saving mode. The detection range corresponding to is set and the human sensor 170 is turned on. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit in order to attain level 3 in addition to the power control in the preheating state. . The backlight of the touch panel display 132 is turned off. The human sensor 170 is turned on, and the detection area is set to the area R3. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  Thereafter, when a person is detected in steps 324 and 326, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions from the energy saving mode to the standby state, and the human sensor 170 is turned off. At this time, to what extent a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100, whether it is detected by the human sensor 170 depends on the detection area set in steps 500-504. The transition to the standby state of the image forming apparatus 100 is as shown in FIG. 8 as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, in the schedule of FIG. 2, level 1 is set in the time zone where the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus 100 is high, and level 3 is set in the time zone where the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus 100 is low. If level 2 is set in the time zone of use frequency of the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to level 1 which is a shallow energy saving mode when transitioning to the energy saving mode in the high frequency of use mode. The detection range of the sensor 170 is set to a relatively narrow area (narrow area) A1 (step 500). When the human sensor 170 detects that a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to the standby state. At this time, the image forming apparatus 100 can return to the standby state in a relatively short time, so that it is detected that a person approaches close to the image forming apparatus 100 (within the area A1) and then the process to return to the standby state The image forming apparatus 100 can be made to be in a standby state when a person arrives at a position where the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can be maintained in the energy saving state for a longer time.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the energy saving mode in a time zone where the frequency of use is low, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the deep energy saving mode level 3 and the detection area of the human sensor 170 is relatively wide (wide area) It is set to A3 (step 504). Therefore, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 100 can be minimized. When a person is detected by the human sensor 170, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to the standby state. At this time, it takes a relatively long time for the image forming apparatus 100 to return to the standby state, but the human sensor 170 can detect a person at a position relatively far from the image forming apparatus 100 (within area A3) Therefore, the start timing of the return processing to the standby state can be made earlier. Therefore, when a person arrives at a position where the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated, the image forming apparatus 100 can be in the standby state.

Further, when transitioning to the energy saving mode, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to the intermediate energy saving mode to level 2 and the detection region of the human sensor 170 is a middle region (middle The area is set to approximately A2 (step 502). Therefore, both reduction of power consumption and start timing of return processing to the standby state when a person is detected by the human sensor 170 can be achieved in a well-balanced manner. Also in this case, when a person arrives at a position where the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated, the image forming apparatus 100 can be in the standby state.

(Modification)
In the first to third embodiments described above, although the case where the backlight of the touch panel display 132 is on in the preheating state has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The backlight may be turned off in a preheated state. In that case, when a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100 in the preheating state, it is necessary to turn on the backlight of the touch panel display 132, and it is preferable to turn on the human sensor 170 when transitioning to the preheating state. This can be realized, for example, by the program shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 13 is obtained by replacing steps 306, 310 and 312 with steps 600, 602 and 604, respectively, in the flowchart of FIG.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the program in FIG. 13 is activated when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on and the operation screen (home screen) is displayed on the operation unit 130. When the program is activated, the human sensor 170 is off.

  When it is determined in step 302 that the first time Δt1 has elapsed, in step 600, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition to a preset preheating state, and turns on the human sensor 170. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to limit or stop the power supply to a predetermined unit in order to bring it into a preheating state. Here, the power supply to the touch panel display 132 is also stopped, and the backlight is turned off (turned off). The human sensor 170 is turned on. The detection distance is set to a preset initial value. The initial value is, for example, a distance shorter than the distance L1 (see Table 2). The initial value may be the same as the distance L1.

  Thereafter, when it is determined in step 308 that the second time Δt2 has elapsed, in step 602, the control unit 160 determines whether a person is detected. Specifically, the control unit 160 determines whether or not a signal of a predetermined level or more is received from the human sensor 170. When a signal of a predetermined level or more is received from the human sensor 170, the control proceeds to step 604. Otherwise, control returns to step 308.

  In step 604, the control unit 160 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to transition from the energy saving mode to the standby state, and turns off the human sensor 170. Thereafter, control returns to step 300. Specifically, the control unit 160 controls the power supply unit 174 to resume the power supply to the unit whose power supply is restricted or stopped, and stops the power supply to the human sensor 170.

  Thereafter, in steps 314 to 322, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions to a level according to the energy saving mode corresponding to the current time zone. In this state, when a person is detected in steps 324 and 326, the image forming apparatus 100 transitions from the energy saving state to the standby state, and the human sensor 170 is turned off.

  As described above, since the backlight of the touch panel display 132 can be turned off in the preheating state, further power saving can be realized.

Also in the second and third embodiments, the backlight of the touch panel display 132 can be turned off in the preheated state by changing the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 12 in the same manner as described above.

  Although the case where the human sensor 170 is an infrared sensor has been described in the first to third embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a sensor capable of detecting a person approaching the image forming apparatus 100 and capable of changing the detection sensitivity.

  Moreover, although the case where the detection sensitivity of the human sensor 170 was set according to the energy saving level was demonstrated above, it is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of sensors having different detection sensitivities may be provided, and the sensors to be used may be changed according to the energy saving level.

  Further, for example, a sensor for measuring the distance to the object is used as the human sensor 170, and the distance to the object (person) detected from the image forming apparatus 100 and the detection distances L1 to L3 (Table 2) It may be determined whether or not to return to the standby state by comparing with reference). For example, in the state of level 1, if the distance L from the image forming apparatus 100 to the object (person) detected is L ≦ L1, the standby state is restored, and if L> L1, the energy saving state Maintain. In the state of level 2, if L ≦ L2, the standby state is returned, and if L> L2, the energy saving state is maintained. In the state of level 3, if L ≦ L3, the standby state is returned, and if L> L3, the energy saving state is maintained.

  Similarly, using a sensor that detects an angle, the angle between the reference axis of the sensor and the detected object (person) is compared with the range (angles) R1 to R3 (see Table 3), and the standby state is made. It may be determined whether or not to return to.

  Although the case where the energy saving level (energy saving mode) has three levels of levels 1 to 3 has been described in the above first to third embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this. The energy saving level may be two stages or four or more stages.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, although the image forming apparatus transitions to any one of levels 1 to 3 after transitioning from the standby state to the preheating state, the preheating is described. There may be no state. Further, the preheating state may be set to level 1.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the timing of transition from the preheating state to the levels 1 to 3 is determined by measuring the elapsed time from when the transition to the preheating state is started. However, it is not limited to this. It may be determined by measuring the elapsed time from the start of the standby state.

  At each energy saving level, which unit of the image forming apparatus to which the supply power is limited or stopped is not limited to the example described above, and can be arbitrarily set according to the function and internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. .

  In the first to third embodiments described above, although the image forming apparatus has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to an electronic device having a power saving function.

  The present invention has been described above by describing the embodiment, but the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made. be able to.

Reference Signs List 100 image forming apparatus 110 image reading unit 120 image forming unit 122 memory 124 printing unit 130 operation unit 132 touch panel display 134 operation key unit 140 paper feeding unit 150 paper ejection tray 160 control unit 166 image processing unit 170 human sensor 174 power supply unit 176 timer 190 network

Claims (4)

It is an electronic device which changes the operating state according to the selected energy saving level,
Control means for controlling the power consumption state of the electronic device;
Detection means for detecting a person;
Setting means for setting the detection sensitivity of the detection means according to the energy saving level;
The control means causes the electronic device to transition to the energy saving level according to the selection, and
In response to detection of a person by the detection means, the electronic device is caused to transition to the standby state;
The energy saving level includes a first energy saving level which consumes less power than the standby state and a second energy saving level which consumes less power than the first energy saving level,
The setting means, in a state in which the electronic device transitions to the second energy saving level, than a state where the electronic device transitions to the first energy saving level, set high detection sensitivity of said detecting means,
The detection sensitivity is set by a detection angle,
The setting means sets the detection angle of the detection means wider than the state in which the electronic device has transitioned to the first energy saving level in the state in which the electronic device has transitioned to the second energy saving level. machine. An electronic device that transitions an operating state according to an energy saving level set for each predetermined condition,
The electronic device is an image forming apparatus,
Storage means for storing predetermined settings including the energy saving level;
A determination unit that reads the predetermined setting from the storage unit and determines the energy saving level according to the predetermined setting corresponding to the current predetermined condition;
Control means for controlling the power consumption state of the electronic device;
Detection means for detecting a person;
And setting means for setting the detection sensitivity of the detection means according to the energy saving level,
The control means transitions the electronic device to a preheating state in which the heater temperature of the fixing unit used for image formation is lowered in response to the elapse of a predetermined first time while the electronic device is in the standby state. Let
In response to the fact that the energy saving level corresponding to the current time zone is determined to be the first energy saving level after the predetermined second time has elapsed while the electronic device is still in the preheated state, Transitioning the electronic device to the first energy saving level;
In response to the determination that the energy saving level corresponding to the current time zone is the second energy saving level, the second time has elapsed while the electronic device is in the preheated state, and the determination unit determines that the energy saving level is the second energy saving level. Transition the electronic device to the second energy saving level, and
In response to detection of a person by the detection means, the electronic device is caused to transition to the standby state;
The power consumption of the electronic device decreases in the order of the standby state, the preheating state, the first energy saving level, and the second energy saving level,
The setting means, in a state in which the electronic device transitions to the second energy saving level, than a state where the electronic device transitions to the first energy saving level, set high detection sensitivity of said detecting means,
The detection sensitivity is set by a detection angle,
The setting means sets the detection angle of the detection means wider than the state in which the electronic device has transitioned to the first energy saving level in the state in which the electronic device has transitioned to the second energy saving level. machine. The energy saving level is preset for each predetermined condition,
Storage means for storing predetermined settings including the energy saving level;
And determining means for reading out the predetermined setting from the storage means and determining the energy saving level according to the predetermined setting corresponding to the current predetermined condition;
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means selects the energy saving level determined by the determining means and causes the electronic device to transition to the energy saving level. The detection sensitivity, the detection distance in addition to the detection angle is also set,
The setting means makes the detection distance of the detection means longer and the detection angle than the state where the electronic device has transitioned to the first energy saving level in the state where the electronic device has transitioned to the second energy saving level. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is widely set.

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