JPH0481774A - Image forming device with timer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus with a timer that automatically connects (turns on) or automatically shuts off (turns off) the power of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.

(Prior Art) Due to requests for resource conservation, etc., it has been known to turn on/off the power of a copying machine according to an on time or an off time set in a memory using a clock IC or the like. These are techniques related to the weekly timer function, such as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-153626 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 52-2.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 1141.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, when using a clock IC, the on and off times of the copying machine are registered in memory on a weekly basis, and the The copier automatically turns on and off, so you can use it on holidays, special holidays, etc.
Even when the company is closed for summer vacation, winter vacation, etc., the power to the copying machine is automatically turned on or off at the time set on the timer, resulting in wasted power consumption.

Also, the copy machine is turned on when no one is home, so
There were also safety concerns.

Furthermore, when you want to use the copy machine outside of normal working hours, such as when you are working late at night due to overtime, the copy machine has already been automatically turned off, so you can turn it on again. I had the inconvenience of having to turn the power back on.

Therefore, the present invention has a weekly timer function that automatically turns on and off the power of the image forming apparatus using a clock IC or the like, and further uses human body detection means to detect the presence of an operator. control so that the power of the image forming apparatus is not automatically turned on even when it is time to turn on the power of the image forming apparatus based on the detected state, in order to save energy and ensure safety of the image forming apparatus, or to prevent image forming from the detected state. The purpose is to improve operability by controlling the device so that it does not turn off automatically even when it is time to turn it off.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, there are provided a switch means for turning on/off the power of the image forming apparatus, a clock means for measuring time, and a memory means for storing various data. , a control means for controlling the switch means to automatically turn on/off the power of the image forming apparatus based on a comparison between the time registered in the memory means and the current time; and an operator present near the image forming apparatus. A human body detection device is installed that detects the presence of an operator or the passage of an operator and generates a detection output.
Even if the power on time registered in the memory is reached,
If the operator is not detected by the human body detection means between the predetermined time before the connection time and the on time,
It was decided to control the image forming apparatus so that it would not be turned on.

It also includes a switch means for turning on and off the power of the image forming apparatus, a clock means for measuring time, a memory means for storing various data, and a comparison between the time registered in the memory means and the current time. a control means for controlling the switch means to automatically turn on/on the power of the image forming apparatus;

A human body detection device is installed that detects the presence of an operator near the image forming device or the passage of an operator and generates a detection output. If no operator is detected, the image forming apparatus is controlled not to be powered off.

(Function) Due to the function of the human body detection means, if a person does not approach the image forming apparatus under certain conditions, the power will remain off even when it should be turned on, and the If this is done, the power will not be turned off even when it should be turned off.

In other words, the control by the human body detection means takes priority over the control by the weekly timer.

(Example) In the following example, by measuring and detecting the distance between a copying machine, which is an example of an image forming apparatus, and an operator,
A human body detection means that can detect that an operator approaches a copying machine and further determine whether or not an operator is present near the copying machine is essential.

This human body detection means will be described later, but when applying such a human body detection means to automatically turn off the power of a copying machine, it is based on the following background.

1. Copying machines are usually located in corners of offices or hallways, where people often pass by the copying machine.

In other words, even when the copying machine is not in use, the human body detection means is activated when a person always passes near the copying machine.

2. Also, when the office is closed, of course there are no people present, so the human body detection means does not operate.

3. Furthermore, the same applies even when there are no people around, such as at night.

Example 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

This example is equipped with a human body detection device to determine whether an operator has approached the copier, and constantly monitors the detection signal from the human body detection device to determine when it is time to turn on the power. Sometimes, if the operator is not near the copying machine for 1, for example, 30 minutes from the predetermined time before the on time until the on time, if no human body is detected, the timer function This controls the copying machine so that it does not turn on automatically.

The subroutines shown in Figures 1 and 2 are each included in the main program that controls the entire copying machine, and are called and executed when the copying machine is in standby or power-off state. .

In each flow chart, human body detection device 500 (sixth
If an operator is detected using the method (see figure), the operator presence flag is set to 1.

In the control according to the flowchart in Figure 1, the weekly timer function uses the power connection time (
When the power is turned on (on time), the number of times the operator approaches is calculated using the operator presence flag and operator count flag detected by the human body detection device from a predetermined time before the power is turned on (for example, 30 minutes before) until the time when the power is connected. Check and if the operator is not detected - times,
Processing is performed such that automatic connection (on operation) of the power supply of the copying machine by the weekly timer function is not performed.

In addition, in the control according to the flowchart shown in Figure 2, if operator detection is performed less than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 minutes) before the power connection time, the power is automatically connected (on operation) by a weekly timer. ) is not performed.

On each side, the power supply of the copying machine is connected (on) at the first
Solid state relay 1 to relay driver 10 in the diagram
0.8 and 10. This is done by outputting an on signal to , .

When the power is connected (turned on), the copying machine goes into standby mode and becomes ready for copying.

In this way, by using a human body detection device to detect the presence of an operator, the weekly timer function that automatically turns on the copier can be canceled, making it possible to avoid using the copier on holidays, etc. Even if
It is possible to prevent the power of the copying machine from being automatically connected (turned on), thereby preventing unnecessary power consumption and ensuring safety.

Example 2 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

This example includes a human body detection device to determine whether an operator has approached the copying machine serving as an image forming device, and constantly monitors the detection signal from the human body detection device.
If it is detected that an operator is present in front of the copying machine when a predetermined time set by the timer has elapsed and it is time to turn off the power, control is performed so that the power is not turned off.

Furthermore, when the power is turned off, if an operator is present near the copying machine even once during the predetermined period of time (for example, 30 minutes) before the power is turned off (if a human body is detected), The timer function controls the machine so that it does not turn off automatically.

The subroutines shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are each included in the main program that controls the entire copying machine.
It is called and the process is executed when the copying machine is in standby mode.

In the control according to the flowchart in Figure 3, when the power cut-off (off) time set in memory by the weekly timer function arrives, it is determined whether the presence of the operator is detected by the human body detection device, and the operator is If the presence is not detected, the power to the copying machine is cut off (turned off). If the presence of an operator is detected,
Since there is a possibility that the copying machine will be used from now on, the weekly timer function automatically shuts off the power (off operation).
control so that it does not occur.

In the control according to the flowchart in Figure 4, when the power-off time (off time) set in the memory by the weekly timer function is reached, there is a period from a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) before the power-off time to the power-off time. , checking the number of times the operator has been detected by the operator presence flag and operator count flag detected by the human body detection device.

- If an operator is detected even once, the weekly timer function automatically shuts off the copier power (off operation)
Processing is performed such that it is not performed.

In the control according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, if the number of operator detections from a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) before the power cut-off time until the power cut-off time is a predetermined number or more, the copying machine is turned on by the weekly timer. Automatic shutoff (off operation) is not performed.

In this way, by using the human body detection device to detect the presence of an operator, the weekly timer function that automatically turns off the copier can be canceled, and when the copier wants to use it, In other words, it is possible to prevent the power of the copying machine from being automatically shut off (turned off) when someone approaches the copying machine, making it possible to use the copying machine without unnecessary operations. .

On each side, the copying machine power is cut off (off) by the first
A solid state relay i is installed in the relay driver 10 shown in the figure.
o, 4 and 10. This is done by outputting an off signal to , .

When the power is cut off (turned off), the copier enters a power cut-off mode to prevent wasteful power consumption.

In the block diagram of FIG. 6 explaining the control system of the copying machine, the main board 200 includes a ROM and a RAM, and the distance between the operator and the copying machine detected by the human body detection device 500 is measured using a microcontroller in the main board 200. The determination is made by the processor 210. The operator detection device 500 in this figure includes the detection section 4 of the operator detection device shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 10, and 11, and has a configuration in which a signal processing section 510 is added.

The timer 280 is a clock for automatically connecting/cutting off (on/off) the power of the copying machine as a weekly timer function.

In addition, the on/off time of the weekly timer is determined by non-volatile RAM as a memory means for storing various data.
290. The main board 200 receives information from the human body detection device 500, executes the programs shown in FIGS. Do this.

This copying machine uses a commercial power source as a power source, and a constant voltage Vcc for logic loads such as the CPU and various sensors generated from the cylinder power source in the power supply unit 10b, a constant voltage 2 for light loads such as a display, and A constant voltage vK for heavy loads such as motors, clutches, heaters, etc. is supplied to various parts, and the relay 10. )l, 10. When L is turned on/off, these power sources such as v, (, VL, etc.) are turned on/off.

Next, various examples of the human body detection device will be explained.

The copier emits light or ultrasonic waves for distance measurement in the direction the operator is in when operating the machine, receives the reflection from a reflective object, and receives the distance to the reflective object.It is not affected by the reflection level. Measure by method. If the measurement result is within a predetermined range and the operator continues to exist for a predetermined period of time, this is taken as an operator presence signal. Based on this, the operator presence flag is set to 1 in the above example (the same applies hereafter).

Since the principles for measuring distance are different between light and ultrasound, the methods that use light and those that use ultrasound will be explained separately below.

Detection using light> An infrared light-emitting diode and an optical system that converts the output of the light-emitting diode into a fine beam are installed on or near the operation section, display section, or document table of the copying machine, and the output of the light-emitting diode is set to a fine beam when the operator operates the copying machine. Place it so that it faces the direction you will be standing. A one-dimensional position sensor (Posit) is located at a predetermined distance from the beam emission position in a plane perpendicular to the beam emission direction and receives reflected light through a light receiving lens.
ionSensitive Device, abbreviated as PS
D) is installed so that its longitudinal direction is in the direction of the distance from the beam emission position. Using the principle of triangulation, the distance to the object is determined from the data on the position where the PSD receives the reflected light.

Due to the operational characteristics of copying machines, an operator may operate the copying machine by coming close to or touching it. With this method, if the operator gets too close,
There are cases where the reflected light cannot be received because the light receiving section or the light projecting section is blocked by the operator or the reflected light exceeds the light receiving range based on the length restriction of the PSD.

In order to prepare for the case where the operator gets too close and the position signal from the PSD cannot be obtained, the distance to the operator is continuously measured, and the distance to the operator gradually becomes closer. When reflected light cannot be received, it is determined that an operator is present.

Another countermeasure under such conditions is to set the detection gain so that the reflected light from the wall or ceiling behind the operator can be detected when the operator is not present, and to detect the reflected light from the wall or ceiling when the operator is not present. judge. Alternatively, when there is no moving object such as an operator or a person passing by, the distance to a reflective object, such as a rear wall or ceiling, is detected and memorized, and objects further away than the memorized distance are detected. When this happens, it is determined that the operator exists. In other words, the former is based on the fact that if the operator is too close to the object and cannot receive the reflected light, the detection result is the same as if the object is far enough away that the operator cannot receive the reflected light. is a judgment based on the fact that data at a distance from the background cannot occur unless the conditions under which the copying machine is installed are changed. These methods do not require continuous detection of the operator's approach.

Detection using ultrasonic waves> Install an ultrasonic speaker and microphone on or near the operation section, display section, or document table of the copying machine so that their directivity points in the direction in which the operator stands when operating the copying machine. to be installed.

The time it takes for the ultrasonic waves emitted from the speaker to hit the detection target, reflect, and return to the microphone is measured, and the distance is determined from the speed at which the sound waves propagate through the air.

Since the emitted ultrasonic waves have a spread, they do not all reflect from the same distance, but the time it takes for them to return is
It depends on the distance to the location where the ultrasound waves are reflected. Therefore, signals received by the microphone include signals with various delay times. Among these signals, the distance of the detection target is determined based on the delay time of the signal that returns earliest, and if the distance is within a predetermined range, it is taken as an operator presence signal.

When the speaker and microphone are installed far apart, if the operator gets too close to the copying machine, one or both of them will be blocked by the operator, making it impossible to receive the reflection. In this case as well, the presence of the operator is determined in the same manner as in the optical detection method.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show examples in which these human body detection devices are mounted on a copying machine. In the figure, numeral 1 is a copying machine, numeral 2 is a document pressure plate, numeral 3 is an operation/display section, numeral 4 is a detection section of a human body detection means, numeral 6 is an infrared beam when infrared rays are used as a detection medium, and numerals 7 to 10 indicate the outer edge of the detection area when ultrasonic waves are used as the detection medium, and the outer edges 7 and 8 respectively
It is possible to measure the distance of the human body 5 in a region between

Both infrared and ultrasonic waves are aimed at detecting areas near the average operator's chest. Normally, when operating a copying machine, the width is the width of the operator's arm plus the width of the operator's arm at the chest position, so even if the operator's standing position is slightly different, there is no need to worry about the operator falling out of the detection area of the detection device. That's what I do. Detecting the operator's detection position in as wide a region as possible is important in the case of infrared methods, where the detection area is a single beam and does not spread out like ultrasonic waves. This is especially important when trying to

Although these figures show the case of both infrared and ultrasonic systems at the same time, they do not show that both methods are installed at the same time, but each case is shown in one figure.

<In the case of optical method> In this method, an LED that emits infrared rays and a light receiving element that detects the position of the reflected light play an important role, so first we will explain the function of the light receiving element, and then we will introduce the 8 distance detection methods. will be explained, and then the determination of the presence of an operator based on the characteristics of the copying machine will be explained.

(2) Operation of the light receiving element (PSD) FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of the PSD. P.S.
D is an element having a common electrode, an output P□, and an output P2.

A current as shown in the figure flows through the outputs P and P2 depending on the position in the longitudinal direction of the light receiving section. That is, when the spot light hits the center, the current I□ of the output P and the current I2 of the output P2 are equal; when it shifts to the right, I□<I2; when it shifts to the left, Iz<p□. The rate of increase/decrease in T/I2 is proportional to the deviation from the center of the spotlight. Therefore, the relationship between the position of the spotlight and I z /I 1 is a constant value, and is unrelated to the intensity of the spotlight. In other words, by calculating the current ratio, the position of the spot light can be determined.

■Distance Measuring Method FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a distance measuring method using a PSD. Taking advantage of the fact that the position of the spotlight can be detected using a PSD, by configuring it as shown in the figure, the distance to the position hit by the emitted infrared beam can be determined by triangulation.

The infrared light from the LED is turned into a fine beam by the projection lens, and is emitted toward the position where the operator is standing, which is the detection target. The spot light reflected by the object to be detected forms a real image on the light-receiving surface of the PSD using a light-receiving lens. The deviation d of the spot light from the center is inversely proportional to the distance to the detection target,
The relationship f/L=d/s holds true for the baseline length S and the distance f between the light receiving lens and the PSD.

As shown in FIG. 9, the PSD output current ■□.

There is the following relationship with I2.

I, = c/2-d = c/2-f
S/LI 2=c/2-d=c/
2 + f S / L from now on I2/I□ = (cL/2+fS)/(cL/2-fS)
≠1+cfS/L, (L/1l-1) is proportional to 1/L, and C2f,
Since S has a value unique to the detection device, L can be obtained from ■2/■1.

Although this method requires a longer PSD for short distances, it provides higher accuracy and is suitable for detecting the presence of a copying machine operator.

(2) Determination of presence of operator When the distance measurement result is smaller than a predetermined value within 50 cm, it is determined that an operator is present.

To distinguish people from people who are just passing by without using a copy machine, when they are within a certain distance for a certain period of time,
It may be determined that an operator is present. If the operator gets too close to the copier and exceeds the light receiving range of the PSD, or covers the light emitting part or light receiving part, and position data cannot be obtained, the operator is detected by a processing part separate from the calculation part. Then it is determined.

As mentioned above, simply determining that an operator is present when position data cannot be obtained may lead to an incorrect determination in the event that the detection device malfunctions.
It is also possible to avoid such a problem by using data before position data is no longer available, and by setting the determination condition to be that position data is no longer available as a result of the operator approaching.

Alternatively, distance data of ceilings, walls, etc. obtained when the operator is not present may be stored, and when a distance longer than this is detected, it may be determined that the operator is present.

The installation position of the detection device in Figures 7 and 8 is based on the installation conditions of a normal copying machine, and takes into consideration the possibility of obtaining data from reflections from the ceiling as distance data from the operator's background. It is.

Since copying machines are installed under various lighting conditions, it is necessary to distinguish between ambient light and distance measurement light. For this reason, the infrared rays emitted are set to 800 to 950 nm. Furthermore, a visible light cut filter is inserted in front of the light receiving surface of the PSD, the LED is driven in pulses, and only the change is extracted to measure the distance, and the LED drive is limited to a predetermined interval. Only when the PSD detects the current is calculated, distance data is obtained.

By inserting a common visible light cut filter in the light receiving section and the light projecting section, there is an effect that the detection section of the operator detection device becomes invisible and does not make the operator feel uncomfortable. If it is invisible, it is possible to prevent it from being handled in a way that is not intended by the design, such as intentionally not being detected.

<Example of ultrasonic type> Ultrasonic waves are used instead of infrared rays, speakers are used instead of LEDs, microphones are used instead of PSDs, and the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in the air is used instead of distance measurement by triangulation. be.

FIG. 1 shows a detection section of an operator detection device consisting of a speaker, an ultrasonic oscillator, a microphone, and a receiver.

The area between 11 and 12.11' and 12' indicates the directivity of the speaker and microphone. In reality, when comparing the distances between the speaker and the microphone, the distance from the operator 5 as a detector is much larger, so FIGS. 7 and 8 show the overall detection area. With this configuration, the ultrasonic waves emitted from the speaker are reflected, received by the microphone, the time from emission to reception is measured, the distance from the detector to the operator is determined, the time from emission to reception is d, the time from emission to reception is measured, If the propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave inside is V, then L = v d / 2, and ■ is a value of about 340 m/s, so the distance can be calculated from the measured d.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a method for measuring d. An ultrasonic signal with a constant period is given to the speaker each time a measurement is made, and ultrasonic waves as shown in the figure are emitted. The emitted ultrasonic waves are
It hits an object and is reflected, and the reflected wave is received by a microphone. Ultrasonic waves are reflected by various objects within the solid angle shown as directivity and return, so the propagation path is different, and the received signal has a different time from emission to reception.
It is a composite of signals with different phases and amplitudes. From this signal, the data of the signal reflected from the closest point is used as distance measurement data.

Therefore, the received signal is amplified, its amplitude is limited by a predetermined limiter, and then detected to obtain the detected signal shown in the figure, and the time to its leading edge is defined as d. The distance from d to the operator is determined by calculating the above equation.

If the operator is too close to measure the distance, the response is the same as in the case of the infrared method.

In FIG. 6, the distance between the operator and the machine detected by the human body detection device 500 is determined by the microprocessor 210 in the main board 200.

The human body detection device 500 in this figure is shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 1.
It includes the detection section 4 shown in FIGS. 0 and 11, and has a signal processing section added thereto.

Next, the presence or absence of the operator is determined from the distance data between the operator and the copying machine obtained from the detection device.
The functions performed in the figure will be explained using a flowchart.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for detecting whether or not an operator exists within a predetermined distance a from the copying machine as shown in FIG.

5TEP 6-1: Determine whether the distance data from the human body detection device is within a predetermined distance a, and if it is determined that it is within the predetermined distance a, proceed to 5TEP 6-2. , if it is determined that the value is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance a, the process proceeds to 5TEP 6-3.

5TEP 6-2: Determine that an operator exists, and set an operator presence flag to apply that information to various controls.

5TEP 6-3: Since it is determined that the operator does not exist, reset the operator presence flag.

As described above, the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 14 is the most basic one, in which the operator determines whether or not someone is in front of the copying machine based on the distance data obtained from the human body detection device. do.

FIG. 15 shows a flow for determining that an operator is present if the operator is continuously present within a predetermined distance a for a predetermined period of time.

5TEP 7-1: Determine whether the distance data from the human body detection device is within a predetermined distance a, and if it is within the predetermined distance a, then proceed to 5TEP 7-1 to check the time.
Proceed to step 2. If the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance a, the operator does not exist and the process proceeds to 5TEP 7-6.

5TEP 7-2: Check whether the time-up flag is set to 1, which indicates that the operator has been within a predetermined distance lia for a predetermined time or longer. If the time-up flag is 1, there is no need to check the predetermined time, so the process advances to 5TEP 7-5. If the time-up flag is O, it means that the check has not been completed for the predetermined period of time, and the process proceeds to the next 5TEP 7-3.

5TEP 7-3: Increment the counter (Time UP CNT) by 1 to determine whether the operator has been present within a predetermined distance a for a predetermined time or longer, and the content of the counter is 100 or more. Decide whether or not it has become.

If this subroutine is checked every 5ms, approximately 5
00m5 becomes the predetermined time. This value can be freely set depending on the operating characteristics of the detection means and operator.

If (Time UP CNT)≧100, it has been continued for a predetermined time, so it is determined that an operator is present.

Proceed to 5TEP 7-4 for that processing.

If (time υP CNT)<, then the predetermined period of time has not continued, and the processing of this subroutine ends.

5TEP 7-4: Set to 1 a time-up flag indicating that the operator has been within a predetermined distance a for a predetermined time or longer.

5TEP 7-5: Determine that an operator exists, and set the operator presence flag to 1 in order to apply that information to various controls.

5TEP 7-6: Since there is no operator within the predetermined distance a, reset the time-up flag to 0, (
The contents of time UP (CNT) are reset to O, and the operator presence flag is also reset to O.

FIG. 16 shows a flow for determining that the operator continues to be present when distance data suddenly disappears after detecting the presence of the operator. In the following explanation, FIG. 17 shows a and b.

Use the distances c and d. The meaning and size relationship of each are shown in the figure.

5TEP 8-1: Determine whether the distance data from the human body detection means is within a predetermined value a, and if it is determined that it is within the predetermined value a, determine that an operator is present and perform 5TEP.
Proceed to 8-2. If there is no distance data from the human body detection means (undetectable), proceed to 5TEP 8-2.

5TEP 8-2: Since the detection distance is within the predetermined value a, the within predetermined value a flag is set to 1. This flag is used to determine where the operator is within the detection range, and to check the direction of movement of the operator in combination with other flags.

5TEP 8-3: Set the operator presence flag to 1, which indicates that an operator exists.

5TEP 8-4: Check whether the distance data from the human body detection means is within a predetermined value. If the value is within the predetermined value, the less than predetermined value flag is set to 1 in 5TEP8-5. If it is above the specified value, 5TE
At P8-1, the within-predetermined-value flag is reset to ○. The within predetermined value flag is also used for the same purpose as the within predetermined value a flag.

5TEP 8-6: Check whether the distance data from the human body detection means is within a predetermined value C. If it is within the predetermined value C, a predetermined value C or less flag is set to 1 in 5TEP8-7. 5TEP if it is above the predetermined value C
At 8-12, the within-predetermined value C flag is reset to 0. The within predetermined value C flag is also used for the same purpose as the within predetermined value a flag.

5TEP 8-8: Reset the within predetermined value a flag to O.

5TEP 8-9: Check whether the within predetermined value C flag is 1 or O. This is a redundant process that makes it possible to determine that the operator is present even if the detected distance exceeds a predetermined value a or the distance data is lost if the operator gets too close to the detection device. In other words, even if the detected distance is greater than the predetermined value a or there is no distance data, if the within predetermined value C flag is set to 1, the operator approaches the copying machine, and then the copying machine detects the predetermined value. Since this indicates that the operator is not further away than C, it is possible to determine that the operator has come too close to the copying machine (has entered the undetectable range).

5TEP 8-10: The detection distance is not within the predetermined value a,
If the within-predetermined value C flag is also not set, it is determined that no operator really exists, and the operator presence flag is reset to O.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart in which the detection gain is adjusted so that distance data can be obtained even when there is no object to be detected, and when the distance cannot be detected, it is determined that an operator is present.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for storing distance data when there is no detected object and determining that an operator is present when the object is detected to be farther than the distance data. In the explanation of FIGS. 18 and 19, n, a, d shown in FIG.
use the distance of The meaning and size relationship of each are shown in the figure.

5TEP 9-1: Check whether the distance data from the human body detection means is within a predetermined value a. If it is within the predetermined value a, proceed to the next 5TEP 9-2.

5TEP 9-2: Check whether distance data from the human body detection means exists. If distance data exists, it is determined that no operator exists within the predetermined value a, and the process proceeds to 5TEP 9-4.

If there is no distance data, that is, if the distance cannot be detected, it is determined that the operator is too close to the detection device, and it is determined that the operator is present, and 5TEP 9-3
Proceed to.

5TEP 9-3: Set the operator presence flag to 1.

5TEP 9-4: Reset the operator presence flag to O.

5TEP 10-1: Check whether the distance data from the human body detection means is within a predetermined value a. Predetermined value a
If it is within the range, it is determined that the presence of an operator has been detected, and the process proceeds to 5TEP 10-3. If it is greater than or equal to the predetermined value a,
Proceed to the next check, 5TEP 10-2.

5TEPIO-2: The distance data from the human body detection means is
The data measured in advance in the absence of an operator is checked to see if it is within or above a predetermined value n.

If the distance data is within a predetermined value n or equal to a predetermined value n, the operator determines that it does not exist and performs 5TEPI.
Proceed to O-4. If the distance data is equal to or greater than the predetermined value n, it is determined that normal distance data cannot be obtained because the operator has come too close to the detection means, and it is determined that the operator is present, and the process proceeds to 5TEP10-3.

5TEPIO-3: Set the operator presence flag to 1.

5TEPIO-4: Reset the operator presence flag to 0.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, energy saving and safety of an image forming apparatus can be ensured, or operability can be improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 5 are flowcharts explaining the present invention in detail, FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the copying machine, and FIGS. 7 to 20
The figure is an explanatory diagram of a human body detection device. 1... Copy machine, 200... Main boat, 280.
...Timer, 290...Nonvolatile RAM, 500
...Human body detection device, 10b...Power supply unit, 10
aH, 10°, ... (as a switch means) Relay (other name) is also 4)'P)D Fig. %q Fig. S π1°・Y Tota pull-out opening ７ e shaku is also 47 圀chi I δ Enorage 44 Enri de 5 4D Tsurugi g Iso 4qEl

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having a timer function that automatically connects/cuts off a power source after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the image forming apparatus comprising: a switch means for connecting/cutting off a power source of the image forming apparatus; A clock means for measuring time, a memory means for storing various data, and a power supply for the image forming apparatus is automatically connected/connected by comparing the time registered in the memory means with the current time.
a control means for controlling the switch means to shut off the image forming apparatus; a human body detection device for detecting the presence of an operator near the image forming apparatus or the passage of the operator and generating a detection output thereof; Even if the registered power supply connection time has come, from the specified time before the connection time until the connection time,
An image forming apparatus with a timer, characterized in that the image forming apparatus is controlled not to be connected to a power source unless an operator is detected by the human body detection means. 2. An image forming apparatus having a timer function that automatically connects/cuts off the power supply when a predetermined time has elapsed, comprising: a switch means for connecting/cutting off the power supply of the image forming apparatus; and a clock means for measuring time. and a memory means for storing various data; and automatically connecting/connecting the power supply of the image forming apparatus by comparing the time registered in the memory means with the current time.
a control means for controlling the switch means to shut off the image forming apparatus; a human body detection device for detecting the presence of an operator near the image forming apparatus or the passage of the operator and generating a detection output thereof; An image forming apparatus with a timer, characterized in that the image forming apparatus is controlled so as not to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus if an operator is detected by the human body detection means even if a registered power cut-off time has come.