JP2013092896A - Printing instruction device, printer, printing system and printing instruction method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve the reduction of an environmental load and the execution of processing under printing conditions requested by a user.SOLUTION: A printing instruction device 110 of a printer 100 which receives power from a power distribution device which distributes power from a plurality of power supply sources displays power unit price information on each of the power supply sources, accepts the selection of an arbitrary power supply source from the plurality of power supply sources, displays an estimated electricity charge, and transmits a signal indicating that the selected power supply source is determined as a purchase destination of power to a management device of the selected power supply source.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print instruction apparatus that gives a print instruction to a printing apparatus that receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources.

  In recent years, there has been a demand for a reduction in environmental load in printing apparatuses. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technique. Information on the unit price of electric power is periodically obtained by accessing the server of the electric power company, this is updated as a reference fee, and the electricity fee required for executing the image forming job is calculated based on this reference fee. Then, the upper limit value of the power charge that can be allowed to execute the job is acquired as an allowable charge, and the allowable charge is compared with the power charge necessary for execution of the image forming job to determine whether to execute the image forming job or to wait. decide. As a result, it is possible to execute an image forming job when the power charge is relatively low.

  Further, for example, Patent Literature 2 discloses the following technique. When instructions for greenhouse gas emission reduction targets are entered, print settings are adjusted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to the entered greenhouse gas emission reduction target instructions, and print settings are adjusted. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced as a result of performing is displayed. According to this, it is possible to easily adjust the print settings according to the greenhouse gas emission reduction target without registering fixed print settings in advance.

  On the other hand, the selection condition of the power supply company is stored, the power supply public information indicating the power supply condition of the power supply company is obtained, and the purchaser's power supply company is selected based on the selection condition and the power supply public information. A system is disclosed in US Pat. Thereby, the consumer of electricity can purchase electricity from the electric power supply company selected according to desired conditions.

JP 2009-47760 A JP 2011-96158 A JP 2004-310421 A

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, an image forming job can be executed when the power charge (electricity charge) is low. However, a user with high environmental awareness is not necessarily required to print only information with a low power charge. Judgment is not necessarily done. There are also users who want to select power that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, even if the electricity bill is a little overpriced.

  Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, print settings can be adjusted according to a greenhouse gas emission reduction target instruction, but this may not be print settings or image processing according to the user's wishes. For example, if the user's desired color is not confirmed after printing, printing is performed again, resulting in waste of resources and energy.

  Further, simply applying the technique of Patent Document 3 to a printing apparatus allows a plurality of users to use the printing apparatus for their own convenience, so that each user cannot select a desired power supply company.

  Thus, it is difficult to achieve both the printing process with reduced environmental load and the printing process under the printing conditions desired by the user. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is a print instruction apparatus capable of achieving both printing processing with reduced environmental load and execution of printing processing under printing conditions desired by the user, A printing apparatus, a printing system, and a printing instruction method are provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, a print instruction apparatus according to the present invention is a print instruction apparatus that gives a print instruction to a printing apparatus that receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources. A power receiving unit that stores setting unit that receives setting of printing conditions corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus, and unit price information that is unit price information of each power supplied from the plurality of power supply sources. A power information acquisition unit that acquires each power unit price information of the plurality of power supply sources from a database; a power information display unit that displays each unit price information of the acquired plurality of power supply sources on a display unit; A power selection accepting unit that accepts selection of an arbitrary power supply source from among a plurality of power supply sources, and a power usage amount necessary for executing processing according to the set printing conditions in the printing apparatus An electric charge necessary for executing processing according to the set printing condition is calculated from the acquired power unit price information of the selected power supply source and the estimated power usage amount. An electric charge display unit for displaying on the display means, and a management device for managing the amount of power supplied to the power distribution devices of the plurality of power supply sources via the communication network, and the selected A purchase signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the selected power supply source has been determined as a power purchase source of the printing apparatus to the management apparatus of the power supply source. Yes.

  According to the above configuration, the power information acquisition unit acquires each power unit price information of a plurality of power supply sources that supply power to the power distribution device that distributes power to the printing device, and the power information display unit displays each power unit price information. . Therefore, useful information regarding selection of the power supply source can be presented to the user. The power supply source is a purchaser (supplier) of power used by the printing apparatus, and may be, for example, a power generation facility (power plant) or an electric power company. These are examples and are not limited to these.

  In addition, the power selection receiving unit receives selection of an arbitrary power supply source among a plurality of power supply sources, and the purchase signal transmission unit manages the amount of power supplied to the power distribution device of the selected power supply source A signal indicating that the selected power supply source has been determined as the power purchase source of the printing apparatus is transmitted to the apparatus. Therefore, it becomes possible for a highly environmentally conscious user to select a power supply source having a low environmental load as a power supply source from which the power used by the printing apparatus is purchased. Therefore, it can contribute to the prevention of global warming by suppressing the generation of greenhouse gases.

  Further, the setting receiving unit receives setting of printing conditions corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus. Then, the electricity price display unit estimates the power consumption (power consumption) necessary for executing processing according to the printing conditions set in the printing apparatus, and the selected power supply source is acquired. From the power unit price information and the estimated power usage, an electricity bill necessary to execute processing according to the set printing conditions is calculated and displayed. Here, the printing conditions include, for example, the number of copies, color printing or monochrome printing, single-sided printing or double-sided printing, N-up printing for printing N pages on one side, reduction or enlargement, density, and the like. The amount of power used varies depending on the printing conditions. Therefore, by calculating and displaying the electricity bill as described above, it is possible to accurately present to the user the electricity bill necessary for processing according to the printing conditions using the power from the selected power supply source. it can. By displaying the printing fee, the user can be conscious of the environment. In addition, since the user can know the electricity charge for printing before printing, it can easily determine whether or not to print, and can contribute to the reduction of printing costs.

  As can be seen from the above, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a print instruction apparatus capable of achieving both a printing process with reduced environmental load and a printing process under printing conditions desired by the user.

  In addition to the above configuration, the indicating device according to the present invention includes a first power supply source that generates power using fossil fuel as a raw material and a second power supply source that generates power using renewable energy, in addition to the above-described configuration. The power information acquisition unit further acquires information on the power supply capability of each power supply source from a power supply capability database in which information on the power supply capability of each power supply source is stored, The power information display unit may display the power supply capability of each acquired power supply source.

  According to the above configuration, since either a first power supply source that generates power using fossil fuel as a raw material or a second power supply source that generates power using renewable energy can be selected, By selecting the power supply source, it is possible to suppress the generation of greenhouse gases and contribute to the prevention of global warming. Moreover, the information of power supply capability can be displayed as information useful for the user's power selection.

  Further, in the instruction device according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the power unit price information database and the power supply capability database are stored outside, and the power information acquisition unit includes the power unit price information and the power unit information every predetermined time. Information on the power supply capability may be acquired.

  According to the above configuration, the power information acquisition unit acquires the power unit price information and the power supply capability information from the external database every predetermined time. Therefore, the latest information can always be acquired for the power unit price information and the power supply capacity information that changes every year, month, day, or time. Therefore, the latest power unit price information and power supply capability information can always be provided to the user.

  In addition to the above configuration, the print instruction apparatus according to the present invention may be configured such that, when the power selection receiving unit does not receive a selection of an arbitrary power supply source this time, the power rate display unit The power supply source that has received the selection is used as a default power supply source, and the power from the default power supply source is used from the acquired power unit price information of the default power supply source and the estimated power usage amount. Thus, it is possible to calculate and display the electricity bill necessary for executing the processing according to the printing conditions.

  According to the above configuration, when the power selection accepting unit does not accept the selection of an arbitrary power supply source this time, it is necessary to execute the process according to the printing condition using the power from the default power supply source. Calculate and display electricity charges. By using the default power source, the user does not have to select a power source. That is, the process performed by the user can be simplified. Therefore, the user can quickly determine whether or not to print.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the print instruction apparatus according to the present invention further includes a calculation reception unit that receives an instruction to calculate the electricity charge, and the electricity charge display unit includes an instruction for the calculation reception unit to calculate the electricity charge. May be calculated and displayed.

  According to the above configuration, the electricity rate display unit calculates and displays the electricity rate when the calculation accepting unit accepts the instruction to calculate the electricity rate, and calculates and displays the electricity rate when the instruction is not accepted. Can be done. Some users may want to select a power supply source that can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions even if the unit price is somewhat high. Among such users, there is a user who does not need to display an electricity bill only by selecting a power supply source. Therefore, as in the above configuration, when the calculation receiving unit receives an instruction to calculate the electricity rate, the electricity rate display unit calculates and displays the electricity rate, thereby calculating and displaying the electricity rate, Electricity and oxygen dioxide emissions can be reduced.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the printing instruction apparatus according to the present invention is configured so that the electricity rate display unit is configured to generate the power based on all estimated operating hours of the printing apparatus necessary for processing according to the printing conditions. The amount used may be estimated.

  According to the above configuration, the electricity charge display unit calculates all estimated operating times of the printing apparatus (for example, pre-processing time such as fixing device warm-up time, and post-processing time until the printing apparatus is completely stopped. The power usage fee is calculated based on (including), so that a more accurate power usage fee can be calculated.

  In the print instruction apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the print job for instructing the print apparatus to print is a print job stored in the print apparatus or a server apparatus connected to the print apparatus via a communication network. It may be.

  According to the above configuration, when printing a past print job stored in a printing apparatus or a server apparatus connected to the printing apparatus via a communication network, the electricity charge at the time of instructing the printing is displayed, and the power is displayed to the user. The selection of the source can be prompted.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the print instruction apparatus according to the present invention sets each unit price information of the plurality of power supply sources by the control of the power information display unit, and the setting by the control of the electricity rate display unit. Display means for displaying an electricity bill necessary for processing according to the printed printing conditions may be provided.

  According to the above configuration, an information processing apparatus such as a portable terminal or a personal computer provided with display means can function as the print instruction apparatus of the present invention.

  In addition to the above configuration, the print instruction apparatus according to the present invention is connected to the printing apparatus via a communication network, and performs processing according to the printing conditions set in the printing apparatus via the communication network. A print instruction to be executed may be transmitted.

  According to the above configuration, the print instruction can be issued from the print instruction apparatus to the printing apparatus via the communication network to execute processing according to the set printing conditions. Therefore, an information processing apparatus such as a portable terminal or a personal computer connected to the printing apparatus via a communication network can function as the printing instruction apparatus of the present invention, and a printing instruction can be sent to the printing apparatus without selecting a location. Can be given.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus that receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources, and is set by any one of the print instruction apparatuses. A control unit that executes processing according to the printing conditions is provided.

  According to the above configuration, the process according to the printing condition set by the print instruction apparatus according to the present invention is executed by the power supplied from the power supply source selected by the print instruction apparatus according to the present invention. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the environmental load and execute the printing process under the printing conditions desired by the user.

  In addition to the above configuration, the printing apparatus according to the present invention may be configured using a consumable item to which a greenhouse gas emission right is given.

  According to the above configuration, if a consumable item to which a greenhouse gas emission right is granted is used for the printing apparatus, it is possible to easily fund the development and installation of renewable energy. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the unit price of electric power as well as to increase the power supply capability of renewable energy and suppress the generation of greenhouse gases, and to reduce the electricity bill necessary for printing.

  In addition to renewable energy development funds, the cost of greenhouse gas emission credits includes renewable energy (natural energy) technology development, installation and maintenance of buildings and facilities, operation of renewable energy, transmission network The cost may be used for maintenance (including the development of power grids with other countries beyond national and regional boundaries), technical assistance, and various other taxes.

  In order to solve the above problems, the print instruction method according to the present invention uses a print instruction apparatus that gives a print instruction to a printing apparatus that receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources. In the printing instruction method to be executed, a setting receiving step for receiving setting of printing conditions corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus, and a power unit price information which is unit price information of each power supplied from the plurality of power supply sources A power information acquisition step of acquiring each unit price information of the plurality of power supply sources from a stored database; a power information display step of displaying each unit price information of the acquired plurality of power supply sources; A power reception step for receiving selection of an arbitrary power supply source from among a plurality of power supply sources, and a process according to the printing conditions set by the printing apparatus Necessary for processing in accordance with the set printing conditions from the acquired power unit price information of the selected power supply source and the estimated power usage. An electricity bill display step for calculating and displaying an electricity bill, and the printing of the selected power supply source with respect to a management device that manages the amount of power supplied to the power distribution device by the selected power supply source. And a purchase signal transmitting step of transmitting a signal indicating that the device has been determined as a power purchaser.

  According to the above method, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above-described print instruction apparatus according to the present invention, and to achieve both the printing process with reduced environmental load and the execution of the printing process under the printing conditions desired by the user. Become.

  As described above, a print instruction apparatus according to the present invention is a print instruction apparatus that gives a print instruction to a printing apparatus that receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources. From a setting reception unit that receives setting of printing conditions corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus, and a power unit price information database that stores power unit price information that is unit price information of each power supplied by the plurality of power supply sources, A power information acquisition unit that acquires each unit price information of the plurality of power supply sources; a power information display unit that displays each unit price information of the acquired plurality of power supply sources on a display unit; and the plurality of power units A power selection accepting unit that accepts selection of an arbitrary power supply source among the supply sources, and a power usage amount necessary for executing processing according to the set printing conditions in the printing apparatus; The display unit calculates an electricity charge necessary to execute processing according to the set printing conditions from the acquired power unit price information of the selected power supply source and the estimated power usage amount. And an electricity rate display unit for displaying, and a communication device capable of communicating with the management device for managing the amount of power supplied to the power distribution device of the plurality of power supply sources via the communication network, A purchase signal transmission unit configured to transmit a signal indicating that the selected power supply source has been determined as a power purchase source of the printing apparatus to the management apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, the power information acquisition unit acquires each power unit price information of a plurality of power supply sources that supply power to the power distribution device that distributes power to the printing device, and the power information display unit displays each power unit price information. . Therefore, useful information regarding selection of the power supply source can be presented to the user.

  In addition, the power selection receiving unit receives selection of an arbitrary power supply source among a plurality of power supply sources, and the purchase signal transmission unit manages the amount of power supplied to the power distribution device of the selected power supply source A signal indicating that the selected power supply source has been determined as the power purchase source of the printing apparatus is transmitted to the apparatus. Therefore, it becomes possible for a highly environmentally conscious user to select a power supply source having a low environmental load as a power supply source from which the power used by the printing apparatus is purchased. Therefore, it can contribute to the prevention of global warming by suppressing the generation of greenhouse gases.

  Further, the setting receiving unit receives setting of printing conditions corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus. Then, the electricity rate display unit estimates the amount of power used when executing processing according to the printing conditions set in the printing apparatus, and estimates the unit price information acquired for the selected power supply source. Based on the amount of power used, the electricity charge necessary to execute processing according to the set printing conditions is calculated and displayed. The amount of power used varies depending on the printing conditions. Therefore, by calculating and displaying the electricity bill as described above, it is possible to accurately present to the user the electricity bill necessary for processing according to the printing conditions using the power from the selected power supply source. it can. By displaying the necessary electricity bill, the user can be conscious of the environment. In addition, since the user can know the electricity charge necessary for printing before printing, it is possible to easily determine whether or not to print, thereby contributing to reduction in printing costs.

  As can be seen from the above, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a print instruction apparatus capable of achieving both a printing process with reduced environmental load and a printing process under printing conditions desired by the user.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the printing system provided with the printing instruction | indication apparatus and printing apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the connection form of a power distribution network and a communication network. It is a figure which shows an example of the print setting screen which is displaying the main screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the print setting screen which is displaying the electric power acquisition screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the print setting screen which is displaying the electric power information screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the print setting screen which is displaying the electricity bill screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displaying a print execution screen. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing for issuing a print instruction from the print instruction apparatus to the printing apparatus. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an example of a schematic structure of an MFP. FIG. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an example of a toner cartridge, where FIG. 3A is a perspective view, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packing material for a toner cartridge.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Printing system)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the printing system 1, a printing apparatus 100 and a print instruction apparatus 110 are connected via a communication network 102 and can communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the communication network 102 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The communication network 102 is not limited to a LAN. In FIG. 1, for simplicity of explanation, one printing apparatus 100 and one printing instruction apparatus 110 are connected, but one printing apparatus 100 can be connected to a plurality of printing instruction apparatuses 110. is there. One print instruction device 110 can be connected to a plurality of printing devices 100.

  The print instruction apparatus 110 can set printing conditions according to each function of the printing apparatus 100, and gives an instruction to the printing apparatus 100 to execute print processing together with the image data under the set printing conditions. , An apparatus that controls the printing apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, a PC, a mobile terminal (which may be a smartphone or a mobile phone), or the like installed with a printer driver that gives an instruction to execute print processing with the printing conditions set for the printing apparatus 100. The information processing apparatus functions as the print instruction apparatus 110. Therefore, the printer driver also falls within the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the print instruction apparatus 110 may be included in the printing apparatus 100 without being connected to the printing apparatus 100 via the communication network 102. In this case, mainly the control unit 201 of the printing apparatus 100 functions as the print instruction apparatus 110.

  Here, a method in which an information processing apparatus such as a PC or a portable terminal acquires a printer driver will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 110 </ b> A and the PC 110 </ b> B are connected to a printing apparatus management apparatus 101 that manages the printing apparatus 100 via the communication network 104, and download a printer driver from the printing apparatus management apparatus 101. ,install. The printing apparatus management apparatus 101 includes, for example, a leasing company that leases the printing apparatus 100, a store that sells the printing apparatus 100, a manufacturer of the printing apparatus 100, a manufacturer of consumables, and a cloud provider (a dedicated provider that provides a cloud computing service) ) Or the like. Alternatively, the printer driver may be acquired from a dedicated device having the printer driver. Or you may install from a dedicated optical disk, USB memory, etc., for example. These are merely examples, and the printer driver acquisition method is not limited thereto. Note that when downloading the printer driver, the user of the portable terminal 110A or the PC 110B designates a printer driver corresponding to the type of the printing apparatus to be controlled.

  The communication network 104 is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication network Etc. are available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network 104 is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth, etc. (Registered Trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, terrestrial digital network, etc. can also be used. Communication may be performed using a satellite communication infrastructure.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 100 and a print instruction apparatus 110 (including a mobile terminal 110A and a PC 110B) are connected by a communication network 102 that is a narrow area network. As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 100 and the print instruction apparatus 110 (including the mobile terminal 110 </ b> A and the PC 110 </ b> B), the printing apparatus management apparatus 101, and the management apparatuses 301 </ b> A to 301 </ b> D are connected by a communication network 104 that is a wide area network. Connected. However, the connection form is not limited to these.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 100 receives power from a power distribution apparatus 350 that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources. In FIG. 2, a solid line with an arrow indicates the flow of power. A broken line indicates a connection between each device and the communication network. The power distribution apparatus 350 is connected to a plurality of power supply companies 300A to 300D, and receives power supply from power supply sources 302A to 302D of the plurality of power supply companies 300A to 300D. The power supply source is a purchaser (supplier) of the power of the printing apparatus 100, and in the present embodiment, it is assumed to be a power generation facility or a power plant. However, it may be, for example, an electric power company (electric power supply company). The power distribution device 350 distributes power to the plurality of printing devices 100.

  In FIG. 2, the power distribution device 350 is supplied with power from four power supply sources 302 </ b> A to 302 </ b> D, but the number of power supply sources that receive power supply is not limited. In FIG. 2, each power supply company has one power supply source, but there may be a power supply company having a plurality of power supply sources. In FIG. 2, the power supply source 302A is a nuclear power generation facility, the power supply source 302B is a hydroelectric power generation facility, the power supply source 302C is a geothermal power generation facility, and the power supply source 302D is a solar power generation facility. It is an illustration and the kind of electric power supply source is not limited to these. In addition, each power supply company 300A to 300D may be configured to purchase a surplus power generated by a power source other than its own power supply source. A conventionally well-known technique can be applied to purchase of surplus power.

  The management devices 301A to 300D of the respective power supply companies 300A to 300D are devices that manage the amount of power supplied to the power distribution source 350. Each of the management apparatuses 301A to 300D includes a power unit price information database that stores power unit price information that is information on a unit price of power generated by the power supply source, and a power supply capability that stores information on the power supply capability of the power supply source. And a database. These databases can be accessed from other communication devices. In the present embodiment, the management devices 301A to 300D are provided for the power supply sources 302A to 302D of the power supply companies 00A to 300D, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one management device has a plurality of power supply sources. The form which manages 302A-302D collectively may be sufficient.

  Hereinafter, when any one of the plurality of power supply companies 300 </ b> A to 300 </ b> D is indicated, it is referred to as a power supply company 300. Similarly, the management device 301 and the power supply source 302 are described.

  In the present embodiment, one of the power supply sources 302 </ b> A to 302 </ b> D is selected as a purchase source of power to the printing apparatus 100. This selection is performed from the print instruction apparatus 110 that gives a print instruction to the printing apparatus 100. For selection of the power supply source, for example, a conventionally known technique such as the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 can be applied.

  Processing until one of the power supply sources 302 is selected by the print instruction apparatus 110 will be described later. The print instruction apparatus 110 is connected to each management apparatus 301 </ b> A to 3001 </ b> B via the communication network 104, and the selected power supply source 302 is used as the power of the printing apparatus 100 for the management apparatus 301 of the selected power supply source 302. A purchase signal, which is a signal indicating that it has been determined as a purchase destination, is transmitted. When the management device 301 of the selected power supply source 302 receives the purchase signal, a power purchase contract is made between the power supply company 300 of the selected power supply source 302 and the printing apparatus 100. For example, when the power supply source 302D is selected, a purchase signal is transmitted to the management apparatus 301D. When the management apparatus 301D receives the purchase signal, a power purchase contract is signed between the power supply company 300D of the power supply source 302D and the printing apparatus 100. Then, the management apparatus 301D increases the amount of power supplied to the power distribution apparatus 350 of the power supply source 302D (for example, a contract unit with one printing apparatus 100). The power supplied from each of the power supply sources 302A to 302D is distributed from the power distribution device 350 to each printing device. The printing apparatus 100 preferably starts printing after confirming the contract with the power supply company 300D, for example, by receiving a signal indicating that the contract with the power supply company 300D has been concluded.

  Alternatively, the purchase signal is transmitted to the power distribution device 350, and the power distribution device 350 that has received the purchase signal makes a request to increase the power generation amount to the management device 301D of the power supply source 302D selected as the purchase destination. The form which performs control which 301D increases the electric power generation amount of electric power supply source 302D may be sufficient. These are examples, and it is only necessary that power from the selected power supply source be supplied to the printing apparatus 100.

  Since the power distribution device 350 is connected to the plurality of printing devices 100, different power supply sources 302 may be selected by the plurality of printing devices 100. For example, when the power supply source 302D is selected for the printing apparatus 100A and the printing apparatus 100B, the power supply source 302A is selected for the printing apparatus 100C, and the power supply source 302B is selected for the printing apparatus 100D. To do. In this case, the breakdown of the power distributed from the power distribution device 350 is as follows: 50% is power supplied from the power supply source D, 25% is power supplied from the power supply source A, and the remaining 25% is from the power supply source B. What is necessary is just to use the supplied electric power. At this time, the power received by the printing apparatus 100A includes the power of the power supply sources A and B other than the power supply source D selected for the printing apparatus 100A. However, the fact that the power supply source 302D is selected for the printing apparatus 100A means that the contract for purchasing the power of the printing apparatus 100A is the power supply company 300D of the power supply source 302D. Therefore, payment for the purchase of power only needs to be made to the power supply company 300D, and there is no problem.

  Alternatively, for example, the power distribution apparatus 350 may be configured to switch the power supply source 302 connected to the printing apparatus 100 so that the printing apparatus 100 and the selected power supply source 302 are connected. A known technique can be applied to the configuration for switching the power supply source 302. Alternatively, for example, only one printing apparatus 100 may receive power from one power distribution apparatus 350. In these cases, the printing apparatus 100 can receive power only from the selected power supply source 302, and does not include power from a power supply source that is not selected as the power to be received.

  In the present embodiment, since the printing apparatus 100 alone and the power supply company 300 contract, it is necessary to measure the power consumption of only the printing apparatus 100. For example, the power consumption dedicated to the printing apparatus 100 is measured. This can be done by providing a counter.

  With the processing and system as described above, it is possible to switch the power supply source 302 that is the purchase destination of the power distributed to the printing apparatus 100.

  Here, selecting the power supply source 302 can be paraphrased as selecting power (type of power). Therefore, in the following, selecting a power supply source and selecting power are used in the same meaning.

(Printing instruction device)
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the print instruction apparatus 110 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a display unit 113, an operation unit 114, and a communication unit 121.

  The display unit 113 is a block that displays various information on characters and images. The display unit 113 uses a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), a display such as electronic paper using electrophoresis, a plasma display (PDP), a plasma tube array display (PTAD), and an electron-emitting device. Display (FED, SED) and the like.

  The operation unit 114 is a block for the user to input various instructions to the print instruction apparatus 110. An instruction input from the operation unit 114 by the user is received by the receiving unit 115 of the control unit 111. A touch panel or the like in which the operation unit 114 and the display unit 113 are integrated may be provided. Further, the operation unit 114 may be configured to perform input using a numeric keypad, input using a keyboard or a mouse. Moreover, it may be configured to perform gesture input using a finger-wearable wearable interface.

  In this embodiment, the print instruction apparatus 110 includes the display unit 113 and the operation unit 114, but the print instruction apparatus 110 may be configured separately from the display unit 113 and the operation unit 114. For example, when the print instruction device 110 is a portable terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone, or a notebook PC, the print instruction device 110 includes the display unit 113 and the operation unit 114. For example, if the print instruction apparatus 110 is a desktop PC, it is configured separately.

  The communication unit 121 is a block that functions as a communication unit for the print instruction apparatus 110 to transmit / receive data to / from other apparatuses via the communication network 102 or the communication network 104. An instruction to execute print processing under the print conditions set on the print setting screen described below (print conditions accepted by the print instruction apparatus 110 from the user) is transmitted from the communication unit 121 to the printing apparatus 100 together with the image data. Is done.

  The control unit 111 is a block that comprehensively controls each block in the print instruction apparatus 110. The control unit 111 includes a reception unit 115, a display control unit 116, a power information acquisition unit 117, and a communication control unit 118.

  The accepting unit 115 is a block that accepts various instruction inputs from the user. The receiving unit 115 also receives a setting of a printing condition corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus 100. The setting receiving unit 115a receives a selection of an arbitrary power supply source from among the plurality of power supply sources 302A to 302C. A reception unit 115b is provided. Printing conditions include, for example, the number of copies, the number of copies, color printing or monochrome printing, single-sided printing or double-sided printing, N-up printing for printing N pages on one side, reduction or enlargement, image density, etc. Is not limited.

  The power information acquisition unit 117 is a block that acquires power information for each of the plurality of power supply sources 302A to 302D. The power information includes power unit price information, which is information on the unit price of power supplied by the power supply source 302, and information on the power supply capability of the power supply source 302. In addition to these, information on the power supply source 302, information on power supplied from the power supply source 302, information on the power supply company 300 of the power supply source 302, and the like may be included. The power information acquisition unit 117 acquires power unit price information from the power unit price information database in which the power unit price information is stored, and acquires power supply capability information from the power supply capacity database in which information on the power supply capacity is stored. These databases exist in the management apparatus 301 in this embodiment. However, there may be a server device that stores these databases.

  The display control unit 116 is a block that controls display on the display unit 113. The display control unit 116 calculates a power information display unit 116a that displays the power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 117 on the display unit 113, and an electricity charge necessary to execute processing according to the set printing conditions. And an electricity bill display unit 116b for displaying on the display unit 113. A specific example of display will be described later.

  The communication control unit 118 is a block that controls the communication unit 121 that performs communication with the outside. The communication control unit 118 sets the selected power supply source 302 of the power printing apparatus 100 to the management apparatus 301 of the power supply source 302 that has been selected by the power selection receiving unit 115b among the management apparatuses 301A to 301D. A purchase signal transmission unit 118a that transmits a purchase signal that is a signal indicating that the purchase has been determined is provided.

  In the print instruction apparatus 110, as described above, the power information acquisition unit 117 acquires each power unit price information of the plurality of power supply sources 302A to 302D that supplies power to the power distribution apparatus 350 that performs power distribution to the print apparatus 100, The power information display unit 116a displays each power unit price information. Therefore, useful information regarding selection of the power supply source 302 can be presented to the user.

  In addition, the power selection receiving unit 115b receives selection of an arbitrary power supply source 302 among the plurality of power supply sources 302A to 302D. Then, the purchase signal transmission unit 118a transmits a purchase signal indicating that the selected power supply source 302 has been determined as the power purchase destination of the printing apparatus 100 to the management apparatus 301 of the selected power supply source 302. To do. Therefore, a user with a high environmental awareness can select the power supply source 302 with a low environmental load as the power supply source 302 from which the power used by the printing apparatus 100 is purchased. Therefore, it can contribute to the prevention of global warming by suppressing the generation of greenhouse gases.

  Further, the setting receiving unit 115a receives setting of printing conditions corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus 100. Then, the electricity charge display unit 116b estimates the amount of power used when the process according to the printing conditions set in the printing apparatus 100 is executed. Furthermore, the electricity bill display unit 116b displays the electricity bill necessary for executing processing according to the set printing conditions from the acquired power unit price information of the selected power supply source and the estimated power usage amount. Calculate and display. The amount of power used varies depending on the printing conditions. Therefore, by calculating and displaying the electricity charge as described above, the electricity charge necessary for processing according to the printing conditions can be accurately presented to the user using the power from the selected power supply source 302. Can do. By displaying the electricity bill necessary for printing, the user can be conscious of the environment. In addition, since the user can know the electricity charge for printing before printing, it can easily determine whether or not to print, and can contribute to the reduction of printing costs.

  As can be seen from the above, according to the print instruction apparatus 110 of the present embodiment, a print instruction apparatus capable of achieving both the printing process with reduced environmental load and the printing process under the printing conditions desired by the user is provided. Can do.

  Next, display of a print setting screen related to power selection will be described. The display contents of each screen described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 are examples, and are not limited to those described.

  The display control unit 116 displays on the display unit 113 a print setting screen for setting printing conditions corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus 100. In the case of an information processing apparatus in which a printer driver is installed, the print setting screen is displayed when the user activates the printer driver using the operation unit 114. When the operating system (OS) of the print instruction apparatus 110 receives a print instruction, a print initial screen for setting print conditions is displayed, and a print button is selected by selecting a property button in the print initial screen. A screen may be displayed.

  An example of the print setting screen is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of tabs are displayed on the print setting screen 400 so as to be selectable. The plurality of tabs include at least a power information tab 417 for displaying a screen for selecting power.

  In the print setting screen 400 shown in FIG. 3, the main tab 411 is selected and the main screen 410 is displayed. The main screen 410 is a screen for setting conditions such as the number of copies, single-sided printing, double-sided printing, and N-up printing for printing N pages on one side. The printing conditions can be set by the user from the operation unit 114 and received by the setting receiving unit 115a. Here, for printing conditions that have not been set, default values are accepted as setting values.

  The print setting screen 400 includes an OK button 421, a cancel button 423, and a close button 425. The OK button 421 is associated with commands for effectively setting various conditions set on the screen to be displayed in the print setting screen 400. When the user selects the OK button 421, the accepting unit 115 accepts the selection of the OK button 421, and various conditions set on the screen to be displayed in the print setting screen 400 (printing condition, power selection, etc.) are valid. Display of the print setting screen 400 ends.

  The cancel button 423 and the close button 425 are associated with commands for invalidating various conditions set on the display target screen in the print setting screen 400. When the user selects the cancel button 423 or the close button 425 and the accepting unit 115 accepts the cancel button 423, the print setting is made after various conditions set on the display target screen in the print setting screen 400 are set to invalid. The display of the screen 400 ends.

  When the power information tab 417 is selected on the print setting screen 400, the display control unit 116 displays the power acquisition screen 500 shown in FIG. On the power acquisition screen 500, a power information acquisition button 503 associated with a command for instructing acquisition of power information is displayed. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the power corresponding to the acquired power information is generated from the power supply source (first power supply source) that generates power using fossil fuel (power generated using fossil fuel) and can be regenerated. Divided into two categories of power (power generated by renewable energy) from the power supply source (second power supply source) that generates power with energy, and buttons associated with commands to select one ("fossil fuel A “power generated using” button 501 and a “power generated using renewable energy” button 502) are provided. On the power acquisition screen 500, either the “power generated using fossil fuel” button 501 or the “power generated using renewable energy” button 502 is selected (pressed), and the power information acquisition button 503 is used. When “Obtain” is selected and the OK button 421 is selected, the power information of the selected one of the power generated using fossil fuel and the power generated using renewable energy Acquisition is enabled. When the acquisition of power information is set to be valid, the power information acquisition unit 117 acquires the power information of the selected power (power supply source 302) from the management apparatus 301. The management apparatus 301 may make an information provision contract or the like in advance so as to transmit the power information to the print instruction apparatus 110 when there is a notification of acquisition of the power information from the specific print instruction apparatus 110. Information may be disclosed to all communication devices.

  In addition, when the buttons for selecting power (the power button 501 generated using fossil fuel and the power button 502 generated using renewable energy) are not displayed on the power acquisition screen 500, all of the buttons that can be supplied to the printing apparatus 100 are displayed. Power information of power (power supply sources 302A to 302D) is acquired.

  As described above, when one of the electric power generated using fossil fuel and the electric power generated using renewable energy can be selected, a highly environmentally conscious user can select a renewable energy to It can contribute to the prevention of global warming by suppressing the generation of effect gases. Moreover, the information of power supply capability can be displayed as information useful for the user's power selection.

  The power information acquisition unit 117 acquires, from the management device 301, power information of a selected one of the power generated using fossil fuel and the power generated using renewable energy (power supply source 302). Then, it is temporarily stored in the storage unit 112. The power information display unit 116a generates and displays a power information screen 600 as shown in FIG. 5 based on the power information stored in the storage unit 112. When the power information is acquired from the management apparatus 301 as a form that can be displayed as it is, it may be displayed as it is.

  Here, when the power information acquisition unit 117 acquires the power unit price information and the power supply capability information from the database of the management apparatus 301 at predetermined time intervals, the power information acquisition unit 117 changes every year, every month, every day, or every hour. The latest information can always be acquired about the unit price information and the information about the power supply capacity. Therefore, the latest power unit price information and power supply capability information can always be provided to the user.

  In the present embodiment, the power button 502 generated using renewable energy is selected on the power acquisition screen 500, “Acquire” is selected with the power information acquisition button 503, and then the OK button 421 is selected. Shall. On the power acquisition screen 500, the “OK” button 421 is selected without selecting “Acquire” with the power information acquisition button 503 or after selecting “Non-acquire” with the power information acquisition button 503. If this is the case: The selection of the default power is set to be effective, the display of the power information screen 600 is skipped, and the electricity bill screen 700 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. The default power may be, for example, the power that has been selected last time or may be the power that is set in advance in the print instruction apparatus 110. When the default power selection is set to be valid, the control unit 111 acquires the number of image data to be printed. The number of sheets may be acquired from the image data itself to be printed, or may be acquired from the operation unit 114.

  By using the default power source, the user does not have to select a power source. That is, the process performed by the user can be simplified. Therefore, the user can quickly determine whether or not to print.

  The power information screen 600 shown in FIG. 5 includes information on the type of power generation, power supply capacity (here, maximum capacity supply power amount, remaining power amount), and power unit price information (for example, electricity rate per 1 KW / h). A power information list 601 including The power information display unit 116a may create the power information list 601 by rearranging the power in descending order of the remaining power amount. In addition, the power information display unit 116a displays a message for allowing the user to select power on the power information screen 600. Further, a button or icon for selecting power may be created.

  In the present embodiment, the power information list 601 on the power information screen 600 is provided so that the power can be selected. When any power in the power information list 601 is selected, the display of the selected power is inverted. Shall. When the OK button 421 is selected in this state, the power selection is set to be valid. The power selection is set to be valid, and the control unit 111 acquires the number of image data to be printed. The number of sheets may be acquired from the image data itself to be printed, or may be acquired from the operation unit 114.

  If one of the power information lists 601 is not selected, that is, if the OK button 421 is selected without any power display being inverted, the default power selection is set to be valid. When the default power selection is set to be valid, the control unit 111 acquires the number of image data to be printed.

  In the above description, the user selects power. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the type of power generation with the largest available power may be automatically selected.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that solar power generation is selected on the power information screen 600 and the OK button 421 is selected. Here, it is assumed that the user selects solar power generation with the largest amount of surplus power, but is not limited to this. For example, the cheapest hydroelectric power generation of unit price (electrical charge per 1 kW / h) is selected. May be.

  When the OK button 421 is selected on the power information screen 600, the electricity bill display unit 116b displays the electricity bill screen 700 shown in FIG. The electricity bill screen 700 includes electricity bill information 702. Here, the electricity bill display unit 116b calculates the electricity bill before displaying the electricity bill information 702. This will be described.

  The electricity bill display unit 116b first estimates the amount of power used when executing processing according to the printing conditions set in the printing apparatus 100. Here, the power consumption can be estimated from the estimated operating time of the printing apparatus 100 and the power consumption of the printing apparatus 100. The operating time of the printing apparatus 100 can be calculated from the number of printed sheets. The number of prints can be calculated from the number of image data to be printed and the printing conditions (for example, the number of copies, N-up printing for printing N pages on one side). In addition, the operating time may include pre-processing time and post-processing time. The estimated operating time of the printing apparatus includes pre-processing time (for example, Ready time until returning from the sleep mode, warm-up time of the fixing unit (fixing apparatus) 7), and post-processing time (the printing apparatus 100 is completely Since the power usage fee is calculated by including the time until stoppage), a more accurate power usage fee can be calculated.

  Then, the electricity bill display unit 116b calculates an electricity bill necessary for processing according to the set printing conditions from the acquired power unit price information of the selected power and the estimated power usage amount.

  This will be described using a specific example. For example, assuming that the printing processing speed of the printing apparatus 100 is 60 sheets / minute (A4 horizontal), the preprocessing time is 5 seconds, the postprocessing time is 5 seconds, and the power consumption during operation of the printing apparatus 100 is 1.5 kW. Assume that the data is stored in the memory 112. Assume that solar power generation with a unit price of 24 yen per kW · h is selected. When the A4 landscape original and the number of printed sheets 50 are input as printing conditions, the electricity rate display unit 116b calculates (estimates) the amount of power used as follows. The total operating time of the printing apparatus 100 is estimated to be preprocessing time + printing processing time (50 sheets / 60 sheets / minute × 60 seconds / minute = 50 seconds) + post-processing time = 1 minute (1h / 60). To do. Then, it is estimated (calculated) that the power consumption is 1.5 kW × 1 h / 60 = 0.025 kW · h from the operating time and the power consumption. Next, the electricity rate display unit 116b uses the estimated electricity usage amount and the unit price of solar power generation to obtain an electricity rate of 0.025 kW · h × It is calculated as 24 yen / kW · h = 0.6 yen.

  Here, the electricity rate display unit 116b calculates and displays the electricity rate when the reception unit (calculation reception unit) 115 receives an instruction to calculate the electricity rate, and calculates the electricity rate when the instruction is not accepted. The display may not be displayed. Some users want to select electric power that can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of the unit price, even if the unit price is a little overpriced. Among such users, there is a user who does not need to display an electricity bill only by selecting power. Therefore, only when the receiving unit 115 receives an instruction to calculate the electricity rate, the electricity rate display unit 116b calculates and displays the electricity rate, so that the time, electricity, and oxygen dioxide for calculating and displaying the electricity rate are calculated. Emissions can be reduced.

  The electricity bill screen 700 further includes a preview image 701 and a toner consumption amount adjustment area 703 for adjusting the toner consumption amount in the printing apparatus 100.

  In the toner consumption adjustment area 703, a button for adjusting the toner consumption in the printing apparatus 100 is displayed. In the example of the toner consumption adjustment area 703 shown in FIG. 6, the image density, the image dot density, and the image contrast are displayed so as to be adjusted. In the example of FIG. 6, the toner consumption amount (image density, image dot density, and image contrast) is set so that it can be selected in six steps from the minimum value (Low) to the maximum value (High).

  In the toner consumption adjustment area 703, the color tone, color, brightness, character size, or font may be displayed in an adjustable manner. These are merely examples, and the toner consumption amount adjustment area 703 may be displayed with a screen on which the setting of the toner consumption amount of the printing apparatus 100 can be changed. The toner consumption is also included in the printing conditions. If the user does not adjust (set) the toner consumption amount in the toner consumption adjustment area 703, the toner consumption amount is set to a default.

  The preview image 701 may be an image that the print instruction apparatus 110 has in advance, or an image that is instructed to be printed this time (an image transmitted to the printing apparatus 100 together with the print conditions). In addition, the toner consumption adjusted in the toner consumption adjustment area 703 may be reflected and displayed. When the toner consumption amount is adjusted on the electricity bill screen 700 and then the OK button 421 is pressed, the toner consumption amount is set.

  When the OK button 421 is selected on the electricity bill screen 700, the display control unit 116 displays the print execution screen 700 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the print execution screen 800 includes a print execution button 802, a halfway save button 804, a print cancel button 803, and a previous screen button 805. Further, a preview image 806 and power usage information 801 are included. The used power information 801 includes information indicating the power selected this time and information on the electricity charge for the current printing. The preview image 806 may be displayed reflecting the toner consumption adjusted in the toner consumption adjustment area 703 of the electricity bill screen 700.

  The print execution button 802 is associated with a command for transmitting a purchase signal and a command for instructing the printing apparatus 100 to print image data to be printed. If the user confirms the power usage information 801 and is satisfied with the power and electricity charges to be used, the user can instruct printing of the image data to be printed by pressing (selecting) the print execution button 802. Here, a command for transmitting a purchase signal is associated with the print execution button 802. For example, a command for transmitting a purchase signal may be associated with the OK button 421 of the electricity bill screen 700. Alternatively, a button associated with a command for separately transmitting a purchase signal may be displayed on the print execution screen 800.

  When the print execution button 802 is selected, the purchase signal transmission unit 118a controls the communication unit 121 to transmit the purchase signal to the selected power management device 301D (solar power generation here). In addition, the communication control unit 118 controls the communication unit 121 to transmit the print target image data and printing conditions to the printing apparatus 100 together with the print instruction. Then, the print setting screen 400 is closed.

  The halfway save button 804 corresponds to a command that causes the storage unit 112 to store the power information and the conditions (print setting information) set so far on the print setting screen 400. When the save in progress button 804 is selected, the power information and the print setting information are saved, and the print setting screen 400 is closed.

  The print cancel button 803 corresponds to a command for canceling printing without saving the settings so far. When the print cancel button 803 is selected, the print setting screen 400 is closed without saving the settings and the like so far.

  The previous screen button 805 corresponds to a command for returning to the previous screen of the print execution screen 800, that is, the electricity bill screen 700. When the previous screen button 805 is selected, an electricity bill screen 700 is displayed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing in which the print instruction apparatus 110 displays power information, accepts selection of a power supply source, and issues a print instruction to the printing apparatus 100.

  First, when the print instruction apparatus 110 is activated, the print setting screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 113 (S1), and the print condition setting according to each function of the printing apparatus 100 is set on the print setting screen 400. Accept. When the power information tab is selected on the print setting screen 400, the power acquisition screen 500 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed (S2).

  Next, it is determined whether an instruction to acquire power information has been received (S3). In S3, after “Acquire” is selected by the power information acquisition button 503 of the power acquisition screen 500 by the user, it is confirmed whether the OK button 421 is selected (pressed). Here, when the power acquisition screen 500 is displayed in the print setting screen 400, the OK button 421 is associated with commands for effectively setting various conditions set on the power acquisition screen 500. That is, when “acquire” is selected with the power information acquisition button 503 on the power acquisition screen 500 and the OK button 421 is selected, the acquisition of power information is set to be valid.

  When an instruction to acquire power information is received in S3 (YES in S3), power information including power unit price information and power supply capability information for each power supply source 302A to 302D is acquired from the management devices 301A to 301D. (S4). Then, the acquired power information is displayed on the display unit 113 as a power information screen 600 (S5), and it is determined whether selection of a power supply source is accepted (S6). In S6, it is confirmed whether or not the OK button 421 has been selected after arbitrary power is selected from the power displayed on the power information screen 600. Here, when the power information screen 600 is displayed in the print setting screen 400, the OK button 421 is associated with commands for effectively setting various conditions set on the power information screen 600. That is, when an arbitrary power is selected on the power information screen 600 and the OK button 421 is selected, the power selection is set to be valid. Further, at this time, the number of image data to be printed is acquired. The number of sheets may be acquired from the image data itself to be printed, or may be acquired from the operation unit 114.

  When an instruction to acquire power information is not accepted in S3 (NO in S3), the process proceeds to S6. Specifically, on the power acquisition screen 500, the “Obtain” selection is not performed with the power information acquisition button 503 or “Non-acquire” is selected with the power information acquisition button 503, and then the OK button 421 is selected. If is selected, the process proceeds to S6.

  When the selection of the power supply source is accepted in S6 (YES in S6), the electricity bill when printing is performed using the power selected under the set conditions is calculated and displayed on the electricity bill screen 700 (S7). ). If the selection of the power supply source is not accepted in S6 (NO in S6), the electricity charge when the power from the default power supply source is used is calculated and displayed on the electricity charge screen 700 (S8). Here, the case where the selection of the power supply source is not accepted in S6 means that any of the powers displayed on the power information screen 600 is not selected and the OK button 421 is selected, or the power information in S3. In some cases, the power information screen 600 is not displayed without receiving an instruction to acquire the power. The default power supply source may be, for example, a power supply source that has received the previous selection, or a power supply source that is set in advance in the print instruction apparatus 110.

  After displaying the electricity bill screen 700 in S7 and S8, it is confirmed whether an instruction to finalize the printing conditions has been received (S9). In S9, it is confirmed whether or not the OK button 421 is selected in the display of the electricity bill screen 700. Here, when the electricity bill screen 700 is displayed in the print setting screen 400, the OK button 421 is associated with commands for setting various conditions set on the print setting screen 400 to be valid. That is, when the OK button 421 is selected on the electricity bill screen 700, various printing conditions set on the print setting screen 400 are confirmed. Instead of the OK button 421, for example, a confirmation button may be provided.

  If an instruction to confirm the printing conditions is accepted in S9 (YES in S9), the print execution screen 800 is displayed (S9a), and it is determined whether an instruction for print execution is accepted (S10). In S10, it is confirmed whether or not the print execution button 802 is selected in the display of the print execution screen 800. When the print execution button 802 is selected, a print execution instruction is set to be valid. When an instruction to execute printing is received in S10 (YES in S10), a purchase signal is transmitted to the management apparatus 301 of the power supply source 302 that has received the selection in S6 (S10a), and the printing apparatus 100 is transmitted. Then, a print instruction is transmitted (S11). Then, the print setting screen 400 is closed (S16).

  If no print execution instruction is accepted in S10 (NO in S10), it is confirmed whether a save instruction is accepted (S12). In S <b> 12, it is confirmed whether the halfway save button 804 is selected in the display of the print execution screen 800. When the midway save button 804 is selected, the save instruction is set to be valid. When a save instruction is accepted in S12 (YES in S12), the power information and print setting information are saved (S13), and the print setting screen 400 is closed (S16).

  If the storage instruction is not accepted in S12 (NO in S12), it is confirmed whether an instruction for other processing is accepted (S14). In S14, it is confirmed whether another setting button, for example, the print cancel button 803 or the previous screen button 805 is selected in the display of the print execution screen 800. When the print cancel button 803 is selected, the print cancel instruction is set to be valid, and when the previous screen button 805 is selected, the instruction to return to the previous screen is set to be valid. When an instruction for other processing is received in S14 (YES in S14), the received other processing is executed (S15), and the print setting screen 400 is closed (S16).

  The transmitted purchase signal is received by the management apparatus 301, and the management apparatus 301 supplies power to the power distribution apparatus 350 according to the purchase signal. The transmitted print instruction is received by the printing apparatus 100, and the printing apparatus 100 executes print processing in accordance with the print instruction. Here, the print job instructing printing to the printing apparatus 100 may be a printing job stored in the printing apparatus 100 or a server apparatus (not shown) connected to the printing apparatus 100 via the communication network 104. In this case, when printing a past print job stored in the printing apparatus 100 or a server apparatus connected to the printing apparatus via the communication network 104, the electricity charge at the time of instructing the printing is displayed and the user is supplied with power. You can prompt the selection of the source.

  In the present embodiment, the acquisition of power information is performed when an acquisition instruction is received, but may be performed every predetermined time without receiving an acquisition instruction. Alternatively, it may be performed when the print instructing apparatus 110 or the printing apparatus 100 is activated or whenever the print condition is set on the print setting screen 400. Alternatively, when the content of the power information changes from the management device 301 of the power supply company 300, it may be transmitted to the print instruction device 110 as update information.

  In the present embodiment, the print instruction apparatus 110 acquires power information and calculates an electricity bill. However, for example, the printing apparatus 100 acquires power information from the management apparatus 301 of the power supply company 300 and calculates an electricity charge, and the print instruction apparatus 110 receives the power information and the electricity charge from the printing apparatus 100 and displays the display unit. Processing to be displayed on 113 may be performed. In this case, the printing instruction apparatus 110 and the printing apparatus 100 cooperate to function as a printing instruction apparatus according to the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, a purchase signal is transmitted from the print instruction apparatus 110 to the management apparatus 301 of the power supply company 300. However, a configuration in which a purchase signal is transmitted from the print instruction apparatus 110 to the printing apparatus 100 and a purchase signal is transmitted from the printing apparatus 100 to the management apparatus 301 of the power supply company 300 may be employed.

  Also, in the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to the print instruction apparatus 110 of the printing apparatus 100 that receives power from the power distribution apparatus 350 that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources as the apparatus that selects the power supply source will be described. ing. However, the present invention is not limited to application to the print instruction apparatus 110, and the apparatus receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources, or distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources. The present invention is also applicable to a device that controls a device that receives power from a power distribution device. For example, inkjet recording devices or other devices such as home appliances, consumer devices (electronic devices and devices related to video, audio, communication, etc., or terminals used by general consumers and used in general households) Products developed on the assumption that they are used for purposes other than ordinary households, such as products intended for, or products / standards developed / designed on the assumption, and business equipment (corporations (corporations, schools, government agencies)) ) Is also applicable.

(Functional configuration of printing device)
In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 is a digital color multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi Function Peripherals or Multi Function Printer) having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, a scan function, a FAX transmission / reception function, and an image transmission function. Suppose that Note that the image transmission function includes a function (scan to e-mail) for transmitting image data read and generated by the scan function by e-mail, and a function for storing in the usb memory (scan to usb). Note that the printing apparatus 100 does not have to be a multi-function peripheral, and may have at least a printing function and be configured to receive various instructions from the printing instruction apparatus 110. Moreover, you may have functions other than the above. Since the printing apparatus 100 is an MFP in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 will be described as the MFP 100 below.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 includes a control unit 201 that controls the entire MFP 100 and a storage unit 202 that stores a program executed by the control unit 201. Moreover, the power supply part 200 which receives the electric power from the power distribution apparatus 350 is provided.

  The control unit 201 is connected to the operation panel 50, the data communication unit 206, the document conveying device 29, the document reading unit 90, the image processing unit 208, the image forming unit 209, and the fixing unit 7, and controls the entire printing apparatus 100. . The control unit 201 is connected to the control unit 211 that controls the peripheral device 220 and controls the peripheral device 220. The peripheral device 220 is a device that sorts or staples the printed matter output from the image forming unit 20, for example. The control unit 201 controls each block of the MFP 100 so as to execute print processing according to the print conditions set by the print instruction apparatus 110.

  The data communication unit 206 is a block that performs communication with the outside. The data communication unit 206 includes a LAN terminal 206a, which is an interface for communicating with a communication protocol, and a serial interface terminal 206b for serial communication. The data communication unit 206 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the LAN terminal 206a or the serial interface terminal 206b in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 201. When a cable for connecting to a network is connected to the LAN terminal 206a, the data communication unit 206 communicates with an external device connected via the LAN terminal 206a. The serial interface terminal 206b can be connected to a memory card incorporating a flash memory, and the printing apparatus 100 can read information from the memory card.

  The document reading unit 90 reflects a light source that irradiates light to a document placed on a document placement table 92 shown in FIG. 9 described later or a document transported to a document reading position by the document transport device 29 and the document. A photoelectric conversion element that receives the received light, and scans a document image according to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data that is an electrical signal and outputs the image data to the image processing unit 208.

  The image processing unit 208 performs various data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the document reading unit 90, and then outputs the data to the image forming unit 209. A sheet feeding unit (not shown) conveys sheets stored in a sheet feeding cassette 81 and a manual sheet feeding cassette 82 described later to the image forming unit 209.

  The image forming unit 209 corresponds to image forming stations P1 to P4 in FIG. 9 described later, and forms an image on a sheet conveyed by a sheet feeding unit (not shown) based on the image data after data processing.

  In the image forming unit 209, a toner cartridge 98 is detachably installed as will be described later. The image forming unit 209 is provided with a detection unit 209a that detects the presence / absence of the toner cartridge itself and the remaining amount of toner. The detection unit 209a may be configured using, for example, a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor. Further, the detection unit 209a may be configured to be communicable with a storage unit 150 of a toner cartridge 98, which will be described later, and toner cartridge information related to the toner cartridge may be read from the storage unit 150 of the toner cartridge 98. . The toner cartridge information includes, for example, a manufacturing number for identifying an individual attached at the time of manufacture, a credit number for identifying an offset credit, and an offset for receiving an offset authentication. An offset authentication number or the like may be used. Alternatively, it may be information on the cost of the toner cartridge or information on the cost required for obtaining the offset credit.

  The fixing unit 7 corresponds to the fixing unit 7 shown in FIG. 9 described later, and melts the toner image formed on the paper by the image forming unit 209 and fixes the toner image on the paper. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 7 is discharged as a printed matter. This printed matter may be sorted or stapled by the peripheral device 220.

  The operation panel 50 includes a display unit 204 and an operation unit 205. The display unit 204 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic ELD, a display such as electronic paper using electrophoresis, a plasma display, a plasma tube array display, or a display using an electron-emitting device. The display unit 51 displays a screen including an instruction menu such as a print setting screen for the user and information about the acquired image data.

  The operation unit 205 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The plurality of keys provided in the operation unit 205 are hard keys provided with switches. Note that the operation unit 205 may include a touch panel as a part of the key, or may be configured by the touch panel itself. When the operation unit 205 includes a touch panel, or when the operation unit 205 includes a touch panel, the touch panel is provided on the display unit 204. Note that gesture input using a finger wearable wearable interface may be used. It is assumed that the operation panel 50 of this embodiment includes a touch panel.

(Structure of printing device)
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an example of a schematic structure of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the MFP 100 includes an image forming unit 20 and a document reading unit 30. The image forming unit 20 is configured to include four image forming stations P1 to P4. Each of the four image forming stations P1 to P4 includes a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a charging device 5, and a cleaner unit 4, and has basically the same configuration. However, each image forming station P has identification information individually, and the control unit 201 described later can distinguish the image forming station P individually. By providing four image forming stations P, the MFP 100 can form an image using four colors of toner (developer).

  The charging device 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential, and a contact type charger such as a roller type or a brush type as well as a non-contact type may be used. is there.

  The exposure unit 8 forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data by exposing the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to the input image data. The exposure unit 8 can be configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) including a laser emitting portion, a reflection mirror, and the like, or an EL or LED writing head in which light emitting elements are arranged in an array.

  The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photoconductive drums 3 by using toner to make them visible. Each of the four developing devices 2 contains one of four types of toners of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). An electrostatic latent image on each photosensitive drum 3 is formed for each color component included in the image data, and is developed by each developing device 2. Above each developing device 2, a toner cartridge 98 containing a replenishment toner of a corresponding color is arranged. The MFP 100 of the present embodiment accommodates two (K1, K2) toner cartridges of black toner that are frequently used for printing, and is configured to switch to the K2 toner cartridge when the K1 toner cartridge runs out of toner. ing. With this configuration, printing interruption is avoided. Each developing device 2 is appropriately supplied with supply toner from a corresponding toner cartridge 98 through a supply path (not shown). The toner cartridge 98 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. ing. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to the four image forming stations P1 to P4.

  The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 are driven to rotate by stretching the intermediate transfer belt 61. Each intermediate transfer roller 64 provides a transfer bias for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided in contact with each photosensitive drum 3. The toner image of each color formed on the photosensitive drum 3 has a function of forming a multi-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 61. . The intermediate transfer belt 61 is formed in an endless shape using, for example, a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  Transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 is performed by an intermediate transfer roller 64 that is in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. A high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this embodiment, a roller shape is used as the transfer electrode, but a brush or the like can also be used.

  As described above, the electrostatic images visualized according to the hues on the photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. As described above, the laminated image information is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 10 disposed at a contact position between the sheet and the intermediate transfer belt 61 described later by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10 are pressed against each other at a predetermined nip, and a voltage for transferring the toner onto the sheet is applied to the transfer roller 10 (the polarity opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)). (+) High voltage). Furthermore, in order to obtain the above nip constantly, the transfer roller 10 uses either the transfer roller 10 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 as a hard material (metal or the like) and the other as a soft material such as an elastic roller (an elastic rubber roller). Or a foaming resin roller or the like).

  Further, as described above, the toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 61 due to contact with the photosensitive drum 3 or the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 10 is used in the next step. This may cause toner color mixing. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 is set so as to be removed and collected. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 includes, for example, a cleaning blade that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 61 as a cleaning member. The intermediate transfer belt 61 in contact with the cleaning blade is supported by an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 from the back side.

  The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for storing paper used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 8 in the MFP 100. In addition, paper used for image formation can be placed in the manual paper feed cassette 82. A paper discharge tray 91 provided at the top of the MFP 100 is a tray for collecting printed sheets face down.

  Further, the MFP 100 is provided with a substantially vertical sheet conveyance path S for sending the sheets of the sheet feeding cassette 81 and the manual sheet feeding cassette 82 to the sheet discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 7. Yes. In the vicinity of the paper transport path S from the paper feed cassette 81 or the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11a and 11b, a plurality of transport rollers 12a to 12d, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10, and a fixing unit. 7 etc. are arranged.

  The transport rollers 12 a to 12 d are small rollers for promoting and assisting the transport of paper, and a plurality of transport rollers 12 a to 12 d are provided along the paper transport path S. The pickup roller 11 a is provided near the end of the paper feed cassette 81, picks up paper one by one from the paper feed cassette 81, and supplies it to the paper transport path S. Similarly, the pickup roller 11 b is provided near the end of the manual paper feed cassette 82, picks up paper one by one from the manual paper feed cassette 82, and supplies it to the paper transport path S.

  The registration roller 13 temporarily holds the paper conveyed through the paper conveyance path S. The sheet has a function of conveying the sheet to the transfer roller 10 at the timing when the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 is aligned with the leading edge of the sheet.

  The fixing unit 7 includes a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72, and the heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 are configured to rotate with a sheet interposed therebetween. The heat roller 71 is set to have a predetermined fixing temperature by the control unit 201 (see FIG. 1) based on a signal from a temperature detector (not shown). The heat roller 71 has a function of fusing, mixing, and pressing the multicolor toner image transferred to the paper and thermally fixing the paper to the paper by thermocompression bonding the toner to the paper together with the pressure roller 72. . Further, an external fixing belt 73 for fixing the heat roller 71 from the outside is provided.

  Next, the paper transport path S will be described in detail. As described above, the MFP 100 is provided with the paper feed cassette 81 and the manual paper feed cassette 82 for storing paper in advance. Pickup rollers 11a and 11b are arranged to feed paper from the paper feed cassettes 81 and 82, and guide the paper one by one to the paper transport path S.

  The paper conveyed from each of the paper feed cassettes 81 and 82 is conveyed to the registration roller 13 by the conveyance roller 12a in the paper conveyance path S. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the transfer roller 10 at a timing when the leading end of the sheet and the leading end of the image information on the intermediate transfer belt 61 are aligned, and the image information is written on the sheet. Thereafter, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 7 so that the unfixed toner on the sheet is melted and fixed by heat, and is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 91 through the transport roller 12b disposed thereafter.

The paper transport path S is used when a single-sided printing request is made on paper. On the other hand, when a double-sided printing request is made, when the single-sided printing is completed as described above and the trailing edge of the paper that has passed through the fixing unit 7 is gripped by the final conveying roller 12b, the conveying roller 12b rotates in the reverse direction. By doing so, the paper is guided to the transport rollers 12c and 12d. Then, after printing is performed on the back side of the sheet through the registration roller 13, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 91.

  The document reading unit 30 mainly includes a document reading unit 90, a document placing table 92, and a document conveying device 29. The document sheet placed on the document table 92 is scanned by the document reading unit 90. A plurality of document sheets placed on the placement table of the document conveying device 29 are sequentially conveyed to the upper part of the document reading unit 90, and an image of the document is read.

(Toner cartridge)
10A and 10B are diagrams showing the toner cartridge 98. FIG. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing an overview of the toner cartridge 98, and FIG. 10B is a front view of the toner cartridge 98. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the toner cartridge 98 includes a toner cartridge main body 141 and a storage unit 150 provided on the front side thereof. The toner cartridge main body 141 contains one of four types of toner. The toner accommodated in the toner cartridge main body 141 is supplied to the corresponding developing device 2 from the supply port 143 of the toner cartridge main body 141.

  The storage unit 150 includes a terminal 153 and positioning bosses 151a and 151b. The storage unit 150 is fixed by screws 155a and 155b at the mounting position of the toner cartridge main body 142. The storage unit 150 is connected to a connector provided in the image forming unit 20 by setting the toner cartridge 98 at the set position of the toner cartridge 98 in the image forming unit 20. Although not particularly illustrated, the connector has a terminal and a positioning hole, and the positioning bosses 151a and 151b formed in the storage unit 150 are inserted into the positioning hole, whereby the storage unit 150 and the connector are connected. And are aligned. By connecting storage unit 150 and the connector, terminal 153 of storage unit 150 and the terminal of the connector come into contact with each other, so that storage unit 150 and MFP 100 are electrically connected.

  The storage unit 150 of the toner cartridge 98 stores toner cartridge information as described above. Note that although the storage unit 150 is a contact-type nonvolatile memory here, the present invention is not limited to this. The storage unit 150 may be a non-contact type using radio such as an IC chip, a barcode, and a QR code (registered trademark).

In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 98 is given a carbon offset credit (greenhouse gas emission right). With carbon offset, members of society such as citizens, NPO / NGOs, local governments, and governments recognize their own greenhouse gas (including CO ₂ ) emissions and make efforts to reduce them independently. By purchasing the greenhouse gas emission reduction / absorption amount (hereinafter referred to as “credit”) realized in other locations, we will make up for all or part of the emission of the part that is difficult to reduce. (Hereinafter referred to as “offset”). For example, projects that achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction / absorption (hereinafter referred to as “offset projects”) are implemented by greenhouse gas absorption projects, such as Brazil afforestation projects (mangrove afforestation), ocean absorption projects, Soil absorption business, carbon sequestration method such as underground sequestration method and ocean sequestration method, or renewable energy business (including hydropower generation (including the use of agricultural water and sabo dams), wind power generation (including offshore wind power generation), Such as ocean current power generation, geothermal power generation, solar power generation, solar thermal power generation, tidal power generation, vibration power generation, biomass power generation).

  Since the carbon offset credit is given to the toner cartridge 98, it can contribute to the greenhouse gas reduction business.

  In the above, the case where the carbon offset credit is given to the toner cartridge 98 has been described, but the greenhouse gas reduction business is similarly applied to the case where the carbon offset credit is given to other consumables used in the MFP 100. Can contribute. Further, even when the carbon offset credit is given to the MFP 100 itself, of course, it can contribute to the greenhouse gas reduction business.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a carbon offset mark (registered trademark) 162 indicating that a carbon offset is applied to the toner cartridge 98 may be attached to the packing material 160 of the toner cartridge 98. Furthermore, a carbon footprint mark (registered trademark) 161 may be attached. The carbon footprint mark (registered trademark) 161 indicates a conversion value obtained by converting the greenhouse gas emitted in the entire life cycle (from raw material procurement to disposal / recycling) of products and services into the amount of carbon dioxide. As a result, it is possible for a user with high environmental awareness to easily recognize that the manufacturer of the toner cartridge 98 is actively working to reduce greenhouse gases. The carbon offset mark (registered trademark) 162 and the carbon footprint mark (registered trademark) may be attached to the toner cartridge 98 itself.

Furthermore, in addition to the carbon footprint mark (registered trademark) 161, a description 163 of the carbon footprint mark (registered trademark) may be added. As a result, it is possible to easily recognize that the user is a consumables manufacturer who is working on reducing greenhouse gases, and to give a sense of security to users who are particularly environmentally conscious. In addition, for users with low environmental awareness, the importance of reducing greenhouse gases can be noticed and promoted, thereby contributing to the prevention of global warming. Note that the greenhouse gases include six types of CO ₂ , CH ₄ , N ₂ O, HFC _S , PFC _S, and SF ₆ targeted by the Kyoto Protocol.

The CO ₂ emission amount is calculated by the following general formula using an LCA (life cycle assessment) method.
General formula: CO ₂ emissions = Σ (activity amount x CO ₂ emissions intensity)
i represents the amount of activity (process) from the above-mentioned raw material procurement to disposal / recycling. The unit of the CO ₂ emission amount is represented by a unit representing weight such as (kg), (g), and (t). The life cycle stage and the amount of activity can be handled as in the following (1) to (5).
(1) The amount of activity at the raw material procurement stage is the amount of material used.
(2) The amount of activity at the production stage is assembly weight and power consumption during production.
(3) The amount of activity at the distribution stage is the transportation amount (the product of the transportation distance, loading ratio, and truck loading).
(4) The amount of activity in the usage / maintenance stage is the amount of power consumed during use.
(5) The amount of activity at the disposal / recycling stage is landfill weight and recycled weight.

When the toner cartridge 98 is a recycled product, the toner cartridge 98 is basically cleaned, filled with toner, and attached with a cap. Therefore, the above (1) and (2) can be greatly reduced as compared with a new toner cartridge. Therefore, the CO ₂ emission equivalent value in the life cycle can be reduced, and by using a large amount of recycled products for multiple users, it can be applied to the greenhouse gas reduction frame and brought closer to the greenhouse gas reduction target. It becomes possible. Note that a part of the toner cartridge 98 may be a recycled product, or the whole may be a recycled product.

In the above description, the toner cartridge 98 has been described as the consumable used in the MFP 100. However, in the case where the other consumable used in the MFP 100 is a recycled product, the CO ₂ emission conversion value in the life cycle is similarly calculated. It is effective in reducing. Further, when the MFP 100 itself is a recycled product, of course, it is effective to reduce the CO ₂ emission conversion value in the life cycle.

(Program / Storage medium)
Each block, in particular, the control unit 111 of the print instruction apparatus 110 of the present embodiment may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the print instruction apparatus 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program that implements each function, a read only memory (ROM) that stores the program, and a random access memory (RAM) that expands the program. And a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is a recording medium on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the print instruction apparatus 110, which is software that realizes the functions described above, is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by supplying the print instruction device 110 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU). As described above, by reading and executing the program by the computer, the same operational effects as those of the print instruction apparatus 110 can be realized.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  The print instruction apparatus 110 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is applicable to a print instruction apparatus that gives a print instruction to a printing apparatus that receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 100 Printing apparatus 101 Printing apparatus management apparatus 102 Network 104 Network 110 Printing instruction apparatus 110A Portable terminal 110B PC
111 Control Unit 112 Storage Unit 113 Display Unit (Display Unit)
114 Operation unit 115 Reception unit (calculation reception unit)
115a setting reception unit 115b power selection reception unit 116 display control unit 116a power information display unit 116b electricity charge display unit 117 power information acquisition unit 118 communication control unit 118a purchase signal transmission unit 121 communication unit 201 control unit 206 data communication unit 209 image formation Unit 209a detection unit 202 storage unit 400 print setting screen 417 power information tab 421 OK button 423 cancel button 500 power acquisition screen 503 power information acquisition button 600 power information screen 601 power information list 700 electricity charge screens 701 and 806 preview image 702 electricity charge Information 703 Toner consumption amount adjustment area 800 Print execution screen 801 Power consumption information 802 Print execution button 803 Print cancel button 804 Intermediate save button

Claims (13)

A print instruction apparatus that gives a print instruction to a printing apparatus that receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources,
A setting accepting unit for accepting setting of printing conditions corresponding to each function of the printing apparatus;
A power information acquisition unit that acquires power unit price information of the plurality of power supply sources from a power unit price information database in which power unit price information that is unit price information of each power supplied by the plurality of power supply sources is stored;
A power information display unit for displaying each unit price information of the plurality of acquired power supply sources;
A power selection receiving unit for receiving selection of an arbitrary power supply source among the plurality of power supply sources;
Estimating the amount of power used when executing processing according to the set printing conditions in the printing apparatus, and the acquired power unit price information and the estimated power usage of the selected power supply source An electricity bill display unit for calculating and displaying the electricity bill necessary for processing according to the set printing conditions from the amount;
It is possible to communicate with a management device that manages the amount of power supplied to the power distribution device of the plurality of power supply sources via a communication network, and the selection is made for the management device of the selected power supply source. A purchase signal transmitter that transmits a signal indicating that the determined power supply source has been determined as the power purchase source of the printing apparatus;
A printing instruction apparatus comprising: The plurality of power supply sources include a first power supply source that generates power using fossil fuel as a raw material and a second power supply source that generates power using renewable energy,
The power information acquisition unit further acquires information on the power supply capability of each power supply source from a power supply capability database in which information on the power supply capability of each power supply source is stored,
The print instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power information display unit displays the acquired power supply capability of each power supply source.   The power unit price information database and the power supply capability database are stored externally, and the power information acquisition unit acquires the power unit price information and the information of the power supply capability every predetermined time. Item 3. The print instruction apparatus according to Item 2. When the power selection accepting unit does not accept selection of an arbitrary power supply source this time,
The electricity price display unit uses the power supply source that the power selection reception unit has received the previous selection as a default power supply source, and the acquired power unit price information of the default power supply source and the estimated power usage amount And calculating and displaying an electricity bill necessary for executing processing according to the printing condition using the power from the default power supply source. The printing instruction device according to claim 1. A calculation receiving unit for receiving an instruction to calculate the electricity bill;
The said electricity bill display part performs calculation and a display of the said electricity bill, when the said calculation reception part receives the instruction | indication which calculates the said electricity bill, The any one of Claim 1 to 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Printing instruction device.   The said electricity bill display part estimates the said electric power consumption based on all the operation time estimated of the said printing apparatus required for the process according to the said printing conditions, The Claim 1 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. The print instruction apparatus according to any one of the above.   The print job for instructing printing to the printing apparatus is a print job stored in the printing apparatus or a server apparatus connected to the printing apparatus via a communication network. The printing instruction device according to the item.   By controlling the power information display unit, the unit price information of each of the plurality of power supply sources is displayed, and the electricity rate required for processing according to the set printing condition is controlled by the control of the electricity rate display unit. The printing instruction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display the printing instruction.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is connected to the printing apparatus via a communication network, and a printing instruction for causing the printing apparatus to execute processing according to the set printing conditions is transmitted via the communication network. The print instruction apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 9. A printing device that receives power from a power distribution device that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources;
A printing apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes processing according to a printing condition set by the printing instruction apparatus according to claim 1.   The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the printing apparatus is configured using a consumable item to which a greenhouse gas emission right is given.   A printing system comprising the printing instruction device according to claim 1 and the printing device according to claim 10 or 11. In a print instruction method executed using a print instruction apparatus that gives a print instruction to a printing apparatus that receives power from a power distribution apparatus that distributes power supplied from a plurality of power supply sources.
A setting accepting step for accepting setting of printing conditions according to each function of the printing apparatus;
For each of the plurality of power supply sources, power information acquisition for acquiring power unit price information of each of the plurality of power supply sources from a power unit price information database in which unit price information of power to be supplied is stored. Steps,
A power information display step for displaying power unit price information of each of the acquired plurality of power supply sources;
A power receiving step for receiving selection of an arbitrary power supply source among the plurality of power supply sources;
Estimating the amount of power used when executing processing according to the set printing conditions in the printing apparatus, and the acquired power unit price information and the estimated power usage of the selected power supply source An electricity bill display step of calculating and displaying an electricity bill necessary for processing according to the set printing conditions from the amount;
A signal indicating that the selected power supply source has been determined as a power purchase source of the printing apparatus for a management apparatus that manages the amount of power supplied to the power distribution apparatus by the selected power supply source. A purchase signal transmission step for transmission;
A printing instruction method comprising:

Images