JP2003309684A - Image processing apparatus, image forming system and information output method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote reduction in power consumption of an image processing apparatus such as a composite machine. <P>SOLUTION: In the composite machine provided with a copy mode or a print mode, an operation history of each operation mode is accurately timed, and log information about an electric power of the composite machine for processing various jobs such as the copy mode or the print mode is created on the basis of a timed value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to an information processing apparatus shared by a plurality of users, and more particularly,
The present invention relates to an image processing device for promoting a reduction in power consumption for a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Reduction of power consumption of an image processing apparatus typified by a multi-function peripheral has become one of the important problems due to an increase in energy-saving tendency of users. In many cases, the user decides a purchase product by focusing on whether or not the power consumption described in the product catalog is low.

Further, energy saving is recommended in various countries, and various regulations and standards are being reduced. For example, the Energy Conservation Law exists in Japan, and standards such as Energy Star and Blue Angel exist overseas, and products that meet certain conditions are permitted to have a logo or the like. In order to clear the above conditions,
For example, many contrivances are incorporated in each product, such as introducing an operation mode such as a sleep mode, a standby mode, or a low power mode.

On the other hand, in the prior art, when the facsimile machine for printing the history of energy saving is disclosed with the execution mode / time and the sleep condition is satisfied, the sub CP
There is disclosed a mechanism in which U is started and the main CPU performs energy saving such as stopping, stores the total energy saving time, and displays the reduction cost based on the stored time (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

[0005]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-130595

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned multifunction machine, it is possible to instruct execution of each operation of the copy output mode, print output mode, FAX transmission mode, FAX reception output mode, etc. at any timing. Therefore, it has not been possible to monitor the power consumption of such a multifunction machine. For example, there is a problem in that it is necessary to monitor the history of power consumption in correspondence with the case where the print output mode and the FAX transmission mode are executed in parallel.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, to accurately manage the usage history of power consumption in a multifunction machine, and to prompt the user to reduce power consumption even after purchasing a product. An image processing apparatus and an information output method are provided.

[0008]

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first mode for outputting image data read by image reading means and a first mode for outputting print data received from the outside In an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including two modes, a power consumption reference for each operation mode and operation time data for each operation mode are stored, and the power consumption reference and operation time data for each operation mode are stored. Based on the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism characterized in that statistical information about power consumption of the image processing apparatus is created and output based on the created statistical information about power consumption.

With this configuration, for example, it is possible to calculate a statistical power consumption amount from the operating condition of the image processing apparatus having a plurality of operating modes and inform the user or the like as statistical information.

Alternatively, in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multifunction peripherals, information regarding the power consumption amount based on the operating time for each operation mode that is respectively clocked by the multifunction peripherals is received, and the power consumption based on the received information is consumed. Another object is to provide a mechanism that is characterized by outputting statistical information regarding electric energy.

Alternatively, an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by the image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from the outside, and the image processing. In an image forming system including an external device that communicates with a device, a power consumption reference for each operation mode and operation time data for each operation mode are stored and stored as the power consumption reference and operation time data for each operation mode. It is another object of the present invention to provide a mechanism characterized in that statistical information about power consumption of the image processing apparatus is created based on the above, and output based on the created statistical information about power consumption.

Alternatively, in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes, operation time data from the start to the end of a predetermined operation mode is used as intermittent operation time according to job execution scheduling according to other operation modes. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which is characterized by performing timekeeping and creating information regarding the amount of power consumption in the predetermined operation mode based on the timekeeping value that has been timed.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Of course, the following embodiments provide disclosure for facilitating the implementation by those skilled in the art of the present invention, and are included in the technical scope of the present invention defined by the claims. Partial embodiment only. Therefore, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that even the embodiments not directly described in the present specification are included in the technical scope of the present invention as long as the technical idea is common.

Although a plurality of embodiments will be described for the sake of convenience, those skilled in the art can understand that not only these embodiments are individually realized, but also the invention can be realized by appropriately combining a plurality of embodiments. Easy to understand.

[0015]

Embodiment 1 In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image processing system. FIG. 1 shows an outline of an image processing system including a plurality of multifunction peripherals and a management server. Reference numeral 101 denotes a management server that receives information about power consumption from each multi-function peripheral and totalizes the total power consumption. The management server is an option and is not particularly necessary in the first embodiment. 10
Reference numerals 2 to 106 are multifunction peripherals having a copy function, a facsimile function, and a network printer function. For example, the multi-function peripheral 102 outputs 105 A4 originals per minute (hereinafter 10
It is a multifunction machine capable of 5 cpm). For example, the multifunction device 10
3 has a processing capacity of 85 cpm, the multifunction device 104 has a processing capacity of 60 cpm, the multifunction device 105 has a processing capacity of 33 cpm, and the multifunction device 106 has a processing capacity of 22 cpm. Reference numerals 107 to 110 are computer terminals (hereinafter referred to as PCs) on the client side that perform network printing.

Next, the operation of each multifunction machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the multifunction peripherals 102 to 106. The multi-function peripheral is mainly composed of three parts such as a reader 540, a printer 550 and a controller 560.

The reader controller 501 controls the document reading section. The motor driver 502 controls driving of the motor 503. The motor 503 drives the document feeding device 507 and the reading optical system 506. The reader image processing unit 504 reads a document and performs signal processing of data. 505 is C for performing photoelectric conversion from document reading
It's a CD. The ROM 508 and the RAM 509 are storage means for the reader controller.

The system controller 510 controls all or a part of the multifunction peripheral. The Boot-ROM 511 contains an initial program for booting. The SRAM 512 stores various data that needs to be stored even after the power is turned off. The DRAM 513 is a storage unit that functions as control program data, a work memory, and a temporary image data memory. The LAN board 514 is an interface for connecting to a network. The hard disk 517 stores a boot program and image data for saving. The hard disk controller 515 controls reading and writing of the hard disk 517. The FAX board 516 has a facsimile communication function. The printer image processing unit 518 performs signal processing of image data to be output to the printer. The display unit / operation unit 519 is means for displaying necessary information and inputting a user's instruction when the user gives an operation instruction such as copying.
For example, the display unit is composed of a liquid crystal display,
The operation unit includes a touch panel and the like. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the display unit / operation unit 519 does not have to be integrally configured and may be separately mounted.

The printer controller 520 controls the printer engine. The ROM 523 and the RAM 524 are storage means for the printer controller. The laser driver 521 receives the printer image data signal and controls the laser. The printer engine 522 is an image forming unit for forming an image.

The first power supply unit 530 includes a reader 54.
0 and the printer 550 are supplied with power. The second power supply unit 531 supplies power to the controller 560. Each of the multifunction peripherals 102 to 106 has the same configuration as the block of FIG.

Next, the operation in each mode will be described.

Startup Process When the main power switch (not shown) is turned on, power is supplied from the power unit 531 to the controller 560. Then, the CPU in the system controller 510
(Not shown) starts the initial program of the Boot-ROM 511. Then, the control program stored in the hard disk 517 is loaded into the hard disk controller 51.
5, and the data is transferred to the DRAM 513.
By starting the control program transferred here, the start-up sequence of the entire multifunction machine is started.

The system controller 510 controls the second power supply unit 530 to turn on to supply power to the reader 540 and the linter 550. The reader controller 501 of the reader 540 and the printer controller 520 in the printer 550 are activated respectively, the reader 540 performs the illumination of the optical system and the initial operation of the motor, and the printer 550 performs the initialization operation of the print engine.

Copy output mode When a document is placed on the document feeder 507 and a copy start button (not shown) of the operation unit 519 is pressed, the CCD
The image data signal photoelectrically converted by 505 is processed by the reader image processing unit 504 such as shading correction, scaling, and binarization, and the processed data is stored in the DRAM 513 via the system controller 501. It Next, the image data on the DRAM 513 is sent to the printer image processing unit 518 via the system controller 510, where processing such as gamma conversion is performed, and further the printer engine 52 via the laser driver 512.
2 is printed out.

Print Output Mode When data to be printed is transmitted from the PC 107 to PC 110 connected to the network and received via the LAN card 514, the data is written in the DRAM 513. The system controller 510 expands the data into bitmap data to be printed, and the expanded bitmap data is written in the DRAM 513 again. After that, similarly to the copy output processing, the printer image processing unit 51
8 to the printer engine 522.

FAX transmission mode When a document is placed on the document feeder 507 as in the copy operation, the dial number of the transmission destination is input according to the FAX transmission mode displayed on the display / operation unit 519, and the start button is pressed. Is pressed. The image signal read by the CCD 505 is stored in the DRAM 5 as in the copy output processing described above.
13 is stored as data. The FAX transmission process proceeds from the FAX board 516 in a predetermined procedure, and the DRAM 51
The image data stored in 3 is transmitted to the FAX line.

FAX reception mode When a FAX board 516 receives an incoming call from a FAX line, FAX reception processing is executed in a predetermined procedure, and bitmap data is stored in the DRAM 513. After that, it is output to the print engine 522 via the printer image processing unit 518 similarly to the copy output processing. Sleep mode When copying, printing, FAX transmission / reception processing, and the like are not executed for more than a preset time, the system controller 510 sets the reader controller 5
01 and the printer controller 520 are instructed to shift the reader 540 and the printer 550 to the sleep state, respectively. Then, when the system controller 510 determines that the sleep transition is possible, the first power supply unit 530 executes the off control and the reader 540
Also, the power supply to the printer 550 is stopped. In this state, power is supplied only from the second power supply unit 531 to the system controller 510. LAN board 51
4. When a startup request is received from the sleep release request SW (not shown) of the FAX board 516 and the operation unit 519, and when returning from the sleep state, the first power supply unit 530 executes the ON control and sets in advance. It shifts to the standby state within a short time.

The low power mode printer engine 522 is equipped with a fixing device (not shown), and in order to maintain the fixing operation by the fixing device in a standby state, temperature control is performed by a heater in a standby state. There is. Since the power consumption for this temperature adjustment is large, there is a mode in which the temperature adjustment level is somewhat lowered in order to reduce the power consumption. In this mode, since the temperature adjustment level is low and the copy is not ready immediately, it is necessary to perform the temperature control for a predetermined time to reach the copy ready state. Such a mode is called a low power mode. There may be provided two types of modes in which the time required to reach the copy ready state is different. These could be referred to as the first low power mode and the second low power mode. Also, depending on the type of the fixing device, there is a type that does not require temperature adjustment control. In this case, the low power mode would not need to be provided. The handling of such a low power consumption mode also differs depending on the number of print outputs of the multifunction peripheral.

Collection of Operating Times FIG. 3 is a flow chart when the multi-function peripheral generates log data on operating conditions. FIG. 4 shows an example of the created log data. The log data is stored in a writable storage unit such as the hard disk 517, the DRAM 513, or the SRMA 512.

In advance, the system controller 510 executes necessary initialization processing for log data. For example, sleep, low power consumption, standby, copy output,
The operation time data for each operation mode such as print output, FAX transmission, and FAX reception print is cleared.

In step S303, the system controller 510 waits for the user to input an operation mode selection instruction such as a standby mode, a sleep mode, or a low power mode from the operation unit 519. Of course, the selection instruction may be input via the LAN board 514. When the system controller 510 detects the operation instruction in S303, the system controller 510 confirms the operation instruction factor based on the signal input from the operation unit 519.

In step S304, the system controller 510 determines whether the input instruction is a copy instruction. If it is a copy instruction, step S30
5, the user ID or I of the department to which the user belongs belongs to the operation unit 519 to confirm the department to which the user belongs and the user name.
Enter D. The input of the user ID and the like may be executed by reading the management card of the user with a card reader (not shown).

In step S306, the system controller 510 executes the copy process instructed by the user and activates a timer to count the operation time of the copy output mode. In step S307, the system controller 510 calculates the latest cumulative time by adding the operating time of this time to the cumulative value of the copy output mode up to the previous time. Information about the department name, user name (user ID), date and time, operation mode, and usage time obtained as described above is stored in the hard disk 517 as log data (FIG. 4) in step S320.
Remember.

On the other hand, when the system controller 510 determines in step S308 that the input instruction is a print output instruction, the process proceeds to step S309. In step S309, the department to which the user belongs and the user name are acquired from the print request data via the network. In step S310, the system controller 510 activates a timer, executes the print process instructed by the user, and measures the operation time in the print output mode by the timer. In step S311, the system controller 510 calculates the new cumulative time by adding the operating time of this time to the cumulative value of the print output mode up to the previous time. In step S320, these data are stored in the hard disk 517 as log data (FIG. 4).

Further, in step S312, the system controller 510 determines whether or not it is a FAX transmission instruction. If it is a FAX transmission instruction, the process proceeds to step S313, and if not, the process proceeds to step S316. In step S313, the same processing as in step S306 described above is performed. In step S314, the system controller 510 activates a timer to measure the operation time, and performs the FAX transmission process instructed by the user. When the transmission process ends, the timer is stopped and the timer value at that time is set as the operation time. In step S315, the system controller 510 calculates a new cumulative value by adding the operating time of this time to the cumulative time of the FAX transmission mode up to the previous time. Information about the department name, user name (user ID), date and time, operation mode, and usage time obtained as described above is stored in the hard disk 517 as log data (FIG. 4) in step S320.
Remember.

In the case of FAX reception processing, step S31
In step 6, the FAX board 516 is made to receive arbitrary FAX information, and the received image data is printed by the above method. For example, the system controller 510 activates a timer to measure the operation time, and executes the FAX reception process and the print process. When the reception and print processing is completed, the timer is stopped and the timer value at that time is set as the operation time. Furthermore, the system controller 51
In 0, a new cumulative value is calculated by adding the operating time of this time to the cumulative time of the FAX reception mode up to the previous time. The information regarding the date and time, the operation mode, and the usage time obtained as described above is stored in the hard disk 517 as log data (FIG. 4) in step S320. If the FAX board 516 has received from the sender of the facsimile information the department name and the user name (user ID) of the receiving side together with the telephone number, the FAX board 516 logs together with the department name and the user name (user ID). Let's create the data.

As shown in FIG. 5, it is also possible to store the cumulative value of operating time for each mode. Although there are various methods of creating the data of FIG. 5, for example,
The log data shown in FIG. 4 may be created by searching with the operation mode as a keyword and summing up the information on the operation time above the position obtained by the search, or by adding time in step S307 or the like. In the process, the cumulative value of the operating time relating to the current operating mode is read from the data of FIG. 7 stored in the hard disk 517, the operating time of this time is added to the read value, and the data of FIG. May be updated.

Calculation of the standard of power consumption A method of calculating the standard of power consumption in each multifunction machine will be described based on the operating time shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. FIG. 6 shows an example of a table relating to the amount of power consumption (power consumption) per unit time for each mode. The data shown in FIG. 6 is unique data that is referred to when each multifunction device calculates the power consumption amount according to the operation mode.
OM511, SRAM 512 or hard disk 517
It is stored in storage means such as.

The system controller 510 activates the power consumption calculation process at an appropriate timing.
The system controller 510 reads the operating time for each mode from the log data of FIG. 4 or 5. Further, the data regarding the power consumption for the operation mode to be calculated is read from the data table of FIG. When the system controller 510 reads the operating time,
By multiplying the read power consumption, a guideline for power consumption is calculated. Then, the calculated value is stored in the storage unit such as the hard disk 517 as the electric energy data shown in FIG. Note that these values may be stored in a database as daily log data.

As an alternative, the step of calculating the power consumption may be provided in the flowchart of FIG. For example, in FIG.
In the flowchart of, only the operation time of this time is obtained, and the operation time is multiplied by the read power consumption,
Calculate a guideline for this power consumption. Also in the log data, the cumulative value of the power consumption may be stored instead of the operation time, and the obtained current power consumption may be added to the value of the log data.

Of course, the power consumption may be totaled for each user or each department. Further, the totaling process may be performed on the power consumption amount within a predetermined period (for example, the immediately preceding month) designated by the user. In FIG.
The data is updated based on the data in FIG. 7 and is calculated as monthly power consumption data for each department.

Disclosure Processing of Aggregated Data Next, how these aggregated data are disclosed to the user will be described.

A flowchart for outputting the standard of the power consumption of FIG. 9 is shown. This process may be activated when a specific button is pressed on the operation unit 519, or may be activated when the department ID or the user ID is input, such as step S305 in FIG.

In step S900, the system controller 510 displays the department ID or the user ID input screen for the user on the display unit, and based on the input ID, the power consumption amount for each department shown in FIG. Read data about.

In step S902, system controller 510 causes the display unit to display a screen for prompting confirmation of energy saving data of the department to which it belongs. Generally, when this process is executed, the user is in the middle of performing a desired operation such as copying or FAX, and at this time, it is necessary to confirm the energy saving data to raise the awareness of energy saving. I can do it. When the OK button is pressed down, the process proceeds to the next step.

In step S904, the monthly data for the last three months is read from the hard disk 517 and displayed on the display unit. At this time, it would be even more effective if a comment for promoting energy conservation is expressed in addition to the actual power consumption.

In step S906, the comparison data with other departments is displayed. For example, this month's power consumption for each department is read, sorted based on that value, and the worst department name is displayed along with the value in descending order of power consumption, or the best department name in descending order of power consumption. Or to display. As a result, a sense of competition between departments works on each user, and further energy savings can be expected.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the power consumption of the multi-function peripheral is clarified by the administrator and the user, so that the awareness of energy saving can be improved.

[0049]

Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, when the operation mode is instructed, the screen of FIG. 9 is displayed so that the user can confirm the power consumption data. However, if the data confirmation is obligatory during the operation, the user may find it annoying. That is, if priority is given to the improvement of energy-saving awareness, the operability of the multi-function peripheral may be reduced, and how to balance the two is an important issue.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, the data regarding the power consumption of FIG. 9 is displayed after the instruction of the operation mode. In particular, after the operation mode is instructed, a time period during which the user is not relatively annoyed, for example, a so-called waiting time such as during document reading, FAX transmission, or print output is shown in FIG. Display the screen.

As a result, the user can be notified of the energy-saving utilization status while maintaining normal operability.

[0052]

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the user operating the multifunction peripheral in front is asked to confirm the information regarding the power consumption.

However, when the multi-function peripheral functions as a network printer, the user is often present at a place away from the multi-function peripheral, and it is difficult to see the display section of the multi-function peripheral.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the network user is also made to confirm the information related to the power consumption,
The purpose is to improve the energy-saving awareness of such network users.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the processing according to this embodiment. After steps S308 and S309 of FIG. 3 are processed, the process proceeds to step S1000, where the system controller 510 displays the client PC.
The print data from the LAN board 514 is received. In step S1002, the printer image processing unit 518 converts the print data into bitmap data. In step S1004, the power consumption related information corresponding to the department ID information included in the print request is read from the hard disk 517. In step S1006, the read information is transmitted to the client PC. As a result, in the client PC, power consumption data similar to that in the example shown in FIG.
Displayed on C monitor.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by transmitting the energy saving data via the network, it is possible to enlighten the network users existing in the position away from the multifunction machine about the energy saving.

[0057]

Fourth Embodiment In the present embodiment, the management server 101 manages a guideline for power consumption and provides it to each user. FIG. 11 shows a signal sequence of the image output system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the PC 10
Although the energy-saving message is provided based on the request from 7, the management server may periodically send the energy-saving message without the request. The energy saving message corresponds to S904 and S905 shown in FIG.

In step S1100, the PC 107
Accepts an energy saving message request instruction by a user's key operation or the like. In step S1102, P
C107 transmits a request signal to the management server 101.
In step S1104, when the management server 101 receives the request signal, the management server 101 transmits a request signal for requesting data (for example, log data) regarding the operation time to each multifunction peripheral. In step S1104, the multifunction device 1
02 to 106 read the log data stored in the hard disk 517 or the like and send it to the management server 101. In step S1108, the management server 10
1 receives the log data from each multi-function peripheral, and uses the power consumption for each mode shown in FIG. 6 as described above to obtain a guideline for the power consumption. Ask for. The data shown in FIG. 6 may be stored in the storage device of the management server 101 or may be ordered from each multifunction peripheral. In step S1110, the management server 101 creates an energy saving message to be sent to the PC 107. For example, based on the user ID or department ID sent from the PC 107,
Create a message suitable for that user. As described with reference to FIG. 9, this message includes data regarding power consumption in the past three months and ranking data for each department. Furthermore, by utilizing the fact that the data regarding power consumption can be acquired from a plurality of multifunction peripherals, ranking data for a plurality of multifunction peripherals may be created and used as a message. In step S1112, the created energy saving message is transmitted to the PC 107. In step S1114, the PC 107 displays the received energy saving message on the display. This message may be described in HTML, for example, and in that case, the request for the message and the display of the message will be executed by using the Web browser executed on the PC 107. This message may also be delivered to each user as an email.

In this way, in this embodiment, the management server 101 can create and transmit a message for promoting energy saving. Further, since the data shown in FIG. 6 need only be provided in the management server 101 at least, the configuration of the multifunction peripheral can be simplified. Further, the multifunction machine may request the energy saving message and be displayed by the multifunction machine. By doing so, the calculation process in the multifunction peripheral can be omitted. Further, since information about other multifunction peripherals can be displayed on a certain multifunction peripheral, it becomes easy to determine which multifunction peripheral has excellent performance regarding low power consumption. For example, it is possible to prioritize the use of a multi-function peripheral that consumes less power, thus reducing the overall power consumption.

[0060]

Fifth Embodiment In each of the first to fourth embodiments, it is specified that each of the multifunction peripherals executes any one of the modes shown in FIG. 6, and the cumulative operating time relating to the specified mode is accumulated. Then, the embodiment in which the power consumption amount is obtained based on the cumulative value of each of the operation modes has been described. In the fifth embodiment, a more detailed operation for obtaining the power consumption will be described in the first to fourth embodiments.

In a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of modes such as a print output mode and a fax reception mode, the plurality of modes may be processed in parallel in time division or page by page. Multiple modes being processed in parallel for each page means, for example,
The first page writes to the memory according to the FAX receiving mode, the next page writes the PDL data received in the print output mode to the memory, and next to the memory according to the FAX receiving mode. Processing such as competing resources (hardware) are alternately used.

In the fifth embodiment, a guideline for power consumption is obtained corresponding to the execution of each operation mode which is processed in parallel for each time division or page.

FIG. 12 is a time chart for explaining the processing for managing the scheduling of a plurality of mode operations that occur in the multi-function peripheral. The time relationship on the abscissa is, for example, the position of T3 <T9. Have a relationship,
And and have the same time axis.

The time chart shown in FIG. 12 is
It is executed by the system controller 510 in the controller 560 shown in FIG. In addition, the reader 540,
As long as the components such as the printer 550 can be centrally managed, a part other than the system controller 510 may perform the process of managing the plurality of mode operations shown in FIG.

Further, according to the flow chart of FIG.
The start and end of the processing in each mode is managed by the timer means (also referred to as the time measuring means) included in the system controller 510, and the management state is shown in FIG. The management information shown in FIG. 13 is created by the management means that manages the time-of-day value associated with the use source identification information by the time-keeping means.
It is stored in a predetermined storage unit such as 17.

First, in step S1201, LA
It is recognized that the print output instruction including the department ID and the user ID is input via the N board 514. Before the printer output instruction is given, it is assumed that the multi-function peripheral has transitioned to the power saving mode of any one of the sleep mode, the low power mode 1 and the low power mode 2 described in the first to fourth embodiments. A job ID 1301 is issued with the start of each operation mode.

In step S1202, the transition from the power saving mode to the standby mode is started, and the temperature control by the heater is performed in order to maintain the fixing operation by the fixing device in a possible state. In this case, the temperature of the fixing device is raised to a predetermined temperature with a predetermined power.

Then, in step S1203, L
The PDL data is received via the AN board 514, and the received image data is expanded into bitmap image data.

The above-described processing of step S1202 may be activated upon detection of the print request in step S1201, or may be activated after a predetermined time has elapsed after the print request was detected. Further step S12
The process of 03 includes steps S1201 and S1202.
It may be executed at almost the same timing as, or may be executed before step S1202.

In step S1204, the end of the PDL expansion processing is notified, log information of the time required for the PDL expansion of (T4-T3) is created, and detailed log information 1304 in the print output mode shown in FIG. The created log information is stored in the hard disk 51 as the cumulative value of
It is stored in a storage unit such as 7. The print output mode management shown in FIG. 5 is performed in association with the job ID and department / user ID, as indicated by 1301 in FIG. Here, the department / user ID in FIG. 13 corresponds to the department shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Then, in step S1205, when the temperature of the fixing device is shifted to the standby mode, the system controller 510 is notified of the shift completion. At this time, the time (T5-T2) in the figure is the time when the mode is shifted to the standby mode, and the log information is created for this time and stored as the additional amount of the cumulative value of the "standby mode" shown in FIG. . Although the department / user ID associated with the standby mode is "ID A" in FIG. 13, it is related to images such as image output and image transmission / reception in the standby mode, sleep mode, low power mode, and the like. It is also possible not to associate the department / user ID with the mode of the power control process that does not exist. In this case, the power consumption amount required for the mode of the power control process that is not related to the image is
Processing is performed by the creating means so as not to be included in the statistical information created in association with the department / user ID, and finally statistical information about the department / user ID as illustrated in FIG. 8 is created. Further, the power consumption amount required for the mode of the power control processing that is not related to the image is associated with the department / user as the sleep mode, the low power mode 1, the low power mode 2, the standby mode, or the like shown in FIG. 7. Statistical information is created in a form that does not exist. In this way, department / user I
By creating log information by distinguishing whether or not D is associated and creating statistical information according to the log information, it is possible to create statistical information that is more fair to the department / user. Note that the statistical information in Embodiments 1 to 8 means aggregate information or information that is a source for creating aggregate information. For example, a predetermined device shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. It is assumed that the log information to be performed can also be included in the statistical information. Further, the information as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 processed based on the log information as shown in FIG. 4 can be included in the statistical information.

In step S1206, the printer controller 520 is instructed to print, and the printer engine 522 executes print output as a print operation on a medium. Note that the timing at which step S1206 is executed is the timing at which it has been detected in step S1205 that the standby mode has been entered.

Then, the end of the print output in step S1206 is notified to the system controller 510 in step S1207. This print output end notification is issued based on a paper ejection signal or the like issued in response to the output of the medium on which the image is formed in the printer engine 522 to the paper ejection bin. And this step S1
At 207, the log information of the print output time in the print output mode of (T7-T6) is created.
Is stored in the storage unit such as the hard disk 517 as a cumulative value of the detailed log information of the “print output mode” shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step S1209, a copy request including the department ID and the user ID is issued from the external device, the reading of the original is started via the original feeding device 507, and the image data photoelectrically converted via the CCD is output. It is expanded and stored in the storage unit. Department ID and user I here
As shown in FIG. 13, D, which is different from the print output mode, is recognized by the system controller 510 and is stored in the management table.

In step S1210, a notification that the storage of the image data read from the document in the storage means is completed is given. At this time, the log information required for reading the document image at time T10-T9 and developing the image data in the storage unit is created.

Upon recognizing the notification in step S1207 that the print output has been completed, the output of the image data expanded in the storage means is started in step S1211, and the print output of the image data is completed in step S1212. At this time, log information of the print output time in the copy output mode of T12-T11 is created. Here, the log information of (T10-T9) and (T12-T11) described above is stored in the storage unit such as the hard disk 517 as the cumulative total of the detailed log information of the copy output mode in FIG.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the operation time data from the start to the end of the predetermined operation mode (copy output mode) can be measured as the intermittent operation time. That is, even if the operation in the copy output mode is scheduled and executed intermittently in consideration of another operation mode (print output mode), it is possible to accurately measure the intermittent operation time.

Then, from step S1212, after a fixed time, the mode is shifted to a sleep mode or a low power mode such as a power saving mode (step S1208).

The management information as shown in FIG. 13 created according to the time chart of FIG. 12 and the ROM 5
11, electric power data similar to that described in FIG. 7 is created based on the unique data stored in the storage unit such as the SRAM 512 or the hard disk 517. This unique data will be referred to when calculating the power consumption amount corresponding to each operation mode of the multi-function peripheral similar to that shown in FIG.

As described above, a timer function is provided for distinguishing each operation mode in the multi-function peripheral and for managing each operation mode even when the operation mode is intermittently restarted in the middle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, in the copy output mode and the print output mode, the “reception / expansion” process and the “image formation” process are recorded separately, or the “reception / expansion” process and the “image formation” process are performed. The processing can be recorded separately, and the time required for each operation can be recorded more accurately. In FIG. 13, for example, the operation time in the print output mode is "(T4-T3) + (T7-T
6) ”. Needless to say, such accurate measurement of the operation time is not limited to the time when the copy output mode and the print output mode are executed, and is applicable to various combinations of operation modes.

Further, if the power consumption standards for the print output modes in FIGS. 6 and 7 are stored for the operation modes classified in detail as shown by 1304 in FIG. 13, the management is performed in FIG. More accurate power consumption in the print output mode is calculated based on the measured value for the time required for the detailed operation mode in the print output mode and the stored detailed power consumption standard for the detailed classified operation modes. can do. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the print output mode, and the same can be said for various operation modes.

The generated power data is used in the first embodiment.
The same mechanism as described in 4 to 4 is provided to the display unit of the multi-function peripheral or the terminal device located in the remote of the multi-function peripheral.

That is, by applying the first or second embodiment, a display as shown in FIG. 9 is made based on each log information (statistical information). Further, by applying the third embodiment, the statistical information based on FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is output to the client PC installed outside the multifunction machine, and the display provided on the client PC is displayed. A display showing the statistical information is displayed on the section. Further, by applying the present embodiment to the fourth embodiment, log information (statistical information) acquired by the management server 101 from a plurality of multifunction peripherals is output to the client PC, and in the client PC, the log information (statistical information) shown in FIGS. The statistical information based on FIG. 7 or 8 is displayed on the display unit. The display of the statistical information as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 based on the log information (statistical information) created in the multifunction device in this way is performed by various devices such as the multifunction device and an external device connected to the outside of the multifunction device. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to the mode executed by.

When the statistical information is displayed on the external device, the multifunction device notifies the external device of the log information as shown in FIG. 4 or 5 as described in the fourth embodiment. Device (management server 101 or client PC
Etc.), the statistical information to be displayed on the display unit may be created.

In the time chart shown in FIG. 12, two operations, the print output mode and the copy output mode, have been described as the operations executed in parallel, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to various forms such as a print output mode and a FAX transmission mode, a print output mode and a FAX reception output mode, or a combination of three or more operation modes. Further, the operation mode may include an operation mode when an error such as a jam or no paper is generated. The mode at the time of error occurrence is assumed to be an operation of cutting off the power supply to the part related to the place where the error occurred.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the means for realizing the independent timer function for each mode in the multi-functional peripheral is provided, for example, (T10- T9) and (T1
2-T11) can be accurately recorded as the time required for the copy output mode, and as a result, the time to wait for the print output of T11-T10 is left as the time required for the copy output mode. Can be solved. Similarly, the time (T5-T4) can be excluded from the time required for the processing in the print output mode.

In addition, the user ID or the identification information of the source of the ID of the department to which the user belongs is associated with each timer function in FIG.
Since the log information as shown in Fig. 3 is managed, it is possible to accurately manage each operation mode that is executed in parallel in the multi-function peripheral for each source, and the predetermined mode operation is executed in parallel in the multi-function peripheral. Even when it is executed, it is possible to solve the problem that it is not possible to manage by switching which source is used.

[0088]

Sixth Embodiment In the first to fifth embodiments, the information accumulated as log information in the terminal device located at a remote location based on the log information created by the multi-function peripheral is used by the external client P.
When C is notified, if the multi-function peripheral makes notification as information according to a markup language such as HTML, the terminal device browses the notification based on the log information using the browser based on the received information. It becomes possible.

[0089]

Seventh Embodiment In the first to sixth embodiments, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the operation time for each operation mode such as the print output mode and the copy output mode is measured independently, and the time measurement is performed. It has been described that the amount of electric power required for each operation mode is calculated based on history information of different times.

On the other hand, the multifunction machine has an operation mode with print output and an operation mode without print output.
Examples of the print output operation mode include a FAX transmission mode and a SEND mode in which an image based on a document read via a document feeding device is transferred to another information processing device or an image forming device. Further, the operation such as the copy output mode (T10-T9) as shown in FIG. 12 is also mentioned as an operation mode which does not require the print output operation mode.

With regard to the operation mode not accompanied by such print output, the operation time is measured by using the independent timer function as described in FIG. 12, and the predetermined operation mode is required based on the measured operation time. The power amount may be calculated, and the operation mode during the period in which the print output is executed may be divided so that the power amount is calculated based on the number of output sheets.

For example, (T7-T6) and (T12-T)
The period 11) corresponds to a period that involves execution of print output. In this period, for example, a table such as 10 W per print output is previously stored in the multifunction machine or an external device (the management server 101 or PCs 107 to 11 in FIG. 11).
0) and the like, and the amount of power required for the operation mode during the period in which print output is executed is calculated from the power consumption per print output and the number of output sheets stored in this storage unit. It can be calculated.

Further, the multifunction peripheral or the external device may count the number of printed sheets, or may be provided with the above-mentioned storage section.

In this way, the amount of electric power corresponding to the operation mode involving print output is obtained based on the number of printed sheets, while
If the electric energy corresponding to the operation mode without print output is obtained based on the measurement of the operation time as described in FIG. 12, the processing load of the timer can be reduced, and the operation mode of each operation mode can be reduced. The operating time can be accurately measured.

According to the seventh embodiment, the processing load on the timer section can be reduced, and the accurate amount of electric power required for the operation of the multifunction machine can be calculated.

The calculation of the amount of electric power and the presentation of the calculated amount of electric power may be performed by the multifunction machine or the external device.
Regarding this point, it goes without saying that the forms described in Embodiments 1 to 6 can be appropriately adopted.

[0097]

Eighth Embodiment In the first to seventh embodiments, the amount of power consumption in each operation mode of the multifunction peripheral is shown in FIGS.
The statistical information as shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 and the time value of the timer in each operation mode, and the power consumption per unit time for each mode showing the power consumption standard as shown in FIG. It has been described that the calculation is performed based on the table regarding the amount (power consumption). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the value may be obtained by a value based on various measuring devices such as an ammeter and a voltmeter provided in the multifunction machine. In this case, the system controller 510 calculates the power consumption in various operation modes as shown in FIG. 5 based on the measurement value of the measuring device. The calculated result is similar to that of FIG. 7.

[0098]

Other Embodiments A program necessary for executing the above-described embodiments is also an invention of the present application. This program is provided to a computer or the like via a transmission medium or a storage medium. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-RO.
M, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card,
A ROM or the like can be used.

Further, the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, and the OS or the like running on the computer actually performs the processing based on the instruction of the program code. The function of the above-described embodiment can be realized also by performing a part or all of the above.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, A CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing can realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

In the present invention, the program is distributed from the storage medium recording the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment to the requester through a communication line such as personal computer communication. It goes without saying that it can also be applied to cases.

Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to various image processing apparatuses such as a facsimile machine and a multifunction machine adopting an ink jet method, as a matter of course.

[0103]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By providing the power consumption data corresponding to the operation mode to the user by the multi-function peripheral, it is possible to expect the user to grasp the power consumption status and promote energy saving in the office.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart of the multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of log data for each user according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of log data for each mode according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing power consumption per unit time for each mode according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of standard data of power consumption for each mode according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of standard data of power consumption for each department according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for consuming an energy saving promotion message in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for providing an energy saving promotion message to a network user according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a signal sequence of the image processing system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flow chart of log creation according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of created log data according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... Management server 102-106 ... Complex machine 107-110 ... User terminal (PC) 540 ... Leader 550 ... Printer 560 ... Controller

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP07 HH03 HH11 HK11                       HK19 HK23 HN02 HN15 HT03                       HT07 HT11                 5B021 AA01 AA21 BB01 BB10 CC05                       EE04 NN19                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA29 AB38 AB42                       AC41 AC42 AC43 AF00 BA00

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by an image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from the outside, wherein: Storage means for storing the power consumption standard for each operation mode and the operation time data for each operation mode, and the power consumption of the image processing device based on the power consumption reference and the operation time data for each operation mode An image processing apparatus comprising: a creating unit that creates statistical information about the power consumption amount; and an output unit that outputs based on the created statistical information about the power consumption amount. 2. A clocking means for individually clocking the operating time data of each of the operating modes, wherein the creating means creates statistical information based on a time value measured by the timing means and a power consumption reference for each operating mode. Claim 1 characterized by the above.
The image processing device according to item 1. 3. A specifying unit for specifying a user or a department using the image processing apparatus, and a time measuring unit for measuring the time by associating the specified user or department with the operating time of the image processing apparatus. Wherein the storage unit stores the counted operating time as the operating time data, and the creating unit creates the statistical information for each user or department. Item 1. The image processing device according to item 1. 4. The managing means for managing the time value by the time measuring means by associating it with the use source identification information, wherein the creating means has the time value, the power consumption reference for each operation mode, and the use source. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the statistical information is created based on the identification information. 5. The time measuring means measures operation time data from the start to the end of a predetermined operation mode as intermittent operation time according to job execution scheduling according to another operation mode. The image processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4. 6. The image according to claim 1, wherein the output means transmits the statistical information to a terminal device external to the image processing device as a markup language. Processing equipment. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a copy mode and the second mode is a printer mode. 8. The output means outputs the created statistical information relating to the power consumption amount to a display unit during designation processing for designating the operation mode or during execution of the operation mode. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 7. 9. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multi-function peripherals, comprising: receiving means for receiving information about power consumption based on operation time for each operation mode timed in the multi-function peripheral; An information processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs statistical information about power consumption based on information received by a receiving unit. 10. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from the outside, and the image processing. An image forming system including an external device that communicates with an apparatus, comprising: a storage unit that stores a power consumption reference for each operation mode and operation time data for each operation mode; and power consumption for each operation mode. A creation unit that creates statistical information regarding power consumption of the image processing device based on a standard and operating time data; and an output unit that outputs based on the created statistical information regarding power consumption. Characteristic image forming system. 11. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes, wherein operation time data from the start to the end of a predetermined operation mode is used as an intermittent operation according to job execution scheduling according to another operation mode. An image processing apparatus comprising: a time measuring unit that measures time as time; and a creating unit that creates information about power consumption in the predetermined operation mode based on a time measured value measured by the time measuring unit. 12. A power consumption amount in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by the image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from the outside. An information output method for outputting information, comprising a step of reading power consumption data for each operation mode and operation time data for each operation mode, and the read power consumption data for each operation mode and each A step of creating statistical information about power consumption of the image processing device based on operating time data for each operation mode; and an output step of outputting based on the created statistical information about power consumption Information output method characterized by. 13. An information output method by an information processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of multifunction peripherals, comprising: receiving information about power consumption based on operating time for each operation mode clocked in the multifunction peripheral. An information output method comprising: a step; and an output step of outputting statistical information about power consumption based on the information received in the receiving step. 14. An information output method by an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes, wherein operation time data from the start to the end of a predetermined operation mode is determined according to job execution scheduling according to another operation mode. An information output, comprising: a time counting step of measuring as an intermittent operation time; and a creation step of creating information on the power consumption of the predetermined operation mode based on the time measured value measured by the time counting step. Method. 15. A power consumption amount in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by the image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from the outside. A program executed by an information processing device that outputs information, comprising: reading power consumption data for each operation mode and operation time data for each operation mode; Creating statistical information about power consumption of the image processing device based on power consumption data and operating time data for each operation mode; and outputting based on the created statistical information about power consumption. A program characterized by including ,. 16. A program executed by an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multi-function peripherals, wherein information on power consumption based on operation time for each operation mode clocked in the multi-function peripheral is received. A program comprising: a receiving step; and an output step of outputting statistical information about power consumption based on the information received in the receiving step. 17. A power consumption amount in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by an image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from the outside. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program executed by an information processing device that outputs information, the step of reading power consumption data for each operation mode and the operation time data for each operation mode, A step of creating statistical information about the power consumption of the image processing apparatus based on the power consumption data for each operation mode and the operation time data for each operation mode, and the statistics about the created power consumption A storage medium storing a program including a step of outputting based on information. 18. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program executed by an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multifunction peripherals, the storage medium being based on the operating time of each operation mode that is timed in the multifunction peripheral. A program storing a program including a receiving step of receiving information about power consumption and an output step of outputting statistical information about power consumption based on the information received in the receiving step.