JP2006146360A - Image formation system and its image formation apparatus, control method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use an image formation apparatus which surely satisfies required conditions from a plurality of image formation apparatuses configuring an image formation system as equipment to be used for printing. <P>SOLUTION: At the time of receiving document data and a print request including required conditions (print conditions, equipment selection conditions) from a PC 20, a printing management server 30 notifies each MFP 10 of a calculation request for power consumption to be consumed by the printing of the document data including the print conditions and the preliminarily stored calculation program of each MFP 10, and makes each MFP 10 calculate the power consumption. Then, the calculation result notified from each MFP 10 is acquired, and any of those MFP 10 is selected as equipment to be used for printing based on the acquired calculation result of each MFP 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a management device (printing management server) that collectively manages image forming apparatuses such as a plurality of digital copying machines, printers, facsimile machines, and digital multi-function machines, and can be connected to the management apparatus via a communication line. Image forming system including a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer) and each of the image forming apparatuses, a control method in the management apparatus, a program executed by a computer (CPU) of the management apparatus, and a computer recording the program The present invention relates to a readable recording medium.

  Conventionally, a terminal device such as a PC and an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine are directly connected one-to-one by a cable. In the terminal device, for example, an operation of a keyboard or the like is performed on a monitor (display device) screen by an application (application software). Print data such as document data (document data) corresponding to the print data is generated (created), and when a print request is issued by an operation of a keyboard or the like, the image forming apparatus sends the print data to the printer driver (printer driver program). The document is translated (converted) into an understandable language, and a print request (print instruction) including the translated print data and print conditions is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to perform printing. The application is managed by an OS (Operating System).

However, as the demand for the technology of communication lines such as networks increases, the amount of data handled has increased, so the demand for its usability, economy, etc. has increased. An image forming system in which image forming apparatuses are dispersedly connected on a network and selectively usable is now available.
As such an image forming system, by connecting a print management server that collectively manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses in addition to the terminal apparatus on the network, the print management server receives the print data from the terminal apparatus. There is one that is selectively transmitted to a forming apparatus to perform printing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-213370 A

  The application (application) refers to application software or an application program. This application is a part that performs a user interface, and is for realizing a function provided to a user. An application for realizing a copy function (copy application) and an application for realizing a printer function (printer application) There are an application for realizing the scanner function (scanner application), an application for realizing the FAX (facsimile) function (FAX application), and the like.

However, in the above-described image forming system, the print management server uses a device (print using device) that uses for printing an image forming device that surely satisfies a required condition such as a printing condition desired by a user from among a plurality of image forming devices. ) Could not be selected.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an image forming apparatus that reliably satisfies a required condition among a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting an image forming system can be used as an apparatus used for printing. The purpose is to.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a management apparatus, an image forming system including the management apparatus and a terminal device and an image forming apparatus that can be connected to the management apparatus via a communication line, a control method in the management apparatus, A program to be executed by a computer of a management apparatus and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded are provided.

  The management device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a terminal device that generates print data such as document data, and each of a plurality of images that performs printing on a print medium such as paper using the print data from the terminal device as a visible image. A management apparatus that is connected via a communication line such as a network, and that selectively transmits the print data from the terminal apparatus to the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing, from the terminal apparatus When receiving a print request including the print data and at least the necessary conditions including the print conditions, the image forming apparatus is notified of a calculation request for the power consumption consumed by printing the print data including the print conditions. A calculation result acquisition means for acquiring a calculation result notified from each of the image forming apparatuses, and each of the image forming apparatuses acquired by the means. One of each of the image forming apparatus based on another of the calculation result is obtained by providing a device selection unit for selecting a device to be used in the printing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein each of the images acquired by the calculation result acquisition unit when the device selection unit includes a device selection condition in the required condition. One of the image forming apparatuses is selected as the apparatus to be used for the printing based on the calculation result for each forming apparatus and the apparatus selection condition.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein, in the management apparatus according to the second aspect, when the device selection means gives priority to energy saving over the printing speed, the device selection condition is most determined from the calculation results. An image forming apparatus with low power consumption is selected as a device used for the printing.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein each of the images acquired by the calculation result acquisition unit when the device selection unit includes a device selection condition in the required condition. A calculation result notifying means for notifying the terminal apparatus of the calculation result for each forming apparatus, and an apparatus that uses any of the image forming apparatuses for the printing in response to a request from the terminal apparatus after notification by the means To choose as.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a calculation program for each image forming apparatus for calculating the power consumption of each of the image forming apparatuses is stored. A calculation program storage means is provided.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further comprising: a calculation program acquisition unit that acquires a calculation program for each of the image forming apparatuses from the terminal device. The calculation result notified from each image forming apparatus is acquired by notifying each image forming apparatus of the calculation request for the power consumption including the condition and the calculation program for each image forming apparatus. It is.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the image notified when any of the image forming apparatuses shifts to a mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated. When receiving the property of the forming apparatus, a calculation proxy means is provided to perform the calculation of the power consumption of the image forming apparatus based on the property and the printing conditions according to the calculation program for the image forming apparatus. Is.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the property registration means for registering a property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside, and the image forming apparatus. In response to the notification that the power consumption amount cannot be calculated, the image formation is performed based on the properties of the image forming apparatus and the printing conditions according to the calculation program for the image forming apparatus. A calculation proxy means for substituting the calculation of the power consumption of the apparatus is provided.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the management device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the calculation result acquisition means shifts to a mode in which the power consumption amount cannot be calculated from any of the image forming apparatuses. When receiving the property of the image forming apparatus notified at the time, the image forming apparatus receives the calculation request for the power consumption including the property, the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, and the printing conditions. And a means for obtaining a calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus by notifying one of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption.

  A management apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the management apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, further comprising property registration means for registering properties for each of the image forming apparatuses input from the outside, wherein the calculation result acquisition means is When receiving notification from one of the image forming apparatuses that the power consumption amount is not calculated, the property of the image forming apparatus, the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, and the By notifying one of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption amount among the image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus is notified of the calculation request for the power consumption amount including the printing conditions. It has a means to acquire a calculation result.

  An image forming system according to an invention of claim 11 is an image forming system in which the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the terminal device, and the image forming devices can be connected via the communication line. When the image forming apparatus receives a calculation request for the power consumption from the management apparatus, the power consumption is calculated based on the printing conditions and the own properties included in the request. Calculation means and calculation result notification means for notifying the management apparatus of the calculation result by the means are provided.

  An image forming system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the eleventh aspect, wherein each of the image forming apparatuses is provided with a calculation program storage means for storing a calculation program for calculating the power consumption amount of the image forming apparatus. The power consumption calculation means of each image forming apparatus calculates its own power consumption according to the calculation program.

  An image forming system according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is an image forming system in which the management device of the sixth aspect, the terminal device, and the image forming apparatuses can be connected via the communication line. When the calculation request for the power consumption is received from the management device, the power consumption based on the printing conditions and the own properties included in the request according to the calculation program included in the request A power consumption amount calculating means for calculating the amount and a calculation result notifying means for notifying the management apparatus of a calculation result by the means are provided.

An image forming system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system in which the management device according to the seventh or ninth aspect, the terminal device, and the respective image forming apparatuses can be connected via the communication line. In addition, a property notification means is provided for notifying the management apparatus of its own property when shifting to a mode where calculation of the power consumption is impossible.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system in which the management apparatus according to the eighth or tenth aspect, the terminal device, and the respective image forming apparatuses can be connected via the communication line. In addition, there is provided mode transition notifying means for notifying the management apparatus when the mode shifts to a mode in which the calculation of the power consumption is impossible.

  An image forming system according to a sixteenth aspect of the invention is an image forming system in which the management device according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the terminal device, and the image forming apparatuses can be connected via the communication line. When the power consumption calculation means of the apparatus receives a proxy request for the power consumption calculation including the property, the calculation program, and the printing conditions from the management apparatus, the property and the Means for calculating the power consumption of the other image forming apparatus based on the printing conditions is provided.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a management apparatus comprising: a terminal device that generates print data such as document data; and a plurality of units that print the print data from the terminal device on a print medium such as paper as a visible image. The image forming apparatus is connected via a communication line such as a network, and the print data from the terminal device is selectively transmitted to the image forming apparatus to perform the printing. When receiving a print request including the print data and a necessary condition including at least a print condition from the terminal device, the calculation request for the power consumption consumed by printing the print data including the print condition By notifying each of the image forming apparatuses, the calculation result notified from each of the image forming apparatuses is acquired, and each of the acquired image forms is acquired. One of each of the image forming apparatus based on the device by the calculation results and selects a device to be used in the printing.

The control method in the management apparatus according to the invention of claim 18 is the control method in the management apparatus of claim 17, in which the calculation result for each image forming apparatus and One of the image forming apparatuses is selected as an apparatus to be used for the printing based on the apparatus selection condition.
The control method in the management device according to the nineteenth aspect of the invention is the control method in the management device of the eighteenth aspect, in which, when the device selection condition gives priority to energy saving over the printing speed, the control method is the most An image forming apparatus with low power consumption is selected as a device used for the printing.

A control method for a management apparatus according to a twentieth aspect of the invention is the control method for a management apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect, wherein the calculation result for each image forming apparatus is obtained when the required conditions include a device selection condition. After notifying the terminal device, one of the image forming devices is selected as a device to be used for the printing in response to a request from the terminal device.
A control method in a management device according to a twenty-first aspect of the invention is the control method in a management device according to any one of the seventeenth to twentieth aspects, for each image forming device for calculating the power consumption amount of each of the image forming devices. Are stored in a memory.

  The control method in the management device according to the invention of claim 22 is the control method in the management device of claim 21, wherein the calculation program for each image forming device is obtained from the terminal device, stored in the memory, and stored in the memory. The calculation result notified from each image forming apparatus is acquired by notifying each image forming apparatus of the calculation request for the power consumption including the condition and the calculation program for each image forming apparatus. It is.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method in the management apparatus according to the twenty-first or twenty-second aspect, wherein when any of the image forming apparatuses shifts to a mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated. When the property of the image forming apparatus notified to is received, the calculation of the power consumption of the image forming apparatus is performed on the basis of the property and the printing condition according to the calculation program for the image forming apparatus. Is.

  The control method in the management device according to the invention of claim 24 is the control method in the management device of claim 21 or 22, wherein the property for each image forming device inputted from the outside is registered, and any of the image forming devices is registered. When the notification indicating that the power consumption amount is shifted to a mode in which the calculation of the power consumption is impossible is received from the printer, according to the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, based on the properties of the image forming apparatus and the printing conditions. This is a substitute for calculating the power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  According to a 25th aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method in the management apparatus according to the 21st or 22nd aspect, wherein when any of the image forming apparatuses shifts to a mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated. When receiving the property of the image forming apparatus notified to the above, the calculation request for the power consumption including the property, the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, and the printing condition is sent to each of the image forming apparatuses. By notifying any of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption, the calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus is acquired.

  A control method for a management apparatus according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the invention is the control method for a management apparatus according to the twenty-first or twenty-second aspect, wherein the property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside is registered, and any of the image forming apparatuses is registered. The power consumption including the properties of the image forming apparatus, the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, and the printing conditions when receiving a notification to shift to a mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated. Obtaining a calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus by notifying one of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption amount among the image forming apparatuses as a power amount calculation request. It is.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for generating print data such as document data, and a plurality of image formations for printing on a print medium such as paper using the print data from the terminal device as a visible image. An apparatus is connected via a communication line such as a network, and the print data from the terminal apparatus is selectively transmitted to the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing. When receiving a print request including print data and at least a necessary condition including a print condition, the image forming apparatus is notified of a calculation request for power consumption consumed by printing the print data including the print condition. A calculation result acquisition function for acquiring a calculation result notified from each of the image forming apparatuses, and the above-described acquisition by the function One of each of the image forming apparatus based on the image forming apparatus by the calculation result is a program for realizing the device selection function of selecting a device to be used in the printing.

A program according to an invention of claim 28 is the program according to claim 27, wherein the device selection function acquires each of the image forming apparatuses acquired by the calculation result acquisition function when the required conditions include a device selection condition. One of the image forming apparatuses is selected as a device to be used for the printing based on another calculation result and the device selection condition.
A program according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the invention is the program according to the twenty-eighth aspect, wherein when the device selection function is such that the device selection condition prioritizes energy saving over the printing speed, the power consumption is the most based on each calculation result. Therefore, an image forming apparatus with a small amount is selected as an apparatus used for the printing.

A program according to a thirty-third aspect of the invention is the program according to the twenty-seventh aspect, wherein each of the image forming apparatuses acquired by the calculation result acquisition function when the device selection function includes a device selection condition in the required condition. A calculation result notification function for notifying the terminal device of another calculation result, and selecting one of the image forming apparatuses as a device to be used for printing in response to a request from the terminal device after notification by the function To do.
A program according to a thirty-first aspect of the invention is the program according to any one of the twenty-seventh to thirty-third aspects, wherein the calculation program for each image forming apparatus for calculating the power consumption of each of the image forming apparatuses is stored in the computer. This is a program for realizing the function of storing a calculation program to be stored.

  A program according to a thirty-second aspect of the invention is a program according to the thirty-first aspect for causing the computer to realize a calculation program acquisition function for acquiring a calculation program for each image forming apparatus from the terminal device. The calculation result acquisition function notifies each of the image forming apparatuses of the calculation request for the power consumption including the printing conditions and the calculation program for each of the image forming apparatuses. The calculation result to be notified is acquired.

  According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the program of the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect, the computer is notified when any of the image forming apparatuses shifts to a mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated. A calculation proxy function that, when receiving the properties of the image forming apparatus, performs the calculation of the power consumption of the image forming apparatus based on the properties and the printing conditions in accordance with the calculation program for the image forming apparatus. It is a program to realize.

  According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program according to the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect, wherein a property registration function for registering a property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside to the computer and any one of the image forming apparatuses. When the notification indicating that the power consumption amount is shifted to a mode in which the calculation of the power consumption is impossible is received from the printer, according to the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, based on the properties of the image forming apparatus and the printing conditions. This is a program for realizing a calculation proxy function that performs the calculation of the power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  A program according to a thirty-fifth aspect of the invention is the program according to the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect, wherein the calculation result acquisition function shifts to a mode in which the power consumption amount cannot be calculated from any of the image forming apparatuses. When the notified property of the image forming apparatus is received, the calculation request for the power consumption including the property, the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, and the printing condition is sent to the image forming apparatus. The function of acquiring the calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus by notifying one of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption amount.

A program according to a thirty-sixth aspect of the invention is a program for realizing in the program of the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect a property registration function for registering a property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside in the computer, When the calculation result acquisition function receives notification from any one of the image forming apparatuses that the power consumption amount cannot be calculated, the property of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus By notifying any one of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption amount among the image forming apparatuses, the calculation request for the power consumption including the calculation program for printing and the printing conditions, It has a function of acquiring a calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus.
A recording medium according to a thirty-seventh aspect of the invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of the twenty-seventh to thirty-sixth aspects is recorded.

  According to the present invention, when a management device (computer) receives a print request including a print data and a required condition including at least a print condition from a terminal device, the management apparatus (computer) is consumed by printing the print data including the print condition. By notifying each image forming apparatus of the calculation request of the power consumption amount, the calculation result notified from each image forming apparatus is obtained, and each of the image forming apparatuses is based on the obtained calculation result for each image forming apparatus. Since any one of the image forming apparatuses is selected as a device to be used for printing, an image forming apparatus that reliably satisfies the required conditions (including at least energy saving requests) from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system. It can be used as a device used for printing.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of network connection of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In this image forming system, a plurality of digital multifunction peripherals (hereinafter also referred to as “MFP”) 10 (10a, 10b, 10c) are used as image forming apparatuses, and a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”) 20 is used as a terminal apparatus. The print management server 30 is provided as a management apparatus, and these can be connected to each other via a network 1 such as a LAN (local area network). Note that a plurality of PCs 20 can be connected to the network 1.

Next, a hardware configuration example of the MFP 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the MFP 10.
The MFP 10 is an image forming apparatus capable of realizing various functions including functions as a digital copying machine, a printer, a FAX apparatus, and a scanner apparatus, that is, a copy function, a printer function (printing function), a FAX function, and a scanner function. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 11, the FCU (fax control unit) 12, the engine interface (hereinafter “interface” is also referred to as “I / F”) 13, the engine 14, and the like. These configurations are hardware resources for performing image processing such as image reading, printing (image formation), and image data transmission of a document.

The controller 11 comprehensively controls each unit of the MFP 10. Various functions can be realized by the control.
The FCU 12 controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having a modem function (FAX communication function) or another MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) via a public line.
The engine I / F 13 is an interface for connecting the engine 14 to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.

  The engine 14 prints on a paper (which may be another recording medium) as a visible image using a scanner (image reading unit) that reads an image of a document, and image data read by the scanner or print data received from an external device. A plotter (image forming means), an automatic document feeder (ADF) that automatically feeds a document to the image reading position of the scanner, sorting (sorting), punching (punching), and printing on the paper printed by the plotter, This corresponds to a hardware device such as a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing such as stapling.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU 101, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 102, SDRAM 103, ROM 104, NVRAM 105, HDD (hard disk drive) 106, operation unit 107, modem 108, USB (Universal Serial Bus) / I / F 109, IEEE (Institute of Institute). Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 / I / F110, MAC (Media Access Controller) / I / F111, and the like. Note that the operation unit 107 is actually disposed outside the controller 11.

The CPU 101 is an arithmetic processing unit that performs data processing (control of each function) via the ASIC 102.
The ASIC 102 is a multi-function device board composed of a CPU interface, SDRAM interface, local bus interface, PCI interface, HDD interface, etc., and is designed to share devices to be controlled by the CPU 101 and develop applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. It supports high efficiency.

The ASIC 102 is directly connected to an operation unit 107 that receives an operation command of the engine 14 and the like, and a modem 108 is also directly connected thereto. The USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111, FCU 12, and engine I / F 13 are connected via the PCI bus 112.
The SDRAM 103 is a main memory used as a program memory for storing various programs, a work memory used when the CPU 101 performs data processing, and the like. In place of the SDRAM 103, a DRAM or SRAM may be used.

The ROM 104 is a fixed memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and fixed data. Note that various applications (applications) can be stored in the ROM 104.
The NVRAM 105 is a non-volatile memory that stores data such as various parameters that can be changed, and retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. As the NVRAM 105, a nonvolatile RAM in which a backup circuit using a RAM and a battery is integrated, or a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory can be used.

The HDD 106 is a storage device (recording medium) that stores and saves data regardless of whether the power is on or off. Data in the SDRAM 103 or data in the NVRAM 105 can be stored in the HDD 106.
The operation unit 107 is an operation having various operation keys (also referred to as operation switches or operation buttons) for inputting data such as operation instructions to the engine 14, the PC 20, or the print management server 30 and a character display of LCD or CRT. Means.

The modem 108 is modulation / demodulation means. When data is transmitted to an external device (not shown) via a public line, the modem 108 modulates the data so that the data can flow on the public line. In addition, when modulated data sent from an external device is received, the data is demodulated.
The USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 are USB standard and IEEE 1394 standard interfaces (direct interfaces) for directly connecting to and communicating with external devices (peripheral devices), respectively.
The MAC / I / F 111 is a network interface for communicating with external devices including the PC 20 and the print management server 30 via the network 1 such as a LAN.
A direct interface other than the USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 can be added to the controller 11.

Here, the copy function is a function that causes a scanner to read an image of an original, and sends the image data to a plotter to perform a copy operation for printing (forming) as a visible image on a recording medium such as paper. .
The printer function is a function for performing a printer operation (printing operation) in which data from an external device is directly or processed and sent to a plotter to be printed as a visible image on a recording medium.
The scanner function is a function for causing a scanner to read an image of a document and writing the image data in a memory (SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, or HDD 106) and storing (accumulating) a scanner operation.

By pressing the start key 54 after processing by the scanner operation, image data in the SDRAM 103 or the HDD 106 can be called (read), and an image can be printed on the transfer paper based on the image data.
The FAX function is a FAX transmission operation for causing a scanner to read an image of a document and transmitting the image data to an external device by the FCU 12, and receiving image data from the external device by the FCU 12, sending the image data to a plotter, and recording media. This is a function for performing a FAX reception operation for forming an image on the top.

Next, a main functional configuration example of the MFP 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of the MFP 10.
The controller 11 of the MFP 10 includes functions as a communication processing unit 121, a time measurement unit 122, a power control unit 123, a storage unit 124, and a main control unit 125. These functions are realized by the CPU 101 in FIG. 2 operating according to the program on the ROM 104 or SDRAM 103 and selectively using the USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, or MAC I / F 111 as necessary. It can be done.

The communication processing unit 121 is a communication unit that performs communication (data transmission / reception) with an external device such as the print management server 30 and the PC 20 (FIG. 2) on the network 1 or performs communication with a directly connected external device. It is also possible to directly connect an external device and communicate with it.
The time measurement unit 122 performs various time measurements. Thus, the current time (year / month / day / second) can be known.
The power control unit 123 controls on / off of power supply (energization) to each unit including the fixing heater in the engine 14.

  The storage unit 124 stores various information such as the properties of the MFP 10 according to the present invention (see FIG. 6A) and the installation locations (IP addresses) of the print management server 30 and the PC 20. It should be noted that a calculation program (hereinafter simply referred to as “calculation program”) for calculating the power consumption (hereinafter simply referred to as “power consumption”) consumed after the printing instruction is received by the MFP 10 until printing of the print data is completed. Can also be stored. The storage unit 124 corresponds to the SDRAM 103, the NVRAM 105, or the HDD 106 in FIG.

  The main control unit 125 performs overall control of each unit including the communication processing unit 121, the time measurement unit 122, the power control unit 123, and the storage unit 124, for example, scanner control as illustrated in FIG. Various controls / management including time management, print control, network control (communication control), engine control, and in-device state management can be performed. Among them, the print control means that when a print instruction including print data and print conditions is received from an external device such as the print management server 30, the print data is sent to the plotter as it is or after being processed based on the print conditions. This is a function for performing a printer operation (printing operation) for printing as a visible image on the top. The engine control is to control / manage the state of the engine 14. In-device state management is control / management of the current state of the device (MFP).

Next, a hardware configuration example of the PC 20 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the PC 20.
The PC 20 is a terminal device (information processing device) having a function of generating print data such as document data and graphic data, and includes a device main body 200, an input device 220, and a display device 230 as shown in FIG. Has been. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, only document data (hereinafter also referred to as “print document data”) is handled as print data.

The apparatus main body 200 controls the entire PC 20, and includes a CPU 201, ASIC 202, SDRAM 203, ROM 204, NVRAM 205, HDD 206, modem 207, USB I / F 208, IEEE 1394 I / F 209, MAC I / F 210, and the like. Has been.
The configuration of the apparatus main body 200 is substantially the same as the configuration of the controller 11 of the MFP 10 described with reference to FIG.

The HDD 206 stores and saves the browser and printer driver (printer driver program) shown in FIG. 6C in addition to the OS (operation system) and applications. Among them, the browser is for displaying various data such as print document data on the screen of the display device 230. The printer driver notifies the MFP 10 of a print request and passes print document data (including image data processing).
The input device 220 corresponds to a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse for inputting data such as operation instructions.
The display device 230 corresponds to an LCD display or a CRT display that displays various types of information. Note that a touch panel may be provided on the surface of the display device 230.

  Here, when the power of the PC 20 is turned on, the CPU 201 of the apparatus main body 200 reads the OS in the HDD 206 in accordance with a boot loader (boot program) in the ROM 204, loads it into the SDRAM 203 and expands it, and then starts the OS. Furthermore, the application, browser, and printer driver in the HDD 206 are also loaded into the SDRAM 203 and expanded. Furthermore, if a calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored (stored) in the HDD 206, it is also loaded into the SDRAM 203 and expanded.

In the print document data generation mode, print document data (see (c) of FIG. 6) corresponding to the operation of the input device 220 is generated on the screen of the display device 230 by the application on the SDRAM 203, and When a print request is issued by an operation, the printer driver translates (processes) the print data into a language that the MFP 10 can understand, and prints the print request including the translated print data and necessary conditions (printing conditions, device selection conditions). Transmit (notify) to the print management server 30. At this time, user I / F control ((c) in FIG. 6), which is input / output control (input control by screen display, keyboard, mouse, etc.) between the input device 220 and the display device 230 and the user, is also performed. The print data and necessary conditions may be transmitted to the print management server 30 together with the print request.
Further, network control ((c) of FIG. 6) is performed by using the USB I / F 208, the IEEE 1394 I / F 209, and the MAC I / F 210.

Next, a hardware configuration example of the print management server 30 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the print management server 30.
The print management server 30 is a management device that selectively sends print data from the PC 20 to each MFP 10 to perform printing. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 301, the ASIC 302, the SDRAM 303, the ROM 304, the NVRAM 305, the HDD 306, A modem 307, a USB I / F 308, an IEEE 1394 I / F 309, a MAC I / F 310, and the like are included.

The configuration of the print management server 30 is substantially the same as the configuration of the PC 20 described with reference to FIG. 4 (only an input device and a display device are not provided).
When the print management server 30 is powered on, the CPU 301 reads the OS in the HDD 306 in accordance with the boot loader in the ROM 304, loads it in the SDRAM 303 and expands it, and then activates the OS. Further, when a calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored in the HDD 306, it is also loaded into the SDRAM 303 and expanded.

  Then, the image forming apparatus group including each MFP 10 is collectively managed (see FIG. 6B), and a print request (print job) including print data and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) is received from the PC 20. Then (see FIG. 6B), a print instruction including the print document data and print conditions is selectively transmitted to each MFP 10 to perform printing. At this time, based on the required conditions and the properties of each MFP 10, one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a device to be used for printing (printing device). At that time, a process of calculating the power consumption (the power consumption consumed by printing the print document data) from when each MFP 10 receives the print instruction until the printing of the print document data is completed is performed. ((B) of FIG. 6).

Further, network control (FIG. 6B) is performed by using the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, and the MAC I / F 310.
In addition to the MFP 10, other image forming apparatuses such as a single printer, a digital copying machine, or a FAX apparatus can be connected via the network 1 or directly. Although not shown, these image forming apparatuses include a controller having the same configuration as that of the MFP 10 and can perform control (processing) according to the present invention described later.

Hereinafter, a part related to the present invention in the image forming system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings after FIG.
First, properties of an image forming apparatus such as an MFP will be described.
The properties of the image forming apparatus are information about objects (operation targets), and are classified into static information as shown in Table 1 and dynamic information as shown in Table 2.

  Among the static information shown in Table 1, the status transition time corresponds to the low power mode transition time and the off mode transition time related to energy saving (energy saving). Note that a warm-up time described later may be included. The power consumption value corresponds to the power per unit time required at each status transition (each power mode). The status information as dynamic information shown in Table 2 indicates the current power mode (state) of the engine (printing unit). For example, four power modes of off mode, low power mode, normal standby mode, and print mode are shown. There is.

In each MFP 10, for example, properties as shown in Table 3 are stored and held in the storage unit 124 (ROM 304, NVRAM 305, HDD 306) in FIG. Of the properties, status information that is dynamic information is updated to information indicating the power mode after the transition every time the power mode of the own device transitions (switches).
Here, among the properties shown in Table 3, the status transition (power mode transition) time is as shown in Table 4, for example. In Table 4, the time from the off mode to the low power mode is 10 seconds, the transition time from the off mode to the normal standby mode is 20 seconds, and the transition time from the low power mode to the normal standby mode is 15 seconds.

  In each MFP 10, the power consumption of the communication processing unit 121, the time measurement unit 122, the power control unit 123, the storage unit 124, the engine (printing unit) 14, and the operation unit 107 illustrated in FIG. 3 is different for each power mode. For example, in the off mode, only the communication processing unit 121 has normal power consumption (between low power consumption and high power consumption), and all other power consumption is low. In the low power mode, the engine 14 and the operation unit 107 have low power consumption, and all other power is normal power consumption. In the normal standby mode, everything is normal power consumption. In the print mode, only the engine 14 has high power consumption, and all other power consumption is normal power consumption. Therefore, for example, as shown in Table 5, the power consumption [W] per second is 1 [W] in the off mode, 2 [W] in the low power mode, 10 [W] in the normal standby mode, and in the print mode. 15 [W].

Next, FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 show a calculation method of power consumption (power consumption necessary for printing) E [Wh] consumed from when the MFP 10 receives a print instruction until printing with print document data is completed. A specific description will be given with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between power consumption P and time t in each power mode in each MFP 10.

  Here, power consumption P [W] in four power modes, which are part of the properties of each MFP 10, that is, power consumption POFF in the off mode, power consumption PLOW in the low power mode, power consumption in the normal standby mode In addition to PWAIT and power consumption PRUN in print mode (printing), power consumption PWARM in warm-up mode (warm-up) is added. The warm-up mode period is called warm-up time TWARM, the print mode period is called printing time TRUN, the normal standby mode period is called low-power mode transition time TLOW, and the low-power mode period is called off-mode transition time TOFF.

The power consumption E [Wh] consumed by printing of the print document data in the MFP 10 is transferred to the warm-up mode after the MFP 10 receives a print instruction from the print management server 30, and then the printing is finished and the mode is switched to the off mode. Since it is the amount of power consumed by the time, it can be obtained by the following equation.
E = PWARM · TWARM + PRUN · TRUN + PWAIT · TLOW + PLOW · TOFF
Here, PWARM, PRUN, PWAIT, and PLOW are values unique to the device (MFP 10).
The warm-up time TWARM is a value unique to the device and depends on the state of the device. That is, since each power mode of the MFP 10 has a relationship as shown in FIG. 8, as shown in Table 6, it changes depending on the power mode at the time when the print request is received.

The printing time TRUN is a value unique to the device and depends on the number of printed sheets, which is one of the printing conditions.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the printing time TRUN and the number of printed sheets.
As can be seen from FIG. 9, the first printing (first print) takes the longest time.
Therefore, the printing time can be determined by a combination of the power mode, the first print (first sheet), and the continuous print (second sheet or later).
For example, as shown in Table 7, when the first print in the single-sided printing mode is TRUNs1st, the continuous printing is TRUNs, the first printing in the double-sided printing mode is TRUNb1st, and the continuous printing is TRUNb, the printing time is as follows. .

That is, the printing time TRUN when only one sheet is printed in the single-sided printing mode can be obtained by the following equation.
TRUN = TRUNs1st
The printing time TRUN when printing two or more sheets in the single-sided printing mode can be obtained by the following equation.
TRUN = TRUNs1st + TRUNs × n sheets The printing time TRUN when only one sheet is printed in the duplex printing mode can be obtained by the following equation.
TRUN = TRUNb1st
The printing time TRUN when printing two or more sheets in the duplex printing mode can be obtained by the following equation.
TRUN = TRUNb1st + TRUNb × n

The low power mode transition time TLOW and the off mode transition time TOFF are values unique to the device and depend on the set values.
Therefore, even for devices that consume a large amount of power during printing, depending on the device status, number of printed sheets, and mode transition time (power mode transition time), the total power consumption will be greater than that of devices that consume less power during printing. The amount may be small.
FIG. 10A shows an example of the relationship between the power consumption P and the time t in each power mode in an off-mode MFP (apparatus) with a small amount of power consumption at the time of printing, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between power consumption P and time t in each power mode in a normal standby MFP with a large amount of power consumption.
As can be seen from FIG. 10, the latter MFP consumes less power.

Next, a print request transmitted from the PC 20 to the print management server 30 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
The print request (print command) includes the following two types of patterns (A) and (B).

(A) Pattern in which the calculation program is in the print management server 30 or the MFP 10 In this pattern, that is, for calculating the power consumption consumed from when the MFP 10 receives a print instruction until the printing of the print document data ends. When the calculation program is a pattern in the print management server 30 or the MFP 10, the print request has document data, print conditions, and device selection conditions as arguments.
(B) Pattern in which the calculation program is in the PC 20 In this pattern, the print request has document data, print conditions, device selection conditions, and a calculation program as arguments.

Details of printing conditions, device selection conditions, and calculation programs as arguments are as follows.
(1) Print condition This print condition is a condition as to how a document is to be printed, and includes various attributes as shown in Table 8.

Document size This indicates the size of the document to be printed (example: A4, B5).
-Paper size This indicates the size of the paper to be printed (example: A4, B5).
-Number of copies This is the number of copies to be printed.

-Original orientation Indicates whether the document to be printed is a portrait or landscape document.
・ Monochrome / Color Indicates whether printing is performed in black and white or in color.
Aggregation setting This indicates a setting content for determining whether or not to print a plurality of pages of a document on one sheet of paper, or a setting content for determining how many pages of a document are to be consolidated (for example, 2 pages of a document to 1 page of a sheet).

-Duplex setting This indicates the setting contents for whether or not to print on both sides of the paper.
Staple setting This indicates the setting contents for whether or not staples are printed for each number of copies on the printed paper.
-Punch setting This indicates the setting contents for whether or not to punch holes on printed paper.

(2) Device Selection Condition The device selection condition is a condition for selecting the MFP 10 and includes various attributes as shown in Table 9.

Automatic / Designation Indicates whether the print management server 30 automatically selects the MFP 10 / whether the user designates himself / herself.
Output Location When the MFP 10 is automatically selected by the print management server 30, the output location indicates a condition as to where the MFP 10 is to be printed.

Priority setting This indicates whether to select the MFP 10 with the least power consumption or to select the MFP 10 with the fastest speed.
Device Name When the user designates the MFP 10 to be used for printing, this indicates the name of the MFP (device) 10 which MFP 10 is to print.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for inputting printing conditions and device selection conditions displayed on the display device 230 of the PC 20.
Arbitrary printing conditions and device selection conditions can be input by the user operating the operation screen with the input device 220 (for example, a mouse).

(3) Calculation program (in this case, only for patterns in PC20)
This calculation program is a program for calculating the power consumption of the MFP 10 from the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10.

The processes that can be executed by the print management server 30 with the print request configured as described above are as shown in the following (a) to (c).
(A) The print management server 30 searches for all the MFPs 10 connected to the print management server 30 that meet the device selection condition.
(B) The print management server 30 determines which of the MFPs 10 that satisfies the device selection condition has the least power consumption.
(C) A print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus that consumes the least amount of power.

Next, a print instruction transmitted from the print management server 30 to the MFP 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
This print instruction has document data and print conditions as arguments.
When the MFP 10 receives a print instruction including document data and printing conditions, the MFP 10 prints the document data according to the printing conditions, and then returns a print end notification to the print management server 30.

Next, a print end notification transmitted from the MFP 10 to the PC 20 via the print management server 30 will be described.
This print end notification has a print result and a device name (name of the MFP 10 that has performed printing) as shown in Table 10 as arguments.
Here, the printing result indicates whether the printing has succeeded or failed. If printing has failed, the reason (paper jam, failure, etc.) is added.

When the print management server 30 receives a print end notification from any of the MFPs 10, it returns it to the PC 20.
When the CPU 201 in the apparatus main body 200 of the PC 20 receives a print end notification from the print management server 30, the CPU 201 displays the print result in the print end notification together with the device name on the display device 230. FIG. 12 shows display examples of different print results. FIG. 12A shows a display example informing that printing has succeeded, and FIG. 12B shows a display example informing that printing has failed, together with the reason.

  Next, specific examples (each embodiment) of specific control according to the present invention in the image forming system configured as described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that there are only two MFPs 10a and 10b.

[First embodiment]
First, a first example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the first embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a calculation program storage means, a calculation result acquisition means, and a device selection means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. When used, it functions as a calculation program storage unit, a power consumption calculation unit, and a calculation result notification unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
When the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates document data by a user's operation of the input device 220 and inputs a printing condition and a device selection condition, a print request is made (S101), and the generated document data and A print request including the input print condition and device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S102).

  When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives a print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 reads the calculation program for the MFP 10 a from the HDD 306, and includes the calculation program and the print conditions (including the designated number of prints) in the received print request. A request for calculating the amount of power is sent to the MFP 10a (S103).

  When the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a receives a calculation request for the power consumption from the print management server 30, the power consumption of the MFP 10a (MFP 10a) based on the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10a according to the calculation program being requested for the calculation. The amount of power consumed after the printing instruction is received until the printing of the document data is completed is calculated, and the calculation result is notified to the print management server 30 (S104).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the calculation result of the power consumption from the MFP 10a, this time, the CPU 301 reads the calculation program for the MFP 10b from the HDD 306, and the power consumption including the calculation program and the received print request during the print request. Is notified to the MFP 10b (S105).
When the CPU 101 of the MFP 10b also receives a calculation request for the power consumption from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 calculates the power consumption of the MFP 10b based on the printing conditions in the calculation request and the properties of the MFP 10b according to the calculation program in the calculation request. Then, the calculation result is notified to the print management server 30 (S106).

  When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the calculation result of the power consumption from the MFP 10b, the CPU 301 compares the calculation results of each MFP 10 (10a, 10b), determines the optimum MFP 10 from the comparison result, and prints it. It selects as a use apparatus (S107). That is, if the received device selection condition in the print request gives priority to energy saving over the print speed, the MFP 10 with the least power consumption is determined as the optimum device from the above calculation results, and the printing device is used. Choose as. When the device selection condition during the print request gives priority to the printing speed over the energy saving, the MFP 10 having the highest printing speed is determined as the optimum device and is selected as the printing use device. Omitted. Note that when the device selection condition is not included in the received print request, the MFP 10 that consumes the least amount of power may be determined as the optimum device from the above calculation results, and may be selected as a printing device.

When the selection processing of the print use device is completed, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 selects the MFP 10 (in this example, the MFP 10a) that has selected the print instruction including the previously received print request document data and print conditions. (S108).
When the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a receives a print instruction from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 performs a print process for printing the text data in the print instruction on a sheet as a visible image based on the print conditions in the print instruction, A print end notification including the print result and the name of the own device (device name) is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S109).

Upon receiving the print end notification from the MFP 10a, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 transmits it to the PC 20 (S110).
When receiving the print end notification from the print management server 30, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 displays the print result in the print end notification together with the device name on the screen of the display device 230 to notify the user (S111).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the print management server 30 receives a print request including document data (print data) and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) from the PC 20, the print conditions are set. In addition, each MFP 10 is notified of a calculation request for power consumption consumed by printing of the print data including the calculation program for each MFP 10 stored and stored in advance, and each power consumption is calculated. Since the calculation result notified from each MFP 10 is acquired, and any one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on the acquired calculation result for each MFP 10, the necessary conditions are ensured from among a plurality of MFPs 10. That use the MFP 10 satisfying the above requirements (the MFP 10 with the least power consumption or the MFP 10 with the fastest printing speed) To be able to use. Further, since the power consumption of each MFP 10 is caused to be performed by each MFP 10, the processing load on the print management server 30 side is reduced accordingly.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the second embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 206 of the PC 20.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a calculation program acquisition means, a calculation program storage means, a calculation result acquisition means, and a device selection means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. When used, it functions as a calculation program storage unit, a power consumption calculation unit, and a calculation result notification unit.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.

  When the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates a document data and inputs a printing condition and a device selection condition by the operation of the input device 220 by the user, a printing request is made (S201). The calculation program is read, and a print request including the generated document data, the input printing condition and device selection condition, and the calculation program for each MFP 10 read from the HDD 206 is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S202).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives a print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 stores the calculation program for each MFP 10 in the print request in the SDRAM 303 (or the HDD 306), and then receives the calculation program and the print in the received print request. The MFP 10a is notified of a calculation request for power consumption including the conditions (including the designated number of prints) (S103).
The subsequent control (processing) of steps S204 to S211 by the print management server 30, each MFP 10, and PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S104 to S111 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the print management server 30 receives a print request including document data, necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions), and a calculation program for each MFP 10 from the PC 20. Calculations notified from each MFP 10 by notifying each MFP 10 of a calculation request for power consumption including the printing conditions and a calculation program for each MFP 10 to calculate the power consumption. Since the result is acquired and one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on the acquired calculation result for each MFP 10, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, since the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held on the PC 20 side, it is not necessary to make the calculation program resident in the memory (SDRAM 203) on the print management server 30 side. Therefore, in the print management server 30, even when a plurality of PCs 20 are connected to the network 1, the calculation program for each MFP 10 sent only from the PC 20 at the time of printing may be temporarily stored in the memory. Therefore, the memory can be used efficiently.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the third embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 106 of each MFP 10.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a calculation result acquisition unit and a device selection unit.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. When used, it functions as a calculation program storage unit, a power consumption calculation unit, and a calculation result notification unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
The CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates document data by the operation of the input device 220 by the user, and when a print request is made after the printing conditions and device selection conditions are input (S301), the generated document data and A print request including the input print condition and device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S302).

When receiving the print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 notifies the MFP 10a of a calculation request for power consumption including the print conditions (including the designated number of prints) in the print request (S303).
Upon receiving a power consumption calculation request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a calculates the power consumption of the MFP 10a based on the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10a in accordance with the calculation program stored and stored in advance. The calculation result is notified to the print management server 30 (S304).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the calculation result of the power consumption from the MFP 10a, this time notifies the MFP 10b of the calculation request of the power consumption including the print condition in the print request received previously (S305).
Upon receiving a power consumption calculation request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10b also calculates the power consumption of the MFP 10b based on the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10b in accordance with the calculation program stored and stored in advance. The calculation result is notified to the print management server 30 (S306).
The subsequent control (processing) of steps S307 to S311 by the print management server 30, each MFP 10, and PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S107 to S111 described with reference to FIG.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the print management server 30 receives a print request including document data and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) from the PC 20, the power consumption including the print conditions is included. A calculation result notified from each MFP 10 is acquired by notifying each MFP 10 storing and holding a calculation program to calculate the amount of power consumption, thereby obtaining a calculation result notified from each MFP 10. Since any one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on another calculation result, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
Since each MFP 10 stores and holds a calculation program, the print management server 30 can efficiently use the memory even when a plurality of PCs 20 are connected to the network 1.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30 and is expanded in the SDRAM 303 when the print management server 30 is activated.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a calculation program storage means, a property registration means, a calculation result acquisition means, a calculation proxy means, and a device selection means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. When used, it functions as a calculation program storage unit, a power consumption calculation unit, a calculation result notification unit, and a property notification unit.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
The communication processing unit (USB • I / F308, IEEE1394 • I / F309, or MAC • I / F310) of one of the MFPs 10 (here, the MFP 10b) does not calculate the power consumption in its own power mode. When the mode is shifted to the possible off mode (S401), this is notified to the print management server 30 together with the property of the MFP 10b (S402).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the property from the MFP 10 b, the property is registered (stored in the HDD 306 or the NVRAM 305).
On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates the document data by the operation of the input device 220 by the user, and when the print request is made after the print condition and the device selection condition are input (S403), the generated document A print request including the data, the input print condition, and the device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S404).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives a print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 reads the calculation program for the MFP 10 a from the HDD 306, and includes the calculation program and the print conditions (including the designated number of prints) in the received print request. A request for calculating the amount of electric power is sent to the MFP 10a (S405).
When the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a receives a power consumption calculation request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 calculates the power consumption of the MFP 10a based on the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10a in accordance with the calculation program in the calculation request. Then, the calculation result is notified to the print management server 30 (S406).

  When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the calculation result of the power consumption from the MFP 10a, the CPU 301 performs the calculation of the power consumption of the MFP 10b. That is, according to the calculation program for the MFP 10b on the SDRAM 303, the power consumption of the MFP 10b is calculated based on the received printing conditions in the print request and the properties of the MFP 10b registered in advance (S407).

After that, the calculation result is compared with the calculation result of the power consumption received from the MFP 10a, and the optimum MFP 10 (here, referred to as MFP 10b) is determined from the comparison result, and it is selected as a printing use device. (S408).
The subsequent control of steps S409 to S412 by the print management server 30, MFP 10b, and PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S108 to S111 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the print management server 30 registers the property of the MFP notified from any of the MFPs 10 when the transition to the off mode where the power consumption cannot be calculated. Later, when a print request including document data and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) is received from the PC 20, the print conditions and the power consumption including the calculation program of the MFP 10 that is stored and stored in advance and not in the off mode are stored. By notifying the MFP 10 of the calculation request and calculating the power consumption, the calculation result notified from the MFP 10 is acquired, and the printing condition and the destination are determined according to the calculation program of the off-mode MFP 10 stored in advance. The power consumption of the MFP 10 is calculated based on the properties of the MFP 10 registered in Since any one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on the obtained calculation result and the above device selection condition, even when any of the MFPs 10 shifts to the off mode and the power consumption cannot be calculated, An MFP 10 that reliably satisfies the required conditions among the MFPs 10 can be used as a printing device.

  In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print management server 30 stores and holds the calculation program for each MFP 10. However, as in the second embodiment, each MFP 10 is provided on the PC 20 side. Another calculation program is stored and held, and the print management server 30 receives it at the time of a print request from the PC 20 and passes it to the MFP 10 that is not in the off mode, or stores and holds a calculation program in each MFP 10 as in the third embodiment. You can also keep it.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the fifth embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a calculation program storage means, a property registration means, a calculation result acquisition means, and a device selection means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. When used, it functions as a calculation program storage unit, a power consumption calculation unit, a calculation result notification unit, and a property notification unit.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
When the communication processing unit of any of the MFPs 10 (here, referred to as MFP 10b) shifts to its off mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated, similarly to steps S401 and S402 in FIG. 16 (S501). This is notified to the print management server 30 together with the properties of the MFP 10b (S502).

When receiving the property from the MFP 10b, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 registers the property.
On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates the document data by the operation of the input device 220 by the user, and when the print request is made after the print condition and the device selection condition are input (S503), the generated document A print request including the data, the input print condition, and the device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S504).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives a print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 reads the calculation program for the MFP 10 a from the HDD 306, and includes the calculation program and the print conditions (including the designated number of prints) in the received print request. A request for calculating the amount of power is sent to the MFP 10a (S505).
When the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a receives a power consumption calculation request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 calculates the power consumption of the MFP 10a based on the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10a in accordance with the calculation program in the calculation request. Then, the calculation result is notified to the print management server 30 (S506).

  When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the calculation result of the power consumption from the MFP 10a, the CPU 301 causes the MFP 10a to calculate the power consumption of the MFP 10b. In other words, a calculation program for the MFP 10b is read from the HDD 306, and the power consumption calculation proxy including the calculation program, the previously registered properties of the MFP 10b, and the print conditions (including the designated number of prints) in the received print request. The request is notified to the MFP 10a (S507).

  When the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a receives the calculation request for the power consumption again from the print management server 30, the consumption of the MFP 10b is based on the printing conditions in the calculation request and the properties of the MFP 10b according to the calculation program in the calculation request. The amount of power is calculated, and the calculation result is notified to the print management server 30 (S508).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the calculation result of the power consumption of the MFP 10b from the MFP 10a, the CPU 301 compares the calculation result with the calculation result of the power consumption of the MFP 10a first received from the MFP 10a. In the same manner as described above, the optimum MFP 10 (here, referred to as MFP 10b) is determined and selected as a printing use device (S509).
The subsequent control of steps S510 to S513 by the print management server 30, MFP 10b, and PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S108 to S111 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the print management server 30 registers the property of the MFP notified from any of the MFPs 10 when the transition to the off mode where the power consumption cannot be calculated. Later, when a print request including document data and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) is received from the PC 20, the print conditions and the power consumption including the calculation program of the MFP 10 that is stored and stored in advance and not in the off mode are stored. The calculation request notified from the MFP 10 is obtained by notifying the MFP 10 of the calculation request and the calculation result notified from the MFP 10 is acquired, and the consumption including the calculation program of the off-mode MFP 10 stored and held in advance. By notifying the MFP 10 that is not in the off mode of the calculation request for the amount of power, and calculating the power consumption, Since the calculation result notified from the FP 10 is acquired, and one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on the calculation result, the previously acquired calculation result, and the device selection condition, the same as in the fourth embodiment. An effect can be obtained. Further, since the power consumption of the MFP 10 that is in the off mode is performed by the MFP 10 that is not in the off mode, the processing load on the print management server 30 side is reduced accordingly.

  In the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print management server 30 stores and holds the calculation program for each MFP 10. However, as in the second embodiment, each MFP 10 is provided on the PC 20 side. Another calculation program is stored and held, and the print management server 30 receives it at the time of a print request from the PC 20 and passes it to the MFP 10 that is not in the off mode, or stores and holds a calculation program in each MFP 10 as in the third embodiment. You can also keep it.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, a sixth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the sixth embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30 and is expanded in the SDRAM 303 when the print management server 30 is activated. In addition, an NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) in which the properties of the MFP 10 are stored and held in the USB I / F 308, IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or MAC I / F 310 constituting the communication processing unit of each MFP 10 is provided. To do. The property on the NVRAM is updated to the updated property every time the property on the controller 11 side is updated.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a calculation program storage means, a calculation result acquisition means, a calculation proxy means, and a device selection means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. When used, it functions as a calculation program storage unit, a power consumption calculation unit, a calculation result notification unit, and a property notification unit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
The communication processing unit (USB • I / F308, IEEE1394 • I / F309, or MAC • I / F310) of one of the MFPs 10 (here, the MFP 10b) does not calculate the power consumption in its own power mode. When a transition to the possible off mode is made (S601), a request for substitution calculation of the power consumption of the MFP 10b is notified to the print management server 30 (S602).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives a proxy power consumption calculation request from the MFP 10 b, it stores it in the SDRAM 103.
On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates the document data by the user's operation of the input device 220, and when the print request is made after the print condition and the device selection condition are input (S603), the generated document A print request including the data and the input print condition and device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S604).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives a print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 reads the calculation program for the MFP 10 a from the HDD 306, and includes the calculation program and the print conditions (including the designated number of prints) in the received print request. A request for calculating the amount of power is sent to the MFP 10a (S605).
When the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a receives a power consumption calculation request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 calculates the power consumption of the MFP 10a based on the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10a in accordance with the calculation program in the calculation request. Then, the calculation result is notified to the print management server 30 (S606).

When receiving the calculation result of the power consumption amount from the MFP 10a, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 requests the property from the MFP 10b (S607).
When the communication processing unit of the MFP 10b receives a request for the property of the MFP 10b from the print management server 30, the communication processing unit reads the property of the MFP 10b from the NVRAM in the communication processing unit and notifies the print management server 30 of it (S608).
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the property from the MFP 10b, it performs the calculation of the power consumption of the MFP 10b. That is, according to the calculation program for the MFP 10b on the SDRAM 303, the power consumption amount of the MFP 10b is calculated based on the received printing conditions in the print request and the properties of the MFP 10b (S609).

After that, the calculation result is compared with the calculation result of the power consumption received from the MFP 10a, and the optimum MFP 10 (here, referred to as MFP 10b) is determined from the comparison result, and it is selected as a printing use device. (S610).
The subsequent control of steps S611 to S614 by the print management server 30, MFP 10b, and PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S108 to S111 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the print management server 30 registers the property of the MFP notified from any of the MFPs 10 when the transition to the off mode where the power consumption cannot be calculated. Later, when a print request including document data and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) is received from the PC 20, the print conditions and the power consumption including the calculation program of the MFP 10 that is stored and stored in advance and not in the off mode are stored. By notifying the MFP 10 of the calculation request and calculating the power consumption, the calculation result notified from the MFP 10 is acquired, the property is acquired from the MFP 10 in the off mode, and the calculation program of the MFP 10 is used. Based on the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10, the power consumption of the MFP 10 is calculated and Since selecting any of the MFP10 as a printing machine used on the basis of the calculation result and the calculation result and the device selection conditions previously acquired, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the fourth embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print management server 30 stores and holds the calculation program for each MFP 10. However, as in the second embodiment, each MFP 10 is connected to the PC 20 side. Another calculation program is stored and held, and the print management server 30 receives it at the time of a print request from the PC 20 and passes it to the MFP 10 that is not in the off mode, or stores and holds a calculation program in each MFP 10 as in the third embodiment. You can also keep it.
In the sixth embodiment, the print management server 30 performs the calculation of the power consumption of the MFP 10 in the off mode. However, as in the fifth embodiment, the calculation can be performed by the MFP 10 that is not in the off mode. .

[Seventh embodiment]
Next, a seventh example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the seventh embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30 and is expanded in the SDRAM 303 when the print management server 30 is activated.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a calculation program storage means, a property registration means, a calculation result acquisition means, a calculation proxy means, and a device selection means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. When used, it functions as a calculation program storage unit, a power consumption calculation unit, and a calculation result notification unit.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a seventh example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 registers the properties of each MFP (device) 10 (stored in the HDD 306 or NVRAM 305) when the administrator inputs the properties of each MFP 10 and instructs the registration (S701). To do). For example, the CPU of the administrator's PC (not shown) inputs the property of each MFP 10 after the property of each MFP 10 is input by the operation of the input device by the administrator, and the registration request is made. When transmitted to the print management server 30, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives and registers the properties of each MFP 10.

The communication processing unit (USB • I / F308, IEEE1394 • I / F309, or MAC • I / F310) of one of the MFPs 10 (here, the MFP 10b) does not calculate the power consumption in its own power mode. When a transition is made to the possible off mode (S702), this is notified to the print management server 30 (S703).
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 registers the property of each MFP 10 and then receives notification from the MFP 10a or 10b that the power mode has shifted to the off mode, the status information of the registered property is set to the off mode. Update to the information shown.

On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates the document data by the operation of the input device 220 by the user, and when the print request is made after the print condition and the device selection condition are input (S704), the generated document A print request including the data, the input print condition, and the device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S705).
The subsequent control of steps S706 to S713 by the print management server 30, MFP 10a, and PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S405 to S412 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, after the print management server 30 registers the properties of each MFP 10 input by the operation of the administrator, the document data and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) are received from the PC 20. When a print request including “” is received, the MFP 10 is notified of a calculation request for the power consumption including the printing conditions and the calculation program of the MFP 10 that is stored in advance and is not in the off mode, and the power consumption is calculated. Thus, the calculation result notified from the MFP 10 is acquired, and the power consumption of the MFP 10 is calculated based on the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10 previously registered in accordance with the calculation program of the off-mode MFP 10 stored and held in advance. Each MFP is calculated based on the calculation result, the previously acquired calculation result, and the device selection condition. Since any one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device, even if any of the MFPs 10 shifts to the off mode and the power consumption cannot be calculated, the MFP 10 that reliably satisfies the required condition among the MFPs 10 is selected. It can be used as a printing device.

In the seventh embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print management server 30 stores and holds the calculation program for each MFP 10. However, as in the second embodiment, each MFP 10 is provided on the PC 20 side. Another calculation program is stored and held, and the print management server 30 receives it at the time of a print request from the PC 20 and passes it to the MFP 10 that is not in the off mode, or stores and holds a calculation program in each MFP 10 as in the third embodiment. You can also keep it.
In the seventh embodiment, the print management server 30 performs the calculation of the power consumption amount of the MFP 10 in the off mode. However, as in the fifth embodiment, the calculation can be performed by the MFP 10 that is not in the off mode. .

  Furthermore, in the first to seventh embodiments, the print management server 30 selects any of the MFPs 10 as a printing use device based on the calculation of the power consumption for each MFP 10. After notifying the PC 20 (including the device name and the like) and displaying it on the display device 230, one of the MFPs 10 can be selected as a printing device in response to a request from the PC 20. Alternatively, only the calculation result (including the device name and the like) of the power consumption of the MFP 10 selected as the printing device is notified to the PC 20 and displayed on the display device 230, and then the selection is confirmed by the print request from the PC 20. You can also

Therefore, these controls will be described in a little more detail with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG.
20 and 21 are diagrams illustrating different examples of the operation screen including the calculation result of the power consumption amount displayed on the display device 230 of the PC 20. However, the display screen of FIG. 20 displays the calculation results of the power consumption of the three MFPs 10.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 notifies the PC 20 of the calculation result (including the device name) of the power consumption for each MFP 10.
When the CPU 201 of the PC 20 receives the calculation result of the power consumption for each MFP 10 from the print management server 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, an operation screen including a list of the calculation results of the power consumption for each MFP 10 is displayed. It is displayed on the display device 230.

The user selects the device name of the MFP 10 to be used for printing on the operation screen using the input device 220 (for example, a mouse), and then presses (touches) the “print” key.
Accordingly, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 transmits a print request including information indicating the MFP 10 having the selected device name to the print management server 30.
When receiving the print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 selects the MFP 10 designated by the print request as a printing use device.

  In this way, by selecting the MFP 10 that the user wants to use for printing with reference to the power consumption for each MFP 10 as described above, the user can avoid selecting the MFP 10 that he / she does not want to use (for example, an MFP located away from the normal business location). It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the user finally determines the selection of the MFP 10 that the user wants to use for printing, the processing load on the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 is reduced accordingly.

Alternatively, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 calculates the power consumption for each MFP 10 and compares only the calculation result (including the device name) of the power consumption of the MFP 10 selected as a printing device by comparison between them to the PC 20. Notice.
When the CPU 201 of the PC 20 receives the calculation result of the power consumption of the MFP 10 selected as the printing use device from the print management server 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, the operation screen including the calculation result of the power consumption of the MFP 10 Is displayed on the display device 230.
If the MFP 10 selected as the printing device is OK, the user presses (touches) the “print” key on the operation screen using the input device 220.
As a result, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 transmits a print request to the print management server 30.
When receiving the print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 confirms the selection.

  As described above, since the user can recognize the MFP 10 selected as the printing use device by looking at the display screen of the PC 20, the MFP 10 in which the printing result is output even in an office or the like where many MFPs 10 are installed. This leads to improvement in work efficiency.

Although the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a plurality of MFPs (digital multifunction peripherals) and an image forming system in which the MFP, a print management server, and a PC are communicably connected has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. It can also be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a plurality of digital copiers, printers, facsimile machines, etc., and an image processing system for connecting the same to a print management server and a PC (or other terminal apparatus). is there.
In these image forming systems, the print management server can be omitted by providing a function as a print management server in at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. In this case, an image forming apparatus having a function as a print management server performs the same control as the control for each MFP in the first to sixth embodiments with respect to other image forming apparatuses.

  The program according to the present invention causes the computer (CPU) of the print management server to realize the functions as the calculation result acquisition means, device selection means, calculation program storage means, calculation program acquisition means, and calculation substitution means according to the present invention. The above-described effects can be obtained by causing a computer to execute such a program.

Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM or HDD provided in the computer from the beginning, but a non-volatile recording such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, SRAM, EEPROM, memory card or the like as a recording medium. It can also be recorded on a medium (memory) and provided. Each procedure described above can be executed by installing a program recorded in the memory in a computer and causing the CPU to execute the program, or causing the CPU to read and execute the program from the memory.
Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in a storage unit.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when the management device (computer) receives a print request including print data and necessary conditions from the terminal device, printing of the print data including the print conditions is performed. The calculation result notified from each image forming apparatus is obtained by notifying each image forming apparatus of the calculation request for the power consumption consumed by the image forming apparatus, and the obtained calculation result for each image forming apparatus is obtained. Therefore, any one of the image forming apparatuses is selected as a device to be used for printing, so that the necessary conditions (including at least energy saving requests) are surely satisfied from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system. The image forming apparatus can be used as a device used for printing. Therefore, if this invention is used, a management apparatus capable of performing more convenient print management can be provided.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a network connection example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of an MFP 10 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of PC20 of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a print management server 30 in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the control concerning this invention which MFP10 of FIG.1, PC20, and MFP10 perform. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between power consumption and time in each mode in each MFP 10 illustrated in FIG. 12. It is a figure which similarly shows an example of the relationship of each mode.

It is a diagram which similarly shows an example of the relationship between printing time and the number of printed sheets. The relationship between power consumption and time in each mode in an off-mode MFP with low power consumption during printing, and the relationship between power consumption and time in each mode in a normal standby MFP with large power consumption during printing It is a diagram which shows an example. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for inputting printing conditions and device selection conditions displayed on the display device 230 of the PC 20 illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a figure which similarly shows the example of a display from which a printing result differs.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a seventh example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen including a calculation result of power consumption displayed on the display device 230 of the PC 20 illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a figure which similarly shows the other example of the operation screen containing the calculation result of power consumption.

Explanation of symbols

1: Network 10: MFP 11: Controller 14: Engine 20: PC 30: Print management server 101, 201, 301: CPU
102, 202, 302: ASIC 103, 203, 303: SDRAM
104, 204, 304: ROM 105, 205, 305: NVRAM
106, 206, 306: HDD 107: Operation unit 109, 208, 308: USB / I / F
110, 209, 309: IEEE1394 / I / F
111, 210, 310: MAC • I / F 121: Communication processing unit 122: Time measurement unit 123: Power control unit 124: Storage unit 125: Main control unit 200: Device main body 220: Input device 230: Display device

Claims (37)

A terminal device that generates print data such as document data, and a plurality of image forming devices that print the print data from the terminal device on a print medium such as paper as a visible image via a communication line such as a network A management apparatus that selectively transmits the print data from the terminal device to the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing,
When receiving a print request including the print data and a required condition including at least a print condition from the terminal device, a request for calculating the power consumption consumed by printing the print data including the print condition A calculation result acquisition means for acquiring a calculation result notified from each of the image forming apparatuses by notifying each of the apparatuses;
And a device selection unit that selects one of the image forming apparatuses as a device to be used for the printing based on the calculation result for each image forming apparatus acquired by the unit. . The management device according to claim 1,
The device selection means, when the device selection condition is included in the required condition, each image based on the calculation result and the device selection condition for each image forming apparatus acquired by the calculation result acquisition means. One of the forming apparatuses is selected as an apparatus used for the printing. The management device according to claim 2,
When the device selection condition prioritizes energy saving over printing speed, the device selection means selects an image forming apparatus with the least power consumption as a device to be used for the printing from the calculation results. Management device characterized by. The management device according to claim 1,
The device selection means is a calculation result notification means for notifying the terminal device of the calculation result for each of the image forming apparatuses acquired by the calculation result acquisition means when the required condition includes a device selection condition. And after the notification by the means, according to a request from the terminal device, any one of the image forming apparatuses is selected as a device used for the printing. In the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A management apparatus comprising a calculation program storage means for storing a calculation program for each image forming apparatus for calculating the power consumption of each image forming apparatus. The management device according to claim 5, wherein
A calculation program acquisition means for acquiring a calculation program for each image forming apparatus from the terminal device;
The calculation result acquisition unit notifies each image forming apparatus of the calculation request for the power consumption including the printing conditions and the calculation program for each image forming apparatus, thereby causing each image forming apparatus to A management apparatus that acquires a calculation result to be notified. The management device according to claim 5 or 6,
When receiving the property of the image forming apparatus notified from one of the image forming apparatuses when shifting to the mode in which the calculation of the power consumption is impossible, the calculation program for the image forming apparatus is followed. A management device, comprising: a substitution agent for substituting the calculation of the power consumption of the image forming apparatus based on the property and the printing condition. The management device according to claim 5 or 6,
Property registration means for registering properties for each image forming apparatus input from the outside;
When receiving a notification from any one of the image forming apparatuses that the power consumption amount is shifted to a mode incapable of calculating, according to the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, the properties of the image forming apparatus and A management device, comprising: a substitution agent for substituting calculation of the power consumption of the image forming apparatus based on the printing conditions. The management device according to claim 5 or 6,
When the calculation result acquisition unit receives the property of the image forming apparatus notified from any of the image forming apparatuses when shifting to a mode in which the calculation of the power consumption is impossible, the property, Notification of the calculation program for the image forming apparatus and the calculation request for the power consumption including the printing condition to any of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption among the image forming apparatuses. A management apparatus comprising means for acquiring a calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus. The management device according to claim 5 or 6,
Property registration means for registering properties for each image forming apparatus input from the outside is provided,
When the calculation result acquisition unit receives a notification from any of the image forming apparatuses that the power consumption amount cannot be calculated, the property of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, By notifying one of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption amount among the image forming apparatuses, the calculation program for power consumption, and the calculation request for the power consumption amount including the printing conditions, A management apparatus comprising means for obtaining a calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus. In the image forming system which can connect the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the terminal device, and each image forming device via the communication line,
When each of the image forming apparatuses receives a request for calculating the power consumption from the management apparatus, the consumption for calculating the power consumption of the image forming apparatus based on the printing conditions and its properties included in the request. An image forming system, comprising: a power amount calculating means; and a calculation result notifying means for notifying the management apparatus of a calculation result by the means. The image forming system according to claim 11.
Each of the image forming apparatuses is provided with a calculation program storage unit that stores a calculation program for calculating the power consumption amount of itself.
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the power consumption calculating unit of each of the image forming apparatuses calculates its own power consumption according to the calculation program. The image forming system capable of connecting the management device according to claim 6, the terminal device, and the image forming devices via the communication line,
When each image forming apparatus receives a calculation request for the power consumption amount from the management apparatus, according to the calculation program included in the request, the printing conditions included in the request and its own properties are set. An image forming system, comprising: a power consumption calculating means for calculating the power consumption based on itself; and a calculation result notifying means for notifying the management apparatus of a calculation result by the means. The image forming system capable of connecting the management device according to claim 7 or 9, the terminal device, and each image forming device via the communication line,
An image forming system, wherein each image forming apparatus is provided with property notification means for notifying the management apparatus of its own property when shifting to a mode in which calculation of the power consumption is impossible. The image forming system capable of connecting the management device according to claim 8 or 10, the terminal device, and each image forming device via the communication line,
An image forming system, wherein each image forming apparatus is provided with mode transition notifying means for notifying the management apparatus when the mode is shifted to a mode in which calculation of the power consumption is impossible. The image forming system capable of connecting the management device according to claim 9 or 10, the terminal device, and each image forming device via the communication line.
When the power consumption calculation unit of each image forming apparatus receives a proxy request for the power consumption calculation including the property, the calculation program, and the printing condition from the management apparatus, An image forming system comprising: means for calculating the power consumption of another image forming apparatus based on the property and the printing condition. A terminal device that generates print data such as document data, and a plurality of image forming devices that print the print data from the terminal device on a print medium such as paper as a visible image via a communication line such as a network And a control method in a management apparatus that selectively transmits the print data from the terminal device to the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing,
When receiving a print request including the print data and a required condition including at least a print condition from the terminal device, a request for calculating the power consumption consumed by printing the print data including the print condition By notifying each of the image forming apparatuses, a calculation result notified from each of the image forming apparatuses is acquired, and any one of the image forming apparatuses is selected based on the acquired calculation result for each of the image forming apparatuses. A control method characterized by selecting as a device to be used for printing. In the control method in the management device according to claim 17,
When the required conditions include a device selection condition, select one of the image forming apparatuses as a device to be used for the printing based on the calculation result for each image forming apparatus and the device selection condition. A control method characterized by: In the control method in the management device according to claim 18,
When the device selection condition gives priority to energy saving over printing speed, a control method for selecting an image forming apparatus that consumes the least amount of power as a device to be used for printing from the calculation results. . In the control method in the management device according to claim 17,
If the required conditions include device selection conditions, the calculation result for each image forming apparatus is notified to the terminal apparatus, and then any of the image forming apparatuses is requested in response to a request from the terminal apparatus. A control method characterized by selecting a device to be used for the printing. In the control method in the management device according to any one of claims 17 to 20,
A control method characterized in that a calculation program for each image forming apparatus for calculating the power consumption of each image forming apparatus is stored in a memory. In the control method in the management device according to claim 21,
The calculation program for each image forming apparatus is acquired from the terminal device, stored in the memory, and the calculation request for the power consumption including the printing condition and the calculation program for each image forming apparatus is received. A control method characterized in that a calculation result notified from each image forming apparatus is obtained by notifying each image forming apparatus. In the control method in the management device according to claim 21 or 22,
When receiving the property of the image forming apparatus notified from one of the image forming apparatuses when shifting to the mode in which the calculation of the power consumption is impossible, the calculation program for the image forming apparatus is followed. A control method comprising: substituting calculation of the power consumption amount of the image forming apparatus based on the property and the printing condition. In the control method in the management device according to claim 21 or 22,
When the property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside is registered, and when the notification of shifting to the mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated is received from any of the image forming apparatuses, A control method comprising: substituting calculation of power consumption of the image forming apparatus based on the properties of the image forming apparatus and the printing conditions in accordance with the calculation program for the image forming apparatus. In the control method in the management device according to claim 21 or 22,
When the property of the image forming apparatus notified when any of the image forming apparatuses shifts to a mode in which the calculation of the power consumption is impossible, the property, the property for the image forming apparatus is received. By notifying one of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption amount of each of the image forming apparatuses, a calculation program and a proxy for calculating the power consumption amount including the printing conditions A control method characterized by acquiring a calculation result notified from an apparatus. In the control method in the management device according to claim 21 or 22,
When the property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside is registered, and when the notification of shifting to the mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated is received from any of the image forming apparatuses, Image formation capable of calculating the power consumption amount of each of the image forming apparatuses by requesting calculation of the power consumption amount including the properties of the image forming apparatus, the calculation program for the image forming apparatus, and the printing conditions A control method comprising: obtaining a calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus by notifying one of the apparatuses. A terminal device that generates print data such as document data, and a plurality of image forming devices that print the print data from the terminal device on a print medium such as paper as a visible image via a communication line such as a network To the computer of the management apparatus that selectively transmits the print data from the terminal device to the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing.
When receiving a print request including the print data and a required condition including at least a print condition from the terminal device, a request for calculating the power consumption consumed by printing the print data including the print condition A calculation result acquisition function for acquiring a calculation result notified from each of the image forming apparatuses by notifying each of the apparatuses, and each of the images based on the calculation result for each of the image forming apparatuses acquired by the function. A program for realizing a device selection function for selecting any of the forming apparatuses as a device to be used for printing. The program according to claim 27,
The device selection function may be configured such that when the required condition includes a device selection condition, each image is generated based on the calculation result and the device selection condition for each image forming apparatus acquired by the calculation result acquisition function. A program for selecting any of the forming apparatuses as an apparatus to be used for the printing. The program according to claim 28,
The device selection function selects an image forming apparatus that consumes the least amount of power as a device to be used for the printing from the calculation results when the device selection condition prioritizes energy saving over printing speed. A program characterized by The program according to claim 27,
The device selection function is a calculation result notification function for notifying the terminal device of the calculation result for each of the image forming apparatuses acquired by the calculation result acquisition function when the required condition includes a device selection condition. And a program for selecting one of the image forming apparatuses as a device to be used for the printing in response to a request from the terminal apparatus after notification by the function. The program according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein
A program for causing the computer to realize a calculation program storage function for storing a calculation program for each image forming apparatus for calculating the power consumption of each image forming apparatus. The program according to claim 31, wherein
A program for causing the computer to realize a calculation program acquisition function for acquiring a calculation program for each image forming apparatus from the terminal device,
The calculation result acquisition function notifies each image forming apparatus of the calculation request for the power consumption amount including the printing conditions and the calculation program for each image forming apparatus, respectively. A program characterized by obtaining a calculation result to be notified. The program according to claim 31 or 32,
When the computer receives the property of the image forming apparatus notified when the computer shifts to a mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated from any of the image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus A program for realizing, in accordance with the calculation program, a calculation proxy function that performs the calculation of the power consumption of the image forming apparatus based on the property and the printing conditions. The program according to claim 31 or 32,
A property registration function for registering properties for each image forming apparatus input from the outside to the computer, and a mode for shifting to a mode in which the power consumption cannot be calculated from any of the image forming apparatuses. Realizing a calculation surrogate function that, in response to the notification, calculates the power consumption of the image forming apparatus based on the properties of the image forming apparatus and the printing conditions in accordance with the calculation program for the image forming apparatus Program to let you. The program according to claim 31 or 32,
The calculation result acquisition function receives the property of the image forming apparatus notified from any of the image forming apparatuses when the power consumption amount is transferred to a mode in which the calculation is not possible. Notification of the calculation program for the image forming apparatus and the calculation request for the power consumption including the printing condition to any of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption among the image forming apparatuses. A program having a function of acquiring a calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus. The program according to claim 31 or 32,
A program for realizing in the computer a property registration function for registering properties for each image forming apparatus input from the outside,
When the calculation result acquisition function receives notification from any one of the image forming apparatuses that the power consumption amount cannot be calculated, the property of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, By notifying one of the image forming apparatuses capable of calculating the power consumption amount among the image forming apparatuses, the calculation program for power consumption, and the calculation request for the power consumption amount including the printing conditions, A program having a function of acquiring a calculation result notified from the image forming apparatus.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 27 to 36 is recorded.

Images