JP2007159298A - Power monitoring network system and control method of power monitoring network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly control the operation of an apparatus to be monitored (managed) in such a way that consumed electric energy in a specified system does not exceed the preset maximum electric energy. <P>SOLUTION: A power management device forecasts electric energy to be consumed this month of the apparatus to be controlled, based on the past history data to judge whether the forecast consumed electric energy exceeds the preset maximum electric energy that can be used. If it exceeds the maximum electric energy, the power management device performs a simulation process of calculating the consumed electric energy that can be cut while changing the setting of usage conditions of the apparatus. Proper usage conditions that do not exceed the maximum electric energy are judged by this simulation process. Then, the power management device reflects the setting of the usage conditions and the like, which is judged proper in the simulation, in the actual operation of the apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power monitoring network system for managing power consumption in a device connected to a network and a control method for the power monitoring network system, and in particular, control for limiting the operation of a device so as not to exceed a predetermined maximum power consumption. About.

In recent years, for example, there is a concern about global warming due to an increase in greenhouse gases existing in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane gas.
Since this global warming may adversely affect natural ecosystems, the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere is required worldwide, and the Kyoto Protocol was approved in February 16, 2005. It came into effect on the day.
In Japan, the revised law on the promotion of global warming measures has been enforced, and there is a strong demand for reducing the amount of electricity that emits carbon dioxide, which causes global warming.
In addition, there is a need to reduce the amount of power used from the limitation of the power (upper limit value) supplied from the power company to the facility and the limitation of the cost of the power usage fee.

Under such circumstances, various technologies have been proposed in the past, including the following patent documents, for reducing the power consumption of devices represented by energy-saving functions and for reducing the power consumption (power consumption) of the entire facility. ing.
JP 2003-209924 A JP 2002-142385 A

Patent Document 1 proposes a power consumption management system that performs control so that the total power amount in a specific system does not exceed (becomes below) the power amount allowed for that system.
For details, before powering on a device in a specific power system (before turning on the power), the power consumption management system is inquired about the surplus power for the allowable power in the system, and the device consumption When electric power is less than this surplus electric power amount (when it falls below), the technique which enables the power supply (input) to an apparatus is proposed.
Also, inquires about the current power consumption for all control target devices in a specific system. If the total power consumption exceeds the allowable power in the system (if it exceeds), control in the system A technique for shifting the target device to a power saving mode or the like has been proposed.

Patent Document 2 proposes a server device that manages the power consumption of a device connected to a specific network to achieve stable operation of the system.
Specifically, before the device connected to the network starts operation, the power consumption during the operation is compared with the preset allowable power consumption, and the device operation is performed until the comparison result satisfies a predetermined condition. A technique for restricting the operation so as not to start is proposed.

However, in the power consumption management system described in Patent Document 1, even if it is an important operation, if the allowable power amount is exceeded, that is, if the power is insufficient, the device is operated if necessary. Therefore, the convenience of the user may be impaired.
Further, even when the technique described in Patent Document 2 is used, even an operation with a high priority cannot be started immediately, which may cause inconvenience for the user.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a power monitoring network system capable of appropriately controlling the operation of a target device so that the power consumption amount in a specific system does not exceed a preset maximum power amount, and a control method thereof. With the goal.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power monitoring network system for managing and controlling the operation of the device so that the power consumption in the device connected to the specific network does not exceed a preset maximum power amount. Prediction means for predicting future power consumption in a device connected to the specific network, comparison means for comparing the predicted power consumption predicted by the prediction means and the maximum power, and the predicted power When it is determined that the amount is larger than the maximum power amount, a simulation unit that executes a simulation for calculating a power consumption amount when the use condition of the device is changed, and based on a calculation result of the simulation unit, A usage condition of the device in which power consumption in a device connected to a specific network does not exceed the maximum power amount. Determining means for disconnection, based on a determination result of said determination means, to achieve the above object by providing a control means for controlling the operation of the device connected to the particular network.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the power monitoring network system further includes history acquisition means for acquiring history information of power consumption in an apparatus connected to the specific network, and the prediction means includes the Based on the history information, the future power consumption in the device connected to the specific network is predicted.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to the first or second aspect, the simulation unit calculates a power consumption amount based on a priority set in advance in use conditions of the device. A simulation is executed.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to the first, second, or third aspect, the simulation is performed when the device connected to the specific network includes an OA (office automation) device. The means is characterized by calculating a power consumption amount when a power-off state of the OA device or a transition state to the energy saving mode of the OA device is set as a use condition of the device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect, when the device connected to the specific network includes an image forming apparatus, The simulation means calculates the power consumption when the image forming operation mode is set as a use condition of the apparatus.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the device connected to the specific network includes an air conditioner, the simulation means Is characterized in that the power consumption when the operating time of the air conditioner or the control temperature of the air conditioner is set as the use condition of the device is calculated.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the device connected to the specific network includes a lighting device, the simulation means Is characterized in that the power consumption when the lighting time of the lighting device or the lighting luminance of the lighting device is set as the use condition of the device is calculated.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the person who goes in and out of a region where a device connected to the specific network is disposed. A first and second information analyzing means for acquiring entry / exit information from an entry / exit management device that manages the information of the first, and analyzing the relationship between the entry / exit information and the operation information of the device connected to the specific network; Analyzing means, and the simulation means executes a simulation for calculating power consumption when the use condition of the device is changed based on the analysis result by the first analysis means. To do.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the power monitoring network system is provided in a region where a device connected to the specific network is disposed. Detection information acquisition means for acquiring detection information of an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a human body sensor; and second analysis means for analyzing a relationship between the detection information and operation information of a device connected to the specific network And the simulation means executes a simulation for calculating a power consumption amount when a use condition of the device is changed based on an analysis result by the second analysis means.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the history information, usage conditions of the device, and a simulation result by the simulation means A display means for displaying at least one of them is provided.

In the invention described in claim 11, in the power monitoring network system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, when it is determined that the predicted power amount is larger than the maximum power amount, a warning is displayed. A warning means for performing the above is provided.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the power monitoring network system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects further includes a maximum power amount acquisition unit that acquires the maximum power amount from an external device. It is characterized by.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the power monitoring network system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, before the operation is controlled by the control means, the calculation result of the simulation means or the It is characterized by comprising a notifying means for notifying the judgment result of the judging means to a device which is a target of operation control.

  In the invention described in claim 14, it is used in a power monitoring network system for managing and controlling the operation of the device so that the power consumption amount in the device connected to the specific network does not exceed a preset maximum power amount. A method for controlling a power monitoring network system, wherein a first step of predicting a future power consumption in a device connected to the specific network, a predicted power consumption predicted by the first step, and the A second step of comparing the maximum power amount and a simulation for calculating the power consumption amount when the usage condition of the device is changed when it is determined that the predicted power amount is larger than the maximum power amount And a device connected to the specific network based on the calculation result of the third step. A fourth step of determining a use condition of the device that does not exceed the maximum power consumption, and an operation of the device connected to the specific network based on the determination result of the fourth step. And achieving the object by comprising a fifth step of controlling.

According to the invention described in claim 1 and claim 14, by controlling the operation of the device based on the result of the simulation executed in advance, the power consumption amount in a specific system is set to the preset maximum power amount. The operation of the target device can be appropriately controlled so as not to exceed.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the credibility (reliability) of the predicted power consumption value can be improved by predicting the future power consumption based on the history information.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an appropriate simulation result considering the convenience of the user by executing the simulation while changing the use condition based on the preset priority. .
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the simulation in the case of targeting the OA device by calculating the power consumption when the power-off state of the OA device or the transition state to the energy saving mode of the OA device is set. Can be performed appropriately.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by calculating the power consumption when the image forming operation mode is set, it is possible to appropriately perform a simulation when the image forming apparatus is a target.
According to the invention of claim 6, by appropriately calculating the power consumption when the operating time of the air conditioner or the control temperature of the air conditioner is set, the simulation in the case of targeting the air conditioner is appropriately performed. Can do.
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, by appropriately calculating the power consumption when the lighting time of the lighting device or the lighting luminance of the lighting device is set, the simulation in the case of targeting the lighting device is appropriately performed. Can do.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, an appropriate simulation result can be obtained by executing the simulation based on the relationship between the entry / exit information and the operation information of the apparatus.
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, an appropriate simulation result can be obtained by executing the simulation based on the relationship between the detection information of each sensor and the operation information of the apparatus.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually recognize the information by displaying the history information, the use condition of the apparatus, and the information of the simulation result by the simulation means.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the predicted power amount is larger than the maximum power amount, a warning is displayed to visually indicate that the user needs to reduce (reduce) the power. Can be recognized.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, by providing the maximum power amount acquisition means for acquiring the maximum power amount from the external device, it is possible to easily cope with the change of the maximum power amount from the outside, such as when the environment changes. it can.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, before the operation is controlled by the control means, the calculation result of the simulation means or the judgment result of the judgment means can be notified to the device subject to the operation control.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
In the present embodiment, a power monitoring network system that uses an in-house LAN (local area network) 120 to monitor (manage) power consumption of devices connected to the network will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102, PCs (computers) 103 and 104, FAX (apparatus) 105, lighting management system 106, Devices such as an air conditioning management system 107, a security system 108, and an elevator management system 109 are connected to the power management device 100 via an in-house LAN 120.

In the power monitoring network system according to the embodiment, the power management apparatus 100 functions as a host computer and centrally manages all functions.
The power management apparatus 100 is a server for providing a power monitoring (management) service in a power monitoring network system, which includes five functions of input, storage, calculation, control, and output, for example, a computer such as a workstation. Equipped with equipment.

The power management apparatus 100 has a clock function and a calendar function. When a preset date / time or a break time such as a lunch break is reached, the lighting is turned off, the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off, or an operation for shifting to an energy saving mode is performed. The function to perform.
Furthermore, the power management apparatus 100 has a function of turning on the illumination and turning on the power of the image forming apparatus or releasing the energy saving mode when a preset date / time or a time such as a lunch break is completed. .

In addition, the power management apparatus 100, for example, a warm-up mode, a copy mode (image forming operation) standby mode, an energy saving mode, a return mode, and each operation mode in the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 via the network (in-house LAN 120). Monitor and remember time.
Since the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 shift to the energy saving mode when the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 are not used for a certain period of time in the standby mode state, the standby mode time becomes the energy saving mode transition time.
The power management apparatus 100 calculates power consumption in each of the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 based on the operation time of each mode and the power consumption of each operation mode set in advance.
Note that the calculation of power consumption executed by the power management apparatus 100 is not limited to targeting the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102. For example, other devices and systems, specifically, the PCs 103 and 104, the FAX 105, the lighting management system 106, the air conditioning management system 107, the security system 108, and the elevator management system 109 may be targeted.

In the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment, a case where the power management apparatus 100 is directly connected to the in-house LAN 120 will be described. However, the connection method between the power management apparatus 100 and the in-house LAN 120 is not limited to this. .
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power monitoring network system using the Internet.
As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the power management apparatus 100 and the in-house LAN 120 may be connected using (via) the Internet 122.
When using the Internet 122 in this way, the in-house LAN 120 and the Internet 122 are connected via the router 121.
Then, the power management apparatus 100 acquires information on each monitoring (management) target apparatus connected to the in-house LAN 120 via the router 121.

As shown in FIG. 2, when connecting the power management apparatus 100 via the Internet 122, a network address of a device to be monitored (managed) is set in advance in the power management apparatus 100. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation of the power monitoring network system similar to the case where the power management apparatus 100 is directly connected to the in-house LAN 120 is enabled.
In this way, by connecting the power management apparatus 100 via the Internet 122, the range in which the power management apparatus 100 can be arranged can be expanded. For example, it can be arranged outside a company building where equipment is present.

Here, each device / system to be monitored (managed) by the power management apparatus 100 will be described.
First, the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 will be described.
The image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 are apparatuses that form an image on a recording medium (paper or the like) such as a printer apparatus, a copying apparatus, or a composite apparatus.
The image forming apparatus 101 includes a light detection sensor 110 that detects ambient brightness.
The power management apparatus 100 is configured to monitor information on the detection state of the light detection sensor 110 and to shift the image forming apparatus 101 to the energy saving mode by remote operation based on the monitoring result.
Specifically, the power management apparatus 100 detects the output of the light detection sensor 110 provided in the image forming apparatus 101 via the in-house LAN 120, and detects the lighting state of the room in which the image forming apparatus 101 is installed. . For example, when the lighting of the living room is in an OFF state, that is, when it is not lit, the power of the image forming apparatus 101 is turned off or shifted to an energy saving mode or the like.

Further, the image forming apparatus 102 includes a human body detection sensor 111 that detects a human body existing in the surroundings (living room).
The power management apparatus 100 detects the output of the human body detection sensor 111 provided in the image forming apparatus 102 via the in-house LAN 120, and is in a room (or around the image forming apparatus 102) where the image forming apparatus 102 is installed. Detect if a person exists. When the human body detection sensor 111 detects a human body, for example, the image forming apparatus 102 is controlled to prohibit (limit) the transition to the power-off state or the transition to the energy saving mode.
The light detection sensor 110 and the human body detection sensor 111 are not provided only in the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102, but may be provided in other devices and systems (for example, the personal computers 103 and 104 and the FAX 105). Good.
The power management apparatus 100 includes a power ON state (power-on state) of each device including the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 and a light detection sensor 110 provided in each device (in the system) via the in-house LAN 120. Based on the relationship with the output (detection result), the power ON time when each device is not used, that is, the useless power ON time can be detected.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration in the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus system) include a controller board 501 that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus system, an operation unit board 502 that is connected to the controller board 501, HDD 503 for storing image data, LAN interface board 505, FAX controller unit 506 connected to controller board 501 via general-purpose PCI bus, engine control board 510, and copy original (image) connected to engine control board 510 are read A scanner board (SBU) 511, a writing control board 512 for writing image data on the drum, an AC control circuit 519 for supplying power to the fixing device, and a PSU 525 for supplying power to the various boards and control circuits are provided. .

  The controller board 501 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs for controlling the controller board 501 are stored, and a RAM (Random) which is a working memory used by the CPU. Access memory), NV-RAM (nonvolatile RAM) with SRAM (static random access memory) backup and clock function using lithium battery, system bus control of controller board 501, local bus control, frame memory ASIC (specific application IC) equipped with memory interface control such as FIFO, PCI bus, HDD I / F, compression / decompression, editing / rotation function and CPU peripheral control function, and its interface circuit etc. Yes.

The NV-RAM 531 mounted on the controller board 501 stores information (data) of the operation mode, return time, copy mode (image forming operation) time, standby mode time, and energy saving mode time of the image forming apparatus for a certain period. (Stored).
When the image forming apparatus system is not used for a certain period of time in the standby mode, it shifts to the energy saving mode. Therefore, this standby mode time becomes the energy saving mode transition time.
Each operation mode time including the energy saving mode is monitored by the power management apparatus 100. Specifically, the power management apparatus 100 acquires each operation mode time information via the in-house LAN 120. The power management apparatus 100 calculates power consumption in each image forming apparatus system based on the operation time of each mode and the power consumption of each operation mode set in advance.

The controller board 501 decodes an operator (user) input from the operation unit board 502 and displays the setting information of the image forming apparatus system and the contents of the status on the display unit of the operation unit (not shown). To do.
The operation unit board 502 is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, LCDC, and ASIC (LCDC) for controlling key input.
The ROM of the operation unit board 502 stores a program for reading input operations on the operation unit board 502 and controlling display output.
The RAM of the operation unit board 502 is a working memory used by the CPU of the operation unit board 502.
The operation unit 502 displays information about the reset energy saving mode transition time, the energy saving mode transition time before resetting, and a message to change the energy saving mode transmitted from the power management apparatus 100, and energy saving. It has a function to display a warning message received immediately before entering the mode.

The engine control board 510 mainly performs image creation control in the image forming apparatus system.
The engine control board 510 is equipped with a CPU 518, an IPP that performs image processing, a ROM that stores (stores) various programs necessary to control copying and printing, a RAM that is necessary for the control, and an NV-RAM. Yes.
Furthermore, the engine control board 510 includes a CPU that performs other control, that is, a serial interface that transmits and receives signals to and from the CPU in the other control board.

  The engine control board 510 includes a motor that controls a mechanical drive system in the image forming apparatus system, a high-voltage power supply control such as charging, developing bias, and transfer bias used for image formation, a pickup solenoid that feeds copy paper, a paper feed clutch, Registration clutch, etc., registration sensor, discharge sensor, human body detection sensor 111, toner end sensor, P sensor, T sensor, thermistor for detecting the fixing temperature, light detection sensor for detecting ambient light where the image forming apparatus system is installed An I / OASIC for executing I / O (input / output) control in an image forming apparatus system including analog control such as 110 is mounted.

The PSU 525 includes a switching regulator IC 515, and supplies power necessary for the image forming apparatus system to execute image forming processing to each board, control circuit, and mechatronic component.
Further, when the energy saving mode transition signal (c) for reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus system is output from the CPU 518 of the engine control board 510, the PSU 525 releases the controller board 501, the LAN interface board 505, and the energy saving mode. The power supply to the parts other than the SW 508 and the ADF sensor 509 is stopped.

The LAN interface board 505 has an interface function for connecting the in-house LAN 120 and the image forming apparatus system (specifically, the controller board 501).
As a communication interface between the in-house LAN 120 and the controller board 501, a standard communication interface such as a PHY chip I / F or an I2C bus I / F is used. Communication with an external device is configured to be performed via the LAN interface board 505.

When receiving a signal from the external device, the LAN interface board 505 outputs an energy saving mode cancel signal (a) to the PSU 525.
The PSU 525 starts (restarts) power supply to parts (each board, control circuit, and mechatronic component) necessary for image formation in the image forming apparatus system in order to cancel the energy saving mode. As a result, the image forming apparatus system returns to the same state as when the main power switch is turned on.

  The PSU 525 also outputs an energy saving mode cancel signal (b) from the energy saving mode cancel SW 508, an output signal of the pressure plate sensor 522 that detects the opening of the pressure plate provided in the image reading unit, and an ADF (automatic document feeder). When the output signal of the ADF sensor 509 that detects the insertion of the original document is input, a part (each board, control circuit, and mechatronics) necessary for image formation in the image forming apparatus system is canceled to cancel the state of the energy saving mode. Start (restart) power supply to the component. As a result, the image forming apparatus system returns to the same state as when the main power switch is turned on.

Next, the PCs 103 and 104 will be described.
The PCs 103 and 104 are information processing apparatuses including four units: an input / output unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and peripheral devices.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration in the PCs 103 and 104 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, PCs 103 and 104 (hereinafter referred to as PC system) have three chipset 600 LSIs, sockets for mounting CPU 610 and memory 620, and bus slot sockets on the motherboard of the PC system. Has been implemented.
The chip set 600 has three functions of a memory controller 601, an I / O controller 603, and a system controller 602.

The memory controller 601 controls the main memory chip and the external cache memory chip, and controls data transfer with the processor and I / O devices.
The system controller 602 controls basic parts (functions) of the PC system such as IRQ (interrupt request), DMA (direct memory access), system clock, timer, and power management.
The I / O controller 603 controls an I / O device such as a disk, graphics, or network, or an interface thereof.

In the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment, the in-house LAN 120 is connected to the LAN plug in the LAN / modem interface circuit 604.
A signal (data) input via the in-house LAN 120 is controlled by the I / O controller 603 and transferred to the CPU 610 via the PCI bus.
When the CPU 610 receives the power OFF signal (shutdown signal) or the energy saving signal from the power management apparatus 100, the CPU 610 confirms that the application is not operating, and then shifts the PC system to the power OFF state or the energy saving mode state. I do.
Note that the energy saving mode in the PC system indicates a state in which power supply to the display device (display) and the hard disk is stopped, for example.

Next, the lighting management system 106 connected to the power management apparatus 100 via a network will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the lighting management system 106 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the lighting management system 106 includes a dimmer 702 that adjusts the brightness of each lighting fixture 701, a control unit 703 that controls the dimmer 702, a luminance sensor (light sensor) 704, and a LAN interface circuit. 705.

The control unit 703 includes a CPU, and transmits and receives signals to and from the power management apparatus 100 via the LAN interface circuit 705.
The CPU in the control unit 703 outputs the illumination brightness signal received from the power management apparatus 100 to the dimmer 702.
The dimmer 702 outputs an output corresponding to the brightness signal to the lighting fixture 701.
For example, the lighting device 701 is turned off by setting the output voltage of the dimmer 702 to “0V”.

In addition, a luminance sensor (light sensor) 704 installed in another place is connected to the control unit 703, and the actual brightness of the room is detected by the luminance sensor 704.
The detection result of the luminance sensor 704 is configured to be transmitted to the power management apparatus 100 via the in-house LAN 120.
Further, the lighting management system 106 has lighting status monitoring, lighting schedule management, and brightness management functions for each lighting fixture 701.
These functions are configured to operate also on signals from the outside (for example, signals from the power management apparatus 100).

Next, the air conditioning management system 107 connected to the power management apparatus 100 via a network will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air conditioning management system 107 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioning management system 107 performs operation adjustment of an air conditioner (air conditioner) 801 provided in each room.
The air conditioning management system 107 is provided with a temperature sensor 802 that detects the temperature of each room. The detection result of the temperature sensor 802 is configured to be transmitted to the power management apparatus 100 via the in-house LAN 120.
That is, the power management apparatus 100 is configured to monitor the temperature of each room.

The air conditioning management system 107 can send and receive signals to and from the power management apparatus 100 via the in-house LAN 120. The air conditioning management system 107 operates the air conditioner 801 based on a signal from the power management apparatus 100.
In addition, the air conditioning management system 107 has functions of operation status monitoring, operation schedule management, and temperature management for each air conditioner (air conditioner).

In addition, the systems to be monitored (managed) in the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment include a security system 108 and an elevator management system 109 as shown in FIG.
For example, an entrance / exit management system using a part of the security system 108 performs human entrance / exit management and security management by reading IC card information stored in an IC card storing personal information using a specific reader. System.
This entrance / exit management system transmits person entry / exit information to the power management apparatus 100 via the in-house LAN 120 when all persons on each floor or room leave the office or when a person enters the room or floor. It is configured as follows.

Next, a monitoring (management) processing operation in the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
First, an input (registration) processing method for setting, in the power management apparatus 100, the maximum amount of power that can be used in a specific power system to be monitored (managed) in the power monitoring network system will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of input processing of the maximum amount of power that can be used in the power system to be monitored.
The maximum amount of power that can be used in the power system to be monitored varies depending on the number of devices and systems provided in rooms, floors, buildings, etc., and the facility environment. For this reason, in this embodiment, the maximum electric energy can be input and set from the outside.

First, a CPU (not shown) of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not an input operation by a user (administrator) of the maximum usable electric energy has been performed from an operation unit (not shown) of the power management apparatus 100. Judgment is made (step 11).
When it is determined that an input operation of the maximum usable electric energy has been performed (step 11; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 stores the input maximum usable electric energy in the storage unit of the power management apparatus 100. (Step 12).
The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs power control of devices connected to the network so as not to exceed the maximum usable power amount. Details of the power control method for each device will be described later.

Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 sets a maximum power suppression flag indicating that it is necessary to suppress the maximum power (step 13).
Then, the input (set) information (data) of the maximum usable electric energy is transmitted to each device via the in-house LAN 120 (step 14), and the process is terminated.
Each device that has received the information on the maximum usable electric energy displays the received information on the maximum usable electric energy on a predetermined display device, thereby limiting the electric power used at the place where the device is installed. It is possible to visually inform the surroundings that it has become a situation to receive.

On the other hand, when the input operation of the maximum usable electric energy is not performed (step 11; N), that is, when there is no input of the maximum electric energy that can be used by the operator, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 can be used. It is determined whether or not the maximum power amount is stored in the storage unit (step 15).
When the available maximum power amount is stored in the storage unit (step 15; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 sets a maximum power suppression flag indicating that the maximum power needs to be suppressed (step) 16) The process is terminated.

  When the usable maximum power amount is not stored in the storage unit (step 15; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 resets the maximum power suppression flag indicating that the maximum power needs to be suppressed (step). 17) The process is terminated.

Next, the future power usage amount in a specific power system to be monitored (managed) is predicted, and based on the predicted value, it is estimated whether or not the preset maximum usable power amount is exceeded. A maximum power consumption confirmation processing method will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for confirming whether or not the future power consumption in the power system to be monitored exceeds the maximum usable power consumption.
Here, the CPU (not shown) of the power management apparatus 100 determines the maximum amount of power that can be used by the current month's power usage, for example, at the beginning of the month based on the history information of the previous month's power usage. A procedure for performing prediction (simulation) of whether or not to exceed will be described.

First, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the above-described maximum power suppression flag is set, that is, whether or not the maximum power suppression flag = 1 (step 21).
When the maximum power suppression flag is not set (step 21; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the maximum power suppression flag is set (step 21; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether the current date and time (time) exceeds the maximum available power set in advance at the beginning of the month. It is determined whether or not it is time to confirm whether or not (step 22).

When the current date and time is not the confirmation time (step 22; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When it is time to check whether or not the current date and time exceeds the maximum power that can be used (step 22; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines the power consumption of each device (managed device) last month. A process of calculating the cumulative total or the cumulative total power consumption of the same month one year ago is executed (step 23).
Each device that is a management target in the power monitoring network system includes a power measurement function and a storage device that stores power consumption calculated based on the operating state.
The power management apparatus 100 accumulates the power consumption of each device, the power consumption acquired from each device, and the power consumption calculated by the power management device 100 by monitoring the operation state and operation time of each device. Ask.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 predicts the power consumption of the current month, that is, calculates the predicted power consumption based on the accumulated power consumption and the preset fluctuation risk coefficient (step 24).
When the power consumption is predicted, correction is performed in consideration of the month's climate (temperature), overtime (work busyness), and the like.
Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the predicted power consumption exceeds the usable maximum power (step 25).
When the predicted power consumption does not exceed the maximum power consumption that can be used (step 25; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.

On the other hand, when the predicted power consumption exceeds the maximum usable power amount (step 25; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 displays a warning that the current power consumption exceeds the maximum usable power (step 26). ).
The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the amount of power that exceeds (exceeds) the maximum usable power amount by subtracting the usable power consumption from the predicted power consumption value of this month, and stores the calculation result. (Step 27).
Then, after calculating the excess power amount, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 sets a simulation flag indicating that a simulation process with changing the use conditions of each device is necessary for power reduction (step 28). The process is terminated.

Next, a process for storing an operation state of a device to be monitored (managed) for a certain period, that is, a method for sampling the operation state of the device will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for storing an operation status of a device to be monitored for a certain period.
Here, a procedure will be described in which the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 monitors the operation state of each device to be monitored (supervised), and stores the operation information of each device and the operation time of the device.

First, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the current date and time is a period for storing the device state for a certain period (step 31).
When the current date and time is not this confirmation period (step 31; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the current date and time is a period for storing the device status for a certain period (step 31; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 has all left the entry / exit management system (security system 108). When information is received, it is determined (confirmed) by acquiring information via the in-house LAN 120 (network) to determine whether there is a device that is turned on, in operation, or that is lit. (Step 32).

If there is no device that is turned on (step 32; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 34.
When information indicating that all employees have left the company has been received from the entry / exit management system (security system 108) and there is a device whose power is on (step 32; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 The type of the device in the power-on state and the time in the power-on state until the next day or the working day of the week are stored (step; 33).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 receives the turn-off information from the lighting management system 106, and determines whether there is a power-on device or an operational device through the in-house LAN 120 (network). The information is judged (confirmed) by acquiring the information through the communication (step 34).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 34; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 36.
When the light-off information is received from the lighting management system 106 and there is a device that is turned on (step 34; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines the type of the device that is turned on and the next The time in which the power is on until the working hour of the day or the day of the week is stored (step; 35).
If there is an operating device, the type of the operating device and the operation time until the working day of the next day or the next week are stored.

Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 is in the case of receiving air conditioning stop information from the air conditioning management system 107, and whether there is a power-on device, an operating device, or a lighting device. Is determined (confirmed) by acquiring information via the in-house LAN 120 (network) (step 36).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 36; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 38.
When air conditioning is stopped from the air conditioning management system 107 and there is a device whose power is on (step 36; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines the type of the device whose power is on and the following: The time in which the power is on until the working day of the day or the day of the week is stored (step; 37).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not there is a device in which the power is turned on or a device in the operating state at a preset time for lunch break (for example, from noon to 1:00 pm). Judgment (confirmation) is made by acquiring information via the LAN 120 (network) (step 38).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 38; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
If there is a device in which the power is on at the time set for lunch break (step 38; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines the type of the device in the power on state and the power on until the lunch break ends. The state time is stored (step 39), and the process is terminated.

Next, a description will be given of a processing method for simulating an operation state in a device to be monitored (managed) when, for example, the use condition or the use state setting is changed and predicting the power consumption based on the simulation result. .
10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the simulation process for simulating the operation of the device to be monitored (managed).
Often, devices (such as personal computers, printers, copiers, lighting equipment, air conditioners, etc.) are forgotten to be turned off or left on when not needed.
Therefore, in the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment, first, a simulation is performed when the useless power consumption is eliminated, and further, a simulation is performed when the use conditions and installation environment of the device are changed.
And when the predicted power consumption exceeds the maximum power that can be used, the device is controlled so as to gradually deteriorate the usability, usage conditions, and usage environment of the device, and suppress the power consumption so that it does not exceed the maximum power that can be used. I do.
Note that an embodiment of simulation of individual devices will be described later using another flowchart.

First, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the simulation flag that is set when the predicted power consumption of the current month exceeds the maximum usable power, that is, whether or not the simulation flag = 1. Is determined (confirmed) (step 41).
When the simulation flag is not set (step 41; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the simulation flag is set (step 41; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 leaves the office based on the information stored in the above-described device operation state storage process for a certain period (FIG. 9). In other words, when information indicating that all employees have left the company has been received from the entry / exit management system (security system 108), it is determined (confirmed) whether there is a power-on device (step 42).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 42; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 44.

When information indicating that all employees have left the company has been received from the entry / exit management system (security system 108) and there is a device whose power is on (step 42; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 When the power of the device is automatically turned off, the device operation (power consumption) is simulated when the energy saving mode transition, the operation stop, or the lighting is turned off (step 43).
A specific simulation method will be described later.
Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 confirms the lighting state of the lighting of the living room, conference room, floor, etc. where the device to be monitored (supervised) is installed, and further, the device is turned on and the device is operated. Check the status.

Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 is turned off based on the information stored in the device state storage process for a certain period of time (FIG. 9), that is, turned off from the lighting management system 106. When the information is received, it is determined (confirmed) whether there is a device that is powered on (step 44).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 44; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 46.
In the case of receiving the light-off information from the lighting management system 106, if there is a device that is turned on (step 44; Y), the CPU of the power management device 100 automatically shifts to the energy saving mode or operates when the device is turned off automatically. A simulation of device operation (power consumption) in the case of stopping or the like is performed (step 45).
A specific simulation method will be described later.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 has a device that is turned on in a state where the air conditioning is stopped based on the information stored in the storage process of the operation state of the device for a certain period (FIG. 9). Whether or not (step 46).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 46; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 48.
In the state where the air conditioning is stopped, if there is a device that is turned on (step 46; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 automatically turns off the device or shifts to the energy saving mode after the air conditioning is stopped, or A device operation (power consumption) simulation when the illumination is turned off is performed (step 47).
A specific simulation method will be described later.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether all the OA devices (the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102, the PCs 103 and 104, etc.) are turned off and there is a lit lighting fixture. (Step 48).
If there is no lit lighting fixture (step 48; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 50.
When all the OA devices are turned off and there is a lit lighting device (step 48; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 turns off the device after all the OA devices are turned off. An operation (power consumption) is simulated (step 49).

The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not there is an air conditioner in the operating state with the power of all the OA devices being OFF (step 50).
When there is no air conditioner in the operating state (step 50; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 52.
When all the OA equipments are turned off and there is an air conditioner in the operating state (step 50; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 operates the air conditioning after all the OA equipments are turned off. The device operation (power consumption) is simulated when the operation is stopped (step 51).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not there is an OA device that is turned on during the lunch break (step 52).
When there is no OA device that is turned on during the lunch break (step 52; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 54.
On the other hand, when there is an OA device that is turned on during the lunch break (step 52; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 turns off the power during the lunch break or switches to the energy saving mode (power consumption). (Step 53).
Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the reducible power amount by summing up the reducible power amount based on the executed simulation result (step 54).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 compares the calculated reducible power amount (hereinafter referred to as “power reduction amount 1”) with the over (excess) power amount calculated in the process of step 27 described above. It is determined whether or not the power reduction amount 1 is larger than the over (excess) power amount (step 55).
When the power reduction amount 1 is larger than the over (excess) power amount (step 55; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 indicates that the use condition or use state of the device is not significantly deteriorated. Is set (step 56).
On the other hand, when the power reduction amount 1 is smaller than the over (excess) power amount (step 55; N), the next power reduction level is executed.

Specifically, the reduction (possible) power based on the simulation results of the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 described later is added to the power reduction amount 1 (step 61). The amount of power after this addition is defined as a power reduction amount 2.
The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 compares the power reduction amount 2 with the power amount that exceeds the maximum power amount that can be used (over power amount), and determines whether or not the power reduction amount 2 is greater than the over power amount. Is determined (step 62).
When the power reduction amount 2 is larger than the overpower amount (step 62; Y), a power reduction level 2 flag is set (step 63).

On the other hand, when the power reduction amount 2 is smaller than the over power amount (step 62; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs a simulation for further implementing the power reduction level.
Specifically, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs a simulation of the device operation (power consumption) when the device is automatically turned off after a preset time (for example, 10 o'clock at night), and the reduction is performed. The possible power reduction amount is calculated (step 64).
Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 adds to the power reduction amount 2 a power reduction amount that can be reduced by a simulation that automatically turns off the power of the device (step 65). The amount of power after this addition is referred to as a power reduction amount 3.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 compares the power reduction amount 3 with the power amount (over power amount) that exceeds the maximum usable power amount, and the power reduction amount 3 is larger than the over power amount. Whether or not (step 66).
If the power reduction amount 3 is greater than the overpower amount (step 66; Y), a power reduction level 3 flag is set (step 67).
On the other hand, when the power reduction amount 3 is smaller than the over power amount (step 66; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs a simulation for further implementing the power reduction level.
Here, a simulation is performed by changing the temperature setting of the air conditioning. For example, in winter, the set temperature is lowered, and in summer, the set temperature is raised to simulate the device operation (power consumption).

The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs a simulation of device operation (power consumption) when the temperature setting of the air conditioner is changed, and calculates a power reduction amount that can be reduced (step 68).
Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 adds the power reduction amount that can be reduced by changing the temperature setting of the air conditioning to the power reduction amount 3 (step 69). The amount of power after this addition is referred to as a power reduction amount 4.
Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 compares the power reduction amount 4 with the power amount (over power amount) exceeding the maximum usable power amount, and the power reduction amount 4 is larger than the over power amount. (Step 70).
If the power reduction amount 4 is larger than the overpower amount (step 70; Y), a power reduction level 4 flag is set (step 71).
On the other hand, when the power reduction amount 4 is smaller than the overpower amount (step 70; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 58.

Since the simulation process by changing the use conditions of each device for power reduction is completed, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 resets the simulation flag (step 57).
Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 displays the power of the simulation result of the operation (power consumption) in the individual devices (including the system) described above, or the total power amount of the simulation result (step 58).
Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 displays the power consumption for a certain period before the simulation on a predetermined display device (step 59).
Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 displays and stores each condition at the time of executing the simulation (step 60), and ends the process.
Here, for example, when the power of the device is automatically turned off, the time when the device is turned off and the type or name of the device that is turned off are displayed and stored as conditions.

Next, based on the information stored (stored) in the entry / exit management device in the security system 108, simulation processing of device operation (power consumption) when the setting is changed to device operation OFF, power OFF, or energy saving mode transition. Will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of simulation processing for simulating the operation of a device to be monitored (managed).
Often OA devices (such as personal computers, printers, copiers, etc.) forget to turn off the power and are left on when not needed.
Here, a method of executing a more specific simulation and eliminating such wasteful power consumption and reducing power will be described.

First, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the simulation flag that is set when the predicted power consumption of the current month exceeds the maximum usable power, that is, whether or not the simulation flag = 1. Is determined (confirmed) (step 81).
When the simulation flag is not set (step 81; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the simulation flag is set (step 81; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs specific processing based on the information stored in the above-described device operation state storage processing for a certain period (FIG. 9). When all the members have left the A room, that is, when the information indicating that all the A rooms have already left the office is received from the entrance / exit management system (security system 108), it is determined whether there is a device that is turned on. (Confirm) (step 82).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 82; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 84.

When the information indicating that all the A rooms have been retired has been received and there is a device whose power is on (step 82; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs the A operation after leaving all the A rooms. The power OFF time or the energy saving mode time of the OA device in the room is calculated based on the information stored in the storage processing of the operation state of the device described above, and a simulation for calculating the power consumption for the calculated time is executed (step) 83).
Specifically, the reduced power can be calculated by (time when the power is turned off) × (power consumption Wh for 1 hour). Note that the current power consumption is obtained by operating time × (power consumption Wh for one hour).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not the lighting of the A room is lit when the information that all employees have left the A room is acquired from the entrance / exit management system (security system 108) ( Step 84).
When the lighting is not turned on (step 84; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 86.
When the information that all employees have left the room A is acquired from the entrance / exit management system (security system 108), the lighting of the room A is on (step 84; Y), that is, the lighting from the light detection sensor 110 or the lighting device When there is information, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs a simulation for calculating the power consumption when the illumination of the A room that was turned on is turned off (step 85).
In this case as well, the reduced power can be calculated by obtaining the power consumption during the time when the lighting fixtures to be monitored (supervised) are extinguished (the extinguishing time) after all members leave the A room.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not there is an air-conditioning operation in the A room when the information that all employees have left the A room is acquired from the entry / exit management system (security system 108) ( Step 86).
When there is no air conditioning operation (step 86; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 88.
When the information that all employees have left the room A is acquired from the entrance / exit management system (security system 108), if there is an air conditioning operation in the room A (step 86; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs the air conditioning operation in the room A. A simulation for calculating the power consumption when the operation is stopped is performed (step 87).
In this case as well, the reduced power can be calculated by obtaining the power consumption during the time when the operation of the air conditioner to be monitored (supervised) is stopped (stop time) after all of the A rooms have left the office.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not there is a device that is turned on when the information that all employees have left the specific floor A is acquired from the entry / exit management system (security system 108). (Step 88).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 88; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 90.
When the information that all employees have left the floor A is acquired from the entry / exit management system (security system 108), and there is a device that is turned on (step 88; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 has left after leaving the A floor. A power off time or energy saving mode time of the OA equipment on the A floor is calculated based on the information stored in the above-described storage processing of the operating state of the equipment, and a simulation for calculating the power consumption of the calculated time is executed ( Step 89).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not the lighting of the A floor is lit when the information that all employees have left the A floor is acquired from the entrance / exit management system (security system 108) ( Step 90).
When there is no illumination lighting (step 90; N), CPU of the power management apparatus 100 progresses to the process of step 92.
When the information that all employees have left the floor A is obtained from the entrance / exit management system (security system 108), if the lighting of the A floor is on (step 90; Y), that is, the lighting from the light detection sensor 110 or the lighting device When there is information, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs a simulation for calculating power consumption when the lighting of the A floor that has been turned on is turned off (step 91).
In this case as well, the reduced power can be calculated by obtaining the power consumption during the time when the lighting fixtures to be monitored (supervised) are extinguished (the extinguishing time) after all the employees have left the A floor.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not there is an air-conditioning operation on the A floor when the information that all employees have left the A floor is acquired from the entrance / exit management system (security system 108) ( Step 92).
When there is no air conditioning operation (step 92; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 94.
When the information that all employees have left the floor A is acquired from the entrance / exit management system (security system 108), if there is an air conditioning operation on the A floor (step 92; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs the air conditioning operation on the A floor. A simulation for calculating the power consumption when the operation is stopped is performed (step 93).

In this case as well, the reduced power can be calculated by obtaining the power consumption during the time when the operation of the air conditioner to be monitored (supervised) is stopped (stop time) after all the employees have left the A floor.
Finally, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 sums up the reducible power reduction amounts calculated by the above-described simulation, stores the result in the storage device (step 94), and ends the process.

Next, a simulation processing method for confirming the operation status of the device according to the lighting status of the lighting device will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a simulation processing procedure for confirming the operation status of the device according to the lighting status of the lighting device.
Forgetting to turn off the power of OA devices (image forming apparatuses 101 and 102, PCs 103 and 104, etc.)
Often power is left on when not needed.
Here, a method of executing a more specific simulation and eliminating such wasteful power consumption and reducing power will be described.

First, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the simulation flag that is set when the predicted power consumption of the current month exceeds the maximum usable power, that is, whether or not the simulation flag = 1. Is determined (confirmed) (step 101).
When the simulation flag is not set (step 101; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the simulation flag is set (step 101; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 is based on the information stored in the above-described device operation state storage process for a certain period (FIG. 9). It is judged (confirmed) whether or not there is a power-on device in the state where the illumination of the light is turned off (step 102).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 102; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 104.

When there is a device that is turned on with the illumination of the A room turned off (step 102; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 leaves the power off time of the OA equipment in the A room after saving all the people from the A room or saves energy. A simulation is performed to calculate the mode time based on the information stored in the storage process of the operation state of the device described above, and to calculate the power consumption for the calculated time (step 103).
Specifically, the reduced power can be calculated by (time when the power is turned off) × (power consumption Wh for 1 hour). Note that the current power consumption is obtained by operating time × (power consumption Wh for one hour).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not there is an operating air conditioner, that is, an air conditioning operation, in a state where the lighting of the A room is turned off (step 104).
When there is no air conditioning operation (step 104; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
In the state where the lighting of the A room is turned off and the air conditioning operation of the A room is performed (step 104; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 stops the air conditioning operation of the A room after the lighting of the A room is turned off. In this case, a simulation for calculating the power consumption is performed (step 105).
In this case as well, the reduced power can be calculated by obtaining the power consumption during the time when the operation of the air conditioner to be monitored (supervised) is stopped (stop time) after all of the A rooms have left the office.
Finally, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 totals the reducible power reduction amount calculated by the above-described simulation, stores the result in the storage device (step 106), and ends the process.

Next, a simulation processing method for confirming the operation status of the device according to the operation status of the air conditioner will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a simulation processing procedure for confirming the operation status of the device in accordance with the operation status of the air conditioner.
Forgetting to turn off the power of OA devices (image forming apparatuses 101 and 102, PCs 103 and 104, etc.)
Often power is left on when not needed.
Here, a method of executing a more specific simulation and eliminating such wasteful power consumption and reducing power will be described.

First, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the simulation flag that is set when the predicted power consumption of the current month exceeds the maximum usable power, that is, whether or not the simulation flag = 1. Is determined (confirmed) (step 111).
When the simulation flag is not set (step 111; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the simulation flag is set (step 111; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs the A room based on the information stored in the storage process (FIG. 9) of the operation state of the device for a certain period described above. It is judged (confirmed) whether or not there is a power-on device in a state where the air conditioning of the vehicle is stopped (step 112).
If there is no device that is turned on (step 112; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 114.

When there is a device that is turned on in the state where the air conditioning in the A room is stopped (step 112; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 turns off the power-off time of the OA equipment in the A room or saves energy after leaving the A room. A simulation is performed to calculate the mode time based on the information stored in the storage processing of the operation state of the device described above, and to calculate the power consumption for the calculated time (step 113).
Specifically, the reduced power can be calculated by (time when the power is turned off) × (power consumption Wh for 1 hour). Note that the current power consumption is obtained by operating time × (power consumption Wh for one hour).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not there is a lighting fixture (lighting lighting) in a state where the air conditioning of the room A is stopped (step 114).
If there is no lighting fixture that is lit (step 114; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
In the state where the air conditioning of the A room is stopped and there is a lighting fixture that is lit (illumination lighting) (step 114; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 stops the air conditioning operation of the A room, A simulation for calculating power consumption when the illumination is turned off is performed (step 115).
In this case as well, the reduced power can be calculated by obtaining the power consumption during the time when the lighting equipment to be monitored (supervised) is turned off after the air conditioning of the A room is stopped.
Finally, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 totals the reducible power reduction amounts calculated by the above-described simulation, stores the result in the storage device (step 116), and ends the process.

Next, a process for calculating and storing the power consumption of the last month of a device to be monitored (supervised) in the power monitoring network system will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the power consumption calculation process of the device last month.
Here, as an example of processing, a case will be described in which power consumption calculation and accumulation processing is performed based on information on an operation mode time for a certain period stored in the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 (image forming apparatus system).

The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether it is time to check whether or not the current date and time exceeds the maximum available power set at the beginning of the month in advance (step 121).
First of all, it is checked whether or not it is time to confirm whether or not the maximum usable power at the beginning of the preset month is exceeded.
When the current date and time is not the confirmation time (step 121; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.

When it is time to check whether or not the current date and time exceeds the maximum power that can be used (step 121; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 pre-sets the image forming apparatus system as the accumulated standby mode time of a certain period. The information stored in is acquired, and the product of the accumulated standby mode time and the power consumption (Wh) per hour of the preset standby mode time is obtained to calculate the accumulated power consumption during standby (step) 122).
It should be noted that the image forming apparatus system to be monitored is given in advance an instruction (command) from the power management apparatus 100 to accumulate the copy operation mode time for a certain period and store the operation pattern in the NV-RAM. .

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 acquires the accumulated energy saving mode time information for a certain period from the image forming apparatus system to be monitored (supervised), and the accumulated energy saving mode time and a preset energy saving mode time. The product of the power consumption per hour (Wh) is obtained, and the cumulative power consumption in the energy saving mode is calculated (step 123).
Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 acquires cumulative return time information for a certain period from the image forming apparatus system to be monitored (supervised), and the cumulative return time and a preset return time per hour. The product with the power consumption (Wh) is obtained, and the cumulative power consumption at the time of return is calculated (step 124).

Further, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 acquires cumulative copy time information for a certain period from the image forming apparatus system to be monitored (supervised), and consumption per hour of the cumulative copy time and a preset copy time. The product with the power (Wh) is obtained, and the cumulative power consumption during copying is calculated (step 125).
Finally, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the accumulated power consumption during standby, the accumulated power consumption during the energy saving mode, the accumulated power consumption during recovery, and the accumulated power consumption during copying, as calculated above. Is calculated (step 126), and the process is terminated.

Next, an operation state (power consumption) simulation processing method when the transition time condition to the energy saving mode set for the monitoring (supervision) target device is changed will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the power consumption simulation process of the image forming apparatus when the time condition for shifting to the energy saving mode is changed.
Here, a description will be given of a power consumption simulation process for a certain period when the energy saving mode transition time in the image forming apparatus system is temporarily set to 1 minute, which is shorter than the current transition time (15 minutes).
The temporary setting value of the energy saving mode transition time is not limited to 1 minute, and can be arbitrarily set, for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not a simulation flag that is set when the predicted power consumption of the current month exceeds the maximum usable power, that is, whether or not the simulation flag = 1 is set. Judgment (confirmation) is made (step 131).
When the simulation flag is not set (step 131; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the simulation flag is set (step 131; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 checks the energy saving mode transition time set in the image forming apparatus system to be monitored (managed) (step 132). In this embodiment, it is set to 15 minutes.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 provisionally sets a time (here, 1 minute) shorter than the confirmed energy saving mode transition time (15 minutes) as the simulation energy saving mode transition time (step 133).
The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 monitors the usage status of the image forming apparatus system for a certain period and stores the monitoring result in a predetermined storage device. Then, based on the stored usage status information, it is determined whether or not an image forming process (copying, printing, etc.) is being performed within the energy saving mode transition time (15 minutes) confirmed in the process of step 132. (Step 134).
When the image forming processing operation is not performed within the energy saving mode transition time (15 minutes) (step 134; N), that is, when there is no copy operation mode performed within 15 minutes, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 accumulates Generate standby mode time.
Here, one minute is temporarily set as the energy saving mode transition time for simulation. Therefore, in the generation of the accumulated standby mode time, this temporarily set time (1 minute) becomes the standby mode time.

  Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the cumulative standby mode time by obtaining the product of this standby mode time (1 minute) and the number of times of energy saving mode transition (return). Further, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 obtains the cumulative power consumption of the temporary standby mode by calculating the product of the cumulative standby mode time and the power consumption (Wh) per hour in the standby mode set in advance. Calculate (step 149).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 generates the cumulative energy saving mode time and calculates the cumulative power consumption in the temporary energy saving mode.
The temporary energy saving mode time is obtained by subtracting the temporary energy saving mode transition time (1 minute) from the current energy saving mode transition time (15 minutes) and adding the stored current energy saving mode time to this value. It is done.
The accumulated energy saving mode time can be obtained by performing this calculation for the stored copy operation patterns for a certain period and summing the results.
The cumulative power consumption in the temporary energy saving mode is calculated by calculating the product of this accumulated time and the power consumption per hour (Wh) in the preset energy saving mode (step 150).

Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the cumulative power consumption when returning from the energy saving mode. Here, since the copy operation is not performed within 15 minutes, the correction of the recovery time becomes unnecessary. Therefore, by calculating the product of the total return time as it is and the power consumption per hour (Wh) at the time of return, the total power consumption at the time of return is calculated (step 151).
Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the total power consumption during the copy operation. Here, since correction at the time of the copy operation is also unnecessary, the cumulative power consumption at the time of copying can be obtained by calculating the product of the total copy time as it is and the power consumption per hour (Wh) at the time of the copy operation. Calculate (step 152).

  The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the accumulated power consumption during standby and the energy saving mode calculated as described above in order to calculate the accumulated power consumption for a certain period when the energy saving mode transition time is 1 minute. The total power consumption at the time, the total power consumption at the time of return, and the total power consumption at the time of copying are calculated (total virtual power consumption), and the calculation result is stored (step 153). The process proceeds to step 145 as it is.

On the other hand, in the process of step 134, when it is determined that the image forming process operation has been performed within the energy saving mode transition time (15 minutes) (step 134; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the power consumption. To do.
Specifically, when the copy operation is performed within the standby mode transition time (within 15 minutes), if the energy saving mode transition time is temporarily set to 1 minute, the number of return times increases. Along with this, power consumption at the time of return also increases.
Here, since the standby mode time becomes the energy saving mode transition time, the power consumption increases as the energy saving mode time increases, but on the other hand, the standby mode time becomes shorter. That is, standby power is reduced.
Thus, it is necessary to generate time (information) for increasing or decreasing the power consumption, and to calculate the power consumption based on this information.

When the copy operation (image forming process) is performed within the standby mode transition time (within 15 minutes), the recovery time increases. ) To generate the cumulative return time of the number of times the copy operation (image forming process) has been performed (step 135). This cumulative return time can be calculated by calculating the product of the return time and the number of times this copy operation has been performed.
Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 generates the accumulated standby mode time for the number of times that the copy operation has been performed (step 136). The cumulative standby mode time can be calculated by obtaining the product of the temporarily set energy saving mode transition time (1 minute) and the number of times this copying operation has been performed.

  Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 generates a cumulative energy saving mode time for this operation pattern (step 137). This energy saving mode time can be calculated by subtracting the temporarily set energy saving mode transition time (1 minute) from the stored standby mode time. The accumulated energy saving mode time can be calculated by executing this calculation process on the operation pattern.

Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 generates (other) accumulated standby mode time other than the above number of times (step 138).
Here, the energy saving mode transition time is temporarily set to 1 minute, and this temporarily set time becomes the standby mode time. The cumulative standby mode time can be calculated by obtaining the product of the standby mode time and the number of times of transition to the energy saving mode.
Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 generates (other) accumulated energy saving mode time other than the above (step 139).
This energy saving mode time can be calculated by subtracting the temporary energy saving mode transition time (1 minute) from the current energy saving mode transition time and adding the stored energy saving mode time to this value. Then, by executing this calculation process for other (other) operation patterns than the above, it is possible to calculate other cumulative energy saving mode times.

The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 obtains the product of the cumulative standby mode time calculated as described above and the power consumption per hour (Wh) in the standby mode set in advance, thereby obtaining the temporary standby mode. Cumulative power consumption is calculated (step 140).
Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the temporary energy saving by obtaining the product of the cumulative energy saving mode time calculated as described above and the power consumption (Wh) per hour in the preset energy saving mode. The accumulated power consumption of the mode is calculated (step 141).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 obtains the product of the cumulative return time calculated as described above, the total time of the stored cumulative return times, and the power consumption per hour (Wh) at the time of return. Thus, the accumulated power consumption at the time of return is calculated (step 142).
Further, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the total power consumption during the copy operation. Here, since correction at the time of the copy operation is also unnecessary, the cumulative power consumption at the time of copying can be obtained by calculating the product of the total copy time as it is and the power consumption per hour (Wh) at the time of the copy operation. Calculate (step 143).
The CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates the accumulated power consumption during standby and the energy saving mode calculated as described above in order to calculate the accumulated power consumption for a certain period when the energy saving mode transition time is 1 minute. The total power consumption at the time, the total power consumption at the time of return, and the total power consumption at the time of copying are calculated (total virtual power consumption), and the calculation result is stored (step 144).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 compares the calculated cumulative virtual power consumption with the current power consumption for a certain period (calculated by another control flow), and the current power consumption is greater than the cumulative virtual power consumption. It is determined whether or not it is larger (step 145).
When the current power consumption is larger than the total virtual power consumption (step 145; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 displays the power value of the simulation result (step 146).
Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 displays the current power consumption for a certain period (step 147).
Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates a power reduction amount that can be reduced by the simulation by subtracting the power value of the simulation result from the current power consumption for a certain period, and stores the value (step 148). ), The process is terminated.
On the other hand, when the current power consumption is smaller (or equivalent) than the cumulative virtual power consumption (step 145; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 displays that the current energy saving mode transition time is optimal (step) 154), the process is terminated.

Next, power reduction when the duplex mode is selected (set) as the standard setting in the print mode setting of the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102 to be monitored (supervised) by the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment. A simulation processing method will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the power reduction simulation processing operation when the duplex mode is selected (set) as the standard setting in the print mode setting of the image forming apparatuses 101 and 102.
Here, it is assumed that the power consumption of copying 15 originals on both sides is less than the power consumption of copying 30 originals on one side. The amount of power consumption that can be reduced by duplex copying is defined based on a power reduction possible coefficient.

First, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the above-described maximum power suppression flag is set, that is, whether or not the maximum power suppression flag (simulation flag) = 1 (step 161).
When the maximum power suppression flag is not set (step 161; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the maximum power suppression flag is set (step 161; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 has a plurality of document sheets based on information stored in the image forming apparatus as an operation mode for a certain period in advance. The power consumption when the mode is double-sided is calculated (step 162).
For this power consumption, for example, the total power consumption (0.36 Wh × total number of copies) is calculated based on the power consumption per sheet (0.36 Wh / sheet) for single-sided copying, and the total power consumption is calculated. It can be calculated by obtaining a product with a predetermined power reduction possible coefficient (for example, 0.8) when both sides are used.

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 displays the current power consumption in the single-sided mode (step 163), and then displays the power consumption of the simulation result when changing to double-sided copying (step 164).
Finally, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 calculates a power reduction amount that can be reduced by subtracting the power amount of the simulation result from the current power consumption for a certain period, and stores the result (step 165). Exit.

Next, the operation of the device is controlled based on the simulation result so as not to exceed the maximum power that can be used in the specific power system to be monitored (managed) in the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment. A method will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for controlling so as not to exceed the maximum power usable in a specific power system to be monitored (managed) in the power monitoring network system according to the present embodiment.

First, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the power reduction level 4 flag is set in the processing described with reference to FIG. 11 described above, that is, whether or not the power reduction level 4 flag = 1. (Confirm) (Step 171). This power reduction level 4 flag indicates the flag with the highest power reduction request level.
When the power reduction level 4 level flag is not set (step 171; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 173.
When the power reduction level 4 level flag is set (step 171; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 is based on the air conditioning conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) during the simulation process described above with reference to FIG. Then, the air conditioning condition of the actual air conditioner is set and air conditioning control is performed (step 172).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the power reduction level 3 flag is set in the processing described with reference to FIG. 11 described above, that is, whether or not the power reduction level 3 flag = 1. Judgment (confirmation) is made (step 173). This power reduction level 3 flag indicates the second highest power reduction request level.
When the power reduction level 3 level flag is not set (step 173; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 176.

When the power reduction level 3 level flag is set (step 173; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines the conditions at the time of the simulation processing described in FIG. Based on the energy saving mode setting time, set the operating conditions of the actual device and implement the operation control.
Then, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 outputs a warning to turn off the power or set to the energy saving mode when the power of the device is turned off or the energy saving mode is set (step 174).
Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 performs power OFF or energy saving mode setting of the target device based on the simulation result (step 175).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the power reduction level 2 flag is set in the processing described with reference to FIG. 11 described above, that is, whether or not the power reduction level 2 flag = 1. Judgment (confirmation) is made (step 176). The power reduction level 2 flag indicates the third highest power reduction request level.
When the power reduction level 2 level flag is not set (step 176; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 178.
When the power reduction level 2 level flag is set (step 176; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 is based on the setting conditions of the image forming apparatus system during the simulation process described above with reference to FIG. Specifically, the setting of the energy saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus system and the setting of the standard mode (mode when the power is turned on) in the image forming process setting are executed to set the duplex copy mode (step 177).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the power reduction level 1 flag is set in the processing described with reference to FIG. 11 described above, that is, whether or not the power reduction level 1 flag = 1. Judgment (confirmation) is made (step 178). This power reduction level 1 flag indicates the flag with the lowest power reduction request level. That is, the power reduction level 1 flag indicates that the use condition or use state of the device is not significantly deteriorated.
When the flag of the power reduction level 1 is not set (step 178; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.

When the power reduction level 1 level flag is set (step 178; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 signals that all employees have left the company based on information acquired from the entry / exit management system (security system 108). Is determined (confirmed) (step 179).
If no employee leaving signal is transmitted (step 179; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 184.
When a signal for leaving the company is transmitted (step 179; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 outputs a warning signal for turning off the power supply or a warning signal for shifting to the energy saving mode to the target device (step 180). A control process for turning off the power of the target device or shifting to the energy saving mode is executed (step 181).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 outputs a control signal for turning off lights other than necessary to the target lighting management system 106 to turn off the lights (step 182), and further sends a control signal for stopping air conditioning to the air conditioning. The information is output to the management system 107, and the operation of the corresponding air conditioner is stopped (step 183).
Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not the lighting of the lighting fixture to be controlled has been turned off based on the operation signal (turn-off signal) acquired from the lighting management system 106 (step). 184).
When the turn-off signal is not transmitted from the lighting management system 106 (step 184; N), that is, when turn-off of the target lighting device is not confirmed, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 188.

  When the turn-off signal is transmitted from the lighting management system 106 (step 184; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 outputs a warning signal for turning off the power supply or a warning signal for shifting to the energy saving mode to the target device (step 185). Then, a control process for turning off the actual power of the target device or shifting to the energy saving mode is executed (step 186).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 outputs a control signal for stopping air conditioning to the air conditioning management system 107 (step 187).
Subsequently, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not the operation of the air conditioner to be controlled is stopped based on the operation signal (stop signal) acquired from the air conditioning management system 107 (step). 188).
When the stop signal is not transmitted from the air conditioning management system 107 (step 188; N), that is, when it is not confirmed that the target lighting device is turned off, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of step 192.

When a stop signal is transmitted from the air conditioning management system 107 (step 188; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 outputs a warning signal for turning off the power to the target device or a warning signal for shifting to the energy saving mode (step 189). Then, a control process for turning off the actual power of the target device or shifting to the energy saving mode is executed (step 190).
Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 outputs a control signal for turning off lights other than necessary to the target lighting management system 106 (step 191).

Next, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 determines (confirms) whether or not the current date and time (time) is a time set in advance for lunch break (for example, noon to 1 pm) (step). 192).
If the current date and time (time) is not the time set in advance for lunch break (step 192; N), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 ends the process as it is.
When the current date and time (time) is a time set in advance for lunch break (step 192; Y), the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 warns the target device to turn off the power or warns to enter the energy saving mode. A signal is output (step 193), and the control processing for turning off the actual power of the target device or shifting to the energy saving mode is executed (step 194).
Finally, the CPU of the power management apparatus 100 outputs a signal for turning off lights other than necessary to the target lighting management system (step 195), and ends the process.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, based on the power consumption of a device connected to the network for a certain period, a simulation is performed in advance to determine whether or not the maximum usable power amount is exceeded. By setting appropriate operating conditions that do not exceed the device, it is possible to improve the usability of the device connected to the network.
Furthermore, by using a control technology capable of appropriately suppressing the maximum power consumption as described above, for example, to realize a power monitoring network system capable of reducing power consumption of the entire building, a specific floor, a specific living room, etc. Can do.
In addition, by suppressing the power consumption in this way, it is possible to appropriately suppress the decrease in convenience in consideration of the overall convenience of the devices connected to the network and the prevention of deterioration of the office environment and the like. It is possible to realize a power monitoring network system.

According to the present embodiment, a specific system (network system) to be controlled is set to an arbitrary range such as a building unit, a floor unit, a living room unit, etc. Reduction processing can be performed.
In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress (prevent) the use prohibition determination immediately before using a conventional device, and thus it is possible to improve the usability of the device. .

It is the figure which showed schematic structure of the power monitoring network system which concerns on this Embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power monitoring network system using the Internet. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the circuit structure in PC concerning this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed schematic structure of the lighting management system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed schematic structure of the air-conditioning management system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the input process of the largest electric energy which can be used in the electric power system used as the monitoring object. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process which confirms whether the future electric power consumption in the electric power system used as the monitoring object exceeds the maximum power consumption which can be used. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process which memorize | stores the operation condition of the fixed period of the apparatus used as the monitoring object. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the simulation process which simulates operation | movement of the apparatus used as monitoring (management) object. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the simulation process which simulates operation | movement of the apparatus used as monitoring (management) object. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the simulation process which simulates operation | movement of the apparatus used as monitoring (management) object. It is the flowchart which showed the processing procedure of the simulation which confirms the operation condition of an apparatus according to the lighting condition of an illuminating device. It is the flowchart which showed the processing procedure of the simulation which confirms the operation condition of an apparatus according to the operation condition of an air conditioner. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement procedure of the calculation process of the power consumption of the apparatus last month. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a simulation process of power consumption of the image forming apparatus when a transition time condition to an energy saving mode is changed. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a power reduction simulation processing operation when a duplex mode is selected (set) as a standard setting in the print mode setting of the image forming apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process controlled so that the maximum electric power which can be used in the specific electric power system used as the monitoring (management) object in the electric power monitoring network system which concerns on this Embodiment is not exceeded.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Power management apparatus 101 Image forming apparatus 102 Image forming apparatus 103 PC
104 PC
105 FAX
106 Lighting Management System 107 Air Conditioning Management System 108 Security System 109 Elevator Management System 110 Light Detection Sensor 111 Human Body Detection Sensor 120 Internal LAN
121 router 122 internet

Claims (14)

A power monitoring network system for managing and controlling the operation of the device so that the amount of power consumption in the device connected to a specific network does not exceed a preset maximum power amount,
Predicting means for predicting future power consumption in a device connected to the specific network;
Comparison means for comparing the predicted power consumption predicted by the prediction means with the maximum power;
A simulation means for executing a simulation for calculating a power consumption amount when changing a use condition of the device when it is determined that the predicted power amount is larger than the maximum power amount;
Based on the calculation result of the simulation unit, a determination unit that determines a use condition of the device that does not exceed the maximum power amount of power consumption in the device connected to the specific network;
Control means for controlling the operation of a device connected to the specific network based on the determination result of the determination means;
A power monitoring network system comprising: Comprising history acquisition means for acquiring history information of power consumption in an apparatus connected to the specific network;
The power monitoring network system according to claim 1, wherein the prediction unit predicts a future power consumption amount in a device connected to the specific network based on the history information.   3. The power monitoring network system according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit executes a simulation for calculating a power consumption based on a priority set in advance in a use condition of the device. When the device connected to the specific network includes OA (office automation) equipment,
The said simulation means calculates the power consumption when the power-off state of the OA device or the transition state to the energy saving mode of the OA device is set as a use condition of the device. The power monitoring network system according to claim 2 or 3. When an image forming apparatus is included in an apparatus connected to the specific network,
5. The simulation unit according to claim 1, wherein the simulation unit calculates a power consumption when an image forming operation mode is set as a use condition of the apparatus. Power monitoring network system. When the device connected to the specific network includes an air conditioner,
The said simulation means calculates the power consumption when the operation time of the said air conditioner or the control temperature of the said air conditioner is set as a use condition of the said apparatus. The power monitoring network system according to any one of claims. When a device connected to the specific network includes a lighting device,
The said simulation means calculates the power consumption when the lighting time of the said illuminating device or the illumination brightness | luminance of the said illuminating device is set as a use condition of the said device. The power monitoring network system according to any one of claims. Entry / exit information acquisition means for acquiring entry / exit information from an entry / exit management device that manages information of persons entering / exiting an area where devices connected to the specific network are disposed;
First analysis means for analyzing a relationship between the entry / exit information and operation information of a device connected to the specific network;
With
The said simulation means performs the simulation which calculates the power consumption when changing the use condition of the said apparatus based on the analysis result by the said 1st analysis means, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The power monitoring network system according to claim 7. Detection information acquisition means for acquiring detection information of an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a human body sensor provided in an area where a device connected to the specific network is disposed;
Second analysis means for analyzing a relationship between the detection information and operation information of a device connected to the specific network;
With
The said simulation means performs the simulation which calculates the power consumption when changing the use condition of the said apparatus based on the analysis result by the said 2nd analysis means, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The power monitoring network system according to claim 8.   10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display at least one of the history information, a use condition of the device, and a simulation result by the simulation unit. The power monitoring network system according to claim.   11. The power monitoring according to claim 1, further comprising warning means for displaying a warning when it is determined that the predicted power amount is larger than the maximum power amount. Network system.   The power monitoring network system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a maximum power amount acquisition unit configured to acquire the maximum power amount from an external device.   2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a device subjected to operation control of a calculation result of the simulation unit or a determination result of the determination unit before the operation is controlled by the control unit. The power monitoring network system according to claim 12. A control method for a power monitoring network system used in a power monitoring network system for managing and controlling the operation of the device so that the power consumption in a device connected to a specific network does not exceed a preset maximum power amount. There,
A first step of predicting future power consumption in a device connected to the specific network;
A second step of comparing the predicted power consumption predicted by the first step with the maximum power;
A third step of executing a simulation for calculating a power consumption amount when a use condition of the device is changed when it is determined that the predicted power amount is larger than the maximum power amount;
A fourth step of determining, based on the calculation result of the third step, a usage condition of the device that does not exceed the maximum power consumption in a device connected to the specific network;
A fifth step of controlling the operation of the device connected to the specific network based on the determination result of the fourth step;
A method for controlling a power monitoring network system, comprising:

Images