JP2008182840A - Power control system and program, and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power control system for stably managing the electric energy used which changed dynamically, and to provide a power control program and an image processor. <P>SOLUTION: The power control system comprises a means (power control section 204) for calculating the electric energy required for an operation corresponding to an operation request when it is received by an electric apparatus through a communication means (power line L1), a means (power control section 204) for inquiring a wattmeter measuring the electric energy used about at least one of the maximum available power and the current electric energy used through a communication means, and a means (power control section 204) for judging the operability of the electric apparatus based on the calculation results and the inquiry results. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power control system, a power control program, and an image processing apparatus.

  In general homes and small offices, if the total power consumption of all electrical devices connected to the same power line outlet exceeds the rated power, the power breaker (breaker) is activated immediately. All the power is forcibly cut off.

  For example, in general households, when power is supplied indoors through a switchboard equipped with a breaker and the amount of power consumed by various electrical devices exceeds the rated capacity, the breaker detects power line overcurrent and shuts off the power. It is like that.

  By the way, in the case of personal computers and communication devices among electrical devices, if power is cut off during operation, data may be lost, or initial settings may be required again at the next start-up. It took time.

As a measure for solving this problem, for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-306195 has been proposed. In this technology, in a power saving mode control device that controls switching of operation modes of an electric device having a power saving mode function, the power consumption for each operation mode of a plurality of electric devices connected to the same power source, A storage device for storing the priority, the current operation mode of each electric device and the capacity of the power supply, and the operation mode information of the electric device connected to the network and stored in the storage device from the network; The operation mode information is stored in the storage device, and based on the information stored in the storage device, the operation mode of the electrical device is set so that the total power consumption of the plurality of electrical devices does not exceed the capacity of the power source. A main controller that performs switching control is provided.
JP 2001-306195 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a power control system, a power control program, and an image processing apparatus capable of stably managing dynamically changing power usage.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the power control system according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a power amount and a time required for an operation corresponding to the operation request when the electric device receives the operation request via the communication unit. Calculation means for calculating, inquiry means for inquiring at least one of the maximum power that can be used via the communication means and the current power consumption to the power meter that measures the power consumption, the calculation result, and the inquiry result And an operation determining means for determining whether or not the electric device can operate based on the above.

  The power control system according to a second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the communication means is constituted by power line communication means for transmitting and receiving information using a power line as a communication line.

  The power control system according to the invention of claim 3 confirms the state of another electrical device via the communication unit when the operation determining unit determines that the amount of power for operating the electrical device is insufficient. The apparatus further comprises a state confirmation means for performing the above.

  In the power control system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the state confirmation unit can reduce the amount of power that can be reduced via the communication unit and the power control unit included in the other electric device that can be connected. It is characterized by checking the correct time.

  In addition, the power control system according to the invention of claim 5 further includes a power amount totaling unit that totals each power amount that can be reduced by other electrical devices confirmed by the state confirmation unit, and the operation determination unit includes: It is determined whether or not the electric device can be operated based on the total amount of electric energy and the time when the electric power can be reduced.

  The power control system according to the invention of claim 6 provides the communication means to each power control means of the other electric device when the operation determining means determines that the operation of the electric device is possible. And a power reduction requesting means for actually requesting reduction of power consumption.

  The power control system according to the invention of claim 7 confirms the power reduction status to the wattmeter via the communication unit when the operation determination unit determines that the operation of the electrical device is possible. And when the confirmation result is suitable for the operating condition of the electric device, the apparatus further includes an operation executing means for executing the operation.

  In the power control system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the operation executing means is configured to send each power control means of the other electric device via the communication means when the operation of the electric device is completed. Notification of cancellation of power reduction is provided.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the other electric devices includes a set time starting unit that starts at a set time, and the power control unit is checked by the state checking unit. The scheduled use time set by the set time activation unit and the scheduled use power amount during operation are notified, and the operation determination unit includes the scheduled use time and the planned use power amount. It is characterized by determining whether or not the device can be used.

  The power control system according to the invention of claim 10 is characterized in that the power line communication means maintains a communicable state in a state where the electric device does not execute an operation corresponding to the operation request.

  The power control system according to the invention of claim 11 is characterized in that the electrical device is constituted by an image processing device.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power control program for calculating, when an electrical device receives an operation request via a communication unit, an amount of electric power and time required for an operation corresponding to the operation request. , An inquiry process for inquiring a power meter that measures the amount of power used, the maximum power that can be used via the communication means and the current amount of power used, and based on the calculation result and the inquiry result, An operation determination process for determining whether or not an operation is possible is executed by an arithmetic processing unit.

  A power control program according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is a state confirmation process for confirming a state of another electrical device when it is determined by the operation determination process that the amount of power is insufficient to operate the electrical device. Is further provided.

  In the power control program according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the state confirmation step confirms a power amount that can be reduced and a time when the power can be reduced, with respect to a power control means provided in the other electric device that can be connected. It is characterized by that.

  The power control program according to the invention of claim 15 further includes a power amount totaling process for totaling each power amount that can be reduced by other electrical devices confirmed by the state confirmation process, and the operation determination process includes: Whether or not the electric device can be operated is determined based on the total amount of electric energy and the time when the electric power can be reduced.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power control program that actually uses power for each power control means of the other electric device when it is determined that the operation of the electric device is possible in the operation determination process. The method further includes a power reduction requesting process for requesting a reduction in power consumption. In addition, the power control program according to the invention of claim 17 confirms a power reduction status in the power meter when the operation determination process determines that the operation of the electric device is possible, and the confirmation result indicates the electric device. The method further includes an operation execution process for executing the operation when the operation condition is satisfied.

  In the power control program according to the invention of claim 18, in the operation execution process, when the operation of the electric device is finished, the cancellation of the power reduction is notified to each power control means of the other electric device. It is characterized by doing.

  The power control program according to the invention of claim 19 further includes a set time start process for starting the electrical device at a set time, and when the confirmation by the state check process is received, the power control program is set in the set time start process. The scheduled use time and the scheduled use energy amount at the time of operation are notified, and the operation determination process determines whether or not the electric device can be used including the scheduled use time and the planned use power amount. .

  An image processing apparatus according to a twentieth aspect of the invention, when receiving an operation request via a communication unit, a calculation unit that calculates an amount of power and time required for an operation corresponding to the operation request, Inquiry means for inquiring a wattmeter that measures the amount of maximum power that can be used via the communication means and the current power consumption, and an operation that determines whether the operation is possible based on the calculation result and the inquiry result And determining means.

  The image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 21 is characterized in that the communication means comprises power line communication means for transmitting and receiving information using a power line as a communication line.

  An image processing apparatus according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention is the state check for checking the state of another electrical device via the communication unit when the operation determining unit determines that the amount of power to be operated is insufficient. The apparatus further comprises means.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 23, the state confirmation unit can reduce the amount of power that can be reduced with respect to the power control unit provided in the other electric device that can be connected via the communication unit. It is characterized by checking when it is possible.

  The image processing apparatus according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention further includes a power amount totaling unit that totals each power amount that can be reduced by the other electrical equipment confirmed by the state confirmation unit, and the operation determination unit includes: It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the operation is possible based on the total result of the electric energy and the time when the power can be reduced.

  An image processing apparatus according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is configured so that when the operation determining unit determines that the operation is possible, the image processing apparatus is actually connected to each power control unit of the other electric device via the communication unit. It further comprises power reduction request means for requesting reduction of power consumption.

  An image processing apparatus according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the invention confirms a power reduction status to the wattmeter via the communication unit when the operation determination unit determines that the operation is possible, and confirms the result. The apparatus further includes an operation executing means for executing an operation when the condition satisfies an operation condition.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, when the operation is completed, the operation execution unit cancels power reduction via the communication unit with respect to each power control unit of the other electrical device. It is characterized by notifying.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 28, at least one of the other electric devices includes a set time starting means for starting at a set time, and the power control means is confirmed by the state confirming means. The scheduled use time set by the set time activation unit and the scheduled use power amount during operation are notified, and the operation determination unit includes the scheduled use time and the planned use power amount. It is characterized by determining whether or not the device can be used.

  The image processing apparatus according to claim 29 is characterized in that the power line communication means maintains a communicable state in a state where the operation corresponding to the operation request is not executed.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to manage the amount of power that changes dynamically as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, and work such as priority setting by the user. There is an excellent effect that the control is not required and the control itself can be simplified.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 2, there is an effect that it is not necessary to install a new communication cable and a system can be easily constructed as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, by using the power line, it is possible to cope with an electric device having no general network function.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 3, it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount by grasping the state of other electrical equipment as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. There is an effect that can be.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, by grasping the amount of electric power that can be reduced and the time when the electric power can be reduced, the electric energy that changes dynamically can be obtained. There is an effect that it can be managed.

  In addition, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 6, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 7, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 8, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 9, even when an electrical device activated at a set time by a timer is connected, as compared with a case where the present configuration is not provided, There is an effect that it is possible to manage the amount of power that changes.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 10, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the amount of power that dynamically changes even in the standby state of the electric device, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. .

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 11, it is possible to manage the amount of power that dynamically changes even when the image processing apparatus is included in the electrical device, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. There is an effect.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 12, it is possible to manage the amount of power that dynamically changes compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, and work such as priority setting by the user. There is an excellent effect that the control is not required and the control itself can be simplified.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 13, it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount by grasping the state of other electrical equipment as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the invention described in claim 14, the amount of power that dynamically changes can be obtained by grasping the amount of power that can be reduced and the time when it can be reduced, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. There is an effect that it can be managed.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 15, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 16, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to manage a dynamically changing electric energy as compared with a case where the present configuration is not provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 18, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 19, even when an electric device that is activated at a set time by a timer is connected as compared with a case where the present configuration is not provided, There is an effect that it is possible to manage the amount of power that changes.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 20, it is possible to manage the amount of power that changes dynamically as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, and work such as priority setting by the user can be performed. There is an excellent effect that it becomes unnecessary and the control itself can be simplified.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 21, there is an effect that it is not necessary to install a new communication cable and a system can be easily constructed as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, it is possible to cope with an image processing apparatus having no general network function by using a power line.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 22, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the power usage amount that dynamically changes can be managed by grasping the state of other electrical devices. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the invention described in claim 23, the amount of power that dynamically changes can be obtained by grasping the amount of electric power that can be reduced and the time when it can be reduced, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. There is an effect that it can be managed.

  According to the 24th aspect of the invention, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 25, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 26, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 27, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing electric energy as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 28, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided, even when an electrical device activated at a set time by a timer is connected, it is dynamically changed. There is an effect that it is possible to manage the amount of power that changes.

  According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the amount of power that dynamically changes even in the standby state of the image processing apparatus can be managed as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. is there.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power control system S1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power line communication control unit inside the printer in the embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of power control processing performed on the printer side of the power control system S1. FIG. 4 is a table (a) and graph (b) showing examples of power amount and time required for the printing operation. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of response processing of an electric device, FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of power consumption of a composite electric device, and FIG. Is a graph showing an example of power consumption of the printer.

  First, in FIG. 1 showing the overall configuration of the power control system S1, a communicable power meter 150, various electrical devices 101 to 105, a printer PR as an image forming apparatus, and a host computer PC connect an indoor power line L1. Connected by power line communication.

  The wattmeter 150 receives power supply from the outside via the power line L2 and supplies power indoors.

  Here, it is assumed that the electrical devices 101 to 105 are so-called digital home appliances such as a composite image processing apparatus (including a copy function, a print function, a scan function, a facsimile function, etc.) compatible with power line communication, an air conditioner, and a refrigerator. Is done.

  In the present embodiment, the electric device 105 includes a start timer (set time start means) and has a function of starting at a set time.

  In the present embodiment, the electric devices 101 and 102, the printer PR, and the host computer PC are installed in the office 300 (shown by a one-dot chain line), and the other electric devices 103 to 105 and the wattmeter 150 are set in the office 300. It shall be installed outside.

  The power meter 150 receives power information (rated maximum power, current power consumption, power saving mode on / off status, etc.) in response to an inquiry from each of the electric devices 101 to 105 through power line communication via the power line L1. Send back.

  The wattmeter 150 also functions as a breaker (power breaker) when the current power consumption becomes larger than the rated maximum power.

  The host computer PC outputs print information (print job) to the printer PR. The printer PR receives a print job input from the host computer PC and prints on the printing paper.

  Here, power line communication will be described.

  Power line communication is a technology that uses a 100 V (50/60 Hz) power line as a communication line, and an electrical outlet (PLC modem (power line communication modem), PLC (Power Line Communications modem) card (power line communication card) ) Or PCL board (power line communication board)) by connecting an electrical device such as a personal computer or a printer, a high frequency signal (4 MHz to 28 MHz) is superimposed on the power line, and the power line is used as a transmission path to several Mbps to several hundred Mbps. Data communication.

  The power line communication modem has a function of extracting only digital data from the power line, sending the data to various electric devices, and sending information from the various electric devices to the power line.

  Since electrical wiring is stretched around houses and offices, it has the advantage of being able to easily build a local communication network without laying new cables. In addition, the distribution network of the electric power company can be used as it is as a communication infrastructure, and an Internet connection service is also possible.

  The power saving mode in the present embodiment will be described.

  The on state of the power saving mode is a state where other electric devices 101 to 105 inside and outside the office 300 and the electric devices inside and outside the office 300 are requested to reduce power consumption in order for the host computer PC to operate. . If the power consumption further increases from this state (electric device activation), there is a risk that the breaker will fall. For this reason, the printer PR continues in a standby state until the power saving mode is turned off.

  Next, the configuration of the power line communication control unit inside the printer PR will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the power line communication control unit is composed of a PLC board (power line communication board) 200 and is connected to the main board MB that controls the printer PR, and exchanges control information and the like and supplies power to the main board MB. Alternatively, a block is performed.

  Although not particularly limited, the PLC board 200 is a power that supplies power to the main board MB via the switch 201 that energizes and cuts off the power from the power line L1, the PLC board 200 itself, and the power line L3. The power supply unit 202 includes a supply unit 202, a coupler unit 203 that passes communication data to the communication line L 4, and a power control unit 204 that is configured by a microcomputer and performs power control.

  The power control unit 204 also serves as a calculation unit, an inquiry unit, an operation determination unit, a state confirmation unit, a power amount totaling unit, a power reduction request unit, an operation execution unit, and the like.

  When the switch 201 is turned on, the power supply unit 202 supplies power to the PLC board 200 itself. When energization is started, the power control unit 204 can communicate with the outside of the printer PR through the coupler unit 203.

  The coupler unit 203 exchanges communication signals with the power line (also used as a communication line) L1. Upon receiving a print request from the host computer PC, the power control unit 204 that can communicate with the outside calculates an operation power amount and time required for an operation corresponding to the request, and a power meter and peripheral electrical devices Inquiries to 101-105 are made.

  The circuit breaker 205 is controlled by the power control unit 204 when a necessary power capacity can be secured and starts supplying power to the main board MB. The main board MB warms up by receiving power supply, receives print data from the host computer PC via the power control unit 204, executes image processing for the printer on the print data, and prints on the print paper Will be performed.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3, a processing procedure of power control processing performed on the printer side in the power control system S1 having the above configuration will be described.

  When the power control process is started, first, when the switch 201 is turned on in step S100, power supply to the PLC board 200 itself is started via the power supply unit 202. As a result, the PLC board 200 receives power supply and can communicate with the power control unit 204 and the outside of the printer PR. Note that power is not supplied to the main board MB with the circuit breaker 205 in a cut-off state. In this state, a wait state is awaited for a print request from the host computer PC.

  Next, when the power control unit 204 in the wait state receives a print request (color or monochrome, image quality, number of copies, number of copies, print data size, etc.) from the host computer PC in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the power control unit 204 calculates the amount of power and time required for the requested print based on the received information, and proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the power control unit 204 makes an inquiry about power information (rated maximum power, current power consumption, power saving mode on / off status, etc.) to the power meter 150 using power line communication, and proceeds to step S104. To do.

  In step S104, it is determined whether or not the answered power saving mode is in the on state. If it is determined that the power saving mode is in the on state, the process proceeds to step S113, and the inquiry to the wattmeter has been executed a specified number of times. It is determined whether or not. If the determination result is “No”, the process returns to step S103 and the inquiry is continued until the power saving mode is turned off. If the determination result in step S113 is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S116, and the power control unit 204 notifies the host computer PC that the requested print cannot be executed due to insufficient power and is processed. Exit.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the power saving mode answered is OFF, the process proceeds to step S105 to determine whether there is power necessary for printing. More specifically, the amount of power that can be used is calculated from the rated power capacity and the current power consumption, and the amount of power required for the printing operation requested from the host computer PC is compared with the amount of usable power for determination. .

  When the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S114, and when the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the power control unit 204 controls the circuit breaker 205 to start supplying power to the main board MB, and the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, upon receiving power supply, the main board MB initializes (warms up) the entire printer other than the PLC board 200, and then proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, after the initialization is completed, the main board MB communicates with the host computer PC via the power control unit 204 and the power line L1, receives data necessary for printing, and then proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the main board MB performs processing necessary for printing on the received data and then prints on the printing paper. After the printing is completed, the main board MB requests the host computer PC and the power control unit 204 to print. After the completion notification is made, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the power control unit 204 receives the completion notification and controls the circuit breaker 205 to stop the power supply to the main board MB. The process proceeds to step S111, and the power control unit 204 requests the power reduction. If there is, notify the cancellation of the request. In addition, when the power control unit 204 has notified the power meter 150 that the power saving mode is on, the power control unit 204 notifies the power saving mode of off and ends the processing.

  On the other hand, if “No” is determined in step S105 and the process proceeds to step S114, the power control unit 204 inquires about the presence of the electrical equipment inside and outside the office 300 connected to the power line L1 through the power line communication a predetermined number of times. It is determined whether it has been executed. If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S117, and the power control unit 204 inquires about the presence of peripheral electrical devices by power line communication, and proceeds to step S118.

  In step S118, the power control unit 204 inquires about the electric power capacity and the period that can be reduced to the electric device whose existence has been confirmed, and totals the answer results from the electric device inquired in step S119. At the time of counting, the reservation operation by a timer or the like is incorporated in the calculation as a reduction capacity of a minus element.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S120, and the aggregation result is determined whether or not a sufficient power capacity and period necessary for the printing operation can be secured. If the determination result is “No”, the process returns to step S114, and if the loop for returning to the existence inquiry is executed a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S115 as the power is insufficient, and the process proceeds to a flow for stopping the printing operation. To do.

In step S115, the power control unit 204 notifies the cancellation of the request when there is an electrical device that has requested power reduction. Also,
If the power control unit 204 has notified the power meter 150 that the power saving mode is on, the power control unit 204 notifies that the power saving mode is off, and proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the power control unit 204 notifies the host computer PC that has transmitted the print request that the request could not be executed due to insufficient power, and ends the flow. The user receives a notification to the host computer PC, and turns off the power switch of the electrical device with a lower priority by the user.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the power capacity and period necessary for the printing process can be secured based on the result of inquiry to other electrical devices in step S120, the process goes to step S121 and the power control unit 204 determines the power meter. 150 is notified of the power-saving mode being turned on and its duration, and the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, a request to reduce power consumption (including the reduction period) is made to another electrical device that has answered that it can be reduced, waits for the reduction to be completed, then returns to step S103, and the wattmeter 150 receives the rated power capacity. Return to the flow part for inquiring about the current power consumption and the power saving mode.

  Next, with reference to the table (a) and the graph (b) in FIG. 4, how to calculate the amount of power and time required for the printing operation will be described.

  In the table (a) of FIG. 4, the amount of power in the mode in which the PLC board is on is W0, the amount of power in the mode in which the PLC board and the main board are on is W1, the time is T1, and the amount of power in the initialization mode is W2. Is T2, the power amount in the color image quality mode is W3-1, the time is T3-1, the power amount in the color speed mode is W3-2, the time is T3-2, and the power amount in the monochrome image quality mode is W3-3. The time is T3-3, the power amount in the monochrome speed mode is W3-4, the time is T3-4, the power amount in the end process is W4, and the time is T4.

  In the power control process of FIG. 3, when there is a print request (setting values such as color / monochrome, image quality, number of copies, number of copies, etc.), necessary power and time are calculated.

  When the printer PR is shipped from the factory, when the PLC board 200 and the main board MB are initialized, the power of the termination process and the required time are recorded in advance in the storage unit of the microcomputer constituting the power control unit 204 for each print mode. A necessary amount of power is calculated from the parameters and the contents of the print request.

  The required amount of power is the maximum of each operating power (PLC board + main board ON (W1), initialization (W2), and printing operation for each mode (W3-X: X is the number of printed sheets) (MAX This is calculated by subtracting the power (W0) of the PLC board that has already been consumed from (W1, W2, W3-X).

  Required power (W) = (MAX (W1, W2, W3-X) -W0)

  In addition, the required time is required for each operating power (PLC board + main board ON (T1) and initialization (T2) plus printing operation for each mode (T3-X: X is the number of prints)) It is calculated by the following equation, which is obtained by adding a final time (T3−X) × the number of copies × the number of copies) obtained by multiplying the print time (the number of copies × the number of copies) and the end processing (T4).

  Time required (T) = (T1 + T2 + ((T3-X) × number of copies × number of copies) + T4)

  Next, with reference to a graph showing an example of a total of the reducible power and the reducible time in FIG. 5, a method for calculating the reduced power amount and period from the electric device and determining whether or not to operate is described.

  The power control unit 204 totals the amount and period that can be reduced from the electrical device, the power up by the timer, and the power down due to the end of the operation of the peripheral device as the reducible power and the reducible time as in the aggregation examples 1 and 2 shown in FIG. .

  Then, a reduction target time (T × (1 + A)) obtained by multiplying the required time (T) calculated in advance by a certain margin (A), current available power (rated power Wmax−current power consumption Wcurrent) And a reduction target power obtained by multiplying the required power Wneed by a certain margin (B) ((Wneed− (Wmax−Wcurrent)) × (1 + B)) to determine whether a sufficient period and power can be secured.

  For example, if there is power that can be reduced more than the reduction target power ((Wneed− (Wmax−Wcurrent)) × (1 + B)) during the reduction target time (T × (1 + A), as in the total example 1, sufficient Judge that the period and power were secured.

  On the other hand, when the reduction target power ((Wneed− (Wmax−Wcurrent)) × (1 + B)) or less can be reduced as in the case of aggregation example 2, it is determined that a sufficient period and power cannot be secured.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the processing procedure of the response process of the electric device when the electric device receives an inquiry about whether or not the power saving can be reduced will be described.

  When this response process is started, first, in step S200, the electric devices 101 to 105 receive an inquiry about the power-reducible capacity and period, and the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S201, it is determined whether or not the electric device itself has a function to be activated by a timer and is currently reserved for operation.

  Note that in this embodiment, only the electric device 105 has a built-in start timer.

  If it is determined that the reservation is in progress, the process proceeds to step S202, and the power when the reservation operation is started, the time until the reservation is started, and the period of the reservation operation are returned within a range where the response can be made ( However, information indicating that the reply will continue is added to notify that the information will continue.) After replying, the process proceeds to step S203.

  If it is determined in step S201 that the reservation is not being made or the timer function is not provided, the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S203, it is determined whether all the functions of the electrical device are operating.

  For example, it is determined whether or not all functions such as printing, scanning, and facsimile are operating in the composite electric apparatus 101. If it is determined that everything is in operation, the process proceeds to step S204, and a reply that further power reduction is impossible is possible (however, the operation end time is found by any function). If it is, the process is terminated after a reply including the time until the end of the operation and information on the power that can be reduced by the end).

  If it is determined in step S203 that all functions are not operating, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, it is determined whether or not the electric device has a function of stopping power supply to a partially unused function. For example, in the composite electric apparatus 101, the facsimile function must always be powered on, but the power supply can be stopped when the functions such as the print function and the scan function are not used. Therefore, it is determined whether there is a means for stopping the power supply to these functions.

If it is determined that there is a means for stopping the power supply to some functions, the process proceeds to step S206, and it is possible to stop the power supply to unused functions and reply that it can be partially reduced ( However,
If the operation end time of the function being operated is known, the process ends after returning the time including the time until the operation ends and the power information that can be further reduced by the end.

  If it is determined in step S205 that there is no means for stopping power supply to some functions, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, although it is assumed that the electrical device is currently on standby, it is determined whether or not it is possible to shift to a further low power consumption mode. For example, from the state in which power is supplied to the whole so that the operation can be started immediately upon receiving an operation request in the composite electric device 101, the operation is started from a portion other than the portion related to the operation start (facsimile reception, print job reception, etc.) It is determined whether or not a transition is made to an operation standby mode in which all the supplied power is reduced.

  And when the transition to the further low power consumption mode is possible, it transfers to step S208, returns the electric energy which can be reduced, complete | finishes a process, and when it determines with already being in the low power consumption mode In step S209, a message that further reduction is impossible is returned, and the process ends.

  Next, the operation at the time of inquiring about the presence confirmation of the electric device will be described.

  In response to confirmation of the connection status via the power line communication from the printer PR, if a function corresponding to the present embodiment is installed, a reply is made, and if not, a reply is not made. Since electric devices that cannot perform power line communication and electric devices that do not respond to inquiries regarding this power reduction do not reply, the power control according to the present embodiment can be used even in environments where compatible or incompatible electric devices are mixed. The system can be applied.

  Next, the operation at the time of requesting power reduction of an electric device will be described.

  The power reduction operation in the power control process of FIG. 6 is continued until a cancel notification is received from the printer PR and the wattmeter 150. Even if the electrical device itself receives a processing request or the like during this period, the operation does not start. However, the operation reserved by the timer starts the set operation when the activation time comes.

  Next, the operation of the power meter will be described.

  The wattmeter 150 returns power information (rated maximum power, current power consumption of the entire office 300, on / off status of the power saving mode) in response to an inquiry from the electric device. In addition, when the power saving mode is turned on, it is periodically checked by power line communication whether the printer (electrical device) is operating. When the printer PR is in a state where the operation cannot be confirmed from the wattmeter 150 due to power interruption or the like, the power saving mode is turned off on the wattmeter 150 side. At the same time, the power line L1 is notified of the end of the power saving mode to the surrounding electrical devices. The electrical device that receives the notification restores power and avoids deadlock in the power saving mode.

  Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of power consumption of the composite electric apparatus. That is, the power supply is turned off in the order of power consumption <PLC board power is turned on <PLC board + main board power on.

  Thereafter, the power consumption of the functions (printing, scanning, facsimile reception / transmission, etc.) operating simultaneously is added.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of power consumption of the printer. That is, when power is turned off in order of increasing power consumption <only when the PLC board is powered on <PLC board + main board power is turned on <printing data reception <low speed printing <high speed printing. Note that the power varies depending on the printing speed because the power consumption varies depending on the temperature of the heater or the like.

  According to the power control system according to the above-described embodiment, the power line communication is used without providing a dedicated power saving mode control device, so that it can be connected to the network only by local connection such as IEEE1284 or USB. Even printers that have not been connected can be easily connected.

  Furthermore, it is possible to expand the electrical equipment that has not been connected to the conventional network.

  Further, by controlling so that the electrical device that is to start the operation does not exceed the power capacity, the priority setting by the user becomes unnecessary, and the convenience can be improved.

  In addition, it is possible to perform power control even in an environment where compatible or non-compatible devices are mixed by inquiring the situation to surrounding electric devices and answering only the corresponding electric devices.

  Furthermore, power control can be performed even when an electrical device of a type that is activated by timer setting is connected.

  Further, by not particularly managing the operation mode and the power supply capacity of the electric device, the size and data amount of the control program can be reduced, and the storage capacity of the control unit can be reduced.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limited to the disclosed technology. Should not be considered. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications that fall within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.

  For example, although the present embodiment has been described as an operation with respect to the rated maximum power, when the same control is performed by changing the amount of power to a value lower than the rated maximum power, it is possible to save energy in the entire office.

  When using the program in the power control system according to the present invention, it can be provided via a network or stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  The power control system according to the present invention can be applied to a system in which a printer such as a laser printer, a full color printer, an ink jet printer, a fax machine or the like is connected in addition to a general home appliance such as an air conditioner having a communication function.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of electric power control system S1. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power line communication control unit inside the printer according to the embodiment. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the power control process performed by the printer side of power control system S1 which concerns on embodiment. It is the table | surface (a) and graph (b) which show the example of the electric energy required for printing operation, and time. It is a graph which shows the example of totalization of the reduction | restorable electric power and reduction | restoration time of an electric equipment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the response process of an electric equipment. It is a graph which shows the example of the power consumption of a composite type electric equipment. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of power consumption of a printer.

Explanation of symbols

S1 Power control system PR Printer (image forming device)
PC host computers 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 Electric equipment 150 Wattmeter 200 PLC board (power line communication board: power line communication means)
201 Switch 202 Power supply unit 203 Combiner unit 204 Power control unit (calculation unit, inquiry unit, operation determination unit, state confirmation unit, power amount totaling unit, power reduction request unit, operation execution unit)
205 Circuit breaker 300 Office L1, L2, L3 Power line L4 Communication line MB Main board (operation execution means)

Claims (29)

When the electrical device receives the operation request via the communication unit, a calculation unit that calculates the amount of power and time required for the operation corresponding to the operation request;
Inquiry means for inquiring at least one of the maximum power and the current power consumption that can be used via the communication means to a power meter that measures the power consumption;
An operation determining means for determining whether or not the electric device can be operated based on the calculation result and the inquiry result;
A power control system comprising:   The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit includes a power line communication unit that transmits and receives information using a power line as a communication line.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a state confirmation unit that confirms a state of another electrical device via the communication unit when the operation determination unit determines that the amount of power for operating the electrical device is insufficient. The power control system according to claim 1 or 2.   2. The state confirmation unit confirms the amount of power that can be reduced and the time when the state can be reduced through the communication unit with respect to a power control unit included in the other electric device that can be connected. The power control system according to claim 3. Further comprising a power amount totaling means for totalizing each power amount that can be reduced by the other electrical equipment confirmed by the state confirmation means,
5. The power control system according to claim 4, wherein the operation determination unit determines whether or not the electric device can be operated based on a total amount of power and a time when the electric power can be reduced.   A power reduction request for actually requesting reduction of power consumption via the communication means to each power control means of the other electrical equipment when the operation judging means judges that the operation of the electrical equipment is possible The power control system according to claim 5, further comprising means.   When it is determined by the operation determination means that the operation of the electric device is possible, the power meter confirms the power reduction status via the communication means with respect to the power meter, and the confirmation result matches the operation condition of the electric device. The power control system according to claim 6, further comprising operation execution means for executing an operation in some cases.   The operation execution means notifies the cancellation of power reduction via the communication means to each power control means of the other electric equipment when the operation of the electric equipment is finished. 8. The power control system according to 7. At least one of the other electric devices includes a set time starting unit that starts at a set time,
The power control means, when receiving confirmation by the state confirmation means, notifies the scheduled use time set by the set time activation means and the scheduled use power amount during operation,
The power control system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the operation determination unit determines whether or not the electric device can be used, including the scheduled use time and the scheduled use power amount.   The power control system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the power line communication unit maintains a communicable state in a state where the electric device does not execute an operation corresponding to the operation request. .   The power control system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the electrical device includes an image processing device. When the electrical device receives the operation request via the communication means, a calculation process for calculating the amount of power and time required for the operation corresponding to the operation request;
An inquiry process for inquiring a power meter that measures the amount of power used, the maximum power that can be used via the communication means and the current amount of power used;
An operation determination process for determining whether or not the electric device can operate based on the calculation result and the inquiry result;
A power control program characterized by causing an arithmetic processing means to execute.   The method according to claim 12, further comprising a state confirmation step of confirming a state of another electrical device when it is determined that the amount of electric power is insufficient to operate the electrical device in the operation determination step. Power control program.   14. The power control program according to claim 13, wherein the state confirmation step confirms a reducible power amount and a reducible timing with respect to a power control unit included in the other connectable electrical device. . Further comprising a power amount totaling step of totaling each reducible power amount of other electrical equipment confirmed by the state confirmation step,
15. The power control program according to claim 14, wherein the operation determination process determines whether or not the electric device can be operated based on a total amount of electric power and the time when the electric power can be reduced.   A power reduction request process for requesting each power control means of the other electrical equipment to actually reduce the power consumption when it is determined that the operation of the electrical equipment is possible in the operation determination process; The power control program according to claim 15, wherein   When it is determined that the operation of the electrical device is possible in the operation determination process, the power meter confirms the power reduction status, and the operation is performed when the confirmation result matches the operation condition of the electrical device. The power control program according to claim 16, further comprising an execution process.   18. The power control according to claim 17, wherein, in the operation execution process, when the operation of the electric device is completed, the cancellation of the power reduction is notified to each power control unit of the other electric device. program. It further comprises a set time start process for starting the electrical device at the set time,
When receiving confirmation by the state confirmation process, the scheduled use time set in the set time activation process and the scheduled use energy amount during operation are notified,
The power control program according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the operation determination step determines whether or not the electric device can be used, including the scheduled use time and the scheduled use power amount. Calculating means for calculating the amount of power and time required for the operation corresponding to the operation request when receiving the operation request via the communication means;
Inquiry means for inquiring the maximum power that can be used via the communication means and the current power consumption to a power meter that measures the power consumption;
Action determining means for determining whether or not an action is possible based on the calculation result and the inquiry result;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The image processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the communication unit includes a power line communication unit that transmits and receives information using a power line as a communication line.   21. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a state confirmation unit that confirms a state of another electrical device via the communication unit when the operation determination unit determines that the amount of power to be operated is insufficient. Item 22. The image processing device according to any one of Items 21 to 24.   23. The state confirmation unit confirms a reducible power amount and a reducible timing with respect to a power control unit included in the other electric device connectable via the communication unit. An image processing apparatus according to 1. Further comprising a power amount totaling means for totalizing each power amount that can be reduced by the other electrical equipment confirmed by the state confirmation means,
24. The image processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the operation determination unit determines whether or not the operation is possible based on a result of counting the electric energy and the time when the power can be reduced.   When the operation determining means determines that the operation is possible, the apparatus further includes a power reduction requesting means that actually requests the power control means of the other electric device to reduce the power consumption via the communication means. 25. The image processing apparatus according to claim 24.   When the operation determining means determines that the operation is possible, the power meter confirms the power reduction status via the communication means with respect to the power meter, and the operation is executed when the confirmation result matches the operating condition. The image processing apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising execution means.   27. The operation according to claim 26, wherein when the operation is completed, the operation execution unit notifies each power control unit of the other electrical device of the cancellation of the power reduction via the communication unit. Image processing device. At least one of the other electric devices includes a set time starting unit that starts at a set time,
The power control means, when receiving confirmation by the state confirmation means, notifies the scheduled use time set by the set time activation means and the scheduled use power amount during operation,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the operation determination unit determines whether or not the electric device can be used, including the scheduled use time and the scheduled use electric energy.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the power line communication unit maintains a communicable state in a state where the operation corresponding to the operation request is not executed.

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