JP2012008912A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system for raising a user's awareness of ecology and contributing to reduction of CO2 emissions by specifically displaying power consumed by the user's action and its CO2 conversion value for every user.SOLUTION: In the printing system where host equipment and a printer are connected via a network, the printer has: calculating means for calculating power consumption per page of print data transmitted by a user for every user on the basis of the print data transmitted by the host equipment; storage means for storing a calculation result, a user's name, and data of the number of printed pages; and transmission means for transmitting data stored in the storage means to the host equipment. The host equipment has totalization means for calculating and totalizing power consumption and information on the number of printed pages for every user on the basis of the data transmitted from the printer, and display means for displaying a totalization result.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that takes into account the global environment and records the usage status of an apparatus related to ecology as log information.

  Today, the preservation of the global environment is screamed worldwide, and emission regulations for greenhouse gases such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) are being realized, centered on the Global Warming Prevention Conference. Under such circumstances, efforts are being made to cope with CO2 reduction for printing apparatuses, and related patent applications have been filed.

  At the same time, the user himself / herself cooperates with the reduction of greenhouse gas, and the activity to offset (offset) the CO2 (carbon) emitted by the user's own activity is also increasing. In such a situation, it is meaningful to make the user more aware of greenhouse gas reduction.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a recommended mode for reducing CO2 emission by converting the consumption of consumables consumed in the image forming apparatus for the same period as the amount of power consumed by using the image forming apparatus for a certain period to CO2. This is an invention that suggests improvement prediction of CO2 emission to the user.

No. 2002-006696

  However, it seems that the recommendation of the recommended mode for reducing CO2 emissions and the suggestion of the improvement prediction of CO2 emissions are also effective, but in order to raise the awareness of greenhouse gas reduction to users, It is effective to specifically display the reduction amount of greenhouse gas emitted by one's own activity, that is, the amount of power consumed by one's own activity and the CO2 equivalent value of the amount of power. In this regard, conventionally, power consumption and CO2 converted values are collected and displayed for each printing apparatus, but are not displayed for each user.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention specifically displays the power consumed by each user's own activities and the CO2 equivalent value, thereby raising the user's awareness of ecology and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the printing system in which the host device and the printing device are connected via a network, the printing device is transmitted from the user based on the print data transmitted from the host device. The calculation means for calculating the power consumption per page of the print data for each user, the storage means for storing the calculation result, the user name and the data of the number of prints, and the data stored in the storage means Transmission means for transmitting to the host device, and the host device calculates power information and the number of printed sheets for each user based on the data transmitted from the printing apparatus, and summing means for summing up the information This can be achieved by providing a printing system having display means for displaying the totaled result.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the calculation means subtracts the cumulative power consumption at the start of printing from the cumulative power consumption at the end of printing of the print data including the data for the one page, and the subtraction result Can be achieved by providing a printing system that divides by the number of prints.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system in which the power consumption and the number of prints for each user stored in the storage means are performed based on data aggregated every month. Can be achieved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus connected to the host device via the network, one of the print data transmitted from the user based on the print data transmitted from the host device. Calculation means for calculating the power consumption per page for each user, storage means for storing the calculation result, user name and number of printed data, and information on the power consumption and the number of printed sheets for each user This can be achieved by providing a printing apparatus having transmission means for transmitting data stored in the storage means to the host device.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program used in a printing apparatus connected to a host device via a network, which is transmitted from a user based on print data transmitted from the host device. Calculation processing for calculating the power consumption per page of the printed data for each user, processing for storing the calculation result, the user name and the number of printed data in the storage means, power consumption for each user, And a program for executing a transmission process for transmitting the data stored in the storage means to the host device in order to display information on the number of printed sheets.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display power consumption data for each user, and further display data on the number of printed sheets and data on a CO2 conversion value, which raises the user's awareness about ecology and contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions. A printing system is provided.

2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram including a printing apparatus according to an embodiment connected to a network. It is a figure which shows the structure of the log data memorize | stored in a non-volatile memory. It is a figure which shows the example of the total table created in the non-volatile memory of a printer apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the power consumption for every user of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the printing system of this embodiment connected to a network.

In this figure, this system comprises personal computers (clients) PC1 and PC2, which are host devices, and a printer device (printing device) 3. The host computers PC1, PC2 and printer device 3 are, for example, a LAN (local area).・ Connected by network.
The host computer PC1 is provided with a totaling unit 1a and a display unit 1b, and the totaling unit 1a performs totaling processing such as power consumption for each user based on log data transmitted from the printer device 3. In addition, the display unit 1b displays the aggregated power consumption for each user. Similarly, the host computer PC2 is provided with a totaling unit 2a and a display unit 2b. The totaling unit 2a performs a totaling process such as power consumption for each user on the basis of log data transmitted from the printer device 3, and displays it. The unit 2b displays the aggregated power consumption for each user.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer device 3. The CPU 4, RAM 5, ROM 6, nonvolatile memory 7 such as flash memory, display panel 8, key (button) 9, printer engine 10, clock (clock) circuit 11. The LAN control circuit 12 is connected to the host computer PC1 or PC2 via the LAN control circuit 12.

  The CPU 4 performs a printing process according to a program stored in the ROM 6, and the RAM 5 functions as a work area for the CPU 4. In addition, log data to be described later is stored in the nonvolatile memory 7.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of log data stored in the nonvolatile memory 7. This log data is recorded in order to increase eco-consciousness for the user by calculating the power consumption for each user, performing a subsequent aggregation process, and displaying specific numerical values.

  The log data structure shown in FIG. 3 is composed of a first area and a second area having the same configuration, and includes an area header storage unit 15, a serial number storage unit 16, a totaling region number storage unit 17, a cumulative region 18, and a single data storage. The area 19 is configured. The area header storage unit 15 stores information indicating that this area is a recording area for print processing for each page.

  The serial number storage unit 16 stores serial numbers of the first area and the second area that are used alternately. For example, if the first area is used first, serial numbers “1”, “3”, “5”,... Are sequentially recorded in the serial number storage unit 16 of the first area. The serial numbers of “2”, “4”, “6”,... Are sequentially recorded in the serial number storage unit 16 of the two areas.

  The total area number storage unit 17 records the total area number recorded in a table to be described later. Further, when the recording of log data in the first area or the second area used alternately is full, the total storage area 18 records the total of one piece of data in the corresponding area. Accordingly, the cumulative data is recorded in the cumulative storage area 18 of the first area and the second area corresponding to each other alternately, and will be described later as a monthly total from the cumulative storage area 18 that holds the result of the last cumulative accumulation every month, for example. Sent to the table.

  In the single sheet data storage area 19, information for each sheet that has undergone printing processing based on the print data is recorded. Specifically, as shown in the figure, it is composed of a user number storage unit 19a and an information storage unit 19b, and the information storage unit 19b includes the power consumed to perform the printing process for one sheet and the print paper size. Etc. are recorded. In addition to the information recorded in the information storage area 19b, for example, information such as whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing, multi-page printing, smoothing processing, or the like is recorded.

  As described above, the configuration of the second area is the same as that of the first area. The area header storage unit 15, the serial number storage unit 16, the totaling area number storage unit 17, the cumulative area 18, and the single data storage area 19 are used. It consists of

On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows an example of a total table created in the nonvolatile memory 7 of the printer apparatus 2, which is configured to read the log data and record, for example, log information for five years.
The table of this example is composed of, for example, the first area to the tenth area, and all have the same structure. Specifically, it is composed of an area header storage unit 21, an area number storage unit 22, a user name storage area 23, and a monthly count area 24.

  The area header storage unit 21 records information indicating that this area is a log data aggregation area. Further, the number of the storage area is recorded in the area number storage unit 22, for example, “1” is recorded in the first area, “2”,... Is recorded in the second area. The user name storage area 23 can record, for example, user name information for 255 people. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, it is recorded as user names 001, 002,.

  The monthly total area 24 can record, for example, monthly total data for a maximum of six months. In this example, since the tenth area is set, the total data for five years can be recorded. .

  Also, the total area for each month constituting the monthly total area 24 records the total year and total month storage areas 24a and 24b, the print user count storage area 24c, the user information for up to 255 users, and other user information. It consists of possible user area 24d. Each user information storage area includes a data recording area such as a user number, power consumption, and the number of printed sheets based on the paper size. As information other than the data on the number of printed sheets based on the paper size, for example, information such as the above-described single-sided / double-sided printing, multi-page printing, smoothing processing, and the like are recorded.

In the above configuration, the processing operation of this example will be described below.
First, a user (for example, user name 001) creates print data using the host computer PC1 or PC2, and transmits the print data to the printer apparatus 3 via the network. This print data is input to the printer device 3 via the LAN control circuit 12 described above, converted into video data under the control of the CPU 4 and the like, then transmitted to the printer engine 10 and printed out on a recording medium.

When the printing process is completed, power consumption is calculated according to the following calculation formula. The calculation of power consumption is a calculation of the power consumption for each sheet when continuously performing print processing, and is calculated using the cumulative power consumption at the start of printing and the cumulative power consumption at the end of printing. .
Power consumption per sheet = (cumulative power consumption at the end of printing-cumulative power consumption at the start of printing) / number of printed sheets

  The accumulated power consumption is the accumulated power consumption after the printer engine 10 starts operating.

  The calculation result of the power consumption required for one printing process calculated according to the above formula is written in the one-sheet data storage area 19 described above. That is, information on the user number is written in the user number storage area 19a, and information on the power consumption and the print paper size as a result of the calculation is written in the information storage area 19b. As described above, if there is information such as whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing, multi-page printing, smoothing processing, etc., these information are also written.

  Thereafter, the same processing as described above is performed every time the printing processing is performed, and information such as a user number and a calculation result is sequentially written in the one-sheet data storage area 19. Thereafter, the above processing is repeated, and for example, when the single data storage area 19 of the first area is full, the data recorded in the single data storage area 19 of the first area is totaled, and the value of the cumulative area of the second area And use for the second area is started. In the first process, the second area is not yet used, and this is the first write process.

  Thereafter, every time the recording capacity of the single data storage area 19 is exceeded, the first area and the second area are alternately used, and the recording of the cumulative data in the cumulative storage area 18 is repeated alternately. By processing in this way, it is possible to record one piece of data and perform a cumulative process using a small memory capacity. Therefore, the memory capacity of the nonvolatile memory 7 can be reduced.

  When the printing process is continued as described above, the cumulative data is recorded in the cumulative storage area 18 shown in FIG. Note that the non-volatile memory 7 is constituted by, for example, a flash memory or the like, and data is not lost.

  Next, the cumulative information of one piece of data recorded in the cumulative storage area 18 is written in the table shown in FIG. Specifically, the cumulative information of the previous month is recorded in the corresponding monthly count area 24 on the first day of each month. For example, when the first area is currently being used, it is recorded in the monthly count area 24 of the first area. As described above, the monthly total area 24 of each area is composed of areas for six months, and when the corresponding monthly area 24 is full, cumulative information is written to the next monthly total area 24. .

When the accumulated data for 5 years, that is, the data up to the monthly total area 24 in the tenth area, is written, new monthly total data is written in the first area, for example.
Next, processing for displaying information such as power consumption for each user using the information in the table will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the above process. First, log information is acquired from the target printer device 3 (step (hereinafter referred to as STP) 1). In this case, the information recorded in the table of the nonvolatile memory 7 is transmitted from the printer apparatus 2 to the host computer PC1 or PC2 by FTP (file transfer protocol) communication. The FTP communication is communication using a protocol for transferring a file between the host computer PC1 or PC2 and the printer device 3 via a network. The printer device 3 receives the log information according to an instruction from the host computer PC1 or PC2. The data is transmitted to the host computer PC1 or PC2.

  Next, based on the acquired log information, the host computer PC1 or PC2 extracts the first day of the period and obtains the first month of the period (STP2). For example, if the initial date is April 1, the initial month is April. If the first day is January 1, the first month is January. In the description of this embodiment, the initial month is assumed to be April.

  Next, the month of one year from the initial month is displayed as a title in the horizontal direction on the display unit 1b or 2b of the host computer PC1 or PC2 (STP3). For example, in the display example shown in FIG. 6, monthly degrees are displayed in the horizontal direction from May, June,... December, January,.

  Next, the printer name is displayed on the display unit 1b or 2b (STP4). That is, the printer name used by the user is displayed in order to display the power consumption and CO2 conversion value for each user. In this example, the printer apparatus 3 displays the corresponding printer name. For example, in the example shown in FIG.

  Next, the user name is displayed, and the number of monthly prints for one year from the first month in the acquired log information is displayed in a horizontal row (STP5). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, in the case of the user name (user 001), 66 (sheets), 93 (sheets), 70 (sheets),... Are displayed in a horizontal row. In the case of the user name (user 002), the data of 1 (sheets), 0 (sheets), 5 (sheets),... Are displayed in a horizontal row as the monthly actual number of printed sheets (b shown in the figure). Is done.

  Next, using the acquired log data, the totaling unit 1a or 2a totals the annual total and monthly average of power consumption for each user and displays the total on the display unit 1b or 2b (STP6). That is, using the log information shown in FIG. 4 read to the host computer PC1 or PC2, the annual total and monthly average of power consumption for each user are calculated.

  For example, in the case of the user name (user 001), the yearly total and monthly average of the power consumption recorded in the monthly count area 24 from the first area to the nth area are calculated. At this time, the monthly results for each month are also calculated and acquired. The monthly results of the power consumption for each user calculated in this way, the year total, and the monthly average data are displayed.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, in the case of the user name (user 001), as the monthly actual power consumption (c shown in the figure), 82.7 (Wh), 137.6 (Wh), 81.3 ( Wh),..., Power consumption annual total data 2, 442.1 (Wh), and power consumption monthly average data 203.5 (Wh) are displayed in a horizontal row.

  Further, in the case of the user name (user 002), similarly, the monthly power consumption results (d shown in the figure) are 3.0 (Wh), 0.0 (Wh), 24.7 (Wh),. -Data, power consumption annual total data 632.4 (Wh), and power consumption monthly average data 52.7 (Wh) are displayed in a horizontal row. Other users are also displayed in the same manner.

  Thereafter, the above processing is executed for all the printers to be managed (STP7). For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the power consumption and the number of printed sheets for each user are also calculated and displayed for the printer device B.

Although not shown in the process according to the flowchart, the CO2 converted value may be calculated based on the power consumption information, and FIG. 6 shows a display based on the CO2 converted value calculation result. Yes. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the duplex printing usage rate, multi-page printing usage rate, toner save printing usage rate, and the like are calculated and displayed based on the above-described information.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the power consumption data used by the user can be displayed for each user, and the number of printed sheets and the CO2 converted value can also be displayed, thereby raising the user's awareness of ecology. be able to.

PC1, PC2,... Host devices 1a, 2a, .. totaling sections 1b, 2b,... Display section 3,.
5 ... RAM
6 ... ROM
7 ... Non-volatile memory 8 ... Display panel 9 ... Key (button)
10. Printer engine 11 Clock circuit 12 LAN control circuit

Claims (5)

In a printing system in which a host device and a printing device are connected via a network,
The printing apparatus includes:
Calculation means for calculating power consumption per page of the print data transmitted from the user for each user based on the print data transmitted from the host device;
Storage means for storing data of the calculation result, the user name, and the number of printed sheets;
Transmission means for transmitting the data stored in the storage means to the host device,
The host device is
Based on data transmitted from the printing apparatus, the power consumption and the number of printed sheets are calculated for each user, and totaling means for calculating and totaling the information,
Display means for displaying the counting results;
A printing system comprising:   The calculation means subtracts the cumulative power consumption at the start of printing from the cumulative power consumption at the end of printing of the print data including the data for one page, and divides the subtraction result by the number of printed sheets. The printing system according to 1.   3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the power consumption data and the number of printed sheets for each user stored in the storage unit are based on data aggregated every month. 4. In a printing device connected to a host device via a network,
Calculation means for calculating power consumption per page of the print data transmitted from the user for each user based on the print data transmitted from the host device;
Storage means for storing data of the calculation result, the user name, and the number of printed sheets;
Transmitting means for transmitting the data stored in the storage means to the host device in order to display information on power consumption and the number of printed sheets for each user;
A printing apparatus comprising: A program used for a printing apparatus connected to a host device via a network,
Calculation processing for calculating power consumption per page of the print data transmitted from the user for each user based on the print data transmitted from the host device;
Processing for storing the calculation result, the user name, and the number of printed sheets in a storage unit;
A transmission process for transmitting the data stored in the storage means to the host device in order to display information on power consumption and the number of printed sheets for each user;
A program characterized by executing