JP2012253577A - Management system and management apparatus of image forming device, and management method and program of image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management system of an image forming device, which can calculate a transfer time for power-off/power-saving mode to achieve reduction target of carbon dioxide emission, power consumption, and the like.SOLUTION: The management system of an image forming device comprises: power-status change time calculating means that calculates a power-status change time so as to change a time zone during which job processing is not executed in the image forming device to a power-off/power-saving mode; reduction effect calculating means that calculates reduction effect of carbon dioxide emission, power consumption, and the like when the time zone during which job processing is not executed in the image forming device is changed to the power-off/power-saving mode; and power-status change time recalculating means that calculates, when the effect calculated by the reduction effect calculating means does not reach a preset reduction target value, the power-status change time so as to attain the reduction target value.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system, a management apparatus, an image forming apparatus management method, and a program for managing an operation status of an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, in order to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, it has been required to reduce the amount of power consumed when using an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral. One method for reducing the power consumption includes shifting to a power saving mode or turning off the power during a time period when the image forming apparatus is not used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for storing state transitions in a standby mode and a power saving mode, learning the frequency and contents of use of the state, and optimizing the power saving mode transition time. According to this, even if the administrator does not perform troublesome work (such as setting the transition time for a plurality of power saving modes), the transition time can be optimized and the power consumption can be reduced.

JP 2008-72391 A

  However, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 cannot know the effect of how much carbon dioxide emission / power consumption has been reduced. For this reason, it is impossible to know whether or not the reduction target values of carbon dioxide emissions and power consumption can be achieved. In other words, when the reduction target values of carbon dioxide emissions and power consumption cannot be achieved, it is not known what setting should be made to achieve the reduction target values.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can calculate the power-off / power-saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus in order to achieve the reduction target values of carbon dioxide emission and power consumption. An image forming apparatus management system, a management apparatus, an image forming apparatus management method, and a program are provided.

An image forming apparatus management system capable of changing power states of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network,
A power supply state change time calculation unit (S1303) that is provided in the management system and calculates a power supply state change time so that the power supply is turned off or the power saving mode is shifted to a time zone during which job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus. When,
Reduction effect calculation that is provided in the management system and calculates the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions, power consumption, etc. when the image forming apparatus is not performing job processing and the power is turned off and the power saving mode is entered. Means (S1411);
A power supply state that is provided in the management system and calculates a power supply state change time so as to achieve a target value when the reduction effect calculated by the reduction effect calculation unit does not achieve a preset reduction target value Change time recalculation means (S1305);
An image forming apparatus management system comprising:

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus management system, a management apparatus, and the like that can calculate the power-off / power saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus in order to achieve the reduction target value of carbon dioxide emission and power consumption. An image forming apparatus management method and program can be provided.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a host computer 101 and an analysis server 102. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a multi function peripheral. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a host computer 101. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an analysis server 102. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processing configuration of a multifunction machine 104. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an image information formation apparatus information table. It is a figure which shows an example of a job log table. It is a figure which shows an example of a state transition log table. It is a figure which shows an example of an analysis result table (monthly). It is a figure which shows an example of an analysis result table (by time zone). It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of an analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of a power consumption analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of a power supply state change setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of a power supply state change reset process.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Example 1>
<Description of system configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a host computer which is used by a user to generate image data and perform printing. The host computer 101 includes hardware resources described later, and software resources including an operating system (OS), a printer driver, and the like.

  Further, the host computer 101 is communicably connected to an image forming apparatus connected to the network 105 using a predetermined protocol.

  A printer 103 receives print data received via a network, and prints on actual paper using a known print technology such as electrophotographic technology or inkjet technology. Reference numeral 104 denotes a multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Printer)) that receives print data received via a network and prints on actual paper using a known printing technique such as an electrophotographic technique or an inkjet technique.

  The multifunction device 104 also has a function of reading a paper document through a scanner, copying it, converting it into image data, and transmitting it by Email or the like. Of course, a printer having no copy function is also applicable.

  An analysis server 102 analyzes the carbon dioxide emission amount and power consumption of the printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104.

  Note that the host computer 101, the multifunction peripheral 104, the printer 103, and the analysis server 102 are connected to each other via a network 105 based on a known technique such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  In this embodiment, the analysis server 102 is provided as a separate configuration from the printer 103 and the multifunction device 104. However, a module having the same function may be provided inside the printer 103 and the multifunction device 104. I do not care. In this case, network communication performed between the analysis server 102, the printer 103, and the multi-function peripheral 104 can be considered as data exchange via a system bus or the like.

<Internal configuration of computer>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus that constitutes the host computer 101 and the analysis server 102.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 200 denotes an entire computer (PC).

  The PC 200 includes a CPU 201 that executes software stored in the ROM 202 or, for example, the HD 211 as a large-scale storage device, and the CPU 201 generally controls each image forming apparatus connected to the system bus 205.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a network interface card (NIC) that exchanges data bidirectionally with other nodes via the network 105.

  A keyboard controller (KBDC) 206 controls an instruction input from a keyboard (KBD) 209 provided in the PC.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a display controller (DISPC) that controls the display of a display module (DISPLAY) 210 constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display.

  A disk controller (DKC) 208 controls a hard disk (HD) 211 that is a mass storage image forming apparatus.

<Internal configuration of MFP>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the multifunction peripheral 104 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 300 denotes the entire multifunction peripheral.

  The multifunction machine 300 includes a CPU 301 that executes software stored in a ROM 302 or an HD 313 as a large-scale storage device such as a hard disk. The CPU 301 generally controls each image forming apparatus connected to the system bus 305. .

  A RAM 303 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 301.

  A network interface card (NIC) 304 exchanges data with other nodes via the network 105.

  Reference numeral 306 denotes a panel controller (PANELC) which controls an instruction input from an operation panel (PANEL) 311 provided in the multifunction peripheral.

  Reference numeral 307 denotes a display controller (DISPC), which controls the display of a display module (DISPLAY) 312 composed of a liquid crystal display, for example.

  A disk controller (DKC) 308 controls a hard disk (HD) 313 that is a mass storage image forming apparatus.

  Reference numeral 309 denotes a scanner controller (SCCANC) which controls an optical scanner device (scanner) 314 provided in the multifunction peripheral and reads a paper document.

  A printer controller (PRNC) 310 controls a printer device (printer) 315 provided in the multifunction peripheral, and prints on an actual sheet using a known printing technique such as an electrophotographic technique or an inkjet technique.

  The internal configuration of the printer 103 shown in FIG. 1 can be considered to be obtained by removing the scanner controller 309 and the optical scanner device 314 from the internal configuration of the multifunction machine 104 shown above. Further, the configuration may be such that the panel controller (PANELC) 306, the operation panel 311, the display controller (DISPC) 307, the display module (DISPLAY) 312 and the like are removed.

<Functional configuration of host computer>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the host computer 101 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 400 denotes the entire host computer.

  A print application 401 issues a print instruction by sending a drawing command or the like to the printer driver 402.

  A printer driver 402 converts a drawing command received from the print application 401 into print data that can be interpreted by the multifunction device, that is, PDL (Page Description Language). Further, the printer driver 402 adds the user ID of the user who has instructed printing by operating the print application 401 as job owner information, creates a print job, and transmits the print job to the print job transmission unit 403.

  A print job transmission unit 403 transmits a print job received from the printer driver 402 to the multifunction peripheral 104.

  A Web browser 404 interprets HTML data, draws a screen on the display module 210, accepts a user operation from a keyboard or the like, and transmits a request to the HTTP communication unit 405.

  An HTTP communication unit 405 receives a communication request from a Web browser and communicates with the image processing apparatus or the like via the NIC 204 using the HTTP or HTTPS protocol to request a Web page, receive Web page data, and the like.

<Functional configuration of analysis server>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the analysis server 102 illustrated in FIG.
In FIG. 5, 500 is the entire analysis server.

  Reference numeral 501 denotes an interface unit that communicates with the host computer 101, the printer 103, and the multi-function peripheral 104 via the network 204 via the NIC 204 shown in FIG.

  A job log collection unit 502 periodically collects and stores job log information managed by the job log management unit 610 of the printer 103 and the multi-function peripheral 104 via the interface unit 501. Further, the job log information may be stored when the printer 103 or the multifunction peripheral 104 transmits the job log information and the job log collection unit 502 receives the job log information.

  Reference numeral 503 denotes an analysis processing unit. Based on job log information and state transition log information, the carbon dioxide emission amount, power consumption, time of each mode, power supply state change setting value and effect of the image forming apparatus such as the MFP 104 Analyze such as.

  An image forming apparatus information management unit 504 holds capability information, configuration information, power consumption information, and the like of the image forming apparatus. Further, capability information and configuration information are acquired from the printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104 via the interface unit 501 and stored.

  A power state management unit 505 receives a power state notification from the printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104 via the interface unit 501, and creates and stores a state transition log. Also, the power supply state change setting is stored, and based on the setting value, a power supply state change request such as power off or power saving transition is transmitted to the printer 103 and the multifunction peripheral 104 via the interface unit 501, and the power supply is remotely Change state.

<Functional configuration of MFP>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a data processing configuration of the MFP 104 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 600 denotes the entire multifunction peripheral.

  An interface unit 601 is connected to the network 105 and receives a print job from the host computer 101.

  A print data storage unit 602 temporarily stores print job data.

  Reference numeral 603 denotes a UI control unit that controls the operation panel 311 via a panel controller (PANELC) 306 and accepts a copy instruction from the user to the MFP 104 and a scan transmission instruction.

  A job management unit 604 analyzes a print job received from the host computer 101, acquires output attribute information such as a user name, the number of copies, and color printing, and manages the job information together with the job start date and time.

  A print data expansion unit 605 acquires print data from the print data storage unit 602 according to job information stored in the job management unit 604, performs image generation processing, and generates image data on the RAM 303.

  A scanner control unit 606 controls the scanner controller 309, scans a paper document, and creates created image data. The scanner control unit 606 controls document feeding and document ejection from the ADF or RDF when an ADF, RDF, or the like can be connected as the document feeder. Further, when reading a double-sided document, the scanner control unit 606 may perform document reversal control.

  An image data storage unit 607 temporarily stores image data generated by the print data development unit 605 and the scanner control unit 606.

  A printer control unit 608 controls the printer engine 609 to print the image data stored in the image data storage unit 607.

  Reference numeral 609 denotes a printer engine, which actually prints image data stored in the image data storage unit 607 on a medium such as printing paper using a known printing technique such as an electrophotographic technique or an inkjet technique.

  A job log management unit 610 manages job log information. When the job is completed, the job management unit 604 transmits job information to be managed as job log information to the job log management unit 610 and stores it in the job log management unit 610. The job log management unit 610 transmits a job log in response to a request from the analysis server 102.

  A power supply control unit 612 controls the power supply of the multifunction peripherals 103 and 104 and manages three power supply states of a normal mode, a power saving mode (operation mode), and a power supply off. The power saving mode is a mode that consumes less power than the normal mode. Note that the power control unit 612 may set the power saving mode in a plurality of stages, or may provide the power saving mode for each component module of the multifunction peripheral 103 or 104. The power control unit 612 can transition to each power state according to various conditions. For example, in the normal mode, the power control unit 612 saves power when no operation is performed for a certain period of time on the MFPs 103 and 104 and no print job reception, FAX reception, command reception from the network, or the like is performed. Transition to mode. Further, the power supply control unit 612 shifts to the normal mode when a certain operation is performed in the power saving mode, such as reception of a print job, FAX reception, reception of a command from the network, or the like. The power supply control unit 612 notifies the power supply state notification unit 611 when changing the power supply state. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 612 changes the power supply state in response to a power supply state change request from the analysis server 102 such as power off or power saving transition.

  A power state notification unit 611 receives a notification from the power control unit 612 and notifies it via the interface unit 601. Further, the power state notification unit 611 periodically notifies the power state even during operation in the normal mode. Specifically, the power status notification includes types of operating, power saving transition, power saving cancellation, power on, and power off. The notification during operation indicates that the multifunction peripheral is operating in the normal mode, and is periodically performed while operating in the normal mode. The notification of the power saving transition is notified when the multifunction peripheral shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode. The notification of canceling the power saving is notified when the multifunction peripheral shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode. The power-on notification is performed when the MFP is turned on from the power-off state and shifts to the normal mode. The notification of power off is performed when the multifunction peripheral shifts to power off. Note that the notification method via the interface unit 601 may be an original communication protocol or a publicly defined communication protocol. Also, the analysis server 102 designated in advance may notify a plurality of partners by multicast or broadcast.

  The configuration of the printer 103 without the scanner can be considered as a configuration in which the scanner control unit 606, the UI control unit 603, and the like are excluded from the configuration of the multi-function device 104 described with reference to FIG.

<Image forming apparatus information table>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image information forming apparatus information table included in the image information forming apparatus information management unit 504 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, a column 701 is an image forming apparatus ID, which indicates an ID that uniquely identifies the image forming apparatus in the system.

  A column 702 indicates an image forming apparatus name.

  Further, the image information forming apparatus erasure information table holds information indicating whether the image forming apparatus has a function of changing the power supply state in response to an external power supply state change request. In this embodiment, an example in which information indicating whether or not there is a function of shifting to each power state in response to a power off request and a power saving transition request is shown as the power state change request.

  A column 703 indicates whether the image forming apparatus has a function of powering off in response to an external power-off request.

  A column 704 indicates whether the image forming apparatus has a function of shifting to power saving in response to an external power saving shifting request.

  Further, the image information forming apparatus erasure information table holds configuration information of the image forming apparatus. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which configuration information of a color printing function, a scan function, and a fax function is held as configuration information.

  A column 705 indicates whether the image forming apparatus has a color function.

  A column 706 indicates whether the image forming apparatus has a scanning function.

  A column 707 indicates whether the image forming apparatus has a fax function.

  A column 708 indicates power consumption in the normal mode.

  A column 709 indicates power consumption in the power saving mode.

A column 710 indicates power consumption when the power is off.
A column 711 indicates power consumption per page of the job at the time of job processing. If the power consumption during job processing varies depending on the output conditions such as job type and color mode, the power consumption during job processing can be held for each output condition.

  From these pieces of information managed by the image information forming apparatus information management unit 504, the configuration information and power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be known.

  For example, the image forming apparatus information 711 is that the image forming apparatus A has a remote power off function, a remote power saving transition function, a color function, a scan function, and a fax function, and is 100 W in the normal mode and 1 W in the power saving mode. It indicates that 0 W is consumed when the printer is off and 3 Wh / page is consumed during job processing.

  The initial values of the setting values in the image forming apparatus information table may be determined according to the model of the image forming apparatus. The model name and configuration information of the image forming apparatus can be acquired from the multifunction machine via the network by the image information forming apparatus information management unit 504 using a protocol such as SNMP.

  Alternatively, the setting value can be specified / changed from the input device of the analysis server 102.

<Job log table>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job log table provided in the job log collection unit 502 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, a column 801 is a job log ID, which is an ID for uniquely identifying the job log in the system.

  A column 802 is an image forming apparatus ID of the image forming apparatus that has processed the job.

  A column 803 is a job type, and examples of the job type include print, copy, scan, and box print for printing a document stored in the multi-function peripheral.

  A column 804 indicates a job processing start date and time.

  A column 805 is a job processing end date and time.

  A column 806 indicates the number of color pages, and the number of color pages printed by the job is recorded.

  The column 807 indicates the number of monochrome pages, and the number of monochrome pages printed by the job is recorded.

  A column 808 indicates the number of scanned pages, and the number of pages scanned by the corresponding job is recorded. The number of scan pages can be recorded separately such as the number of color scan pages and the number of black and white scan pages.

  With these pieces of information, job log information indicating who and what job started and ended at what date is recorded.

  For example, a job log of 809 is executed by a copy job that starts at 2010/4/25 14:25:30 and ends at 2010/4/25 14:40:30 on the image forming apparatus with the image forming apparatus ID 101. It has been shown. Further, this job indicates that 10 pages have been scanned and 10 pages of color printing have been performed.

  In addition, a job log table may be created for each job type.

<State transition log table>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state transition log table provided in the power supply state management unit 505 illustrated in FIG. The state transition log table is a table that records a log of the state transition of the image forming apparatus calculated from the power state notification and the job log. When receiving the power status notification from the printer 103 or the multifunction device 104, the power status management unit 505 records the received date and time in the status transition log table together with the type of the received power status notification. Also, when collecting the job log, the job log collection unit 502 updates the state transition log table so that the power state transitions to “job processing” from the job log at the job start date and time and returns to the original state at the job end date and time. .

In FIG. 9, a column 901 is an image forming apparatus ID of an image forming apparatus whose state has changed.
The column 902 is the date and time when the state transitions.

  A column 903 shows a transition state.

  For example, the state transition log 905 indicates that the image forming apparatus having the image forming apparatus ID 101 has undergone a state transition during job processing at 2010/4/26 09: 01: -00.

<Analysis result table>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monthly analysis result table included in the analysis processing unit 503 illustrated in FIG. The analysis result table is a table for recording the analysis result of the image forming apparatus calculated from the job log, the state transition log information, and the image forming apparatus information.

  In FIG. 10, a column 1001 is a totaling month, and indicates when the corresponding row is calculated. In this embodiment, the monthly unit is used. However, the unit may be a year unit or a week unit depending on the period of the calculation.

  A column 1002 is an image forming apparatus ID, and indicates which image forming apparatus the corresponding row is the calculation result.

  A column 1003 indicates carbon dioxide emission, and indicates the carbon dioxide emission calculated by conversion from the power consumption amount and the number of consumed sheets in the total month of the corresponding row.

  A column 1004 indicates the prediction of carbon dioxide emission when the power-off / power-saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus is set so that the power-off / power saving mode is set in a time zone when the image forming apparatus is not used. Indicates the value.

  A column 1005 is a predicted value of the carbon dioxide emission amount when the power-off / power saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus is set so as to achieve a preset target value of carbon dioxide emission amount / power consumption reduction. Indicates.

  A column 1006 is power consumption, and indicates power consumed by the image forming apparatus in the aggregation month of the corresponding row.

  A column 1007 shows a predicted value of power consumption when the power-off / power-saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus is set so that the power-off / power saving mode is set in a time zone when the image forming apparatus is not used. Show.

  A column 1008 indicates a predicted value of power consumption when the power-off / power saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus is set so as to achieve preset target values for carbon dioxide emission and power consumption. .

  A column 1009 indicates job processing time, and indicates the total value of the time during which the image forming apparatus was performing job processing in the aggregation month of the corresponding row.

  A column 1010 indicates the normal mode time, and indicates the total value of the time when the image forming apparatus is in the normal mode in the counting month of the corresponding row.

  A column 1011 indicates the power saving mode time, and indicates the total value of the time when the image forming apparatus was in the power saving mode in the counting month of the corresponding row.

  A column 1012 indicates the power-off time, and indicates the total value of the time when the image forming apparatus is turned off in the counting month of the corresponding row.

  The power consumption analysis result table is periodically updated by the analysis processing unit 503, for example, every month, every hour, every day, or the like.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an analysis result table for each time period included in the analysis processing unit 503 illustrated in FIG. 5. The analysis result table is a table for recording the analysis result of the image forming apparatus calculated from the job log, the state transition log information, and the image forming apparatus information.

  In FIG. 11, a column 1101 indicates a total month, and a column 1102 indicates a total time zone, which indicates a calculation result of a time zone of a month.

  A column 1103 indicates an image forming apparatus ID and indicates which image forming apparatus the corresponding row is the calculation result.

  A column 1104 indicates carbon dioxide emission, and indicates the carbon dioxide emission calculated by conversion from the power consumption, the number of sheets of paper consumed, and the like in the total time zone of the corresponding row.

  A column 1105 predicts the carbon dioxide emission amount when the power-off / power-saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus is set so that the power-off / power saving mode is set in the time zone when the image forming apparatus is not used. Indicates the value.

  A column 1106 indicates the predicted value of the carbon dioxide emission when the power-off / power saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus is set so as to achieve the reduction target value of the carbon dioxide emission / power consumption.

  A column 1107 indicates power consumption, which indicates power consumed by the image forming apparatus in the total time zone of the corresponding row.

  A column 1108 shows an estimated value of power consumption when the power-off / power-saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus is set so that the power-off / power saving mode is set in a time zone when the image forming apparatus is not used. Show.

  A column 1109 indicates predicted power consumption values when the power-off / power saving mode transition time of the image forming apparatus is set so as to achieve the target values for the reduction of carbon dioxide emission and power consumption.

  A column 1110 indicates job processing time, and indicates the total value of the time during which the image forming apparatus was performing job processing in the total time zone of the corresponding row.

  A column 1111 indicates the normal mode time, and indicates the total value of the time when the image forming apparatus is in the normal mode in the total time zone of the corresponding row.

  A column 1112 indicates the power saving mode time, and indicates the total value of the time when the image forming apparatus was in the power saving mode in the total time zone of the corresponding row.

  A column 1113 indicates the power-off time, and indicates the total value of the time when the image forming apparatus is powered off in the total time zone of the corresponding row.

  The power consumption analysis result table is periodically updated by the analysis processing unit 503, for example, every month, every hour, every day, or the like.

<Power status change setting table>
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power state change setting table provided in the power state management unit 505 illustrated in FIG. The power supply state change setting table is a table that holds a time setting for transmitting a power supply state change request such as power-off or power saving transition to each image forming apparatus. The power supply state management unit 505 transmits a request to the target image forming apparatus so that the power supply state corresponding to the corresponding time is set according to the setting value of the power supply state change setting table.

  In FIG. 12, a column 1201 indicates an image forming apparatus ID, and indicates which image forming apparatus is set in the corresponding row.

  A column 1202 indicates a set value of the time for changing the power state.

  A column 1203 indicates a power state change request to be transmitted.

  For example, the setting 1204 indicates that a power-off request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus with the image forming apparatus ID 101 at 22:00.

  In the power supply state change setting table, setting values can be specified and changed from the input device of the analysis server 102.

<Analysis processing>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that this example is an example in which the analysis server 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 performs processing as an information processing apparatus. Further, the analysis server 102 executes this power consumption analysis process at regular intervals.

  Note that S1301 to S1305 indicate steps, and each step is realized by the CPU 201 loading a control program from the HD 211, ROM 202, etc. to the RAM 203 and executing it.

  When the analysis processing is started, in step S1301, the analysis processing unit 503 acquires a job log that has not been subjected to this processing from the job log stored in the job log collection unit 502.

  In step S1302, the analysis processing unit 503 performs analysis processing on all job logs acquired in step S1301, and stores the results in the analysis result table.

  In step S1303, the analysis processing unit 503 performs power supply state change setting processing. Details of the power status change setting process will be described later.

  Subsequently, in S1303, the analysis processing unit 503 determines whether the carbon dioxide emission amount when the power state calculated in S1303 is changed has achieved a preset reduction target value. Here, when the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the reduction target value has been achieved, the present processing ends. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the reduction target value has not been achieved, the processing proceeds to S1305.

  In step S1305, the analysis processing unit 503 performs power supply state change resetting processing, and ends this processing. Details of the power state change resetting process will be described later.

<Power status change setting process>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is a detailed procedure example of the power supply state change setting process executed in S1303 shown in FIG. In this power status change setting process, the analysis result information for each time zone is used, and in the time zone when the image forming apparatus is not used, the power status change information is set so that the image forming apparatus shifts to the power-off / power saving mode. Set.

  S1401 to S1413 indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU 201 loading a control program from the HD 211, the ROM 202, etc. into the RAM 203 and executing it.

  When the power state change setting process is started, the analysis processing unit 503 acquires the image forming apparatus information stored in the image forming apparatus information management unit 504 in step S1401.

  Subsequently, the analysis processing unit 503 repeats the processing for the unprocessed image forming apparatus information in the flow from S1402 to S1413.

  In step S1403, the analysis processing unit 503 determines whether there is a remote power information change function (in this embodiment, a remote power off function or a remote power saving transition function) with reference to the image forming apparatus information being processed. To do. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is a remote power information change function, the process advances to step S1404. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is no remote power information change function, the processing proceeds to S1413.

  In step S <b> 1404, the analysis processing unit 503 acquires time zone analysis result information of the image forming apparatus being processed.

  Subsequently, the analysis processing unit 503 repeats the process for the analysis result information for each unprocessed time zone in the flow from S1405 to S1412.

  In step S <b> 1406, the analysis processing unit 503 refers to the analysis result information for each time zone being processed, and determines whether the job processing time in that time zone is zero. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the job processing time is 0, the process advances to step S1407. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the job processing time is not 0, the process advances to step S1412.

  In step S1407, the analysis processing unit 503 refers to the analysis result information in the time zone before the time zone being processed, and determines whether the job processing time in that time zone is zero. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the job processing time is 0, the process advances to step S1408. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the job processing time is not 0, the process advances to step S1411.

  In step S1408, the analysis processing unit 503 refers to the image forming apparatus information being processed to determine whether there is a remote power-off function. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is a remote power off function, the process advances to step S1409. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is no remote power-off function, the processing proceeds to S1410.

  In step S <b> 1409, the analysis processing unit 503 turns off the image forming apparatus ID of the image forming apparatus information being processed for the image forming apparatus ID 1201, the time of analysis result information for each time zone being processed, and the change request 1203. The set power status change setting information is generated and added to the power status change setting table shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S1410, the analysis processing unit 503 omits the image forming apparatus ID of the image forming apparatus information being processed for the image forming apparatus ID 1201, the time of analysis result information for each time zone being processed, and the change request 1203. The power status change setting information set for the power transfer is generated and added to the power status change setting table shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, in S1411, the analysis processing unit 503 calculates a predicted value when changing to the power supply state set in S1409 or S1410, and updates the carbon dioxide emission amount (power supply change) in the analysis result table. In this embodiment, the carbon dioxide emission amount (power supply state change) 1004 in the monthly analysis result table and the carbon dioxide emission amount (power supply state change) 1105 in the hourly analysis result table are updated.

  Subsequently, in S1412, the analysis processing unit 503 determines whether there is time-based analysis result information for which the processing of S1405 to S1412 is not performed. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is time-based analysis result information for which the processes of S1405 to S1412 are not performed, the process returns to S1405 and is repeated. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is no time-based analysis result information for which the processing of S1405 to S1412 is not performed, the processing proceeds to S1413.

  In step S1413, the analysis processing unit 503 determines whether there is image forming apparatus information that has not been subjected to the processing in steps S1402 to S1413. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is image forming apparatus information that has not been subjected to the processing of S1402 to S1413, the processing returns to S1402 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is no image forming apparatus information that has not been subjected to the processing of S1402 to S1412, the processing ends.

  With this processing, it is possible to set the power supply state change so that the image forming apparatus shifts to the power-off / power-saving mode during the time period when the image forming apparatus is not used. The power consumption can be reduced by changing the power supply state of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the power supply state change setting set in this process.

<Power state change reset processing>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This example is a detailed procedure example of the power state change resetting process executed in S1305 shown in FIG. In the power supply state change resetting process, the power supply state change information is set so that a preset reduction target value can be achieved. Also, in this process, the configuration information of the image forming apparatus information is used, and the power supply state of the image forming apparatus set in advance so as to change the power state preferentially is set as a target. Further, the power supply state change target is preferentially in a time zone in which the job processing time is short.

  S1501 to S1516 indicate each step, and each step is realized by the CPU 201 loading a control program from the HD 211, ROM 202, etc. to the RAM 203 and executing it.

  When the power state change resetting process is started, the analysis processing unit 503 acquires the image forming apparatus information stored in the image forming apparatus information management unit 504 in step S1501.

  Subsequently, the analysis processing unit 503 repeats the processing for the unprocessed image forming apparatus information in the flow from S1502 to S1506.

  In step S1503, the analysis processing unit 503 determines whether there is a remote power information change function (in this embodiment, a remote power off function or a remote power saving transition function) with reference to the image forming apparatus information being processed. To do. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is a remote power supply information change function, the process advances to step S1504. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is no remote power information change function, the process advances to step S1506.

  In step S <b> 1504, the analysis processing unit 503 refers to the configuration information of the image forming apparatus information that is being processed, and determines whether the configuration changes the power supply state preferentially. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the power supply state is changed preferentially, the process advances to step S1505. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the power supply state is not preferentially changed, the process advances to step S1506. In this step, for example, an image forming apparatus that does not have a color function or a scan function is set to change the power state preferentially, and the image forming apparatus that has a color function or a scan function shifts to a power-off / power saving mode. Can be prevented. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user from turning on the power of the image forming apparatus in order to use the function, and to reduce power consumption.

  In step S1505, the analysis processing unit 503 adds the image forming apparatus information being processed to the power supply state change candidate image forming apparatus list.

  Subsequently, in step S1506, the analysis processing unit 503 determines whether there is image forming apparatus information that has not undergone the processing in steps S1502 to S1506. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is image forming apparatus information that has not undergone the processing of S1502 to S1506, the processing returns to S1502 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is no image forming apparatus information that has not undergone the processing of S1505 to S1506, the processing proceeds to S1507.

  In step S <b> 1507, the analysis processing unit 503 acquires the analysis result information for each time zone of the image forming apparatus in the power state change candidate image forming apparatus list.

  In step S <b> 1508, the analysis processing unit 503 sorts the first sort key in descending order of the job processing time 1110 and the second sort key in ascending order of the power consumption 1107 in the time zone analysis result information acquired in step S <b> 1507. Further, when sorting by job processing time, for example, the same time is considered in units of 5 minutes, and if it is the same time, the power consumption state is preferentially changed as the target of the power state change.

  Subsequently, the analysis processing unit 503 repeats the process for the analysis result information for each time zone that is not processed in the flow from S1509 to S1515.

  In step S1510, the analysis processing unit 503 determines whether there is a remote power-off function with reference to the image forming apparatus information corresponding to the analysis result information for each time zone being processed. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is a remote power-off function, the process advances to step S1511. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is no remote power-off function, the process proceeds to S1512.

  In step S1511, the analysis processing unit 503 supplies the image forming apparatus ID of the analysis result information for each time zone being processed for the image forming apparatus ID 1201, the time of analysis result information for each time zone being processed for the change time 1202, and the change request 1203 as a power source. The power supply state change setting information set to OFF is generated and added to the power supply state change setting table shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S1512, the analysis processing unit 503 displays the image forming apparatus ID of the analysis result information for each time zone being processed for the image forming apparatus ID 1201, the time of the analysis result information for each time zone being processed, and the change request 1203 for the change time 1202. Is set to the power saving transition, and is added to the power status change setting table shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, in S1513, the analysis processing unit 503 calculates a predicted value when changing to the power supply state set in S1511 or S1512, and updates the carbon dioxide emission amount (target value achieved) in the analysis result table. In the case of this embodiment, the carbon dioxide emission amount (target value achievement) 1005 in the monthly analysis result table and the carbon dioxide emission amount (target value achievement) 1106 in the hourly analysis result table are updated.

  Subsequently, in S1514, the analysis processing unit 503 refers to the carbon dioxide emission amount of the analysis result information updated in S1513, and determines whether a preset reduction target value has been achieved. If the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the reduction target value has not been achieved, the process advances to step S1515. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that the reduction target value has been achieved, the present process is terminated.

  In step S1515, the analysis processing unit 503 determines whether there is time zone analysis result information for which the processing in steps S1509 to S1515 is not performed. Here, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is time-based analysis result information for which the processing of S1509 to S1515 is not performed, the processing returns to S1509 and the processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the analysis processing unit 503 determines that there is no time-based analysis result information for which the processing of S1509 to S1515 is not performed, this processing ends.

  By this processing, the transition time of the power-off / power saving mode of the image forming apparatus for achieving the preset reduction target value can be known.

101 Host computer 103 Printer 105 Network

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus management system capable of changing power states of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network,
A power supply state change time calculation unit (S1303) that is provided in the management system and calculates a power supply state change time so that the power supply is turned off or the power saving mode is shifted to a time zone during which job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus. When,
A reduction effect calculation unit that is provided in the management system and calculates a reduction effect of carbon dioxide emission and power consumption when the power is turned off and the power saving mode is entered in a time zone when job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus (S1411),
A power supply state that is provided in the management system and calculates a power supply state change time so as to achieve a target value when the reduction effect calculated by the reduction effect calculation unit does not achieve a preset reduction target value Change time recalculation means (S1305);
An image forming apparatus management system comprising: The power status change time recalculation means calculates the power status change time so that the power is turned off or the power saving mode is shifted to a time zone in which the job processing time in the image forming apparatus is short (S1508). The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1. The power state change time recalculation unit determines an image forming apparatus that is preferentially turned off or enters a power saving mode based on configuration information of the image forming apparatus (S1504). The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 2. The power state change time recalculation unit determines an image forming apparatus that is preferentially turned off or enters a power saving mode based on power consumption information of the image forming apparatus (S1508). The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 3. An image forming apparatus management apparatus capable of changing a power state of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network,
A power supply state change time calculation unit (S1303) that is provided in the management device and calculates a power supply state change time so that the power supply is turned off or the power saving mode is shifted to a time zone during which job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus. When,
A reduction effect calculation unit that is provided in the management apparatus and calculates a reduction effect of carbon dioxide emission and power consumption when the power is turned off and the power saving mode is entered in a time zone when job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus (S1411),
A power supply state that is provided in the management device and calculates a power supply state change time so as to achieve a target value when the reduction effect calculated by the reduction effect calculation unit does not achieve a preset reduction target value Change time recalculation means (S1305);
An image forming apparatus management apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus management method capable of changing power states of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network,
A power supply state change time calculating step (S1303) that is provided in the management method and calculates a power supply state change time so that the power is turned off or the power saving mode is shifted to a time zone when job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus. When,
A reduction effect calculation step of calculating a reduction effect of carbon dioxide emission amount / power consumption when the time period when job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus is turned off and the mode is shifted to the power saving mode provided in the management method (S1411),
A power supply state change that is provided in the management method and calculates a power supply state change time so as to achieve a target value when the effect calculated in the reduction effect calculation step does not achieve a preset reduction target value A time recalculation step (S1305);
An image forming apparatus management method comprising: In an image forming apparatus management system capable of changing the power supply state of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network,
A power supply state change time calculation unit (S1303) that is provided in the management system and calculates a power supply state change time so that the power supply is turned off or the power saving mode is shifted to a time zone during which job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus. When,
A reduction effect calculation unit that is provided in the management system and calculates a reduction effect of carbon dioxide emission and power consumption when the power is turned off and the power saving mode is entered in a time zone when job processing is not performed in the image forming apparatus (S1411),
A power supply state change that is provided in the management system and calculates a power supply state change time so as to achieve a target value when the effect calculated by the reduction effect calculation means does not achieve a preset reduction target value Time recalculation means (S1305);
A program comprising:

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