JP2013171408A - Power management server, power management control program, and image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve both suppression of a power amount and improvement of convenience by reducing influence on image processing as a target of power suppression.SOLUTION: With respect to image processing devices 10A-10J capable of partial power saving belonging to the same group, a power management server 300 is connected to a communication line network 20 to which the image processing devices 10A-10J are connected, the power management server 300 is notified of an operation information signal corresponding to processing content to thereby centralize information, the entire power of the ten image processing devices 10A-10J is collectively managed, and executability of each processing is returned.

Description

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

  In the image processing apparatus, system control for suppressing power with respect to a power target to be consumed has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). The image processing apparatus may be referred to as “multifunction machine”, “MF (multifunction) machine”, or the like, or may be referred to as “image forming apparatus”, “image reading apparatus”, or “facsimile apparatus”. Unless otherwise defined, a processing apparatus having an image forming function that consumes more power than at least other functions is shown.

  In Patent Document 1, a power consumption request is made from an image forming apparatus in a group, and the peak power total of the image forming apparatus is managed based on the maximum power consumption amount set by the power mode management means (server). Therefore, it is possible to suppress peak power by determining whether or not each image forming apparatus can be operated according to this management form.

  In Patent Document 1, an allowable power is instructed from the power mode management means, and a processing time for starting an operation in response thereto or notifying the power mode management means again of an operation lower than the allowable power occurs. Therefore, there is always a time to wait for an instruction from the power mode management means for normal operation. For this reason, as the number of image forming apparatuses in the group increases, there are cases where the timing of waiting for instructions overlaps.

JP 2006-227061 A

  The present invention reduces the influence on power processing target image processing compared to the case without this configuration, and enables power management server and power management control to achieve both power suppression and convenience improvement. The object is to obtain a program and an image processing apparatus.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in addition to an image processing function for executing a plurality of types of image processing by a combination of a plurality of operated parts that operate by receiving power, the plurality of operated parts are individually supplied with power A power state transition function for transitioning to a power state of either a state or a power supply cutoff state, and a power state change information output that outputs power state change information before the change when the power state of each operated unit is changed Receiving means for receiving the power state change information via the communication line network with a plurality of image processing devices belonging to a predetermined group of communication line networks each having a function as a transmission source, and the group of communication A calculating means for calculating the total power of all the image processing apparatuses belonging to the circuit network; and the maximum power calculated by the calculating means when the receiving means receives the power state change information. Power that returns power suppression instruction information instructing power suppression as reply information to the image processing apparatus that is the transmission source of the power state change information so that the total power of the power does not exceed a predetermined first upper limit target value When the total power calculated by the suppression instruction information return means and the calculation means has not reached the second upper limit value lower than the first upper limit target value, the power suppression instruction by the power suppression instruction means And a switching information adding means for adding switching information as to whether or not a power suppression instruction is prohibited by the prohibiting means to the return information by the power suppression instruction information returning means. Yes.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the power state change information is operation information of each of the operated parts.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the power state change information is power value information managed for each image processing apparatus.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the computer is controlled by the power management server according to any one of the first to third aspects. It is a power management control program to be executed as.

  Invention of Claim 5 belongs to the said communication circuit network in the invention of any one of the said Claims 1-3, The electric power of any one of the said Claims 1-3 This is an image processing apparatus equipped with a function as a management server.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, at least an image reading unit that reads an image from a document, an external transmission unit that transmits an image read by the image reading unit to the outside, as a plurality of operated units that operate by receiving power supply, An image processing unit that includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image information read by the image reading function or image information received from the outside, and executes each of a plurality of types of image processing, and each image by the image processing unit When executing the process, the main control unit that controls the operated unit in an integrated manner, and the plurality of operated units and the main control unit are individually shifted to either the power supply state or the power cut-off state. Power state transition means, power state change information output means for outputting power state change information before the change when the power state of each operated part is changed, and the power Reply information receiving means for receiving reply information for output of the power state change information by the state change information output means, and power suppression control executing means for executing power suppression control based on the reply information received by the reply information receiving means; have.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixth aspect, the reply information includes power suppression instruction information for instructing power suppression, and switching information indicating whether or not a power suppression instruction is prohibited. Yes, if the switching information received last time is information indicating that an instruction for power suppression is prohibited, the image processing is executed without waiting for the return information receiving unit to receive the return information.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the power saving state in which in the power state transition means, all of the operated part and the main control part are in a power cut-off state. When returning from the power supply state to the power supply state, the return time of the main control unit is set to the power supply state first without waiting for the return information, and the return time of the operated part is set to be after receiving the return information. It further has a timing control means.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the power state change information output means is executed after the main control unit returns.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the invention according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the change of the handling of the return information by the switching information is not executed in the power saving state.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, it is possible to reduce the influence on the image processing that is a power suppression target and to achieve both power suppression and convenience improvement. .

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, partial power saving information can be transmitted as the power state change information.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, power information can be transmitted as the power state change information.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, it is possible to reduce the influence on the image processing to be the power suppression target and to achieve both the power suppression and the convenience improvement. .

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus can have a power management function.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, it is possible to reduce the influence on the image processing to be the power suppression target and to achieve both the power suppression and the convenience improvement. .

  According to invention of Claim 7, it can be set as the state which does not receive electric power suppression control.

  According to the invention described in claims 8 to 10, the energy saving performance can be improved as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

(A) is a communication line network connection diagram including the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and (B) is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the power management server. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for each function of a control system of a main controller and a power supply device according to the present embodiment. 6 is a timing chart showing each mode state and an event that triggers the transition of the mode state in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the process regarding operation information in the main controller of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment according to the function. It is the block diagram which showed the process for process execution availability determination control in the power management server which concerns on this Embodiment according to the function. 5 is a flowchart (transmission mode) showing a power suppression control routine on the image processing apparatus side in the flow of power suppression control executed while communicating between the image processing apparatus and the power management server according to the present embodiment. . 5 is a flowchart (reply mode) showing a power suppression control routine on the image processing apparatus side in the flow of power suppression control executed while communicating between the image processing apparatus and the power management server according to the present embodiment. . It is a flowchart which shows the power suppression control routine by the side of a power management server among the flows of the power suppression control performed while communicating between the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment, and a power management server. It is an example which concerns on the comparative example 1, and is an example which shows the power consumption transition of ten image processing apparatuses, (A) shows a time timetable table | surface, (B) shows the transition characteristic figure. It is an example which concerns on the comparative example 2, and is an example which shows the power consumption transition of ten image processing apparatuses, (A) shows a time timetable table | surface, (B) shows the transition characteristic figure. FIG. 4 is an example showing transitions in power consumption of ten image processing apparatuses according to an example of the present embodiment, where (A) shows a time table and (B) shows a transition characteristic diagram thereof.

  FIG. 1 shows a network system centered on a communication network 20 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication network 20 includes 10 image processing apparatuses 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J (hereinafter referred to as 10J) according to the present embodiment. Are collectively referred to as “image processing device 10”, “image processing devices 10A to 10J”, etc.). Ten image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J are connected as the image processing apparatus 10, but the number is not limited.

  A plurality of PCs (personal computers) 21 as information terminal devices are connected to the communication line network 20. In FIG. 1, five PCs 21 are connected, but this number is not limited, and may be 1 to 4 or 6 or more. Further, the information terminal device is not limited to the PC 21 and does not need to be wired. That is, it may be a communication network that transmits and receives information wirelessly.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, in the image processing apparatus 10, for example, data is transferred from the PC 21 to the image processing apparatus 10 remotely to perform an image formation (print) instruction operation, or a user ( There are cases where a user) stands in front of the image processing apparatus 10 and instructs processing such as copying (copying), scanning (image reading), and facsimile transmission / reception by various operations.

  Furthermore, a power management server 300 is connected to the communication line network 20. The power management server 300 mainly serves to manage the power consumption of the image processing apparatuses 10 in the same group. That is, in FIG. 1, a group of image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J connected to the communication network 20 is the same group, and the power management server 300 manages the power consumption of the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J. The management form in the power management server 300 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the power management server 300 includes a CPU 300A, a RAM 300B, a ROM 300C, an I / O 300D, and a bus 300E such as a data bus and a control bus for interconnecting them.

  An input device 300F such as a keyboard and a mouse and a monitor 300G are connected to the I / O 300D. The I / O 300D is connected to the communication line network 20 via the I / F 300H.

  FIG. 2 shows an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 240 that forms an image on recording paper, an image reading unit 238 that reads an original image, and a facsimile communication control circuit 236. In addition, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a main control unit 200 (hereinafter, also referred to as “main controller 200”) that collectively controls the entire apparatus, and includes an image forming unit 240, an image reading unit 238, and the like. The facsimile communication control circuit 236 is controlled to temporarily store the image data of the original image read by the image reading unit 238, and send the read image data to the image forming unit 240 or the facsimile communication control circuit 236. .

  A communication line network 20 such as the Internet is connected to the main controller 200, and a telephone line network 22 is connected to the facsimile communication control circuit 236. The main controller 200 is connected to, for example, a host computer via the communication network 20 and receives image data or executes facsimile reception and facsimile transmission using the telephone network 22 via the facsimile communication control circuit 236. Have a role.

  The image reading unit 238 receives a document table for positioning a document, a scan drive system that scans an image of the document placed on the document table and irradiates light, and light reflected or transmitted by scanning of the scan drive system. And a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD for converting into an electrical signal.

  The image forming unit 240 includes a photoconductor. Around the photoconductor, a charging device that uniformly charges the photoconductor, a scanning exposure unit that scans a light beam based on image data, and the scanning exposure unit. An image developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed by scanning exposure, a transfer unit that transfers the developed image on the photoreceptor to a recording sheet, and a surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer are cleaned. And a cleaning unit. A fixing unit for fixing the image on the recording paper after transfer is provided on the recording paper conveyance path.

  In the image processing apparatus 10, an outlet 245 is attached to the tip of the input power supply line 244. By inserting the outlet 245 into the wiring plate 243 of the commercial power supply 242 wired up to the wall surface W, the image processing apparatus 10 The power supply is received from the commercial power source 242.

(Control system hardware configuration of image processing apparatus)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the control system of the image processing apparatus 10.

  The communication line network 20 is connected to the main controller 200. A facsimile communication control circuit 236, an image reading unit 238, an image forming unit 240, and a UI touch panel 216 are connected to the main controller 200 via buses 33A to 33D such as a data bus and a control bus, respectively. In other words, the main controller 200 is the main body, and each processing unit of the image processing apparatus 10 is controlled. The UI touch panel 216 may have a UI touch panel backlight 216BL (see FIG. 4) attached thereto.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a power supply device 202, and is connected to the main controller 200 through a signal harness 201.

  The power supply device 202 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 242.

  The power supply device 202 includes power supply lines 35 </ b> A to 35 </ b> D that supply power independently to the main controller 200, the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, the image forming unit 240, and the UI touch panel 216. Yes. For this reason, the main controller 200 individually supplies power to each processing unit (device) or cuts off the power supply to enable so-called partial power saving control.

(Functional block diagram with a partial power-saving configuration)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit controlled by the main controller 200 (sometimes referred to as “processing unit”, “device”, “module”, etc.), a main controller 200, and each device for supplying power. It is a schematic block diagram which mainly made the power line of the power supply device 202 of FIG. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 can supply or not supply power in units of processing units (partial power saving control). Note that partial power saving in units of processing units is an example, and the processing units may be classified into several groups, and power saving control may be performed in units of groups.

  In addition, the main controller 200 is also included as an object of partial power saving. When all the processing units are saved, the monitoring control unit 24 (described later) receives the minimum necessary power and supplies power to other control devices. (Sleep mode).

[Main controller 200]
As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 200 includes a CPU 204, a RAM 206, a ROM 208, an I / O (input / output unit) 210, and a bus 212 such as a data bus and a control bus for connecting them. A UI touch panel 216 (including a backlight unit 216BL) is connected to the I / O 210 via a UI control circuit 214. A hard disk (HDD) 218 is connected to the I / O 210. The functions of the main controller 200 are realized by the CPU 204 operating based on programs recorded in the ROM 208, the hard disk 218, and the like. The program is installed from a recording medium (CD, DVD, BD (Blu-ray Disc), USB memory, SD memory, etc.) storing the program, and the CPU 204 operates based on the program to realize an image processing function. May be.

  A timer circuit 220 and a communication line I / F 222 are connected to the I / O 210. Further, the I / O 210 is connected to each device of a facsimile communication control circuit (modem) 236, an image reading unit 238, and an image forming unit 240.

  The timer circuit 220 measures time as an opportunity to put the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 into a power saving state (power supply cut-off state) (hereinafter, “ Sometimes called system timer).

  The main controller 200 and each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240) are supplied with power from the power supply device 202 (see the dotted line in FIG. 4). In FIG. 4, the power supply line is shown by one line (dotted line), but in reality it is two to three wires.

[Power supply device 202]
As shown in FIG. 4, the input power supply line 244 drawn from the commercial power supply 242 is connected to the main switch 246. When the main switch 246 is turned on, power can be supplied to the second power supply unit 250 via the first power supply unit 248 and the first sub power supply switch 256.

  The first power supply unit 248 includes a control power generation unit 248A and is connected to the power supply control circuit 252 of the main controller 200. The power supply control circuit 252 supplies power to the main controller 200 and is connected to the I / O 210. According to a control program of the main controller 200, each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240). Switching control for conducting / non-conducting the power supply line to) is performed.

  On the other hand, a first sub power switch 256 (hereinafter also referred to as “SW-1”) is interposed in a power line 254 (ground side) connected to the second power unit 250. The SW-1 is controlled to be turned on / off by the power supply control circuit 252. That is, when this SW-1 is off, the second power supply unit 250 does not function (the power consumption is 0 after “SW-1”).

  The second power supply unit 250 includes a 24 / 100V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1). The 24 / 100V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) is a power supply mainly used for a motor or the like.

  The 24 / 100V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and the 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) of the second power supply unit 250 selectively include an image reading unit power supply unit 258, an image forming unit power supply unit 260, and a facsimile communication control circuit. The power supply unit 264 and the UI touch panel power supply unit 266 are connected.

  The image reading unit power supply unit 258 uses the 24 / 100V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) as an input source, and reads an image via a second sub power switch 268 (hereinafter also referred to as “SW-2”). Connected to the section 238.

  The image forming unit power supply unit 260 may be referred to as a third sub power switch 270 (hereinafter referred to as “SW-3”) with the 24 / 100V power unit 250H (LVPS2) and the 5V power unit 250L (LVPS1) as input sources. .)) To the image forming unit 240.

  The facsimile communication control circuit power supply unit 264 uses a 24 / 100V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) and a 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) as input sources, and may be referred to as a fourth sub power switch 274 (hereinafter referred to as “SW-4”). To the facsimile communication control circuit 236 and the image forming unit 240.

  The UI touch panel power supply unit 266 may be referred to as a fifth sub power switch 276 (hereinafter “SW-5”) with the 5V power supply unit 250L (LVPS1) and the 24 / 100V power supply unit 250H (LVPS2) as input sources. ) To the UI touch panel 216 (including the backlight unit 216BL). Note that power may be supplied from the power saving monitoring control unit 24 to the original functions of the UI touch panel 216 (functions excluding the backlight unit 216BL).

  Similarly to the first sub power switch 256, the second sub power switch 268, the third sub power switch 270, the fourth sub power switch 274, and the fifth sub power switch 276 are the main controller 200. On / off control is performed based on a power source selection signal from the power source control circuit 252. Although not shown, the switches and wirings to which the 24 / 100V power supply unit 250H and the 5V power supply unit 250L are supplied are configured in two systems. Further, the power switches 268 to 276 may be arranged in each device that is the power supply destination instead of the power supply device 202. Further, the fixing unit (corresponding to “Fuser” shown in FIG. 3) of the image forming unit (not shown) is supplied with the commercial power 242 from the first sub power switch 256 (“SW-1”) and the subsequent images. It is energized only when necessary at the formation unit 240.

  In the above configuration, it is necessary to supply power for selecting each device (facsimile communication control circuit 236, image reading unit 238, image forming unit 240) for each function and not to supply power to devices unnecessary for the instructed function. Minimal power is required.

(Supervisory control for state transition of image processing device)
Here, the main controller 200 of the present embodiment may partially stop its function (partial power saving) so that the necessary minimum power consumption is achieved. Alternatively, the power supply may be stopped including the majority of the main controller 200 (“sleep mode (power saving mode)).

  The sleep mode can be shifted, for example, by starting a system timer when image processing is completed. That is, the power supply is stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the system timer is started. If there is any operation (hard key operation, etc.) before the predetermined time elapses, the timer count to the sleep mode is naturally canceled and the system timer is started from the end of the next image processing.

  On the other hand, during the sleep mode, a power-saving monitoring control unit 24 (see FIG. 4) is connected to the I / O 210 as an element that is constantly supplied with power. The power-saving monitoring control unit 24 may include, for example, an IC chip called an ASIC, which stores an operation program by itself and is processed by the operation program, including a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like. Good.

  By the way, in the monitoring during power saving, for example, a print request is received from the communication line detection unit or a FAX reception request is received from the FAX line detection unit. In the unit 24, the first sub power switch 256, the second sub power switch 268, the third sub power switch 270, the fourth sub power switch 274, and the fifth sub power switch are connected via the power control circuit 252. It is assumed that power is supplied by controlling 276.

(Main controller power supply / cut-off control)
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a power saving control button 26 (sometimes simply referred to as “power saving button 26”) is connected to the I / O 210 of the main controller 200. By operating the power saving control button 26, the power saving can be canceled. The power saving control button 26 also has a function of being operated when power is supplied to the processing unit, thereby forcibly cutting off the power supply of the processing unit and setting the power saving state.

  Here, in order to monitor in the sleep mode, it is preferable to supply the power saving control button 26 and each detection unit to the power saving control button 26 and each detection unit in addition to the power saving monitoring control unit 24 while the power is being saved. That is, even in the sleep mode in which the power is not supplied, there is a case where the power is not more than a predetermined power (for example, 0.5 W or less) and is supplied with the power necessary for determining whether to supply power. is there.

  As a specific period of the sleep mode, a period for supplying the minimum necessary power supply mainly including an input system such as the main controller 200, the UI touch panel 216, and the IC card reader 217 may be provided. This is in consideration of convenience for the user. In this case, in the UI touch panel 216, it is preferable that the backlight unit 216BL is turned off or the illuminance is reduced more than usual in order to ensure energy saving even a little. Also, it is not particularly important whether the specific period of the sleep mode is still defined as the sleep mode or as another mode. For example, if the definition of the sleep mode is “less than power consumption such as a predetermined energy saving level”, whether or not the power consumption in a specific period of the sleep mode is maintained below the predetermined energy saving level. Judge by.

  For example, when the user operates the power saving control button 26 during the sleep mode to copy as a processing function, as a specific period, first, the main controller 200 is started up, the UI touch panel 216 is operated, After making the card authentication by the IC card reader 217 possible, it is possible to achieve both convenience and energy saving by selecting a device and supplying power in accordance with the operation status of the user.

(Power consumption management)
Here, in the power management server 300 of the present embodiment, power consumption is managed for the same group (image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J connected to the communication network 20). In the power management server 300, even if ten image processing apparatuses 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> J are operated simultaneously, each of the image processing apparatuses 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> J receives an operation unit (device) so as not to reach a predetermined target peak power. In response to the notification of the operation information including the operation information, the management is performed to return the availability as reply information.

  In the power management server 300, a preset second target peak power (<first target peak power) is set. In this power suppression mode, the current total power is the second target peak power. Execution (on) in the above case, non-execution (off) when less than the second target peak power.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing processing related to operation information by function in the main controller 200 of the image processing apparatus 10. Note that this block diagram is specialized for operation information and does not limit the hardware configuration of the main controller 200.

  The UI control circuit 214 and the communication I / F 222 are connected to the processing content analysis unit 302. When a job is received by the UI control circuit 214 and the communication I / F 222, the processing content analysis unit 302 analyzes the processing content. For example, if the job is a copying process, the processing contents are an image reading process and an image forming process.

  The processing content analysis unit 302 is connected to the device specifying unit 304, and the device specifying unit 304 specifies a device to be used according to the processing content. For example, the image reading unit 238 is used for the image reading process, and the image forming unit 240 is used for the image forming process.

  The device identification unit 304 is connected to the process execution control unit 306 and the operation information signal generation unit 308.

  A facsimile communication control circuit 236, an image reading unit 238, and an image forming unit 240 are connected to the processing execution control unit 306, and the facsimile communication control circuit 236 is selectively selected depending on “execution of processing” described later. The image reading unit 238 and the image forming unit 240 are controlled to execute processing.

  The operation information signal generation unit 308 receives operation state information from the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 via the device operation mode analysis unit 322. . For this reason, the operation information signal generation unit 308 generates an operation information signal based on the device specified by the device specification unit 304. The operation information signal includes at least an identification code for identifying the image processing apparatus 10 and device operation information. The operation information also includes information on which operation mode the image forming unit 240 transitions to, such as a warm-up operation, a print operation, and a standby operation, by the device operation mode analysis unit.

  The operation information signal generated by the operation information signal generation unit 308 is transmitted to the power management server 300 via the communication line network 20 in the operation information signal output unit 310.

  On the other hand, reply information is notified from the power management server 300 via the communication network 20, and the reply information is received by the reply information receiving unit 312 in the image processing apparatus 10.

  The reply information receiving unit 312 is connected to the reply information analyzing unit 314, and the reply information analyzing unit 314 analyzes the received reply information.

  The reply information analysis unit 314 is connected to the power suppression mode execution availability determination unit 316 and the process execution availability determination unit 318.

  The reply information analysis unit 314 classifies and analyzes the information indicating whether to execute the power suppression mode from the reply information and the information indicating whether the process can be executed with respect to the operation information. The data is sent to the power suppression mode execution determination unit 316 and the process execution determination unit 318.

  The power suppression mode execution availability determination unit 316 and the process execution availability determination unit 318 are each connected to the power suppression mode on / off switching unit 320.

  The power suppression mode execution availability determination unit 316 outputs an on signal to the power suppression mode on / off switching unit 320 when the power suppression mode is executed and an off signal when the power suppression mode is not executed.

  Further, the process execution feasibility determination unit 318 outputs a signal related to process execution propriety to the power suppression mode on / off switching unit 320.

  In the power suppression mode on / off switching unit 320, when the on signal is input from the power suppression mode execution availability determination unit 316, the process execution control unit 306 reflects the availability signal from the process execution availability determination unit 318. Notify "Yes" or "No" of processing execution. Also, when an off signal is input from the power suppression mode execution determination unit 316, the process execution determination is not performed, and the process execution “permission” is immediately notified as an instruction from the device identification unit 304. For this reason, when the power suppression mode is OFF, processing can be performed without waiting for a reply from the power management server 300.

  When the process execution is “permitted”, the process execution control unit 306 selectively controls the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 to execute the process. Further, when the process execution is “impossible”, the process is not executed. Note that when the image forming unit 240 clearly reduces the power, such as changing from the print operation to the standby operation, control is performed so that the process execution is immediately possible regardless of the power suppression mode. Also good.

  Next, FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating processing for controlling execution of processing in the power management server 300 by function. Note that this block diagram does not limit the hardware configuration of the power management server 300.

  The operation information signal notified from each image processing apparatus 10 is received by the operation information signal receiving unit 350, and the received operation information signal is analyzed by the operation information signal analysis unit 352 (sorted into device identification code and processing content). Then, it is sent to the model (MF) discrimination unit 354.

  The model (MF) discrimination unit 354 discriminates the image processing apparatus (any one of 10A to 10J) from which the operation information signal is transmitted.

  The model (MF) determination unit 354 is connected to the used device identification unit 356, the model total power calculation unit 358, and the notification destination identification unit 360, respectively.

  The used device specifying unit 356 specifies the type of device used and the operation mode of the device based on the processing contents, and sends the specified device information to the used power calculation unit 362. In order to read out the device-power correlation table stored in the device-power correlation table storage unit 364 (for example, refer to the device-power correlation table shown in Table 1 to be described later) and execute processing The necessary power is calculated, and the calculation result is updated and stored in the model-specific power transition status storage unit 368 via the model-specific power storage processing unit 366. For example, the transition status stored in the model-specific power transition status storage unit 368 is stored in accordance with the time table as shown in FIG. Details of Table 1 and FIG. 12 will be described later as examples.

  In the model total power calculation unit 368, when the model is determined by the model determination unit 354, that is, every time operation information of any of the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J is received, The total power of the image processing apparatus 10 is calculated. The transition of the total power shows a change as shown in FIG. 12B according to the processing content, for example.

  The model total power calculation unit 358 is connected to the first comparison unit 370. Further, the first target peak power storage unit 372 is connected to the first comparison unit 370. The first target peak power storage unit 370 stores a predetermined target peak power that should not be exceeded. For example, when there are 10 image processing apparatuses 10 with a maximum of 1200 W, 12000 W, and when there is a request for 30% power saving at peak time, 12000 × 0.7 = 8400 W is the first target peak power.

  In the first comparison unit 370, when the total power is input from the model total power calculation unit 358, the first target peak power is read and compared.

  That is, the first comparison unit 370 determines whether or not the predetermined first target peak power is exceeded when the process notified by the operation information is executed. If so, the excess signal is sent to the comparison result analysis unit 374. If it is within the limit, the calculated total power information is sent to the second comparison unit 376.

  A second target peak power storage unit 378 is connected to the second comparison unit 376. The second target peak power storage unit 378 stores a predetermined target peak power that does not require power suppression. For example, if the power is about 50% at the peak (12000 × 0.5 = about 6000 W), the power does not exceed the first peak target power without suppressing the power. Peak power is assumed.

  In the second comparison unit 376, when the total power is input from the first comparison unit 370, the second target peak power is read and compared.

  That is, the second comparison unit 376 determines whether or not a predetermined second target peak power is exceeded when the process notified by the operation information is executed. The result is sent to the comparison result analysis unit 374.

  The comparison result analysis unit 374 is connected to the reply information generation unit 380. When an excess signal is input to the comparison result analysis unit 374, the reply information generation unit 380 generates reply information indicating “impossibility” of process execution. In addition, when a signal exceeding the second target peak power is input to the comparison result analysis unit 374, reply information indicating “permitted” for processing execution and reply information indicating the power suppression mode “on” are generated. . Further, when a signal that does not exceed the second target peak power is input to the comparison result analysis unit 374, the return information indicating that the process is “possible” and the power suppression mode “ Reply information indicating “off” is generated.

  When an “off” signal is transmitted as the power suppression mode, the image processing apparatus 10 executes the process without waiting for reply information indicating whether the process can be executed. Until the process is output, it is not necessary to send a signal indicating whether the process can be executed or not as reply information.

  The reply information generating unit 380 is connected to the notification destination specifying unit 360. The notification destination specifying unit 360 specifies the notification destination (any one of the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J) of the generated reply information. That is, the reply information indicating whether or not the process can be executed identifies the image processing apparatus 10 that has been notified of the operation information as the notification destination, and the reply information indicating the power suppression mode on / off notifies all the image processing apparatuses 10. Identify first.

  The notification destination specifying unit 360 is connected to the reply information output unit 382 and outputs reply information to the image processing apparatus 10 specified by the notification destination specifying unit 360.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

(Mode transition of power supply control of image processing apparatus 10 (device))
First, based on FIG. 5, a timing chart showing each mode state and an event that triggers the transition of the mode state in the image processing apparatus 10 is shown.

  If the image processing apparatus 10 is not processed, the operation state is the sleep mode, and in this embodiment, power is supplied only to the power-saving monitoring control unit 24.

  Here, when there is a start trigger (detection of a start trigger or operation of the power saving control button 26, etc.), the operating state transitions to the warm-up mode.

  Note that after the trigger for the start-up, the sleep mode may still be defined, but the power supply amount is increased by the activation of the main controller 200 and the UI touch panel 216 as compared with the power supply of the power-saving monitoring control unit 24 alone. . Further, for example, when returning by the operation of the power saving control button 26, the mode returns to the mode for selecting a job, which device is activated depending on the selected job, and when the image forming unit 240 is not activated, it is not warmed up There is also.

  The start-up trigger may be, for example, a signal based on the detection result by the human sensor or the operation authentication of the IC card reader 217 in addition to the power saving cancel operation by the operator's operation of the power saving control button 26.

  In the warm-up mode, the image processing apparatus 10 (mainly, the temperature of the fixing unit of the image forming unit 240) is brought into a processable state, so that the power consumption is the maximum in each mode. By using an IH heater as the heater, the warm-up mode time is relatively shorter than that of a heater using a halogen lamp. An IH heater and a halogen lamp can be used in combination.

  When the warm-up operation in the warm-up mode is completed, the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the standby mode. The warm-up operation is a mode that consumes the most power (for example, 1200 W).

  The standby mode is literally a “preparation is complete in preparation” mode, and the image processing apparatus 10 is ready to execute an image processing operation.

  For this reason, when there is a job execution operation as a key input, the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 transitions to the running mode, and image processing based on the instructed job is executed.

  When the image processing is completed (when a plurality of continuous jobs are waiting, when all the continuous jobs are completed), the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 is changed to the standby mode by the standby trigger. Note that, after image processing, timing by a system timer may be started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a standby trigger may be output to transition to the standby mode.

  If there is a job execution instruction in the standby mode, the mode is changed to the running mode again, and when the fall trigger is detected or a predetermined time has elapsed, the mode is changed to the sleep mode. The trigger for falling can be, for example, a signal based on a detection result by a human sensor, a system timer, or a combination thereof.

  Further, the mode state transitions in the actual operation of the image processing apparatus 10 do not all proceed in time series as shown in this timing chart. For example, the process may be stopped in the standby mode after the warm-up mode and the mode may be shifted to the sleep mode.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment transits between the modes, and the power consumed for each mode is different.

  In the present embodiment, power supply control is performed for each device. For example, when an image reading process is instructed from the sleep mode, the image reading unit is not started without starting the image forming unit 240. So-called partial power saving, such as energizing 238, is possible.

(Power suppression control)
In the present embodiment, image processing apparatuses belonging to a group of communication line networks (in FIG. 1, ten image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J connected to the communication line network 20) are collectively managed by the power management server 300. Even when all the image processing apparatuses 10 operate simultaneously, power suppression control is performed so as not to exceed a predetermined target peak power (first target peak power).

  That is, the power management server 300 receives the operation information notification from each image processing apparatus 10 and returns reply information indicating whether the process is possible or not to the operation information, so that the processing of each image processing apparatus 10 is performed. Add restrictions.

  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9 are flowcharts showing a flow of power suppression control according to the present embodiment that is executed while communicating between the image processing apparatus 10 and the power management server 300. FIG. FIG. 8 shows a routine executed on the image processing apparatus 10 side, and FIG. 9 shows a routine executed on the power management server 300 side.

  First, a power suppression control routine (transmission mode) on the image processing apparatus 10 side will be described with reference to FIG. 8A.

  In step 400, it is determined whether or not a job has been accepted. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 402 to determine whether or not the current state is the sleep mode. If a negative determination is made in step 400, the process proceeds to step 432 to determine whether or not there is a change in the operation mode. If a negative determination is made in step 432, this routine ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step 432, the process proceeds to step 434, the device whose operation mode changes is specified, and the process proceeds to step 412.

  If the determination in step 402 is affirmative (during sleep mode), it is determined that power is supplied only to the monitoring control unit 24, the process proceeds to step 406, and only the main controller 200 is supplied. The power is still cut off, and the process proceeds to step 408. When returning from the sleep mode with the power saving control button 26 and accepting a job, the operation information is managed with a minimum power increase in order to select a job while the UI touch panel 216 is powered in addition to the main controller 200. It can be transmitted to the server 300.

  If the determination in step 402 is negative, it is determined that power is supplied to at least the main controller 200, and the process proceeds to step 408.

  In step 408, the processing content based on the received job is analyzed, and then the process proceeds to step 410 to identify the device to be used, and the process proceeds to step 412.

  In step 412, an operation information signal to be transmitted to the power management server 300 is generated. The operation information signal includes an identification code that identifies the image processing apparatus 10 and device information to be used. In the next step 414, the generated operation information signal is output to the power management server 300, and this routine ends.

  First, a power suppression control routine (reply mode) on the image processing apparatus 10 side will be described with reference to FIG. 8B.

  In step 404, it is determined whether reply information has been accepted. If a negative determination is made in step 404, this routine ends.

  If the determination in step 404 is affirmative (reply information reception), the process proceeds to step 416, where the reply information is analyzed, and the process proceeds to step 418.

  In step 418, the type of reply information is determined. The reply information includes information for determining whether or not processing can be executed and switching information for the power suppression mode.

  If it is determined in step 418 that the return information is information for determining whether the process can be executed, the process proceeds from step 418 to step 420. In step 420, it is determined whether or not processing is possible in the determination of whether or not processing can be executed. Then, this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 420 (processing is impossible), the process proceeds to step 426 to execute job cancel processing. For example, a message indicating that the job cannot be executed is displayed, and a transition is made to the state before accepting the job, and this routine is terminated.

  Here, it may be set in a standby state without performing the cancellation process, and may be retried after a predetermined time. Since the time when the switching information of the power suppression mode is received is the timing when the total power of the power server 300 is changed, the subsequent retry may be performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 418 that the return information is the power suppression mode switching information, the process proceeds from step 418 to step 428. In step 428, it is determined whether or not the sleep mode is in effect. If the determination is affirmative, switching of the power suppression mode is not executed, and this routine ends. If a negative determination is made in step 428, the process proceeds to step 430 to execute a power suppression mode switching process based on the power suppression mode switching instruction, and this routine ends.

  When the power suppression mode switching process is performed in the sleep mode, the CPU 204 of the main controller 200 is turned on, so that the sleep power increases. When the operation information of the other image processing apparatus 10 changes, the energy saving performance of the sleep mode May be damaged. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to realize energy saving of the sleep power by using the control not performing the switching process in the sleep mode.

  Further, since the power suppression mode may change from off to on during the sleep mode, the power suppression mode does not change after returning only the main controller 200 in step 406 of FIG. 8A when returning from sleep. It is necessary to confirm with the power management server 300.

  Next, a power suppression control routine on the image processing apparatus 10 side on the power management server 300 side will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 450, it is determined whether or not a power request signal has been received. If a negative determination is made, this routine ends.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 450, the process proceeds to step 452 where the operation information signal is analyzed, then the process proceeds to step 454 to specify the model (image processing apparatus), and the process proceeds to step 456. In the analysis of the operation information signal, a device used in the specified image processing apparatus 10 is selected.

  In step 456, the power of the used device is added. That is, the device-power correlation table is stored in advance in the power management server 300 (see, for example, Table 1 described in the embodiment described later), and the power used by identifying the device is recognized. , The power of each device is added.

  In the next step 458, an update process of the model-specific power transition status table (see FIG. 12A as an example) is performed. In step 459, all image processing apparatuses 10 (hereinafter referred to as “all MFs”) are updated after the update. Total power is calculated (see Total item in FIG. 12A or FIG. 12B).

  In the next step 460, the current power suppression mode state is determined. That is, when the power suppression mode is on, the process proceeds to step 461, and when the power suppression mode is off, the process proceeds to step 470.

  In step 461, it is determined whether the power has decreased. If the determination in step 461 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the power has increased, the process proceeds to step 462. If the determination in step 461 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the power has decreased, the process proceeds to step 470.

  In the next step 462, it is determined whether or not the total power of all MFs exceeds the first target peak power by comparing the first target peak power and the total power of all the updated MFs. . If the determination in step 462 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 464, and after the process “impossible” is determined, the process proceeds to step 468. If a negative determination is made in step 462, the process proceeds to step 466, and the process proceeds to step 468 after the process “possible” is determined.

  In step 468, the determination result is notified to any of the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J that are the transmission source of the operation information signal, and the process proceeds to step 470.

  In step 470, the second target peak power and the updated total power of all MFs are compared to determine whether or not the total power of all MFs exceeds the second target peak power. If an affirmative determination is made in step 470, the process proceeds to step 472, and the process proceeds to step 476 after determining the power suppression mode “on”. If a negative determination is made in step 470, the process proceeds to step 474, and the process proceeds to step 476 after the power suppression mode “off” is determined.

  In step 476, the determination result is notified to all the image processing apparatuses 10, and this routine ends.

  The model-specific power transition status table is provided in the power management server 300, but is provided in all the image processing apparatuses 10 so that the power value is transmitted to the power management server 300 as power state change information. Also good.

  Hereinafter, ten image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J belong to the same group, and the power management server 300 executes the power suppression control according to the present embodiment and the comparative example (comparative example 1). Comparative Example 2) is shown.

  First, for the purpose of energy saving, the image processing apparatus 10 alone does not consume unnecessary power compared to an apparatus without a power saving mode. For example, ten image processing apparatuses 10 simultaneously consume the largest amount of power. In the case of operating with electric power, the maximum power consumption for 10 units is accumulated, and the so-called “peak power” expected is the peak power × 10 of each image processing apparatus 10. More specifically, when the peak power of one image processing apparatus 10 is 1200 W, the total peak power is 12000 W (= 1200 × 10).

  FIG. 10 is an example showing power consumption transitions of 10 image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J (MF1 to MF10 in FIG. 10) according to Comparative Example 1, and (A) shows a time table. ) Shows the transition characteristic diagram.

  The time value “0” indicates a sleep mode state, and the total power consumption of each of the MF1 to MF10 is 18W. The relationship between the integer of the time value and the integer +0.1 indicates before and after the processing mode changes in any of MF1 to MF10.

  For example, the change from the time value 1 to the time value 1.1 is a time when the MF 1 transitions from the sleep mode to the full operation (copy processing or the like). At the same time, the MF4 changes from 700W to 1100W. For example, it may be considered that FAX transmission is started during FAX reception and is proceeding simultaneously.

  The total power in each time zone indicated by the item “Total” in FIG. 10 (A) has changed as shown in FIG. 10 (B). In this example, the peak power is 10380 W. When fully running, it becomes 12000W.

  Here, in the power management server 300, for example, when the target peak power is 70% (8400 W / hour), it is necessary to simply prevent the target peak power from being exceeded.

  In this case, the target may not be achieved in the power transition of FIG. 10 (maximum 10380 W), and naturally, there is a possibility that the target peak power is exceeded even in the case of full operation. For this reason, it is necessary to reduce the number of simultaneously operating units by 30%, that is, 7 units as in Comparative Example 2 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, and convenience is impaired.

  FIG. 11 is an example showing power consumption transitions of 10 image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J (MF1 to MF10 in FIG. 11) according to Comparative Example 2, and (A) shows a time table. (B) shows the transition characteristic diagram. In the comparative example 2, as described above, since the number of the image processing apparatuses 10 is limited to seven from the beginning, measures such as disconnecting the outlet so that it cannot be used and adding all authentication of the IC card reader are taken. As a result, the convenience is impaired.

  On the other hand, in contrast to the first comparative example and the second comparative example, in this embodiment, the total power is set to the first target set in advance for each image processing apparatus 10 in cooperation with the power management server 300. The power suppression mode for suppressing the power so as not to exceed the peak power (for example, 70% (8400 W) described above) was set.

  That is, an operation information signal (power state change information) including the type (or identification code) of the operated part necessary for the processing content (job) is transmitted from each image processing apparatus 10 to the power management server 300. Each image processing apparatus 10 waits for a reply information indicating whether or not execution is possible from the management server 300 for the operation information signal, and determines whether or not execution is possible based on the received reply information.

  The power management server 300 calculates the actual power consumption of each image processing apparatus 10 based on the operation information signal of the operated part, and sets the target peak power (for example, 8400W).

  The point of interest is that each image processing apparatus 10 has a maximum power of 1200 W, but does not reach the maximum power depending on the processing content (job) to be executed.

  For example, processing contents (jobs) include FAX transmission, image reading, copying processing, and FAX reception (output), and these power consumptions vary depending on the type, but are generally as shown in Table 1 below. Become.

すなわち、ＦＡＸ送信処理、並びに画像読取処理の場合は、基本的には画像読取部２３８が稼動するのみであるので、ＦＡＸ送信処理以上の１５０Ｗ〜３００Ｗの電力が消費される場合がある。一方、複写処理する場合は、画像読取部２３８及び画像形成部２４０が必要であり、５００Ｗ〜１２００Ｗの電力が消費される。ＦＡＸ受信、プリントは画像読取装置２３８が不要な分、消費電力が複写処理よりも少ない。

That is, in the case of the FAX transmission process and the image reading process, basically, the image reading unit 238 is only operated, and thus 150 W to 300 W of power more than the FAX transmission process may be consumed. On the other hand, when performing the copying process, the image reading unit 238 and the image forming unit 240 are necessary, and power of 500 W to 1200 W is consumed. Fax reception and printing consume less power than the copying process because the image reading device 238 is unnecessary.

  The numerical values in Table 1 are examples of power consumption for each of the above processing contents (jobs), and may vary depending on the device type, installation environment, secular change, etc., but the rank of power consumption disparity is basically It will not change.

  As described above, since the power consumption varies depending on the processing contents, it is not simply possible to operate 7 image processing apparatuses 10 out of 10 image processing apparatuses 10 and disable 3 operation. As shown in Table 2, the application can be made different depending on the usage pattern.

表２において、パターン（ア）では、７台の画像処理装置１０が、複写処理を行なっており、表１を参照すると、この時点で、最大電力が８４００Ｗ（＝１２００×７）であるため、使用可能な画像処理装置１０の台数は７台となり、他の画像処理装置１０から稼働情報信号に対する管理サーバー３００からの実行可否の返信情報の通知は、「不可」となり、第１の目標ピーク電力が維持される。

In Table 2, in pattern (A), seven image processing apparatuses 10 are performing the copying process, and referring to Table 1, the maximum power is 8400 W (= 1200 × 7) at this point. The number of usable image processing apparatuses 10 is seven, and the notification of reply information indicating whether or not execution is possible from the management server 300 to the operation information signal from the other image processing apparatuses 10 becomes “impossible”, and the first target peak power Is maintained.

  In Table 2, in pattern (A), two image processing apparatuses perform copying processing, two image processing apparatuses 10 perform image reading processing, and four image processing apparatuses 10 perform printing processing. Referring to Table 1, at this time, the maximum power is 7000 W (= [{1200 × 2} + {300 × 2} + {1000 × 4}]), and the first target peak power is maintained. . In this case, since the remaining 1400 W is available, the number of units is limited, but it is possible to notify the return information of processing execution “permitted” for operation information such as copying processing.

  In Table 2, in the pattern (c), ten image processing apparatuses 10 are performing FAX transmission processing, and referring to Table 1, at this time, the maximum power is 3000 W (= 300 × 10), The first target peak power is maintained. In this case, the remaining power is 5400 W, the power suppression mode is “off”, and each image processing apparatus 10 can execute processing freely.

  In Table 2, in pattern (d), six image processing apparatuses 10 perform copying processing, two image processing apparatuses 10 perform image reading processing, and two image processing apparatuses 10 perform FAX transmission processing. Referring to Table 1, at this point, the maximum power is 8400 W (= 1200 × 6 + 300 × 2 + 300 × 2), and the first target peak power is maintained.

  FIG. 12 shows power consumption transitions when 10 image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J (MF1 to MF10 in FIG. 12) are managed in the power suppression mode under the management of the power management server 300 according to the present embodiment. (A) shows a time table, and (B) shows a transition characteristic diagram thereof.

  The time value “0” indicates a sleep mode state, and the total power consumption of each of the MF1 to MF10 is 18W. The relationship between the integer of the time value and the integer +0.1 indicates before and after the processing mode changes in any of MF1 to MF10.

  For example, the change from the time value 1 to the time value 1.1 is a time when the MF 1 transitions from the sleep mode to the full operation (copy processing or the like). At the same time, MF4, MF8, and MF9 have also changed.

  The total power in each time zone indicated by the item “Total” in FIG. 12A changes as shown in FIG. 12B. In this example, the peak power is 8280 W, When fully running, it becomes 12000W.

  Here, in the power management server 300, for example, when the target peak power is 70% (8400 W / hour), it is necessary to simply prevent the target peak power from being exceeded.

  In this case, the power transition of FIG. 12 has achieved the target (maximum 8280W), and as shown in the pattern (a) in Table 2 above, the seven image processing apparatuses 10 operate at the maximum power (1200W). In such a case, since the power management server 300 returns a notification of inoperability to the remaining three image processing apparatuses 10, the outlets 245 of the three image processing apparatuses 10 are physically connected from the wiring plate 243. There is no time and effort required to pull out, and furthermore, as shown in the patterns (c) and (d) in Table 2, ten image processing apparatuses 10 can be operated at any time as long as the conditions are met.

  In the present embodiment (including examples), communication lines to which image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J are connected to partial power saving image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J belonging to the same group (group). By connecting the power management server 300 to the network 20 and notifying the power management server 300 of an operation information signal corresponding to the processing content, the information is concentrated, and the total power of the ten image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J is collectively collected. Although management is performed and whether or not the process can be executed is returned, the present invention is not limited to such a system configuration, and the following modifications are applicable.

  (Modification 1) A function as a power management server is added to one of the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J in the same group, and an operation information signal notification is received from the other image processing apparatus. The total power transition status table is managed, and reply information for the operation information signal is notified.

  (Modification 2) When any one of the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J executes processing, all the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J output all of the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J by outputting an operation information signal to all of the image processing apparatuses other than the own apparatus. By sharing the total power transition status table, it is determined whether or not the process can be executed within the range of the own device.

  (Modification 3) When a server (storage device) having a function such as a so-called electronic bulletin board is connected to the communication network 20 instead of the power management server, and when all the image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J execute processing, Not only the power consumption of the own device is notified, but also the total power of each device is obtained from the server, and it is determined whether or not the process can be executed within the range of the own device.

W Wall surface 10 Image processing device 20 Communication network 21 PC
22 Telephone line network 24 Power saving monitoring control unit 26 Power saving control button 200 Main controller 204 CPU
206 RAM
208 ROM
210 I / O (input / output unit)
212 Bus 214 UI Control Circuit 216 UI Touch Panel 216BL Backlight Unit 216M Display Unit 217 IC Card Reader 218 Hard Disk 220 Timer Circuit 222 Communication Line I / F
236 Facsimile communication control circuit 238 Image reading unit 240 Image forming unit 242 Commercial power supply 243 Wiring plate 244 Input power supply line 245 Outlet 246 Main switch 248 First power supply unit 250 Second power supply unit 248A Control power generation unit 252 Power supply control circuit 254 Power line 256 First sub power switch ("SW-1")
250H 24V power supply (LVPS2)
250L 5V power supply (LVPS1)
258 Image reading unit power supply unit 260 Image forming unit power supply unit 264 Facsimile communication control circuit power supply unit 266 UI touch panel power supply unit 268 Second sub power switch (“SW-2”)
270 Third sub power switch ("SW-3")
274 Fourth sub power switch ("SW-4")
276 Fifth sub power switch ("SW-5")
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 300 Power management server 302 Processing content analysis part 304 Device specification part 306 Processing execution control part 308 Operation information signal generation part 310 Operation information signal output part 312 Reply information reception part 314 Reply information analysis part 316 Power suppression mode execution availability determination part 318 Process Executability determination unit 320 Power suppression mode on / off switching unit 322 Device operation mode analysis unit 350 Operation information signal reception unit 352 Operation information signal analysis unit 354 Model (MF) determination unit 356 Device used identification unit 358 Model total power calculation unit 360 Notification destination identification unit 362 Power usage calculation unit 364 Device-power correlation table storage unit 366 Model-specific power storage processing unit 368 Model-specific power transition status storage unit 370 First comparison unit 372 First target peak power storage unit 374 Comparison result Analysis unit 376 Second comparison 378 second target peak power storage unit 380 the reply information generation unit 382 sends back the information output unit

Claims (10)

In addition to an image processing function that executes a plurality of types of image processing by combining a plurality of operated parts that operate by receiving power supply, the plurality of operated parts are individually in either a power supply state or a power supply cut-off state. Each having a power state transition function for transitioning to a power state, and a power state change information output function for outputting power state change information before the change when the power state of each operated unit is changed. Receiving means for receiving the power state change information via the communication line network, with a plurality of image processing devices belonging to the group of communication line networks as a transmission source;
A computing means for computing the total power of all the image processing devices belonging to the group of communication lines;
Transmission of the power state change information so that the latest total power calculated by the calculation unit does not exceed a predetermined first upper limit target value when the power state change information is received by the reception unit. Power suppression instruction information return means for returning power suppression instruction information for instructing power suppression as reply information to the original image processing apparatus;
A prohibiting unit that prohibits a power suppression instruction by the power suppression instruction unit when the total power calculated by the calculation unit does not reach a second upper limit value lower than a first upper limit target value;
Switching information adding means for adding, to the reply information by the power suppression instruction information reply means, switching information as to whether or not a power suppression instruction is prohibited by the prohibiting means;
Having a power management server.   The power management server according to claim 1, wherein the power state change information is operation information of each of the operated units.   The power management server according to claim 1, wherein the power state change information is power value information managed for each image processing apparatus.   The power management control program which makes a computer perform as control of the power management server in any one of the said Claims 1-3.   An image processing apparatus belonging to the communication line network and equipped with a function as a power management server according to any one of claims 1 to 3. As a plurality of operated units that operate by receiving power supply, at least an image reading unit that reads an image from a document, an external transmission unit that transmits an image read by the image reading unit to the outside, and image information read by the image reading function Or an image processing unit that includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image information received from the outside, and executes a plurality of types of image processing;
A main control unit that performs overall control of the operated unit when executing each image processing by the image processing unit;
A power state transition means for individually transitioning the plurality of operated units and the main control unit to a power state of either a power supply state or a power cutoff state;
Power state change information output means for outputting power state change information before the change when changing the power state of each operated part;
Reply information receiving means for receiving reply information for the output of the power state change information by the power state change information output means;
Based on the reply information received by the reply information receiving means, power suppression control executing means for executing power suppression control;
An image processing apparatus. The reply information is power suppression instruction information for instructing power suppression, and switching information on whether or not an instruction for power suppression is prohibited,
The image processing is executed without waiting for the reception of the return information by the return information reception unit this time when the switching information received last time is information indicating that the instruction to suppress power is prohibited. The image processing apparatus described.   In the power state transition means, when all of the operated unit and the main control unit return to the power supply state from the power saving state where the power cut-off state is set, the return time of the main control unit is the return information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a return timing control unit that sets the power supply state first without waiting, and sets the return timing of the operated part after receiving the return information.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the power state change information output unit is executed after the main control unit returns.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the change of the handling of the reply information by the switching information is not executed in the power saving state.

Images