JP3944088B2 - Image processing apparatus, information processing apparatus, and information output method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an information processing apparatus shared by a plurality of users, and more particularly, to promote reduction of power consumption for users. Information processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, and information output method About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Reduction of the power consumption of an image processing apparatus typified by a multifunction peripheral or the like is one of the important problems due to an increase in energy saving by users. In many cases, the user decides a purchased product with an emphasis on whether or not the power consumption described in the product catalog is low.
[0003]
Furthermore, energy conservation is recommended in other countries, and various regulations and standards are being reduced. For example, there is an energy conservation law in Japan, and standards such as Energy Star and Blue Angel exist overseas, and it is permitted to attach a logo etc. to products that satisfy certain conditions. In order to clear the above conditions, many devices are incorporated for each product, for example, an operation mode such as a sleep mode, a standby mode, or a low power mode is introduced.
[0004]
On the other hand, the history of energy saving in the conventional technology The Facsimile machine that prints with execution mode / time so, Open Beginning ・ Once the sleep condition is established, the sub CPU is activated and the main CPU is stopped to perform energy saving execution. The total energy saving time is stored, and the reduction cost is displayed based on the stored time. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 08-130595
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the multi-function device as described above, it is possible to instruct execution of each operation of the copy output mode, the print output mode, the FAX transmission mode, the FAX reception output mode, etc. at an arbitrary timing. The power consumption could not be monitored. For example, there is a problem that it is necessary to monitor the history of power consumption corresponding to the case where the print output mode and the FAX transmission mode are executed in parallel.
[0007]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problem, to accurately manage the usage history of power consumption in a multifunction machine, and to promote the user to reduce power consumption even after purchasing a product. An apparatus and an information output method are provided.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and includes a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by the image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from the outside. The power consumption standard for each operation mode and the operation time data for each operation mode are stored, and based on the power consumption standard and the operation time data for each operation mode, the image processing apparatus includes: It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism characterized in that statistical information related to power consumption is created and output based on the created statistical information related to power consumption.
[0009]
With this configuration, for example, it is possible to calculate a statistical power consumption from the operation status of an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes and to inform a user or the like as statistical information.
[0010]
Or An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multi-function peripherals, the receiving means for receiving information on the power consumption based on the operation time for each operation mode timed in each of the plurality of multi-function peripherals, and the receiving means Provided with output means for outputting statistical information on power consumption based on received information Another purpose is to provide a mechanism.
[0011]
Alternatively, an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multi-function peripherals having a plurality of operation modes via a communication line, the operation status for each operation mode stored in a storage unit in each of the plurality of multi-function peripherals Acquisition means for acquiring power consumption information according to the communication line, and output means for outputting statistical information regarding power consumption based on information acquired from the plurality of multifunction peripherals from the acquisition means; The Another purpose is to provide a prepared mechanism.
[0012]
Alternatively, in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes, operation time data from the start to the end of a predetermined operation mode is used for job execution scheduling according to other operation modes. According It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism characterized in that time is measured as an intermittent operation time, and information relating to the power consumption amount in the predetermined operation mode is created based on the measured time value.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Of course, the following embodiments are provided for facilitating implementation by those skilled in the art of the present invention, and are only included in the technical scope of the present invention defined by the claims. It is only an embodiment of the part. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that even embodiments that are not directly described in the present specification are included in the technical scope of the present invention as long as they share the same technical idea.
[0014]
Note that although a plurality of embodiments are described for convenience, those skilled in the art can easily understand that these are not only individually established as inventions, but of course that the invention can also be realized by appropriately combining a plurality of embodiments. I can do it.
[0015]
Embodiment 1
In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image processing system. FIG. 1 shows an outline of an image processing system including a plurality of multifunction peripherals and a management server. Reference numeral 101 denotes a management server that receives information on power consumption from each multi-function peripheral and totals the total power consumption. Note that the management server is an option, and is not particularly necessary in the first embodiment. Reference numerals 102 to 106 denote multifunction peripherals having a copy function, a facsimile function, and a network printer function. For example, the MFP 102 outputs 105 A4 originals per minute (hereinafter 105 cpm). Possible It is a multifunction device. For example, assume that the MFP 103 has a processing capacity of 85 cpm, the MFP 104 has a processing capacity of 60 cpm, the MFP 105 has a processing capacity of 33 cpm, and the MFP 106 has a processing capacity of 22 cpm. Reference numerals 107 to 110 denote client-side computer terminals (hereinafter referred to as PCs) that perform network printing.
[0016]
Next, the operation of each multifunction device will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the multifunction peripherals 102-106. The multi-function peripheral is mainly composed of three parts such as a reader 540, a printer 550, and a controller 560.
[0017]
A reader controller 501 controls the document reading unit. The motor driver 502 controls driving of the motor 503. A motor 503 includes a document feeder 507 and a reading optical system 506. The To drive. A reader image processing unit 504 reads a document and performs signal processing of data. A CCD 505 performs photoelectric conversion from reading a document. A ROM 508 and a RAM 509 are storage means for the reader controller.
[0018]
A system controller 510 controls all or part of the multifunction peripheral. The Boot-ROM 511 incorporates an initial program for activation. The SRAM 512 stores various data that needs to be stored even after the power is turned off. The DRAM 513 is a storage unit that functions as control program data, work memory, and temporary image data memory. The LAN board 514 is an interface for connecting to a network. The hard disk 517 stores a startup program and image data for storage. The hard disk controller 515 performs read / write control of the hard disk 517. The FAX board 516 has a facsimile communication function. A printer image processing unit 518 performs signal processing of image data to be output to the printer. A display / operation unit 519 is a means for displaying necessary information or inputting a user instruction when the user gives an operation instruction such as copying. For example, the display unit is configured by a liquid crystal display, and the operation unit is configured by a touch panel or the like. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the display / operation 519 need not be integrated and can be implemented separately.
[0019]
The printer controller 520 controls the printer engine. A ROM 523 and a RAM 524 are storage units for the printer controller. The laser driver 521 receives the printer image data signal and performs laser control. The printer engine 522 is an image forming unit for forming an image.
[0020]
The first power supply unit 530 supplies power to the reader 540 and the printer 550. The second power supply unit 531 supplies power to the controller 560. Each of the multifunction peripherals 102 to 106 has the same configuration as the block of FIG.
[0021]
Next, the operation for each mode will be described.
[0022]
Start process
When a main power switch (not shown) is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 531 to the controller 560. Then, a CPU (not shown) in the system controller 510 activates an initial program in the Boot-ROM 511. Then, the control program stored in the hard disk 517 is read out via the hard disk controller 515 and transferred to the DRAM 513. By starting the control program transferred here, the activation sequence of the entire multifunction device is started.
[0023]
The system controller 510 1 The power supply unit 530 is controlled to be turned on, and the reader 540 and The Power is supplied to the printer 550. The reader controller 501 of the reader 540 and the printer controller 520 in the printer 550 are activated, the reader 540 performs optical system illumination and motor initialization, and the printer 550 performs print engine initialization.
[0024]
Copy output mode
When a document is placed on the document feeder 507 and a copy start button (not shown) of the operation unit 519 is pressed, an image data signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 505 is subjected to shading correction, scaling, Processing such as binarization is performed, leader The processed data is stored in the DRAM 513 via the controller 501. Next, the image data on the DRAM 513 is sent to the printer image processing unit 518 via the system controller 510, where processing such as gamma conversion is performed, and further, the laser driver 5. 21 Is output by the printer engine 522.
[0025]
Print output mode
Data to be printed is transmitted from the PC 107 to PC 110 connected to the network, and when received via the LAN card 514, the data is written in the DRAM 513. The system controller 510 develops the data into bitmap data to be printed, and writes the decompressed bitmap data into the DRAM 513 again. Thereafter, the data is output to the printer engine 522 via the printer image processing unit 518 in the same manner as the copy output process.
[0026]
FAX transmission mode
When a document is placed on the document feeder 507 as in the copy operation, a transmission destination dial number is input according to the FAX transmission mode displayed on the display / operation unit 519, and the start button is pressed. The image signal read by the CCD 505 is stored as data in the DRAM 513 similarly to the copy output process described above. Fax transmission processing is advanced from the FAX board 516 according to a predetermined procedure, and the image data stored in the DRAM 513 is transmitted to the FAX line.
[0027]
FAX reception mode
When an incoming call is received from the FAX line to the FAX board 516, FAX reception processing is executed according to a predetermined procedure, and bitmap data is stored in the DRAM 513. After that, printing is performed via the printer image processing unit 518 in the same manner as the copy output processing. T Output to engine 522.
sleep mode
When copying, printing or FAX transmission / reception processing is not executed for a predetermined time, the system controller 510 puts the reader 540 and the printer 550 into the sleep state with respect to the reader controller 501 and the printer controller 520, respectively. Instruct to migrate. When the system controller 510 determines that sleep can be entered, the first power supply unit 530 performs off control and stops supplying power to the reader 540 and the printer 550. In this state, power is supplied only from the second power supply unit 531 to the system controller 510. When the activation request is accepted from the sleep release request SW (not shown) of the LAN board 514, the FAX board 516, and the operation unit 519, and when returning from the sleep state, the first power supply unit 530 executes the on control, Transition to the standby state in a preset short time.
[0028]
Low power mode
The printer engine 522 is equipped with a fixing device (not shown), and temperature control by a heater is performed in a standby state in order to maintain a fixing operation by the fixing device in a possible state. Since the power consumption for this temperature adjustment is large, there is a mode in which the temperature adjustment level is slightly lowered to reduce the power consumption. In this mode, since the temperature adjustment level is low, it is not possible to immediately start copying, and therefore it is necessary to execute temperature control for a predetermined time in order to reach a state where copying is possible. Such a mode is called a low power mode. Two modes with different time required for copying The It may be provided. These could be called the first low power mode and the second low power mode. Also, depending on the type of fixing device, temperature adjustment control But Some are unnecessary. In this case, a low power mode may not need to be provided. The handling of such a low power consumption mode varies depending on the number of print outputs of the multifunction peripheral.
[0029]
Collecting operating time
FIG. 3 is a flowchart when the multifunction peripheral generates log data about the operating status. FIG. 4 shows an example of the created log data. The log data is stored in a writable storage means such as the hard disk 517, DRAM 513, or SRMA 512.
[0030]
In advance, the system controller 510 executes necessary initialization processing for log data. For example, the operation time data for each operation mode such as sleep, low power consumption, standby, copy output, print output, FAX transmission, and FAX reception printing is cleared.
[0031]
In step S303, the system controller 510 waits for an operation mode selection instruction such as a standby mode, a sleep mode, or a low power mode to be input from the operation unit 519 by the user. Of course, a selection instruction may be input via the LAN board 514. In step S303, when the system controller 510 detects an operation instruction, the system controller 510 confirms the operation instruction factor based on the signal input from the operation unit 519.
[0032]
In step S304, the system controller 510 determines whether the input instruction is a copy instruction. If it is a copy instruction, the process proceeds to step S305, and the user ID or the department ID is input from the operation unit 519 in order to confirm the user department and the user name. The input of the user ID or the like may be executed by causing the user's management card to be read by a card reader (not shown).
[0033]
In step S306, the system controller 510 executes a copy process instructed by the user, starts a timer, and counts the operation time in the copy output mode. In step S307, the system controller 510 calculates the latest cumulative time by adding the current operation time to the previous cumulative value in the copy output mode. Information regarding the department name, user name (user ID), date and time, operation mode, and usage time obtained as described above is stored in the hard disk 517 as log data (FIG. 4) in step S320.
[0034]
On the other hand, when the system controller 510 determines in step S308 that the input instruction is a print output instruction, the process proceeds to step S309. In step S309, the user's department and user name are acquired from the print request data via the network. In step S310, the system controller 510 starts a timer, executes a print process instructed by the user, and measures an operation time in the print output mode by the timer. In step S311, the system controller 510 adds the current operation time to the previous cumulative value of the print output mode to calculate a new cumulative time. In step S320, these data are stored in the hard disk 517 as log data (FIG. 4).
[0035]
In step S312, the system controller 510 determines whether it is a FAX transmission instruction. If it is a FAX transmission instruction, the process proceeds to step S313; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S316. In step S313, the same processing as in step S306 described above is performed. In step S314, the system controller 510 activates a timer to measure the operation time, and performs a FAX transmission process instructed by the user. When the transmission process is completed, the timer is stopped, and the timer value at that time is set as the operation time. In step S315, the system controller 510 calculates a new cumulative value by adding the current operation time to the previous cumulative time in the FAX transmission mode. Information regarding the department name, user name (user ID), date and time, operation mode, and usage time obtained as described above is stored in the hard disk 517 as log data (FIG. 4) in step S320.
[0036]
In the case of FAX reception processing, the process proceeds to step S316, where the FAX board 516 receives arbitrary FAX information, and the received image data is printed by the above method. For example, the system controller 510 activates a timer to measure the operation time, and executes FAX reception processing and print processing. When reception and print processing are completed, the timer is stopped, and the timer value at that time is set as the operation time. Further, the system controller 510 calculates a new cumulative value by adding the current operation time to the cumulative time up to the previous time in the FAX reception mode. Information regarding the date, operation mode, and usage time obtained as described above is stored in the hard disk 517 as log data (FIG. 4) in step S320. If the FAX board 516 receives information specifying the receiving department name and user name (user ID) along with the telephone number from the facsimile sender, the log is sent together with the department name and user name (user ID). Can create data.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 5, it is also possible to store a cumulative value of operation time for each mode. There are various methods for creating the data shown in FIG. 5. For example, the log data shown in FIG. one It may be created by aggregating information on the above operation time, or in the time addition processing in step S307 and the like, the accumulated value of the operation time related to the current operation mode from the data of FIG. 7 stored in the hard disk 517. And the current operation time may be added to the read value, and the data in FIG. 5 may be updated in step S320.
[0038]
Estimated power consumption
Based on the operation time shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, a method of calculating a guideline for the power consumption in each multifunction device will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of a table related to power consumption (power consumption) per unit time for each mode. The data shown in FIG. 6 is unique data that is referred to when each multi-function peripheral calculates power consumption corresponding to the operation mode, and is stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 511, the SRAM 512, or the hard disk 517.
[0039]
The system controller 510 activates the power consumption calculation process at an appropriate timing. The system controller 510 reads the operation time for each mode from the log data of FIG. 4 or FIG. Further, data related to power consumption for the operation mode to be calculated is read from the data table of FIG. The system controller 510 calculates a guideline for the power consumption amount by multiplying the read operation time by the read power consumption. Then, the calculated value is stored in the storage unit such as the hard disk 517 as the electric energy data shown in FIG. These values may be databased as daily log data.
[0040]
As an alternative, a calculation step of power consumption may be provided in the flowchart of FIG. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 3, only the current operation time is obtained, and the operation time is multiplied by the read power consumption to calculate the current power consumption standard. Also in the log data, instead of operating time, a cumulative value of power consumption may be stored, and the obtained current power consumption may be added to the value of log data.
[0041]
Of course, power consumption may also be aggregated for each user or department. Moreover, you may perform a total process about the power consumption in the predetermined period (for example, the last one month etc.) designated by the user. In FIG. 8, the update is repeated based on the data of FIG. 7, and the data is calculated as the power consumption data for one month for each department.
[0042]
Aggregated data release process
Next, how these aggregated data are disclosed to the user will be described.
[0043]
FIG. In The flowchart for outputting the standard of power consumption is shown. This process may be started when a specific button is pressed on the operation unit 519, or may be started when a department ID or user ID is input, such as step S305 in FIG.
[0044]
In step S900, the system controller 510 displays a department ID or user ID input screen for the user on the display unit, and based on the input ID, the data regarding the power consumption for each department shown in FIG. read out.
[0045]
In step S902, the system controller 510 causes the display unit to display a screen for promoting confirmation of energy saving data of the department to which the system controller 510 belongs. In general, when this process is executed, the user is in the middle of performing a desired operation such as copying or faxing. At this time, by confirming the energy-saving data, the awareness of energy-saving is raised. I can do it. When the OK button is depressed, the process proceeds to the next step.
[0046]
In step S904, the monthly data for the last three months is read from the hard disk 517 and displayed on the display unit. At this time, in addition to the actual power consumption, comments to promote energy saving are displayed. Indication This will be even more effective.
[0047]
In step S906, comparison data with other departments is displayed. For example, read the power consumption of this month for each department, sort based on the value, display the name of the worst department along with the value in descending order of power consumption, or name of the best department in ascending order of power consumption Is displayed. As a result, competition between departments works for each user, and further energy saving can be expected.
[0048]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the power consumption of the MFP is clarified by the administrator and the user. Be done .
[0049]
Embodiment 2
In the first embodiment, when the operation mode is instructed, the screen of FIG. 9 is displayed so that the user can confirm the power consumption data. However, if the user is obliged to check the data during the operation, the user may feel troublesome. In other words, if priority is given to improving energy conservation awareness, the operability of the multifunction device may be reduced, and how to balance the two will also be an important issue.
[0050]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, the data related to the power consumption in FIG. 9 is displayed after the operation mode is instructed. In particular, after the instruction of the operation mode, a time period in which the user is relatively uncomfortable, for example, a so-called waiting time such as reading a document, transmitting a fax, or outputting a print is shown in FIG. Display the screen.
[0051]
As a result, it is possible to inform the user of the energy saving usage status while maintaining normal operability.
[0052]
Embodiment 3
In the first and second embodiments, the user who operates the multifunctional device in front of the user confirms information on the power consumption.
[0053]
However, when the multifunction device functions as a network printer, it is often difficult for the user to look at the display unit of the multifunction device because the user is often located away from the multifunction device.
[0054]
Therefore, the present embodiment aims to make the network user confirm information related to the power consumption amount and improve the energy conservation awareness of such a network user.
[0055]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing according to the present embodiment. After step S308 and step S309 in FIG. 3 are processed, the process proceeds to step S1000, and the system controller 510 causes the LAN board 514 to receive print data from the client PC. In step S1002, the printer image processing unit 518 converts the print data into bitmap data. In step S <b> 1004, information related to power consumption corresponding to the department ID information included in the print request is read from the hard disk 517. In step S1006, the read information is transmitted to the client PC. Thereby, in the client PC, power consumption data similar to the example shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the monitor of the PC.
[0056]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, energy saving data can be transmitted to network users who are located away from the multifunction peripheral by transmitting the energy saving data via the network.
[0057]
Embodiment 4
In the present embodiment, the management server 101 manages the amount of power consumption and provides it to each user. FIG. 11 shows a signal sequence of the image output system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the energy saving message is provided based on a request from the PC 107, but the management server may periodically transmit the energy saving message without being based on the request. The energy saving message corresponds to S904 or S905 shown in FIG.
[0058]
In step S1100, the PC 107 accepts an instruction to request an energy saving message by a user key operation or the like. In step S <b> 1102, the PC 107 transmits a request signal to the management server 101. In step S1104, when the management server 101 receives the request signal, the management server 101 transmits a request signal for requesting data (for example, log data) regarding the operation time to each multi-function peripheral. In step S <b> 1104, the multifunction peripherals 102 to 106 read log data stored in the hard disk 517 or the like and transmit it to the management server 101. In step S1108, when the management server 101 receives log data from each multifunction device, the management server 101 consumes power for a predetermined period using the power consumption for each mode shown in FIG. Obtain a measure of the amount of power consumed. The data shown in FIG. 6 may be stored in the storage device of the management server 101 or may be obtained from each multifunction device. In step S1110, the management server 101 creates an energy saving message to be transmitted to the PC 107. For example, a message suitable for the user is created based on the user ID or department ID transmitted from the PC 107. As described with reference to FIG. 9, this message includes data related to power consumption for the past three months and ranking data for each department. Furthermore, ranking data in a plurality of multifunction peripherals may be created using the fact that data regarding power consumption can be acquired from a plurality of multifunction peripherals, and this may be used as a message. In step S1112, the created energy saving message is transmitted to the PC 107. In step S1114, the PC 107 displays the received energy saving message on the display. This message may be described in, for example, HTML. In this case, a message request and message display will be executed using a Web browser executed on the PC 107. This message may be distributed to each user as an e-mail.
[0059]
Thus, in this embodiment, the management server 101 can create and transmit a message for promoting energy saving. In addition, since the data shown in FIG. 6 only needs to be included in at least the management server 101, the configuration of the multifunction peripheral can be simplified. Further, the multifunction device may request a request for an energy saving message and may be displayed by the multifunction device. In this way, the calculation process in the multifunction machine can be omitted. Furthermore, since information about other multifunction peripherals can be displayed in a certain multifunction peripheral, it is easy to determine which multifunction peripheral is superior in terms of low power consumption. For example, it becomes possible to give priority to the use of a multi-function device with low power consumption, so that overall power consumption can be reduced.
[0060]
Embodiment 5
In the first to fourth embodiments, it is specified that each of the modes as shown in FIG. 6 is executed in each multi-function peripheral, and the operation time related to the specified mode. The An embodiment has been described in which the power consumption is calculated based on the cumulative values of these operation modes. In the fifth embodiment, a more detailed operation for obtaining the power consumption amount in the first to fourth embodiments will be described.
[0061]
In a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of modes such as a print output mode and a FAX reception mode, a plurality of modes may be processed in time division or in parallel for each page. A plurality of modes are processed in parallel for each page. For example, the first page is written in a memory corresponding to the FAX reception mode, and the next page is a memory of PDL data received in accordance with the print output mode. This is processing that alternately uses competing resources (hardware), such as writing to the memory and then writing to the memory according to the FAX reception mode.
[0062]
In the fifth embodiment, a guideline for power consumption is obtained in correspondence with execution of each operation mode processed in parallel for each time division or page.
[0063]
FIG. 12 is a time chart for explaining the process for managing the scheduling of a plurality of mode operations occurring in the multi-function peripheral. The elapsed time relationship between the horizontal axes of (1) and (2) is, for example, T3 < The positional relationship is T9, and (1) and (2) are on the same time axis.
[0064]
The time chart shown in FIG. 12 is executed by the system controller 510 in the controller 560 shown in FIG. If the components such as the reader 540 and the printer 550 can be managed in a centralized manner, a part other than the system controller 510 performs a process for managing a plurality of mode operations shown in FIG. Also good.
[0065]
Also, in FIG. time According to the chart, the start and end of processing in each mode is managed by timer means (also referred to as timing means) included in the system controller 510, and the state of management is shown in FIG. The management information shown in FIG. 13 is created by a management unit that manages by associating the use source identification information with the measured value by the timing unit, and the created management information is stored in a predetermined storage unit such as the hard disk 517.
[0066]
First, in step S1201, it is recognized that a print output instruction including a department ID and a user ID has been input via the LAN board 514. Note that it is assumed that before the printer output instruction is given, the multi-function device has transitioned to any one of the sleep mode, the low power mode 1 and the low power mode 2 described in the first to fourth embodiments. A job ID 1301 is issued with the start of each operation mode.
[0067]
In step S1202, a transition from the power saving mode to the standby mode is started, and temperature control using a heater is performed in order to maintain a fixing operation by the fixing device in a possible state. In this case, the temperature of the fixing device is raised to a predetermined temperature with a predetermined power.
[0068]
In step S1203, the PDL data is received via the LAN board 514, and the received image data is expanded into bitmap image data.
[0069]
The processing in step S1202 described above may be activated upon detection of a print request in step S1201, or may be activated after a predetermined time after detecting a print request. Furthermore, the process of step S1203 may be executed at substantially the same timing as step S1201 or step S1202, or may be executed prior to step S1202.
[0070]
In step S1204, the end of the PDL expansion process is notified, log information of the time required for the PDL expansion of (T4-T3) is created, and the accumulated value of the detailed log information 1304 in the print output mode shown in FIG. The created log information is stored in a storage unit such as the hard disk 517. Management of the print output mode shown in FIG. 5 is performed in association with the job ID and the department / user ID as indicated by 1301 in FIG. Here, the department / user ID in FIG. 13 corresponds to the department shown in FIG. 8 or FIG.
[0071]
In step S1205, when the temperature of the fixing device shifts to the standby mode, the system controller 510 is notified of the end of the shift. At this time, the time (T5-T2) in the figure is the time when the mode is shifted to the standby mode, and log information is created for this time and stored as an addition of the cumulative value of the “standby mode” shown in FIG. . In FIG. 13, the department / user ID associated with the standby mode is “ID A”, but it is related to images such as image output and image transmission / reception in the standby mode, sleep mode, and low power mode. It is also possible not to associate a department / user ID with a power control processing mode that is not present, and in this case, the power consumption required for the power control processing mode not related to an image is associated with the department / user ID Then, it is processed by the creating means so as not to be included in the created statistical information, and finally the statistical information regarding the department / user ID as shown in FIG. 8 is created. Further, the power consumption required for the power control processing mode not related to the image is associated with the department / user in the sleep mode, low power mode 1, low power mode 2, standby mode, etc. shown in FIG. Statistical information is created in a form that is not. In this way, by creating log information by distinguishing whether or not to associate department / user IDs, and creating statistical information according to the log information, statistical information having fairness to departments / users can be created. . Note that the statistical information in the first to eighth embodiments means total information or information that is the basis for creating the total information. For example, the predetermined device shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. It is assumed that log information to be performed can be included in the statistical information. Moreover, the information shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 processed based on the log information as shown in FIG. 4 can be included in the statistical information.
[0072]
In step S1206, the printer controller 520 is instructed to print, and the printer engine 522 executes print output as a printing operation on a medium. Note that the timing at which step S1206 is executed is the timing at which transition to the standby mode is detected at step S1205.
[0073]
In step S1207, the system controller 510 is notified of the end of print output accompanying step S1206. This print output end notification is issued based on a paper discharge signal or the like issued in response to a medium on which an image is formed in the printer engine 522 being output to a paper discharge bin. In step S1207, log information of the print output time in the print output mode (T7-T6) is created, and the accumulated value of the detailed log information of “print output mode” shown in FIG. Stored in the storage unit.
[0074]
On the other hand, in step S1209, a copy request including a department ID and a user ID is made from the external device, reading of the document is started via the document feeder 507, and image data photoelectrically converted via the CCD is stored in the storage unit. Expanded and stored. As the department ID and user ID here, as shown in FIG. 13, an ID different from the print output mode is recognized by the system controller 510 and stored in the management table.
[0075]
In step S1210, notification is made that the storage of the image data read from the document in the storage means is completed. At this time, log information required for reading the original image at time T10-T9 and developing the image data in the storage unit is created.
[0076]
When the notification in step S1207 that the print output has been completed is recognized, the output of the image data developed in the storage unit is started in step S1211, and the print output of the image data is ended in step S1212. At this time, log information of the print output time in the copy output mode of T12-T11 is created. Here, the log information of (T10-T9) and (T12-T11) described above is stored in the storage unit such as the hard disk 517 as the accumulated value of detailed log information in the copy output mode in FIG.
[0077]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation time data from the start to the end of a predetermined operation mode (copy output mode) can be counted as an intermittent operation time. That is, even if the operation in the copy output mode is scheduled and executed intermittently in balance with another operation mode (print output mode), the intermittent operation time can be accurately measured.
[0078]
Then, after a predetermined time from step S1212, the process shifts to a mode for saving power such as a sleep mode or a low power mode (step S1208).
[0079]
The management information as shown in FIG. 13 created in accordance with the time chart of FIG. 12 and the unique data stored in the storage means such as the ROM 511, SRAM 512, or hard disk 517, and the like as described in FIG. Power data is generated. This unique data will be referred to when calculating the power consumption corresponding to each operation mode of the same multi-function machine as that shown in FIG.
[0080]
In this way, each operation mode in the MFP is distinguished from each other, and even when the operation mode is intermittently resumed, such as when the operation mode is interrupted, a timer function is provided to manage it. As shown in FIG. 13, in the copy output mode and the print output mode, “reception / development” processing and “image formation” processing are separately recorded, or “ Read It is possible to distinguish and record the “development” process and the “image formation” process, and it is possible to more accurately record the time required for each operation. In FIG. 13, for example, the operation time in the print output mode is “(T4−T3) + (T7−T6)”. Such accurate measurement of the operation time is of course not limited to that at the time of execution of the copy output mode and the print output mode, and it is needless to say that it can be applied in a combination of various operation modes.
[0081]
Further, if the power consumption standard for the print output mode in FIGS. 6 and 7 is stored for the operation mode classified in detail as shown by 1304 in FIG. 13, the print output managed in FIG. It is possible to calculate a more accurate power consumption amount in the print output mode on the basis of the time value for the time required for the detailed operation mode in the mode and the detailed power consumption reference stored for the stored detailed operation mode. it can. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the print output mode, and the same can be said for various operation modes.
[0082]
The created power data is provided to the display unit of the multifunction device or a terminal device located remotely from the multifunction device by the same mechanism described in the first to fourth embodiments.
[0083]
That is, by applying to the first or second embodiment, a display as shown in FIG. 9 based on each log information (statistical information) is performed. Also, by applying to the third embodiment, installed outside the multi-function machine Be done Statistical information based on FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is output to the client PC, and the statistical information is displayed on the display unit provided in the client PC. Further, by applying the present embodiment to the fourth embodiment, log information (statistical information) acquired from a plurality of multifunction peripherals by the management server 101 is output to the client PC. In the client PC, FIGS. Statistical information based on FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit. The display of statistical information as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 based on log information (statistical information) created in the multifunction machine in this way is various devices such as a multifunction machine and an external device connected to the outside of the multifunction machine. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to the form executed by the above.
[0084]
When the statistical information is displayed on the external device, as described in the fourth embodiment, the multifunction device notifies the external device of log information as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. Statistical information to be displayed on the display unit in the server 101 or the client PC may be created.
[0085]
In the time chart shown in FIG. 12, two operations, ie, the print output mode and the copy output mode, have been described as operations executed in parallel. However, the present embodiment is limited to this. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to various forms such as a print output mode and a FAX transmission mode, a print output mode and a FAX reception output mode, or a combination of three or more operation modes. The operation mode may include an operation mode when an error such as a jam or no paper occurs. In the mode at the time of error occurrence, an operation that cuts off the power supply of the portion related to the location where the error occurred is assumed.
[0086]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since a unit for realizing an independent timer function for each mode in the multifunction peripheral is provided, for example, (T10-T9) and Log information can be accurately recorded with (T12-T11) as the time required for the copy output mode, and as a result, the time for waiting for the print output of T11-T10 is recorded as the time required for the copy output mode. The problem can be solved. Similarly, the time (T5-T4) can be excluded from the time required for processing in the print output mode.
[0087]
Further, log information as shown in FIG. 13 is managed by associating each timer function with the use source identification information of the user ID or department ID, so that each operation mode that is executed in parallel in the multifunction peripheral Can be managed accurately for each use source, and even when a predetermined mode operation is executed in parallel in a multifunction device, it is not possible to switch and manage which source is used. Can be solved.
[0088]
Embodiment 6
In the first to fifth embodiments, when information accumulated as log information is notified to an external client PC to a remotely located terminal device based on log information created by the multifunction device, the multifunction device is HTML or the like. If the notification is made as information according to the markup language, the terminal device can browse the notification based on the log information using the browser based on the received information.
[0089]
Embodiment 7
In the first to sixth embodiments, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the operation time for each operation mode such as the print output mode and the copy output mode is measured independently, and the history information of the measured time is recorded. Based on the above, it has been described that the amount of power required for each operation mode is calculated.
[0090]
On the other hand, an MFP has an operation mode with print output and an operation mode without print output. Examples of the print output operation mode include a FAX transmission mode and a SEND mode in which an image based on a document read via a document feeder is transferred to another information processing apparatus or image forming apparatus. Further, an operation such as a copy output mode (T10-T9) as shown in FIG. 12 is also cited as an operation mode that does not require a print output operation mode.
[0091]
For such an operation mode not accompanied by print output, the operation time is measured using the independent timer function as described in FIG. 12, and the electric energy required for the predetermined operation mode is calculated based on the measured operation time. The calculation mode may be configured so that the power consumption is calculated based on the number of output sheets for the operation mode during the period accompanied by the execution of the print output.
[0092]
For example, a period of (T7-T6) or (T12-T11) corresponds to a period accompanying execution of print output. During this period, for example, a table such as 10 W per print output is stored in advance in the storage unit of the multifunction peripheral or an external device (such as the management server 101 or the PCs 107 to 110 in FIG. 11). The amount of power required for the operation mode in the period accompanied by the execution of the print output can be calculated from the power consumption per print output and the number of output sheets stored in FIG.
[0093]
Further, the multifunction peripheral or the external device may count the number of printed sheets or include the storage unit described above.
[0094]
In this manner, the amount of power corresponding to the operation mode with print output is obtained based on the number of printed sheets, while the amount of power corresponding to the operation mode without print output is measured for the operation time as described in FIG. If it is determined based on this, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the timer, and it is also possible to accurately measure the operation time of each operation mode.
[0095]
According to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the timer unit and to calculate an accurate amount of power required for the operation of the multifunction device.
[0096]
The calculation of the electric energy and the presentation of the calculated electric energy may be performed by the multifunction peripheral or an external device. In this respect, the form described in the first to sixth embodiments can be appropriately adopted. Not too long.
[0097]
Embodiment 8
In the first to seventh embodiments, the time information of the timer in each operation mode is obtained as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, or FIG. And a table relating to the power consumption amount (power consumption) per unit time for each mode indicating the power consumption standard as shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the value may be obtained based on values based on various measuring devices such as an ammeter and a voltmeter provided in the multifunction machine. In this case, the system controller 510 calculates the power consumption in various operation modes as shown in FIG. 5 based on the measurement value of the measuring device. The calculated result is the same as in FIG.
[0098]
[Other Embodiments]
A program necessary for executing the above-described embodiment is also one invention of the present application. This program is provided to a computer or the like through a transmission medium or a storage medium. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0099]
In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, and the OS running on the computer is part of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.
[0100]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. The CPU of the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by the processing.
[0101]
The present invention also applies to a case where the program is distributed to a requester via a communication line such as personal computer communication from a storage medium in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded. Needless to say, it can be applied.
[0102]
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to various image processing apparatuses such as a facsimile machine and a multifunction machine employing an ink jet system, as a matter of course.
[0103]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a multifunction machine of Power consumption data according to operation mode The By providing to the user, it is possible to make the user grasp the power consumption status and to promote energy saving in the office.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a process flowchart of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of log data for each user according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of log data for each mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing power consumption per unit time for each mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of guide data of power consumption for each mode according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of guide data of power consumption for each department according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for consuming an energy saving promotion message in the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for providing an energy saving promotion message to a network user according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a signal sequence of the image processing system according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart for creating a log according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of log data created according to the fifth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 ... Management server
102 to 106 ... MFP
107-110 ... User terminal (PC)
540 ... Reader
550 ... Printer
560 ... Controller

Claims (22)

An image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by the image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from the outside,
Storage means for storing the operation time data of the power reference and the respective operating mode consumption for each operation mode,
Creating means for creating statistical information on the power consumption of the image processing device based on the power consumption standard and the operation time data for each operation mode;
An output means for outputting based on the statistical information on the generated power consumption;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   It has time measuring means for individually measuring the operation time data of each operation mode, and the creation means creates statistical information based on the time measured by the time measuring means and the power consumption standard for each operation mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A specifying means for specifying a user or a department using the image processing apparatus;
Association means for associating the identified user or department and the operation time of each operation mode ;
Further comprising
The storage means stores the operation time as the operation time data in association with the user or the department used by the association means.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the creation unit creates the statistical information for each user or use department. Management means for associating and managing the use source identification information with the time measurement value by the time measurement means, and the creation means is based on the time measurement value, the power consumption standard for each operation mode, and the use source identification information the image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that to create a Dzu rather statistics. 3. The time counting unit according to claim 2 , wherein the time measuring unit counts operation time data from start to end of a predetermined operation mode as intermittent operation time by job execution scheduling according to another operation mode. Image processing device. And the output means, the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that outputs a markup language the statistical information to the external device of the image processing apparatus. And the output means, the statistical information related to the power consumption amount created in the above image processing apparatus according to output to the display unit during the execution of the operation mode to any one of claims 1 to 6. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multifunction peripherals,
Receiving means for receiving information relating to power consumption based on the operation time for each operation mode timed in each of the plurality of multifunction devices;
An information processing apparatus comprising output means for outputting statistical information relating to power consumption based on information received by the receiving means. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multifunction peripherals having a plurality of operation modes via a communication line,
Acquisition means for acquiring, via the communication line, information related to power consumption according to the operation status for each operation mode, stored in the storage unit in each of the plurality of multifunction devices;
The information processing apparatus and output means for outputting the statistical information related to the power consumption based on the information acquired from the plurality of MFP from the acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the output statistical information includes information on power consumption for each section and for a predetermined period. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the output unit outputs statistical information about the power consumption as an e-mail or information according to a markup language. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes,
Time measuring means for measuring operation time data from the start to the end of a predetermined operation mode as intermittent operation time by job execution scheduling according to another operation mode;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a creation unit configured to create information related to the power consumption amount of the predetermined operation mode based on the time measured by the time measuring unit. Information for outputting information relating to power consumption in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a first mode for outputting image data read by the image reading means and a second mode for outputting print data received from outside. Output method,
A step of reading the operating time data of the power data and said each operation mode consumption for each operation mode,
Creating statistical information on the power consumption of the image processing device based on the read power consumption data for each operation mode and operation time data for each operation mode;
An output step for outputting based on the generated statistical information on the power consumption;
An information output method comprising: A specifying step of specifying a user or a department using the image processing apparatus;
Associating the identified user or department and the operation time of each operation mode ;
A recording step of recording the operation time as the operation time data in correspondence with the user or the user department associated by the association step;
The information output method according to claim 13 , wherein the creating step creates the statistical information for each user or use department based on the recording in the recording step. Said output step, information output method according to claim 13 or 14 and outputs a markup language the statistical information to the external device of the image processing apparatus. An information output method by an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multifunction peripherals,
A reception step of receiving information on the power consumption based on the operation time for each operation mode timed in each of the plurality of multifunction devices ;
The information output method provided with the output step which outputs the statistical information regarding the power consumption based on the information received in the said reception step. An information output method by an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of multifunction peripherals having a plurality of operation modes via a communication line,
An acquisition step of acquiring, via the communication line, information related to power consumption corresponding to an operation state for each operation mode, which is stored in a storage unit in each of the plurality of multifunction devices,
Information output method and an output step of outputting the statistical information related to the power consumption based on the information acquired from the plurality of MFP in the obtaining step. 18. The information output method according to claim 17, wherein the outputted statistical information includes information on power consumption for each department and for a predetermined period. 19. The information output method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the output step outputs statistical information about the power consumption as an e-mail or information according to a markup language. An information output method by an image processing apparatus having a plurality of operation modes,
A time measuring step for measuring operation time data from the start to the end of a predetermined operation mode as intermittent operation time by job execution scheduling according to another operation mode;
And a creation step of creating information relating to the power consumption amount of the predetermined operation mode based on the time measured by the time counting step. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the information output method according to any one of claims 13 to 20. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute the information output method according to claim 13.

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