JP4537833B2 - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is a management device (printing management server) that collectively manages image forming apparatuses such as a plurality of digital copying machines, printers, facsimile machines, and digital multi-function machines, and can be connected to the management apparatus via a communication line. Image forming system including a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer) and each of the image forming apparatuses, a control method in the management apparatus, a program executed by a computer (CPU) of the management apparatus, and a computer recording the program The present invention relates to a readable recording medium.

  Conventionally, a terminal device such as a PC and an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine are directly connected one-to-one by a cable. In the terminal device, for example, an operation of a keyboard or the like is performed on a monitor (display device) screen by an application (application software). Print data such as document data (document data) corresponding to the print data is generated (created), and when a print request is issued by an operation of a keyboard or the like, the image forming apparatus sends the print data to the printer driver (printer driver program). The document is translated (converted) into an understandable language, and a print request (print instruction) including the translated print data and print conditions is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to perform printing. The application is managed by an OS (Operating System).

However, as the demand for the technology of communication lines such as networks increases, the amount of data handled has increased, so the demand for its usability, economy, etc. has increased. An image forming system in which image forming apparatuses are dispersedly connected on a network and selectively usable is now available.
As such an image forming system, by connecting a print management server that collectively manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses in addition to the terminal apparatus on the network, the print management server receives the print data from the terminal apparatus. There is one that is selectively transmitted to a forming apparatus to perform printing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-213370 A

  The application (application) refers to application software or an application program. This application is a part that performs a user interface, and is for realizing a function provided to a user. An application for realizing a copy function (copy application) and an application for realizing a printer function (printer application) There are an application for realizing the scanner function (scanner application), an application for realizing the FAX (facsimile) function (FAX application), and the like.

However, in the above-described image forming system, the print management server uses a device (print using device) that uses for printing an image forming device that surely satisfies a required condition such as a printing condition desired by a user from among a plurality of image forming devices. ) Could not be selected.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an image forming apparatus that reliably satisfies a required condition among a plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting an image forming system can be used as an apparatus used for printing. The purpose is to.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a management apparatus, an image forming system including the management apparatus and a terminal device and an image forming apparatus that can be connected to the management apparatus via a communication line, a control method in the management apparatus, A program to be executed by a computer of a management apparatus and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded are provided.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus comprising: a terminal device that generates print data; and a plurality of image forming apparatuses that print the print data from the terminal device on a print medium as a visible image via a communication line. A management apparatus that selectively transmits the print data from the terminal device to each of the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing, the print request including the print data and necessary conditions from the terminal device Each of the image forming apparatuses consumed by printing of the print data in each of the image forming apparatuses based on the printing conditions and the current power mode of each of the image forming apparatuses. A power consumption calculating means for calculating another power consumption, and a device that uses any one of the image forming apparatuses for the printing based on the calculation results by the means; A device selection means for selecting the mode, and a mode transition inhibition instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus that is the calculation target to inhibit the transition of the power mode before the calculation for each image forming apparatus by the power consumption calculation means is started. And after the print instruction related to the print request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus selected by the device selection means based on the calculation result for each image forming apparatus by the power consumption calculating means, the image formation of the calculation target A mode transition inhibition canceling means for instructing the apparatus to cancel the suppression of power mode transition, and the device selection means includes the required conditions including a printing condition and a device selection condition that prioritizes energy saving over the printing speed. to, Monodea selecting fewer image forming apparatus most power consumption from the calculation result by the power consumption calculation unit as a device to be used in the printing .

A management apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the management apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising property acquisition means for acquiring a property indicating the current power mode of the image forming apparatus from each of the image forming apparatuses.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising property registration means for registering a property indicating the current power mode of each of the image forming apparatuses.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the third aspect , wherein the property registration unit registers the property of each image forming apparatus notified from each of the image forming apparatuses.

A management apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the invention is the management apparatus according to the third aspect , wherein the property registration means registers the property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the calculation program for each image forming apparatus for calculating the power consumption for each image forming apparatus is stored. Calculating power storage means for calculating the power consumption amount for each image forming apparatus in accordance with the calculation program for each image forming apparatus.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the sixth aspect , further comprising: a calculation program acquisition unit that acquires the calculation program for each image forming apparatus from the terminal device.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus according to the sixth aspect , further comprising calculation program acquisition means for acquiring the calculation program from each of the image forming apparatuses.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system in which the management device of the second aspect , the terminal device, and the respective image forming devices can be connected via the communication line. And a means for requesting the image forming apparatus to request the property of the image forming apparatus when the print request is received from the terminal apparatus. When a request for the property is received, a property notification means for notifying the management device of its own property, and from the management device instructing suppression of the power mode transition until the cancellation of the suppression is instructed And a mode transition inhibiting means for inhibiting the transition of its own power mode.

An image forming system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an image forming system in which the management apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the invention, the terminal device, and the image forming apparatuses can be connected via the communication line. Property notification means for notifying the management device of the property of its own at a predetermined timing, and its own power from when the management device is instructed to suppress the transition to the power mode until the cancellation of the suppression is instructed. Mode transition inhibiting means for inhibiting mode transition is provided.
The image forming system according to the invention of claim 1 1, according to claim 1 0 of the image forming system, each property notifying means of the respective image forming apparatus, the above properties of the image forming apparatus at the start of the image forming apparatus This is to notify the management device.

The image forming system according to the invention of claim 1 2, the management system of claim 8 and the terminal device and each of the image forming apparatus in the connection an image forming system through the communication line, a calculation program of the management apparatus The acquisition means includes means for requesting the calculation program to each image forming apparatus when the printing request is received from the terminal device, and the calculation program is sent from the management apparatus to each image forming apparatus. When a request is received, a calculation program notification means for notifying the management device of the corresponding calculation program and from the management device instructing suppression of the power mode transition until the cancellation of the suppression is instructed And a mode transition inhibiting means for inhibiting the transition of its own power mode.

Control method in the management apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 3, the terminal apparatus that generates print data, and a plurality each of the image forming apparatus that prints the print data from the terminal apparatus to the printing medium as a visible image A control method in a management apparatus that is connected via a communication line and selectively transmits the print data from the terminal device to the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing. And when the required condition is the print condition, the image forming apparatus consumes the print data by printing based on the print condition and the current power mode of the image forming apparatus. A device that calculates power consumption for each image forming apparatus to be used and uses any of the image forming apparatuses for the printing based on the calculation results A device selection step for selecting as the above, and before starting the calculation of the power consumption amount for each image forming apparatus, a mode transition inhibition instruction step for instructing the image forming apparatus to be computed to inhibit the power mode transition, After a print instruction related to the print request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus selected by the device selection unit based on the calculation result of the power consumption for each image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus to be calculated If possess a mode shift inhibit release step of indicating the inhibit release of power mode switching, the device selection process, where the required conditions are composed of a priority device selection conditions energy savings than the printing conditions as the printing speed, the From each calculation result, the image forming apparatus with the least power consumption is selected as the device used for the printing .

A control method for a management apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the invention is the control method for a management apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein a property indicating the current power mode of the image forming apparatus is obtained from each of the image forming apparatuses. .
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for the management apparatus, wherein the property indicating the current power mode of each of the image forming apparatuses is registered.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for the management apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect , wherein the property of each image forming apparatus notified from each of the image forming apparatuses is registered.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a management apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect , wherein the property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside is registered.

Control method in the management apparatus according to the invention of claim 18 is the control method in any of the management apparatus according to claim 1 3-17 in advance respective imaging for calculating the respective image forming apparatuses different power consumption A calculation program for each apparatus is stored, and the power consumption for each image forming apparatus is calculated according to the calculation program for each image forming apparatus.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for the management apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect , wherein the calculation program for each image forming apparatus is acquired from the terminal device.
Control method in the management apparatus according to the invention of claim 2 0, in the control method in the management apparatus according to claim 18, respectively, from each of the image forming apparatus is to obtain the calculation program.

Program according to the invention of claim 2 1, the terminal apparatus that generates print data, and a plurality each of the image forming apparatus that prints the print data from the terminal apparatus to the printing medium as a visible image through a communication line A print request including the print data and the necessary conditions from the terminal device to the computer of the management device connected to the terminal device and selectively transmitting the print data from the terminal device to the image forming devices to perform the printing. Each of the image forming apparatuses consumed by printing of the print data in each of the image forming apparatuses based on the printing conditions and the current power mode of each of the image forming apparatuses. It has a power consumption calculation function for calculating different power consumptions, and any one of the image forming apparatuses is used for the printing based on each calculation result of the function. Mode transition for instructing the image forming apparatus to be prevented from shifting to the power mode before starting the calculation for each image forming apparatus by the above-described power consumption calculation function After the print instruction related to the print request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus selected by the device selection unit based on the suppression instruction function and the calculation result for each image forming apparatus by the power consumption calculation unit, the calculation target Is a program for realizing a mode transition suppression cancellation function that instructs the image forming apparatus to cancel the power mode transition suppression , and the device selection function saves energy more than the printing conditions and the printing speed. In the case where the device selection conditions have priority, the image forming apparatus having the least power consumption is calculated from the calculation results by the power consumption calculation function. And selects a device to be used for printing.

Recording medium according to the invention of claim 2 2, a computer-readable recording medium recording the claim 2 1 program.

According to the present invention, when a management apparatus (computer) receives a print request including print data and necessary conditions from a terminal device, and the required conditions are printing conditions, the printing conditions and the current power of each image forming apparatus. Based on the mode, the power consumption for each image forming apparatus consumed by the printing of the print data in each image forming apparatus is calculated, and one of the image forming apparatuses is calculated based on the calculation result. Since it is selected as a device to be used for printing, an image forming apparatus that reliably satisfies the required conditions from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses that constitute the image forming system (the required conditions prioritize energy saving over printing conditions and printing speed) If made of a selection criteria, it is used as a device to be used for printing with less image forming apparatus) the most power consumption from each of the calculation result It is possible. In addition, before starting the calculation of the power consumption for each image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus to be calculated is instructed to suppress the power mode shift, and the calculation of the power consumption for each image forming apparatus is performed. After the print instruction related to the print request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus selected based on the result, the image forming apparatus that is the object of calculation is instructed to cancel the deactivation of the power mode shift. Since the power mode is not shifted (changed) in each image forming apparatus during the calculation of the power consumption of the image, the calculation result of the power consumption for each image forming apparatus does not match the actual power consumption. It can also be avoided.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of network connection of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In this image forming system, a plurality of digital multifunction peripherals (hereinafter also referred to as “MFP”) 10 (10a, 10b, 10c) are used as image forming apparatuses, and a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”) 20 is used as a terminal apparatus. The print management server 30 is provided as a management apparatus, and these can be connected to each other via a network 1 such as a LAN (local area network). Note that a plurality of PCs 20 can be connected to the network 1.

Next, a hardware configuration example of the MFP 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the MFP 10.
The MFP 10 is an image forming apparatus capable of realizing various functions including functions as a digital copying machine, a printer, a FAX apparatus, and a scanner apparatus, that is, a copy function, a printer function (printing function), a FAX function, and a scanner function. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 11, the FCU (fax control unit) 12, the engine interface (hereinafter “interface” is also referred to as “I / F”) 13, the engine 14, and the like. These configurations are hardware resources for performing image processing such as image reading, printing (image formation), and image data transmission of a document.

The controller 11 comprehensively controls each unit of the MFP 10. Various functions can be realized by the control.
The FCU 12 controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having a modem function (FAX communication function) or another MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) via a public line.
The engine I / F 13 is an interface for connecting the engine 14 to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.

  The engine 14 prints on a paper (which may be another recording medium) as a visible image using a scanner (image reading unit) that reads an image of a document, and image data read by the scanner or print data received from an external device. A plotter (image forming means), an automatic document feeder (ADF) that automatically feeds a document to the image reading position of the scanner, sorting (sorting), punching (punching), and printing on the paper printed by the plotter, This corresponds to a hardware device such as a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing such as stapling.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU 101, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 102, SDRAM 103, ROM 104, NVRAM 105, HDD (hard disk drive) 106, operation unit 107, modem 108, USB (Universal Serial Bus) / I / F 109, IEEE (Institute of Institute). Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 / I / F110, MAC (Media Access Controller) / I / F111, and the like. Note that the operation unit 107 is actually disposed outside the controller 11.

The CPU 101 is an arithmetic processing unit that performs data processing (control of each function) via the ASIC 102.
The ASIC 102 is a multi-function device board composed of a CPU interface, SDRAM interface, local bus interface, PCI interface, HDD interface, etc., and is designed to share devices to be controlled by the CPU 101 and develop applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. It supports high efficiency.

The ASIC 102 is directly connected to an operation unit 107 that receives an operation command of the engine 14 and the like, and a modem 108 is also directly connected thereto. The USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111, FCU 12, and engine I / F 13 are connected via the PCI bus 112.
The SDRAM 103 is a main memory used as a program memory for storing various programs, a work memory used when the CPU 101 performs data processing, and the like. In place of the SDRAM 103, a DRAM or SRAM may be used.

The ROM 104 is a fixed memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and fixed data. Note that various applications (applications) can be stored in the ROM 104.
The NVRAM 105 is a non-volatile memory that stores data such as various parameters that can be changed, and retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. As the NVRAM 105, a nonvolatile RAM in which a backup circuit using a RAM and a battery is integrated, or a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory can be used.

The HDD 106 is a storage device (recording medium) that stores and saves data regardless of whether the power is on or off. Data in the SDRAM 103 or data in the NVRAM 105 can be stored in the HDD 106.
The operation unit 107 is an operation having various operation keys (also referred to as operation switches or operation buttons) for inputting data such as operation instructions to the engine 14, the PC 20, or the print management server 30 and a character display of LCD or CRT. Means.

The modem 108 is modulation / demodulation means. When data is transmitted to an external device (not shown) via a public line, the modem 108 modulates the data so that the data can flow on the public line. In addition, when modulated data sent from an external device is received, the data is demodulated.
The USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 are USB standard and IEEE 1394 standard interfaces (direct interfaces) for directly connecting to and communicating with external devices (peripheral devices), respectively.
The MAC / I / F 111 is a network interface for communicating with external devices including the PC 20 and the print management server 30 via the network 1 such as a LAN.
A direct interface other than the USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 can be added to the controller 11.

Here, the copy function is a function that causes a scanner to read an image of an original, and sends the image data to a plotter to perform a copy operation for printing (forming) as a visible image on a recording medium such as paper. .
The printer function is a function for performing a printer operation (printing operation) in which data from an external device is directly or processed and sent to a plotter to be printed as a visible image on a recording medium.
The scanner function is a function for causing a scanner to read an image of a document and writing the image data in a memory (SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, or HDD 106) and storing (accumulating) a scanner operation.

By pressing the start key 54 after processing by the scanner operation, image data in the SDRAM 103 or the HDD 106 can be called (read), and an image can be printed on the transfer paper based on the image data.
The FAX function is a FAX transmission operation for causing a scanner to read an image of a document and transmitting the image data to an external device by the FCU 12, and receiving image data from the external device by the FCU 12, sending the image data to a plotter, and recording media. This is a function for performing a FAX reception operation for forming an image on the top.

Next, a main functional configuration example of the MFP 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of the MFP 10.
The controller 11 of the MFP 10 includes functions as a communication processing unit 121, a time measurement unit 122, a power control unit 123, a storage unit 124, and a main control unit 125. These functions are realized by the CPU 101 in FIG. 2 operating according to the program on the ROM 104 or SDRAM 103 and selectively using the USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, or MAC I / F 111 as necessary. It can be done.

The communication processing unit 121 is a communication unit that performs communication (data transmission / reception) with an external device such as the print management server 30 and the PC 20 (FIG. 2) on the network 1 or performs communication with a directly connected external device. It is also possible to directly connect an external device and communicate with it.
The time measurement unit 122 performs various time measurements. Thus, the current time (year / month / day / second) can be known.
The power control unit 123 controls on / off of power supply (energization) to each unit including the fixing heater in the engine 14.

  The storage unit 124 stores various information such as the properties of the MFP 10 according to the present invention (see FIG. 6A) and the installation locations (IP addresses) of the print management server 30 and the PC 20. It should be noted that a calculation program (hereinafter simply referred to as “calculation program”) for calculating the power consumption (hereinafter simply referred to as “power consumption”) consumed after the printing instruction is received by the MFP 10 until printing of the print data is completed. Can also be stored. The storage unit 124 corresponds to the SDRAM 103, the NVRAM 105, or the HDD 106 in FIG.

  The main control unit 125 performs overall control of each unit including the communication processing unit 121, the time measurement unit 122, the power control unit 123, and the storage unit 124, for example, scanner control as illustrated in FIG. Various controls / management including time management, print control, network control (communication control), engine control, and in-device state management can be performed. Among them, the print control means that when a print instruction including print data and print conditions is received from an external device such as the print management server 30, the print data is sent to the plotter as it is or after being processed based on the print conditions. This is a function for performing a printer operation (printing operation) for printing as a visible image on the top. The engine control is to control / manage the state of the engine 14. In-device state management is control / management of the current state of the device (MFP).

Next, a hardware configuration example of the PC 20 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the PC 20.
The PC 20 is a terminal device (information processing device) having a function of generating print data such as document data and graphic data, and includes a device main body 200, an input device 220, and a display device 230 as shown in FIG. Has been. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, only document data (hereinafter also referred to as “print document data”) is handled as print data.

The apparatus main body 200 controls the entire PC 20, and includes a CPU 201, ASIC 202, SDRAM 203, ROM 204, NVRAM 205, HDD 206, modem 207, USB I / F 208, IEEE 1394 I / F 209, MAC I / F 210, and the like. Has been.
The configuration of the apparatus main body 200 is substantially the same as the configuration of the controller 11 of the MFP 10 described with reference to FIG.

The HDD 206 stores and saves the browser and printer driver (printer driver program) shown in FIG. 6C in addition to the OS (operation system) and applications. Among them, the browser is for displaying various data such as print document data on the screen of the display device 230. The printer driver notifies the MFP 10 of a print request and passes print document data (including image data processing).
The input device 220 corresponds to a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse for inputting data such as operation instructions.
The display device 230 corresponds to an LCD display or a CRT display that displays various types of information. Note that a touch panel may be provided on the surface of the display device 230.

  Here, when the power of the PC 20 is turned on, the CPU 201 of the apparatus main body 200 reads the OS in the HDD 206 in accordance with a boot loader (boot program) in the ROM 204, loads it into the SDRAM 203 and expands it, and then activates the OS. Furthermore, the application, browser, and printer driver in the HDD 206 are also loaded into the SDRAM 203 and expanded. Furthermore, if a calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored (stored) in the HDD 206, it is also loaded into the SDRAM 203 and expanded.

In the print document data generation mode, print document data (see (c) of FIG. 6) corresponding to the operation of the input device 220 is generated on the screen of the display device 230 by the application on the SDRAM 203, and When a print request is issued by an operation, the printer driver translates (processes) the print data into a language that the MFP 10 can understand, and prints the print request including the translated print data and necessary conditions (printing conditions, device selection conditions). Transmit (notify) to the print management server 30. At this time, user I / F control ((c) in FIG. 6), which is input / output control (input control by screen display, keyboard, mouse, etc.) between the input device 220 and the display device 230 and the user, is also performed. The print data and necessary conditions may be transmitted to the print management server 30 together with the print request.
Further, network control ((c) of FIG. 6) is performed by using the USB I / F 208, the IEEE 1394 I / F 209, and the MAC I / F 210.

Next, a hardware configuration example of the print management server 30 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the print management server 30.
The print management server 30 is a management device that selectively sends print data from the PC 20 to each MFP 10 to perform printing. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 301, the ASIC 302, the SDRAM 303, the ROM 304, the NVRAM 305, the HDD 306, A modem 307, a USB I / F 308, an IEEE 1394 I / F 309, a MAC I / F 310, and the like are included.

The configuration of the print management server 30 is substantially the same as the configuration of the PC 20 described with reference to FIG. 4 (only an input device and a display device are not provided).
When the print management server 30 is powered on, the CPU 301 reads the OS in the HDD 306 in accordance with the boot loader in the ROM 304, loads it in the SDRAM 303 and expands it, and then activates the OS. Further, when a calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored in the HDD 306, it is also loaded into the SDRAM 303 and expanded.

  Then, the image forming apparatus group including each MFP 10 is collectively managed (see FIG. 6B), and a print request (print job) including print data and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) is received from the PC 20. Then (see FIG. 6B), a print instruction including the print document data and print conditions is selectively transmitted to each MFP 10 to perform printing. At this time, based on the required conditions and the properties of each MFP 10, one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a device to be used for printing (printing device). At that time, a process of calculating the power consumption (the power consumption consumed by printing the print document data) from when each MFP 10 receives the print instruction until the printing of the print document data is completed is performed. ((B) of FIG. 6).

Further, network control (FIG. 6B) is performed by using the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, and the MAC I / F 310.
In addition to the MFP 10, other image forming apparatuses such as a single printer, a digital copying machine, or a FAX apparatus can be connected via the network 1 or directly. Although not shown, these image forming apparatuses include a controller having the same configuration as that of the MFP 10 and can perform control (processing) according to the present invention described later.

Hereinafter, a part related to the present invention in the image forming system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings after FIG.
First, properties of an image forming apparatus such as an MFP will be described.
The properties of the image forming apparatus are information about objects (operation targets), and are classified into static information as shown in Table 1 and dynamic information as shown in Table 2.

  Among the static information shown in Table 1, the status transition time corresponds to the low power mode transition time and the off mode transition time related to energy saving (energy saving). Note that a warm-up time described later may be included. The power consumption value corresponds to the power per unit time required at each status transition (each power mode). The status information as dynamic information shown in Table 2 indicates the current power mode (state) of the engine (printing unit). For example, four power modes of off mode, low power mode, normal standby mode, and print mode are shown. There is.

In each MFP 10, for example, properties as shown in Table 3 are stored and held in the storage unit 124 (ROM 304, NVRAM 305, HDD 306) in FIG. Of the properties, status information that is dynamic information is updated to information indicating the power mode after the transition every time the power mode of the own device transitions (switches).
Here, among the properties shown in Table 3, the status transition (power mode transition) time is as shown in Table 4, for example. In Table 4, the time from the off mode to the low power mode is 10 seconds, the transition time from the off mode to the normal standby mode is 20 seconds, and the transition time from the low power mode to the normal standby mode is 15 seconds.

  In each MFP 10, the power consumption of the communication processing unit 121, the time measurement unit 122, the power control unit 123, the storage unit 124, the engine (printing unit) 14, and the operation unit 107 illustrated in FIG. 3 is different for each power mode. For example, in the off mode, only the communication processing unit 121 has normal power consumption (between low power consumption and high power consumption), and all other power consumption is low. In the low power mode, the engine 14 and the operation unit 107 have low power consumption, and all other power is normal power consumption. In the normal standby mode, everything is normal power consumption. In the print mode, only the engine 14 has high power consumption, and all other power consumption is normal power consumption. Therefore, for example, as shown in Table 5, the power consumption [W] per second is 1 [W] in the off mode, 2 [W] in the low power mode, 10 [W] in the normal standby mode, and in the print mode. 15 [W].

Next, FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 show a calculation method of power consumption (power consumption necessary for printing) E [Wh] consumed from when the MFP 10 receives a print instruction until printing with print document data is completed. A specific description will be given with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between power consumption P and time t in each power mode in each MFP 10.

  Here, the power consumption P [W] in four power modes, which are part of the properties of each MFP 10, that is, the power consumption POFF in the off mode, the power consumption PLOW in the low power mode, and the power consumption in the normal standby mode In addition to PWAIT and power consumption PRUN in print mode (printing), power consumption PWARM in warm-up mode (warm-up) is added. The warm-up mode period is called warm-up time TWARM, the print mode period is called printing time TRUN, the normal standby mode period is called low-power mode transition time TLOW, and the low-power mode period is called off-mode transition time TOFF.

The power consumption E [Wh] consumed by printing of the print document data in the MFP 10 is transferred to the warm-up mode after the MFP 10 receives a print instruction from the print management server 30, and then the printing is finished and the mode is switched to the off mode. Since it is the amount of power consumed by the time, it can be obtained by the following equation.
E = PWARM · TWARM + PRUN · TRUN + PWAIT · TLOW + PLOW · TOFF
Here, PWARM, PRUN, PWAIT, and PLOW are values unique to the device (MFP 10).
The warm-up time TWARM is a value unique to the device and depends on the state of the device. That is, since each power mode of the MFP 10 has a relationship as shown in FIG. 8, as shown in Table 6, it changes depending on the power mode at the time when the print request is received.

The printing time TRUN is a value unique to the device and depends on the number of printed sheets, which is one of the printing conditions.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the printing time TRUN and the number of printed sheets.
As can be seen from FIG. 9, the first printing (first print) takes the longest time.
Therefore, the printing time can be determined by a combination of the power mode, the first print (first sheet), and the continuous print (second sheet or later).
For example, as shown in Table 7, when the first print in the single-sided printing mode is TRUNs1st, the continuous printing is TRUNs, the first printing in the double-sided printing mode is TRUNb1st, and the continuous printing is TRUNb, the printing time is as follows. .

That is, the printing time TRUN when only one sheet is printed in the single-sided printing mode can be obtained by the following equation.
TRUN = TRUNs1st
The printing time TRUN when printing two or more sheets in the single-sided printing mode can be obtained by the following equation.
TRUN = TRUNs1st + TRUNs × n sheets The printing time TRUN when only one sheet is printed in the duplex printing mode can be obtained by the following equation.
TRUN = TRUNb1st
The printing time TRUN when printing two or more sheets in the duplex printing mode can be obtained by the following equation.
TRUN = TRUNb1st + TRUNb × n

The low power mode transition time TLOW and the off mode transition time TOFF are values unique to the device and depend on the set values.
Therefore, even for devices that consume a large amount of power during printing, depending on the device status, number of printed sheets, and mode transition time (power mode transition time), the total power consumption will be greater than that of devices that consume less power during printing. The amount may be small.
FIG. 10A shows an example of the relationship between the power consumption P and the time t in each power mode in an off-mode MFP (apparatus) with a small amount of power consumption at the time of printing, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between power consumption P and time t in each power mode in a normal standby MFP with a large amount of power consumption.
As can be seen from FIG. 10, the latter MFP consumes less power.

Next, a print request transmitted from the PC 20 to the print management server 30 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
The print request (print command) includes the following two types of patterns (A) and (B).

(A) Pattern in which the calculation program is in the print management server 30 or the MFP 10 In this pattern, that is, for calculating the power consumption consumed from when the MFP 10 receives a print instruction until the printing of the print document data ends. When the calculation program is a pattern in the print management server 30 or the MFP 10, the print request has document data, print conditions, and device selection conditions as arguments.
(B) Pattern in which the calculation program is in the PC 20 In this pattern, the print request has document data, print conditions, device selection conditions, and a calculation program as arguments.

Details of printing conditions, device selection conditions, and calculation programs as arguments are as follows.
(1) Print condition This print condition is a condition as to how a document is to be printed, and includes various attributes as shown in Table 8.

Document size This indicates the size of the document to be printed (example: A4, B5).
-Paper size This indicates the size of the paper to be printed (example: A4, B5).
-Number of copies This is the number of copies to be printed.

-Original orientation Indicates whether the document to be printed is a portrait or landscape document.
・ Monochrome / Color Indicates whether printing is performed in black and white or in color.
Aggregation setting This indicates a setting content for determining whether or not to print a plurality of pages of a document on one sheet of paper, or a setting content for determining how many pages of a document are to be consolidated (for example, 2 pages of a document to 1 page of a sheet).

-Duplex setting This indicates the setting contents for whether or not to print on both sides of the paper.
Staple setting This indicates the setting contents for whether or not staples are printed for each number of copies on the printed paper.
-Punch setting This indicates the setting contents for whether or not to punch holes on printed paper.

(2) Device Selection Condition The device selection condition is a condition for selecting the MFP 10 and includes various attributes as shown in Table 9.

Automatic / Designation Indicates whether the print management server 30 automatically selects the MFP 10 / whether the user designates himself / herself.
Output Location When the MFP 10 is automatically selected by the print management server 30, the output location indicates a condition as to where the MFP 10 is to be printed.

Priority setting This indicates whether to select the MFP 10 with the least power consumption or to select the MFP 10 with the fastest speed.
Device Name When the user designates the MFP 10 to be used for printing, this indicates the name of the MFP (device) 10 which MFP 10 is to print.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for inputting printing conditions and device selection conditions displayed on the display device 230 of the PC 20.
Arbitrary printing conditions and device selection conditions can be input by the user operating the operation screen with the input device 220 (for example, a mouse).

(3) Calculation program (in this case, only for patterns in PC20)
This calculation program is a program for calculating the power consumption of the MFP 10 from the printing conditions and the properties of the MFP 10.

The processes that can be executed by the print management server 30 with the print request configured as described above are as shown in the following (a) to (c).
(A) The print management server 30 searches for all the MFPs 10 connected to the print management server 30 that meet the device selection condition.
(B) The print management server 30 determines which of the MFPs 10 that satisfies the device selection condition has the least power consumption.
(C) A print instruction is transmitted to the image forming apparatus that consumes the least amount of power.

Next, a print instruction transmitted from the print management server 30 to the MFP 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
This print instruction has document data and print conditions as arguments.
When the MFP 10 receives a print instruction including document data and printing conditions, the MFP 10 prints the document data according to the printing conditions, and then returns a print end notification to the print management server 30.

Next, a print end notification transmitted from the MFP 10 to the PC 20 via the print management server 30 will be described.
This print end notification has a print result and a device name (name of the MFP 10 that has performed printing) as shown in Table 10 as arguments.
Here, the printing result indicates whether the printing has succeeded or failed. If printing has failed, the reason (paper jam, failure, etc.) is added.

When the print management server 30 receives a print end notification from any of the MFPs 10, it returns it to the PC 20.
When the CPU 201 in the apparatus main body 200 of the PC 20 receives a print end notification from the print management server 30, the CPU 201 displays the print result in the print end notification together with the device name on the display device 230. FIG. 12 shows display examples of different print results. FIG. 12A shows a display example informing that printing has succeeded, and FIG. 12B shows a display example informing that printing has failed, together with the reason.

  Next, specific examples (each embodiment) of specific control according to the present invention in the image forming system configured as described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that there are only two MFPs 10a and 10b.

[First embodiment]
First, a first example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the first embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30 and is expanded in the SDRAM 303 when the print management server 30 is activated.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a device selection means, a property acquisition means, and a calculation program storage means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. By using it, it functions as a property notification means.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
When the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates document data by a user's operation of the input device 220 and inputs a printing condition and a device selection condition, a print request is made (S101), and the generated document data and A print request including the input print condition and device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S102).
When receiving the print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 requests the property of one MFP 10a (S103).

Upon receiving a property request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a notifies the print management server 30 of the property of the MFP 10a (S104).
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 obtains the property request from the MFP 10a in response to the property request to the MFP 10a, according to the calculation program for the MFP 10a on the SDRAM 303, the received print condition in the print request and the acquired property of the MFP 10a. Based on the above, the power consumption of the MFP 10a (the power consumption consumed from the time when the MFP 10a receives a print instruction until the end of printing the document data) is calculated (S105). A property is requested (S106).

Upon receiving a property request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10b notifies the print management server 30 of the property of the MFP 10b (S107).
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 obtains the property request from the MFP 10b in response to the request for the property to the MFP 10b, according to the calculation program for the MFP 10b on the SDRAM 303, the received print condition in the print request and the acquired property of the MFP 10b. Based on the above, the power consumption of the MFP 10b is calculated (S108).

  When the calculation of the power consumption for each MFP 10 is completed, the calculation results are compared, the optimum MFP 10 is determined from the comparison result, and it is selected as a printing device (S109). That is, if the received device selection condition in the print request gives priority to energy saving over the print speed, the MFP 10 with the least power consumption is determined as the optimum device from the above calculation results, and the printing device is used. Choose as. When the device selection condition during the print request gives priority to the printing speed over the energy saving, the MFP 10 having the highest printing speed is determined as the optimum device and is selected as the printing use device. Omitted. Note that when the device selection condition is not included in the received print request, the MFP 10 that consumes the least amount of power may be determined as the optimum device from the above calculation results, and may be selected as a printing device.

When the selection processing of the print use device is completed, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 selects the MFP 10 (in this example, the MFP 10a) that has selected the print instruction including the previously received print request document data and print conditions. (S110).
When the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a receives a print instruction from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 performs a print process for printing the text data in the print instruction on a sheet as a visible image based on the print conditions in the print instruction, A print end notification including the print result and the name of the own device (device name) is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S111).

Upon receiving the print end notification from the MFP 10a, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 transmits it to the PC 20 (S112).
When receiving the print end notification from the print management server 30, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 displays the print result during the print end notification together with the device name on the screen of the display device 230 to notify the user (S113).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the print management server 30 receives a print request including document data (print data) and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) from the PC 20, each MFP 10 receives the print request. Those properties are acquired, and one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on the necessary conditions and the properties of each MFP 10. That is, according to the calculation program for each MFP 10 stored and held in advance, the power consumption for each MFP 10 is calculated based on the printing conditions and the properties of each MFP 10, and each power consumption is calculated based on the calculation results and the device selection conditions. One of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device. Therefore, an MFP 10 (the MFP 10 with the least power consumption or the MFP 10 with the highest printing speed) that reliably satisfies the required conditions from among the plurality of MFPs 10 can be used as a printing use device.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the second embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 206 of the PC 20.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a device selection means, property acquisition means, calculation program acquisition means, and calculation program storage means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. By using it, it functions as a property notification means.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.

  When the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates a document data and inputs a printing condition and a device selection condition by the operation of the input device 220 by the user, a printing request is made (S201). The calculation program is read, and a print request including the generated document data, the input printing condition and device selection condition, and the calculation program for each MFP 10 read from the HDD 206 is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S202).

When receiving a print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 develops a calculation program for each MFP 10 in the print request on the SDRAM 303, and then requests a property of one MFP 10a (S203).
The subsequent control (processing) of steps S204 to S213 by the print management server 30, each MFP 10, and PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S104 to S113 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the print management server 30 receives a print request including document data, necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions), and a calculation program for each MFP 10 from the PC 20. The properties are acquired from each MFP 10, the power consumption for each MFP 10 is calculated based on the printing conditions and the properties of each MFP 10 according to the calculation program for each MFP 10, and each calculation result and device selection are calculated. Since one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on the conditions, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, since the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held on the PC 20 side, it is not necessary to make the calculation program resident in the memory (SDRAM 203) on the print management server 30 side. Therefore, in the print management server 30, even when a plurality of PCs 20 are connected to the network 1, the calculation program for each MFP 10 sent only from the PC 20 at the time of printing may be temporarily stored in the memory. Therefore, the memory can be used efficiently.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the third embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 106 of each MFP 10.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a device selection means, property acquisition means, calculation program acquisition means, and calculation program storage means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. By using it, it functions as a property notification means and a calculation program notification means.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
The CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates document data by the operation of the input device 220 by the user, and when a print request is made after the printing conditions and device selection conditions are input (S301), the generated document data and A print request including the input print condition and device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S302).

When receiving the print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 requests the property of one MFP 10a (S303).
Upon receiving a property request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a notifies the print management server 30 of the property of the MFP 10a (S304).
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 obtains the property from the MFP 10a in response to the property request to the MFP 10a, the CPU 301 requests the MFP 10a for a calculation program (S305).

Upon receiving a calculation program request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a notifies (transmits) the calculation program for the MFP 10a to the print management server 30 (S306).
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 acquires the calculation program from the MFP 10a in response to the request for the calculation program to the MFP 10a, the CPU 301 expands it on the SDRAM 303, and in accordance with the calculation program, receives the print condition and acquisition in the received print request. After calculating the power consumption of the MFP 10a based on the property of the MFP 10a (S307), this property is requested to the other MFP 10b (S308).

Upon receiving a property request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10b notifies the print management server 30 of the property of the MFP 10b (S309).
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 obtains the property from the MFP 10b in response to the property request to the MFP 10b, the CPU 301 requests the MFP 10b for a calculation program (S310).
Upon receiving a calculation program request from the print management server 30, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10b notifies the print management server 30 of the calculation program for the MFP 10b (S311).

When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 obtains the calculation program from the MFP 10b in response to the request for the calculation program to the MFP 10b, the CPU 301 expands it on the SDRAM 303, and in accordance with the calculation program, receives the print condition and acquisition in the received print request. Based on the properties of the MFP 10b, the power consumption of the MFP 10b is calculated (S312).
The subsequent control of steps S313 to S317 by the print management server 30 and the PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S109 to S113 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the print management server 30 receives a print request including document data and necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) from the PC 20, the properties and Obtain a calculation program for each MFP 10, calculate power consumption for each MFP 10 based on the printing conditions and properties of each MFP 10 according to the calculation program for each MFP 10, and select each calculation result and device selection Since one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on the conditions, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, since the calculation program for each MFP 10 is acquired from each MFP 10, it is not necessary for the print management server 30 to make the calculation program resident in the memory. Therefore, even if a plurality of PCs 20 are connected to the network 1 in the print management server 30, it is only necessary to acquire the calculation program from each MFP 10 and temporarily store it in the memory only during printing. Can be used efficiently.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30 and is expanded in the SDRAM 303 when the print management server 30 is activated.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a device selection means, a property registration means, and a calculation program storage means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. By using it, it functions as a property notification means.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
After the MFP 10a is installed by an administrator (for example, connected to the network 1) (S401) and activated when the power is turned on, the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a notifies the print management server 30 of the properties of the MFP 10a (S402). Thereafter, when the power mode of the MFP 10a shifts (for example, shifts from the normal standby mode to the low power mode) (S405), this is notified to the print management server 30 together with the shifted power mode (S406). This notification is performed every time the power mode is changed.

  After the MFP 10b is installed by the administrator (S403), the CPU 101 of the MFP 10b also notifies the print management server 30 of the properties of the MFP 10b when activated by turning on the power (S404). Thereafter, when the power mode of the MFP 10b shifts (S407), the fact is notified to the print management server 30 together with the power mode after the shift (S408). This notification is also performed every time the power mode is changed.

  When the properties are notified from the MFPs 10a and 10b, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 registers the properties (stored in the HDD 306 or the NVRAM 305), and then notifies the MFP 10a or 10b that the power mode has shifted. Every time it is received, the status information of the registered properties is updated to information indicating the power mode after the transition.

On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates the document data by the operation of the input device 220 by the user, and when the print request is made after the print condition and the device selection condition are input (S409), the generated document A print request including the data, the input print condition, and the device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S410).
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives a print request from the PC 20, the power consumption of the MFP 10 a is determined based on the print conditions in the received print request and the properties of the MFP 10 a registered in advance according to the calculation program for the MFP 10 a on the SDRAM 303. The amount is calculated (S411).

Next, according to the calculation program for the MFP 10b on the SDRAM 303, the power consumption of the MFP 10b is calculated based on the received printing conditions in the print request and the properties of the MFP 10b registered in advance (S412).
The subsequent control of steps S413 to S417 by the print management server 30 and the PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S109 to S113 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, after the print management server 30 registers the properties notified from each MFP 10, the print request including the document data and the necessary conditions (print conditions, device selection conditions) is received from the PC 20. In response to the calculation program for each MFP 10 stored and held in advance, the power consumption for each MFP 10 is calculated based on the printing conditions and the properties of each MFP 10, and the calculation results and device selection conditions are used as the calculation results. Based on this, any one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device, so that the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, in order to register properties to be notified when each MFP 10 is activated (may be at another timing), it is necessary for the print management server 30 to acquire these properties from each MFP 10 each time a print request is received from the PC 20. Disappear. Therefore, in the print management server 30, the processing time until selecting any one of the MFPs 10 as the printing use device is shortened accordingly, and as a result, the printing time is increased.

  In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print management server 30 stores and holds the calculation program for each MFP 10. However, as in the second embodiment, each MFP 10 is provided on the PC 20 side. Another calculation program is stored and held, and the print management server 30 receives it at the time of a print request from the PC 20, or, similar to the third embodiment, the print management server 30 receives a calculation program for each MFP 10 from each MFP 10. You can also get

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the fifth embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30 and expanded in the SDRAM 303 when the print management server 30 is activated.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a device selection means, a property registration means, and a calculation program storage means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. By using it, it functions as a property notification means.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 registers the properties of each MFP (device) 10 (stored in the HDD 306 or the NVRAM 305) when the administrator inputs the properties of each MFP 10 and instructs the registration (S501). To do). For example, the CPU of the administrator's PC (not shown) inputs the property of each MFP 10 after the property of each MFP 10 is input by the operation of the input device by the administrator, and the registration request is made. When transmitted to the print management server 30, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives and registers the properties of each MFP 10.

When the power mode of the MFP 10a shifts (switches) (S502), the CPU 101 of the MFP 10a notifies the print management server 30 of the fact together with the power mode after the shift (S503). This notification is performed every time the power mode is changed.
When the power mode of the MFP 10a shifts (S504), the CPU 101 of the MFP 10b also notifies the print management server 30 together with the shifted power mode (S505). This notification is also performed every time the power mode is changed.
After registering the properties of each MFP 10, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives the notification that the power mode has shifted from the MFP 10 a or 10 b, and transfers the status information of the registered properties to the power mode after shifting. Update the information to indicate.

On the other hand, when the CPU 201 of the PC 20 generates a document data and inputs a printing condition and a device selection condition by a user's operation of the input device 220, a printing request is made (S506). A print request including the data, the input print condition, and the device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S507).
The subsequent control of steps S508 to S514 by the print management server 30 and the PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S411 to S417 described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, after the print management server 30 registers the properties of each MFP 10 input by the operation of the administrator, the document data and necessary conditions (printing conditions, device selection conditions) from the PC 20 are registered. Are calculated according to the printing conditions and the properties of each MFP 10 in accordance with the calculation program for each MFP 10 stored and held in advance. Since any one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device based on the device selection condition, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Also, since the properties input by the operation of the administrator are registered, it is not necessary for the print management server 30 to acquire these properties from each MFP 10 each time a print request is received from the PC 20. Therefore, in the print management server 30, the processing time until selecting any one of the MFPs 10 as the printing use device is shortened accordingly, and as a result, the printing time is increased.

  In the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print management server 30 stores and holds the calculation program for each MFP 10. However, as in the second embodiment, each MFP 10 is provided on the PC 20 side. Another calculation program is stored and held, and the print management server 30 receives it at the time of a print request from the PC 20, or, similar to the third embodiment, the print management server 30 receives a calculation program for each MFP 10 from each MFP 10. You can also get

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, a sixth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the case of the sixth embodiment, it is assumed that the calculation program for each MFP 10 is stored and held in the HDD 306 of the print management server 30 and is expanded in the SDRAM 303 when the print management server 30 is activated.

The CPU 301 of the print management server 30 operates according to the program on the ROM 304 or the program on the SDRAM 303, and selectively uses the USB I / F 308, the IEEE 1394 I / F 309, or the MAC I / F 310 as necessary. By doing so, it functions as a device selection means, property registration means, calculation program storage means, mode transition inhibition instruction means, and mode transition inhibition release means.
Further, the CPU 101 of each MFP 10 operates according to the program on the ROM 104, and selectively selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111 of FIG. By using it, it functions as a property notification unit and a mode transition suppression unit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10.
The operations (including operations) or control in steps S601 to S608 performed by the administrator, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 are the same as the operations or controls in steps S401 to S408 described with reference to FIG. .

When the document data is generated by the user operating the input device 220 and the printing condition and the device selection condition are input, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 makes a print request (S609). A print request including the input print condition and device selection condition is transmitted to the print management server 30 (S610).
Upon receiving a print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 instructs each MFP 10 to inhibit (prohibit) mode transition (power mode transition) (S 611, S 612), and then for the MFP 10 a on the SDRAM 303. The power consumption of the MFP 10a is calculated based on the received printing conditions in the print request and the properties of the MFP 10a registered in advance (S613).

Next, according to the calculation program for the MFP 10b on the SDRAM 303, the power consumption of the MFP 10b is calculated based on the received printing conditions in the print request and the properties of the MFP 10b registered in advance (S614).
When the calculation of the power consumption for each MFP 10 is completed, the calculation results are compared, and the optimum MFP 10 (for example, the MFP 10 with the lowest power consumption) is determined as the optimum device from the comparison result, and this is used as the printing device. Is selected (S615).

Thereafter, after transmitting the print instruction including the document data and the print condition received in advance to the MFP 10 (in this example, the MFP 10a) selected as the printing use device (S616), each MFP 10 is set to the mode. An instruction to cancel the migration inhibition is issued (S617, S618).
The subsequent control of steps S619 to S621 by the print management server 30 and the PC 20 is the same as the control of steps S111 to S113 described with reference to FIG.
The CPU 101 of each MFP 10 inhibits the transition of the power mode from the reception of the instruction to suppress the mode transition from the print management server 30 until the instruction to cancel the mode transition inhibition.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, after the print management server 30 registers the property notified from each MFP 10, the print request including the document data and the necessary conditions (print condition, device selection condition) is received from the PC 20. In response to the calculation program for each MFP 10 stored and held in advance, the power consumption for each MFP 10 is calculated based on the printing conditions and the properties of each MFP 10, and the calculation results and device selection conditions are used as the calculation results. Based on this, any one of the MFPs 10 is selected as a printing use device, so that the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, in order to register properties to be notified when each MFP 10 is activated (may be at another timing), it is necessary for the print management server 30 to acquire these properties from each MFP 10 each time a print request is received from the PC 20. Disappear. Therefore, in the print management server 30, the processing time until selecting any one of the MFPs 10 as the printing use device is shortened accordingly, and as a result, the printing time is increased.

  Further, before the calculation of the power consumption for each MFP 10 is started, each MFP 10 is instructed to inhibit mode transition, and after each calculation is finished (in fact, to the MFP 10 selected as the printing use device). After transmitting the print instruction), by instructing each MFP 10 to cancel the mode transition inhibition, the power mode is shifted (changed) in each MFP 10 during the calculation of the power consumption for each MFP 10. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a mismatch between the calculation result of the power consumption for each MFP 10 and the actual power consumption.

  Here, if the power management mode is changed in any MFP 10 while the print management server 30 is calculating the power consumption for each MFP 10, the calculation result of the power consumption and the MFP 10 are displayed. The actual power consumption will be different. For this reason, even if it is determined that the MFP 10 has the lowest power consumption and a print instruction is given, there may be cases where this is not the case.

  In the sixth embodiment, a process of instructing each MFP 10 to inhibit mode transition (mode transition inhibition instruction) between steps S410 and S411 of the control (fourth embodiment) described with reference to FIG. , Processing for instructing each MFP 10 to cancel mode transition suppression (mode transition suppression cancellation instruction) is inserted between each of steps S414 and S415. The following (1) to (4) are inserted. You may make it show.

(1) Insert a mode transition inhibition instruction between steps S102 and S103 of the control (first embodiment) described with reference to FIG. 13, and insert a mode transition inhibition cancellation instruction between steps S110 and S111.
(2) A mode transition inhibition instruction is inserted between steps S202 and S203 of the control (second embodiment) described with reference to FIG. 14, and a mode transition inhibition release instruction is inserted between steps S210 and S211.

(3) Insert a mode transition inhibition instruction between steps S302 and S303 of the control (third embodiment) described with reference to FIG. 15, and insert a mode transition inhibition cancellation instruction between steps S314 and S315.
(4) A mode transition inhibition instruction is inserted between steps S507 and S508 of the control (fifth embodiment) described with reference to FIG. 17, and a mode transition inhibition cancellation instruction is inserted between steps S511 and S512.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the print management server 30 calculates the power consumption for each MFP 10 and selects one of the MFPs 10 as a printing use device based on each calculation result. However, the print management server 30 calculates the power consumption for each MFP 10, notifies the PC 20 of the calculation results (including the device name and the like) and causes the display device 230 to display the request, and then requests from the PC 20. Accordingly, any one of the MFPs 10 can be selected as a printing use device. Alternatively, only the calculation result (including the device name and the like) of the power consumption of the MFP 10 selected as the printing device is notified to the PC 20 and displayed on the display device 230, and then the selection is confirmed by the print request from the PC 20. You can also

Therefore, these controls will be described in a little more detail with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG.
19 and 20 are diagrams illustrating different examples of the operation screen including the calculation result of the power consumption amount displayed on the display device 230 of the PC 20. However, the display screen of FIG. 19 displays the calculation results of the power consumption of the three MFPs 10.

After calculating the power consumption for each MFP 10, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 notifies the PC 20 of the calculation results (including the device name and the like).
When the CPU 201 of the PC 20 receives the calculation result of the power consumption for each MFP 10 from the print management server 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, an operation screen including a list of the calculation results of the power consumption for each MFP 10 is displayed. It is displayed on the display device 230.

The user selects the device name of the MFP 10 to be used for printing on the operation screen using the input device 220 (for example, a mouse), and then presses (touches) the “print” key.
Accordingly, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 transmits a print request including information indicating the MFP 10 having the selected device name to the print management server 30.
When receiving the print request from the PC 20, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 selects the MFP 10 designated by the print request as a printing use device.

  In this way, by selecting the MFP 10 that the user wants to use for printing with reference to the power consumption for each MFP 10 as described above, the user can avoid selecting the MFP 10 that he / she does not want to use (for example, an MFP located away from the normal business location). It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the user finally determines the selection of the MFP 10 that the user wants to use for printing, the processing load on the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 is reduced accordingly.

Alternatively, the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 calculates the power consumption for each MFP 10 and compares only the calculation result (including the device name) of the power consumption of the MFP 10 selected as a printing device by comparison between them to the PC 20. Notice.
When the CPU 201 of the PC 20 receives the calculation result of the power consumption of the MFP 10 selected as the printing use device from the print management server 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the operation screen including the calculation result of the power consumption of the MFP 10 Is displayed on the display device 230.
If the MFP 10 selected as the printing device is OK, the user presses (touches) the “print” key on the operation screen using the input device 220.
As a result, the CPU 201 of the PC 20 transmits a print request to the print management server 30.
When the CPU 301 of the print management server 30 receives a print request from the PC 20, the selection is confirmed.

  As described above, since the user can recognize the MFP 10 selected as the printing use device by looking at the display screen of the PC 20, the MFP 10 in which the printing result is output even in an office or the like where many MFPs 10 are installed. This leads to improvement in work efficiency.

The embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a plurality of MFPs (digital multifunction peripherals) and an image forming system in which the MFP, a print management server, and a PC are communicably connected has been described. It can also be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a plurality of digital copiers, printers, facsimile machines, etc., and an image processing system for connecting the same to a print management server and a PC (or other terminal apparatus). is there.
In these image forming systems, the print management server can be omitted by providing a function as a print management server in at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. In this case, an image forming apparatus having a function as a print management server performs the same control as the control for each MFP in the first to sixth embodiments with respect to other image forming apparatuses.

  A program according to the present invention is stored in a computer (CPU) of a print management server by a device selection unit, a property acquisition unit, a property registration unit, a calculation program storage unit, a calculation program acquisition unit, a mode transition inhibition instruction unit, a mode. This is a program for realizing the function as the migration inhibition releasing means, and the above-described effects can be obtained by causing the computer to execute such a program.

Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM or HDD provided in the computer from the beginning, but a non-volatile recording such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, SRAM, EEPROM, memory card or the like as a recording medium. It can also be recorded on a medium (memory) and provided. Each procedure described above can be executed by installing a program recorded in the memory in a computer and causing the CPU to execute the program, or causing the CPU to read and execute the program from the memory.
Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in the storage unit.

As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the management device (computer), an image forming apparatus reliably satisfies the required condition from the plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting the image imaging system to the print It can be used as equipment to be used. Also, it is possible to avoid a mismatch between the calculation result of the power consumption for each image forming apparatus and the actual power consumption. Therefore, if this invention is used, a management apparatus capable of performing more convenient print management can be provided.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a network connection example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of an MFP 10 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of PC20 of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a print management server 30 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of control according to the present invention performed by the MFP 10, the PC 20, and the print management server 30 in FIG. 1; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between power consumption and time in each mode in each MFP 10 illustrated in FIG. 12. It is a figure which similarly shows an example of the relationship of each mode.

It is a diagram which similarly shows an example of the relationship between printing time and the number of printed sheets. The relationship between power consumption and time in each mode in an off-mode MFP with low power consumption during printing, and the relationship between power consumption and time in each mode in a normal standby MFP with large power consumption during printing It is a diagram which shows an example. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for inputting printing conditions and device selection conditions displayed on the display device 230 of the PC 20 illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a figure which similarly shows the example of a display from which a printing result differs.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of a communication sequence among the PC 20, the print management server 30, and each MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen including a calculation result of power consumption displayed on the display device 230 of the PC 20 illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a figure which similarly shows the other example of the operation screen containing the calculation result of power consumption.

Explanation of symbols

1: Network 10: MFP 11: Controller 14: Engine 20: PC 30: Print management server 101, 201, 301: CPU
102, 202, 302: ASIC 103, 203, 303: SDRAM
104, 204, 304: ROM 105, 205, 305: NVRAM
106, 206, 306: HDD 107: Operation unit 109, 208, 308: USB / I / F
110, 209, 309: IEEE1394 / I / F
111, 210, 310: MAC • I / F 121: Communication processing unit 122: Time measurement unit 123: Power control unit 124: Storage unit 125: Main control unit 200: Device main body 220: Input device 230: Display device

Claims (22)

A terminal device that generates print data, and a plurality of image forming devices that print the print data from the terminal device on a print medium as a visible image are connected via a communication line, and the terminal device A management apparatus that selectively transmits print data to each of the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing;
In response to a print request including the print data and necessary conditions from the terminal device, and when the necessary conditions are printing conditions, each image forming apparatus is based on the printing conditions and the current power mode of each image forming apparatus. Power consumption calculation means for calculating the power consumption for each image forming apparatus consumed by printing the print data, respectively, and any one of the image forming apparatuses is determined based on the calculation result by the means. Device selection means for selecting as a device to be used for the printing;
Before starting the calculation for each image forming apparatus by the power consumption calculation means, mode transition inhibition instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus to be calculated to inhibit the power mode transition;
After a print instruction related to the print request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus selected by the device selection unit based on the calculation result for each image forming apparatus by the power consumption calculating unit, the calculation target image forming apparatus And a mode transition suppression release means for instructing the power mode transition suppression cancellation ,
The device selecting means is an image forming apparatus that consumes the least amount of power from the calculation results of the power consumption calculating means when the required conditions are printing conditions and device selection conditions that prioritize energy saving over printing speed. Is selected as a device to be used for the printing . In the management apparatus according to claim 1 Symbol placement,
A management apparatus comprising a property acquisition unit configured to acquire a property indicating a current power mode of the image forming apparatus from each of the image forming apparatuses. In the management apparatus according to claim 1 Symbol placement,
A management apparatus comprising property registration means for registering a property indicating a current power mode of each image forming apparatus. The management device according to claim 3 ,
The property registration unit registers the property of each image forming apparatus notified from each of the image forming apparatuses. The management device according to claim 3 ,
The property registration unit registers the property for each of the image forming apparatuses input from the outside. In the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A calculation program storage means for storing a calculation program for each image forming apparatus for calculating power consumption for each image forming apparatus;
The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power consumption calculating means calculates a power consumption for each image forming apparatus in accordance with a calculation program for each image forming apparatus. The management device according to claim 6 ,
A management apparatus comprising calculation program acquisition means for acquiring the calculation program for each image forming apparatus from the terminal device. The management device according to claim 6 ,
A management apparatus comprising a calculation program acquisition means for acquiring the calculation program from each of the image forming apparatuses. The image forming system capable of connecting the management device according to claim 2, the terminal device, and each image forming device via the communication line,
The property acquisition unit of the management apparatus includes a unit that requests the property of each image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus when the print request is received from the terminal apparatus.
Each of the image forming apparatuses, when receiving a request for the property from the management apparatus, property notification means for notifying the management apparatus of its own property, and the management apparatus instructing suppression of the power mode transition An image forming system, comprising: a mode transition suppression unit that suppresses transition of its own power mode until the cancellation of the suppression is instructed. The image forming system capable of connecting the management device according to claim 4, the terminal device, and each image forming device via the communication line,
Each of the image forming apparatuses is instructed to notify the management apparatus of its own property at a predetermined timing, and to cancel the suppression after the management apparatus is instructed to suppress the power mode transition. An image forming system, comprising: a mode transition inhibiting unit that inhibits transition of its own power mode until In claim 1 0, wherein the image forming system,
The property notification unit of each image forming apparatus notifies the management apparatus of the property of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is activated. The image forming system capable of connecting the management device according to claim 8, the terminal device, and the image forming devices via the communication line,
The calculation program acquisition means of the management device has means for requesting the calculation program to each of the image forming apparatuses when receiving the print request from the terminal device,
Each of the image forming apparatuses, when receiving a request for the calculation program from the management apparatus, a calculation program notification means for notifying the management apparatus of the corresponding calculation program; An image forming system, comprising: a mode transition inhibiting unit that inhibits transition of its own power mode from when the inhibition is instructed until the cancellation of the inhibition is instructed. A terminal device that generates print data, and a plurality of image forming devices that print the print data from the terminal device on a print medium as a visible image are connected via a communication line, and the terminal device A control method in a management apparatus that selectively transmits print data to each of the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing,
In response to a print request including the print data and necessary conditions from the terminal device, and when the necessary conditions are printing conditions, each image forming apparatus is based on the printing conditions and the current power mode of each image forming apparatus. A device that calculates power consumption for each image forming apparatus consumed by printing the print data, and selects one of the image forming apparatuses as a device to be used for the printing based on each calculation result A selection step, a mode transition inhibition instruction step for instructing the image forming apparatus that is the calculation target to inhibit power mode transition before starting calculation of the power consumption amount for each of the image forming apparatuses, and each image formation After the print instruction related to the print request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus selected by the device selection unit based on the calculation result of the power consumption for each apparatus, the calculation target image Possess a mode shift inhibit release step of indicating the inhibit release of power mode switching with respect to forming apparatus,
In the device selection step, when the required condition includes a printing condition and a device selection condition that prioritizes energy saving over the printing speed, an image forming apparatus that consumes the least amount of power is used for the printing from the calculation results. A control method characterized by selecting as a device . The control method in the management apparatus according to claim 1 3 Symbol placement,
A control method for acquiring a property indicating a current power mode of the image forming apparatus from each of the image forming apparatuses. The control method in the management apparatus according to claim 1 3 Symbol placement,
A control method for registering a property indicating a current power mode of each image forming apparatus. In the control method in the management device according to claim 15 ,
A control method comprising: registering the property of each image forming apparatus notified from each image forming apparatus. In the control method in the management device according to claim 15 ,
A control method for registering the property for each image forming apparatus input from the outside. The control method in the management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 3 to 17,
A calculation program for each image forming apparatus for calculating the power consumption for each image forming apparatus is stored in advance, and the consumption for each image forming apparatus is determined according to the calculation program for each image forming apparatus. A control method characterized by calculating an electric energy. In the control method in the management device according to claim 18 ,
A control method for acquiring the calculation program for each image forming apparatus from the terminal device. In the control method in the management device according to claim 18 ,
A control method comprising: obtaining the calculation program from each of the image forming apparatuses. A terminal device that generates print data, and a plurality of image forming devices that print the print data from the terminal device on a print medium as a visible image are connected via a communication line, and the terminal device A computer of a management apparatus that selectively transmits print data to each of the image forming apparatuses to perform the printing,
In response to a print request including the print data and necessary conditions from the terminal device, and when the necessary conditions are printing conditions, each image forming apparatus is based on the printing conditions and the current power mode of each image forming apparatus. A power consumption amount calculating function for calculating a power consumption amount for each of the image forming apparatuses consumed by printing the print data, and selecting one of the image forming apparatuses based on each calculation result by the function; A device selection function for selecting as a device to be used for the printing;
Before starting calculation for each image forming apparatus by the power consumption calculation function, a mode transition suppression instruction function for instructing suppression of power mode transition to the target image forming apparatus;
After a print instruction related to the print request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus selected by the device selection unit based on the calculation result for each image forming apparatus by the power consumption calculating unit, the calculation target image forming apparatus It is a program for realizing a mode transition suppression release function that instructs the cancellation of power mode transition suppression ,
The device selection function includes an image forming apparatus that consumes the least amount of power from the calculation results of the power consumption calculation function when the required conditions include a printing condition and a device selection condition that prioritizes energy saving over printing speed. Is selected as a device to be used for the printing . Claim 2 1 A computer-readable recording medium storing a program according.

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