JP5132499B2 - State transition data generation device, state transition data generation method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a state transition data generation device, a state transition data generation method, and a program, and more particularly to a state transition data generation device, a state transition data generation method, and a program for supporting calculation of power consumption of an image forming apparatus.

  Due to the recent increase in the environment-oriented or energy-saving direction, consideration for the environment or energy-saving is becoming important with respect to image forming apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as “devices”) such as printers, copiers, and multifunction machines. For example, models with low power consumption are being favored in the market. Information on the power consumption of devices of major manufacturers is disclosed by a predetermined organization, and is considered as one of important judgment materials when selecting a device to be purchased by some users. In addition, even after purchasing a device, there are users (businesses) who are beginning to be interested in how much power is consumed by the device in their office.

Conventionally, in order to grasp the power consumption in the actual operating environment of the equipment, it was necessary to actually connect the power meter to the equipment and measure it, except for tenants where the power of the entire office is centrally managed. It was.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-118514

  However, in an office or the like where a large number of devices are installed, it is very complicated to install a power meter for all of the devices, and it cannot be said that it is practical from the viewpoint of cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is a state transition data generation device, a state transition data generation method, and the like that can generate data for appropriately calculating the power consumption of the image forming apparatus, And to provide a program.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a power consumption value receiving unit that periodically receives a power consumption value from a meter that can measure the power consumption value connected to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. A job transmission unit that transmits a job execution instruction, and information indicating a relationship between the power consumption value received in response to the transmission of the job execution instruction and a time when the power consumption value is received in a storage unit A recording unit for recording, a state transition detecting unit for detecting a transition of the state of the image forming apparatus according to the execution of the job, based on information recorded in the storage unit, and power consumption and required for each state State transition data generating means for generating state transition data indicating time.

  In such a state transition data generation device, data for appropriately calculating the power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be generated.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate data for appropriately calculating the power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power consumption calculation system according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the power consumption calculation device 10 includes one or more devices 20 (devices 20a, 20b, and 20c) via a network 30 (regardless of wired or wireless) such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Etc.).

  The device 20 is an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine that realizes these two or more functions in a single casing. The power consumption calculation device 10 is a computer that calculates (estimates) the power consumption of each device 20.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the power consumption calculation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 includes a drive device 100, an auxiliary storage device 102, a memory device 103, a CPU 104, an interface device 105, a display device 106, and a drive device 100, which are mutually connected by a bus B. And an input device 107.

  A program that realizes processing in the power consumption calculation device 10 is provided by a recording medium 101 such as a CD-ROM. When the recording medium 101 on which the program is recorded is set in the drive device 100, the program is installed from the recording medium 101 to the auxiliary storage device 102 via the drive device 100. However, the program need not be installed from the recording medium 101 and may be downloaded from another computer via a network. The auxiliary storage device 102 stores the installed program and also stores necessary files and data.

  The memory device 103 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 102 and stores it when there is an instruction to start the program. The CPU 104 realizes functions related to the power consumption calculation device 10 in accordance with a program stored in the memory device 103. The interface device 105 is used as an interface for connecting to a network. The display device 106 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like by a program. The input device 107 includes a keyboard and a mouse, and is used for inputting various operation instructions.

  In the system configuration as described above, the power consumption calculation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment determines the power consumption amount of the device 20 by paying attention to the relationship between the state transition of the device 20 and the power consumption (amount) when a job is submitted. calculate. Note that the state of the device 20 refers to a job execution state in the device 20.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the state transition of the device and the power consumption in the present embodiment. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time (seconds) and the vertical axis represents power consumption (W).

  In the example of the figure, an example is shown in which the device 20 transitions from a preprocessing state → an operating state → a standby state → a sleep state → an off state in response to the input of a job. The operating state is a state in which a job is actually executed. The required time in the operating state changes according to the work amount or execution amount of the job (the number of printed sheets in the present embodiment). On the other hand, the time required for the preprocessing state, the standby state, and the sleep state is fixed without being affected by the work amount of the job. In the figure, an example is shown in which the preprocessing state is 43 seconds, the standby state is 300 seconds, and the sleep state is 900 seconds. The Off state is a so-called steady state (a state where no job is started). When a job is submitted in the Off state, the state transitions to the preprocessing state. Therefore, the time required for the Off state in the predetermined period is a value obtained by subtracting the time required for the preprocessing state, the operating state, the standby state, and the Sleep state from the predetermined period.

  Here, the state transition, the power consumption and the required time for each state are known as the specifications of the device 20 for each model or each platform. Therefore, for example, if it is possible to grasp the number of times the state transition has been performed during one day and the job amount of the job in each state transition, the power consumption amount of the device 20 for the day is calculated (estimated). be able to. Specifically, for example, when a print job is submitted once during a day, the state transition shown in FIG. 3 is performed once. In this case, the total area of the bar graph of FIG. At this time, the required time for the operation state is calculated based on the number of print jobs. The time required for the Off state is a value obtained by subtracting the time required for another state from one day (24 hours). Even when a print job is submitted twice or more, the daily power consumption can be calculated based on the same concept.

  The platform is a concept for a set of a plurality of models. That is, a plurality of models can exist for one platform. Therefore, the state transition and the power consumption and the required time for each state are known for each platform means that the state transition and the power consumption and the required time for each state can be common for a plurality of models. .

  In order to calculate the power consumption of the device 20 based on the above concept, the power consumption calculation device 10 has a functional configuration as shown below. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the power consumption calculation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a power consumption calculation device 10 includes a device search unit 11, a unit time calculation unit 12, a measurement unit 13, a power consumption amount calculation unit 14, an environmental load value calculation unit 15, a calculation result display control unit 16, and a power consumption state. It includes a transition data management unit 121, a measurement value recording unit 122, a model-specific value DB 123, and the like.

  The device search unit 11 automatically searches for devices 20 connected to the network 30. The automatic search method and protocol may be performed based on a known technique such as using broadcast. The unit time calculation unit 12 periodically refers to a time interval (hereinafter referred to as “unit period”) for measuring information indicating the operation amount (job work amount) of the device 20 (in this embodiment, the number of printed sheets per unit time). ) Based on the data managed by the power consumption state transition data management unit 121. The measurement unit 13 periodically measures the number of printed sheets of the device 20 at intervals calculated by the unit time calculation unit 12. The measurement value recording unit 122 is a storage area in which the measurement value (number of printed sheets per unit period) by the measurement unit 13 is recorded, and is formed in the memory device 103, for example. Based on the measured value recorded in the measured value recording unit 122, the data managed in the power consumption state transition data management unit 121, and the data recorded in the model specific value DB 123, the power consumption amount calculating unit 14 The power consumption of the device 20 is calculated. The environmental load value calculation unit 15 calculates an environmental load value such as carbon dioxide emission based on the power consumption. The calculation result display control unit 16 causes the display device 106 to display calculation results obtained by the power consumption calculation unit 14 and the environmental load value calculation unit 15.

  The power consumption state transition data management unit 121 is data shown in FIG. 3, that is, data indicating power consumption and required time for each state in the state transition of the device 20 (hereinafter referred to as “power consumption state transition data”). Is stored in the auxiliary storage device 102, for example. As described above, the power consumption state transition data may be common for a plurality of models (that is, different for each platform). However, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the power consumption state transition data is model-specific. The model specific value DB 123 is a database in which different parameter values (specific values for each model) are registered for each model (model) of the device 20, and is formed in the auxiliary storage device 102, for example. The unique value includes, for example, a manufacturer's identification name, a parameter value indicating performance (printing speed in the present embodiment), and the like.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the power consumption calculation device 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure by the power consumption calculation device.

  In step S <b> 101, the device search unit 11 automatically searches for a device 20 (device 20 in the power consumption calculation environment) connected to the network 30. Thereby, the identification information of each device 20 connected to the network 30 is acquired. However, the identification information of each device 20 connected to the network 30 may be manually input by the user via the input device 107. Here, the identification information of the device 20 may be information that can search for the model-specific value of the device 20 and the power consumption state transition data. Therefore, the information is not necessarily unique to each device 20. For example, a model name (model name) may be used.

  Subsequently, step S102 and subsequent steps are executed in parallel for each device 20 searched or designated in step S101.

  First, the unit time calculation unit 12 acquires the power consumption state transition data corresponding to the identification information of the device 20 from the power consumption state transition data management unit 121 and expands it on the memory device 103 (S102).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of power consumption state transition data. The power consumption state transition data 150 in FIG. 5 is described in an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format. However, the data format of the power consumption state transition data is not limited to a predetermined one. The contents of the power consumption state transition data 150 in FIG.

  The power consumption state transition data 150 uses, as a root element, a device profile element surrounded by a <device profile> tag. The value of the model attribute (“AAA”) of the deviceprofile element indicates that the power consumption state transition data 150 is the power consumption state transition data 150 corresponding to the device 20 whose model name is AAA.

  A states element that is a child element of the deviceprofile element is an element corresponding to the state transition of the device 20. The states element includes a state element as a child element for each state included in the state transition. In the figure, five state elements (state elements 152, 153, 154, 155, and 156) are included as child elements of the states element. Therefore, it turns out that it changes to five states.

  Each state element has a name attribute and includes a time element and a power element as child elements. The value of the name attribute indicates the name of the state. The value of the time element indicates the required time (seconds) of the state. The value of the power element indicates the power consumption (W) of the state. Note that the value of the time attribute of the state element 153 corresponding to the operating state is {RelationPrintTime}. This indicates that the time required for the operation state depends on the printing time (number of printed sheets). Further, the state element 156 corresponding to the Off state does not include a time element. This is because the time required for the Off state differs depending on the time required for other states (the number of state transitions and the number of printed sheets).

  Subsequently, the unit time calculation unit 12 calculates a unit time based on the power consumption state transition data 150 (S103). Specifically, the minimum time required for executing one job is set as a unit time. The minimum time required to execute one job is the total time required for the states (preprocessing state, operating state, standby state, and sleep state) that change according to job execution. Here, the operating state is variable and cannot be determined uniquely, but the time required for printing 0 sheets (that is, 0) is substituted as the minimum required time. Therefore, based on the power consumption state transition data 150, the unit time is calculated as follows.

Unit time = required time in the preprocessing state (43) + required time in the active state (0) + required time in the standby state (300) + required time in the sleep state (900) = 1243 seconds The significance will be described later.

  Subsequently, the measurement unit 13 periodically acquires the value of the print counter from the device 20 at an interval of unit time and records it in the memory device 103 (S104). The print counter is a counter for recording the total number of printed sheets since the device 20 is installed. When a predetermined measurement period (for example, 1 day = 24 hours) has elapsed since the acquisition of the print counter has started (No in S105), the measurement unit 13 calculates the number of prints per unit time and calculates The result is recorded in the measured value recording unit 122 (S106). The number of printed sheets per unit time is calculated based on the difference between the print counter values (total number of printed sheets) before and after the unit time. As a result, data as shown in FIG. 7 (hereinafter referred to as “measurement value data”) is recorded in the measurement value recording unit 122.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of measured value data. In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates the number of times the print counter is acquired (number of unit times). The vertical axis represents the number of printed sheets per unit time. That is, the measured value data indicates the number of printed sheets per unit time.

  Subsequently, the power consumption amount calculation unit 14 determines the presence / absence of a state transition for each unit time based on the measurement value data recorded in the measurement value recording unit 122 and the data registered in the device specific value DB 123, and the like. For the unit time in which there is a transition, the required time for the operating state is calculated (S107). For each unit time, the presence / absence of state transition is determined based on the presence / absence of the number of printed sheets. That is, the print job is not executed during the unit time when the number of printed sheets is zero. Therefore, it is determined that no state transition has occurred. On the other hand, a print job is executed for a unit time in which the number of printed sheets is 1 or more. Therefore, it is determined that a state transition has occurred.

  Further, the required time for the operating state is calculated based on the following equation.

Time required for operation (seconds) = (number of printed sheets / IPM) × 60
Here, IPM (Image Per Minute) is an index indicating the printing speed of the device 20, and indicates the number of printed sheets per minute. The IPM value is registered in the model specific value DB 123 for each model.

  Subsequently, the power consumption amount calculation unit 14 is included in the calculated required time of the operating state and the power consumption state transition data 150 for each unit time determined that the state transition has occurred (occurred). By applying the value to the following calculation formula, the power consumption per unit time is calculated (S108).

Power consumption per unit time = (power consumption in preprocessing state ÷ 3600 × required time in preprocessing state) + (power consumption in operation state ÷ 3600 × required time in operation state) + (power consumption in standby state ÷ 3600 * Time required in standby state) + (Power consumption in Sleep state ÷ 3600 × Time required in Sleep state)
Subsequently, the power consumption calculation unit 14 calculates the power consumption during the measurement period (for example, one day) (S109). The power consumption during the measurement period is calculated by the sum of the total power consumption per unit time and the power consumption during the Off state during the measurement period. Here, the power consumption amount during the Off state is calculated by applying the value included in the power consumption state transition data 150 to the following equation.

Power consumption during the off state = power consumption in the off state ÷ 3600 × time required for the off state Note that the time required for the off state is the time required for the preprocessing state related to all state transitions in the measurement period, This is a value obtained by subtracting the required time, the required time in the standby state, and the required time in the sleep state from the measurement period.

  Subsequently, the environmental load value calculation unit 15 calculates the cost (electricity rate), the carbon dioxide emission amount, the forest area necessary to absorb the carbon dioxide emission amount, and the like based on the calculated power consumption during the measurement period. The environmental load value and the like are calculated (S110). These environmental load values and the like may be calculated based on a known function for the power consumption.

  Subsequently, the calculation result display control unit 16 causes the display device 106 to display calculation results obtained by the power consumption amount calculation unit 14 and the environmental load value calculation unit 15.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the calculation result. In the figure, a calculation result display screen 510 includes a current device configuration display area 511, a power consumption display area 512, and the like.

  The current device configuration display area 511 is an area for displaying a breakdown by manufacturer of the device 20 in an environment (calculation environment) in which power consumption is calculated, such as the device 20 connected to the network 30. “AAA”, “BBB”, and the like indicate manufacturer names, and the numbers in parentheses indicate the number of vehicles.

  In the power consumption display area 512, the power consumption for one year is indicated by a bar graph. In the rectangle 5121, the amount of power consumption, cost (electricity charge), carbon dioxide emission, forest area necessary for absorbing the carbon dioxide emission, and the like are displayed. The power consumption for one year may be calculated based on the power consumption during the measurement period. For example, when the measurement period is one day, the power consumption during the measurement period may be multiplied by 365.

  By the way, the power consumption calculation device 10 simulates how the power consumption changes when the device configuration in the current environment is changed as well as the power consumption based on the device configuration in the actual environment. You can also

  For example, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a simulation result when the device configuration in the measurement environment is changed. In the drawing, the simulation result screen 520 includes a current device configuration display area acquisition 521, a changed device configuration display region 522, a power consumption display region 523, and the like.

  The current device configuration display area acquisition 521 is the same as the current device configuration display region 511 of the calculation result display screen 510 (FIG. 8). The changed device configuration display area 522 is an area for displaying the changed device configuration. In the example of the figure, an example is shown in which all devices are replaced with devices of a specific manufacturer (AAA).

  In the power consumption display area 523, the power consumption and the like of the current device configuration and the power consumption and the like of the changed device configuration are shown by a bar graph. The left bar graph shows the power consumption in the current device configuration, and the right side shows the power consumption in the changed device configuration. In this case, the power consumption after the change is significantly reduced. Therefore, for example, a salesman of a manufacturer can present the simulation result screen 520 and propose replacement of the device 20. Further, a system administrator or the like in an office or the like can consider replacement of the device 20 with reference to the simulation result screen 520.

  In order to display the simulation result screen 520, the user may input a replacement model for each of the power consumption calculation device 10 and the existing device 20. The power consumption calculation unit 14 changes based on the number of printed sheets per unit time of each device 20 recorded in the measurement value recording unit 122, the power consumption state transition data 150 of the replacement destination device 20, and the device specific value. The subsequent power consumption may be calculated.

  As described above, according to the power consumption calculation device 10 in the first embodiment, the power consumption, environmental load value, and the like of each device 20 in an office or the like without installing a wattmeter in each device 20. Can be calculated appropriately.

  In the present embodiment, a print job has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to various jobs such as copying, scanning, and fax transmission / reception and via the device 20 in which various jobs are mixed. . That is, the state transition data 15 may be prepared for each job type, and the unit time may be calculated for each job type. Subsequently, the work amount of the job (the number of copies, the number of scans, the number of fax transmissions, the number of receptions, etc.) may be acquired from the device 20 for each job type. Other processing procedures may be the same as those described for the print job.

  In this embodiment, a state transition model that transitions to five states is taken as an example, but the state transition model may differ depending on the model or platform. Therefore, the power consumption state transition data 150 may be defined according to each state transition model. By doing so, the versatility of the power consumption calculation apparatus 10 with respect to the model of the apparatus 20, the kind of platform, etc. can be ensured.

  Here, the significance of the unit time calculation method in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the number of state transitions greatly affects the calculation result. Therefore, it is required to grasp the number of state transitions as accurately as possible. In the present embodiment, the presence / absence of state transition is determined based on the presence / absence of printing. That is, when a print job is performed within a unit time, it is determined that the state transition has been performed once within the unit time.

  In such a situation, it is assumed that the unit time is a very large value with respect to the minimum time of the state transition (hereinafter referred to as “Case 1”). Then, it is assumed that 50 print jobs are performed twice within a certain unit time. Then, in this case, in the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 5, it is determined that one state transition has been performed, assuming that 100 print jobs have been executed once within the unit time. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the calculated power consumption is smaller than the actual power consumption.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the unit time is set to a very small value with respect to the minimum time of state transition (hereinafter referred to as “Case 2”). Assume that one print job is executed over two unit times. In this case, in the process according to the flowchart of FIG. 5, it is determined that two state transitions have been performed even though the actual state transition is one time. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the calculated power consumption is larger than the actual power consumption.

  In order to eliminate the inconveniences as described above, in this embodiment, the minimum time for state transition is set as a unit time. However, the timing of the unit time period and the actual state transition are not necessarily synchronized. For example, there is a possibility that one print job is executed over two unit times. However, as compared with Case 1 and Case 2, it is considered that the error with respect to the actual measurement value is remarkably reduced. Therefore, the unit time calculation method in the present embodiment is considered to be appropriate in that it is highly possible to reduce the error from the actual measurement value as much as possible.

  In the present embodiment, the unit time is calculated with the time required for the operation state set to zero. For example, the required time for the operating state may be calculated based on an empirical value of the average number of printed sheets per print job, and the unit time may be calculated using the required time.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power consumption calculation system according to the second embodiment. 10, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 10, the power consumption state transition data generation device 40 is further connected to the network 30. The power consumption state transition data generation device 40 obtains the power consumption state transition data 150 for the device 20 for which the power consumption state transition data 150 cannot be obtained (information necessary for the power consumption state transition data 150 is not disclosed). It is a computer that generates automatically. The hardware configuration of the power consumption state transition generation device 40 may be as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the power consumption state transition data generation device. In the figure, a power consumption state transition data generation device 40 includes a device selection unit 41, a power consumption value reception unit 42, a job transmission unit 43, a power consumption value recording unit 44, a power consumption value storage unit 45, and a state transition detection unit 46. And a power consumption state transition data generation unit 47 and the like.

  The power consumption value receiving unit 42 sequentially (periodically) receives the power consumption value of the device 20 from the wattmeter 50 connected to the device 20 (between the device 20 and the outlet). The wattmeter 50 is a meter that can measure a power consumption value, and may be a commercially available one. The power consumption value received from the wattmeter 50 may be either wired or wireless. Note that an ammeter may be used as the wattmeter 50 as long as the power consumption value can be measured.

  The job transmission unit 43 inputs (sends) a job to the device 20. In the present embodiment, an example in which a print job is input will be described. However, the job type is not limited to a predetermined type.

  The power consumption value recording unit 44 records information indicating the relationship between the power consumption value received by the power consumption value receiving unit 42 and the time when the power consumption value is received in the power consumption value storage unit 45. The power consumption value storage unit 45 is a storage area in the memory device or auxiliary storage device of the power consumption state transition data generation device 40.

  The state transition detection unit 46 detects a state transition (state break) of the device 20 based on the information recorded in the power consumption value storage unit 45. The state transition data generation unit 47 generates power consumption state transition data 48 based on the detected state transition. The power consumption state transition data 48 is data having the same configuration as the power consumption state transition data 150 in the first embodiment. That is, it is data in which power consumption and required time are recorded for each state of the device 20.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the power consumption state transition data generation device 40 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure by the power consumption state transition data generation device.

  In response to an instruction input by the user, the device selection unit 41 automatically searches for the devices 20 connected to the network 30 and displays a list screen of the devices 20 on the display device (S201). Subsequently, the device selection unit 41 receives a selection of the device 20 to be generated of the power consumption state transition data 47 from the user on the list screen (S202). During execution of the processing of FIG. 12, it is desirable that job submission (job submission from other than the power consumption state transition data generation device 40) to the selected device 20 is not performed. This is because the possibility of an error occurring in the detection of the state transition or the like increases.

  Subsequently, the power consumption value receiving unit 42 starts receiving a power value (power consumption value of the device 20) from the wattmeter 50 connected to the selected device 20 (S203). The power consumption value is received sequentially. Subsequently, the power consumption value recording unit 44 records the power consumption value received at the present time (steady state when the print job is not being executed) as an initial power value in the power consumption value recording unit 45 (S204).

  After completing the recording of the initial power value, for example, the job transmission unit 43 transmits a print job execution request (print data) for one document to the device 20 (puts the print job) (S205). In response to the input of the print job, the power consumption value recording unit 44 records the sequentially received power consumption value and the time when the power consumption value was received in the power consumption value storage unit 45 (S206, S207). That is, the power consumption value changes (increases / decreases) according to the input of the print job. A power consumption value corresponding to such a change is recorded with time. The time is measured by a timer provided in the power consumption transition data generation device 40. The value recorded as the time may be a time, or may be an elapsed time from a predetermined time (for example, when a print job is input). That is, it is only necessary that the relative time relationship at the time of recording can be determined.

  The processes in steps S206 and S207 are repeated until it is determined that the state transition of the device 20 due to the execution of the print job is completed. This determination is made based on whether or not the received power consumption value is substantially equal to the initial power value (S208). For example, the power consumption recording unit 44 determines that the state transition of the device 20 due to the execution of the print job has ended when the difference between the received power consumption value and the initial power value is within a preset threshold value. Then, the recording of the power consumption value is finished (Yes in S208).

  Subsequently, the job transmission unit 43 inputs a print job for a plurality of documents into the device 20 (S209). In response to the input of the print job, the power consumption value recording unit 44 records the power consumption value sequentially received and the time when the power consumption value is received in the power consumption value storage unit 45 (S210, S211). The power consumption value recording unit 44 uses the data (power consumption value etc.) recorded for the previous print job (step S205) and the data recorded for the current print job (step S209). Record so that it can be distinguished. The power consumption recording unit 44 determines that the state transition of the device 20 due to the execution of the print job is completed when the difference between the received power consumption value and the initial power value is within a preset threshold value, The recording of the power consumption value is terminated (Yes in S212).

  As described above, the information indicating the relationship between the power consumption value and the time is recorded in the power consumption value recording unit 45 every two print jobs.

  Subsequently, the state transition detection unit 46 detects the state transition (state change or state break) of the device 20 for each print job based on the information recorded in the power consumption value record 45 (S213). . For example, the state transition detection unit 46 detects a change in the power consumption value that exceeds a predetermined threshold as a state transition of the device 20. Alternatively, the state transition may be detected by performing signal processing on the information recorded in the power consumption value record 45. Examples of signal processing include Fourier transform and wavelet transform. When the discrete wavelet transform is used, the state transition may be detected based on the basis function of the discrete wavelet transform. Each state is identified by detecting the state transition.

  Subsequently, the power consumption state transition data generation unit 47 calculates the power consumption value and the required time for each state in the state transition detected by the state transition detection unit 46 (S214). The time required for each state may be the time interval of the detected state transition. The power consumption value in each state may be, for example, an average value, a maximum value, a minimum value, or the like of the power consumption values recorded in the time zone of each state (during the required time). Note that the power consumption value and required time for each state are calculated for each print job.

  Subsequently, the power consumption state transition data generation unit 47 outputs the power consumption state transition data 47 to the auxiliary storage device based on the power consumption value and the required time of each state calculated for each print job (S215). At this time, the power consumption state transition data generation unit 47 compares the time required for each state between the two print jobs, and the state where the difference in the required time exceeds a predetermined threshold depends on the number of prints. It is determined that the time changes (a state corresponding to the “operation state” in the first embodiment). The power consumption state transition data generating unit 47 records {RelationPrintTime} in the power consumption state transition data 47 instead of an absolute value for the time required for the state (time attribute value). For a state where the difference in required time between two print jobs is within a predetermined threshold, the absolute value of the required time is recorded in the power consumption state transition data 47. The absolute value may be a required time for one of the two print jobs, or may be an average value of the required times for the two print jobs.

  Further, the power consumption state transition data generation unit 47 records the initial power value in the power consumption state transition data 47 as the power consumption value corresponding to the Off state. Note that the meanings of the states other than the operating state and the off state (for example, the preprocessing state, the standby state, or the sleep state) may not be determined. It is sufficient if the required time and the power consumption value are clear. Therefore, the name of each state in the power consumption state transition data 47 may be, for example, “first state”, “second state”, or the like.

  Through the above processing, the power consumption state transition data 47 is generated in the format as shown in FIG. In the above example, two print jobs are input. However, three or more print jobs may be input. In this case, the time required for each state, the power consumption value, and the like may be determined in consideration of values corresponding to three print jobs. It is considered that the power consumption state transition data 47 approximated to the characteristics of the device 20 is generated by increasing the number of print jobs to be input.

  As described above, according to the power consumption state transition data generation device 40 in the second embodiment, the power consumption state transition data is automatically obtained even for the device 20 whose power consumption state transition data is not disclosed. Can be generated. Therefore, by implementing the first embodiment using the generated power consumption state transition data, it is possible to appropriately calculate the power consumption amount, the environmental load value, and the like of each device 20 in the office or the like.

  In an environment where it is difficult to use the power consumption state transition data generation device 40, for example, it is difficult to install the wattmeter 50, the user can create the power consumption state transition data in the first embodiment. You may make it implement.

  Alternatively, for each combination of the sales year and performance (printing speed) of the device 20, a database of typical power consumption state transition data in the device 20 having the sales year and performance is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the power consumption calculation device 10. 102 may be constructed and the database may be used. In this case, the user may input the sales year and performance. The power consumption calculation device 10 searches the database for the power consumption state transition data based on the input sales year and performance, and calculates the power consumption of the device 20 using the power consumption state transition data. do it.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus is described as a preferable example of the apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus and can be applied to any apparatus that can acquire information (work load, etc.). It is. For example, with regard to fluorescent lamps, air conditioning equipment, computers, electrical appliances, and other devices that affect power consumption and CO ₂ emissions during use, pay attention to the status of the devices according to their characteristics, and indicate the status Calculation (estimation) of the power consumption may be performed based on the information. In addition, the present invention may be applied so as to provide total support for the office environment by using a combination of these devices and the image forming apparatus as a calculation target of power consumption.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to such specific embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation・ Change is possible.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the power consumption amount calculation system in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the power consumption calculation apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the state transition of an apparatus at the time of job submission, and power consumption. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the power consumption calculating device in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence by the power consumption calculation apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of power consumption state transition data. It is a figure which shows the example of measurement value data. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a calculation result. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the simulation result at the time of changing the apparatus structure in a measurement environment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the power consumption amount calculation system in 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of a power consumption state transition data generation apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence by a power consumption state transition data generation apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Power consumption calculation apparatus 11 Device search part 12 Unit time calculation part 13 Measurement part 14 Power consumption calculation part 15 Environmental load value calculation part 16 Calculation result display control part 20, 20a, 20b, 20c Equipment 30 Network 40 Power consumption state Transition data generation device 41 Device selection unit 42 Power consumption value reception unit 43 Job transmission unit 44 Power consumption value recording unit 45 Power consumption value storage unit 46 State transition detection unit 47 Power consumption state transition data generation unit 100 Drive device 101 Recording medium 102 Auxiliary storage device 103 Memory device 104 CPU
105 Interface device 106 Display device 107 Input device 121 Power consumption state transition data management unit 122 Measurement value recording unit 123 Model-specific value DB
B bus

Claims (12)

A power consumption value receiving means for periodically receiving a power consumption value from a meter connected to the image forming apparatus capable of measuring the power consumption value;
Job transmission means for transmitting a job execution instruction to the image forming apparatus;
A recording unit that records information indicating a relationship between the power consumption value received in response to transmission of the job execution instruction and a time when the power consumption value is received in a storage unit;
A state transition detection unit that detects a state transition of the image forming apparatus according to the execution of the job based on information recorded in the storage unit;
A state transition data generation device comprising state transition data generation means for generating state transition data indicating power consumption and required time for each state. The job transmission means transmits execution instructions for jobs having different workloads a plurality of times,
The state transition detection means detects the state transition for each job based on information recorded in the storage means for each job,
The state transition data generation means sends information indicating that the required time in a different state exceeding a predetermined value in a state transition detected for each job is variable according to the work amount. The state transition data generation device according to claim 1, wherein the state transition data generation device records the data.   3. The state transition data generation device according to claim 1, wherein the state transition detection unit determines that the state transitions when the power consumption value changes beyond a predetermined threshold.   The state transition data generation device according to claim 1, wherein the state transition detection unit detects the state transition by performing predetermined signal processing on information recorded in the storage unit. A state transition data generation method executed by a computer,
A power consumption value receiving procedure for periodically receiving a power consumption value from a meter capable of measuring the power consumption value connected to the image forming apparatus;
A job transmission procedure for transmitting a job execution instruction to the image forming apparatus;
A recording procedure for recording, in a storage unit, information indicating a relationship between the power consumption value received in response to transmission of the job execution instruction and the time when the power consumption value was received;
A state transition detection procedure for detecting a state transition of the image forming apparatus according to the execution of the job based on information recorded in the storage unit;
A state transition data generation method comprising a state transition data generation procedure for generating state transition data indicating power consumption and required time for each state. In the job transmission procedure, execution instructions for jobs having different workloads are transmitted a plurality of times,
The state transition detection procedure detects the state transition for each job based on information recorded in the storage unit for each job,
In the state transition data generation procedure, in the state transition detected for each job, information indicating that the required time in a different state exceeding a predetermined value is variable according to the work amount 6. The state transition data generation method according to claim 5, wherein the state transition data is recorded in data.   7. The state transition data generation method according to claim 5, wherein the state transition detection procedure is performed when the state transitions when the power consumption value changes beyond a predetermined threshold.   7. The state transition data generation method according to claim 5, wherein the state transition detection procedure detects the state transition by performing predetermined signal processing on the information recorded in the storage unit. On the computer,
A power consumption value receiving procedure for periodically receiving a power consumption value from a meter capable of measuring the power consumption value connected to the image forming apparatus;
A job transmission procedure for transmitting a job execution instruction to the image forming apparatus;
A recording procedure for recording, in a storage unit, information indicating a relationship between the power consumption value received in response to transmission of the job execution instruction and the time when the power consumption value was received;
A state transition detection procedure for detecting a state transition of the image forming apparatus according to the execution of the job based on information recorded in the storage unit;
A program for executing a state transition data generation procedure for generating state transition data indicating power consumption and required time for each state. In the job transmission procedure, execution instructions for jobs having different workloads are transmitted a plurality of times,
The state transition detection procedure detects the state transition for each job based on information recorded in the storage unit for each job,
In the state transition data generation procedure, in the state transition detected for each job, information indicating that the required time in a different state exceeding a predetermined value is variable according to the work amount The program according to claim 9 recorded in data.   The program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the state transition detection procedure is performed when the state transitions when the power consumption value changes beyond a predetermined threshold.   The program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the state transition detection procedure detects the state transition by performing predetermined signal processing on information recorded in the storage unit.

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