JP5309460B2 - Power management system, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power management system which can easily perform power management for every user in such a situation that users operate two or more interconnected apparatuses to execute various transactions. <P>SOLUTION: When a personal identifier identifies an user ID (S101), a determining part determines whether to accept the use with the identified user ID (S102). If it is acceptable, it acquires the used electric energy of the identified user ID in other apparatuses (S103), and updates the personal information table in a memory (S104). Then, it starts computing the used electric energy by transaction (S105), and accepts a copying action (S106). When it acquires the used electric energy of copying action (S107), it computes the total used electric energy of the identified ID (S108). When the copying action finishes (S109), it determines whether to continue the use or not (S110), and if it the use is not continued, it logs out (S111). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power management system, an image forming apparatus, and a program.

  A technique that can realize stable operation of the entire system by managing the power consumption of devices connected to a network has been conventionally proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this patent document 1, while detecting the power consumption of the whole network system, the network system is controlled so that the power consumption does not exceed a certain level, and a stable system operation is realized. A control method is disclosed.

JP 2002-142385 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a power management system and the like that can easily perform power management for each user under a situation in which a user executes various processes in a plurality of devices connected to each other.

For this purpose, a power management system to which the present invention is applied includes a first device and a second device that execute an instructed process using power, the first device, and the second device. A communication means for performing communication between the authentication means, an authentication means for specifying the attribute of the instructor that instructs the first device to perform processing, and authenticating the instructor, and an indication of the instructor authenticated by the authentication means An acquisition unit that acquires through the communication unit in response to a request through the communication unit that performs the use amount of power in the second device corresponding to the attribute at a predetermined time, and an instruction that is authenticated by the authentication unit The second device acquired by the acquisition unit and the amount of power used by the first device after the authentication by the authentication unit And the usage history of the instructor A calculating means for calculating a total power consumption amount of the user, is intended to include a storage unit for the total amount of electric power used in association with the attributes of the instructor which is calculated by said calculating means.

  Here, it further includes power amount display means for reading out the total power consumption of the instructor who instructs the first device to perform processing from the storage means and displaying it before executing the processing. Can do. A storage unit for storing information on the instructed process; a process display unit for enumerating and displaying unexecuted items corresponding to the instructor in the process information stored in the storage unit; Target value setting means for setting a target value of power usage corresponding to the attribute of the instructor, and the processing based on the stored total power consumption amount and the target value of power usage set by the target value setting means Change means for changing the process displayed by the display means. A storage means for storing information on the instructed process; an unexecuted process display means for displaying an unexecuted one corresponding to the instructor in the process information stored in the storage means; And a change means for changing the process so as to reduce power consumption for the process displayed by the execution process display means. In addition, a candidate display unit that displays candidates for changing the process so as to reduce power consumption for the instructed process may be included.

From another point of view, the power management system to which the present invention is applied includes a device that executes the instructed process using power, a communication unit that performs communication between the device and another device, An authentication unit that specifies an attribute of an instructor that instructs the device to perform processing and authenticates the instructor, and an amount of electric power in the other device that corresponds to the attribute of the instructor that is authenticated by the authentication unit Acquisition means for acquiring via the communication means in response to a request via the communication means to be performed when a usage record is determined in advance, and use of electric energy in the device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication means The total power consumption of the instructor is calculated by using the actual amount of power used in the device after authentication by the authentication unit and the use history of the instructor in the other device acquired by the acquisition unit. Computing means to perform A storage unit for the total amount of electric power used in association with the attributes of the instructor, which is calculated by the calculating means is intended to include.

From another point of view, the power management system to which the present invention is applied includes the first and second devices that execute the instructed processing using power, and the processing instruction to the first device. A means for specifying the attribute of the instructor who performs the request, and a request for the amount of power used in the second device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor specified by the specifying means via communication when predetermined. Requesting means, a usage record of the amount of power in the second device acquired by the request from the requesting unit, and the amount of power in the first device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor specified by the specifying unit Storage means for storing the usage record in association with the attribute of the instructor.

Further, from another point of view of the present invention, an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied specifies processing execution means for executing the instructed processing using power and the attributes of the instructor who instructs the processing. The authentication means for authenticating the instructor, and the communication by a request via the communication performed when the usage record of the amount of power in another device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication means is predetermined. An acquisition means for acquiring via the storage means, a storage means for storing a usage record of the amount of power of the processing execution means corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication means, and a usage record stored in the storage means, The total power consumption of the instructor is calculated using the amount of power used by the processing execution unit after authentication by the authentication unit and the usage history of the instructor in the other device acquired by the acquisition unit. Performance Means, is intended to include a storage unit for the total amount of electric power used in association with the attributes of the instructor which is calculated by said calculating means.

  Here, the power consumption display means further includes a power amount display means for reading out from the storage means the total power consumption amount of the instructor who gives an instruction for the processing and displaying it before the processing by the processing execution means is executed. it can. In addition, the storage means for storing the information of the instructed process, and the process for listing and displaying the unexecuted items by the process execution means corresponding to the instructor in the process information stored in the storage means The image processing apparatus may further include display means and change means for changing the process displayed by the process display means. Further, an unexecuted process display for displaying information that is not executed by the storage means for storing the information of the instructed process and the process execution means corresponding to the instructor in the process information stored in the storage means And means for changing the process displayed by the non-executed process display means so as to reduce power consumption.

Further, when the present invention is viewed from another viewpoint, a program to which the present invention is applied is a program of an instructor who instructs a computer apparatus included in an image forming apparatus connected to another image forming apparatus via a communication line. An authentication function for identifying an attribute and authenticating the instructor, and a communication performed when a power usage record in the other image forming apparatus corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication function is determined in advance An acquisition function that is acquired via a communication line in response to a request via the line ; a usage record of the amount of power in the image forming apparatus that corresponds to the attribute of the instructor that is authenticated by the authentication function; A calculation function for calculating the total power consumption of the instructor using the power consumption in the image forming apparatus and the usage record of the instructor in the other image forming apparatus acquired by the acquisition function. , It is used for realizing a storage function of storing total use amount of power calculated by the calculation function in association with the attribute of the instructor.

According to the first aspect, as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied, the usage record stored in the storage unit is reliably updated in a situation where the user executes various processes on a plurality of devices connected to each other. Thus, power management for each user can be easily performed.
According to the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the first aspect, it is possible to grasp the cumulative power consumption of the person who instructed the process at the stage before the execution of the process.
According to the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the first aspect, compared with the case where the present invention is not applied, it is possible to reduce the power consumption by changing the unexecuted process.
According to the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the first aspect, it is possible to reduce the power consumption and execute the processing.
According to the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the first aspect, it is possible to select a process for reducing the power consumption.
According to claim 6, as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied, the usage record stored by the storage unit is reliably updated in a situation where the user executes various processes on a plurality of devices connected to each other. Thus, power management for each user can be easily performed.
According to the seventh aspect, as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied, the usage record stored in the storage unit is reliably updated in a situation where the user executes various processes on a plurality of devices connected to each other. Thus, power management for each user can be easily performed .
According to the eighth aspect , as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied, the usage record stored in the storage unit is reliably updated in a situation where the user executes various processes on a plurality of devices connected to each other. Thus, power management for each user can be easily performed.
According to the ninth aspect , in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the eighth aspect , it is possible to grasp the cumulative power consumption of the person who instructed the process at the stage before the execution of the process.
According to the tenth aspect , in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the eighth aspect , the power consumption can be reduced by changing the unexecuted process as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied.
According to the eleventh aspect , in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the eighth aspect , the processing can be executed while reducing the power used.
According to the twelfth aspect , as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied, the usage record stored by the storage unit is reliably updated in a situation where the user executes various processes on a plurality of devices connected to each other. Thus, power management for each user can be easily performed.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a power usage management system according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, this power usage management system is configured by arranging a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 and 2 in a network environment. That is, the image forming apparatuses 1 and 2 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) and configured to be used by a plurality of users. As described above, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 and 2 can be used by a plurality of users in a network environment. In the power usage management system according to the present embodiment, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 and 2 are arranged, but it is also conceivable that only one image forming apparatus is arranged.
As will be described later, these image forming apparatuses 1 and 2 are configured to perform a copy operation (copy process), a print operation (print process), and a scanner operation (scanner process). Furthermore, it is conceivable that the image forming apparatuses 1 and 2 can be configured to perform a facsimile transmission / reception operation (facsimile transmission / reception processing). Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 may be referred to as an L apparatus, and the image forming apparatus 2 may be referred to as an M apparatus.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a user interface (UI) (power amount display means, process display means, target value setting means, non-execution process display means, candidate display means) 11 and a personal authentication device (authentication means, identification means) 12. A control device (arithmetic unit) 13 constituted by, for example, a CPU, a reading unit (processing execution unit) 14, an image forming unit (processing execution unit) 15, a fixing device (processing execution unit) 16, and a low pressure A power supply (LVPS: low voltage power supply) 17, a wattmeter 18, a commercial power supply 19, and a main power switch SW1 are provided as main parts in the present embodiment.
The UI 11 is a display unit that displays predetermined contents under the control of the control device 13. The personal authentication device 12 is a device that authenticates an individual (user) using, for example, a non-contact ID card, etc. In addition, a method for authenticating an individual by inputting a predetermined personal identification number, personal fingerprint information It may be possible to adopt a method of authenticating an individual by reading.

  The control device 13 is a device that controls the UI 11, the personal authentication device 12, the reading unit 14, the image forming unit 15, the fixing device 16, the wattmeter 18, and the like. The control device 13 is connected to the LAN. For example, when there is a print instruction together with image information from a terminal device (information processing device, computer device) (not shown), the control device 13 controls the image forming unit 15 according to the instruction. The configuration of the control device 13 will be described later.

The reading unit 14 reads a document placed on a document table (not shown) with a light beam, converts the optical signal into an electric signal, and transmits the electric signal to the control device 13 as image information. In addition, when an instruction from the control device 13 is sent together with the transmission of image information, the image forming unit 15 forms a toner image for the image information and transfers the toner image to a sheet supplied by a paper feeding device. It is.
The image formed by the image forming unit 15 may be based on image information instructed to be printed (printing operation) or may be based on image information read by the reading unit 14 (copying operation).

  The fixing device 16 is a device for fixing the toner image transferred to the sheet by the image forming unit 15, and includes a heating member and a pressure member (not shown), and the heat of the heating member and the pressure member press the heating member. The fixing process is performed by the pressure generated by the operation. When the fixing device 16 performs the fixing process, a heating member (not shown) is controlled by the control device 13 so as to reach a predetermined temperature.

  The low-voltage power source 17 is a power source built in the image forming apparatus 1. When AC power is supplied from the commercial power source 19 by turning on the main power switch SW 1, the low-voltage power source 17 is supplied to the control device 13, the reading unit 14, and the image forming unit 15. Supply power. Then, the wattmeter 18 detects the amount of power supplied from the commercial power source and transmits the detection result to the control device 13.

  The image forming apparatus 2 includes a main part having the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a UI 21, a personal authentication device 22, a control device 23, a reading unit 24, an image forming unit 25, a fixing device 26, a low voltage power supply 27, a wattmeter 28, and a commercial power supply. 29 and the main power switch SW2 are provided as main parts in the present embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device 13 of the image forming apparatus 1.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the control device 13 is connected to a display control unit 131 that controls the UI 11, an authentication control unit 132 that controls the personal authentication device 12, and a LAN, and receives, for example, a print instruction from the LAN. Or a LAN connection unit (communication means, acquisition means, request means) 133 that communicates with the image forming apparatus 2. Further, the control device 13 includes a reading control unit 134 that controls the reading unit 14, an image formation control unit 135 that controls the image forming unit 15, a fixing control unit 136 that controls the fixing device 16, and a low-voltage power source 17. A power receiving unit 137 that receives power and a power detection receiving unit 138 that receives a detection result from the wattmeter 18 are provided.

  Further, the control device 13 makes a determination based on information from each unit, and determines a determination unit (changing unit) 139 for instructing the determination result to each unit, and a storage unit (storage unit, storage unit, save) for storing predetermined information. Means) K1. That is, the control unit 13 receives information from the display control unit 131, the authentication control unit 132, the LAN connection unit 133, the reading control unit 134, the image formation control unit 135, the fixing control unit 136, and the power detection receiving unit 138 described above. Is done. Then, the control unit 13 makes various determinations based on the input information, and instructs the corresponding units of the determination results.

The storage unit K1 is a non-volatile memory (NVM (Non Volatile Memory)) and can rewrite data and retain data after the power is turned off. As the storage unit K1, for example, a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), or the like can be used.
More specifically, predetermined information is read or written in the storage unit K1 by the determination unit 139 as necessary. For example, when a copying operation, a printing operation, or the like is performed and the amount of power used by such an operation is detected by the wattmeter 18, the determination unit 139 reads the amount of power used by the user ID from the storage unit K1, The detected electric energy is added and written to the storage unit K1.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device 23 of the image forming apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 2B, the control device 23 has the same configuration as the control device 13 shown in FIG. 2A. That is, the control device 23 includes a display control unit 231, an authentication control unit 232, a LAN connection unit 233, a reading control unit 234, an image formation control unit 235, a fixing control unit 236, a power reception unit 237, a power detection reception unit 238, and a determination unit. 239 and a storage unit K2.
Here, as in the storage unit K1, in the storage unit K2, predetermined information is read or written by the determination unit 239 as necessary. For example, when a copying operation, a printing operation, or the like is performed and the power amount used by such an operation is detected by the wattmeter 28, the determination unit 239 reads the power consumption of the user ID from the storage unit K2, The detected electric energy is added and written to the storage unit K2.
About each part of the other control apparatus 23, since it is the same as each part of the control apparatus 13, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the personal information table stored in the storage unit K1. The personal information table T1 illustrated in FIG. 3 is stored in the storage unit K1. Specifically, each of the user ID, the user name or the PC name, the personal power consumption, the number of days used, and whether update confirmation / update is not confirmed. It has a column. This personal power amount field is broadly divided into targets and results, and the results (past power consumption, user power amount) fields are further divided into actual values for the L device, actual values for the M device, and total values. It is divided. In the target column, a different value is set for each user ID, and an individual power amount target is managed. Note that the target value displayed in the personal power amount target column is input in advance by the user using the UI 11 or a terminal device (not shown) corresponding to the user ID, the user name, or the PC name. The input target value is stored in the storage unit K1 corresponding to the user attribute.

  A personal information table T2 having the same column as the personal information table T1 is also stored in the storage unit K2 of the M apparatus. That is, the personal information table T1 is stored in the storage unit K1 of the L device, and the personal information table T2 is stored in the storage unit K2 of the M device.

More specifically, the L device detects the amount of power used detected by the power meter 18 of the L device, and adds the value to the L device column of the corresponding user ID in the personal information table T1. The field of the M device of the corresponding user ID in the personal information table T1 is acquired from the M device and updated in step 103 described later.
The M device detects the amount of power used detected by the wattmeter 28 of the M device and adds the value to the column of the M device of the corresponding user ID in the personal information table T2. And the update of the column of the L apparatus of the corresponding user ID in the personal information table T1 is performed in the same processing procedure.

Further, when trying to acquire the power amount of another device (other model), for example, the other device may not be able to acquire the power amount due to power-off or the like. That is, even if the L device requests the M device from the M device, the M device may not be able to transmit the M device's power to the L device. Therefore, if the L device cannot obtain the M device's power amount even if it requests the M device, “L” is entered in the update confirmed column of the personal information table T1 to indicate that the update has not been confirmed. To do. Further, when the L device acquires the amount of power requested from the M device from the M device, the L device clearly indicates that the update has been confirmed by entering “yes” in the update confirmed column of the personal information table T1. As described above, the update between the personal information table T1 of the L device and the personal information table T2 of the M device is performed at a predetermined timing.
Note that the personal information tables T1 and T2 collectively manage the power consumption of copy operation, facsimile operation, scanner operation, and print operation, which will be described later.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the copy operation of the power usage management system according to the first embodiment.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 shows a processing procedure when the user gives a copy instruction in the image forming apparatus 1, that is, the L apparatus (first device). Hereinafter, the case where the L apparatus has a copy instruction will be described. However, the same processing procedure is performed when the M apparatus has a copy instruction.
First, when the personal authentication device 12 of the L device (see FIG. 1) recognizes the user's ID card, the personal authentication device 12 specifies the user ID based on the information stored in the user's ID card (step 101). ) And personal authentication is thereby performed. Then, the personal authentication device 12 transmits the specified user ID (specific user ID) to the authentication control unit 132 of the control device 13. When the authentication control unit 132 receives the specific user ID, it passes it to the determination unit 139.

The determination unit 139 determines whether or not the L device can be used (step 102). That is, the determination unit 139 reads necessary information from the personal information table T1, and determines whether or not the L device can be used. For example, in the personal information table T1, the target value and the total value of the personal power amount for the specific user ID are read out, and it is determined whether or not the total value exceeds the target value. If the total value exceeds the target value, the determination unit 139 determines that the L device cannot be used with the specific user ID, and displays the fact that it cannot be used on the UI 11 (see FIG. 1). 131 is instructed to end the process. On the other hand, when the total value does not exceed the target value, the determination unit 139 determines that the L device can be used with the specific user ID.
In another example, when determining that the specified user ID is not registered as a user in the department, the determination unit 139 displays on the UI 11 (see FIG. 1) that it cannot be used. The display control unit 131 is instructed to end the process.

  When determining that the L device can be used using the specific user ID, the determination unit 139 logs in to the power calculation mode, and then from another image forming device 2 in the network environment, that is, the M device (second device). The power consumption (user power consumption) of the specific user ID in the M device is acquired (step 103). More specifically, the determination unit 139 instructs the LAN connection unit 133 to acquire the amount of power used by the M device. Upon receiving the instruction, the LAN connection unit 133 requests the M device for the amount of power used through the LAN. Upon receiving the request, the LAN connection unit 233 of the M device notifies the determination unit 239 of the request. The determination unit 239 reads the value in the column of the M device in the personal information table T2 stored in the storage unit K2, and notifies the L device to the LAN connection unit 133 through the LAN.

  Receiving the notification, the determination unit 139 of the L device updates the value of the column of the M device in the personal information table T1 stored in the storage unit K1 (step 104). That is, the value notified from the M device is added to the value in the column of the M device in the personal information table T1 and written in the personal information table T1, and “yes” is written in the update confirmed column. After that, the determination unit 139 instructs the power detection reception unit 138 to start reception, thereby starting power calculation (step 105), and further accepts a copy operation from the user (step 106). That is, the determination unit 139 instructs the display control unit 131 to display the start of the copy operation, and when there is a copy operation instruction from the user, the determination unit reading control unit 134, the image formation control unit 135, and the fixing control unit 136. To start.

  At that time, the wattmeter 18 detects the power amount of the copy operation, and transmits the detection result to the power detection receiving unit 138 of the control device 13. When receiving the detection result from the wattmeter 18, the power detection reception unit 138 notifies the determination unit 139 of the detection result. As a result, the determination unit 139 acquires the power amount of the copy operation (step 107). Then, the determination unit 139 reads the value in the column of the L device in the personal information table T1 of the storage unit K1 and adds it with the power amount of the copy operation (step 108). When the copy operation is completed (step 109), the sum is written in the L device column of the personal information table T1. Also, the total of the personal information table T1 is calculated and written in the total column.

  In addition, as the timing of the update performed in step 104, in addition to the case of performing personal authentication as described above, it is conceivable that the update is performed periodically at a predetermined time of the day. Then, when the L device tries to obtain the personal power information of the M device for updating, if the M device is in the sleep mode, the M device is not returned from the sleep mode and is not updated until the next timing. Is also possible.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining calculation of the electric energy related to the copy operation, in which the vertical axis indicates power (W) and the horizontal axis indicates time. When the copy operation is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the warm-up / return mode is shifted to the run mode, and when the copy operation is completed, the standby mode is entered and a predetermined time elapses. , Transition to low power mode or sleep mode. That is, the power detection is performed in the order of the warm-up / return mode, the run mode, the standby mode, the low power mode, or the sleep mode, and the amount of power is accumulated in the L device performance of the user ID specified in the personal information table T1. To go. In this case, the electric energy in the section A from the warm-up / return mode to the standby mode is added to the L device performance of the specific user ID.

  More specifically, in addition to the case where the L device performance is calculated based on the detection result of the wattmeter 18, each standard of the warm-up / return mode, the run mode, the standby mode and the low power mode or the sleep mode shown in FIG. It is also conceivable that power is stored in the storage unit K1, the elapsed time of each mode is measured, and a value obtained by multiplying the elapsed time and the standard power is added to the L device performance.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. When the copying operation is completed in step 109, the determination unit 139 inquires of the user whether to continue using the display control unit 131 and the UI 11 (step 110). If there is an input to continue use by the same user, the process returns to step 106, and if there is an input by the same user not to continue use, logout is performed by detecting that a logout key (not shown) is pressed (step 111), and ends the power calculation mode.

  Various modifications can be considered as the logout timing. For example, it is conceivable to automatically log out when a key operation by the user cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, when a print instruction is received from a user ID other than the specific user ID, it is possible to log out for the specific user ID.

  Although the copying operation has been described above, the facsimile operation and the scanner operation can be performed in the same processing procedure. As will be described later, the print operation is performed according to a processing procedure different from the copy operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the printing operation of the power usage management system according to the first embodiment.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 shows a processing procedure when the user issues a print instruction in the L apparatus. Note that steps 202 to 211 described later correspond to steps 102 to 111 described with reference to FIG. 4 and perform the same processing as in FIG.
When the L device is connected to a terminal device (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as a PC) through the LAN, when the LAN connection unit 133 (see FIG. 2A) of the L device receives a print instruction from the PC (not shown), the determination unit 139 The user name or PC name that issued the print instruction is detected. Then, the determination unit 139 specifies the user ID based on the detected user name or PC name. That is, the determination unit 139 specifies the user ID associated with the detected user name or PC name using the personal information table T1 (see FIG. 3) stored in the storage unit K1 (step 201). As a result, personal authentication is performed. Then, the determination unit 139 determines from the personal information table T1 whether or not the specific user ID can use the L device (step 202). Specifically, the determination unit 139 terminates the process when determining that it cannot be used, and logs in to the power calculation mode when determining that it can be used. Thereafter, the determination unit 139 obtains the user power amount of the M device through the LAN (step 203), and updates the M device performance in the personal information table T1 (step 204). Then, power calculation is started (step 205), and a printing operation is accepted (step 206).

  Then, the amount of power for the printing operation is acquired by detection with a power meter or calculation based on the standard power of each mode (step 207), and the total amount with the M device is calculated by accumulating the L device results in the personal information table T1. (Step 208), the data is written in the personal information table T1. When the printing operation is completed (step 209), the determination unit 139 determines whether or not the specific user ID continues to be used (step 210). As an example, the determination unit 139 inquires of the user whether or not to continue using, and if there is an input of continuing use, returns to step 206, otherwise logs out (step 211) and ends the power calculation mode. . As another example, the determination unit 139 determines whether the next job is from the same user. If the next job is the same, the determination unit 139 returns to step 206, otherwise logs out (step 211), The calculation mode is terminated.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the copy operation of the power usage management system according to the second embodiment.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows a processing procedure when there is a copy instruction from the user in the L apparatus. First, the personal authentication device 12 (see FIG. 1) specifies a user ID based on information stored in the user's ID card (step 301), and sends it to the authentication control unit 132 (see FIG. 2A) of the control device 13. Send. When the authentication control unit 132 passes the received specific user ID to the determination unit 139, the determination unit 139 determines whether the L device can be used with the specific user ID (step 302). The specific determination procedure in this case is the same as that in step 102 described with reference to FIG.

  If the determination unit 139 determines that the specific user ID cannot be used, the determination unit 139 terminates the process as it is. If the determination unit 139 determines that the specific user ID can be used, the determination unit 139 logs in to the power calculation mode, and then, The amount of power used by the specific user ID in the device is acquired (step 303), and the value in the M device column of the personal information table T1 (see FIG. 3) in the storage unit K1 is updated (step 304). Note that the specific acquisition procedure is the same as in step 103 described with reference to FIG. 4, and the specific update procedure is the same as in step 104) described with reference to FIG. .

  Thereafter, the determination unit 139 refers to the personal information table T1 in the storage unit K1, and reads the target value and the total result value for the specific user ID. Then, when the determination unit 139 instructs the display control unit 131 (see FIG. 2A) to display the read target value and actual total value on the UI 11 (see FIG. 1), the UI 11 is controlled by the display control unit 131. The value is displayed in (step 305).

  Here, FIG. 8 is an image showing an example of display contents on the UI 11. The image shown in FIG. 8 is a graph in which the vertical axis represents power (Wh) and the horizontal axis represents the date. In this graph, “individual target” indicating the target value of the specific user ID, “actual result” obtained by accumulating the daily power consumption from the first day of the management period (for example, monthly), and “individual” on the last day of the management period “Plan” indicating a guideline for reaching the “target” is displayed. That is, in this graph, the difference between the target and the actual use in units of the specific user ID is visualized. In addition, in order to display the image shown in FIG. 8, a personal information table is prepared so that the amount of power used for each day can be written.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the description will be continued. After the target value and the actual total value are displayed on the UI 11, the determination unit 139 instructs the power detection reception unit 138 to start reception, thereby starting power calculation (step 306), and further from the user. The copy operation is accepted (step 307). That is, the determination unit 139 instructs the display control unit 131 to display the start of the copy operation, and when there is a copy operation instruction from the user, the determination unit reading control unit 134, the image formation control unit 135, and the fixing control unit 136. To start.

  The wattmeter 18 detects the power amount of the copy operation, and transmits the detection result to the power detection reception unit 138 of the control device 13. When the power detection reception unit 138 notifies the determination unit 139 of the received content, the determination unit 139 acquires the power amount of the copy operation (step 308). Then, the determination unit 139 reads the value in the L device column of the personal information table T1 and adds it to the power amount of the copy operation (step 309). When the copy operation is completed (step 310), the sum is written in the L device column of the personal information table T1. Also, the total of the personal information table T1 is calculated and written in the total column.

  Then, the determination unit 139 inquires of the user whether or not to continue the use through the display control unit 131 and the UI 11 (Step 311). If there is an input that the user continues to use, the process returns to step 308, and if there is an input that the user does not continue using, the user logs out by detecting that a logout key (not shown) is pressed (step 312), the power calculation mode is terminated.

  When the logout is performed in this way and the power calculation mode is completed, the standby mode shown in FIG. 5 is entered. Even in the standby mode, the calculation of the electric energy is continued by performing the detection with the wattmeter or the calculation based on the standard power of each mode. That is, the determination unit 139 adds the calculated power amount to the value of the L device column in the specific user ID of the personal information table T1 (step 313).

  Thereafter, the determination unit 139 inquires of the user whether or not to switch to another job via the display control unit 131 and the UI 11 (step 314). That is, the determination unit 139 prompts the user to input whether to switch to another job such as personal authentication or printing. If the user does not input to switch to another job, the determination unit 139 switches to the low power mode or the sleep mode after a predetermined time has elapsed in the standby mode (step 315), and adds the standby mode power amount. The process ends (step 316). In step 314, if the user inputs to switch to another job, the process proceeds to step 316.

  In this standby mode, power is used for each part so that it can be activated at any time, and the power consumption of the fixing device 16 is particularly large. For this reason, the standby mode is set to automatically shift to the low power mode or the sleep mode when a predetermined time elapses. In this embodiment, the amount of power until the transition from the standby mode after the job ends to the low power mode or the sleep mode is added to the specific user ID for job execution. In addition, since it is assumed that the standby mode power amount after logout is separately managed instead of adding to the specific user ID for job execution, it is possible to select the addition of the standby mode power amount after logout. Is also possible.

Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the last month's personal information table T3 stored in the storage unit K1. The personal information table T3 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes columns for user ID, user name or PC name, personal power (Wh), power mode breakdown (Wh), and power mode breakdown (minutes). The personal power field is divided into a target field and a performance field.
The breakdown by power mode (Wh) indicates the breakdown of the amount of power for each mode, the breakdown by power mode (minute) indicates the breakdown of the elapsed time for each mode, and the elapsed time is The time is measured by a timing means (not shown). The power mode breakdown (Wh) and the power mode breakdown (minutes) are each divided into a warm-up / return mode column, a run mode column, and a standby mode column.

  By analyzing such a personal information table T3, the usage tendency for each user ID is grasped. That is, it becomes a material for analysis in which mode the amount of power is large and in which mode the elapsed time is large. By refraining from using a mode with a large amount of power or a mode with a long elapsed time, it is easy to efficiently reduce the amount of power used. For example, if the elapsed time in the standby mode is long, the amount of power used can be reduced by reducing the elapsed time in the standby mode by performing copying at once.

  In other words, management information such as personal power amount in the personal information tables T1 and T2 shown in FIG. 3 and the personal information table T3 shown in FIG. 9 is viewed from a PC (not shown) connected to the LAN (see FIG. 1). A configuration in which data is transferred to a PC (not shown) is also conceivable.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the copy operation of the power usage management system according to the third embodiment.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 shows a processing procedure when there is a copy instruction from the user in the L apparatus. First, the personal authentication device 12 (see FIG. 1) identifies a user ID based on information stored in the user's ID card (step 401), and sends it to the authentication control unit 132 (see FIG. 2A) of the control device 13. Send. The determination unit 139 acquires the specific user ID via the authentication control unit 132, and then determines whether or not the L device can be used with the specific user ID (step 402). The specific determination procedure in this case is the same as that in step 102 described with reference to FIG.

  If the determination unit 139 determines that the specific user ID cannot be used, the process ends. If the determination unit 139 determines that the specific user ID can be used, the determination unit 139 logs in to the power calculation mode, and acquires the power consumption of the specific user ID in the M device from the M device connected via the network (step S1). 403). Then, the determination unit 139 updates the value in the M device column of the personal information table T1 (see FIG. 3) in the storage unit K1 (step 404). Thereafter, the determination unit 139 instructs the power detection reception unit 138 to start reception, thereby starting power calculation (step 405). The specific acquisition procedure is the same as in step 103 described with reference to FIG. 4, and the specific update procedure is the same as in step 104 described with reference to FIG.

Here, when there is a job instruction such as a print operation from a PC (not shown) connected to the LAN, the L device stores the instruction content, that is, print data in the storage unit K1 (see FIG. 2A). That is, the L device receives a job instruction transmitted through the LAN and stores it in the storage unit K1 regardless of whether or not the personal authentication device 12 has performed personal authentication.
It is also conceivable that the accumulation of job instructions in the storage unit K1 can be performed even when the L device is in the return stage from the sleep mode, for example.

  After starting the power calculation, the determination unit 139 determines whether or not to perform a copy operation (step 406). That is, the determination unit 139 instructs the display control unit 131 to display on the UI 11 whether or not to perform the copy operation. As a result, a selection screen for confirming the copy operation is displayed on the UI 11. When there is an input by the user on the UI 11, the display control unit 131 detects this and notifies the determination unit 139 of the detection result.

  When the display unit 131 is notified that there is an input to perform a copy operation, the determination unit 139 instructs the display control unit 131 to display a copy setting screen on the UI 11. A copy setting made by the user such as the number of copies and the size is accepted through the copy setting screen displayed on the UI 11 (step 407), and then a list of jobs to be described later is displayed (step 408). In addition, when the display control unit 131 notifies that the determination unit 139 has received an input indicating that the copy operation is not performed in Step 406, the determination unit 139 proceeds to Step 408.

  Here, FIG. 11 is a screen showing an example of a job list displayed on the UI 11. The job list displayed as a list on the screen shown in FIG. 11 includes columns for input source, document name, number of sheets, size, color classification, and one sheet collectively. In the input source column, the identification number / name of the terminal device or the like that has instructed the printing operation is displayed. In the document name column, the name of the document to be printed is displayed. In the number of copies column, the number of prints is displayed. . In the size column, the size of the paper to be printed is displayed. In the color classification column, whether the image to be printed is color or black and white is displayed. Displays how many originals are to be printed on the paper.

  Further, the job list shown in FIG. 11 includes columns for deletion confirmation, number reduction menu, and power reduction menu. A touch panel type button is displayed in each column of the deletion confirmation, the number reduction menu, and the power reduction menu, and a job can be changed by pressing this button. More specifically, when a button in the delete confirmation column is pressed, the job is deleted and is not displayed in the job list. Further, every time the button in the number reduction menu column is pressed, the setting of one N-up is increased and the number of sheets is reduced. When the button in the power reduction menu column is pressed, the power reduction menu shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

  Also, the job list shown in FIG. 11 has a column of predicted power for each job. The numerical value displayed in the predicted power column is an approximate value calculated according to the content of the job list with reference to the standard power table of each mode stored in advance in the storage unit K1. That is, the amount of power used by the job execution is quantitatively expressed in the predicted power column.

Here, FIG. 12 is a screen showing an example of the power reduction menu displayed on the UI 11. In the screen shown in FIG. 12, columns of reduction ratio, one sheet collectively, and predicted power are displayed. In the reduction rate column, “86%”, “81%”, “70%”, and “50%” buttons are arranged. Further, buttons for “2 sheets / sheets”, “4 sheets / sheets”, “8 sheets / sheets”, and “16 sheets / sheets” are arranged in one column collectively. In addition, the predicted power value is displayed in the predicted power field. As described above, the power reduction menu is used to give an instruction to reduce and print a document image, or to print a plurality of document images collectively on one sheet. When the reduction rate or a single button is pressed together, the predicted power is displayed or the predicted power is switched.
As for the display of the power reduction menu, if the setting in the job list is already 2up, 2up of the power reduction menu may be grayed out to display 4up or more. Similarly, in the case of reduction, reduction display of the power reduction menu may be enabled only when the job list is A3 size.

  Returning to FIG. After the job list is displayed on the UI 11 in step 408, the process waits for an input from the user regarding the job change (step 409). This job list is displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 11, and when the deletion confirmation, number reduction menu, and power reduction menu fields are pressed, the determination unit 139 displays it via the display control unit 131. recognize. Therefore, if there is an input via the UI 11 regarding a job change, the determination unit 139 accepts the job change (step 410).

The job change will be described in detail. In the job list shown in FIG. 11, there are two “contact letters ABC” in the column of the document name, and the person who instructed the print output has one of the two jobs updated. By recognizing that the other version is the old version, press the delete confirmation column for the old version and delete it from the job list.
In addition, when the print output instructor recognizes that the number of “mail files” in the document name column is as large as 10, and presses the number reduction menu column, the N-up displayed in the job list is displayed. Increases settings and reduces the number of sheets.

Further, since the size of the “drawing EFG” in the column of the document name is A3 version, the column of the power reduction menu is pushed to shift to the power reduction menu shown in FIG. 12, and “70%” in the column of the reduction ratio is displayed. By pressing the button, the output paper becomes A4 size. Furthermore, when the “2 sheets / sheet” button in the single sheet is pushed together in the power reduction menu shown in FIG. 12, the image of two documents is output on one sheet of A4 size. .
Further, the “scanner document” in the document name column is set so that an image for one original is output on one sheet of paper, so the power reduction menu column is pressed and the power shown in FIG. When the screen is shifted to the reduction menu and the “two sheets / sheet” button in one column is pressed together, images of two documents are output on one sheet of A4 size.
When the job is changed in the power reduction menu in this way, the predicted power of the changed job is displayed.

When the determination unit 139 detects that the “execute job” button on the screen shown in FIG. 11 has been pressed after the change of the job accepted in step 410 is completed, the job is executed (step 411). That is, the determination unit 139 collectively executes jobs with the contents after changing the job list. In this way, the execution of each job is continuously performed without shifting to the standby mode.
When the determination unit 139 detects that the “job execution” button is pressed without changing the job, the determination unit 139 proceeds to step 411 and executes the job with the contents of the job list initially displayed.

  Then, the power consumption due to the execution of the job is detected by the power meter 18, and the determination unit 139 acquires the power amount for the job via the power detection reception unit 138 (step 412). The determination unit 139 reads the value in the L device column of the personal information table T1 and adds it to the power amount for the job (step 413). When the job is finished (step 414), the sum is written in the column of the L device in the personal information table T1. Also, the total of the personal information table T1 is calculated and written in the total column.

  The determination unit 139 inquires of the user whether or not to continue the copy operation via the display control unit 131 and the UI 11 (step 415). If the user inputs that the copying operation is continued, the process returns to step 407, and if the user inputs that the copying operation is not continued, the user logs out by detecting that a logout key (not shown) is pressed. (Step 416), the power calculation mode is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, print data is accumulated in the storage unit K1 of the L apparatus, and personal authentication is performed, and then the paper is output together with the copy. Although the L device has been described, the same processing procedure is performed for the M device.

  Here, the various processes shown in the above-described embodiments are realized by application programs executed using the storage units K1 and K2 as working memories of the L apparatus and the M apparatus. This application program is executed on a computer in addition to being provided in the state of being installed in the apparatus when providing the L apparatus and M apparatus, which are image forming apparatuses, to customers (including users). The form which provides the program to be performed with the storage medium etc. which were readably memorize | stored by the computer can be considered. As this storage medium, for example, a CD-ROM medium or the like corresponds, and a program is read and executed by a CD-ROM reader (not shown) or the like. These programs may be provided via a network interface via a network by a program transmission device (not shown), for example. As this program transmission device, for example, provided in the L device and the M device, a memory for storing the program and a program transmission means for providing the program via the network are provided.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the power usage management system which concerns on this Embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the personal information table memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of a control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of the copy operation | movement of the electric power management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the electric energy calculation regarding copy operation | movement, a vertical axis | shaft is electric power (W) and a horizontal axis is time. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of the printing operation of the power usage management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of the copy operation | movement of the electric power management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an image which shows an example of the content displayed on UI. It is a figure which shows an example of the last month's personal information table memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of the copy operation | movement of the electric power management system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a screen which shows an example of the job list displayed on UI. It is a screen which shows an example of the power reduction menu displayed on UI.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 ... Image forming apparatus 11, 21 ... UI, 12, 22 ... Personal authentication apparatus, 13, 23 ... Control apparatus, 131 ... Display control part, 132 ... Authentication control part, 133 ... LAN connection part, 134 ... Reading Control unit 135 ... Image formation control unit 136 ... Fixing control unit 137 ... Power reception unit 138 ... Power detection reception unit 139 ... Judgment unit 14, 24 ... Reading unit 15, 25 ... Image formation unit 16, 26 ... Fixer, 17, 27 ... Low voltage power supply, 18,28 ... Watt meter, 19,29 ... Commercial power supply, K1, K2 ... Storage, SW1, SW2 ... Main power switch

Claims (12)

First and second devices for performing the instructed process using power;
Communication means for performing communication between the first device and the second device;
An authentication unit for identifying an attribute of an instructor who instructs the first device to perform processing and authenticating the instructor;
Obtaining means for obtaining via the communication means a request through the communication means to be performed when the use amount of power in the second device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication means is determined in advance. When,
Acquired by the acquisition unit, the actual usage amount of power in the first device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication unit, the used power amount in the first device after authentication by the authentication unit, and the acquisition unit Calculating means for calculating the total power consumption of the instructor using the instructor's actual usage in the second device;
Storage means for storing the total power consumption calculated by the calculation means in association with the attribute of the instructor;
Including power management system.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a power amount display unit that reads out from the storage unit a total power consumption amount of an instructor who instructs the first device to perform a process and executes the process before executing the process. The described power management system. Storage means for storing information of the instructed process;
Process display means for enumerating and displaying unexecuted items corresponding to the instructor in the process information stored in the storage means;
Target value setting means for setting a target value of power consumption corresponding to the attribute of the instructor;
Change means for changing the process displayed by the process display means based on the stored total power consumption and the target value of power used set by the target value setting means;
The power management system according to claim 1, further comprising: Storage means for storing information of the instructed process;
Unexecuted process display means for displaying an unexecuted one corresponding to the instructor in the process information stored in the storage means;
Changing means for changing the processing so as to reduce power consumption for the processing displayed by the non-executed processing display means;
The power management system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The power management system according to claim 1, further comprising candidate display means for displaying a candidate for changing the process so as to reduce power consumption for the instructed process. A device that performs the instructed process using electric power;
A communication means for communicating between the device and another device;
An authentication unit that identifies an attribute of an instructor who instructs the device to perform processing and authenticates the instructor;
An acquisition means for acquiring , via the communication means , a request via the communication means that is performed when a predetermined amount of power used in the other device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication means is determined in advance; ,
The use amount of power in the device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication unit, the amount of power used in the device after authentication by the authentication unit, and the other device acquired by the acquisition unit Calculating means for calculating the total power consumption of the instructor using the instructor's actual usage at
Storage means for storing the total power consumption calculated by the calculation means in association with the attribute of the instructor;
Including power management system. First and second devices for performing the instructed process using power;
Specifying means for specifying an attribute of an instructor who instructs the first device to perform processing;
And request means for requesting through the communication when established the amount of power use result in the second device corresponding to the instruction's attributes specified in advance by the specifying means,
The usage record of the amount of power in the second device acquired by the request from the request unit and the usage record of the amount of power in the first device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor specified by the specifying unit Storage means for storing in association with the attribute of the instructor;
Including power management system. Process execution means for executing the instructed process using power;
An authentication unit for identifying the attribute of the instructor who gives an instruction for processing and authenticating the instructor;
An acquisition means for acquiring via communication by a request via communication performed when a usage record of power consumption in another device corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication means is determined;
A storage unit for storing a usage record of the amount of power of the processing execution unit corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication unit;
Using the usage record stored in the storage unit, the power consumption of the processing execution unit after authentication by the authentication unit, and the usage record of the instructor in the other device acquired by the acquisition unit A computing means for computing the total power consumption of the instructor;
Storage means for storing the total power consumption calculated by the calculation means in association with the attribute of the instructor;
An image forming apparatus including: 9. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising: a power amount display unit that reads out the total power consumption of the instructor who gives a processing instruction from the storage unit and displays the total power consumption before the processing by the processing execution unit is executed. Image forming apparatus. Storage means for storing information of the instructed process;
Process display means for enumerating and displaying unexecuted ones of the process execution means corresponding to the instructor in the process information stored in the storage means;
Changing means for changing the process displayed by the process display means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising: Storage means for storing information of the instructed process;
An unexecuted process display means for displaying an unexecuted one of the process execution means corresponding to the instructor in the process information stored in the storage means;
Changing means for changing the processing displayed by the non-executed processing display means to reduce power consumption;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising: In a computer device provided in an image forming apparatus connected to another image forming apparatus via a communication line,
An authentication function for identifying the attribute of the instructor who gives instructions for processing and authenticating the instructor;
An acquisition function for acquiring, via a communication line, a request for the amount of power used in the other image forming apparatus corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication function when a request is made via the communication line, which is performed when predetermined
Acquired by the acquisition function, the actual power consumption in the image forming apparatus corresponding to the attribute of the instructor authenticated by the authentication function, the used electric energy in the image forming apparatus after authentication by the authentication function, and the acquisition function. A calculation function for calculating the total power consumption of the instructor using the instructor's actual use in the other image forming apparatus;
A storage function for storing the total power consumption calculated by the calculation function in association with the attribute of the instructor.

Images