JP5910228B2 - Image processing apparatus, power management control apparatus, power management control program - Google Patents

Description

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

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

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

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

JP 2006-227061 A

An object of the present invention is to obtain an image processing device, a power management control device, and a power management control program that can recognize a power peak time zone in cooperation with an image processing instruction operation by a user.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an operation unit capable of specifying at least a type of image processing and instructing execution of the image processing, and an operation unit based on an operation by the operation unit. An image processing execution unit that supplies power and executes the specified type of image processing, and at least guidance for the operation by the operation unit, operation status, and information related to the image processing executed by the image processing execution unit are displayed. And a setting means for setting a power peak time zone in which the power consumption is predicted to be maximum in the operation of the operated part every day, and during a period of the power peak time zone set by the setting means , when said execution of the image processing is instructed by the operation by the operation unit, and a notification control means for notifying that using the display unit is a band the power peak time, the operating unit Et al., Wherein until the recognition operation to the effect that a willingness to perform image processing on the recognition that a power peak time zone, waiting control means for waiting the execution of image processing to the image processing execution unit And have.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the notification control unit and the standby control unit use the image processing unit to form an image on recording paper based on the image information. It is effective when is executed.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting means is capable of setting a plurality of power peak time zones for each day, and a start date of the setting. An end date can be set.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of operations of the recognition operation by the operation unit is set, and the number of operations of the set recognition operation is set. The recognition operation is validated at the time when is counted.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation mode of the recognition operation by the operation unit is appropriately changed.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein at least an image reading unit that reads an image from a document, and an external that transmits an image read by the image reading unit to the outside A power supply state or a power cut-off state is individually applied to the operated unit including a transmission unit, an image forming unit that forms an image based on image information read by the image reading unit or image information received from the outside. It further includes power state transition means for transitioning to any one of the power states, and when the type of image processing to be executed is specified, power is supplied to the operated unit necessary for the image processing.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting means for setting a daily power peak time zone in which the amount of power consumed by the operated part operating upon receiving power supply is predicted to be maximum, and the set power Notification control for controlling to notify the power peak time period using a display unit that displays information related to the image processing when execution of image processing is instructed during the peak time period means and, from the operation unit, wherein until the recognition operation is that willing to perform image processing on the recognition that a power peak time zone, wait control to wait for the execution of pre-outs image processing And a power management control device.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the computer sets a power peak time period for each day in which the amount of power consumed by the operated part that operates by receiving power supply is predicted to be the maximum, and the set power during peak hours, when the execution of the image processing is instructed, using the display unit information about the image processing is displayed, the control so as to notify that the power peak time zone, Misao from work unit, said until the recognition operation is that willing to perform image processing on the recognition that a power peak time zone, and controls so as to wait for execution of the pre-outs image processing, it Is a power management control program for executing

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to recognize that it is the power peak time zone in cooperation with the image processing instruction operation by the user.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to specialize in an operated part that consumes much more power than other operated parts.

  According to invention of Claim 3, the setting of the electric power peak time etc. for every day can be simplified.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the recognition operation can be intentionally bothered.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the recognition operation can be intentionally bothered.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select power supply or cutoff for each of the plurality of operated parts.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to recognize that it is the power peak time zone in cooperation with the image processing instruction operation by the user.

According to invention of Claim 8, it can be made to recognize that it is an electric power peak time slot | zone in cooperation with the image processing instruction | indication operation by a user.

1 is a connection diagram of a communication network including an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a functional block for performing control for the power monitoring mode to which the UI touch panel in the main controller according to the present embodiment is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the electric power monitoring control routine which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 10 is an example showing transition of power consumption of ten image processing apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present embodiment, in which (A) is a transition diagram of power amount of the present embodiment, and (B) is a diagram of the present embodiment. It is a transition characteristic figure of electric energy concerning a comparative example which is not applied.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, a communication network 20 includes ten image processing apparatuses 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, and 10J (hereinafter collectively referred to as the present embodiment). In this case, "image processing apparatus 10" and "image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J" are connected to each other. Ten image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J are connected as the image processing apparatus 10, but the number is not limited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Power consumption management)
Here, in the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when self-management of power consumption is performed, the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 may be ultimately reduced in order to improve energy saving. Therefore, convenience is impaired.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, forced prohibition of operation is not performed, and it is limited to a specific time zone for each day, and whether or not the operation is allowed is left to the user.

  For example, in order to stabilize the amount of power supplied, not only the power of each image processing apparatus 10 but also the total power amount of a plurality (here, 10) of image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J is managed. There is a case. In this case, by providing a power management server or the like on the communication line network 12, a means for distributing power to each image processing apparatus 10 is taken.

  However, a facility for comprehensively managing power, such as a power management server, is necessary, and the image processing apparatus 10 under the management of the power management server may impair convenience.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, each image processing apparatus 10 has its own power management function.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, when a plurality of (10 in this case) image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J are simultaneously operated, the amount of power consumed is accumulated, but daily operation is performed. , There is a time zone in which the amount of power consumed is at a peak (hereinafter referred to as “power peak time zone”).

  The power peak time zone varies depending on the field such as the environment and business type in which it is installed. In other words, the power peak time zone can be specified by the field.

  Specializing in this power peak time zone, it respects the user's intention and supports energy saving.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block for executing control for the power monitoring mode to which the UI touch panel 216 is applied in the main controller 200. This block diagram categorizes the functions for power monitoring for each block, and does not limit the hardware configuration of the main controller 200.

  The UI touch panel 216 is connected with a power peak time zone setting information acquisition unit 50, an image processing instruction information acquisition unit 52, and a recognition operation acquisition unit 54 as an input system. In addition, a message display instruction unit 56 is connected to the UI touch panel 216 as an output system.

  The power peak time zone setting information acquisition unit 50 acquires power peak time zone information set based on an input operation by the UI touch panel 216. The power peak time zone setting information acquisition unit 50 is connected to the power peak time zone information storage unit 58. The power peak time zone information storage unit 58 stores set power peak time zone information.

  The power peak time zone varies depending on the environment and the type of business. For example, a time zone of 2 pm to 5 pm every day is set. Note that the power peak time zone to be set need not be a continuous time zone, and a plurality of time zones may be set. Also, the width of each time zone can be set freely.

  Furthermore, the power peak time zone may change depending on the season. Therefore, for example, a valid time may be set on a monthly basis together with the setting of the time zone for each day. For example, in Japan, when the operation rate is higher in summer than in winter, it may be limited to June to September.

  The power peak time zone information storage unit 58 is connected to the power peak time zone monitoring unit 60. The power peak time zone monitoring unit 60 always monitors whether or not the current time is in the power peak time zone.

  The image processing instruction information acquisition unit 52 acquires image processing information instruction information specified based on an input operation by the UI touch panel 216. The image processing instruction information acquisition unit 52 is connected to the image processing type determination unit 62. The image processing type determination unit 62 determines the image processing type (facsimile transmission / reception, printing, copying, scanning, etc.) based on the acquired image processing instruction information. The determined image processing type is processed by a combination of the facsimile communication control circuit 236, the image reading unit 238, and the image forming unit 240 described above.

  The information determined by the image processing type determination unit 62 is sent to the image processing execution availability determination unit 64. The image processing execution availability determination unit 64 is connected to the power peak time zone monitoring unit 60.

  In the present embodiment, in the present embodiment, when the image processing type is related to image formation (printing, copying, facsimile reception, etc.), the image processing execution possibility determination unit 64 limits the processing only during the power peak time period. It has become.

  That is, the image processing execution availability determination unit 64 determines whether image processing execution is possible depending on whether the image processing type is related to image formation and is in the power peak time period.

  The image processing execution availability determination unit 64 is connected to the image processing execution instruction unit 66 and the image processing standby processing unit 68.

  When a permission signal is input to the image processing execution instruction unit 66, the image processing control system of the main controller 200 is instructed to execute image processing. On the other hand, when a non-permission signal is input to the image processing standby processing unit 68, the standby is instructed to the image processing control system of the main controller 200. Note that the cancellation of the image processing is executed separately by the user operating the UI touch panel 216, and this standby instruction does not stop the image processing.

  The image processing standby processing unit 68 is connected to the message information acquisition unit 70 and the image processing standby cancellation unit 72.

  When there is a notification instruction from the image processing standby processing unit 68, the message information acquisition unit 70 acquires one of the plurality of types of messages stored in the message information storage unit 74 and passes through the message display instruction unit 56. To the UI touch panel 216. As a result, a message is displayed on the display panel of the UI touch panel 216.

  Recognizing operation information is input to the recognizing operation acquisition unit 54 every time there is a recognizing operation through the UI touch panel 216.

  The recognition operation information acquired by the recognition operation acquisition unit 54 is sent to the recognition operation counter 74. The recognition operation counter 74 is incremented by “1” every time recognition operation information is input.

  The value counted by the recognition operation counter 74 is sent to the recognition operation determination unit 76. The recognition operation determination unit 76 is connected to a recognition operation number storage unit 78, and whether or not the count value C of the recognition operation counter 74 exceeds the operation number L stored in the recognition operation limit number storage unit 78. It is to be judged.

  The recognition operation determination unit 76 sets “invalid” during the period in which the count value C <the limit number L is determined, and “valid” when the recognition operation is repeated and the count value C ≧ the number of operation times L is determined. Each information is sent to the message information acquisition unit 70.

  In the determination procedure, the count value C stored in advance in the recognition operation count storage unit 78 is substituted for the count value C, and the count value is subtracted by “1” every time the recognition operation is executed. It is good also as "valid" when becomes 0.

  In the recognition operation valid / invalid determination unit 76, “valid” information is also sent to the image processing standby release unit 72.

  When the “invalid” signal is input from the recognition operation determination unit 76 after the notification instruction from the image processing standby processing unit 68, the message information acquisition unit 70 receives, for example, “power” from the message information storage unit 74. A message such as “Are you sure you want to execute it during the peak time zone?” Is read out and sent to the UI touch panel 216 via the message display instruction unit 56. This is a notification that prompts a recognition operation at the user's judgment, and based on this notification, the UI touch panel 216 displays a recognition operation button on the display panel.

  In addition, the message is not limited to the above. For example, directly, "Please press the recognition operation button to continue image processing.", "Do you really want to execute it during peak power hours?" Etc. may be displayed.

  Furthermore, the display time of the recognition operation button may be set, and if there is no operation within the display time, a process for stopping the image processing may be performed.

  After this message, when the user performs a recognition operation and it is determined that the count value C ≧ the number of operations L, “valid” information is sent to the image processing standby release unit 72. Based on this “valid” information, the image processing standby cancellation unit 72 instructs the image processing execution instruction unit 66 to execute image processing.

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

(Mode transition of power supply control of image processing apparatus 10 (device))
If the image processing apparatus 10 is not processed, the operation state is the sleep mode, and most power supply is cut off.

  Here, if there is a start-up opportunity (operation of a power saving control button or the like), the operation state transitions to the warm-up mode. The start-up trigger may be, for example, a signal based on a detection result by a human sensor or an operation authentication of an IC card reader, in addition to a power saving cancel operation by an operator's operation of a power saving control button.

  When there is an image processing instruction (for example, an image processing instruction using the image forming unit 240), the warm-up mode has the image processing apparatus 10 (mainly the temperature of the fixing unit of the image forming unit 240) in a state where it can be processed quickly. Therefore, for example, by using an IH heater as a heater in the fixing unit, the warm-up mode time is relatively shorter than that of a heater using a halogen lamp. Has been. An IH heater and a halogen lamp can be used in combination.

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

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

  For this reason, when there is an image processing execution instruction operation as a key input, the operation state of the image processing apparatus 10 is changed to the running mode, and the instructed image processing is executed.

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

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

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, a power peak time zone is set in advance, and image processing in the power peak time zone, in particular, copy, print, and facsimile reception that requires the image forming unit 240, is a power peak time zone for the user. I made it known.

(Power monitoring control)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a power monitoring control routine in the present embodiment.

  In step 100, it is determined whether or not the power peak time period needs to be changed. For example, when a power peak time zone is set at a specific time of the year (for example, from June to September), at the time of power-on, power-off, or a predetermined time during energization, It is necessary to check the date and change the peak power hours.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 100, the process proceeds to step 102, the power peak time zone is changed, and the process proceeds to step 104. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 100, the process proceeds to step 104.

  In step 104, it is determined whether an image processing instruction has been issued. If an affirmative determination is made in step 104, the process proceeds to step 106 to determine whether or not the image processing uses the image forming unit 240. Further, if an affirmative determination is made in step 106, the process proceeds to step 108, where it is determined whether or not the image processing instruction is in the power peak time zone, and if an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 110.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in any one of Step 104, Step 106, and Step 108, it is not necessary to monitor the power, and the routine proceeds to Step 132.

  In step 110, an image processing standby instruction is issued, and then the process proceeds to step 112 where the count value C of the recognition operation counter 74 that counts the recognition operation is reset (0), and the process proceeds to step 114.

  In step 114, the recognition operation area (touch area) is displayed on the display unit of the UI touch panel 216, and then the process proceeds to step 116 to inform the display unit of the UI touch panel 216 that it is the power peak time zone. Display a message. For example, “It is a power peak time zone. Are you sure you want to execute it?”, “If you want to continue image processing, please press the recognition operation button.”, “It is a power peak time zone. Is displayed.

  In the next step 118, it is determined whether or not a recognition operation has been performed. That is, it is assumed that a recognition operation has been performed by touching the recognition operation area displayed on the UI touch panel 216. The recognition operation unit is not limited to the touch panel of the UI touch panel 216, and one of hard keys may be applied. In this case, it is desirable to provide an indicator (LED display) for distinguishing between when the operation is valid and when the operation is invalid.

  If a negative determination is made in step 118, the process proceeds to step 120 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step 120, the process returns to step 118, and step 118 or The above process is repeated until an affirmative determination is made in any of steps 120.

  Here, if an affirmative determination is made in step 120, it is determined that there is no recognition operation within the set time, and the routine proceeds to step 122 where an instruction to stop image processing is given and this routine ends.

  If the determination in step 118 is affirmative, it is determined that there has been a recognition operation, the process proceeds to step 124, the count value C of the recognition operation counter 74 is incremented by "1" (C ← C + 1), and the process proceeds to step 126. To do. In step 126, the recognition operation number L stored in the recognition operation number storage unit 78 is read, and then the process proceeds to step 128 to compare the count value C with the recognition operation number L.

  In step 128, it is determined whether or not the count value C is incremented by “1” and the count value C ≧ the number of operation times L is satisfied. If a negative determination (C <L) is made, the process returns to step 118, and the next Wait for recognition operation.

  If the determination in step 128 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the count value C ≧ the number of operations L, the process proceeds to step 130 to cancel the image processing standby. In other words, it instructs execution of image processing.

  In the next step 132, control is performed to display a normal image processing menu screen on the UI touch panel 216, and this routine ends.

  Hereinafter, in FIG. 6, ten image processing apparatuses 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> J (see FIG. 1) belong to the same group, and the power monitoring target according to the present embodiment is executed with these as power management targets (see FIG. 6). 6A) and a comparative example (see FIG. 6B) are shown.

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

  FIG. 6B is an example illustrating power consumption transitions of ten image processing apparatuses 10A to 10J (MF1 to MF10) according to the comparative example.

  In this comparative example, the peak power is 10380W, but when all are in full operation, it becomes 12000W.

  Here, in the power management server 300, for example, when the target peak power is 70% (8400 W / hour), it is preferable that the target peak power is not simply exceeded. Therefore, in the comparative example, the range exceeding 8400 W / hour is defined as a power peak time zone, and is indicated by an arrow PP in FIG. In this comparative example, power peak time zones PP (PP1, PP2) are set at two locations.

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

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

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

  As described above, power consumption varies depending on the contents of image processing. In other words, it is possible to execute image processing without limiting power-saving FAX transmission, image reading, and the like, and specialize in image processing in which the image forming unit 240 is used. What is necessary is just to inform.

  FIG. 6A shows the result of performing power monitoring control according to the present embodiment on the comparative example of FIG. 6B.

  An image forming process that requires a relatively urgent action and an image forming process that does not require a relatively urgent action by informing the user that the power is in a peak power period and performing a recognition operation under the power monitoring control. And tend to process with a time difference. As a result, it can be suppressed to 70% (8400 W / hour) or less of the maximum power in the power peak time zones PP1 and PP2.

  In this embodiment (including examples), image processing is not limited, but is left to execution of the user's recognition operation. Depending on the degree of urgency of image processing performed by the user, The target power reduction may not be achieved. However, it is an unconscious process that at least sets the power peak time zone, notifies the user of the power peak time zone in a so-called interactive format, and confirms that the user is aware. In addition, it is possible to avoid image processing that does not require urgency and to concentrate power consumption or the time of consumption.

  Moreover, the number L of recognition operations is not fixed, and may be changed according to, for example, a set power peak. What is necessary is just to change in steps so that recognition operation may be increased so that it is close to a power peak, such as 2 times when it is 70% or less of a power peak, and 5 times when exceeding 90%.

  In this embodiment, the power peak time zone is set, and power monitoring control is performed specifically for this time zone, but instead of setting the power peak time zone, the current power is sequentially detected, Power monitoring may be performed when the power peak reaches 80%.

  Further, in the present embodiment, power monitoring control is performed when image processing including the image forming unit 240 is performed in so-called partial power saving. The effect of power monitoring control can be obtained.

20 Communication network 10 (10A to 10J) Image processing device 21 PC
240 Image forming unit 238 Image reading unit 236 Facsimile communication control circuit 200 Main control unit (main controller)
22 telephone line network 244 input power line 245 outlet 242 commercial power supply 243 wiring plate 33A to 33D bus 216 UI touch panel 202 power supply device 201 signal harness 35A to 35D power supply line 50 power peak time zone setting information acquisition unit 52 image processing instruction information acquisition Unit 54 Recognition Operation Acquisition Unit 56 Message Display Instruction Unit 58 Power Peak Time Zone Information Storage Unit 60 Power Peak Time Zone Monitoring Unit 62 Image Processing Type Discriminating Unit 64 Image Processing Executability Determination Unit 66 Image Processing Execution Instructing Unit 68 Image Processing Standby Processing Unit 70 message information acquisition unit 72 image processing standby release unit 74 recognition operation counter 76 recognition operation determination unit 78 recognition operation number storage unit

Claims (8)

An operation unit capable of performing an operation for specifying at least the type of image processing and instructing execution of the image processing;
Image processing execution means for supplying power to the operated portion and executing the specified type of image processing based on an operation by the operation portion;
A display unit for displaying at least information on an operation by the operation unit, an operation state, and information on image processing executed by the image processing execution unit;
In the operation of the operated part every day, setting means for setting a power peak time zone in which power consumption is predicted to be maximum;
When the execution of image processing is instructed by an operation by the operation unit during the power peak time period set by the setting unit, the display unit is used to notify that the power peak time period is in use. Notification control means to control,
The image processing execution unit waits for execution of image processing until there is a recognition operation indicating that the operation unit recognizes the power peak time period and intends to execute image processing. Standby control means;
An image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit and the standby control unit are enabled when an image forming process for forming an image on a recording sheet based on image information is executed in the image processing unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is capable of setting a plurality of power peak time zones for each day and setting a start date and an end date of the setting.   The number of operations of the recognition operation by the operation unit is set, and the recognition operation is validated when the number of operations of the set recognition operation is counted. The image processing apparatus described.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation mode of the recognition operation by the operation unit is appropriately changed. At least an image reading unit that reads an image from a document, an external transmission unit that transmits an image read by the image reading unit to the outside, an image that forms an image based on image information read by the image reading unit or image information received from the outside A power state transition means for individually transitioning to the power state of either the power supply state or the power cut-off state with respect to the operated part including the forming unit;
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when an image processing type to be executed is specified, power is supplied to an operated unit necessary for the image processing. A setting means for setting a daily power peak time zone in which the amount of power consumed by the operated part operating by receiving power supply is predicted to be maximum;
  When the execution of image processing is instructed during the set power peak time period, a display unit that displays information related to the image processing is used to notify the power peak time period. Notification control means for controlling;
  Waiting control means for waiting for execution of the image processing until there is a recognition operation indicating that the operation unit recognizes that it is the power peak time zone and is willing to execute image processing;
A power management control device.   On the computer
  Set the daily power peak time zone where the amount of power consumed by the operated part that operates by receiving power supply is predicted to be the maximum,
  When the execution of image processing is instructed during the set power peak time period, a display unit that displays information related to the image processing is used to notify the power peak time period. Control
  Until there is a recognition operation from the operation unit that there is a will to execute image processing after recognizing that it is the power peak time zone,
  Control to wait for execution of the image processing;
A power management control program that makes things happen.

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