JP6593376B2 - Management system and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for managing an electronic device.

  In recent years, against the background of consideration for the global environment and the destabilization of power supply due to natural disasters, there is an increasing demand for technology that reduces the costs associated with the use of equipment in the office environment.

  Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, device information acquired from an electronic device including an image processing apparatus is compared with cost information related to an alternative device that is stored in advance, and based on the comparison result, replacement relates to device usage. A technique for specifying a proposed device whose cost is reduced is disclosed. With this technology, an alternative device (alternative plan) that realizes cost reduction is proposed to the user.

However, in the conventional method, a case where the service requested by the user cannot be sufficiently provided is assumed.
As described above, the conventional method uses device information transmitted from a specific electronic device. However, when considering from the viewpoint of device operation in the entire user environment such as an office, it is assumed that only device information transmitted from a specific electronic device is insufficient. In other words, in order to realize cost reduction, it is required to grasp where to take action in the entire user environment (where to improve as a whole). For example, in reducing the power consumption of electronic devices, how the electronic devices are used in the entire user environment in order to maintain the total power consumption of the electronic devices within the user environment within a certain value (power It is required to understand how is consumed.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and includes a management device, a management program, and a management that can visualize useful information for realizing cost reduction in consideration of device usage in the entire user environment. To provide a system.

To achieve the above object, the management system according to the present invention, the history information from the first electronic device that can be notified to history information, the history information of the second electronic device can not be notified of the history information by the own apparatus Obtaining means for obtaining the power consumption, calculating means for calculating the power consumption for a predetermined period using the first and second electronic devices based on the acquired history information, and the calculated power consumption for the predetermined period possess and output means for outputting, said when the change of the management apparatus for managing the electronic device via the network, the current value of the second electronic device and used is the second electronic device is detected A history information generation device that generates history information when the state of the second electronic device has changed from the state before the change in current value, and the acquisition means of the management device includes the second electronic device. The history information of the device is changed to the history information. To get through the formation apparatus.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the management apparatus, management program, and management system which can visualize useful information in order to implement | achieve the cost reduction which considered the apparatus utilization in the whole user environment can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the management system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the management apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the management function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the log generation part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the apparatus management information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the log management information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data example (the 1) of the power consumption management information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the report production | generation which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence of log acquisition which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a log production | generation process procedure which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a basic process sequence of the report production | generation concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the intermediate data processing procedure example (the 1) which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the intermediate data processing procedure example (the 2) which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a post-processing procedure which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the intermediate data of the present apparatus utilization which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence example of the report which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of grouping of the intermediate data of the present apparatus utilization which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the report of the present apparatus utilization which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a basic process sequence of the simulation which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data example (the 2) of the power consumption management information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the log management information for simulation which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data example of the intermediate data for simulation which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the report before and behind substitution which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the management system which concerns on the modification 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the log production | generation apparatus which concerns on the modification 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the management function which concerns on the modification 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the log generation part which concerns on the modification 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the management system which concerns on the modification 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the management function which concerns on the modification 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the structural example of the management function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management system 1000 according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, one or a plurality of electronic devices 200a and 200b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “electronic device 200”) and a management apparatus 100 are connected to a data transmission path N (for example, “LAN: Local Area Network”). A system configuration example is shown.

  The electronic device 200 is a device having a function for realizing an operation according to a request. The electronic device 200 executes a predetermined process and realizes a request function. In this embodiment, a general office environment is assumed as the user environment. Therefore, the electronic device 200 assumed in the present embodiment is mainly unable to notify the state / operation log by the electronic device 200a capable of notifying (transmitting) the state / operation log (history information) by itself. It is divided into electronic devices 200b. Specifically, the electronic device 200a includes an information processing apparatus (information terminal) including a PC (Personal Computer) 200a1, an image processing apparatus including an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 200a2, a printer 200a3, and a projector 200a4. Further, the electronic device 200b includes an air conditioner including an air conditioner 200b1, a home appliance including a refrigerator 200b2, and a lighting device including a fluorescent lamp 200b3. In the present system 1000, these electronic devices 200 are set as cost management target devices.

  The information processing apparatus is not limited to a PC, but may be a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or any terminal that can communicate with the management apparatus 100.

  The management device 100 is a server device having a management function for the electronic device 200. The management device 100 records the state / operation log of the electronic device 200 and performs device management based on the recorded state / operation log. In addition, the management apparatus 100 calculates the power consumption (current value) within a predetermined period associated with the current device usage in the entire system and the expected power consumption (expected value) within the predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device. Then, the calculated value (total value of power consumption before and after substitution in the entire user environment) is processed into visually comparable information and provided to the user. The power consumption amount within a predetermined period associated with the current use of the device is the power consumption amount within a predetermined period using the first and second electronic devices (the same applies hereinafter). In addition, the expected power consumption within a predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device is that within the predetermined period when another first electronic device or second electronic device is used instead of the first electronic device or the second electronic device. Expected power consumption (same below).

  The management system 1000 according to the present embodiment provides, for example, the following service with the above-described device configuration.

  The management apparatus 100 records the status / operation log of the electronic device 200 in a predetermined storage area. At this time, the management apparatus 100 records the received log data in the case of the electronic device 200a. In the case of the electronic device 200b, the management apparatus 100 checks the state / operation of the device. When the change is confirmed, the management device 100 generates log data corresponding to the change, and records the generated log data.

  Next, when the management apparatus 100 receives a report period input designation (input period information) via a predetermined interface, the management apparatus 100 reports a report period (designation associated with the current device usage based on the recorded state / operation log). Calculate the power consumption (current value) within (period). In addition, when the management apparatus 100 receives an input designation of an alternative device that can realize the device state recorded as a log / can perform the recorded device operation via a predetermined interface, the management device 100 performs the following processing. . That is, the case where the device state is realized instead of the designated device / the case where the device operation is performed is simulated. Based on the simulation result, the management apparatus 100 calculates the expected power consumption (predicted value) within the report period associated with the use of the alternative device.

  As a result, the management apparatus 100 generates a report in which the power consumption amount in the report period associated with the current device usage in the entire system and the expected power consumption amount in the report period associated with the alternative device use can be visually compared. Thus, for example, a report generated in response to the request is displayed on the screen of the PC 200a1 that is the user's information terminal.

  As described above, the management system 1000 according to the present embodiment can realize a service capable of visualizing an optimization plan for realizing cost reduction in consideration of device usage in the entire system, with the above-described system configuration.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the management apparatus 100 includes the following elements. That is, the input device 101, display device 102, external I / F 103, RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, communication I / F 107, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108 and the like. Each element is connected to each other by a bus B.

  The input device 101 includes a keyboard and a mouse and is used to input each operation signal to the management device 100. The display device 102 includes a display and the like, and displays a processing result by the management device 100.

  The communication I / F 107 is an interface that connects the management apparatus 100 to a network. Thereby, the management apparatus 100 can perform data communication with other devices (electronic devices having a communication function) via the communication I / F 107.

  The HDD 108 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS (Operating System) that is basic software for controlling the entire apparatus, and application software that provides various functions on the OS. The HDD 108 manages stored programs and data by a predetermined file system and / or DB (Data Base).

  The external I / F 103 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 103a. Thereby, the management apparatus 100 can read and / or write to the recording medium 103a via the external I / F 103. Examples of the recording medium 103a include the following. That is, a floppy (trademark or registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an SD memory card, a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), and the like.

  The ROM 105 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain internal data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 105 stores programs and data such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the management apparatus 100 is activated. The RAM 104 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data. The CPU 106 is an arithmetic device that realizes control and mounting functions of the entire apparatus by reading programs and data from the storage device (for example, “HDD” and “ROM”) onto the RAM and executing processing.

  As described above, the management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can realize various information processing services including cost management (power consumption management) by the above hardware configuration.

<Management function>
A management function according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the state / operation log of the electronic device 200 is recorded in a predetermined storage area. Based on the recorded state / operation log, the management apparatus 100 calculates the power consumption (current value) within a predetermined period associated with the current device usage. Further, the management apparatus 100 realizes the device state instead of the substitute device capable of realizing the device state recorded in the log / can perform the recorded device operation / when performing the device operation. To simulate. At this time, the management apparatus 100 calculates the expected power consumption (predicted value) within a predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device based on the simulation result. As a result, the management apparatus 100 performs the following processing. In other words, the amount of power consumption within the specified period associated with the current device usage in the entire user environment and the estimated amount of power consumption within the predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device (total value of each power consumption before and after replacement in the entire user environment) Generate a visually comparable report and provide it to the user. The management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has such a management function.

  In order to realize cost reduction, the user is required to visualize where to take action in the entire user environment (where to improve as a whole) (to visualize the overall optimization). It was. However, the conventional management function has not been able to provide sufficient services.

  Therefore, the management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has the following mechanism. In other words, the power consumption within the specified period (current value) associated with the current device usage in the entire user environment and the expected power consumption (expected value) associated with the use of alternative devices within the predetermined period are calculated, and the calculated value is visually A system for processing and generating information that can be compared to

  Thereby, the management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment provides an environment in which an optimization plan for realizing cost reduction in consideration of device usage in the entire user environment can be visualized. As a result, the user can specifically know where to improve in the entire user environment with respect to the current problem related to cost reduction, and can take an appropriate and effective response.

In the following, the configuration and operation of functions according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management function according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the management function according to the present embodiment includes a log acquisition unit 11, a log generation unit 12, a calculation unit 13, a simulation unit 14, a report generation unit 15, and the like. These functional units are functional units included in the management apparatus 100. Therefore, the management function according to the present embodiment is realized by the cooperation of the functions of the management apparatus 100.

  The log acquisition unit 11 is a functional unit that acquires a state / operation log from the electronic device 200a. As described above, the electronic device 200a can generate / notify (send) the status / operation log of its own device. Therefore, the log acquisition unit 11 acquires the status / operation log by receiving the log data notified from the electronic device 200a.

  The electronic device 200a notifies the log data at the following timing. For example, the electronic device 200a notifies log data when an event at the time of an operation occurring due to job processing or a state change due to mode transition is detected. At this time, the following log data is notified. For example, the log data at the time of the operation includes the operation date / time, the model name of the electronic device 200a, the identifier of the electronic device 200a, the operation content (job content), and the like. Model name, identifier of the electronic device 200a, state contents, and the like.

  The log generation unit 12 is a functional unit that generates a state / operation log of the electronic device 200b. As described above, the electronic device 200b cannot generate / notify (send) its own status / operation log. Therefore, the log generation unit 12 monitors (monitors) the electronic device 200b, and generates log data corresponding to the detected state / operation when detecting a change in the state / operation from the monitoring result (monitoring result).

  The operation by the log generation unit 12 is realized by the function shown in FIG. 4 and the information shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the log generation unit 12 according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the log generation unit 12 includes a monitor 121 and a state holding unit 122. The monitor 121 is a function for performing the monitoring. The monitor 121 acquires a current value (measured value) from an ammeter AM installed for each electronic device 200b, and monitors a change in current (increase or decrease in current value). The state holding unit 122 is a storage area that holds information (hereinafter referred to as “state information”) regarding the state of the electronic device 200b detected by monitoring. Here, the “storage area” corresponds to a work memory assigned when the log generation unit is activated in the RAM 104 provided in the management apparatus 100. Accordingly, the state holding unit 122 temporarily holds the state information of the electronic device 200b.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the device management information 90D according to the present embodiment.
Device management information 90D illustrated in FIG. 5 is information for the management device 100 to manage the electronic device 200b, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, device management information that is a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the management device 100. It is held by the holding unit 90.

  In the device management information 90D, information 90D1 (hereinafter referred to as “ammeter management information”) for managing the correspondence between the ammeter AM and the electronic device 200b and the correspondence between the current value and the state for each electronic device 200b are managed. Information 90D2 (hereinafter referred to as “state management information”).

  The ammeter management information 90D1 has one or a plurality of information sets in which information items of ammeter identification, model, and management identification are associated, and manages this information set for each ammeter AM.

  The [Ammeter Identification] item holds identification information of the ammeter AM (hereinafter referred to as “ammeter identification information”), and the item value includes an identifier (current) uniquely assigned to the ammeter AM. Total ID). The [model] item is an item that holds model information of the electronic device 200b, and the item value includes a model name (model value) of the electronic device 200b. The [Management identification] item is an item for holding identification information (hereinafter referred to as “management identification information”) for the management apparatus 100 to manage the electronic device 200b. The item value is unique to the electronic device 200b. There is an assigned identifier (device ID).

  The information item values (values of the information) are determined according to the connection status between the ammeter AM and the electronic device 200b by the administrator via a predetermined interface (GUI) in the management device 100, for example. Can be set.

  The state management information 90D2 has one or a plurality of information sets associated with model, current, and state information items, and manages this information set for each electronic device 200b.

  The [model] item is an item that holds model information of the electronic device 200b. Therefore, the state management information 90D2 and the ammeter management information 90D1 are linked by the [model] item value (model information). The [Current] item is an item that holds current information when the electronic device 200b is in a specific state, and the item value includes a current value when the electronic device 200b is in a specific state. The [status] item is an item that holds status information of the electronic device 200b, and the item value includes a status value of the electronic device 200b.

  The information item values (values of the information) may be set by the administrator according to the specifications of the electronic device 200b via a predetermined interface in the management device 100, for example.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The monitor 121 acquires a current value from each ammeter AM and monitors a change in current. As a result, when the monitor 121 detects a change in current, the monitor 121 refers to the ammeter management information 90D1, specifies the correspondence relationship between the ammeter AM that has detected the current change and the electronic device 200b, and models information of the electronic device 200b. To get. The monitor 121 refers to the state management information 90D2 based on the acquired model information, specifies the correspondence between the current value and state of the electronic device 200b, and current information having a value closest to the current value acquired as a monitoring result. Get status information corresponding to. The monitor 121 determines the current state based on the acquired state information (current state) and the state information (state before the current change) of the electronic device 200b detected by the previous monitoring held in the state holding unit 122. It is confirmed whether or not has changed from the state before the current change. Upon confirming the state change, the monitor 121 generates log data including the state change date and time, the model name of the corresponding electronic device 200b, the identifier of the corresponding electronic device 200b, the state content, and the like.

  For example, when the monitor 121 detects a change in the current of the air conditioner 200b1, the model information of the air conditioner 200b1: “air conditioner AB-XXXX” is acquired by referring to the ammeter management information 90D1. The monitor 121 refers to the state management information 90D2 based on the acquired model information: “air conditioner AB-XXXX”, and corresponds to the current value acquired as a monitoring result: “10”, which is the closest value to “10”. Status information to be acquired: "Weak" is acquired. Based on the acquired state information: “weak” and the state information of the air conditioner 200b1 detected by the previous monitoring held in the state holding unit 122: “strong”, the monitor 121 is in a state before the current change. Check if it has changed. When the monitor 121 confirms the state change (strong → weak), the state change date and time: “YY-MM-DDThh: mm: ss”, the model name of the air conditioner 200b1: “air conditioner AB-XXXX”, and the identifier of the air conditioner 200b1: Generate log data including “1001”, status content: “weak” and the like.

  As described above, the log generation unit 12 generates log data of the corresponding electronic device 200b in which the change in state is detected based on the device management information 90D by the function of the monitor 121.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The management apparatus 100 records and holds the log data acquired by the log acquisition unit 11 and the log data generated by the log generation unit 12 in a log management information holding unit 80 (history management information holding unit) and is a management target. The state / operation log of the electronic device 200 is managed. The log management information holding unit 80 corresponds to a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the management apparatus 100.

Here, log management information (history management information) will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the log management information 80D according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the log management information 80D has one or a plurality of information sets in which information items such as management identification, model, state / operation type, state / operation content, and date / time are associated with each other. A set is managed for each log data acquired or generated.

  The “management identification” item is an item that holds management identification information of the electronic device 200. The “model” item is an item for holding model information of the electronic device 200. The [status / operation type] item is an item for holding status / operation type information (hereinafter referred to as “status / operation type information”) of the electronic device 200, and the item value includes the status / operation type of the electronic device 200. There is a type name (type value). The [state / operation content] item is an item that holds information on the state / operation content of the electronic device 200 (hereinafter referred to as “state / operation content information”), and the item value includes the state name / operation of the electronic device 200. There are content values.

  Specific examples (correspondence relationships) of the information item values of the [state / operation type] and [state / operation content] are as follows. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, in the case of the fluorescent lamp 200b3, values indicating the contents of the lighting state: “start” and “end” are associated with the device state “lighting”. In the case of the MFP 200 a 2, values indicating the contents of sleep / standby: “start” and “end” are associated with the device state “sleep” / “standby”. In the case of the MFP 200a2, the value “100 (page)” indicating the number of pages of the print job is associated with the “print” operation.

  The [Date / Time] item holds date / time information on the state change / operation occurrence of the electronic device 200, and the item value includes the state change date / time / operation occurrence date / time of the electronic device 200.

  Each information item value (value of each information) is obtained by the log acquisition unit 11 or the log generation unit 12 accessing the log management information holding unit 80, and the information item value included in the log data is stored in the log management information. Store in the corresponding information item of 80D. As a result, a new information set corresponding to the log data is generated in the log management information 80D, and the state / operation log of the electronic device 200 is recorded in the order of state occurrence / operation time.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In addition, the management apparatus 100 holds unit data for calculating the power consumption of the electronic device 200 to be managed in the power consumption management information holding unit 70. The power consumption management information holding unit 70 corresponds to a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the management device 100.

Here, the display power management information will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data example (part 1) of the power consumption management information 70D according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the power consumption management information 70 </ b> D includes one or a plurality of information sets associated with information items such as a model, a state / operation type, and a power consumption unit. It is managed for each state and operation that is assumed in.

  The “model” item is an item for holding model information of the electronic device 200. The [status / operation type] item is an item for holding status / operation type information of the electronic device 200. The [Power Consumption Unit] item is an item that holds unit information for calculating the power consumption amount of the electronic device 200, and the item value is the consumption at the time of device state / device operation assumed by the electronic device 200. This is a reference value (unit data) for calculating the electric energy. The unit information for calculating the power consumption of the electronic device 200 is hereinafter referred to as “power consumption unit information”.

  Specific examples (correspondence relationships) of the information item values of [state / operation type] and [power consumption unit] are as follows. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, in the case of the fluorescent lamp 200b3, the value “40 (W)” indicating the power consumption per hour at the time of lighting (per predetermined time) is set for the device state “lighting”. It is associated. Further, in the case of the MFP 200a2, with respect to the device state “sleep” / “standby”, a value indicating power consumption per hour during sleep / standby: “20 (W)” / “150 (W)”. Are associated. In the case of the MFP 200a2, the value “0.9 (W)” indicating the power consumption per page (per predetermined job processing) at the time of printing is associated with the “print” operation.

  The information item values (values of the information) may be set by the administrator according to the specifications of the electronic device 200 via a predetermined interface in the management device 100, for example. Further, the current information of the state management information 90D2 can be calculated from the power consumption unit information of the power consumption management information 70D. Accordingly, each information item value of the state management information 90D2 is set dynamically by the log generation unit 12 based on the power consumption management information 70D according to a predetermined timing (for example, “when the log generation unit is activated”). May be.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The calculation unit 13 (calculation unit) is a functional unit that calculates the power consumption within a predetermined period associated with the use of the device. The calculator 13 calculates the power consumption as follows.

  The calculation unit 13 receives an input of a power consumption calculation target period (hereinafter referred to as “report period”) via a predetermined interface. The calculation unit 13 accesses the log management information holding unit 80, refers to the date / time information of the log management information 80D, and acquires the log management information 80D corresponding to the report period. Further, the calculation unit 13 accesses the power consumption management information holding unit 70, refers to the model information and the state / operation type information of the power consumption management information 70D, and models and the state / operation type information of the corresponding log management information 80D. The power consumption unit information of the information set that matches is acquired.

  As a result, when the state / operation type information of the corresponding log management information 80D is a value indicating the device state, the calculation unit 13 performs the following calculation. That is, based on the period during which the device state is maintained within the report period (eg, “period from“ start ”to“ end ”) and the power consumption unit information (power consumption per predetermined time) corresponding to the device state, Calculate the amount of power consumed when the device is in the report period. In addition, when the state / operation type information of the corresponding log management information 80D is a value indicating device operation, the calculation unit 13 performs the following calculation. In other words, based on job processing (for example, “number of pages of print job”) executed within the report period and power consumption unit information corresponding to the apparatus operation (power consumption per predetermined job process), device operation within the report period Calculate the amount of power consumed over time.

  The calculation part 13 totals the power consumption for every apparatus state / apparatus operation | movement recorded as a log within a report period with the said method.

  After that, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data including a calculated value of the amount of power consumed when the device is in the state / operation of the device. The “intermediate data” here is data used when generating a report to be described later. The calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data based on the calculated value of the power consumption applied to the device state / device operation corresponding to the corresponding log management information 80D as the report target. More specifically, it is as follows. That is, an information set in which the management identification information, model information, date / time information, state / operation type information, and power consumption calculation values of the corresponding log management information 80D are associated is generated for each device state / device operation. Then, intermediate data is generated as a totaling result of power consumption during the device state / device operation within the report period.

  The simulation unit 14 is a functional unit that simulates the case where another electronic device 200 (alternative device) capable of realizing the device state (history contents of history information) recorded in the log and realizing the device state instead. . In addition, the simulation unit 14 simulates the case where the device operation is performed in place of another electronic device 200 (alternative device) capable of performing the device operation (history contents of history information) recorded in the log. It is a functional part. The simulation unit 14 cooperates with the calculation unit 13 to calculate the estimated power consumption when another first electronic device or second electronic device is used instead of the first electronic device or the second electronic device.

  The simulation unit 14 receives input of alternative information such as a model change and a state / operation change via a predetermined interface. The simulation unit 14 accesses the log management information holding unit 80, refers to the date / time information of the log management information 80D, and acquires the log management information 80D corresponding to the report period. Based on the replacement information, the simulation unit 14 changes the corresponding information item value of the corresponding log management information 80D (replaces the replacement target value with the value of the replacement information), and generates log management information 80D for simulation. More specifically, for example, when an input of model change (MFP A → C) is accepted, the value of the model information of the corresponding log management information 80D: “MFP A” is changed to “MFP C”.

  As a result, the simulation unit 14 passes the generated log management information 80D for simulation to the calculation unit 13, and instructs the calculation of the expected power consumption when the replacement is performed. As a result, the calculation unit 13 calculates the power consumption that is expected to occur during the device state / device operation after replacement within the report period, and generates intermediate data for simulation. That is, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data corresponding to current device usage and intermediate data corresponding to alternative device usage (intermediate data for simulation).

  The report generation unit 15 visually indicates the power consumption amount (current value) within a predetermined period associated with the current device usage in the entire user environment and the predicted power consumption amount (expected value) associated with the use of an alternative device within the predetermined period. This is a functional unit that generates a comparable report. The report generation unit 15 generates a report as follows based on the intermediate data generated by the calculation unit 13 (output means: outputs a report).

  The report generation unit 15 groups the intermediate data for each model based on the model information of the intermediate data, and totals the calculated power consumption values for each group. As a result, the report generation unit 15 generates a report file that is visible by rendering (the total value is processed into predetermined visual information) based on the total value of the intermediate data and the power consumption. More specifically, data files such as tables and graphs are generated based on the management identification information of intermediate data, model information, and the total power consumption. The grouping need not be for each model. For example, the report generation unit 15 may group the intermediate data for each time zone (predetermined period) based on the date / time information of the intermediate data.

  The report generation unit 15 generates a report file corresponding to the current device usage based on the intermediate data corresponding to the current device usage by the above method. Further, the report generation unit 15 performs the following processing based on the intermediate data corresponding to the current device usage and the intermediate data corresponding to the alternative device usage (intermediate data for simulation). In other words, a report file is generated that can visually compare the power consumption when using the current device and when using the alternative device in the entire user environment.

  As described above, the report generation unit 15 processes and generates the power consumption amount when the device is used before and after replacement in the entire user environment into visually comparable information.

FIG. 8 shows a summary of the cooperation operations of the functional units 13, 14, and 15 described above.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of report generation according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the management apparatus 100, the calculation unit 13 aggregates the power consumption for each device state / device operation recorded as a log within the report period based on the log management information 80D, and the current device Intermediate data D1 corresponding to use is generated. Thereby, in the management apparatus 100, the report production | generation part 15 produces | generates the report corresponding to the present apparatus utilization based on the produced | generated intermediate data D1. In the management apparatus 100, the simulation unit 14 changes the log management information 80D to alternative information, and generates log management information 81D for simulation. Next, in the management apparatus 100, the calculation unit 13 aggregates the predicted power consumption for each device state / device operation after replacement within the report period based on the generated log management information 81D for simulation. Then, intermediate data D2 (intermediate data for simulation) corresponding to use of the alternative device is generated. Accordingly, in the management apparatus 100, the report generation unit 15 visually determines the power consumption when using the device before and after replacement in the entire user environment based on the generated intermediate data D1 and intermediate data D2. Generate a comparable report.

  As described above, the management function according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units working together. Each of the functional units is read out from a storage device (“HDD” or “ROM”) onto a memory (RAM) by a computing device (CPU) by a program installed (installed) in the management device 100, This is realized by executing the following processing. The program installed in the management apparatus 100 is software that realizes a management function.

  A detailed operation of the management function according to the present embodiment (cooperation operation of the functional unit group) will be described using a flowchart showing a processing procedure.

《Log acquisition / log generation processing》
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for log acquisition according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the management apparatus 100 performs the following log acquisition process using the log acquisition unit 11.

  The log acquisition unit 11 determines whether or not state / operation log data has been received from the electronic device 200a (step S101).

  As a result, when receiving the log data (step S101: YES), the log acquisition unit 11 updates the log management information 80D based on the received log data (step S102). At this time, the log acquisition unit 11 accesses the log management information holding unit 80 and stores each information item value included in the received log data in the corresponding information item of the log management information 80D.

  In this manner, the log acquisition unit 11 generates new log management information 80D corresponding to the received log data, and records the state / operation log of the electronic device 200a.

  When the log acquisition unit 11 updates the log management information 80D, the log acquisition unit 11 enters a log data reception waiting state (step S101: NO).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a log generation processing procedure according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the management apparatus 100 performs the following log generation process by the log generation unit 12.

  The log generation unit 12 monitors (monitors) the electronic device 200b and determines whether or not a change in current has been detected (step S201). At this time, the log generation unit 12 acquires a current value (measured value) from an ammeter AM installed for each electronic device 200b, and detects a change in current (increase / decrease in the current value) of each electronic device 200b.

  As a result, when the change in current is detected (step S201: YES), the log generation unit 12 obtains the model information of the electronic device 200b in which the change in current is detected and the management identification information assigned to the electronic device 200b. Obtain (step S202). At this time, the log generation unit 12 accesses the device management information holding unit 90 and refers to the device management information 90D based on the ammeter identification information of the ammeter AM that has detected a change in current. The log generation unit 12 acquires model information and management identification information associated with the matched ammeter identification information from the ammeter management information 90D1 of the device management information 90D.

  Next, the log generation unit 12 acquires the state of the electronic device 200b in which a change in current is detected from the device management information 90D (Step S203). At this time, the log generation unit 12 refers to the device management information 90D based on the acquired model information and the detected current value. The log generation unit 12 acquires current information associated with the matched model information from the state management information 90D2 of the device management information 90D. The log generation unit 12 specifies current information having the closest acquired current value among the acquired current information, and acquires state information associated with the specified current information.

  Next, the log generation unit 12 acquires state information before the current change of the electronic device 200b in which the current change is detected (step S204). At this time, the log generation unit 12 accesses the state holding unit 122 that is associated with the ammeter identification information and the state information and is held for each electronic device 200b as the previous monitoring result. The log generation unit 12 acquires state information associated with matching ammeter identification information based on the ammeter identification information of the ammeter AM that has detected a change in current.

  Next, the log generation unit 12 changes the current state from the state before the current change based on the state information (current state) acquired in step S203 and the state information (state before the current change) acquired in step S204. It is confirmed whether or not it has been done (step S205). At this time, the log generation unit 12 compares the values of the state information and confirms the state change from the comparison result.

  As a result, when the log generation unit 12 confirms that the values are different and the current state has changed from the state before the current change (step S205: YES), the state after the current change (current monitoring result) is recorded. (Step S206). At this time, the log generation unit 12 accesses the state holding unit 122, and based on the ammeter identification information of the ammeter AM that has detected the change in current, the state information associated with the matching ammeter identification information is obtained in step S203. It is updated with the status information (current status) acquired in.

  Next, the log generation unit 12 generates log data based on date information, model information, management identification information, and status information (step S207). At this time, the log generation unit 12 acquires the date and time when the change in the device state is confirmed from, for example, a clock circuit (not shown) included in the management apparatus 100, and uses the date and time information. The model information and management identification information are information acquired in step S202. The state information is information acquired in step S203. As described above, the log generation unit 12 generates log data including the state change date and time, the model name of the electronic device 200b, the management identifier assigned to the electronic device 200b, the state content obtained from the current change of the electronic device 200b, and the like. To do.

  As a result, the log generation unit 12 updates the log management information 80D based on the generated log data (step S208). At this time, the log acquisition unit 11 accesses the log management information holding unit 80 and stores each information item value included in the generated log data in the corresponding information item of the log management information 80D.

  In this way, the log generation unit 12 generates new log management information 80D corresponding to the generated log data, and records the state / operation log of the electronic device 200b.

  When the log generation unit 12 updates the log management information 80D, the log generation unit 12 enters a state of waiting for detection of a current change from the electronic device 200b (step S201: NO). Further, when the log generation unit 12 confirms that the values are the same and the current state has not changed from the state before the current change (step S205: NO), the log generation unit 12 performs the following operation. That is, the processing of steps S206, S207, and S208 (status update processing, log data generation processing, log management information update processing) is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S201 (current change detection processing).

  As described above, the management apparatus 100 records and holds the log data acquired by the log acquisition unit 11 and the log data generated by the log generation unit 12 in the log management information holding unit 80, and the management apparatus 100 of the electronic device 200 that is the management target. Manage status / action logs.

  Heretofore, the configuration example in which the management apparatus 100 includes each functional unit that realizes the management function has been described. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration example. That is, as shown in FIG. 30, as long as each function unit that implements the management function can be linked as a whole, the function units that implement the management function may be arranged in any manner. In the modification of the configuration example of the management function shown in FIG. 30, each functional unit that realizes the management function is realized by, for example, a separate information processing apparatus (computer or the like), and the information processing apparatuses are mutually connected via a network. To be communicable. The function units that realize the management function include a log acquisition unit 11, a log generation unit 12, a calculation unit 13, a simulation unit 14, a report generation unit 15, a power consumption management information holding unit 70, a log management information holding unit 80, and This is a device management information holding unit 90.

  As described above, instead of realizing each function unit that realizes the management function by a separate information processing apparatus, an arbitrary plurality of function units are extracted from each function unit that realizes the management function, and the plurality of functions are extracted. The unit may be realized by a single information processing apparatus. That is, the function units that realize the management function can be arbitrarily combined according to the user environment, and as a result, the usability of the management function can be improved.

  For example, a hardware configuration example as shown in FIG. 2 described above can be adopted for each information processing apparatus that implements each functional unit that implements the management function. That is, for example, when the log acquisition unit 11 is realized by an information processing apparatus having the configuration of FIG. 2, a program installed in the apparatus is read from the ROM 105 to the RAM 104 by the CPU 105, and the process is executed to realize the functional unit. . Furthermore, when the log management information holding unit 80 is realized by another information processing apparatus having the configuration of FIG. 2, a storage device (such as the HDD 108) of the information processing apparatus can be used. That is, the CPU 106 of the information processing apparatus as the log acquisition unit 11 reads / writes information directly from / to the storage device (HDD 108 or the like) of the information processing apparatus as the log management information holding unit 80 via the OS or the like via the network. can do.

<< Basic process of report generation >>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic processing procedure for generating a report according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the management apparatus 100 performs the following report processing by the calculation unit 13 and the report generation unit 15.

  The calculation unit 13 receives an input of a report period (power consumption calculation target period) via a predetermined interface (step S301: YES).

  Next, the calculation unit 13 acquires log management information 80D that falls within the report period (step S302). At this time, the calculation unit 13 accesses the log management information holding unit 80 and refers to the date / time information of the log management information 80D. Based on the report period information indicating the start / end date and time of the period, the calculation unit 13 acquires the log management information 80D in which the value of the date / time information falls within the report period from the log management information 80D.

  Next, the calculation unit 13 determines whether the status / operation type information of the acquired log management information 80D is a value indicating a device operation or a value indicating a device state (step S303).

  As a result, when the calculation unit 13 determines that the state / operation type information is a value indicating the device operation (step S303: device operation), the intermediate data D1 for the device operation within the report period (intermediate corresponding to the current device use) Data) is generated (step S304). Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the calculation unit 13 determines that the state / operation type information is a value indicating the device state (step S303: device state), intermediate data D1 (intermediate data corresponding to the current device usage) for the device state within the report period. ) Is generated (step S305). Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the calculation unit 13 performs the process of step S304 or S305 (intermediate data process) on all log management information 80D (all logs recorded within the report period) acquired in the process of step S302. It is determined whether or not (step S306).

  As a result, when it is determined that the processing has not been performed for all the log management information 80D (step S306: NO), the calculation unit 13 returns to the process of step S303 (state / action type determination process). Then, the process of step S304 or S305 is performed on the unexecuted log management information 80D. That is, the calculation unit 13 repeats the process until the process of step S304 or S305 is performed on all the log management information 80D acquired by the process of step S302.

  If the calculation unit 13 determines that all the log management information 80D has been processed (step S306: YES), the calculation unit 13 performs post-processing (step S307). Here, “post-processing” is processing that assumes the following case.

  As described above, the report period is arbitrarily input by the user. For this reason, the acquired log management information 80D does not necessarily include the start date and time and end date and time of the device status. In this case, when calculating the power consumption in the device state within the report period in the process of step S305, a value indicating the period during which the device state is maintained (a value indicating the power consumption calculation period) is obtained. There may be no case. Therefore, in the post-processing, when only the start date / time is obtained from the acquired log management information 80D, the end date / time of the input report period information is set as the end date / time of the device state, and the power consumption at the time of the corresponding device state within the report period. The amount is calculated and intermediate data D1 is generated. Thereby, the calculation part 13 performs the production | generation process of the intermediate data D1 with respect to the apparatus state which cannot specify the period when the apparatus state was maintained within a report period. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When only the end date / time is obtained from the acquired log management information 80D, the following processing is performed. That is, in the process of step S305, the start date and time of the input report period information is used as the start date and time of the device state, and the power consumption at the time of corresponding device information within the report period is calculated to generate intermediate data D1. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the report generation unit 15 performs a report generation process based on the intermediate data D1 generated by the calculation unit 13 (step S308). Thereby, the report generation part 15 produces | generates the report file which can confirm visually the power consumption at the time of the present apparatus utilization. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the management apparatus 100 generates the intermediate data D1 corresponding to the current device usage as the total result of the power consumption for each device state / device operation recorded as a log within the report period. Based on the generated intermediate data D1, the current power consumption when using the device is processed and generated into information that can be visually confirmed.

  Next, the details of the processing in steps S304 and S305 described above (intermediate data processing corresponding to device operation / device state) and the processing in step S307 (post-processing) will be described. In the following processing, it is assumed that “2011-12-08T17: 00-18: 00-18: 00” is received as input of report period information in the processing of step S301 described above.

《Intermediate data generation process corresponding to device operation》
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of the intermediate data processing procedure according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 shows an example of processing in step S304 (an example of intermediate data processing for device operation).

  The calculator 13 acquires power consumption unit information [X] (power consumption per predetermined job process) corresponding to the device operation recorded as a log from the power consumption management information 70D (step S3041). At this time, the calculation unit 13 accesses the power consumption management information holding unit 70 and refers to the model information and the state / operation type information of the power consumption management information 70D. The calculation unit 13 acquires the power consumption unit information of the information set that matches the model information and the state / operation type information of the log management information 80D acquired in step S302.

  For example, it is assumed that the log management information 80D is the data shown in FIG. 6 and the power consumption management information 70D is the data shown in FIG. In this case, the value of power consumption unit information corresponding to the printing operation of the model “MFP A” recorded as the operation log (operation history): “0.9 (W)” (power consumption per page at the time of printing) Is obtained).

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, the calculation unit 13 calculates the amount of power consumed when the device is operating within the report period (step S3042). At this time, based on the state / operation content information [Y] of the log management information 80D acquired in step S302 and the acquired power consumption unit information [X], the calculation unit 13 uses the power consumption amount [Z = XX × Y] is calculated.

  For example, when the value of the status / operation content information in the log management information 80D is “100 (page)”, the power consumption amount [90 = 0.9 × 100] during the printing operation is calculated.

  As a result, the calculation unit 13 generates the intermediate data D1 including the calculated value [Z] of the power consumption required when the device is operating (step S3043). At this time, the calculation unit 13 generates an information set in which the management identification information, model information, date / time information, state / operation type information, and calculated power consumption [Z] of the log management information 80D acquired in step S302 are associated. Generated for each device operation.

<< Intermediate data generation process corresponding to device status >>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example (part 2) of the intermediate data processing procedure according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 shows an example of processing in step S305 (an example of intermediate data processing for the device state).

  The calculation unit 13 determines whether the state / operation content information is a value indicating start or a value indicating end (step S3051). At this time, the calculation unit 13 determines whether the value of the state / operation content information of the log management information 80D acquired in step S302 is “start” or “end”.

  As a result, when the calculation unit 13 determines that the state / operation content information is a value indicating start (step S3051: start), the calculation unit 13 temporarily holds the corresponding log management information 80D (step S3052), and performs the process of step S306 (intermediate data). Process execution confirmation process). At this time, the calculation unit 13 holds the log management information 80D of the device state content “start” in a predetermined storage area (work memory) of the storage device included in the management device 100.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the state / operation content information is a value indicating the end (step S3051: end), the calculation unit 13 performs the following processing. That is, the power consumption unit information [X] (power consumption per predetermined time) corresponding to the device state recorded as a log is acquired from the power consumption management information 70D (step S3051). At this time, the calculation unit 13 accesses the power consumption management information holding unit 70 and refers to the model information and the state / operation type information of the power consumption management information 70D. The calculation unit 13 acquires the power consumption unit information of the information set that matches the model information and the state / operation type information of the log management information 80D acquired in step S302.

  For example, it is assumed that the log management information 80D is the data shown in FIG. 6 and the power consumption management information 70D is the data shown in FIG. In this case, for example, the value of power consumption unit information corresponding to the lighting state of the model “fluorescent lamp XYZ” recorded as a state log (state history): “40” (indicating the power consumption per hour at the time of lighting) Value).

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, the calculation unit 13 selects the log corresponding to the device state content “end” in the same state from the log management information 80D of the device state content “start” temporarily held in a predetermined storage area (work memory). The management information 80D is searched (step S3054). At this time, the calculation unit 13 refers to the device management information of the held log management information 80D, and searches for information that matches the device management information of the log management information 80D that is determined as the value indicating the end of the status / operation content information. To do.

  Based on the search result, the calculation unit 13 corresponds to the device state content “end” in the same state in the log management information 80D of the device state content “start” temporarily held in a predetermined storage area (work memory). It is determined whether there is log management information 80D to be executed (step S3055).

  As a result, the calculation unit 13 stores the log corresponding to the device state content “end” in the same state in the log management information 80D of the device state content “start” temporarily held in a predetermined storage area (work memory). When it is determined that the management information 80D exists (step S3055: YES), the amount of power consumed in the device state from the start to the end within the report period is calculated (step S3056). At this time, the calculation unit 13 sets the value of the date / time information of the log management information 80D (log management information specified by the search) of the device state content “start” as the start date / time of the calculation period: T1. Then, the date / time information value of the log management information 80D of the device status content “end” (the log management information determined that the status / operation content information indicates the end) is set as the end date / time of the calculation period: T2. The calculation unit 13 calculates a period [calculation period: T2-T1] in which the device state within the report period is maintained from these dates and times T1 and T2. Then, based on the power consumption unit information [X] acquired in step S3053, the power consumption [Z = X × (T2−T1)] in the device state is calculated.

  For example, in the data shown in FIG. 6 by the log management information 80D, the start state and end state logs of the model “fluorescent lamp XYZ” are recorded. In such a case, the following processing is performed. That is, the value of the date information corresponding to the device status content “end”: “2011-12-08T17: 40: 33” and the value of the date information corresponding to the device status content “start”: “2011-12-08T17: 25: From 33 "the following values are calculated: That is, a period [calculation period: 15 (minutes)] in which the device state within the report period is maintained is calculated. In addition, since the value of power consumption unit information at the time of lighting: 40 (W) is the power consumption amount per hour, time unit conversion [0.25 = (15/60)] is performed. As a result, the amount of power consumption during lighting [10 = 40 × 0.25] is calculated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. As a result, the calculation unit 13 generates the intermediate data D1 including the calculated value [Z] of the power consumption that was applied during the device state from the start to the end within the report period (step S3057). At this time, the calculation unit 13 generates the following information set for each device state. That is, management identification information, model information, date / time information [device status (calculation period) start date / time: T1, end date / time: T2], status / operation type information, log management information 80D of device status contents “start” and “end” An information set associated with the calculated power consumption [Z] is generated.

  On the other hand, the calculation unit 13 stores the log management corresponding to the device state content “end” in the same state in the log management information 80D of the device state content “start” temporarily held in a predetermined storage area (work memory). When it is determined that the information 80D does not exist (step S3055: NO), the amount of power consumed in the device state until the end of the report period is calculated (step S3058). At this time, the calculation unit 13 sets the value of the start date / time of the report period information as the start date / time of the calculation period: T1, and determines that the log management information 80D of the device status content “end” (the status / operation content information indicates a value indicating completion) The value of the date and time information of (log management information) is set to the end date and time of the calculation period: T2. The calculation unit 13 calculates a period [calculation period: T2-T1] in which the device state within the report period is maintained from these dates and times T1 and T2. Then, based on the power consumption unit information [X] acquired in step S3053, the power consumption [Z = X × (T2−T1)] in the device state is calculated.

  For example, in the log management information 80D shown in FIG. 6, only the status log of the end of the model “MFP A” at the time of sleep is recorded. In such a case, the value of the date and time information corresponding to the device state content “end”: “2011-12-08T17: 57: 00” and the value of the start date and time of the report period information: “2011-12” The following calculation is performed from 08T17: 00: 00 ". That is, a period [calculation period: 57 (minutes)] in which the device state within the report period is maintained is calculated. Since the value of power consumption unit information during sleep: 20 (W) is the amount of power consumed per hour, time unit conversion [0.95 = (57/60)] is performed. As a result, the amount of power consumption during lighting [19 = 20 × 0.95] is calculated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. As a result, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D1 including the calculated value [Z] of the power consumption that was consumed during the device state until the end of the report period (step S3059). At this time, the calculation unit 13 generates the following information set for each device state. That is, management identification information, model information, date / time information [report period start date / time: T1, device status end date / time: T2], status / operation type information, and calculated value of power consumption of the log management information 80D of the device status content “end” An information set associated with [Z] is generated for each device state.

《Post processing》
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a post-processing procedure according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a processing example (post-processing example) of step S307.

  The calculation unit 13 determines whether or not the log management information 80D of the device state content “start” is held in a predetermined storage area (work memory) of the storage device included in the management device 100 (step S3071).

  As a result, when it is determined that the corresponding log management information 80D is held (step S3071: YES), the calculation unit 13 performs the following processing. That is, power consumption unit information [X] (power consumption per predetermined time) corresponding to the device state recorded as a log is acquired from the power consumption management information 70D (step S3072). At this time, the calculation unit 13 accesses the power consumption management information holding unit 70 and refers to the model information and the state / operation type information of the power consumption management information 70D. The calculation unit 13 acquires the power consumption unit information of the information set that matches the model information and the state / operation type information of the log management information 80D determined in step S3071.

  For example, it is assumed that the log management information 80D is the data shown in FIG. 6 and the power consumption management information 70D is the data shown in FIG. In this case, the value of power consumption unit information corresponding to the standby state of the model “MFP A” recorded as the state log: “150” (value indicating the power consumption per hour during standby) is acquired. .

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, the calculation unit 13 calculates the amount of power consumed when the device is in a state from the start within the report period (step S3073). At this time, the calculation unit 13 sets the value of the date / time information of the log management information 80D of the device status content “start” (the log management information determined that the status / operation content information indicates the start) as the start date / time of the calculation period: T1. The value of the end date / time of the report period information is set as the end date / time of the calculation period: T2. The calculation unit 13 calculates a period [calculation period: T2-T1] in which the device state within the report period is maintained from these dates and times T1 and T2. Based on the power consumption unit information [X] acquired in step S3072, the power consumption [Z = X × (T2−T1)] in the device state is calculated.

  For example, the log management information 80D includes only the start status log of the model “MFP A” in the data shown in FIG. In such a case, the following processing is performed. That is, the value of the end date and time of the input report period information: “2011-12-08T18: 00: 00” and the value of date-time information corresponding to the device status content “start”: “2011-12-08T17: 57: 20” The following calculation is performed. That is, a period [calculation period: 3 (minutes)] in which the device state within the report period is maintained is calculated. Since the value of power consumption unit information at the time of sleep: 150 (W) is the power consumption per hour, time unit conversion [0.05 = (3/60)] is performed. As a result, the power consumption amount [7.5 = 150 × 0.05] at the time of lighting is calculated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. As a result, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D1 including the calculated value [Z] of the power consumption that has occurred during the device state from the start within the report period (step S3074). At this time, the calculation unit 13 generates the following information set. That is, management identification information, model information, date / time information [device status start date / time: T1, report period end date / time: T2], status / operation type information, and calculated value of power consumption of log management information 80D of the device status content “start” An information set associated with [Z] is generated for each device state.

  Next, the calculation unit 13 performs steps S3072, S3073, and S3074 (intermediate data processing) on all the log management information 80D (all logs of the device status content “start”) specified in the processing of step S3071. It is determined whether or not (step S3075).

  As a result, when it is determined that the processing is not performed on all the log management information 80D (step S3075: NO), the calculation unit 13 performs the following operation. That is, the processing returns to the processing of step S3071 (device status content “start” log determination processing), and the processing of steps S3072, S3073, and S3074 is performed on the unexecuted log management information 80D. That is, the calculation unit 13 repeats the process until the processes in steps S3072, S3073, and S3074 are performed on all the log management information 80D specified in the process in step S3071.

  As described above, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D1 as illustrated in FIG. 15 as the total result of the power consumption during the device state / device operation within the report period.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a data example of the intermediate data D1 for current device use according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 15, when the report period “2011-12-08T17: 00-18: 00-18: 00” is received, the calculation unit 13 displays the log management information 80D illustrated in FIG. 6 and the consumption illustrated in FIG. An example of the intermediate data D1 generated based on the power management information 70D is shown.

  For example, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D1a through the processing in steps S3058 and S3059 for the sleep state log of the model “MFP A” recorded in the log management information 80D. In addition, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D1b through the processing of steps S3058 and S3059 for the sleep state log of the model “MFP B” recorded in the log management information 80D. Further, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D1c by the processing of steps S3056 and S3057 with respect to the state log when the model “fluorescent lamp XYZ” is recorded, which is recorded in the log management information 80D. Further, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D1d by the processing of steps S3042 and S3043 for the operation log during printing of the model “MFP A” recorded in the log management information 80D. In addition, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D1e through the processing of steps S3073 and S3074 for the standby status log of the model “MFP A” recorded in the log management information 80D.

  Next, the details of the processing in step S308 described above (report generation processing) will be described. In the following processing, it is assumed that intermediate data D1 shown in FIG. 15 is generated.

<< Report generation process >>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a report processing procedure according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a processing example (report generation processing example) in step S308.

  The report generation unit 15 groups the intermediate data D1 for each model based on the model information of the intermediate data D1 (step S3081).

  For example, the intermediate data D1 shown in FIG. 15 includes intermediate data D1a to D1e of the models “fluorescent lamp XYZ”, “MFP A”, and “MFP B”. In this case, grouping is performed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of grouping of the intermediate data D1 for current device usage according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 17 shows an example in which the intermediate data D1 is grouped into three types of intermediate data groups GA, GB, and GC for each model “fluorescent lamp XYZ”, “MFP A”, and “MFP B”. .

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, the report generation unit 15 adds [ZX = ZX1 +... + ZXn] the calculated power consumption values in units of groups (step S3082).

  For example, in the case of the intermediate data group GA of the model “MFP A”, based on the calculated power consumption values: “19 (Wh)”, “90 (Wh)”, “7.5 (Wh)”, the total The value [116.5 = 19 + 90 + 7.5] is calculated. Further, in the case of the intermediate data group GB of the model “MFP B”, the total value [24] is calculated based on the calculated value of power consumption: “24 (Wh)”. Further, in the case of the intermediate data group GC of the model “fluorescent lamp XYZ”, the total [10] is calculated based on the calculated value of power consumption: “10 (Wh)”.

  As a result, the report generation unit 15 generates a report file that is visible by rendering (the total value [ZX] is processed into predetermined visual information) (step S3083). At this time, the report generation unit 15 generates a data file such as a table or a graph based on the management identification information, the model information, and the total power consumption [ZX] of the intermediate data D1.

  As described above, the report generation unit 15 generates a report file as shown in FIG. 17 corresponding to the current device usage based on the intermediate data D1 corresponding to the current device usage.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data example of a report of current device usage according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 18A, the report generation unit 15 calculates the total power consumption for each model within the report period based on the intermediate data D1 shown in FIG. An example of is shown. In FIG. 18B, the report generation unit 15 calculates the total power consumption for each time zone within the report period based on the intermediate data D1 shown in FIG. An example of a graphical report is shown. In this case, the report generation unit 15 groups the intermediate data D1 for each time zone based on the date / time information of the intermediate data D1, and totals the calculated power consumption values for each group. As described above, grouping may not be performed for each model.

<Basic simulation processing>
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a basic processing procedure of simulation according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the management apparatus 100 performs the following simulation process using the calculation unit 13, the simulation unit 14, and the report generation unit 15. This process is assumed to be executed after the above-described report generation process corresponding to the current device usage. In addition, since this process is substantially the same as the basic process of report generation shown in FIG. 11, differences will be mainly described.

  The simulation unit 14 accepts input of alternative information such as a model change and a state / operation change via a predetermined interface (step S401: YES).

  Next, the simulation unit 14 changes the log management information 80D corresponding to the report period with alternative information (step S402). At this time, the simulation unit 14 replaces the corresponding item value of the log management information 80D with the value of the input alternative information, and generates log management information 81D for simulation.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data example (part 2) of the power consumption management information 70D according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the log management information 81D for simulation according to the present embodiment. is there.

  For example, it is assumed that the simulation unit 14 receives input of alternative information (model change) for substituting the model “MFP A” for the model “MFP C” based on the power consumption management information 70D illustrated in FIG. In this case, the management identification information and the model information of the state / operation log of the model “MFP A” recorded in the log management information 80D are replaced with alternative information values: “103”, “MFP C”, and the result shown in FIG. Log management information 81D for simulation as shown is generated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, the calculation unit 13 determines whether the state / operation type information of the generated log management information 81D for simulation is a value indicating a device operation or a value indicating a device state (step S403).

  As a result, when the calculation unit 13 determines that the state / operation type information is a value indicating device operation (step S403: device operation), the calculation unit 13 performs the following processing. That is, a process of generating intermediate data D2 for simulation for the device operation within the report period (intermediate data corresponding to the use of the alternative device) is performed (step S404). This process is the same as the process described with reference to FIG. 12 during the simulation.

  On the other hand, if the calculation unit 13 determines that the state / operation type information is a value indicating the device state (step S403: device state), the calculation unit 13 performs the following processing. That is, processing for generating intermediate data D2 (intermediate data corresponding to use of alternative device) during simulation for the device state within the report period is performed (step S405). This process is the same as the process described with reference to FIG. 13 during simulation.

  Next, the calculation unit 13 performs the following process on all simulation log management information 81D (all simulation logs corresponding to the report period) generated in the process of step S402. That is, it is determined whether or not the processing in step S404 or S405 (intermediate data processing during simulation) has been performed (step S406).

  As a result, when the calculation unit 13 determines that all the log management information 81D for simulation has not been processed (step S406: NO), the calculation unit 13 performs the following processing. That is, the process returns to the process of step S403 (state / action type determination process), and the process of step S404 or S405 is performed on the unexecuted simulation log management information 81D. That is, the calculation unit 13 repeats the process until the process of step S404 or S405 is performed on all the log management information 81D for simulation generated by the process of step S402.

  If the calculation unit 13 determines that processing has been performed on all simulation log management information 81D (step S406: YES), post-processing is performed (step S407). Note that this processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 14 during simulation.

  As described above, the calculation unit 13 generates the intermediate data D2 for simulation as shown in FIG. 22 as the total result of the power consumption amount at the time of the device state / device operation after the replacement within the report period.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the intermediate data D2 for simulation according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 22, when the input of the alternative device “MFP C” is received, the calculation unit 13 generates the simulation based on the log management information 81D for simulation shown in FIG. 21 and the power consumption management information 70D shown in FIG. An example of intermediate data D2 is shown.

  For example, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D2a by the processing of steps S3058 and S3059 for the sleep state log of the model “MFP C” changed as the log management information 81D for simulation. Further, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D2b through the processing of steps S3058 and S3059 with respect to the sleep state log of the model “MFP B” recorded in the log management information 81D for simulation. Further, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D2c by the processing of steps S3056 and S3057 with respect to the state log when the model “fluorescent lamp XYZ” is recorded, which is recorded in the log management information 81D for simulation. Further, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D2d by the processing of steps S3042 and S3043 for the operation log at the time of printing of the model “MFP C” changed as the log management information 81D for simulation. Further, the calculation unit 13 generates intermediate data D2e by the processing of steps S3073 and S3074 for the standby state log of the model “MFP C” changed as the log management information 81D for simulation.

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, the report generation unit 15 performs a report generation process based on the intermediate data D1 corresponding to the current device usage generated by the calculation unit 13 and the simulation intermediate data D2 (intermediate data corresponding to the alternative device usage). (Step S408).

  As a result, the report generation unit 15 can visually compare the power consumption when using the current device and the alternative device in the entire user environment (predetermined that the current power consumption and each power consumption after simulation can be compared). Generate a report file (modified into proposal information).

  In this way, the report generation unit 15 generates a report file (suggested information) as shown in FIG. 23 that can visually compare the power consumption when using the device before and after replacement in the entire user environment. To do.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of report data before and after substitution according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23A shows a table or graph generated by the report generation unit 15 by calculating the total amount of power consumption in the current period (before replacement) and the total amount of power consumption after replacement in the report period, and generating the calculation results. An example report by is shown. The above calculation is performed based on the intermediate data D1 corresponding to the current device usage shown in FIG. 15 and the simulation intermediate data D2 (intermediate data corresponding to the alternative device usage) shown in FIG. In an alternative proposal based on such a report, the target value for cost reduction is presented ("broken line" in the figure), and the specific reduction effect by the alternative proposal (in the figure, "expected reduction effect exceeding the cost reduction target") ]) Can be visually confirmed.

  Also, in FIG. 23B, the report generation unit 15 calculates the total of the current power consumption (before substitution) and the total power consumption after substitution for each time zone (usage time zone) within the report period. The example of the report by the table | surface or the graph produced | generated from the calculation result is shown. The above calculation is performed based on the intermediate data D1 corresponding to the current device usage shown in FIG. 15 and the simulation intermediate data D2 (intermediate data corresponding to the alternative device usage) shown in FIG. In such an alternative proposal based on the report, a specific time zone (between “17: 45-18: 00” in the figure) that has a high reduction effect due to the replacement of the used device can be visually confirmed.

  As described above, the management apparatus 100 changes the corresponding information item value in the log recorded within the report period with the replacement information (replaces the value) based on the replacement information such as the model change and the state / operation change. Next, the management apparatus 100 generates intermediate data D2 corresponding to the use of the alternative device as the total result of the power consumption for each device state / device operation of the changed log. Next, the management apparatus 100 uses the intermediate data D1 corresponding to the current device usage and the intermediate data D2 corresponding to the alternative device usage, and the power consumption during the device usage before and after the substitution in the entire user environment. Are processed and generated into visually comparable information.

  As a result, the management apparatus 100 can grasp how the electronic device 200 is used in the entire user environment (how the power is consumed), and what is the current consumption of the power consumption? I can suggest specific improvements.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the log acquisition unit 11 receives the state / operation log of the electronic device 200a and records it in the log management information holding unit 80. In addition, the management apparatus 100 generates a status log of the electronic device 200b by using the log generation unit 12 and records it in the log management information holding unit 80. In the management apparatus 100, the calculation unit 13 calculates the power consumption (current value) within a predetermined period associated with the current device usage based on the recorded state / operation log. In addition, the management apparatus 100 realizes the device state by using the simulation unit 14 instead of an alternative device that can realize the device state recorded in the log / can perform the recorded device operation / the device. Simulate the case where the operation is performed. At this time, the management device 100 calculates the expected power consumption (predicted value) within a predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device, based on the simulation result (estimated value) by the calculating unit 13. As a result, the management apparatus 100 performs the following processing using the report generation unit 15. In other words, the amount of power consumption within the specified period associated with the current device usage in the entire user environment and the estimated amount of power consumption within the predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device (total value of each power consumption before and after replacement in the entire user environment) Generate a visually comparable report and provide it to the user.

  Thereby, the management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide an environment in which an optimization plan for realizing cost reduction in consideration of device use in the entire user environment can be visualized. As a result, the user can specifically know where to improve in the entire user environment with respect to the current problem related to cost reduction, and can take an appropriate and effective response.

  Up to this point, the above embodiment has been described. Note that the “management function” according to the above-described embodiment is an arithmetic unit (CPU 106) of the management apparatus 100 in which a program obtained by coding each processing procedure described with reference to the drawings in a programming language suitable for the operating environment (platform). It is realized by executing.

  The program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium 103a. Thereby, the program can be installed in the management apparatus 100 via the external I / F 103. Further, since the management apparatus 100 includes the communication I / F 107, the program can be downloaded and installed using an electric communication line.

[Modification 1]
Moreover, although the management apparatus 100 demonstrated the structure which has the log production | generation part 12 in the said embodiment, it is not this limitation. In the first modification, a configuration in which an apparatus different from the management apparatus 100 includes the log generation unit 12 is proposed.

<System configuration>
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management system 1010 according to the first modification. FIG. 24 shows a system configuration example in which one or a plurality of electronic devices 200, the management device 100, and the log generation device 300 are connected to the data transmission path N.

  The log generation device 300 is a device having a log generation function (log generation unit). The log generation device 300 is a device having hardware as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the log generation device 300 according to the first modification. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the log generation device 300 includes substantially the same hardware as the management device 100 illustrated in FIG. 2, and changes in the current of the electronic device 200b that cannot be notified of the status / operation log by itself. In order to detect this, an ammeter AM is provided for each electronic device 200b. Further, the log generation device 300 includes a communication I / F 107 in order to transmit the generated log data to the management device 100.

  In the log generation device 300, the program installed (installed) in the device 300 is read from the storage device (ROM 105) to the memory (RAM 104) by the arithmetic device (CPU 106) due to the hardware configuration described above. The log generation function is realized by executing the processing. The program installed in the log generation device 300 is software that implements a log generation function.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The management system 1010 according to the present embodiment provides, for example, the following service with the above-described device configuration.

  The management apparatus 100 records the status / operation log of the electronic device 200 in a predetermined storage area. At this time, the management apparatus 100 records the log data received from the electronic device 200a. In addition, when the current change of the electronic device 200b is confirmed, the log generation device 300 generates log data corresponding to the change, and transmits the generated log data to the management device 100. In response to this, the management apparatus 100 records the log data of the electronic device 200b received from the log generation apparatus 300.

  That is, the management apparatus 100 according to the first modification directly acquires log data of the electronic device 200a that can notify the state / operation log by itself. On the other hand, the management apparatus 100 acquires, via the log generation apparatus 300, log data of the electronic device 200b that cannot notify the state / operation log by itself.

  Next, when the management apparatus 100 receives an input designation of a report period via a predetermined interface, the power consumption amount (current value) within the report period associated with the current device usage is based on the recorded state / operation log. Calculate In addition, when the management apparatus 100 receives an input designation of an alternative device that can realize the device state recorded as a log / can perform the recorded device operation via a predetermined interface, the management device 100 performs the following processing. Do. That is, the case where the device state is realized instead of the designated device / the case where the device operation is performed is simulated. Based on the simulation result, the management apparatus 100 calculates the expected power consumption (predicted value) within the report period associated with the use of the alternative device.

  As a result, the management apparatus 100 generates a report in which the power consumption within the report period associated with the current device usage in the entire user environment and the expected power consumption within the report period associated with the use of the alternative device can be visually compared. To do. Thus, for example, a report generated in response to the request is displayed on the screen of the PC 200a1 that is the user's information terminal.

<Management function>
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management function according to the first modification. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the log generation device 300 includes a log generation unit 12. The log generation unit 12 monitors (monitors) the electronic device 200b and confirms (detects) a change in state from the monitoring result, and generates log data corresponding to the confirmed state.

  The above operation by the log generation unit 12 is realized by the function and device management information 90D shown in FIG.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the log generation unit 12 according to the first modification. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the log generation unit 12 includes a monitor 121, a state holding unit 122, and a log transmission unit 123. When the monitor 121 acquires a current value from each ammeter AM and detects a change in current, the monitor 121 refers to the ammeter management information 90D1 and specifies the correspondence between the ammeter AM that has detected the current change and the electronic device 200b. The model information of the electronic device 200b is acquired. The monitor 121 refers to the state management information 90D2 based on the acquired model information, specifies the correspondence between the current value and state of the electronic device 200b, and current information having a value closest to the current value acquired as a monitoring result. Get status information corresponding to. Based on the acquired state information (current state) and the state information (state before current change) of the corresponding electronic device 200b confirmed from the previous monitoring result held in the state holding unit 122, the monitor 121 Check whether the state has changed from the state before the current change. Upon confirming the state change, the monitor 121 generates log data including the state change date and time, the model name of the corresponding electronic device 200b, the identifier of the corresponding electronic device 200b, the state content, and the like. The log transmission unit 123 transmits the generated log data to the management apparatus 100.

  As described above, the log generation unit 12 performs the following processing based on the device management information 90D by the function of the monitor 121. In other words, log data of the corresponding electronic device 200 b that has detected a change in state is generated, and the log data of the electronic device 200 b is transmitted to the management apparatus 100 by the function of the log transmission unit 123.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In the management apparatus 100, the log acquisition unit 11 receives the log data of the electronic device 200a, and records / holds the state / operation log of the electronic device 200a in the log management information holding unit 80. In the management apparatus 100, the log acquisition unit 11 receives the log data generated by the log generation unit 12, and records / holds the status log of the electronic device 200 b in the log management information holding unit 80. As a result, a new information set corresponding to the log data is generated in the log management information 80D, and the state / operation log of the electronic device 200 is recorded in the order of state occurrence / operation time.

  As described above, according to the management device 100 according to the first modification, the log acquisition unit 11 receives the state / operation log of the electronic device 200a and records it in the log management information holding unit 80. In addition, the management apparatus 100 receives the status log of the electronic device 200 b transmitted from the log generation apparatus 300 by the log acquisition unit 11 and records it in the log management information holding unit 80. In the management apparatus 100, the calculation unit 13 calculates the power consumption (current value) within a predetermined period associated with the current device usage based on the recorded state / operation log. In addition, the management apparatus 100 realizes the device state by using the simulation unit 14 instead of an alternative device that can realize the device state recorded in the log / can perform the recorded device operation / the device. Simulate the case where the operation is performed. At this time, the management apparatus 100 uses the calculation unit 13 to calculate the predicted power consumption (predicted value) within a predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device based on the simulation result. As a result, the management apparatus 100 uses the report generation unit 15 to visually calculate the power consumption within a predetermined period associated with the current device usage in the entire user environment and the expected power consumption within the predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device. Generate comparable reports and provide them to users.

  As described above, the management device 100 according to the first modification can achieve the same effect as that of the above embodiment.

  Further, in the first modification, a function of acquiring log data from the electronic device 200a capable of notifying the state / operation log by the own device and log data of the electronic device 200b not capable of notifying the state / operation log by the own device are generated. This function is realized by a different device. Thereby, in the first modification, it is possible to distribute the processing load and to construct a flexible system. For example, in the first modification, a log generation device 300 can be installed on each floor of a business office, and a system that can communicate with the management device 100 can be constructed. In the case where the management apparatus 100 has a configuration including the log generation unit 12, all the electronic devices 200b installed in the office need to be connected to the ammeter AM included in the management apparatus 100, and wiring is complicated. On the other hand, in the first modification, the number of electronic devices 200b to be managed is distributed by arranging the log generation devices 300 at a plurality of locations, so that a complicated system can be constructed without requiring complicated wiring. Become.

[Modification 2]
Moreover, although the management apparatus 100 demonstrated the structure which has the log acquisition part 11 and the log production | generation part 12 in the said embodiment, it is not this limitation. In the second modification, a configuration in which an apparatus different from the management apparatus 100 includes the log acquisition unit 11 and the log generation unit 12 is proposed.

<System configuration>
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management system 1020 according to the second modification. FIG. 28 shows a system configuration example in which one or a plurality of electronic devices 200, a management device 100, and a log transfer device 400 (history information transfer device) are connected to the data transmission path N.

  The log transfer device 400 is a device having a log acquisition function (log acquisition unit) and a log generation function (log generation unit). The log transfer device 400 is a device provided with substantially the same hardware as the log generation device 300 shown in FIG. In the log transfer device 400, a program installed (installed) in the device 400 is read from the storage device (ROM) onto the memory (RAM) by the arithmetic device (CPU), and the processing is executed. Log acquisition and log generation functions are realized. The program installed in the log transfer device 400 is software that implements a log acquisition / log generation function.

  The management system 1020 according to the present embodiment provides the following service, for example, with the above device configuration.

  The management apparatus 100 records the status / operation log of the electronic device 200 in a predetermined storage area. At this time, the log transfer device 400 transmits the log data received from the electronic device 200a to the management device 100. In addition, when the current change of the electronic device 200b is confirmed, the log transfer device 400 generates log data corresponding to the change, and transmits the generated log data to the management device 100. In response to this, the management apparatus 100 records the log data of the electronic device 200 received from the log transfer apparatus 400.

  That is, the management apparatus 100 according to the second modification obtains the log data of the electronic devices 200a and 200b via the log transfer apparatus 400.

  Next, when the management apparatus 100 receives an input designation of a report period via a predetermined interface, the power consumption amount (current value) within the report period associated with the current device usage is based on the recorded state / operation log. Calculate In addition, when the management apparatus 100 receives an input designation of an alternative device that can realize the device state recorded as a log / can perform the recorded device operation via a predetermined interface, the management device 100 performs the following processing. Do. That is, the case where the device state is realized instead of the designated device / the case where the device operation is performed is simulated. Based on the simulation result, the management apparatus 100 calculates the expected power consumption (predicted value) within the report period associated with the use of the alternative device.

  As a result, the management apparatus 100 generates a report in which the power consumption within the report period associated with the current device usage in the entire user environment and the expected power consumption within the report period associated with the use of the alternative device can be visually compared. To do. Thus, for example, a report generated in response to the request is displayed on the screen of the PC 100a1 that is the user's information terminal.

<Management function>
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management function according to the second modification. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the log transfer device 400 includes a log acquisition unit 11 and a log generation unit 12. The log acquisition unit 11 acquires the status / operation log by receiving the log data notified from the electronic device 200a. The log generation unit 12 monitors (monitors) the electronic device 200b and confirms (detects) a change in state from the monitoring result, and generates log data corresponding to the confirmed state. The log generation unit 12 passes the generated log data to the log acquisition unit 11. The log acquisition unit 11 transmits the log data acquired in this way to the management apparatus 100.

  The management device 100 includes a log receiving unit 16. The log receiving unit 16 is a functional unit that receives the state / operation log of the electronic device 200 notified from the log transfer device 400. The log receiving unit 16 receives the log data of the electronic device 200 transmitted from the log acquisition unit 11, and records / holds the state / operation log of the electronic device 200 in the log management information holding unit 80. As a result, a new information set corresponding to the log data is generated in the log management information 80D, and the state / operation log of the electronic device 200 is recorded in the order of state occurrence / operation time.

  As described above, according to the management device 100 according to the second modification, the log acquisition unit 11 receives the operation / status log of the electronic device 200 transmitted from the log transfer device 400, and the log management information holding unit 80. To record. In the management apparatus 100, the calculation unit 13 calculates the power consumption (current value) within a predetermined period associated with the current device usage based on the recorded state / operation log. In addition, the management apparatus 100 realizes the device state by using the simulation unit 14 instead of an alternative device that can realize the device state recorded in the log / can perform the recorded device operation / the device. Simulate the case where the operation is performed. At this time, the management apparatus 100 uses the calculation unit 13 to calculate the predicted power consumption (predicted value) within a predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device based on the simulation result. As a result, the management apparatus 100 uses the report generation unit 15 to visually calculate the power consumption within a predetermined period associated with the current device usage in the entire user environment and the expected power consumption within the predetermined period associated with the use of the alternative device. Generate comparable reports and provide them to users.

  Thus, the management apparatus 100 according to the second modification can achieve the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

  In the second modification, a function for generating / acquiring log data from the electronic device 200 and a function for generating a report including an optimization plan for realizing cost reduction in consideration of device usage in the entire user environment; Are realized by different devices. Thereby, in the second modification, it is possible to distribute the processing load and to construct a flexible system. For example, in the second modification, a log transfer device 400 can be installed on each floor of a business office, and a system that can communicate with the management device 100 can be constructed. In the case where the management apparatus 100 is configured to include the log acquisition unit 11 and the log generation unit 12, the management apparatus 100 performs an aggregation process on all the electronic devices 200 installed in the business office. As the number increases, the processing load also increases. On the other hand, in the second modification, the log acquisition / log generation processing for the electronic device 200 to be managed is distributed by arranging the log transfer device 400 at a plurality of locations, and the processing load on the management device 100 is reduced. . Further, for example, in the second modification, wide-area service provision can be realized by installing the log transfer device 400 on the user side and the management device 100 on the service providing side.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Log acquisition part 12 Log generation part 121 Monitor 122 State holding part 123 Log transmission part 13 Calculation part 14 Simulation part 15 Report generation part 16 Log reception part 70 Power consumption management information holding part (D: Power consumption management information)
80 Log management information holding unit (D: log management information)
90 Device management information holding unit (D: Device management information)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Management apparatus 200 Electronic device 300 Log generation apparatus 400 Log transfer apparatus 1000,1010,1020 Management system

JP 2010-097391 A

Claims (17)

And history information from the first electronic device that can be notified to history information, an acquisition unit for acquiring the history information of the second electronic device can not be notified of the history information by the own apparatus,
Calculation means for calculating power consumption for a predetermined period using the first and second electronic devices based on the acquired history information;
Possess and output means for outputting the power consumption of the calculated predetermined time period, a management device for managing electronic device via a network,
History when the state of the second electronic device used with the second electronic device is changed from the state before the change of the current value when a change in the current value of the second electronic device is detected A history information generating device for generating information,
Wherein the acquisition unit of the management apparatus, the management system, characterized in that the history information of the second electronic device, to get through the history information generating device. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the history information generation device generates history information corresponding to a state of the second electronic device obtained from a monitoring result of the second electronic device. The expected power consumption for a predetermined period when the contents of the history information are realized by using another first electronic device or second electronic device instead of the first electronic device or the second electronic device. The management system according to claim 2, further comprising trial calculation means for performing trial calculation. The history information generation device includes:
4. The management system according to claim 3, wherein the current value of the second electronic device is measured, and the state of the second electronic device is obtained based on the current value acquired by the measurement. The management device has history management information holding means for holding history management information for managing the history information,
The calculation means of the management device includes:
Based on the input period information, from the history management information, obtain a state history and / or operation history corresponding to the specified period, calculate the power consumption of the specified period corresponding to the device state of the state history, 5. The management system according to claim 3, wherein the power consumption amount for a specified period corresponding to the device operation of the operation history is calculated. The management device includes type information indicating a type of history content of the history information, power consumption per predetermined time corresponding to the device status and / or power consumption per predetermined processing corresponding to the device operation, Including power consumption management information holding means for holding power consumption management information including a predetermined storage area,
The calculation means of the management device includes:
Based on the type information included in the state history, from the power consumption management information, to obtain the power consumption per predetermined time corresponding to the device state of the state history, the acquired power consumption per predetermined time and the 6. The management system according to claim 5, wherein a power consumption amount in a designated period corresponding to the device state in the state history is calculated based on the designated period. The calculation means of the management device includes:
Based on the type information included in the operation history, the power consumption information per predetermined process corresponding to the device operation of the operation history is acquired from the power consumption management information, and the acquired power consumption per predetermined process and the The management system according to claim 6, wherein the power consumption amount for a specified period corresponding to the device operation in the operation history is calculated based on the content of the device operation included in the operation history. The management device has history management information holding means for holding history management information for managing the history information,
The trial calculation means of the management device is:
The state history and / or operation history corresponding to the specified period is acquired from the history management information based on the input period information, and the acquired state history and / or operation history is acquired based on the input alternative information. 8. The estimated power consumption is estimated based on the changed state history and / or the operation history by replacing the replacement target value included in the replacement information value. The management system according to claim 1 . The trial calculation means of the management device is:
Calculation of power consumption for a specified period corresponding to the changed device state of the state history and / or consumption of a specified period corresponding to the changed device operation of the operation history for the calculation means of the management device The management system according to claim 8, wherein calculation of the amount of electric power is instructed, and the expected power consumption is calculated. The output means of the management device includes:
A proposal capable of comparing the power consumption for a predetermined period using the first and second electronic devices with the predicted power consumption based on the calculated value by the calculating means and the estimated value by the trial calculating means of the management device Information is output, The management system as described in any one of Claims 3-9 characterized by the above-mentioned. The output means of the management device includes:
The proposal information which can compare the power consumption of the predetermined period using the said 1st and 2nd electronic device and the said predicted power consumption for every model of the said electronic device is output. The management system described. The output means of the management device includes:
The proposal information which can compare the power consumption of the predetermined period using the said 1st and 2nd electronic device and the said predicted power consumption for every utilization time zone of the said electronic device is output. The management system according to 10 or 11. A program that causes a computer to function as a management device that manages electronic devices via a network,
And history information of the history information from the first electronic device that can be notified, the process of acquiring the history information of the second electronic device can not be notified of the history information by the own apparatus,
Based on the acquired history information, a process of calculating power consumption for a predetermined period using the first and second electronic devices;
A process of outputting the calculated power consumption for the predetermined period ;
A process of generating history information when the state of the second electronic device when the change of the current value of the second electronic device is detected has changed from the state before the change of the current value , A program that is executed by the computer ,
Of the processes for acquiring the history information, the process for acquiring the history information of the second electronic device is a process for acquiring the history information generated by the process of generating the history information . And history information from the first electronic device that can be notified to history information, an acquisition unit for acquiring the history information of the second electronic device can not be notified of the history information by the own apparatus,
The expected power consumption for a predetermined period when the contents of the history information are realized by using another first electronic device or second electronic device instead of the first electronic device or the second electronic device. A trial calculation means for trial calculation;
Possess and output means for outputting the power consumption estimates have been the predetermined period, a management device for managing electronic device via a network,
History when the state of the second electronic device used with the second electronic device is changed from the state before the change of the current value when a change in the current value of the second electronic device is detected A history information generating device for generating information,
Wherein the acquisition unit of the management apparatus, the management system, characterized in that the history information of the second electronic device, to get through the history information generating device. A program that causes a computer to function as a management device that manages electronic devices via a network,
And history information of the history information from the first electronic device that can be notified, the process of acquiring the history information of the second electronic device can not be notified of the history information by the own apparatus,
The expected power consumption for a predetermined period when the content of the history information is realized by using another first electronic device or second electronic device instead of the first electronic device or the second electronic device. A trial calculation,
A process of outputting the estimated power consumption for the predetermined period ;
A process of generating history information when the state of the second electronic device when the change of the current value of the second electronic device is detected has changed from the state before the change of the current value ; A program that is executed by the computer ,
Of the processes for acquiring the history information, the process for acquiring the history information of the second electronic device is a process for acquiring the history information generated by the process of generating the history information . And history information from the first electronic device that can be notified to history information, the history information includes an acquisition means for acquiring the history information of the second electronic device can not be notified by the own apparatus, the electronic apparatus via the network A management device to manage,
History when the state of the second electronic device used with the second electronic device is changed from the state before the change of the current value when a change in the current value of the second electronic device is detected A history information generating device for generating information,
The acquisition unit of the management device acquires the history information of the second electronic device via the history information generation device,
The history information generation device includes:
Processing for obtaining information on the current of the second electronic device from the second electronic device;
Processing for generating history information corresponding to the acquired information about the current of the second electronic device;
Management system, characterized in that the generated history information and a process of transmitting to said management apparatus. A program that causes a computer to function as a management device that manages electronic devices via a network,
And history information of the history information from the first electronic device that can be notified, the process of acquiring the history information of the second electronic device can not be notified of the history information by the own apparatus,
A process of generating history information when the state of the second electronic device when the change of the current value of the second electronic device is detected has changed from the state before the change of the current value ; A program that is executed by the computer ,
The process of acquiring the history information of the second electronic device among the processes of acquiring the history information is a process of acquiring the history information generated by the process of generating the history information,
The process of generating the history information includes
Processing for obtaining information on the current of the second electronic device from the second electronic device;
A program characterized by including a process of generating the acquired second history information corresponding to the current information on the electronic device.

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