Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, control method and storage medium

Abstract

This disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium. The information processing apparatus is configured to receive job history from the image forming apparatus, which performs jobs to form an image on a recording medium. The job history includes information about print jobs that have been successfully completed and information about related jobs associated with the successfully completed print jobs. The information processing apparatus calculates a first amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during the successfully completed print job and a second amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during the related job. The information processing apparatus adds the first amount of carbon dioxide emissions and the second amount of carbon dioxide emissions and stores the sum of the first amount of carbon dioxide emissions and the second amount of carbon dioxide emissions as the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with the successfully completed print job.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium for calculating the environmental impact of producing printed products. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been made to visualize environmental impacts by calculating emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. In the field of image forming apparatus, printing machines consume electricity and use raw materials such as ink and toner to produce printing materials; therefore, techniques have been developed to calculate the amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide emitted in this process. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-021414 discloses a technique that determines the amounts of colored materials, sheets, and electricity used based on original data for image forming and job information defining the image forming mode, and calculates the environmental impact value of the image forming process used for printing based on this information.

[0003] In commercial and industrial printing, the printing process typically involves adjusting the paper type before image formation, using the same type of paper as the actual paper used for printing. However, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) calculations in the aforementioned conventional techniques do not take this adjustment into account. Furthermore, in commercial and industrial printing, it is common practice to inspect printed results, and when defects are found, the printed material is discarded instead of treated as a finished product. Conventional techniques do not consider these inspections and disposal processes when calculating EIA values.

[0004] In other words, in conventional techniques, the amount of colored materials, sheets, and electricity used during conditioning or image formation that result in discarded prints is not included in the calculation of environmental load values ​​related to product creation, and therefore, highly accurate environmental load values ​​cannot be obtained. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments described herein relate to a technology capable of calculating carbon dioxide emissions with high accuracy based on all the working information required to obtain a printed product using an image forming apparatus.

[0006] In one embodiment, the information processing apparatus is configured to receive a job history from an image forming apparatus that performs jobs to form an image on a recording medium. The job history includes information about print jobs that have been successfully completed and information about related jobs associated with the successfully completed print jobs. The information processing apparatus includes one or more processors and at least one memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to operate. The operation includes calculating a first amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during the successful completion of a print job and calculating a second amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during the performance of a related job. The operation further includes adding the first and second carbon dioxide emissions and storing the sum of the first and second carbon dioxide emissions as a total amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with the successfully completed print job.

[0007] In another embodiment, the image forming apparatus is configured to perform jobs to form an image on a recording medium and to store a history of jobs. The history includes information about print jobs that have been successfully completed and information about related jobs associated with those successfully completed print jobs. The image forming apparatus includes one or more processors and at least one memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to operate. The operation includes calculating a first amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during a successfully completed print job and calculating a second amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during a related job. The operation further includes adding the first and second carbon dioxide emissions and storing the sum of the first and second carbon dioxide emissions as the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with the successfully completed print job.

[0008] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a network structure diagram illustrating the overall structure of a print environmental load calculation system according to the first embodiment, including an environmental load calculation server as an information processing device.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image forming apparatus shown is a mechanical cross-sectional view.

[0011] Figure 3A and Figure 3BThis is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the various devices in the printing environment load calculation system.

[0012] Figure 4A This is an example diagram showing a work history screen displaying the history of operations calculated by the image forming apparatus based on environmental load.

[0013] Figure 4B This is an example diagram showing a detailed calculation results screen according to the first embodiment, which calculates the carbon dioxide emissions of the selected operation and displays the detailed calculation results.

[0014] Figure 4C This is an example of a screen showing a list of calculation results for carbon dioxide emissions.

[0015] Figures 5A to 5C This is a diagram showing the structure of job history information sent to the environmental load calculation server.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the software architecture of an environmental load calculation processing application operating on an environmental load calculation server.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of acquiring and processing historical job information.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of selecting the target job.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of calculating carbon dioxide emissions.

[0020] Figure 10A This is an example diagram showing a screen displaying detailed calculation results according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10B This is an example diagram showing the calculation results of the segmented screen. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Example embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to embodiments that include all such features, and various combinations and variations thereof may be appropriately made therein.

[0023] First Embodiment Figure 1 This is a network structure diagram showing the overall structure of a print environmental load calculation system 1 according to the first embodiment, which includes an environmental load calculation server as an information processing device.

[0024] The printing environmental load calculation system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an environmental load calculation server 102 connected to each other via a network 100.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 101 receives a printing instruction from an external source via a network 100, feeds a sheet (recording medium) based on the received printing data and printing settings, forms an image on the sheet to generate a printed product, and discharges the printed product, thereby performing printing.

[0026] The environmental load calculation server 102 is a device that calculates the amount of environmental load associated with the printed products generated through the operation of the image forming apparatus 101. When processing in response to a print instruction, the environmental load calculation server 102 receives job history information from the image forming apparatus 101 via the network 100. The environmental load calculation server 102 calculates the environmental load based on the job history information.

[0027] Although Figure 1 The illustration shows a configuration in which only the image forming apparatus 101 performs printing in the printing environmental load calculation system 1, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, multiple image forming apparatuses having the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 101 can be connected to the environmental load calculation server 102 via network 100, and the environmental load calculation server 102 can calculate the environmental load associated with the printed products produced by these apparatuses. In the following description, when multiple such image forming apparatuses exist, the term "image forming apparatus 101" is collectively referred to as them, and each individual image forming apparatus is distinguished by a letter suffix (e.g., image forming apparatus 101a).

[0028] Figure 2 This is a mechanical cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 101. Various devices with different functions are connected to the image forming apparatus 101, thereby enabling complex printing processes.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a printer 105, an inserter 106, an inspection device 107, a high-capacity stacker 108, and a sorter 109.

[0030] Printer 105 is a device configured to form an image to be printed on a sheet.

[0031] Printer 105 includes scanner 200, sheet feed tables 201 and 202, sheet transport paths 203, 212, 214 and 215, developing stations 204 to 207, liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 208, intermediate transfer belt 209, and secondary transfer roller 210. Printer 105 also includes fixing device 211, second fixing device 213, sheet flipping path 216, and double-sided transport path 217.

[0032] In printer 105, a toner image is formed on a sheet conveyed from sheet feed tables 201 and 202 located at the bottom. Although an example of forming an image on a sheet of paper is described here, any printing medium other than paper can be used.

[0033] Scanner 200 internally includes an original exposure unit 309 with an original placement area, an exposure lamp, and a CCD camera (see...). Figure 3A The scanner 200 reads the original document data from the original.

[0034] Sheet feeders 201 and 202 are capable of storing various types of sheets. Information about the sheets stored in each sheet feeder 201 and 202 (such as sheet size and sheet type) can be set from the LCD panel 208 of the printer 105. Each of the sheet feeders 201 and 202 is configured to separate only the topmost sheet from the stored sheet and convey that topmost sheet to the sheet transport path 203.

[0035] Developing stations 204 to 207 use color toners of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) to form toner images, respectively, to create color images. Each of developing stations 204 to 207 includes a laser exposure unit 310 with a photosensitive drum, a laser driver, and a multifaceted mirror, and an image forming unit 311 with a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a toner supply unit. The toner image formed in the developing station is transferred once onto an intermediate transfer belt 209 that rotates clockwise as shown, and then transferred a second time by a secondary transfer roller 210 onto a sheet conveyed via a sheet transport path 203.

[0036] The LCD panel 208 includes an operation unit 307 and a display 308 (described later). The LCD panel 208 displays information related to the printing status and settings of the image forming apparatus 101 and receives various user operations.

[0037] The fixing device 211 internally includes a fixing unit 312 with pressure rollers and heating rollers. As the sheet passes between the rollers, the toner on the sheet is melted and pressurized, thereby fixing the toner image onto the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 211 is conveyed to the sheet conveying path 215 via the sheet conveying path 212.

[0038] When further melting and pressurization are required for fixing depending on the type of sheet, the sheet, after passing through fixing device 211, is conveyed to second fixing device 213 via sheet transport paths 212 and 214. Second fixing device 213 has the same construction as fixing device 211 and applies additional melting and pressurization to the toner on the conveyed sheet. Thereafter, the sheet that has passed through second fixing device 213 is conveyed to sheet transport path 215 via sheet transport path 214.

[0039] In the double-sided image forming mode, after passing through the fixing device 211, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet transport path 212 to the sheet flipping path 216, where it is flipped. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided transport path 217, where the secondary transfer roller 210 transfers the second image onto the sheet.

[0040] Insertor 106 is a device configured to insert insert sheet (second recording medium) and is capable of inserting sheet at any position into a sheet set printed and conveyed by printer 105.

[0041] Insertor 106 includes an inserter tray 221 and a sheet transport path 222. Insertor 106 transports sheets from inserter tray 221 to sheet transport path 215 via sheet transport path 222, merging them with the sheet sequence transported from printer 105. Therefore, insertor 106 can insert sheets at any desired location in the sheet sequence and transport the resulting sheet group to subsequent devices. Sheets that have passed through insertor 106 are transported to inspection device 107.

[0042] The inspection device 107 is a device configured to read an image on a sheet (printed material or printed product) that has been printed and transmitted, compare the read image with the image to be printed, and check whether the printing has been performed correctly.

[0043] A sheet transport path 233 is provided inside the inspection equipment 107, and cameras 231 and 232 are arranged facing each other across the sheet transport path 233.

[0044] Camera 231 is a camera for reading the upper surface of the sheet being conveyed along the sheet conveying path 233, and camera 232 is a camera for reading the lower surface of the sheet being conveyed along the sheet conveying path 233.

[0045] When the sheet conveyed along the sheet conveyor path 233 reaches the predetermined position, the inspection device 107 checks whether the image has been correctly printed by the printer 105 by reading the image on the sheet using cameras 231 and 232. Defective or problematic printouts are determined to be defective and are discharged separately from normal printouts.

[0046] The high-capacity stacker 108 is a device capable of stacking large quantities of sheets.

[0047] The high-capacity stacker 108 includes a stacking tray 241, sheet conveying paths 244, 245, 247 and 248, an discharge tray 246 and a flipping unit 249.

[0048] Stacking tray 241 is used to stack sheets (prints) that have been determined to be normal as a result of inspection by inspection device 107. The sheets that have passed through inspection device 107 are conveyed to mass stacker 108 via sheet conveying path 244. The sheets are then conveyed from sheet conveying path 244 via sheet conveying path 245 and stacked on stacking tray 241.

[0049] The discharge tray 246 is used to discharge prints that have been determined to be defective as a result of inspection by the inspection device 107. When output to the discharge tray 246, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet conveying path 244 to the discharge tray 246 via the sheet conveying path 247.

[0050] When post-processing is required on normal sheets (printed material), the sheets that have passed through inspection equipment 107 are conveyed from sheet conveying path 244 through sheet conveying path 248 to the downstream finisher 109.

[0051] The flipping unit 249 is a device configured to flip sheets. When double-sided printed sheets are stacked on the stacking tray 241, the flipping unit 249 flips the sheets once so that the orientation of the sheets during stacking matches the orientation of the sheets during feeding from one of the sheet feeders 201 and 202. The flipping operation of the flipping unit 249 is not performed when the sheets are conveyed to the discharge tray 246 or downstream post-processing equipment and discharged as is without being flipped for stacking.

[0052] The sorter 109 is an online sorter configured to apply user-specified sorting processes to conveyed sheets. Specifically, the sorter 109 includes sorting units, such as a processing unit 255 for binding (single or double staples) or punching (double or triple punching), and a saddle stitching processing unit 256 for saddle stitching to achieve the sorting function. Additionally, the sorter 109 includes sheet discharge trays 251 and 252, sheet conveying paths 253, 254, and 257, and a saddle stitching tray 258.

[0053] Sheet conveying path 253 is the conveying path that transfers sheets from the high-capacity stacker 108 to the discharge tray 251. Note that sheets conveyed by sheet conveying path 253 cannot be subjected to finishing processes such as stapled binding.

[0054] Sheet transport path 254 is the transport path from the mass stacker 108 to the processing unit 255 when the sheet is to be processed, such as by binding.

[0055] The processing unit 255 performs user-specified sorting on the sheet and outputs the sorted sheet to the discharge tray 252.

[0056] Discharge trays 251 and 252 are each vertically movable. The user can operate the sorter 109 to lower the discharge tray 251 and stack the sheets sorted by the processing unit 255 onto the discharge tray 251.

[0057] The saddle stitching processing unit 256 is a processing unit to which the sheet material being transported from the mass stacker 108 is conveyed when saddle stitching is specified. The saddle stitching processing unit 256 performs stapleing at the center of the conveyed sheet material, folds the sheet material in half, and produces a saddle-stitched booklet.

[0058] Sheet conveying path 257 is the conveying path that conveys the sheet folded by the saddle stitching processing unit 256 to the saddle stitching tray 258.

[0059] The saddle stitching tray 258 has a belt conveyor structure, and the saddle stitching brochures stacked on the saddle stitching tray 258 are conveyed to the left.

[0060] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of each device (image forming apparatus 101 and environmental load calculation server 102) in the printing environmental load calculation system 1.

[0061] Figure 3A This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0062] First, the structure of the printer 105 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0063] Printer 105 includes a communication interface (I / F) 301, a LAN I / F 302, a video I / F 303, an HDD 304, a CPU 305, a memory 306, an operation unit 307, and a display 308. Printer 105 also includes an original document exposure unit 309, a laser exposure unit 310, an image forming unit 311, a fixing unit 312, and a sheet feeding unit 313. These components of printer 105 are communicatively connected to each other via a system bus 314.

[0064] The communication I / F 301 is connected to the inserter 106, the inspection device 107, the high-capacity stacker 108, and the sorter 109 via the communication cable 300, and communicates to control each of these devices.

[0065] LAN I / F 302 via network 100 (see Figure 1 The LAN I / F 302 is connected to a print server or information processing device (not shown) to receive print instructions. It is also connected to an environmental load calculation server 102 to transmit job history information and other data. The job ID used to identify the transmitted job history information can be assigned within the image forming apparatus 101, specified by the print server or information processing device, or set by user input. When a job is received from the print server or information processing device, job identifiers corresponding to the various steps involved in the production of the printed product can be stored in association with each other, or the same job ID can be used to issue job instructions.

[0066] The video I / F 303 is connected via a video cable to a PC or external controller (not shown) that generates images for printing, and transmits rasterized image data, etc.

[0067] HDD 304 is a storage device for storing programs and data. CPU 305 performs overall control of image processing and printing based on programs and other data stored in HDD 304. Memory 306 stores programs and image data required by CPU 305 for various processing tasks and serves as a work area.

[0068] The operation unit 307 is configured to receive various operations from the user. The display 308 displays various setting information of the image forming apparatus 101, the processing status of the job, etc.

[0069] When the user uses the copier or scanner functions of printer 105, the original document exposure unit 309 processes the original document. When the user places the sheet on the original document placement area of ​​scanner 200 and then provides a scan command via LCD panel 208, the original document exposure unit 309 illuminates the sheet on the original document placement area with an exposure lamp and captures an image using a CCD camera, thereby reading the original document data.

[0070] The laser exposure unit 310 is a device configured to perform a single charge and laser exposure to irradiate a photosensitive drum with a laser to transfer a toner image. In the laser exposure unit 310, firstly, the surface of the photosensitive drum is uniformly charged to a negative potential through a single charge. Next, a laser is emitted from a laser driver and reflected by a polygon mirror to adjust the reflection angle, thereby irradiating the photosensitive drum. As a result, the negative charge on the irradiated portion is neutralized, forming an electrostatic latent image. The image forming unit 311 is a device configured to transfer toner onto a sheet. Specifically, the image forming unit 311 includes a developing unit, a transfer unit, a toner supply unit, etc., and transfers toner from the photosensitive drum onto the sheet. In the developing unit, negatively charged toner supplied from the developing cylinder adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to form a visible image. In the transfer unit, a positive potential is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 209 to perform a single transfer to transfer toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the transfer belt. Then a positive potential is applied to the secondary transfer roller 210 to perform a secondary transfer for transferring the toner from the transfer belt to the sheet.

[0071] The fixing unit 312 is a device configured to melt and fix the toner onto the sheet using heat and pressure. The fixing unit 312 includes a pressure roller, a heating roller, etc.

[0072] The sheet feeding unit 313 includes a sheet conveying path 203 for feeding sheets from sheet feeding tables 201 and 202, and rollers and various sensors mounted along the sheet conveying path 203. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). The sheet feeding unit 313 controls the feeding and conveying of the sheet based on signals from these sensors.

[0073] Next, the construction of the inserter 106 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0074] Insertor 106 includes a communication I / F 321, a CPU 322, a memory 323, and a sheet feed control unit 324. These components are communicatively connected to each other via a system bus 320.

[0075] The communication I / F 321 is connected to the printer 105 via the communication cable 300 for communication required for control.

[0076] CPU 322 performs various controls required for sheet feeding based on the control program stored in memory 323. Memory 323 is a storage device that stores the control program of CPU 322. Sheet feeding control unit 324 controls the sheet feeding along inserter 106 based on instructions from CPU 322. Figure 2Rollers and various sensors (not shown) are installed in the sheet conveying path 222 of the inserter 106 to control the feeding and conveying of the sheet from the inserter tray 221 of the inserter 106 and from the printer 105.

[0077] Next, the construction of the inspection device 107 will be described.

[0078] The inspection device 107 includes a communication I / F 331, a CPU 332, a memory 333, and an imaging unit 334. These components are communicatively connected to each other via a system bus 330.

[0079] Communication I / F 331 is connected to printer 105 via communication cable 300 for communication required for control. CPU 332 checks various controls required according to the control program stored in memory 333.

[0080] Memory 333 is a storage device for storing the control program of CPU 332. The information stored in memory 333 is not limited to the control program. For example, if inspection device 107 also includes a LAN I / F and receives inspection control information sent from a server or PC connected to inspection device 107 via a LAN through the LAN I / F, the received inspection control information can be stored in memory 333.

[0081] Imaging unit 334 is configured to capture images of the transmitted sheet (printed material) based on instructions from CPU 332. CPU 332 analyzes the images captured by imaging unit 334 to inspect the printed material. The history of inspection results and setting information can be stored in memory 333, and when displayed on the operation screen, a reference image stored in memory 33 can be retrieved and displayed on the operation screen along with the reference image.

[0082] Next, the construction of the high-capacity stacker 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0083] The high-capacity stacker 108 includes a communication I / F 341, a CPU 342, a memory 343, and a sheet ejection control unit 344. These components are communicatively connected to each other via a system bus 340.

[0084] Communication I / F 341 is connected to printer 105 via communication cable 300 for communication required for control. CPU 342 performs various controls required for sheet ejection according to the control program stored in memory 343.

[0085] Memory 343 is a storage device for storing the control program of CPU 342.

[0086] The sheet discharge control unit 344 controls the transfer of the conveyed sheet to the downstream stacking tray 241, discharge tray 246 or sorter 109 based on instructions from the CPU 342.

[0087] Next, the structure of the organizer 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0088] The finisher 109 includes a communication I / F 351, a CPU 352, a memory 353, a sheet discharge control unit 354, and a finishing processing unit 355. These components are communicatively connected to each other via a system bus 350.

[0089] Communication I / F 351 is connected to printer 105 via communication cable 300 for communication required for control. CPU 352 performs various controls required for sorting and sheet ejection according to the control program stored in memory 353.

[0090] Memory 353 is a storage device for storing the control program of CPU 352.

[0091] The sheet discharge control unit 354 controls the conveying and discharge of the sheet based on instructions from the CPU 352.

[0092] The finishing processing unit 355 includes a processing unit 255, a saddle stitching processing unit 256, etc. The finishing processing unit 355 controls the finishing processing of the sheet (printed material) conveyed from the mass stacker 108, such as staple binding, punching and saddle stitching, based on instructions from the CPU 352.

[0093] Figure 3B This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the environmental load calculation server 102.

[0094] The environmental load computing server 102 includes a CPU 361, a memory 362, an HDD 363, a LAN I / F 364, an operation unit 365, and a display unit 366. These components are communicatively connected to each other via a system bus 367.

[0095] The CPU 361 comprehensively performs processes such as receiving job history information from the image forming apparatus 101 and calculating environmental load based on the programs and data stored in the HDD 363. The memory 362 stores the programs and data required by the CPU 361 to perform various processes and serves as a work area.

[0096] HDD 363 stores the programs and data required for operations such as printing. Operation unit 365 is a device configured to receive operation input from the user.

[0097] Display unit 366 displays video signals of still or moving images sent from CPU 361, which represent information such as that executed by the environmental load calculation server 102. LAN I / F 364 is connected to image forming apparatus 101 via network 100 for communication such as receiving job history information.

[0098] In the above description, the image forming apparatus 101 sends data required for printing to an information processing device such as a PC (not shown) and receives the data required for printing from the information processing device. The memories 306, 323, 333, 343, 353, and 362 can be any type of storage device capable of storing data and programs, and each can be replaced by, for example, volatile RAM, non-volatile ROM, internal HDD, external HDD, or USB memory.

[0099] Figures 4A to 4C An example of a screen related to environmental load calculation according to this embodiment is shown, which is displayed on the display unit 366 of the environmental load calculation server 102. These screens can also be displayed on the LCD panel 208 of the printer 105. Settings selected by the user through these screens are stored in the HDD 363 of the environmental load calculation server 102.

[0100] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing an example of a job history screen 400 that displays a job history list of jobs calculated by environmental load in the image forming apparatus 101.

[0101] In addition to the job history list, the job history screen 400 also includes a calculation settings button 403, a calculation results list button 404, a CO2 emission calculation button 405, and a button to select all related jobs 406.

[0102] In this embodiment, an example is described where only the image forming apparatus 101 performs printing in the printing environment load calculation system 1. Therefore, Figure 4A The image only shows the job history of image forming apparatus 101 (printer A). However, in the printing environment load calculation system 1, there may be two image forming apparatuses 101a and 101b as printing devices. In this case, the job history list includes the job history of image forming apparatus 101a (printer A) and image forming apparatus 101b (printer B).

[0103] The job history screen 400 displays a list of jobs whose environmental impact calculations have been completed. The history of each job displayed in the job history list includes information such as job number, equipment information, job type, job name, job end date and time, paper size, number of copies printed, number of pages printed, job results, and CO2 emissions during printing. The job number is a unique identifier for the job, the equipment information indicates the equipment used to perform the job, and the job name is the name assigned to the job. The job history list also includes a selection button 402 for selecting the job as the target for CO2 emission calculation and a job details button 401 for viewing more detailed job information for each displayed job.

[0104] The calculation settings button 403 is used to display the carbon dioxide emission calculation settings screen. When the calculation settings button 403 is selected, the display on the display unit 366 switches from the operation history screen 400 to the calculation settings screen (not shown).

[0105] The calculation results list button 404 is used to display the carbon dioxide emission calculation results list screen 420. Figure 4C The button is selected to display the calculation results list. When the calculation results list button 404 is selected, the display on the display unit 366 switches from the job history screen 400 to the calculation results list screen 420.

[0106] The CO2 emission calculation button 405 is used to calculate carbon dioxide emissions. When the CO2 emission calculation button 405 is selected, the CPU 361 calculates the CO2 emissions for the job that is selected via the selection button 402. This calculation is performed in response to pressing the calculation results list screen 420. Figure 4C The calculation result confirmation button 422 (described later) is on the detailed calculation result screen 410. Figure 4B The details of the calculation results for each task are displayed on the screen.

[0107] Figure 4B This is an example diagram showing a detailed calculation results screen 410, which, in response to the selection of the CO2 emission calculation button 405, displays detailed calculation results of the carbon dioxide emissions for the job selected by the selection button 402. The detailed calculation results screen 410 includes a job name display field 411 for the calculation target, a total CO2 emission display field 412, a detailed calculation results display 413, a print button 414, an output button 415, and a close button 416.

[0108] In the job name display field 411 of the calculation target, the job name corresponding to the calculation result confirmation button 422 selected on the calculation result list screen 420 (described later) is displayed.

[0109] In the Total CO2 Emissions display field 412, the total emissions are displayed, which are obtained by adding the carbon dioxide emissions calculated for the selected job. In the Detailed Calculation Results display 413, the total CO2 emissions, number of copies, and CO2 emissions per copy are displayed based on the job information of the selected job for each calculation target item, indicating the stage of the print process and lifecycle. For example, when... Figure 4B When the total CO2 emissions figure is displayed in display field 413a, the CO2 emissions from the initial printing during the product manufacturing process are added to the total CO2 emissions as required to obtain the product, after the printout has been identified as a product. Note that the print processing indicates which execution process (i.e., print processing, error handling, or adjustment processing) the job corresponds to in the print job and its related jobs.

[0110] The print button 414 is used to issue a command to print the calculation results related to carbon dioxide emissions displayed on the detailed calculation results screen 410. When the user presses the print button 414, the CPU 361 creates a print page of the detailed calculation results and submits the print page as a print job to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0111] The output button 415 is used to issue a command to output and save the calculation results related to carbon dioxide emissions, which will be displayed on the detailed calculation results screen 410. When the user presses the output button 415, the CPU 361 generates a file in the data format converted from the detailed calculation results and stores the file in the memory 362 of the environmental load calculation server 102.

[0112] The close button 416 is used to issue a command to close the detailed calculation results screen 410. When the user presses the close button 416, the display on the display unit 366 switches from the detailed calculation results screen 410 to the job history screen 400.

[0113] Figure 4C This is an example diagram showing a calculation results list screen 420, which displays a calculation history list 421 that indicates the results of carbon dioxide emission calculations in list format. The calculation results list screen 420 includes the calculation history list 421 and a close button 423.

[0114] The calculation history list 421 displays the response to pressing the CO2 emission calculation button 405. Figure 4AThe calculation history list 421 displays a list of carbon dioxide emission output results for each job. For each job's calculation results, the calculation history list 421 includes the management number, job name, number of copies, calculation date, print processing, total CO2 emissions as a result, and information on whether the output has been completed. The calculation history list 421 also includes a calculation result confirmation (check details) button 422 for each displayed job to check the details of the calculation result. When the user presses the calculation result confirmation button 422 corresponding to one of the jobs displayed in the calculation history list 421, the display on the display unit 366 switches to the detailed calculation result screen 410 for the job corresponding to the pressed calculation result confirmation button 422.

[0115] The close button 423 is used to issue a command to close the calculation results list screen 420. When the close button 423 is selected, the display on the display unit 366 switches from the calculation results list screen 420 to the job history screen 400.

[0116] Figures 5A to 5C The diagram illustrates data items included in the job history information received by the environmental load calculation server 102 from the image forming apparatus 101. The environmental load calculation server 102 stores the received job history information and uses it to display the job history screen 400 and to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions displayed on the detailed calculation results screen 410. As described later, the jobs for which job history information is stored include three types: print jobs, error jobs, and adjustment jobs. The job history information for each of these three types includes basic information, print settings, output information, operation information, disposal information, and media information, serving as common historical information 500 for calculating carbon dioxide emissions.

[0117] Basic information includes items common to all print processes. Specifically, basic information includes job ID, machine serial number, job type, print start time, and print end time.

[0118] Print settings include: specifying the color mode for printing in black and white, color, or monochrome; specifying the page layout; specifying the number of sides to be printed (one or two sides of the media); and specifying the number of copies to be printed.

[0119] The output information includes the total number of pages actually printed, the amount of sheet actually used per medium, and the toner consumption. The amount of sheet per medium is recorded as information indicating how much sheet was output for each medium ID associated with the medium ID recorded as medium information. When the image forming apparatus 101 has multiple colored materials (toners), the toner consumption is recorded as a value obtained by calculating the number of dots of each colored material during printing.

[0120] Operational information indicates power consumption obtained by monitoring the power consumption from the start time of printing to the end time of printing. Power consumption can be obtained by measuring the actual power consumption during operation, or it can be calculated based on the state of the image forming apparatus 101 from the start to the end of printing and the predetermined power consumption for each state. In this example, power consumption is recorded as a value obtained by adding up the power consumed by all devices connected to the image forming apparatus 101. However, operational information may include the power consumption of each device connected to the image forming apparatus 101 as a separate item, without adding them up.

[0121] The disposal information includes the quantity of non-product outputs that did not become the final product (deliverable) of the operation and the amount of toner consumed in the non-product outputs. The quantity of non-product outputs refers to, for example, the quantity of sheets determined to be defective or NG by inspection equipment 107, the quantity of sheets remaining in the image forming apparatus 101 due to paper jams and which must be removed and discarded, and the quantity of sheets required for adjustments to the image forming apparatus 101. The toner consumption of non-product outputs refers to the amount of colored material consumed in printing on discarded sheets.

[0122] Media information includes the media ID, media name, type, paper size, and basis weight of the media used for printing. The media ID is a unique ID assigned to each registered media. The media name represents the name of the corresponding media. The type indicates the characteristics of the media (such as surface finish) and is recorded as, for example, plain paper, coated paper, or recycled paper. The paper size specifies the standard size classification, width, and length in the transport direction. If the specified width or length does not fall within a standard size classification, the paper size is recorded as a user-defined size. The basis weight indicates the value of the media weight per square meter. When multiple media are used in a single job, information for each media is recorded.

[0123] Figure 5A The job history information 510 shows the job history of jobs (hereinafter referred to as "print jobs") that have been successfully and normally completed in the image forming apparatus 101.

[0124] Job history information 510 contains the information needed to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions of the print job. In addition to the aforementioned public history information 500, job history information 510 also includes post-processing information.

[0125] Post-processing information includes insertion settings, cutting settings, and processing material consumption related to the post-processing steps of the job.

[0126] The insertion settings include device information indicating which of the image forming apparatuses 101a or 101b is the source device for inserting the sheet, and setting information for inserting the sheet with the inserter 106 (such as the medium to be inserted, the insertion position, and the number of sheets to be inserted). The device information may also be obtained alternatively via user input.

[0127] When a cutting device (not shown) is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 and cutting is performed, the cutting settings are used. The cutting settings specify the cutting direction, as well as the cutting amount of the leading edge, upper edge, and lower edge.

[0128] The material consumption indicator shows the amount of processing materials (such as thread) used when binding using the finishing function of the finisher 109. For example, in saddle stitching, each copy is bound with thread at two locations, and the thread consumption at these two binding locations is recorded.

[0129] Figure 5B The job history information 520 shows the job history of jobs (hereinafter referred to as "error jobs") that have been determined to have failed and ended in the image forming apparatus 101.

[0130] The job history information 520 contains the information needed to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions of erroneous jobs. For example, if a paper jam occurs during printing and the job is aborted and terminated, the job is recorded as an erroneous job in the job history information 520. Note that regardless of whether the CPU 305 determines that printing cannot continue and aborts the job, or whether the user issues a stop command without resuming printing, the aborted job is recorded as an erroneous job in the job history information 520. On the other hand, if a paper jam occurs and the remaining sheet in the image forming apparatus 101 is removed, and printing is resumed and completed, the completed printing job is recorded as a print job including information about the disposal of the removed sheet in the job history information 520.

[0131] Apart from Figure 5A In addition to the information contained in the job history information 510 shown, the job history information 520 also includes error information.

[0132] Error messages include information about the cause of the error. For example, if a user issues an instruction to cancel a running job for any reason, the error message is recorded as "User Instruction". Additionally, if the number of defective sheets determined by inspection device 107 during a job exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the CPU 305 determines that there are too many defective sheets and aborts the ongoing job, the error message is recorded as "Device Factor". Figure 5CThe job history information 530 for the job (hereinafter referred to as "adjustment job") used to adjust the image forming conditions of the print job in the image forming apparatus 101 is shown.

[0133] The job history information 530 contains the information needed to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions of the adjustment job. The CPU 305 sets the adjustment job based on the image forming conditions to be adjusted and prints for adjustment purposes.

[0134] In addition to the aforementioned public historical information 500, the operational historical information 530 also includes adjustment information.

[0135] The adjustment information includes the type of adjustment performed in the adjustment job. Examples of adjustment types include print position adjustments performed on the image forming apparatus 101, density adjustments for each medium, and density corrections performed during printing to suppress image variations. In an adjustment job, the image forming apparatus 101 prints, reads the print results, and adjusts the image forming conditions of the print job accordingly. Therefore, information related to printing in the adjustment job is recorded as public history information 500 in the job history information 530, while information indicating which specific image forming condition of the print job was adjusted is recorded as the adjustment type in the adjustment information.

[0136] By recording the job history information 510 to 530 in the environmental load calculation server 102, the environmental load of each job execution can be calculated.

[0137] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the software configuration of an environmental load calculation processing application 600 operating on an environmental load calculation server 102. The environmental load calculation processing application 600 is stored in an HDD 363 and is configured to control an environmental load calculation process that calculates the carbon dioxide emissions generated during various tasks such as print jobs, error jobs, or adjustment jobs. A CPU 361 reads the environmental load calculation processing application 600 from the HDD 363 into a memory 362 and executes the application.

[0138] The environmental load calculation and processing application 600 includes an operation history information management unit 610, a print processing calculation unit 601, a carbon dioxide emission recording unit 611, an emission conversion factor management unit 612, and a calculation setting management unit 613.

[0139] The print processing calculation unit 601 includes an activity-based emission calculation unit 601a that calculates various emissions according to detailed activities and a stage-based emission calculation unit 601b that calculates carbon dioxide emissions for each processing stage. Although Figure 6Although not shown in the diagram, both the activity-based emission calculation unit 601a and the phase-based emission calculation unit 601b can access the carbon dioxide emission recording unit 611, the emission conversion factor management unit 612, and the calculation settings management unit 613.

[0140] The job history information management unit 610 can search and retrieve job history information selected from the job history recorded in HDD 363, and store the retrieved job history in memory 362. When the CO2 emission calculation button 405 is pressed on the job history screen 400, the job ID of the job selected by the selection button 402 is notified, and the job history information management unit 610 retrieves the corresponding job history information based on the job ID. Regardless of the job type, whether it is a print job, an error job, or an adjustment job, the print processing calculation unit 601 is invoked based on the retrieved job history information.

[0141] The print processing calculation unit 601 processes the data to calculate carbon dioxide emissions based on the job history of the print type.

[0142] In the print processing calculation unit 601, information from the memory 362 obtained from the job history is first sent to different processing units of the activity-based emission calculation unit 601a according to the relevant activities. The activity-based emission calculation unit 601a includes a paper emission calculation unit 602, a colored material emission calculation unit 603, an electricity emission calculation unit 604, and a waste paper emission calculation unit 605.

[0143] The paper output calculation unit 602 reads the output sheet quantity of each medium from the job history information, associates each medium ID with the corresponding quantity of output sheets, and records the result as the paper output quantity in the memory 362. If the job history information includes insertion settings in the post-processing information, the paper output calculation unit 602 adds the media and its usage quantity according to the insertion settings to the paper output quantity, and records the sum in the memory 362.

[0144] The colored material emission calculation unit 603 reads the colored material consumption from the job history information and records the colored material consumption as the emission amount of each colored material in the memory 362. When the information recorded as colored material consumption represents the number of print dots for each color, the colored material emission calculation unit 603 calculates the colored material emission amount by multiplying the number of dots for each color by the amount of colored material consumed by each dot during printing by the printer 105.

[0145] The power emission calculation unit 604 reads the power consumption information from the operation information of the operation history information and records the power consumption information as the power emission amount in the memory 362.

[0146] The waste paper discharge calculation unit 605 reads the quantity of non-product output from the disposal information in the operation history information, associates each media ID with the corresponding quantity of discarded sheets, and records the results in the memory 362. When a cutting setting is specified, the waste paper discharge calculation unit 605 also records the paper areas that are cut and discarded according to the cutting setting.

[0147] Next, in the printing processing calculation unit 601, the calculation results obtained by the activity-based emission calculation unit 601a are sent to different processing units of the stage-based emission calculation unit 601b according to the relevant stage. The stage-based emission calculation unit 601b includes a printing raw material emission calculation unit 606, a printing production emission calculation unit 607, and a printing waste emission calculation unit 608.

[0148] The stage-based emission calculation unit 601b processes the calculation results obtained by the paper emission calculation unit 602, the non-ferrous material emission calculation unit 603, the electricity emission calculation unit 604, and the waste paper emission calculation unit 605 to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions for each stage. Specifically, the carbon dioxide emissions are calculated by multiplying each result by a predetermined carbon dioxide emission per unit and then summing them to obtain the total emissions.

[0149] The printing raw material emission calculation unit 606 calculates carbon dioxide emissions in the raw material stage based on the paper emission amount calculated by the paper emission calculation unit 602 and the colored material emission amount calculated by the colored material emission calculation unit 603. Specifically, the printing raw material emission calculation unit 606 reads the carbon dioxide emission conversion factor for each medium corresponding to the output medium ID recorded in the memory 362 from the carbon dioxide emission conversion factor stored in the HDD 363, and multiplies the carbon dioxide emission conversion factor for each medium by the number of output sheets. Thus, the carbon dioxide emissions are calculated and recorded as the raw material emission amount in the memory 362. Next, the printing raw material emission calculation unit 606 reads the colored material usage amount recorded in the memory 362, retrieves the carbon dioxide emission conversion factor stored in the HDD 363, and multiplies the two to calculate the carbon dioxide emission amount. The carbon dioxide emission conversion factor for each colored material varies depending on the printer 105 and the colored materials used in the printer 105. Therefore, the printing raw material emission calculation unit 606 identifies the printer 105 based on the machine serial number in the job history information and obtains the conversion factor for each colored material used in the printer. Then, the printing raw material emission calculation unit 606 uses the conversion factor of the colored material corresponding to the amount used to calculate carbon dioxide emissions. If the work history includes the consumption of processing materials, the printing raw material emission calculation unit 606 reads the consumption of processing materials, calculates the carbon dioxide emissions based on the amount of processing materials used, and adds the carbon dioxide emissions to the carbon dioxide emissions of the raw material stage.

[0150] The print production emissions calculation unit 607 calculates carbon dioxide emissions during the production phase based on electricity consumption. It reads a carbon dioxide emission conversion factor for electricity consumption from information stored in HDD 363, multiplies this conversion factor by the electricity consumption recorded in memory 362, and records the resulting value as the carbon dioxide emissions for the production phase in memory 362. The carbon dioxide emission conversion factor for electricity consumption can be a default factor, an electricity consumption conversion factor set via calculation setting button 403, or an electricity consumption conversion factor published by various power companies.

[0151] The printing waste emission calculation unit 608 calculates the carbon dioxide emissions during the disposal stage based on the number of discarded sheets for each medium. Specifically, the printing waste emission calculation unit 608 reads the carbon dioxide emission conversion factor for disposal of each medium corresponding to the output medium ID recorded in the memory 362 from the carbon dioxide emission conversion factor stored in the HDD 363, and multiplies the carbon dioxide emission conversion factor for disposal of each medium by the number of discarded sheets. Thus, the carbon dioxide emissions are calculated and recorded as disposal emissions in the memory 362. When calculating the carbon dioxide emissions during the disposal stage, a waste recovery rate can be set, and carbon dioxide emissions associated with recovery can be calculated. For example, if the recovery rate is set to 30% via the calculation setting button 403, the carbon dioxide emissions during the disposal stage can be calculated by applying the recovery conversion factor to 30% of the discarded sheets and the disposal conversion factor to the remaining 70% of the discarded sheets.

[0152] The carbon dioxide emission recording unit 611 receives calculation results from the printing raw material emission calculation unit 606, the printing production emission calculation unit 607, and the printing waste emission calculation unit 608, and stores the calculation results in the HDD 363. Calculation results for each process and stage are stored, and when results for the same process or stage are received, multiple entries are recorded in list format, and the summation values ​​for each process and stage are also stored. Total emissions are recorded as emissions corresponding to the product created from the selected job, and a calculation ID corresponding to that product is assigned and recorded in association with it.

[0153] The emission conversion factor management unit 612 manages conversion factors used to convert activity amounts into carbon dioxide emissions. The emission conversion factor management unit 612 maintains information associated with the conversion factors for each item to be converted. This information is stored in HDD 363 and read into memory 362 during data transfer processing. Internally managed emission conversion factors can be stored as a database, and this data can be updated on the environmental load calculation server 102, or it can be updated based on a database provided from an external source. For example, emission conversion factors can be recorded as separate information for each medium or colored material used as a raw material. Additionally, for each item, the conversion factors for disposal or recycling can be recorded and managed separately.

[0154] The calculation settings management unit 613 is configured to manage settings for calculating carbon dioxide emissions. The calculation settings management unit 613 also manages emission calculation rules that specify whether emissions from the print processing should be added in addition to emissions selected from various stages or items in error handling and adjustment processing, and the sum is recorded as total carbon dioxide emissions. For example, emission calculation rules can be set via a settings screen displayed by pressing the calculation settings button 403 on the job history screen 400, and these rules are stored as calculation settings in the HDD 363. The calculation settings management unit 613 can also receive requests to read settings values ​​from various processing units of the environmental load calculation processing application 600, and can transfer the requested values ​​to the HDD 363. Furthermore, emission calculation rules can be edited and updated on the environmental load calculation server 102, or updated based on a database provided from an external source.

[0155] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the information transmission process to the environmental load calculation server 102 that occurs when a print job is completed in the image forming apparatus 101. A series of steps in this process are implemented by the CPU 305 of the printer 105 reading the control program from the HDD 304 and loading the control program into the memory 306.

[0156] In step S701, when a print job completion notification is received from one of the sheet feed stages 201 and 202 in printer 105 or from the mass stacker 108 or sorter 109 connected to communication I / F 301, CPU 305 determines that the print job has been completed. Then, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0157] In step S702, CPU 305 retrieves basic information about the completed job from memory 306 and HDD 304, and stores this basic information in memory 306 as basic information of job history. After the basic information is stored, the process proceeds to step S703.

[0158] In step S703, CPU 305 retrieves the print settings for the completed job from memory 306 and HDD 304, and stores these print settings in memory 306 as print settings for job history information. The print settings include the actual color mode used, page layout, number of sides printed, and number of copies. After the print settings are stored, the process proceeds to step S704.

[0159] In step S704, CPU 305 retrieves the output information of the completed job from memory 306 and HDD 304, and stores this output information as job history information in memory 306. The job history information includes the total number of pages actually printed, the amount of sheet material actually used per medium, and toner consumption. For example, if multiple media are used in the job, the sum of the output sheets for all media is stored as the total number of pages, and the number of output sheets for each medium is stored separately as the number of pages per medium. Toner consumption is recorded by obtaining values ​​corresponding to the consumption of each colored material (toner) used in printer 105. For example, in the case of four-color printing, the value obtained by counting the number of dots forming the image of each corresponding color is recorded as toner consumption. After the output information is stored, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0160] In step S705, the CPU 305 retrieves the operation information of the completed job from the memory 306 and HDD 304, and stores this operation information as operation information in the memory 306 as job history information. The information stored as operation information is power consumption. When a power meter is connected to the image forming apparatus 101, the total power consumption measured by the power meter during the period from the start to the end of the job is recorded as power consumption. On the other hand, when no power meter is connected to the image forming apparatus 101, the power consumption to be recorded can be calculated based on the state transitions of the image forming apparatus 101 during the period from the start to the end of printing and the standard power consumption of each state. After the operation information is stored, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0161] In step S706, CPU 305 retrieves disposal information for the completed job from memory 306 and HDD 304, and stores this disposal information as disposal information in memory 306 as job history information. The disposal information includes the number of outputs that did not become the final product. Examples of such non-product outputs include outputs determined as defective by inspection device 107, sheets that were not correctly output due to paper jams, etc., and sheet outputs used for image adjustment during the job. The number of outputs determined as defective during inspection can be obtained from inspection device 107. The number of outputs involved in paper jams, etc., can be calculated based on the location where the paper jam occurred, the feed count from sheet feeders 201 and 202, and the discharge count from sheet transport paths 245 of the mass stacker 108 and sheet transport paths 253 and 254 of the sorter 109. The number of sheet outputs used for image adjustment can be calculated based on whether image adjustment was performed and the predefined number of sheets used for adjustment. After the disposal information is stored, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0162] In step S707, CPU 305 retrieves media information of the media used in the completed job from memory 306 and HDD 304, and stores this media information in memory 306 as media information of job history information. Specifically, it identifies the media used from the job output information and obtains the media ID, media name, type, paper size, and weight of the corresponding media to record them as media information. When the output information includes multiple types of media used, CPU 305 obtains the media information of each media and records the media information of each media as media information. After the media information is stored, the process proceeds to step S709.

[0163] In step S708, CPU 305 retrieves post-processing information used in the completed job from memory 306 and HDD 304, and stores this post-processing information as post-processing information in memory 306 as job history information. It retrieves the settings to be recorded as post-processing information from the insertion settings, cutting settings, and binding settings specified for the print job. After the post-processing information is stored, the process proceeds to step S709.

[0164] In step S709, CPU 305 stores the job history information acquired and stored in steps S702 to S708 as unsent information for the corresponding job ID in HDD 304. Then, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0165] In step S710, CPU 305 sends all unsent job history information stored in HDD 304 to environmental load calculation server 102 via LAN I / F 302. After the transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S711.

[0166] In step S711, CPU 305 determines whether the transmission of job history information performed in step S710 has been successful. If the transmission was successful ("Yes" in step S711), the process proceeds to step S712. If the transmission failed ("No" in step S711), the process proceeds to step S713. In step S712, CPU 305 records the successfully transmitted job history information as transmission information in HDD 304, and the process ends. In step S713, CPU 305 determines that the transmission has not yet been completed, records the untransmitted job history information as untransmitted information in HDD 304, and the process ends.

[0167] As described above, in this process, when a printing job is completed in the image forming apparatus 101, job history information 510 (i.e., public history information 500 and post-processing information) is acquired, and then the job history information 510 is sent to the environmental load calculation server 102.

[0168] Similarly, although details are omitted, in the image forming apparatus 101, when an error job has ended, job history information 520 (i.e., public history information 500, post-processing information, and error information) is acquired, and then the job history information 520 is sent to the environmental load calculation server 102. Additionally, in the image forming apparatus 101, when an adjustment job has ended, job history information 530 (i.e., public history information 500 and adjustment information) is acquired, and then the job history information 530 is sent to the environmental load calculation server 102.

[0169] When the environmental load calculation server 102 receives job history information (510, 520 or 530) from the image forming apparatus 101 as described above, it stores the information in the job history information in the HDD 363.

[0170] When image forming apparatuses 101a and 101b are connected to environmental load calculation server 102, each of the image forming apparatuses 101a and 101b sends job history information (510, 520, or 530) upon completion of a print job, after an error job has ended, or after an adjustment job has ended. Environmental load calculation server 102 receives the job history information from each of the image forming apparatuses 101a and 101b and stores the job history information in the job history information in HDD 363.

[0171] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the carbon dioxide emission calculation process performed in the environmental load calculation server 102. A series of steps in this process are implemented by the CPU 361 of the environmental load calculation server 102 reading the control program from the HDD 363 and loading the control program into the memory 362.

[0172] In step S801, the CPU 361 reads the job history information received from the image forming apparatuses 101a and 101b from the HDD 363, generates a job history screen 400, and displays the job history screen 400 on the display unit 366. Then, the process proceeds to step S802.

[0173] In step S802, the CPU 361 awaits operation on the selection button 402 and the CO2 emission calculation button 405 displayed on the job history screen 400 on the display unit 366. After detecting that the user has pressed the CO2 emission calculation button 405 after selecting the selection button 402, the CPU 361 records the job ID of the job history information selected by the selection button 402 as the calculation target job ID in the memory 362. Then, the process proceeds to step S803. In this example, the user can select the job history information of the image forming apparatuses 101a and 101b corresponding to the time period during product creation. The user can also determine whether the job is related to the product based on the content displayed on the job history screen 400. In addition, when the information is retrieved from the print server or information processing device ( Figure 1 When submitting a job (not shown in the image), since each job is assigned a corresponding job ID and job name, jobs with the same job ID or job name can be automatically selected.

[0174] In step S803, CPU 361 reads the calculation settings, emission factors, and calculation factors used for calculation from HDD 363, and loads these settings and calculation factors into memory 362. The calculation settings are set by pressing the calculation settings button 403 on the job history screen 400, and the setting values ​​are stored in HDD 363 for calculating carbon dioxide emissions. The emission factors used in the printing process are read from the emission factor database stored in HDD 363. After loading the calculation settings, emission factors, and calculation factors into memory 362, the process proceeds to step S804.

[0175] In step S804, CPU 361 selects an uncalculated item from the calculation target job IDs recorded in memory 362 in step S802, and reads the job history information associated with the selected job ID into memory 362. Then, the process proceeds to step S805.

[0176] In step S805, CPU 361 determines whether the job history information read from memory 362 corresponds to the job history information for the target processing. If it corresponds to the job history information for the target processing ("Yes" in step S805), the process proceeds to step S806. If it does not correspond to the job history information for the target processing ("No" in step S805), the process proceeds to step S807.

[0177] In step S806, CPU 361 uses the job history information of the selected target job to invoke the print processing calculation unit 601 of the environmental load calculation processing application 600. The invoked print processing calculation unit 601 (first calculation unit, second calculation unit) performs the calculation of carbon dioxide emissions from the print processing. Then, CPU 361 records in memory 362 that the calculation of the item selected in step S804 has been completed. After this, the process proceeds to step S807.

[0178] In step S807, CPU 361 determines whether there are any uncalculated items in the target job ID. If there are uncalculated items (yes in step S807), the process returns to step S804. If there are no uncalculated items (no in step S807), the process proceeds to step S808.

[0179] In step S808, CPU 361 (addition unit) invokes the carbon dioxide emission recording unit 611 of the environmental load calculation processing application 600. First, CPU 361 obtains the emission calculation rules managed by the calculation settings management unit 613, which specify which emissions should be added. Next, CPU 361 reads all carbon dioxide emission values ​​of the target job stored in HDD 363 based on the emission calculation rules and adds the selected carbon dioxide emissions from each process, stage, and project. In this way, the total carbon dioxide emissions of the target job are calculated. After recording the calculation results in memory 362, the process proceeds to step S809.

[0180] In step S809, the CPU 361 stores the total carbon dioxide emissions recorded in the memory 362 in step S808 as the carbon dioxide emission calculation history in the HDD 363 (memory unit). When the calculation result confirmation button 422 is pressed on the carbon dioxide emission calculation result list screen 420, the information stored in this step is output as detailed results to the detailed calculation result screen 410. After recording the carbon dioxide emission calculation history, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0181] In step S810, the CPU 361 generates a detailed calculation result screen 410, which displays the total carbon dioxide emissions recorded in the memory 362 in step S808, and displays the total carbon dioxide emissions on the display unit 366. After the carbon dioxide emission calculation result list screen 420 is displayed on the display unit 366, the process ends.

[0182] The following is a description of the related job selection process. The term "related job" as used herein refers to a job performed before or after a print job, such as an adjustment job that adjusts the image forming apparatus 101 for printing a print job, or an error job performed with the same print settings as the print job but which ends in failure.

[0183] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the relevant job selection process performed in the environmental load calculation server 102. This process is implemented by the CPU 361 of the environmental load calculation server 102 reading the control program from the HDD 363 and loading the control program into the memory 362. In step S802, the process begins when a job history is selected via the selection button 402 on the job history screen 400 in the environmental load calculation server 102.

[0184] In step S901, CPU 361 reads the job history information selected via selection button 402 from HDD 363 and stores the job history information in memory 362. Then, the process proceeds to step S902.

[0185] In step S902, CPU 361 reads the machine serial number and print end time from the job history information read in step S901, and generates a job history list. Then, CPU 361 extracts job history entries from the generated job history list that have the same machine serial number as the read job and fall within a predetermined time period from the print end time, and records these job history entries as candidate entries in memory 362. After this, the process proceeds to step S903.

[0186] In step S903, CPU 361 checks whether there are any remaining unchecked items in the candidate list recorded in memory 362 in step S902. If there are unchecked items ("Yes" in step S903), the process proceeds to step S904. If there are no unchecked job histories ("No" in step S903), the process ends.

[0187] In step S904, CPU 361 selects an unchecked job history as the check target from the candidate list recorded in memory 362, reads the job history information of the check target from HDD 363, and stores the job history information in memory 362. Then, CPU 361 records the check target job as "checked" in the candidate list. After that, the process proceeds to step S905.

[0188] In step S905, CPU 361 determines whether the carbon dioxide emissions of the inspection target's job history information read from memory 362 in step S904 have been calculated. If the carbon dioxide emissions have been calculated ("Yes" in step S905), the process returns to step S903. If the emissions have not been calculated ("No" in step S905), the process proceeds to step S906.

[0189] In step S906, CPU 361 checks whether the job name in the target job history information read from memory 362 in step S904 is the same as the job name in the selected job history information read in step S901. If the job names are the same ("Yes" in step S906), the process proceeds to step S909. If the job names are different ("No" in step S906), the process proceeds to step S907.

[0190] In step S907, CPU 361 checks whether the print settings of the target job history information read from memory 362 in step S904 are the same as the print settings of the selected job history information read in step S901. If the print settings are the same ("Yes" in step S907), the process proceeds to step S909. If the print settings are different ("No" in step S907), the process proceeds to step S908. Whether the print settings are the same is determined based on whether all items in the print settings (i.e., color mode, page layout, number of sides to be printed, and number of copies) are the same. It can also be determined that the print settings are the same by comparing only some settings in the settings.

[0191] In step S908, CPU 361 first determines whether the job type of the target job history information read from memory 362 in step S904 corresponds to an adjustment job. If it corresponds to an adjustment job, CPU 361 further checks whether the media settings of the job history information read from memory 362 in step S904 are the same as the media settings of the selected job history information read in step S901. If the media settings are the same ("Yes" in step S908), the process proceeds to step S909. On the other hand, if the job type of the target job history information does not correspond to an adjustment job, or if it corresponds to an adjustment job but the media settings are different ("No" in step S908), the process returns to step S903. When adjusting the image forming apparatus 101, some adjustment operations are performed using the same media as the media used for the product; therefore, it is determined whether the media settings are the same. The sameness of the media settings can be determined by comparing the media ID or by checking whether all items of the media settings are the same.

[0192] In step S909, CPU 361 selects (extracts) the job history selected in step S904 as the calculation target and sets the job history to the state of pressing the selection button 402. Then, the process returns to step S903.

[0193] Although jobs identified as computation targets are automatically selected in this process, they can also be displayed as computation target candidates to allow the user to select them. Additionally, computation target candidates can be determined based on information other than the job history information used in this process.

[0194] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment illustrates an example of segmenting the calculation results regarding environmental load from the first embodiment.

[0195] In this embodiment, a detailed calculation result screen 1000 is displayed on the display unit 366 of the environmental load calculation server 102. Figure 10A ), instead of the detailed calculation results screen 410 ( Figure 4B Furthermore, when the split button 1001 is pressed on the detailed calculation results screen 1000, the following is displayed: Figure 10B The calculation result shown is divided into screen 1010. In other respects, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in terms of hardware and software construction. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or corresponding components, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0196] Figure 10A and Figure 10B An example of a display screen for dividing the calculation results of environmental load calculation in the first embodiment is shown on the display unit 366 of the environmental load calculation server 102. The environmental load calculation screen can also be displayed on the LCD panel 208 of the printer 105. The settings related to environmental load calculation selected on the display screen are stored in the HDD 363 of the environmental load calculation server 102.

[0197] Figure 10A This is a diagram showing screen 1000 displaying detailed calculation results according to this embodiment. Besides... Figure 4B In addition to the screen layout shown, the detailed calculation results screen 1000 also includes a split button 1001. The split button 1001 (splitting unit) is a button used to indicate the splitting of the calculation results displayed on the detailed calculation results screen 1000. When the split button 1001 is pressed, the screen transitions to... Figure 10B The calculation result shown is divided into 1010 segments.

[0198] exist Figure 10B The calculation results shown are displayed on screen 1010. Settings are then configured to... Figure 10A The calculation results displayed in the screen are divided into two separate calculation results. The calculation result split screen 1010 includes information before splitting, settings after splitting, an execute splitting button 1020, and a cancel button 1021.

[0199] The information before the split includes the name of the operation before the split (1011), the number of portions before the split (1012), and the total CO2 emissions before the split (1013).

[0200] The settings after segmentation include the segmented job names 1014 and 1015, the job count (number of jobs) 1016 and 1017, and the total CO2 emissions corresponding to each job 1018 and 1019.

[0201] In the pre-segmentation information, the name of the job displayed before transitioning to the calculation result segmentation screen 1010 is displayed as the pre-segmentation job name 1011. In addition, the number of portions and total CO2 emissions are displayed as the pre-segmentation portion count 1012 and the pre-segmentation total CO2 emissions 1013, respectively.

[0202] In the post-segmentation settings, the job name corresponding to one of the segmented jobs is displayed as "Segmented Job Name 1014," and the job name corresponding to the other segmented job is displayed as "Segmented Job Name 1015." Any string can be entered and set by selecting the individual job name fields. When the screen is displayed, the job name that is the same as the job name displayed as "Pre-segment Job Name 1011" can initially be displayed in the job name field.

[0203] The job copy counts 1016 and 1017 can each be set to indicate the number of copies (print count) of one of the split jobs. The values ​​of job copy counts 1016 and 1017 can be determined solely by the user through their summation (Σ(Nb...). nThe range (n = 1 to N) is set to be equal to or less than the pre-splitting part count 1012 (print quantity Na). When a value is entered in the part count field 1016 or 1017, the remaining value obtained by subtracting the entered value from the pre-splitting part count 1012 is automatically entered into the other field. For example, when the pre-splitting part count is 280, and "160" is entered in the part count field 1016, the remaining part count of 120 is calculated and automatically entered into the part count field 1017. Additionally, the value of the pre-splitting part count 1012 can be displayed next to each of the part counts in 1016 and 1017 to make them easier to compare with the pre-splitting value. Total CO2 emissions 1018 and 1019 each represent the total CO2 emissions of one of the split jobs. These values ​​are calculated based on the total CO2 emissions before splitting (1013), the pre-split count (1012), and the job counts (1016 and 1017), and are entered as the total CO2 emissions corresponding to each job. For example, assuming the pre-split count is 280, the total CO2 emissions are 140 kg-CO2eq, and the job count 1016 for job 1, which is one of the split jobs, is set to 160 (print quantity Nbm), then the total CO2 emissions for job 1 are calculated as 140 × (160 ÷ 280) = 80, and the result is displayed as total CO2 emissions (1018).

[0204] The Execute Segmentation button 1020 is used to perform segmentation based on the segmentation settings made by the user. When the Execute Segmentation button 1020 is pressed, the calculation results of the segmented jobs are recorded based on the contents of the segmented job names 1014 and 1015, job counts 1016 and 1017, and total CO2 emissions 1018 and 1019, and the jobs before segmentation are deleted. The screen then transitions to the calculation results list screen 420. When an instruction is received via the Execute Segmentation button 1020, and no value is entered for any of the segmented job names 1014 and 1015 or job counts 1016 and 1017, a warning may be displayed to prompt the user to enter the value for the missing item, instead of performing the segmentation process. When the Cancel button 1021 is pressed, the entered items are discarded, and the screen returns to the detailed calculation results screen 1000 displayed before the conversion.

[0205] Although the above has already described how Figure 10A The detailed calculation results screen 1000 shows a job divided into two jobs, displaying the calculation results of each job. However, it is also possible to divide the job into three or more jobs. In this case, the default number of divisions is set to 2, and... Figure 10BThe calculation result segmentation screen 1010 shows a "+" button (not shown) for adding the number of segments. When the "+" button is selected, the calculation result segmentation screen 1010 allows the user to set the name of the third (m) segmented job (job 3), the number of job segments, and the total CO2 emissions in the same way as job 1 and job 2.

[0206] According to the above embodiment, carbon dioxide emissions can be calculated by selecting the jobs required to process the finished product (deliverable) from the job history information stored in the environmental load calculation server 102 and performing calculations. Even when multiple devices (image forming apparatuses 101a and 101b) connected to the environmental load calculation server 102 and multiple processes contribute to the production of the finished product, the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated can be calculated together.

[0207] In the above embodiment, the control program for calculating carbon dioxide emissions is executed by the CPU 361 of the environmental load calculation server 102; however, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the job history can be stored in the image forming apparatus 101, and the image forming apparatus 101 storing the job history can execute the control program.

[0208] According to the above embodiments, carbon dioxide emissions can be calculated with high accuracy based on all the working information required to print products obtained using an image forming apparatus.

[0209] Other embodiments The embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments, and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above embodiments. The embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a method performed by a computer of a system or device, for example, reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments, and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or storage medium. Storage media may include, for example, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage devices for distributed computing systems, optical discs (such as optical discs (CD), digital versatile optical discs (DVD), or Blu-ray discs (BD)). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0210] Other embodiments The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method: providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads out and executes the computer program.

[0211] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

[0212] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-022643, filed on February 14, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus configured to receive a job history from an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus performing a job to form an image on a recording medium, wherein, The job history includes information about print jobs that have been successfully completed and information about related jobs associated with those successfully completed print jobs. The information processing device includes: One or more processors; and At least one memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations including: Calculate the initial carbon dioxide emissions generated during a normally completed print job; Calculate the second carbon dioxide emissions generated during the performance of the relevant operations; Add the first carbon dioxide emissions and the second carbon dioxide emissions; and The sum of the first carbon dioxide emissions and the second carbon dioxide emissions is stored as the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with a normally completed print job.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The related operations include: an adjustment operation, which performs adjustment printing of the image forming apparatus for a normally completed print job; and an error operation, which is performed with the same printing settings as a normally completed print job, but is determined to have failed and terminated.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The information processing device is communicatively connected to a plurality of image forming devices including the image forming device, and is configured to retrieve the relevant jobs from a job history received from the same image forming device, which have received normally completed print jobs.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The relevant jobs are extracted from the jobs within a predetermined time period starting from the printing end time of the normally completed print jobs in the job history.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The job with the same print settings as the normally completed print job is extracted from the job history and designated as the relevant job.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, Among the adjustment jobs included in the job history, jobs with the same media settings as normally completed print jobs are extracted and designated as the relevant jobs.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The image forming apparatus includes a finishing unit configured to perform post-processing on the recording medium on which the image has been formed, the post-processing including at least one of stapled binding, binding, and cutting. The information regarding a successfully completed print job includes information about the post-processing, and The operation also includes calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during the post-processing and adding the calculated amount of carbon dioxide emissions to the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with a normally completed print job.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The image forming apparatus includes an inserter configured to perform post-processing to insert a second recording medium, into which another image has been formed, into the recording medium in which the image has already been formed. The information regarding a successfully completed print job includes information about the post-processing and setting information used during the post-processing. The post-processing information includes device information indicating whether the device that formed the other image on the second recording medium is the image forming apparatus or another device. The operation also includes calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during the post-processing and adding the calculated amount of carbon dioxide emissions to the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with a normally completed print job.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The device information is input by the user.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The operation also includes splitting a normally completed print job into multiple print jobs. Within the range where the sum of the print counts of the plurality of print jobs, represented by Σ(Nbn) (n = 1 to N), is equal to or less than the print count Na of the normally completed print job, the normally completed print job is divided according to the print count of each of the plurality of print jobs set by the user. Based on the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with a normally completed print job, the number of print jobs Na, and the number of print jobs Nbm, calculate the total carbon dioxide emissions of the m-th (1 ≤ m ≤ N) print job among the plurality of print jobs.

11. An image forming apparatus configured to perform an operation to form an image on a recording medium, and to store a history of said operation, wherein, The history includes information about print jobs that have been successfully completed and information about related jobs associated with those successfully completed print jobs. The image forming apparatus includes: One or more processors; and At least one memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations including: Calculate the initial carbon dioxide emissions generated during a normally completed print job; Calculate the second carbon dioxide emissions generated during the performance of the relevant operations; Add the first carbon dioxide emissions and the second carbon dioxide emissions; and The sum of the first carbon dioxide emissions and the second carbon dioxide emissions is stored as the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with a normally completed print job.

12. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus being configured to receive a job history from an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus performing a job to form an image on a recording medium, wherein, The job history includes information about print jobs that have been successfully completed and information about related jobs associated with those successfully completed print jobs. The control method includes: Calculate the initial carbon dioxide emissions generated during a normally completed print job; Calculate the second carbon dioxide emissions generated during the performance of the relevant operations; Add the first carbon dioxide emissions and the second carbon dioxide emissions; and The sum of the first carbon dioxide emissions and the second carbon dioxide emissions is stored as the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with a normally completed print job.

13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus being configured to perform an operation to form an image on a recording medium, and storing a history of the operation, wherein... The history includes information about print jobs that have been successfully completed and information about related jobs associated with those successfully completed print jobs. The control method includes: Calculate the initial carbon dioxide emissions generated during a normally completed print job; Calculate the second carbon dioxide emissions generated during the performance of the relevant operations; Add the first carbon dioxide emissions and the second carbon dioxide emissions; and The sum of the first carbon dioxide emissions and the second carbon dioxide emissions is stored as the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with a normally completed print job.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to function as an information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to function as an image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

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