Information processing device

Abstract

To solve the problem in which there is a risk that a power consumption exceeds a rated power caused by operating an image formation device.SOLUTION: An information processing device to which one or more devices different from an image formation device are connected comprises: acquisition means for acquiring a surplus power as a difference between a rated power and a first consumption power obtained by totalizing consumption power of the one or more devices; and control means that compares the surplus power with a second consumption power when an image is formed by image formation means, and if the second consumption power is larger than the surplus power, does not transmit print data to the image formation device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system employing an electrophotographic or electrostatic recording method such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile, and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming devices are connected to one network is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses that when a print command is issued to a certain image forming device, it is determined whether or not to implement printing depending on whether or not the power consumption of the entire system exceeds a predetermined power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 6-259359 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when considering a home as an example of the usage environment, depending on the relationship between the total power consumption of other devices in the home and the power consumption of the image forming device and the rated power of the power source in the home, there is a risk that the power consumption will exceed the rated power and cause the breaker to trip.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to prevent power consumption of an image forming apparatus from exceeding its rated power when the image forming apparatus is operated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device having an image forming means that forms an image on a sheet is provided, and is characterized in that it is connected to one or more devices different from the image forming device, and is equipped with an acquisition means that acquires surplus power as the difference between a rated power and a first power consumption which is the sum of the power consumption of the one or more devices, and a control means that compares the surplus power with a second power consumption when an image is formed by the image forming means, and does not send print data to the image forming device if the second power consumption is greater than the surplus power. Effect of the Invention

[0007] It is possible to prevent the power consumption caused by operating the image forming apparatus from exceeding the rated power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] SOC internal block diagram [Diagram 3] Diagram showing an image forming system [Figure 4] A graph showing the change in electricity consumption [Diagram 5] Printer driver function diagram [Figure 6] A diagram showing control of whether or not to execute printing [Figure 7] A diagram showing a message displayed on a display unit. [Figure 8] A diagram showing control of whether or not to execute printing [Figure 9] A diagram showing the print application's functions DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. EXAMPLES

[0010] (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus) 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. A single function printer (SFP) 100 as an image forming apparatus includes a printer printing unit 101 that forms an image on a sheet, and an image data generating unit 102 that generates image data. The image data generating unit 102 has a built-in CPU in the form of a SOC (System On Chip) 103.

[0011] The SOC 103 executes control of the image data generating unit 102 according to the program code stored in the Flash ROM 104. The SDRAM 105 is a volatile memory that stores various information for controlling image data and the WIFI module. For example, the program code stored in the Flash ROM 104 may be temporarily loaded onto the SDRAM 105, and the program may be run on the SDRAM 105.

[0012] The WIFI module 106 controls the wireless network. The WIFI module 106 is controlled by the CPU of the SOC 103. The PHY (PHYsical layer) 107 transmits and receives data on the network. The PHY 107 is connected to a wired network by connecting a LAN cable to a LAN connector of the LAN 108. Note that printing is possible if a user issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 from a personal computer connected to the network, either via the WIFI module 106 or via the wired LAN of the LAN 108.

[0013] The USB-D 109 is connected to a personal computer on a one-to-one basis, and can receive print instructions from the personal computer without being connected to a network. The SCLK 110 is a system clock for operating the SOC 103. Inside the SOC 103, a PLL (not shown) generates a clock of a required frequency to operate the SDRAM 105, the WIFI module 106, and the PHY 107. The SOC 103 CPU also receives a clock and operates it. The PANEL 111 inputs settings for the image forming apparatus 100 and displays errors.

[0014] (SOC block diagram) 2 is an internal block diagram of the SOC 103. The CPU 201 controls the image data generating unit 102. The ROM interface 204 is an interface for controlling the Flash ROM 104. The SDRAM interface 205 is an interface for controlling the SDRAM 105. The SDIO interface 206 is an interface for controlling the WIFI module 106. The PHY interface 207 is an interface for controlling the PHY 107 via a general-purpose interface such as the MII. The USB-D interface 209 is an interface for controlling the USB-D. The panel interface 211 is an interface for controlling the PANEL 111. The printer interface 212 is an interface for communicating with the printer printing unit 101.

[0015] (Image forming system) 3 is a diagram showing an image forming system. An SFP301 as an image forming apparatus is connected to a personal computer 302 via a USB cable 303. A printer driver is installed in the personal computer 302 as an information processing apparatus. A print instruction is sent from the personal computer 302 to the SFP301 by the printer driver.

[0016] The HomeLAN 304 is connected to a personal computer 302, a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) 306, and an access point in the home. The HomeLAN 304 and each device are connected via cables 307-1, 307-2, and 370-3. The tablet 305 can communicate with the access point 308 by radio waves 309 in a specific frequency band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz).

[0017] HEMS306 is connected to one or more other electronic devices such as microwave oven 312 and air conditioner 313 via domestic AC311-1 and 311-2, and can obtain the amount of power of each electronic device. Microwave oven 312 and the like are connected to domestic AC311-2 via a power outlet. Electronic devices that use relatively more power such as air conditioner 313 are connected to domestic AC311-1 via a power outlet. Breaker 314 cuts off the power supply when the total power consumption exceeds the power contracted for each household (hereinafter also referred to as rated power). Note that, for the explanation of the upper limit power of breaker 314, the following will be expressed as current = power / voltage (100V). In general contracts, the upper limit of breaker 314 is 20A, 30A, and 40A.

[0018] 4 is a diagram showing, as an example, the transition of the amount of power in a home where the upper limit power amount (current) of the breaker 314 is 30 A. The amounts of power of each of the SFP 301, the personal computer 302, the microwave oven 312, the air conditioner 313, and other devices are shown in FIG. 4(a) and (b).

[0019] (1) shows the power status during normal telework. The SFP 301 and microwave oven 312 are in standby mode, while the personal computer 302, air conditioner 313, and other devices are in use, and the total power consumption is 10.8 A. In this state, the power consumption does not exceed the upper limit power amount.

[0020] (2) shows the power status when printing was performed during normal telework. The microwave oven 312 is in standby mode, while the SFP 301, personal computer 302, air conditioner 313, and other devices are in use, and the total power consumption is 20.7 A. In this state, the power consumption does not exceed the upper limit power amount.

[0021] (3) shows the power situation before noon. The SFP 301 is in standby mode, while the microwave oven 312, the personal computer 302, the air conditioner 313, and other devices are in use, and the total power consumption is 22.8 A. In this state, the power consumption does not exceed the upper limit power amount.

[0022] (4) shows the power status when printing was performed before noon. The SFP 301, personal computer 302, microwave oven 312, air conditioner 313, and other devices are in use, and the total power consumption is 32.7 A. In this situation, the power consumption exceeds the upper limit power amount, so the breaker 314 cuts off the power supply.

[0023] 5 is a diagram showing the functions of a printer driver installed in the personal computer 302. The application 501 is, for example, Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. The printer driver 502 transmits a print instruction to the SFP 301. The functions of the printer driver 502 will be described below.

[0024] The UI 5021 is an interface with the application. The print setting management unit 5022 manages the maximum power consumption of the SFP 301, etc. The print data generation unit 5023 analyzes and converts data from the application into print data. The PDL conversion unit 5024 converts the print data into data compatible with each PDL (Print Descriptor Language). Known examples of PDL include PCL, PS, and UFR2.

[0025] The HEMS determination unit 5025 receives information about power from the HEMS 306 installed in the personal computer 302 via the network I / F 506 and the HEMS I / F 505. It also receives information about the maximum power amount of the SFP 301 from the print setting management unit 5022. The HEMS determination unit 5025 then determines whether printing is possible in consideration of the power status.

[0026] Specifically, the HEMS determination unit 5025 obtains surplus power (surplus power that is the difference between the power consumption and the rated power) based on the power currently being used by devices other than the SFP 301. Then, the surplus power is compared with the power consumption consumed by the SFP 301 during printing. If the power consumption is equal to or less than the surplus power, the rated power will not be exceeded even if image formation is performed, and the HEMS determination unit 5025 determines that image formation can be performed. If the power consumption is greater than the surplus power, the rated power will be exceeded if image formation is performed, and there is a possibility that the breaker will trip, and therefore the HEMS determination unit 5025 determines that image formation should not be performed.

[0027] When the HEMS determination unit 5025 determines that image formation is not to be performed, the print data 5028 is not transmitted to the SFP 301, but is temporarily stored. The print data 5028 is temporarily stored in a memory serving as a storage unit even though it is not to be transmitted, in order to transmit the print data 5028 immediately when printing becomes possible. When the HEMS determination unit 5025 determines that image formation is possible, the print data 5028 is transmitted to the SFP 301 via the printer driver I / F 5026, the Windows standard spooler 503, and the USB-DI / F 504. Note that the method of transmitting the print data 5028 is not limited to the USB-DI / F 504, and the print data 5028 may be transmitted via a network I / F, a wired LAN, or a wireless LAN.

[0028] 6 is a diagram showing control as to whether or not to execute printing. The state of the SFP 301 is shown on the left, and the state of the personal computer 302 in which the printer driver 502 is installed is shown on the right.

[0029] At T611, the power supply of the SFP 301 is turned on. At T612, the SFP 301 is in a standby state and waits for a print instruction to be sent from the personal computer 302. When a print instruction is input from the user to the personal computer 302 at T601, the printer driver 502 generates print data via the application used by the user at T602.

[0030] In T603, the printer driver 502 determines whether or not the power consumption limit mode (home mode) has been selected from the input means. If the power consumption limit mode (home mode) has not been selected, in T605, the printer driver 502 transmits print data to the SFP 301. If the power consumption limit mode (home mode) has been selected, in T604, the printer driver 502 acquires power information from the HEMS and compares the surplus power with the power consumption consumed by the SFP 301 during printing.

[0031] If it is determined that the rated power will be exceeded if printing is performed by the SFP301 (if it is determined that the peak limit will be exceeded), print data is not sent to the SFP301, and the power is acquired again in T604 to update the information. Then, the determination of whether or not the rated power will be exceeded is repeated. If it is determined that the rated power will not be exceeded if printing is performed by the SFP301, the printer driver 502 sends print data to the SFP301 in T605. When the SFP301 receives the print data in T612, it forms an image based on the print data in T613.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a message displayed on the display means when it is determined that image formation is not to be performed. When it is determined that image formation is not to be performed, the printer driver 502 causes the status monitor control unit 5027 to display the message of Fig. 7 on the screen (status monitor 701) of the personal computer 302. The status monitor 701 displays a message 702 indicating that printing is on hold due to power overload. If it is possible to know how much power is being used at which location according to the HEMS specifications, it is also possible to display, for example, a power table 703. By displaying the power usage information, it is possible to take measures such as stopping the power usage of the microwave oven 312 when, for example, prioritizing printing by the SFP 301.

[0033] In Fig. 6, the determination as to whether to execute the process is made before the start of image formation, but it is also possible to determine whether to continue execution during image formation. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing control as to whether to continue image formation. The state of the SFP 301 is shown on the left, and the state of the personal computer 302 in which the printer driver 502 is installed is shown on the right. Note that the same steps as those in Fig. 6 above are given the same numbers, and the explanation here is omitted.

[0034] In T801, the printer driver 502 determines whether or not there is any print data remaining to send. If there is no print data remaining, printing ends. If there is, the printer driver 502 determines in T802 whether or not the power consumption has exceeded the peak limit. If it has not exceeded, transmission of the print data continues. If it has exceeded, in T803, the printer driver 502 interrupts transmission of the print data. In T811, the SFP 301 receives the interruption in transmission of the print data and stops printing.

[0035] In T804, the printer driver 502 determines whether the power consumption has exceeded the peak limit. If it has exceeded the peak limit, the printer driver 502 does not resume the transmission of print data and continues to suspend the transmission. If it has not exceeded the peak limit, the printer driver 502 resumes the transmission of print data in T805. In T812, the SFP 301 resumes printing upon receipt of the resumed transmission of print data.

[0036] Thus, in recent years, high-performance power meters that have a communication function for communicating with devices called smart meters and a management function for managing the devices are beginning to spread in homes. These smart meters are equipped with wireless communication functions as a communication function and are connected to devices such as air conditioners, lighting devices, thermometers, and security devices installed in homes and offices. In addition, power management systems called HEMS, which connect to home appliances and electrical equipment to visualize the usage of electricity, gas, etc. on a monitor screen, and optimize home appliances through automatic control, are also beginning to spread. With these, it is possible to obtain the total power consumption of devices other than the image forming device in the home, even in an environment where various home appliances are connected, such as a home. Therefore, if a user sends a print command to the image forming device at a time when there is no room for the rated power, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the breaker trips because the rated power of the home is exceeded by interrupting the print, thereby preventing the print from being interrupted. EXAMPLES

[0037] In this embodiment, a case where a print instruction is sent from a tablet or a smartphone to the SFP301 will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted here. Note that, although a tablet will be described below as an example of an information processing device, similar control can also be performed with a smartphone or the like.

[0038] 9 is a diagram showing the functions of the print application installed on the tablet 305. The tablet 305 can perform printing in a number of predetermined file formats, such as JPEG and PDF. This is determined by the file format that the SFP 301 that is to perform printing can print in.

[0039] The print application 902 has the functions of a print setting management unit 9021, a HEMS determination unit 9022, and a UI control unit 9023. The HEMS determination unit 9022 receives information about power from the HEMS 306 via the wireless network I / F 903 and the HEMS I / F 905. As in the first embodiment, the HEMS determination unit 9022 determines whether image formation is executable or not depending on the power status. If it is determined that image formation is executable, it transmits the file 901 to the SFP 301 via the wireless network I / F 903. If it is determined that image formation is not executable, the file 901 is not transmitted.

[0040] Moreover, if it is determined that the image formation is not executable and the image formation is interrupted, the UI control unit 9023 displays a message indicating that printing has been interrupted on the tablet 305, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0041] In this way, if a user sends a print command at a time when there is no room for rated power, printing can be interrupted, thereby preventing a situation in which the household's rated power is exceeded and the breaker trips. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 301 Image forming device 302 Personal Computers 502 Printer driver

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming device having an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, an acquisition unit that acquires surplus power as a difference between a rated power and a first power consumption that is a total of power consumption of the one or more devices connected to the image forming apparatus; an information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: a control means for comparing the surplus power with a second power consumption when image formation is performed by the image forming means, and if the second power consumption is greater than the surplus power, not sending print data to the image forming apparatus.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that if the second power consumption is greater than the surplus power, the control means acquires and updates the surplus power again, compares the updated surplus power with the second power consumption, and if the second power consumption becomes less than or equal to the updated surplus power, transmits the print data to the image forming device.

3. A display means for displaying a message is provided, 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means, when the print data is not transmitted, causes said display means to display a message indicating that image formation has been interrupted.

4. An input means for inputting a mode, The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a power consumption limit mode is selected by the input means, the control means compares the surplus power with a second power consumption when causing the image forming means to form an image, and if the second power consumption is greater than the surplus power, does not send the print data to the image forming device.

5. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus when the second power consumption is equal to or less than the surplus power.

6. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the control means does not transmit the print data to the image forming apparatus, the control means causes the print data to be stored in a storage unit without being transmitted.

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