Carbon dioxide emissions estimation system and carbon dioxide emissions estimation program

Abstract

To provide a carbon dioxide emissions estimation system and a carbon dioxide emissions estimation program that can estimate the emissions of carbon dioxide from an image forming apparatus not including a function to estimate the emissions of carbon dioxide.SOLUTION: A carbon dioxide emissions estimation system determines, on the outside of an image forming apparatus, an estimated value of the emissions of carbon dioxide when the image forming apparatus executes a job, by using a carbon dioxide emissions estimation model that is a numerical formula for estimating the emissions of carbon dioxide and settings of the job (S162). The carbon dioxide emissions estimation model is the numerical formula obtained by multiplying a multiple regression equation for determining an estimated value of power consumption when the image forming apparatus executes the job by a carbon dioxide emissions factor, and a plurality of explanatory variables are present in the carbon dioxide emissions estimation model according to the types of the settings of the job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system and a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation program for estimating an amount of carbon dioxide emission caused by an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an image forming device that predicts power consumption based on the number of sheets of printing media on which an image is to be formed, which are included in a print job, and print image data, and calculates carbon dioxide emissions by multiplying the predicted power consumption by a predetermined coefficient (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-137697 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that only image forming devices that have a function for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emission can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emission.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a carbon dioxide emission estimation system and a carbon dioxide emission estimation program that can estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emission from an image forming device that does not have a function for estimating the amount of carbon dioxide emission. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The carbon dioxide emission estimation system of the present invention calculates an estimated value of carbon dioxide emission when an image forming device executes a job outside the image forming device using a carbon dioxide emission estimation model, which is a formula for estimating the emission amount, and the job settings, and the carbon dioxide emission estimation model is a formula obtained by multiplying a carbon dioxide emission coefficient by a multiple regression equation for calculating an estimated value of power consumption when the image forming device executes the job, and is characterized in that there are multiple explanatory variables in the carbon dioxide emission estimation model depending on the type of job settings.

[0007] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission estimation system of the present invention uses the carbon dioxide emission estimation model and the job settings executed by the image forming device to obtain an estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount when the image forming device executes a job outside the image forming device, so that it is possible to estimate the carbon dioxide emission amount from an image forming device that does not have a function for estimating the carbon dioxide emission amount. Also, the carbon dioxide emission estimation system of the present invention is a formula obtained by multiplying a carbon dioxide emission coefficient by a multiple regression equation for obtaining an estimated value of the power consumption when the image forming device executes a job, and uses a carbon dioxide emission estimation model having a plurality of explanatory variables according to the type of job settings and the job settings to obtain an estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount when the image forming device executes a job, so that the influence of each explanatory variable on the estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount from the image forming device is not mixed up, and as a result, the accuracy of the estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount from the image forming device can be improved.

[0008] In the carbon dioxide emission estimation system of the present invention, the multiple regression equation may include a constant term indicating a total amount of power basically required for the job.

[0009] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission estimation system of the present invention has a multiple regression equation that calculates an estimate of the power consumption when an image forming device executes a job, which includes a constant term indicating the total amount of power basically required for the job, so that it is possible to calculate an estimate of the amount of carbon dioxide emission by the image forming device while taking into account the influence of the power basically required for the job, thereby improving the accuracy of the estimate of the amount of carbon dioxide emission by the image forming device.

[0010] The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system of the present invention may restrict the operation of the image forming apparatus when the total amount of the estimated emissions of the image forming apparatus exceeds a specific standard.

[0011] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission estimation system of the present invention automatically restricts the operation of an image forming device when the total estimated amount of carbon dioxide emission of the image forming device exceeds a specific standard, thereby improving convenience.

[0012] The carbon dioxide emission estimation system of the present invention may restrict the operation of each of the image forming apparatuses when the total estimated amount of emissions from the plurality of image forming apparatuses exceeds a specific standard.

[0013] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission estimation system of the present invention automatically restricts the operation of each of multiple image forming devices when the total estimated amount of carbon dioxide emission from these image forming devices exceeds a specific standard, thereby improving convenience.

[0014] The carbon dioxide emission estimation program of the present invention causes a computer to perform operations outside the image forming device to calculate an estimated value of carbon dioxide emission when an image forming device executes a job using a carbon dioxide emission estimation model, which is a formula for estimating the emission amount, and the job settings, and the carbon dioxide emission estimation model is a formula obtained by multiplying a carbon dioxide emission coefficient by a multiple regression equation for calculating an estimated value of power consumption when the image forming device executes the job, and is characterized in that there are multiple explanatory variables in the carbon dioxide emission estimation model depending on the type of job settings.

[0015] With this configuration, the computer that executes the carbon dioxide emission estimation program of the present invention uses the carbon dioxide emission estimation model and the job settings executed by the image forming apparatus to obtain an estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount when the image forming apparatus executes a job outside the image forming apparatus, so that it is possible to estimate the carbon dioxide emission amount from an image forming apparatus that does not have a function for estimating the carbon dioxide emission amount. Also, the computer that executes the carbon dioxide emission estimation program of the present invention obtains an estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount when the image forming apparatus executes a job using the carbon dioxide emission estimation model, which is an equation obtained by multiplying a carbon dioxide emission coefficient by a multiple regression equation that obtains an estimated value of the power consumption when the image forming apparatus executes a job, and the job settings, and obtains an estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount when the image forming apparatus executes a job, so that the influence of each explanatory variable on the estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount from the image forming apparatus is not mixed up, and as a result, the accuracy of the estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount from the image forming apparatus can be improved. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system and the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation program of the present invention can estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emission from an image forming apparatus that does not have a function for estimating the amount of carbon dioxide emission. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the carbon dioxide emission estimation system shown in FIG. 1 when configured by one computer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information illustrated in FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram showing an example of device job history information shown in FIG. 2; [Diagram 5] 3 is a diagram showing an example of operational restriction information shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of total emission amount information shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when it is an MFP. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of job history information shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a carbon dioxide emission estimation model generation system for generating a carbon dioxide emission estimation model used by the carbon dioxide emission estimation system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 10] 3 is a flowchart of a method for generating a carbon dioxide emission estimation model used by the carbon dioxide emission estimation system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 11] 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 7 when a copy job is executed. [Figure 12] 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the carbon dioxide emission estimation system shown in FIG. 2 when information on the history of a copy job is received. [Figure 13] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system shown in FIG. 2 when updating the operational restriction contents of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention when a copy job is executed. [Figure 15]13 is a flowchart of the operation of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention when information regarding the execution schedule of a copy job is received. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0021] 1, a system 10 includes a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 that estimates the amount of carbon dioxide emission caused by an image forming apparatus. The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 may be configured with one computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), or may be configured with multiple computers.

[0022] The system 10 includes an image forming device 30, such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or a dedicated printer. In addition to the image forming device 30, the system 10 may include at least one other image forming device having a similar configuration to the image forming device 30.

[0023] The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 is disposed outside the image forming apparatus. The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 is capable of communicating with a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Specifically, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 and the image forming apparatuses are capable of communicating with each other via a network 11, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. When the network 11 is the Internet, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 may be a cloud service.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 configured by one computer.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 comprises an operation unit 21 which is an operating device such as a keyboard or mouse through which various operations are input, a display unit 22 which is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information, a communication unit 23 which is a communication device that communicates with external devices via a network such as a LAN or the Internet, or directly by wired or wireless means without going through a network, a memory unit 24 which is a non-volatile memory device such as a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various information, and a control unit 25 which controls the entire carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20.

[0026] The storage unit 24 can store a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation program 24a for estimating the amount of carbon dioxide emission by the image forming apparatus. The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation program 24a may be installed in the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 during the manufacturing stage of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20, or may be additionally installed in the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 from an external storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or may be additionally installed in the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 from a network.

[0027] The storage unit 24 is capable of storing device information 24b indicating information on all image forming apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as "all image forming apparatuses") that belong to a specific network such as a specific LAN, such as an office LAN or a printing factory LAN.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device information 24b.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the device information 24b indicates, for each image forming device, a device ID as identification information of the image forming device, and the model of the image forming device.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 24 can store device job history information 24c that stores the history of jobs executed by the image forming apparatus.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device job history information 24c.

[0032] 4, the history stored in the device job history information 24c includes, for each job, the execution time of the job, the device ID of the image forming device that executed the job, the type of job (e.g., copy job, print job, etc.), and the job settings. The history stored in the device job history information 24c includes all information necessary for estimating the amount of carbon dioxide emissions using a carbon dioxide emission estimation model, which will be described later.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 24 is capable of storing operational restriction information 24d that indicates information regarding restrictions on the operation of the image forming apparatus.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operational restriction information 24d.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the operational restriction information 24d includes a standard emission amount indicating the amount of carbon dioxide emission that serves as the standard for restricting the operation of an image forming device, and operational restriction contents as the contents of the operation restrictions of the image forming device, for all image forming devices as a whole and for each image forming device.

[0036] The content of the restriction on the operation of the image forming device may be to prohibit execution of a job, or to restrict the content of the job settings. The restriction on the content of the job settings may be to have the user set the job settings within the scope of the operation restriction content, or to have the image forming device automatically change the job settings according to the operation restriction content, for example, when color printing is specified in the job settings, the color printing specification is automatically changed to monochrome printing.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 24 is capable of storing total emission information 24e indicating the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "total emission amount").

[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the total emission amount information 24e.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the total discharge amount information 24e indicates the total discharge amount for all image forming apparatuses as a whole and for each image forming apparatus.

[0040] 2 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a volatile storage device used as a working area for the CPU of the control unit 25. The CPU of the control unit 25 executes programs stored in the storage unit 24 or the ROM of the control unit 25.

[0041] The control unit 25 executes the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation program 24a to realize a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a that estimates the amount of carbon dioxide emission caused by the image forming apparatus.

[0042] The control unit 25 can update the contents of the device information 24b and the operational restriction information 24d in response to an instruction from, for example, an administrator of the image forming apparatus via the operation unit 21 or the communication unit 23.

[0043] The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model, which is a mathematical formula used by the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emission when the image forming apparatus executes one job, is the following formula.

number

[0044] A carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model is prepared for each combination of the model of the image forming apparatus and the type of job.

[0045] In the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model, the formula in the parentheses on the right side is a multiple regression formula (hereinafter referred to as the "power consumption estimation model") that obtains an estimated value of the power consumption when an image forming apparatus executes one job.

[0046] In the carbon dioxide emission estimation model, n is an integer of 2 or more.

[0047] In the carbon dioxide emission estimation model, the explanatory variable x n may exist according to the type of settings of the target job, for example.

[0048] x n For example, a value according to the number of prints indicating the number of recording media on which images are printed in the target job may be adopted as the print count.

[0049] x n For example, an explanatory variable according to the recording medium size indicating the size of the recording medium on which the image is printed in the target job may be adopted as the explanatory variable. The value of the explanatory variable according to the recording medium size may be determined according to the recording medium size, for example, 5 for A4 size, 2 for A5 size, etc. The value of the explanatory variable according to the recording medium size may be a numerical value proportional to the area of ​​the recording medium size, for example.

[0050] x nFor example, a value according to the recording medium type indicating the type of recording medium on which an image is printed in the target job may be adopted as the explanatory variable. The value of the explanatory variable according to the recording medium type may be determined according to the recording medium type, for example, 3 for thick paper, 2 for plain paper, and 1 for thin paper. The value of the explanatory variable according to the recording medium type may be a numerical value proportional to the thickness of the recording medium type, for example. The explanatory variable according to the recording medium type may be provided for each recording medium type. When the explanatory variable according to the recording medium type is provided for each recording medium type, the value of the explanatory variable for each recording medium type may be, for example, 1 when the target recording medium type is specified in the job settings, and 0 when the target recording medium type is not specified in the job settings. For example, when the explanatory variable according to the recording medium type is provided for each recording medium type, the value of the explanatory variable for cardboard may be 1 when cardboard is specified as the recording medium type in the job settings, and 0 when cardboard is not specified as the recording medium type in the job settings.

[0051] x n For example, a double-sided / single-sided explanatory variable indicating whether double-sided printing or single-sided printing is to be performed in the target job may be adopted as the explanatory variable. The value of the double-sided / single-sided explanatory variable may be, for example, 1 when double-sided printing is specified in the job settings, and 0 when single-sided printing is specified in the job settings.

[0052] x nFor example, a variable corresponding to color / monochrome indicating whether color printing or monochrome printing is performed in the target job may be adopted as the explanatory variable. The value of the explanatory variable corresponding to color / monochrome may be, for example, 1 when color is specified in the job settings, and 0 when monochrome is specified in the job settings. The explanatory variable corresponding to color / monochrome may be provided separately for color printing and monochrome printing. When explanatory variables corresponding to color / monochrome are provided separately for color printing and monochrome printing, the value of the explanatory variable for color printing may be, for example, 1 when color printing is specified in the job settings, and 0 when color printing is not specified in the job settings. Similarly, when explanatory variables corresponding to color / monochrome are provided separately for color printing and monochrome printing, the value of the explanatory variable for monochrome printing may be, for example, 1 when monochrome printing is specified in the job settings, and 0 when monochrome printing is not specified in the job settings.

[0053] x n For example, a value according to aggregation indicating the number of pages printed on one side of the recording medium may be adopted as the explanatory variable according to aggregation. The value of the explanatory variable according to aggregation may be, for example, 8 when "no aggregation" indicating that the number of pages printed on one side of the recording medium is 1 is specified in the job settings, 4 when "2in1" indicating that the number of pages printed on one side of the recording medium is 2 is specified in the job settings, 2 when "4in1" indicating that the number of pages printed on one side of the recording medium is 4 is specified in the job settings, and 1 when "8in1" indicating that the number of pages printed on one side of the recording medium is 8 is specified in the job settings.

[0054] In the case where the power consumption when an image forming apparatus executes a job differs depending on the position of a media supply unit to which a recording medium on which an image is printed is supplied, for example, the number of motors to be driven for conveying the recording medium differs depending on the position of the media supply unit to which the recording medium is supplied, x n As the position of the recording medium, a position corresponding to the position of a medium supply unit to which a recording medium on which an image is printed in the target job is supplied may be adopted.

[0055] In the case where the power consumption when an image forming apparatus executes a job differs depending on the position of a media output unit to which a recording medium on which an image is printed is output, for example, the number of motors to be driven for conveying the recording medium differs depending on the position of the media output unit to which the recording medium is output. n As the printing position, a position corresponding to the position of a medium discharge unit to which a recording medium on which an image is printed in the target job is discharged may be adopted.

[0056] If the image forming apparatus has a function for performing post-processing such as sorting, stapling, punching, and folding on the recording medium on which the image is printed, then n As the post-processing time, a post-processing time may be adopted that corresponds to the type of post-processing to be performed on the recording medium on which the image is printed in the target job.

[0057] x n may exist depending on the state of the image forming device when the target job is executed. For example, x n As a result, a state of the image forming apparatus when the target job is executed may be adopted according to the operation mode of the image forming apparatus. The operation modes of the image forming apparatus include, for example, a normal mode and a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode. In the quiet mode, the motor for rotating the polygon mirror in the printer of the image forming apparatus is stopped every time execution of a job is completed in order to reduce noise, so that the motor for rotating the polygon mirror in the printer of the image forming apparatus needs to be driven every time execution of a job is started. Therefore, the quiet mode consumes more power than the normal mode.

[0058] In the carbon dioxide emission estimation model, the constant term b indicates the total amount of power basically required for the target job. For example, the power basically required for the target job can be the power for raising and maintaining the temperature of the fixing roller in the printer of the image forming device to a specific temperature before printing, the power for stabilizing the rotation of the motor for rotating the fixing roller in the printer of the image forming device before printing, and the power for stabilizing the rotation of the motor for rotating the polygon mirror in the printer of the image forming device before printing.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus 30 when it is an MFP.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 30 is a computer that includes an operation unit 31 which is an operating device such as a button through which various operations are input, a display unit 32 which is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information, a printer 33 which is a printing device that prints images on a recording medium such as paper, a scanner 34 which is a reading device that reads images from a document, a communication unit 35 which is a communication device that communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN or the Internet, or directly by wire or wirelessly without using a network, a fax communication unit 36 ​​which is a fax device that communicates by fax with an external facsimile machine (not shown) via a communication line such as a public telephone line, a memory unit 37 which is a non-volatile memory device such as a semiconductor memory or HDD that stores various information, and a control unit 38 which controls the entire image forming apparatus 30.

[0061] The storage unit 37 can store a job execution program 37a for executing a job. The job execution program 37a may be installed in the image forming apparatus 30 during the manufacturing stage of the image forming apparatus 30, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 30 from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 30 from a network.

[0062] The storage unit 37 is capable of storing job history information 37b that stores the history of jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 30.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the job history information 37b.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, the history stored in the job history information 37b indicates, for each job, the execution time of the job, the type of job such as a copy job or a print job, and the job settings.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 37 can store operational restriction content information 37c that indicates the operational restriction content of the image forming apparatus 30.

[0066] The control unit 38 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data, and a RAM as a memory used as a working area for the CPU of the control unit 38. The CPU of the control unit 38 executes the programs stored in the storage unit 37 or the ROM of the control unit 38.

[0067] The control unit 38 executes the job execution program 37a to thereby realize a job execution unit 38a that executes a job.

[0068] Next, a configuration of a carbon dioxide emission estimation model generating system for generating a carbon dioxide emission estimation model will be described.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example of a carbon dioxide emission estimation model generation system 40 for generating a carbon dioxide emission estimation model used by the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20. As shown in FIG.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 9, the carbon dioxide emission estimation model generation system 40 includes an image forming apparatus 50, a power meter 60 that measures the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 50, and an electronic device 70 such as a smartphone or tablet that stores the power consumption measured by the power meter 60.

[0071] Next, a method for generating a carbon dioxide emission estimation model will be described.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method for generating a carbon dioxide emission estimation model for use by the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20. As shown in FIG.

[0073] 10, the worker collects a large amount of data for generating a power consumption estimation model (S101). Specifically, the worker accumulates data in the electronic device 70 for each job setting, the data correlating the power consumption measured by the power meter 60 when the image forming device 50 executes a job with the settings of the job executed by the image forming device 50.

[0074] When the step of S101 is completed, the worker generates a power consumption estimation model by multiple regression analysis using the data collected in S101 (S102). Specifically, the worker instructs the electronic device 70 to generate a power consumption estimation model by multiple regression analysis using the data collected in S101. Therefore, the electronic device 70 generates a power consumption estimation model by multiple regression analysis using the data collected in S101. The generation of the power consumption estimation model in S102 may be performed by machine learning.

[0075] When the step of S102 is completed, the worker generates a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model using the power consumption estimation model generated in S102 (S103). Specifically, the worker instructs the electronic device 70 to generate a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model using the power consumption estimation model generated in S102. Therefore, the electronic device 70 generates the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model by multiplying the power consumption estimation model generated in S102 by a carbon dioxide emission coefficient.

[0076] 9 is capable of generating only a carbon dioxide emission estimation model for the same model as the image forming device 50. Therefore, by changing the model of the image forming device in the carbon dioxide emission estimation model generation system 40, it is possible to generate carbon dioxide emission estimation models for various models.

[0077] The carbon dioxide emission estimation model generated by the method shown in FIG.

[0078] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when executing a job will be described.

[0079] In the following, a copy job will be described as an example of the type of job, but the same applies to jobs other than a copy job.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when executing a copy job.

[0081] When an instruction to display a copy job setting screen (hereinafter referred to as a "copy setting screen") is given via the operation unit 31, the job execution unit 38a of the image forming apparatus 30 executes the operation shown in FIG.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11, the job executing unit 38a judges whether or not execution of a copy job is prohibited in the operational restriction contents indicated in the operational restriction contents information 37c (S131).

[0083] When the job execution unit 38a determines in S131 that the execution of a copy job is prohibited by the operational restriction contents indicated in the operational restriction contents information 37c, it displays on the display unit 12 a message to the effect that the execution of the copy job is prohibited because the carbon dioxide emission amount exceeds the standard (S132), and terminates the operation shown in FIG. 11.

[0084] If the job executing unit 38a determines in S131 that the execution of the copy job is not prohibited in the operational restriction details indicated in the operational restriction details information 37c, the job executing unit 38a displays a copy setting screen on the display unit 12 (S133).

[0085] When the process of S133 ends, the job executing unit 38a judges whether or not the settings of the copy job are restricted in the operational restriction contents indicated in the operational restriction contents information 37c (S134).

[0086] When the job execution unit 38a determines in S134 that the contents of the copy job settings are restricted by the operational restriction contents indicated in the operational restriction contents information 37c, the job execution unit 38a restricts the contents of the copy job settings in accordance with the operational restriction contents indicated in the operational restriction contents information 37c (S135).

[0087] The job execution unit 38a determines in S134 that the settings of the copy job are not restricted by the operational restriction contents indicated in the operational restriction contents information 37c, or when the processing of S135 is completed, determines whether or not execution of the copy job has been instructed (S136) until it determines that execution of the copy job has been instructed.

[0088] When the job execution unit 38a determines in S136 that execution of a copy job has been instructed, it executes the copy job with the copy settings that were specified on the copy setting screen at the time that execution of the copy job was instructed (S137).

[0089] When the process of S137 ends, the job execution unit 38a stores the history of the copy job executed in S137 in the job history information 37b (S138).

[0090] When the processing of S138 is completed, the job execution unit 38a transmits information regarding the history of the copy job, including the execution time of the copy job in S137, the device ID of the image forming device 30, the fact that the type of the job executed in S137 was a copy job, and the copy settings of the copy job executed in S137, to the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 (S139), and terminates the operation shown in FIG. 11.

[0091] Next, the operation of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 when information on the history of copy jobs is received will be described.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the operation of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 when information on the history of a copy job is received.

[0093] When information regarding the history of a copy job is sent from an image forming device (hereinafter referred to as the "target image forming device" in the operation shown in FIG. 12), the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a of the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 adds the history based on the information sent from the target image forming device to the device job history information 24c (S161), as shown in FIG. 12.

[0094] When the processing of S161 is completed, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a uses a carbon dioxide emission estimation model corresponding to the combination of the model associated in the device information 24b with the device ID indicated in the history added in S161 and a copy job, which is the job type indicated in the history added in S161, and information including the copy settings indicated in the history added in S161 to determine an estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission by the target image forming device (S162).

[0095] When the process of S162 is completed, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a updates the total emission amount by the target image forming device and the total emission amount by all image forming devices shown in the total emission amount information 24e according to the estimated value of carbon dioxide emission calculated in S162 (S163). Specifically, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a updates the total emission amount by the target image forming device shown in the total emission amount information 24e by adding the estimated value of carbon dioxide emission calculated in S162 to the total emission amount by all image forming devices shown in the total emission amount information 24e. Similarly, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a updates the total emission amount by all image forming devices shown in the total emission amount information 24e by adding the estimated value of carbon dioxide emission calculated in S162 to the total emission amount by all image forming devices shown in the total emission amount information 24e.

[0096] When the process of S163 ends, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a ends the operation shown in FIG.

[0097] Next, the operation of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 when resetting the total emission amount indicated in the total emission amount information 24e will be described.

[0098] Carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a of carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 resets the total emission amount indicated in total emission amount information 24e at a specific timing, such as once a month. That is, carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a updates the total emission amount for each image forming device indicated in total emission amount information 24e and the total emission amount of all image forming devices indicated in total emission amount information 24e to zero at a specific timing.

[0099] Next, the operation of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 when updating the operational restrictions of the image forming apparatus will be described.

[0100] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 when updating the operational restriction details of the image forming apparatus.

[0101] When the total emission amount indicated in the total emission amount information 24e is updated, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 executes the operation shown in FIG.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 13, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a determines whether the total emission amount for all image forming devices, as indicated in the total emission information 24e, exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices, as indicated in the operational restriction information 24d (S191).

[0103] When the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines in S191 that the total emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in the total emission amount information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in the operational restriction information 24d, it notifies each of all image forming devices of the operational restriction contents for all image forming devices as shown in the operational restriction information 24d (S192), and terminates the operation shown in Figure 13.

[0104] When the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines in S191 that the total emission amount for all image forming devices, as shown in the total emission amount information 24e, does not exceed the standard emission amount for all image forming devices, as shown in the operational restriction information 24d, it targets one image forming device, among the image forming devices whose total emission amount shown in the total emission amount information 24e has been updated, that has not yet been targeted in the current process shown in Figure 13 (S193).

[0105] When the processing of S193 is completed, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines whether the total emission amount by the currently targeted image forming device, as indicated in the total emission amount information 24e, exceeds the standard emission amount for the currently targeted image forming device, as indicated in the operational restriction information 24d (S194).

[0106] When the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a determines in S194 that the total emission by the currently target image forming apparatus, as indicated in the total emission information 24e, exceeds the standard emission for the currently target image forming apparatus, as indicated in the operational restriction information 24d, it notifies the currently target image forming apparatus of the operational restriction contents for the currently target image forming apparatus, as indicated in the operational restriction information 24d (S195).

[0107] When the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines in S194 that the total emission amount by the currently target image forming apparatus, as shown in the total emission amount information 24e, does not exceed the standard emission amount for the currently target image forming apparatus, as shown in the operation restriction information 24d, it notifies the currently target image forming apparatus of the operation restriction content that the operation of the currently target image forming apparatus will not be restricted (S196).

[0108] When the processing of S195 or S196 is completed, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines whether or not there is any image forming device that has not yet been targeted in the current processing shown in Figure 13 among the image forming devices whose total emission amount shown in the total emission information 24e has been updated (S197).

[0109] If the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a determines in S197 that there is an image forming device that has not yet been targeted in the current process shown in Figure 13 among the image forming devices whose total emission amount shown in the total emission information 24e has been updated, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a executes the process of S193.

[0110] When the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a determines in S197 that there are no image forming devices that have not yet been targeted in the current process shown in FIG. 13 among the image forming devices whose total emission amount shown in the total emission information 24e has been updated, the operation shown in FIG. 13 is terminated.

[0111] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 when updating the operational restriction contents will be described.

[0112] When the job execution unit 38 a of the image forming apparatus 30 is notified of the operational restriction contents from the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 , the job execution unit 38 a updates the operational restriction contents information 37 c with the operational restriction contents notified from the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 .

[0113] The above description is directed to the image forming apparatus 30. However, the same applies to image forming apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus 30.

[0114] Next, the operation of the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 when notifying the total emission amount will be described.

[0115] Carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a of carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 notifies the total emission amount shown in total emission amount information 24e when an instruction to notify the total emission amount is input, for example, by an administrator of the image forming apparatus, via operation unit 21 or communication unit 23. Here, when an instruction to notify the total emission amount is input via operation unit 21, carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a notifies the total emission amount shown in total emission amount information 24e by displaying it on display unit 22. Furthermore, when an instruction to notify the total emission amount is input via communication unit 23 from an external computer, carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a notifies the external computer via communication unit 23 of the total emission amount shown in total emission amount information 24e.

[0116] As described above, the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 uses the carbon dioxide emission estimation model and the settings of the job executed by the image forming device to obtain an estimate of the amount of carbon dioxide emission when the image forming device executes a job outside the image forming device (S162), and therefore can estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emission from an image forming device that does not have a function for estimating carbon dioxide emission.

[0117] The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 does not need to update data in the image forming apparatus when updating the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model, so that the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model can be easily updated.

[0118] The carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 is a formula obtained by multiplying a carbon dioxide emission coefficient by a multiple regression equation that obtains an estimate of the power consumption when an image forming device executes a job, and uses a carbon dioxide emission estimation model in which multiple explanatory variables exist depending on the type of job settings, and the job settings to obtain an estimate of the carbon dioxide emission amount when an image forming device executes a job (S162).This prevents the influence of each explanatory variable on the estimated amount of carbon dioxide emission by the image forming device from being confused, and as a result, the accuracy of the estimated amount of carbon dioxide emission by the image forming device can be improved.

[0119] Since the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 uses a multiple regression equation for estimating the power consumption when an image forming device executes a job, which equation includes a constant term indicating the total amount of power basically required for the job, it is possible to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emission by the image forming device while taking into account the influence of the power basically required for the job. As a result, the accuracy of the estimated amount of carbon dioxide emission by the image forming device can be improved.

[0120] The carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 can obtain an estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount by the image forming apparatus by using the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model, even if the power consumption of the image forming apparatus is not measured by a power meter.

[0121] The carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 obtains estimated values ​​of carbon dioxide emission from multiple image forming devices, and therefore, for example, allows a manager of the image forming devices to easily recognize the total estimated value of carbon dioxide emission for each image forming device and the total estimated value of carbon dioxide emission from all image forming devices.

[0122] When the total estimated amount of carbon dioxide emissions from an image forming device exceeds a specific standard (YES in S194), the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 automatically restricts the operation of the image forming device (S132, S135 and S195), thereby improving convenience.

[0123] When the total estimated amount of carbon dioxide emissions from multiple image forming devices exceeds a specific standard (YES in S191), the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 automatically restricts the operation of each of these image forming devices (S132, S135 and S192), thereby improving convenience.

[0124] In the operation shown in FIG. 13, when both of the following cases are met: the total emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in operational restriction information 24d, and the total emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in operational restriction information 24d, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a prioritizes and executes processing for the case where the total emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in operational restriction information 24d. However, when both of the following conditions are met: the total emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in the total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in the operational restriction information 24d, and the total emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the operational restriction information 24d, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a may execute either a process for the case where the total emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in the total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in the operational restriction information 24d, or a process for the case where the total emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the operational restriction information 24d. For example, when both of the following conditions are met: the total emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in the total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as shown in the operational restriction information 24d; and the total emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the operational restriction information 24d, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a may prioritize processing for the case where the total emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the total emission information 24e exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the operational restriction information 24d.

[0125] (Second embodiment) The configuration of the system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the configuration of the system 10 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the components of the system according to the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the components of the system 10, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] The operation of the system according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the system 10, except for the operations described below.

[0127] In the following, a copy job will be described as an example of the type of job, but the same applies to jobs other than a copy job.

[0128] When executing a copy job, the image forming apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment executes the operation shown in FIG. 14, instead of the operation shown in FIG.

[0129] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment when a copy job is executed.

[0130] When an instruction to display the copy setting screen is given via the operation unit 31, the job execution unit 38a of the image forming apparatus 30 executes the operation shown in FIG.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 14, the job executing unit 38a executes the processes of S231 to S236 which are similar to the processes of S131 to S136 (see FIG. 11).

[0132] When the job execution unit 38a determines in S236 that execution of a copy job has been instructed, it transmits information regarding the scheduled execution of the copy job to the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20, including the device ID of the image forming device 30, the fact that the job type is a copy job, and the copy settings specified on the copy setting screen at the time the execution of the copy job was instructed (S237).

[0133] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the operation of the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 when information regarding the execution schedule of a copy job is received.

[0134] When information regarding the scheduled execution of a copy job is sent from an image forming device (hereinafter referred to as the "target image forming device" in the operation shown in FIG. 15), the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a of the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 uses a carbon dioxide emission estimation model corresponding to the combination of the model that is associated in device information 24b with the device ID included in the information regarding the scheduled execution of the copy job received from the target image forming device and the job type (copy job) included in the information regarding the scheduled execution of the copy job received from the target image forming device, and information including copy settings included in the information regarding the scheduled execution of the copy job received from the target image forming device to calculate an estimated value of the carbon dioxide emission from the target image forming device (S261), as shown in FIG. 15.

[0135] When the process of S261 is completed, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a calculates the planned total emission amount by the target image forming device and the planned total emission amount by all image forming devices based on the total emission amount information 24e and the estimated value of carbon dioxide emission calculated in S261 (S262). Specifically, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a calculates the planned total emission amount by the target image forming device by adding the estimated value of carbon dioxide emission calculated in S261 to the total emission amount by all image forming devices shown in the total emission amount information 24e. Similarly, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a calculates the planned total emission amount by all image forming devices by adding the estimated value of carbon dioxide emission calculated in S261 to the total emission amount by all image forming devices shown in the total emission amount information 24e.

[0136] When the processing of S262 is completed, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines whether or not the planned total emission amount for all image forming devices calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as a whole indicated in the operational restriction information 24d (S263).

[0137] When the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines in S263 that the planned total emission amount for all image forming devices calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices indicated in the operation restriction information 24d, it determines whether or not to permit execution of a copy job based on the operation restriction content for all image forming devices indicated in the operation restriction information 24d (S264). Specifically, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines that execution of a copy job is not permitted when the operation restriction content for all image forming devices indicated in the operation restriction information 24d prohibits execution of a copy job. In addition, when the operation restriction content for all image forming devices indicated in the operation restriction information 24d restricts the content of the settings for a copy job, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines that execution of a copy job is not permitted when the copy settings included in the information on the execution schedule of a copy job are not permitted in the operation restriction content for all image forming devices. Furthermore, when the operational restriction contents for all image forming devices as shown in the operational restriction information 24d restrict the contents of the settings for a copy job, if the copy settings included in the information on the scheduled execution of the copy job are permitted in the operational restriction contents for all image forming devices as a whole, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a determines to permit the execution of the copy job.

[0138] When the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a determines in S263 that the planned total emission amount for all image forming devices calculated in S262 does not exceed the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as a whole indicated in the operational restriction information 24d, or determines in S264 that the execution of the copy job is permitted, it determines whether the planned total emission amount for the target image forming device calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device indicated in the operational restriction information 24d (S265).

[0139] When the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines in S265 that the planned total emission amount by the target image forming apparatus calculated in S262 exceeds the reference emission amount for the target image forming apparatus indicated in the operational restriction information 24d, it determines whether or not to permit execution of a copy job based on the operational restriction content for the target image forming apparatus indicated in the operational restriction information 24d (S266). Specifically, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines that execution of a copy job is not permitted when the operational restriction content for the target image forming apparatus indicated in the operational restriction information 24d prohibits execution of a copy job. In addition, when the operational restriction content for the target image forming apparatus indicated in the operational restriction information 24d restricts the content of the settings for the copy job, the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines that execution of a copy job is not permitted when the copy settings included in the information on the execution schedule of the copy job are not permitted in the operational restriction content for the target image forming apparatus. Furthermore, when the operational restriction content for the target image forming device indicated in the operational restriction information 24d restricts the content of the settings for a copy job, if the copy settings included in the information relating to the scheduled execution of the copy job are permitted in the operational restriction content for the target image forming device, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a determines to permit execution of the copy job.

[0140] When the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines in S265 that the planned total emission amount by the target image forming device calculated in S262 does not exceed the standard emission amount for the target image forming device indicated in the operation restriction information 24d, or determines in S266 that execution of the copy job is permitted, it notifies the target image forming device that execution of the copy job is permitted (S267) and terminates the operation shown in FIG. 15.

[0141] If the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation unit 25a determines in S264 or S266 that the execution of the copy job is not permitted, it notifies the target image forming apparatus that the execution of the copy job is not permitted (S268), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 14, when the process of S237 ends, the job executing unit 38a of the image forming apparatus 30 determines whether or not the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 has notified the job executing unit 38a that the execution of the copy job is permitted (S238).

[0143] If the job execution unit 38a determines in S238 that the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 has not notified it that the execution of the copy job is permitted, it determines whether or not the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 has notified it that the execution of the copy job is not permitted (S239).

[0144] If the job executing unit 38a determines in S239 that the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation system 20 has not notified the user that the execution of the copy job is not permitted, the job executing unit 38a executes the process of S238.

[0145] If the job execution unit 38a determines in S238 that the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 has notified it that the execution of the copy job is permitted, it executes the processes of S240 to S242, which are similar to the processes of S137 to S139 (see FIG. 11), and terminates the operation shown in FIG. 14.

[0146] When the job execution unit 38a determines in S239 that it has been notified by the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 that the execution of the copy job is not permitted, it displays on the display unit 12 a message that the execution of the copy job is not permitted because the carbon dioxide emission amount exceeds the standard (S243), and terminates the operation shown in Figure 14.

[0147] The system according to the second embodiment can achieve the effects described below in addition to the effects that the system 10 can achieve.

[0148] When the total estimated amount of carbon dioxide emissions from an image forming device exceeds a specific standard (YES in S265), the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 automatically restricts the operation of the image forming device (S268), thereby improving convenience.

[0149] When the total estimated amount of carbon dioxide emissions from multiple image forming devices exceeds a specific standard (YES in S263), the carbon dioxide emission estimation system 20 automatically restricts the operation of each of these image forming devices (S268), thereby improving convenience.

[0150] In the operation shown in FIG. 15, when both the case where the planned total emission amount for all image forming devices calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as a whole shown in the operational restriction information 24d and the case where the planned total emission amount for the target image forming device calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device shown in the operational restriction information 24d are satisfied, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a prioritizes execution of processing for the case where the planned total emission amount for all image forming devices calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as a whole shown in the operational restriction information 24d. However, when both of the following cases are met: the total planned emission amount for all image forming devices calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as a whole shown in the operational restriction information 24d, and the total planned emission amount for the target image forming device calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device shown in the operational restriction information 24d, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a may execute either processing for the case where the total planned emission amount for all image forming devices calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as a whole shown in the operational restriction information 24d, or processing for the case where the total planned emission amount for the target image forming device calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device shown in the operational restriction information 24d. For example, when both of the following cases are met: the planned total emission amount for all image forming devices calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for all image forming devices as a whole as shown in the operational restriction information 24d, and the planned total emission amount for the target image forming device calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the operational restriction information 24d, the carbon dioxide emission estimation unit 25a may prioritize processing for the case where the planned total emission amount for the target image forming device calculated in S262 exceeds the standard emission amount for the target image forming device as shown in the operational restriction information 24d. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 20 Carbon dioxide emissions estimation system (computer) 24a Carbon dioxide emissions estimation program 30 Image forming device

Claims

1. determining, outside the image forming apparatus, an estimated value of an amount of carbon dioxide emission when the image forming apparatus executes a job, using a carbon dioxide emission estimation model, which is a formula for estimating the amount of emission, and a setting of the job; the carbon dioxide emission estimation model is a formula obtained by multiplying a carbon dioxide emission coefficient by a multiple regression equation for calculating an estimated value of power consumption when the image forming apparatus executes the job, A carbon dioxide emission estimation system, characterized in that there are multiple explanatory variables in the carbon dioxide emission estimation model depending on the type of job settings.

2. 2. The carbon dioxide emission estimation system according to claim 1, wherein the multiple regression equation includes a constant term indicating a total amount of power basically required for the job.

3. 3. The carbon dioxide emission estimation system according to claim 1, wherein when a total amount of the estimated emission values ​​of the image forming apparatus exceeds a specific standard, the operation of the image forming apparatus is restricted.

4. 3. The carbon dioxide emission estimation system according to claim 1, further comprising: restricting the operation of each of the image forming devices when the total amount of the estimated emissions of the entire image forming devices exceeds a specific standard.

5. A computer is caused to execute an operation outside the image forming apparatus to obtain an estimated value of a carbon dioxide emission amount when the image forming apparatus executes a job, using a carbon dioxide emission estimation model, which is a mathematical formula for estimating the emission amount, and a setting of the job; the carbon dioxide emission estimation model is a formula obtained by multiplying a carbon dioxide emission coefficient by a multiple regression equation for calculating an estimated value of power consumption when the image forming apparatus executes the job, A carbon dioxide emission estimation program, characterized in that there are a plurality of explanatory variables in the carbon dioxide emission estimation model according to the type of job settings.

Images