Image formation apparatus, control method for the same, and program

Abstract

To provide a novel mechanism that improves user's efforts, for example, against environmental problems.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprises acquisition means for acquiring electric power, which is consumed to provide a function, as functional consumption power, for each function possessed by the image formation apparatus, and output means for outputting the functional consumption power for each function, which is acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been developed that notifies a user of information about power consumption when components constituting an image forming apparatus are operating (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-56909 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is difficult for users to understand the correspondence between the components that make up an image forming device and the functions that the image forming device provides. Therefore, when a user who uses a function of an image forming device is notified of the power consumed when the components that make up the image forming device operate, it is difficult for the user to understand the relationship between the use of the function and the power consumption consumed to provide that function. Therefore, it is difficult to motivate users to address environmental issues by raising their awareness of the environmental issue of power consumption. Alternatively, if a user is already aware of environmental issues and is addressing them, it is difficult to improve the user's efforts to address environmental issues by raising their awareness.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above problems, and provides a novel mechanism for improving users' efforts to address environmental issues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an image forming device characterized by having, for example, an acquisition means for acquiring, for each function possessed by the image forming device, the power consumed to provide the function as functional power consumption, and an output means for outputting the functional power consumption for each function acquired by the acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a novel mechanism for improving users' efforts to address environmental issues can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] A flowchart showing a processing procedure according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation panel according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation panel according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a formula for calculating power consumption for each function according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] A flowchart showing a processing procedure according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation panel according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation panel according to an embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation panel according to an embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation panel according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] A flowchart showing a processing procedure according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen of an operation panel according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] In this specification, the term "image forming apparatus" broadly includes apparatuses that form (record) images on recording materials (recording media), such as single-function printers, copiers, multifunction machines, commercial printing machines, etc. The image forming apparatus may also be a system (image forming system) that connects an image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on recording materials with devices such as a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet feeding apparatus.

[0011] <Hardware configuration> First, an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, the x direction indicates the horizontal direction, the y direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) indicates the direction in which ejection ports are arranged in a recording head 8 (described later), and the z direction indicates the vertical direction.

[0012] Image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction peripheral provided with a printer unit 2 and a scanner unit 3. That is, in image forming apparatus 1, various processes related to recording operations and reading operations can be performed by printer unit 2 and scanner unit 3 individually or in conjunction with each other. Scanner unit 3 is provided with an ADF (automatic document feeder) and an FBS (flatbed scanner). An automatically fed document is read by the ADF. The scanned document is then placed on the platen of the FBS by the user. The document placed on the platen is then read (scanned). Note that although image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction peripheral provided with both printer unit 2 and scanner unit 3, it may be configured without the scanner unit 3.

[0013] <Block diagram> Next, the control configuration of image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Image forming apparatus 1 comprises a print engine unit 200 that mainly controls print section 2, a scanner engine unit 300 that controls scanner section 3, and a controller unit 100 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1. Print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of print engine unit 200 in accordance with instructions from main controller 101 of controller unit 100. Various mechanisms of scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by main controller 101 of controller unit 100.

[0014] <<Controller unit 100>> The controller unit 100 includes a main controller 101, a RAM 106, a ROM 107, a host I / F 102, a wireless I / F 103, a server I / F 110, and an image processing unit .

[0015] The main controller 101 is configured with a CPU. The main controller 101 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 using the RAM 106 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. The host I / F 102 functions as an interface unit for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 to a host computer. The wireless I / F 103 includes a communication module and functions as an interface unit for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 to a wireless communication line. The image forming apparatus 1 can perform data communication with an external device via the wireless communication line via the wireless I / F 103. There are no particular limitations on the type of wireless I / F 103, and any type may be used.

[0016] Furthermore, the image processing unit 108 performs predetermined image processing. For example, a print job is input from a host computer via the host I / F 102 or wireless I / F 103. Alternatively, a print job is input from a server via the server I / F 110. In such cases, the image processing unit 108 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data in accordance with instructions from the main controller 101.

[0017] The controller unit 100 also includes a print engine I / F 105. The print engine I / F 105 functions as an interface for connecting the controller unit 100 and the print engine unit 200. For example, the main controller 101 can send image data to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I / F 105.

[0018] The controller unit 100 also includes an operation panel 104 with a so-called touch panel display. A user can operate the image forming apparatus 1 via the operation panel 104. More specifically, the user can execute various functions of the image forming apparatus 1, such as copying and scanning, by performing operations such as touching and sliding on the screen of the operation panel 104. The user can also set a print mode in the same way. The user can also view various pieces of information about the image forming apparatus 1 displayed on the screen of the operation panel 104.

[0019] The controller unit 100 also includes a retention control unit 111. When performing double-sided printing, the retention control unit 111 controls the print engine I / F 105 to print the front side of the printing surface to the print engine unit 200, or to print the back side of the printing surface to the print engine unit 200.

[0020] The controller unit 100 also includes an overlap control unit 112. The overlap control unit 112 acquires blank lines of the image from the image processing unit 108. The overlap control unit 112 then determines the amount of overlap between the sheet to be printed and the sheet immediately preceding it from the blank area at the rear end of the image on the sheet immediately preceding the sheet to be printed and the blank area at the front end of the image on the sheet to be printed. The overlap control unit 112 then notifies the print engine I / F 105 of the amount of overlap. In this way, by transporting the preceding and succeeding sheets with a partial overlap, the gap between sheets can be reduced and processing speed can be increased.

[0021] The controller unit 100 also includes a power consumption measurement unit 113. The power consumption measurement unit 113 measures the power consumed by each part of the image forming apparatus 1. The power consumption measurement unit 113 can also measure the power consumed by the entire image forming apparatus 1.

[0022] <<Print engine unit 200>> The print engine unit 200 includes a print controller 202, a ROM 203, and a RAM 204. The print controller 202 is configured with a CPU, and controls various mechanisms included in the print unit 2 in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 203, using the RAM 204 as a work area.

[0023] The print engine unit 200 also includes a controller I / F 201. The controller I / F 201 functions as an interface for connecting the print engine unit 200 and the controller unit 100. The print engine unit 200 also includes an image processing controller 205. The image processing controller 205 converts image data into print data. The print engine unit 200 also includes a head I / F 206. The head I / F 206 functions as an interface for connecting the print engine unit 200 and the print head 8. The print engine unit 200 also includes a transport control unit 207. The transport control unit controls the driving of feeding units 6A and 6B, transport rollers 7, discharge rollers 12, and flapper 11.

[0024] Using these functional blocks, the printing process is executed as follows: The print controller 202 receives data such as various commands and image data from the controller unit 100 via the controller I / F 201. The print controller 202 also temporarily stores the received data in RAM 204. The print controller 202 then causes the image processing controller 205 to convert the image data from the stored data into print data. Once the print data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the print head 8 to execute a printing operation based on the print data via the head I / F 206. At this time, the print controller 202 drives the feed units 6A and 6B, the conveyance roller 7, the discharge roller 12, and the flapper 11 shown in FIG. 1 via the conveyance control unit 207 to convey the printing medium S. In this way, the printing head 8 executes a printing operation in conjunction with the conveyance operation of the printing medium S according to instructions from the print controller 202, and the printing process is executed.

[0025] The ROM 203 stores various variables that can be set, such as N in N-in-1 printing (N is an integer), double-sided or single-sided printing, color or monochrome printing, photo or document printing, etc. These variables can be changed from default settings to settings for each user. That is, the print controller 202 receives setting values ​​input on the operation panel 104 via the print engine I / F 105. The print controller 202 then stores the received setting values ​​in the ROM 203, thereby reflecting them in the print settings.

[0026] <<Scanner engine unit 300>> The scanner engine unit 300 includes a controller I / F 301, a scanner controller 302, a RAM 303, a transport control unit 304, and a sensor 305. The controller I / F 301 functions as an interface unit for connecting the scanner engine unit 300 and the controller unit 100.

[0027] The main controller 101 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 using the RAM 106 as a work area in accordance with the programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. This controls the various mechanisms of the scanner unit 3. The transport control unit 304 transports the document placed on the ADF to the document table of the FBS. In addition, the sensor 305 reads information written on the document placed on the document table of the FBS.

[0028] By utilizing these functional blocks, the scan process is executed as follows: That is, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301, thereby transporting an original placed on the ADF by a user to the platen of the FBS via the transport control unit 304. Then, the sensor 305 reads information written on the original transported to the platen of the FBS. The scanner controller 302 then stores the read information as image data in the RAM 303. Note that the print controller 202 can convert the image data acquired as described above into print data, thereby causing the print head 8 to perform a print operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302.

[0029] <Example 1> An example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the main controller 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 107 into the RAM 106 and executing it.

[0030] In S311, the main controller 101 displays the start date and end date (hereinafter also referred to as the target period) for obtaining power consumption on the screen of the operation panel 104. The user recognizes the displayed target period. If the user wishes to change the target period, the user performs a touch operation or a slide operation on the area where the target period is displayed. The main controller 101 accepts input information from the user through such screen operations. Then, a new target period corresponding to the input information is displayed on the screen. Note that operations on the screen displayed on the operation panel 104 are expected to include operations of contacting the displayed screen (touch operation, slide operation, drag operation, swipe operation, etc.) and operations of pressing a push-button (not shown). Furthermore, the screen may be output to an external device and operated using a pointing device connected to the external device.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows an example in which the start date has been changed to January 1, 2023, and the end date has been changed to December 31, 2023, as a result of the user's screen operation as described above. The target period may be a fixed period such as one day, one week, one month, or one year. Also, either the start date or the end date may be changeable, while the other is fixed.

[0032] 4, main controller 101 displays icon 401, which reads "setting complete," on the screen of operation panel 104. When the user confirms that the changed target period is the period intended by the user, he or she operates icon 401. With this user operation, main controller 101 accepts the setting of the target period. Note that the screen shown in FIG. 4 is an example of the first setting screen of the present invention.

[0033] In S312, the main controller 101 acquires the power consumed by the entire image forming apparatus 1 measured by the power consumption measurement unit 113 (an example of the "measurement means" of the present invention). Then, the main controller 101 derives the total power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0034] In S313, the main controller 101 acquires the power consumption for each function of the image forming apparatus 1. The functions include, for example, the print function, copy function, scan function, and fax function. The method for acquiring the power consumption for each function will be described later.

[0035] In S314, the main controller 101 acquires the cumulative value of power consumption of the entire image forming apparatus 1 and the cumulative value of power consumption for each function acquired in S312 and S313. Then, the main controller 101 stores the acquired cumulative value of power consumption of the entire image forming apparatus 1 and the cumulative value of power consumption for each function in RAM 106. The main controller 101 also stores the user's usage history of the image forming apparatus 1 per unit time in RAM 106. Note that the unit time is, for example, one day.

[0036] In S315, the main controller 101 acquires the power consumption of the entire image forming apparatus 1 and the power consumption of each function for the target period set in S311, and displays them on the screen of the operation panel 104 (e.g., FIG. 5) (an example of the "output means" of the present invention). The main controller 101 is an example of the "acquisition means" of the present invention. The power consumption of each function is an example of the "functional power consumption" of the present invention.

[0037] The screen shown in Fig. 5 (an example of a "display screen" of the present invention) displays tabs labeled Job, Printer, Consumables, and Power Consumption. When the Job tab is operated, the job being processed by the image forming device 1 is displayed. When the Printer tab is operated, the status of any errors that have occurred in the image forming device 1 is displayed. When the Consumables tab is operated, the remaining amounts of consumables such as ink and media provided in the image forming device 1 are displayed.

[0038] When the power consumption tab is operated, information about the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 is displayed. That is, the power consumption of the entire image forming apparatus 1 and the power consumption of each of the print, copy, scan, and fax functions are displayed on the screen in the form of a list. Note that this screen also displays an icon 501 (an example of the "first object" of the present invention) that says "Change Period." When icon 501 is operated, the main controller 101 changes the image shown in FIG. 5 to an image for setting the target period shown in FIG. 4. This allows the user to change the period for which power consumption is to be acquired.

[0039] Figure 6 is an example of a formula used in S313 to obtain the power consumption for each function. The power consumption consumed to provide the print function is obtained by multiplying 0.05 kWh by the number of pages printed. The power consumption consumed to provide the copy function is obtained by multiplying 0.07 kWh by the number of pages copied. The power consumption consumed to provide the scan function is obtained by multiplying 0.03 kWh by the number of pages scanned. The power consumption consumed to provide the fax function is obtained by multiplying 0.02 kWh by the number of pages faxed.

[0040] <Example 2> Another example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the main controller 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 107 into the RAM 106 and executing it.

[0041] In S701, the main controller 101 displays on the screen of the operation panel 104 setting information for the target period and setting information for the target value of power consumption (hereinafter also referred to as the target value).

[0042] 8 shows an example of such a displayed screen (an example of the "second setting screen" of the present invention). The screen displays, in list form, target values ​​for each of the print, copy, scan, and fax functions (an example of the "first target value" of the present invention) and a target value for the entire image forming apparatus 1 (an example of the "second target value" of the present invention).

[0043] The user recognizes each of the displayed target values. If the user wishes to change each of the target values, the user performs a touch operation or a slide operation on the area on the screen where each target value is displayed. Through such screen operations, the main controller 101 accepts input information from the user. Then, a new target value corresponding to the input information is displayed on the screen.

[0044] The start date and end date for acquiring power consumption are displayed by the main controller 101 on the screen shown in Fig. 8. These start date and end date are the dates set in S311. An icon 802 that reads "Change Period" is also displayed on the screen. When the icon 802 is operated, the main controller 101 changes the screen shown in Fig. 8 to the screen shown in Fig. 4. This allows the user to change the period for acquiring power consumption.

[0045] 8 also displays an icon 801 that reads "Settings Complete." When the icon 801 is operated, the main controller 101 accepts the target value and the target period for obtaining power consumption displayed on the screen as setting values.

[0046] In S702, the main controller 101 acquires from the RAM 106 the power consumption of each function and the power consumption of the entire image forming apparatus 1 during the target period set in S311.

[0047] In S703, the main controller 101 (an example of the "determination means" of the present invention) compares each of the target values ​​set in S701 with each of the power consumption values ​​acquired in S702, and determines whether there is any item for which the target cannot be achieved. Note that "achieving the target" means that the power consumption during the target period is equal to or less than the target value. Also, "item" refers to each function and the image forming apparatus 1 as a whole.

[0048] If the main controller 101 determines that there are no items for which the goal cannot be achieved, the process proceeds to S702 and continues operation. On the other hand, if the main controller 101 determines that there are items for which the goal cannot be achieved, in S704 the main controller 101 displays the items for which the goal cannot be achieved on the screen of the operation panel 104. The method for determining whether there are any items for which the goal cannot be achieved in S703 will be described later.

[0049] 9 shows an example of the screen of the operation panel 104 when the main controller 101 determines in S703 that there are no items for which the target cannot be achieved and the target period has ended (an example of the "display screen" of the present invention). The main controller 101 acquires the power consumption of the entire image forming apparatus 1 and the power consumption of each of the print, copy, scan, and fax functions during the target period, and displays them on the screen of the operation panel 104. The main controller 101 also displays the target values ​​corresponding to each of these power consumption amounts on the screen of the operation panel 104.

[0050] 9, main controller 101 displays on the screen an icon 901 that indicates the target period and "change period." When icon 901 is operated, main controller 101 transitions this screen to a screen that allows the target period to be set, as shown in FIG. 4. This transition of screens allows the user to change the target period.

[0051] 9, main controller 101 displays icon 902 (an example of the "second object" of the present invention) on the screen that reads "Change target value." When icon 902 is operated, main controller 101 transitions this screen to a screen on which the target value can be set, as shown in FIG. 8. This transition of screens allows the user to change the target value.

[0052] Next, the details of the method for determining in S703 that there is an item for which the target cannot be achieved will be described. That is, if the power consumption consumed to provide a function does not currently exceed the target value but is predicted to exceed the target value in the future during the target period, the main controller 101 determines that there is an item for which the target cannot be achieved. Figure 10 shows an example of a display on the operation panel 104 in such a case (an example of a "display screen" of the present invention).

[0053] The main controller 101 displays a warning dialog 1001 that warns that the power consumption consumed to provide the copy function will exceed a target value. The main controller 101 also displays an icon 1002 with "OK" written on it in the warning dialog 1001. When the icon 1002 is operated, the warning dialog 1001 disappears.

[0054] Furthermore, the main controller 101 displays the area in which the power consumption amount and target value of the copy function are written in a color that is distinct from the colors of other areas (an example of "displaying on a display screen in a distinguishable manner" of the present invention).

[0055] 9, the main controller 101 displays on the screen an icon 1004 labeled "target period" and "change period," and an icon 1005 labeled "change target value." The target period and the target value can be changed by operating the icons 1004 and 1005. The main controller 101 also displays information 1003 about the current date and time.

[0056] The details of the method by which the main controller 101 makes such predictions are as follows: The target value for the copy function is, for example, 500 kWh. The current power consumption consumed to provide the copy function is 375 kWh. The target period is 365 days from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The current date and time is September 30, 2023.

[0057] The period that has elapsed up to now within the target period is 273 days, from January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023. Then, the main controller 101 calculates the ratio of the period that has elapsed to the target period. This enables the main controller 101 to make a prediction assuming that the image forming apparatus 1 will be used from the present until the end of the target period with the same frequency as up to now.

[0058] More specifically, the target period is D1, the period that has elapsed up to the present within the target period is D2, the target value is W1, and the amount of power consumption is W2. If (D2 / D1) x W1 is greater than W2, the main controller 101 predicts that if the image forming apparatus 1 is used at the same frequency as up to now, the power consumption of each item will not exceed the target value. On the other hand, if (D2 / D1) x W1 is equal to or less than W2, the main controller 101 predicts that if the image forming apparatus 1 is used at the same frequency as up to now, the power consumption will exceed the target value of each item.

[0059] 10 into this formula, D1=365, D2=273, W1=500, and W2=375, so (273 / 365)×500=373.97···<375. Therefore, the main controller 101 determines that the power consumption consumed in providing the copy function exceeds the target value, and displays a warning dialog 1001.

[0060] Alternatively, if the power consumption already consumed to provide a function during the target period exceeds the target value, the main controller 101 determines that there is an item for which the target cannot be achieved. Fig. 11 shows an example of the display on the screen of the operation panel 104 in such a case.

[0061] The screen shown in Fig. 11 (an example of a "display screen" of the present invention) differs from the screen shown in Fig. 10 mainly in the following respects. That is, main controller 101 displays error dialog 1101 informing the user that the power consumption consumed for providing the scan function from the start of the target period to the present time has exceeded the target value. Furthermore, main controller 101 displays the color of the area listing the power consumption amount and target value of the scan function in a way that distinguishes it from the color of other areas ("an example of distinguishably displaying on a display screen"). Note that this color may be darker than when it is predicted that power consumption will exceed the target value in the future, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the main controller 101 displays on the screen an icon 1102 labeled "target period" and "change period," and an icon 1103 labeled "change target value," similar to the screen shown in Fig. 9. The target period and the target value can be changed by operating these icons 1102 and 1103.

[0063] The main controller 101 makes this determination in step S703 in detail as follows. Specifically, if the target value W1 and the power consumption W2 for the target period are such that W1 > W2, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 for that item has not yet reached the target value. Therefore, the main controller 101 determines that the power consumption currently consumed to provide the function has not exceeded the target value. On the other hand, if W1 is equal to or less than W2, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1 for that item has already reached the target value. Therefore, the main controller 101 determines that the power consumption currently consumed to provide the function has already exceeded the target value. For example, if the power consumption and the target value consumed to provide the scan function shown in FIG. 11 are substituted into this formula, W1 = 50 and W2 = 51, resulting in 50 < 51. Therefore, the main controller 101 determines that the power consumption consumed to provide the scan function exceeds the target value.

[0064] <Example 3> Another example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 12, steps S701 to S703 are the same as those in the second example of operation.

[0065] If the main controller 101 determines in S703 that there is a function that cannot achieve its target, then in S1201 the main controller 101 restricts the operation of the function that consumes the most power. For example, in the case shown in Fig. 10, it is predicted that the power consumption required to provide the copy function will exceed the target value in the future. In such a case, the main controller 101 (an example of the "control means" of the present invention) stops the operation of the copy function, which consumes the most power among the print, copy, scan, and fax functions (an example of "restricting operation" of the present invention).

[0066] In S1202, the main controller 101 displays on the screen of the operation panel 104 a message restricting the operation of the function consuming the most power.

[0067] 13 is an example of a display screen on the operation panel 104 in S1202 (an example of a "display screen" of the present invention). For example, if the main controller 101 stops the operation of the copy function, it displays an error dialog 1301 on the screen. The error dialog 1301 includes, for example, a message warning that the power consumption to be consumed in the future to provide the copy function will exceed the target value, and a message that the operation of the copy function has stopped. Also, the screen shown in FIG. 13 displays an icon 1302 labeled "Change Period" and an icon 1303 labeled "Change Target Value," similar to the screen shown in FIG. 10. The target period and target value can be changed by operating these icons 1302 and 1303.

[0068] If at least one of the target period and the target value is changed, the suspension of the operation of the copy function may be lifted.

[0069] <Actions and Effects> With image forming apparatus 1, by looking at the screen of operation panel 104 shown in FIG. 5, it is easy to understand that a large amount of power has been consumed by using the copy function. This raises the user's awareness of the environmental issue of power consumption. This in turn encourages the user to reduce the use of the copy function. Furthermore, if the user has already reduced the use of the copy function, raising the user's awareness can improve the degree to which the user reduces the use of the copy function.

[0070] Furthermore, a user who sees the images shown in Figures 4 and 5 can change the target period. Therefore, if a user sets the target period longer than the current period, the user's awareness of reducing use of the copy function will improve over a long period of time. Therefore, the reduction in use of the copy function will be improved over a long period of time. Furthermore, if a user sets the target period shorter than the current period, the power consumption over a short period of time can be understood. Therefore, if there is a period during which power is consumed intensively to provide the copy function, that period can be identified. This will serve as an opportunity for the user to reduce use of the copy function during that period.

[0071] 8 and 9, the user can change the target value. Therefore, if the user sets the target value lower than the current value, the degree to which the user refrains from using the copy function can be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, by viewing the image shown in Figure 10 or 11, a user can more easily understand that a large amount of power was consumed by using the copy function (the scan function in Figure 11). This can also serve as an opportunity for the user to curtail the use of the copy function without waiting for the end of the target period. Furthermore, if the user has already curtailed the use of the copy function, the degree of curtailment of the use of the copy function can be improved without waiting for the end of the target period.

[0073] 13, the image forming apparatus 1 can forcibly give the user an opportunity to suppress the use of the copy function without waiting for the end of the target period. Also, if the user has already suppressed the use of the copy function, the degree of suppression of the use of the copy function can be forcibly improved without waiting for the end of the target period.

[0074] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 that displays an image such as that shown in FIG. 5 allows the user to recognize the relative magnitude of the power consumption for each function. This can provide an opportunity to curtail the use of functions that consume relatively large amounts of power. Furthermore, if the user has already curtailed the use of a function that consumes relatively large amounts of power, the degree of curtailment of the use of this function can be improved. Furthermore, such an image forming apparatus 1 allows the user to recognize the ratio of the power consumption for each function to the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1. This can make the user aware of functions that should be curtailed in order to curtail the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0075] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways. For example, the present invention may be such that the main controller 101 transmits screen information displayed on the screen of the operation panel 104 to an external device (e.g., a mobile terminal owned by the user) of the image forming apparatus 1 via a network, and the screen information is displayed on the external device.

[0076] Furthermore, in S312, the main controller 101 may derive the power consumption for each function using a correspondence table between the power consumed by the entire image forming apparatus 1 measured by the power consumption measurement unit 113 and the power consumption for each function. Alternatively, in S312, the main controller 101 may calculate the power consumption for each function from the power consumed by the entire image forming apparatus 1 measured.

[0077] The determination formula used in the determination method in S703 is not limited to the above. Furthermore, this determination method is not limited to using a determination formula. For example, future power consumption may be predicted (an example of the "acquisition means" of the present invention) using a correspondence table that describes the correspondence between current power consumption and future power consumption, and it may be determined whether the predicted power consumption will exceed the target value.

[0078] Furthermore, the operation of the copy function is stopped in step S1201 because it is predicted that the power consumption required to provide the copy function will exceed the target value in the future. However, the operation of the copy function may be stopped if the power consumption required to provide the copy function has already exceeded the target value. Alternatively, the operation of the copy function may be limited to keep power consumption below the target value without stopping it.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the target period is set collectively so as to be common to all items, but the target period may be set individually for each item.

[0080] 10, a symbol or the like may be displayed indicating an area in which the power consumption amount and target value for the copy function are written. Also, a column in which the power consumption amount and target value for the copy function are written may be displayed at the top or bottom of the list. These displays are "examples of distinguishable display on a display screen" of the present invention.

[0081] Furthermore, the screen of operation panel 104 may not display the total power consumption of image forming apparatus 1, but may display each function and the power consumption consumed to provide each function.

[0082] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to displaying the warning dialog 1001 or the error dialogs 1101 and 1301, the user may be notified of the occurrence of a warning or error by sound or light.

[0083] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0084] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

[0085] The disclosure of this specification includes the following image forming apparatus, its control method, and program. (Item 1) an acquisition unit that acquires, for each function of the image forming apparatus, power consumed to provide the function as functional power consumption; an output unit that outputs the function power consumption for each of the functions acquired by the acquisition unit, Image forming device. (Item 2) the output means outputs a display screen showing the function power consumption for each of the functions during a period in which the function power consumption is acquired; the output means outputs a first setting screen for setting the period; the display screen includes a first object that transitions the display screen to the first setting screen; Item 1. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. (Item 3) There are a plurality of types of the function, and the period can be set collectively so as to be a period common to the plurality of functions. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 2. (Item 4) The period can be set for each of the functions. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 2 or 3. (Item 5) the output means outputs the display screen further indicating, for each of the functions, a first target value of power to be consumed to provide the function; the output means outputs a second setting screen for setting the first target value; the display screen further includes a second object that transitions the display screen to the second setting screen. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 4. (Item 6) the second setting screen includes a third object that transitions the second setting screen to the first setting screen; Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 5. (Item 7) There are a plurality of types of the function, and the plurality of functions are displayed on the display screen in the form of a list; further comprising a determination means for determining whether or not there is a function among the plurality of functions that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period; When the determination means determines that there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period, the output means displays on the display screen in an identifiable manner that there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period. Item 7. The image forming apparatus according to item 5 or 6. (Item 8) the determining means determines that there is a function among the plurality of functions whose function power consumption exceeds the first target value during the period, and that there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period; Item 8. The image forming apparatus according to item 7. (Item 9) the obtaining means predicts future function power consumption for the period based on the function power consumption; the determining means determines that there is a function among the plurality of functions whose predicted future function power consumption exceeds the first target value, and that there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period. Item 8. The image forming apparatus according to item 7. (Item 10) Further, a control unit is provided to control the operation of the part that provides the function, when the determination means determines that there is a function among the plurality of functions that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period, the control means limits the operation of the part that provides the function; the output means outputs the display screen further indicating that the operation of the part has been restricted. 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 7 to 9. (Item 11) the acquiring unit further acquires a total amount of power consumed in the image forming apparatus; the output unit outputs the display screen further indicating the total sum and a second target value of the total sum of power consumed in the image forming apparatus. 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 5 to 10. (Item 12) a measuring unit for measuring the power consumed by the image forming apparatus; the acquiring means calculates the function power consumption for each of the functions using the power measured by the measuring means. 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11. (Item 13) a measuring unit for measuring the power consumed by the image forming apparatus; the acquiring means acquires the function power consumption using a correspondence table between the power measured by the measuring means and the function power consumption for each function. 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11. (Item 14) A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquiring step in which an acquiring unit acquires, for each function of the image forming apparatus, power consumed to provide the function as function power consumption; an output step in which an output means outputs the function power consumption for each of the functions acquired in the acquisition step, A control method for an image forming apparatus. (Item 15) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising: an acquiring step in which an acquiring unit acquires, for each function of the image forming apparatus, power consumed to provide the function as function power consumption; an output step in which an output means outputs the function power consumption for each of the functions acquired in the acquisition step, program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1: image forming apparatus, 2: print section, 3: scanner section, 6: feeding unit, 7: transport roller, 8: recording head, 11: flapper, 12: discharge roller, 100: controller unit, 101: main controller, 102: host I / F, 103: wireless I / F, 104: operation panel, 105: print engine I / F, 106, 204, 303: RAM, 107, 203: ROM, 108: image processing section, 110: server I / F, 111: retention control section, 112: control section, 113: power consumption measurement section, 200: print Engine unit, 201: Controller I / F, 202: Print controller, 205: Image processing controller, 206: Head I / F, 207, 304: Conveyance control unit, 300: Scanner engine unit, 301: Controller I / F, 302: Scanner controller, 305: Sensor, 401, 501, 801, 802, 901, 902, 1002, 1004, 1005, 102, 1103, 1302, 1303: Icon, 1001: Warning dialog, 1003: Information, 1101, 1301: Error dialog

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires, for each function of the image forming apparatus, power consumed to provide the function as functional power consumption; an output unit that outputs the function power consumption for each of the functions acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. the output means outputs a display screen showing the function power consumption for each of the functions during a period in which the function power consumption is acquired; the output means outputs a first setting screen for setting the period; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display screen includes a first object that causes the display screen to transition to the first setting screen.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein there are a plurality of types of functions, and the period can be set collectively so as to be a period common to the plurality of functions.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the period can be set for each of the functions.

5. the output means outputs the display screen further indicating, for each of the functions, a first target value of power to be consumed to provide the function; the output means outputs a second setting screen for setting the first target value; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display screen further includes a second object that transitions the display screen to the second setting screen.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second setting screen includes a third object that transitions the second setting screen to the first setting screen.

7. There are a plurality of types of the function, and the plurality of functions are displayed on the display screen in the form of a list; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period among the plurality of functions, The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the judgment means determines that there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period, the output means displays on the display screen in an identifiable manner that there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period.

8. The image forming device according to claim 7, characterized in that the judgment means judges that there is a function among the plurality of functions whose functional power consumption exceeds the first target value during the period if the judgment means judges that there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period.

9. the obtaining means predicts future function power consumption for the period based on the function power consumption; The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the judgment means judges that there is a function among the plurality of functions whose predicted future functional power consumption exceeds the first target value, and that there is a function that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period.

10. Further, a control unit is provided to control the operation of the part that provides the function, when the determination means determines that there is a function among the plurality of functions that is unable to achieve the first target value during the period, the control means limits the operation of the part that provides the function; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output unit outputs the display screen further indicating that the operation of the part is restricted.

11. the acquiring unit further acquires a total amount of power consumed in the image forming apparatus; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the output unit outputs the display screen further showing the total sum and a second target value for the total sum of power consumed in the image forming apparatus.

12. a measuring unit for measuring the power consumed by the image forming apparatus; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit calculates the function power consumption for each function using the power measured by the measurement unit.

13. a measuring unit for measuring the power consumed by the image forming apparatus; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the functional power consumption using a correspondence table between the power measured by the measurement unit and the functional power consumption for each function.

14. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquiring step in which an acquiring unit acquires, for each function of the image forming apparatus, power consumed to provide the function as function power consumption; an output step in which an output unit outputs the function power consumption for each of the functions acquired in the acquisition step.

15. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an image forming apparatus, the control method comprising: an acquiring step in which an acquiring unit acquires, for each function of the image forming apparatus, power consumed to provide the function as function power consumption; an output step in which an output means outputs the function power consumption for each of the functions acquired in the acquisition step.

Images