Carbon dioxide emission processing system, electric power consumption processing system, carbon dioxide emission processing program, and electric power consumption processing program

Abstract

To provide a carbon dioxide emission processing system, a power consumption processing system, a carbon dioxide emission processing program and a power consumption processing program, allowing a user to recognize an actual situation to an upper limit value in a specific period.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes an emission amount processing unit that executes a process related to an emission amount of carbon dioxide emitted by executing a job by a job execution unit that executes the job, and the emission amount processing unit displays an emission amount ratio as a ratio of an actual total value to an upper limit value of a total value of the emission amount of carbon dioxide emitted by executing the job by the job execution unit in one month (S146 to S151).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide emission processing system and a carbon dioxide emission processing program that perform processing related to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the execution of a job, and a power consumption processing system and a power consumption processing program that perform processing related to the amount of power consumed by the execution of a job. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A known conventional carbon dioxide emission amount processing system is an image forming apparatus that displays the amount of carbon dioxide emission converted based on set printing conditions (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-164486 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional carbon dioxide emission processing systems have the problem that they are unable to allow users to recognize how much the actual aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions emitted during a specific period of time is compared to the upper limit value.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a carbon dioxide emission processing system, a power consumption processing system, a carbon dioxide emission processing program, and a power consumption processing program that can enable users to recognize the actual situation relative to the upper limit value during a specific period. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention includes an emission processing unit that performs processing related to the amount of carbon dioxide emission emitted as a result of a job being executed by a job execution unit that executes the job, and the emission processing unit displays an emission ratio as a ratio of the actual aggregated value to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of the amount of carbon dioxide emission emitted as a result of the job being executed by the job execution unit during a specific period.

[0007] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention displays the emission ratio as the ratio of the actual aggregated value to the upper limit of the aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions emitted by jobs executed by the job execution unit during a specific period, thereby allowing the user to recognize the actual situation relative to the upper limit of the aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions during a specific period.

[0008] In the carbon dioxide emission amount processing system of the present invention, the emission amount processing unit may limit the function of the job executed by the job execution unit when the emission ratio exceeds a specific value.

[0009] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention displays the emission ratio and restricts the function of the job executed by the job execution unit if the emission ratio exceeds a specific value, thereby improving the likelihood that the user will recognize in advance that the job function will be restricted based on the emission ratio.

[0010] In the carbon dioxide emission amount processing system of the present invention, the emission amount processing unit may limit the function in stages according to the emission amount ratio when the emission amount ratio exceeds the specific value.

[0011] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention gradually restricts the functions of jobs executed by the job execution unit according to the emission ratio when the emission ratio exceeds a specific value, thereby improving convenience.

[0012] In the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention, the emission processing unit may display the details of the function restriction that will occur when the emission ratio exceeds the specific value when the emission ratio is below the specific value.

[0013] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention displays the details of the restrictions on job functions that will occur when the emission ratio exceeds a specific value when the emission ratio is below a specific value, thereby increasing the likelihood that the user will be aware in advance that the job functions will be restricted.

[0014] The power consumption processing system of the present invention includes a consumption processing unit that performs processing related to the amount of power consumed by a job executed by a job executing unit that executes the job, and the consumption processing unit displays a consumption ratio as a ratio of an actual aggregated value to an upper limit value of an aggregated value of the amount of power consumed by the job executed by the job executing unit during a specific period.

[0015] With this configuration, the power consumption processing system of the present invention displays the consumption ratio as the ratio of the actual aggregated value to the upper limit of the aggregated value of the power consumption consumed by the job execution unit during a specific period, thereby allowing the user to recognize the actual situation regarding the upper limit of the aggregated value of the power consumption during a specific period.

[0016] The carbon dioxide emission processing program of the present invention causes a computer to implement an emission processing unit that performs processing related to the amount of carbon dioxide emission emitted as a result of a job being executed by a job execution unit that executes the job, and the emission processing unit displays an emission ratio as a ratio of the actual aggregated value to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of the amount of carbon dioxide emission emitted as a result of the job being executed by the job execution unit during a specific period.

[0017] With this configuration, a computer executing the carbon dioxide emission processing program of the present invention displays the emission ratio as the ratio of the actual aggregated value to the upper limit of the aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions emitted by jobs executed by the job execution unit during a specific period, thereby allowing the user to recognize the actual situation relative to the upper limit of the aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions during a specific period.

[0018] The power consumption processing program of the present invention causes a computer to implement a consumption processing unit that performs processing related to the amount of power consumed by a job being executed by a job executing unit that executes the job, and the consumption processing unit displays a consumption ratio as a ratio of the actual aggregated value to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of the amount of power consumed by the job being executed by the job executing unit during a specific period.

[0019] With this configuration, a computer executing the power consumption processing program of the present invention displays the consumption ratio as the ratio of the actual aggregated value to the upper limit of the aggregated value of the power consumption consumed by the job executed by the job execution unit during a specific period, thereby allowing the user to recognize the actual situation relative to the upper limit of the aggregated value of the power consumption during a specific period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The carbon dioxide emission amount processing system, power consumption amount processing system, carbon dioxide emission amount processing program, and power consumption amount processing program of the present invention can allow a user to recognize the actual situation relative to the upper limit value in a specific period. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of carbon dioxide emission history information shown in FIG. [Figure 3]10 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when a discharge upper limit value is set. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when executing a print job. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a printing condition setting screen in a case where no discharge upper limit value is stored in the discharge upper limit value information shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when the discharge ratio is 50% or less. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when the discharge ratio is more than 50% and not more than 60%. [Figure 9] 6A is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when single-sided printing is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 60% but not more than 70%. (b) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when no aggregation is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 60% but not more than 70%. [Figure 10] 6A is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when single-sided printing is specified and the discharge ratio is greater than 70% and less than or equal to 80%, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when 2-in-1 printing and double-sided printing are specified and the discharge ratio is greater than 70% and less than or equal to 80%, [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when the discharge ratio is more than 80% and not more than 90%. [Figure 12] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when the discharge ratio is over 90%. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when a print job is executed. [Figure 14] 6 is a flowchart of a part of an example of the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG. 4, which is different from the example shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 15]15 is a flowchart of a process subsequent to the process shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when the discharge ratio is more than 40% and 50% or less, including the content of print job function restrictions when the discharge ratio exceeds 50%. [Figure 17] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when the discharge ratio is greater than 50% and equal to or less than 60%, including the content of print job function restrictions when the discharge ratio exceeds 60%. [Figure 18] 6A is a diagram showing an example of the print condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when single-sided printing is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 60% and 70% or less, including the content of the restrictions on the print job's functions when the discharge ratio exceeds 70%. (b) is a diagram showing an example of the print condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when no aggregation is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 60% and 70% or less, including the content of the restrictions on the print job's functions when the discharge ratio exceeds 70%. [Figure 19] 6A is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when single-sided printing is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 70% and 80% or less, including the content of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 80%. (b) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when 2-in-1 printing and double-sided printing are specified when the discharge ratio is more than 70% and 80% or less, including the content of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 80%. [Figure 20] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6 when the discharge ratio is greater than 80% and less than or equal to 90%, including the content of print job function restrictions when the discharge ratio exceeds 80%. [Figure 21] 1 is a block diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention when configured as a power consumption processing system; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] First, a configuration of an image forming apparatus as a carbon dioxide emission amount processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, image forming apparatus 10 is a computer that includes an operation unit 11, which is an operation device such as a button through which various operations are input; a display unit 12, which is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information; a printer 13, which is a printing device that prints images on a recording medium such as paper; a scanner 14, which is a reading device that reads images from a document; a communication unit 15, which is a communication device that communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, or directly via a wired or wireless connection without using a network; a fax communication unit 16, which is a fax device that communicates with an external facsimile machine (not shown) via a communication line such as a public telephone line; a memory unit 17, 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 18 that controls image forming apparatus 10 as a whole.

[0026] The storage unit 17 can store a carbon dioxide emission amount processing program 17a for executing processing related to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming apparatus 10. The carbon dioxide emission amount processing program 17a may be installed in the image forming apparatus 10 during the manufacturing stage of the image forming apparatus 10, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 10 from an external storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or may be additionally installed in the image forming apparatus 10 from a network.

[0027] The storage unit 17 can store emission amount upper limit information 17b indicating the upper limit of the monthly total of carbon dioxide emissions from the image forming apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "emission amount upper limit").

[0028] The storage unit 17 can store carbon dioxide emission history information 17c that indicates the history of carbon dioxide emission.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the carbon dioxide emission history information 17c.

[0030] The carbon dioxide emission history information 17c shown in Fig. 2 indicates, for each job, the date and time when the job was executed and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the execution of the job. The carbon dioxide emission history information 17c shown in Fig. 2 is drawn with some information omitted.

[0031] 1, storage unit 17 can store carbon dioxide emission estimation model 17d as a machine learning model in which the conditions for executing a print job are explanatory variables and the amount of carbon dioxide emission due to the execution of this print job is a target variable. The conditions for executing a print job include, for example, a print color condition, i.e., whether it is color printing or monochrome printing; a combined printing condition, i.e., whether it is non-combined printing, 2-in-1 printing, or 4-in-1 printing; a print side condition, i.e., whether it is single-sided printing or double-sided printing; and an eco-printing condition, i.e., whether it is eco-printing, which reduces the density of toner during printing, or printing other than eco-printing (hereinafter referred to as "non-eco printing").

[0032] Control unit 18 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 serves as a memory used as a work area for the CPU of control unit 18. The CPU of control unit 18 executes programs stored in storage unit 17 or the ROM of control unit 18.

[0033] The control unit 18 executes the carbon dioxide emission amount processing program 17a to realize a job execution unit 18a that executes a job and an emission amount processing unit 18b that executes processing related to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming device 10.

[0034] The emission amount processing unit 18b can estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emission in the image forming apparatus 10 due to the execution of a print job, for example, by using the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model 17d.

[0035] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0036] First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when the discharge upper limit value is set will be described.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when a discharge upper limit value is set.

[0038] The user can instruct the image forming apparatus 10 via the operation unit 11 to start processing for setting the discharge amount upper limit value.

[0039] When instructed to start processing for setting the emission amount upper limit, the emission amount processing unit 18b executes the operation shown in FIG.

[0040] 3, the emission amount processing unit 18b displays a screen for setting an emission amount upper limit value (hereinafter referred to as an "upper limit value setting screen") on the display unit 12 (S101). Therefore, the user can specify an emission amount upper limit value on the upper limit value setting screen via the operation unit 11.

[0041] When the process of S101 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b determines whether or not an emission amount upper limit value has been specified on the upper limit value setting screen until it determines that an emission amount upper limit value has been specified on the upper limit value setting screen (S102).

[0042] When the emission processing unit 18b determines in S102 that an emission upper limit value has been specified on the upper limit value setting screen, it sets the emission upper limit value specified on the upper limit value setting screen to the emission upper limit value information 17b (S103), and terminates the operation shown in Figure 3.

[0043] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when executing a print job will be described.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when executing a print job.

[0045] When a user desires to execute a print job, the user can instruct the image forming apparatus 10 to start setting the conditions for executing the print job. When the user is instructed to start setting the conditions for executing the print job, the control unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes the operation shown in FIG.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the discharge amount processing unit 18b of the control unit 18 executes a printing condition setting screen display process to display a screen for setting conditions for executing a print job (hereinafter referred to as the "printing condition setting screen") (S121).

[0047] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the emission amount processing unit 18b determines whether or not an emission amount upper limit value is stored in the emission amount upper limit value information 17b (S141).

[0049] If the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S141 that no discharge amount upper limit value is stored in the discharge amount upper limit value information 17b, it displays on the display unit 12 the printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 6) that does not restrict the functions of the print job (S142).

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when no discharge upper limit value is stored in the discharge upper limit value information 17b.

[0051] The print condition setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 6 includes radio button 31a for specifying color printing as the print color condition, radio button 31b for specifying monochrome printing as the print color condition, radio button 32a for specifying non-combined printing as the combined printing condition, radio button 32b for specifying 2-in-1 printing as the combined printing condition, radio button 32c for specifying 4-in-1 printing as the combined printing condition, radio button 33a for specifying single-sided printing as the print side condition, radio button 33b for specifying double-sided printing as the print side condition, radio button 34a for specifying non-eco printing as the eco printing condition, radio button 34b for specifying eco printing as the eco printing condition, and print execution button 35 for receiving a command to execute printing. Only one of radio button 31a and radio button 31b is always selected. Only one of radio button 32a, radio button 32b, and radio button 32c is always selected. Only one of the radio buttons 33a and 33b is always selected. Only one of the radio buttons 34a and 34b is always selected.

[0052] On the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S142, the user can specify either color printing or monochrome printing as the printing color condition, without the content of the print color condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the print color condition. On the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S142, the user can specify either non-multiplication printing, 2-in-1 printing, or 4-in-1 printing as the multiplication printing condition, without the content of the multiplication printing condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the multiplication printing condition. On the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S142, the user can specify either single-sided printing or double-sided printing as the printing side condition, without the content of the print side condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the print side condition. On the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S142, the user can specify either non-eco printing or eco printing as the eco printing condition, without the content of the eco printing condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the eco printing condition.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, when the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S141 that an emission amount upper limit value is stored in the emission amount upper limit value information 17b, it calculates the aggregate value of the carbon dioxide emission amount by the image forming device 10 for this month based on the information included in the carbon dioxide emission history information 17c (S143).

[0054] When the processing of S143 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b divides the aggregated value calculated in S143 by the emission amount upper limit value indicated in the emission amount upper limit value information 17b to calculate the ratio of the aggregated value of the carbon dioxide emission amount by the image forming device 10 for this month to the emission amount upper limit value (hereinafter referred to as the "emission amount ratio") (S144).

[0055] When the process of S144 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines the discharge ratio calculated in S144 (S145).

[0056] If the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the discharge amount ratio calculated in S144 is 50% or less, it displays on the display unit 12 the printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 7) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and does not restrict the functions of the print job (S146).

[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when the discharge ratio is 50% or less.

[0058] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 7 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 6, except for the configuration described below. The printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 7 includes text 36 indicating the emission ratio calculated in S144, i.e., the current emission ratio.

[0059] In the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S146, the user can specify either color printing or monochrome printing as the printing color condition, without the content of the print color condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the print color condition. In the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S146, the user can specify either non-multiplexing printing, 2-in-1 printing, or 4-in-1 printing as the multiplexing printing condition, without the content of the multiplexing printing condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the multiplexing printing condition. In the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S146, the user can specify either single-sided printing or double-sided printing as the printing side condition, without the content of the print side condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the print side condition. In the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S146, the user can specify either non-eco printing or eco printing as the eco printing condition, without the content of the eco printing condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the eco printing condition.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, when the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the discharge amount ratio calculated in S144 is greater than 50% and less than or equal to 60%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 8) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and restricts color printing as a function of the print job (S147).

[0061] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when the discharge ratio is more than 50% and not more than 60%.

[0062] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 8 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 7, except for the configuration described below. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 8, the radio button 31a is grayed out and cannot be selected. In other words, the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 8 limits the printing color conditions to monochrome printing.

[0063] The user cannot specify color printing as a print color condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S147. The user can specify non-multiple printing, 2-in-1 printing, or 4-in-1 printing as a condition for multiple printing on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S147, without the content of the multiple printing condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution conditions specification other than the multiple printing condition. The user can specify either single-sided printing or double-sided printing as a condition for printing side on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S147, without the content of the print side condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution conditions specification other than the print side condition. The user can specify either non-eco printing or eco printing as a condition for eco printing on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S147, without the content of the eco printing condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution conditions specification other than the eco printing condition.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, when the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the discharge amount ratio calculated in S144 is greater than 60% and less than or equal to 70%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 9) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and limits the print job functions to color printing and one of non-consolidated printing and single-sided printing (S148).

[0065] 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when single-sided printing is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 60% and less than or equal to 70%. FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when no aggregation is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 60% and less than or equal to 70%.

[0066] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 9 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 8, except for the configuration described below. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 9(a), radio button 32a is grayed out and cannot be selected. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 9(b), radio button 33a is grayed out and cannot be selected. In other words, the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 9 limits the printing color condition to monochrome printing, limits the combined printing condition to either 2-in-1 printing or 4-in-1 printing, or limits the printing surface condition to double-sided printing.

[0067] The user cannot specify color printing as a print color condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S148. If double-sided printing is specified as the print side condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S148, the user can specify any of non-combining printing, 2-in-1 printing, and 4-in-1 printing as the combined printing condition, but if single-sided printing is specified as the print side condition, the user cannot specify non-combining printing as the combined printing condition, and can specify only 2-in-1 printing and 4-in-1 printing as the combined printing condition. If either 2-in-1 printing or 4-in-1 printing is specified as the combined printing condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S148, the user can specify either single-sided printing or double-sided printing as the print side condition, but if non-combining printing is specified as the combined printing condition, the user cannot specify double-sided printing as the print side condition. On the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S148, the user can specify either non-eco printing or eco printing as the conditions for eco printing without the content of the eco printing conditions being restricted by the content of the conditions for executing the print job other than the eco printing conditions.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, when the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the discharge amount ratio calculated in S144 is greater than 70% and less than or equal to 80%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 10) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and limits the print job functions to color printing, printing without aggregation, and 2-in-1 printing and single-sided printing (S149).

[0069] Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when single-sided printing is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 70% and less than or equal to 80%, and Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when 2-in-1 printing and double-sided printing are specified when the discharge ratio is more than 70% and less than or equal to 80%.

[0070] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 10 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 8, except for the configuration described below. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 10(a), radio buttons 32a and 32b are grayed out and cannot be selected. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 10(b), radio buttons 32a and 33a are grayed out and cannot be selected. In other words, the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 10 limits the print color condition to monochrome printing, and limits the combined printing condition to 4-in-1 printing when the printing side condition is single-sided printing, or limits the combined printing condition to either 2-in-1 printing or 4-in-1 printing when the printing side condition is double-sided printing.

[0071] The user cannot specify color printing as the print color condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S149. If the print side condition is specified as double-sided printing on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S149, the user can specify either 2-in-1 printing or 4-in-1 printing as the combined printing condition, but if the print side condition is specified as single-sided printing, the user cannot specify non-combined printing or 2-in-1 printing as the combined printing condition. If the combined printing condition is specified as 4-in-1 printing on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S149, the user can specify either single-sided printing or double-sided printing as the print side condition, but if the combined printing condition is specified as 2-in-1 printing, the user cannot specify single-sided printing as the print side condition. On the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S149, the user can specify either non-eco printing or eco printing as the eco printing condition, without the eco printing condition being limited by the specifications of print job execution conditions other than the eco printing condition.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5, when the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the discharge amount ratio calculated in S144 is greater than 80% and less than or equal to 90%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 11) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and limits the print job functions to color printing, printing without aggregation, 2-in-1 printing, and single-sided printing (S150).

[0073] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when the discharge ratio is more than 80% and not more than 90%.

[0074] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 11 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 8, except for the configuration described below. On the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 11, radio buttons 31a, 32a, 32b, and 33a are grayed out and cannot be selected. That is, the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 11 limits the printing color condition to monochrome printing, limits the combined printing condition to 4-in-1 printing, and limits the printing surface condition to double-sided printing.

[0075] The user cannot specify color printing as the print color condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S150. The user cannot specify non-consolidated printing or 2-in-1 printing as the consolidation printing condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S150. The user cannot specify single-sided printing as the print side condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S150. The user can specify either non-eco printing or eco printing as the eco printing condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S150, without the eco printing condition specification being restricted by the specification of the print job execution conditions other than the eco printing condition.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, when the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the emission amount ratio calculated in S144 is greater than 90%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 12) that includes the current emission amount ratio and limits the print job functions to color printing, printing without aggregation and 2-in-1 printing, single-sided printing, and non-eco printing (S151).

[0077] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when the discharge ratio is over 90%.

[0078] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 12 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 11, except for the configuration described below. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 12, radio buttons 31a, 32a, 32b, 33a, and 34a are grayed out and cannot be selected. That is, the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 12 limits the printing color condition to monochrome printing, limits the combined printing condition to 4-in-1 printing, limits the printing surface condition to double-sided printing, and limits the eco printing condition to eco printing.

[0079] The user cannot specify color printing as a print color condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S151. The user cannot specify non-combined printing or 2-in-1 printing as a combined printing condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S151. The user cannot specify single-sided printing as a print side condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S151. The user cannot specify non-eco printing as a eco printing condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S151.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, when the process of S142 or S146 to S151 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b ends the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 4, when the printing condition setting screen display process in S121 is completed, the job execution unit 18a determines whether the print execution button 35 has been pressed on the printing condition setting screen 30 (S122) until it determines that the print execution button 35 has been pressed on the printing condition setting screen 30.

[0082] When the job executing unit 18a determines in S122 that the print execution button 35 has been pressed on the printing condition setting screen 30, it executes the print job under the conditions specified on the printing condition setting screen 30 (S123). Note that the image printed in the print job may be, for example, an image read from an original by the scanner 14, an image stored in the storage unit 17, or an image acquired from outside the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 15.

[0083] When the process of S123 is completed, the job executing unit 18a ends the operation shown in FIG.

[0084] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when a print job is executed will be described.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when a print job is executed.

[0086] When the job executing unit 18a executes a print job (hereinafter referred to as a "target print job"), the discharge amount processing unit 18b executes the operation shown in FIG.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 13, the emission amount processing unit 18b uses the conditions of the target print job and the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model 17d to estimate the carbon dioxide emission amount in the image forming apparatus 10 due to the execution of the target print job (S161).

[0088] When the process of S161 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b records the carbon dioxide emission history related to the carbon dioxide emission amount estimated in S161 in the carbon dioxide emission history information 17c (S162), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

[0089] As described above, the image forming device 10 displays the emission ratio as the ratio of the actual aggregated value to the upper limit of the aggregated value of the carbon dioxide emissions emitted by the execution of print jobs by the job execution unit 18a in one month (S146 to S151), thereby allowing the user to recognize the actual situation with respect to the upper limit of the aggregated value of the carbon dioxide emissions in one month.

[0090] The image forming device 10 displays the discharge ratio (S146 to S151), and if the discharge ratio exceeds 50%, restricts the functions of the print job executed by the job executing unit 18a (S147 to S151), thereby improving the likelihood that the user will recognize in advance that the functions of the print job will be restricted based on the discharge ratio.

[0091] When the discharge ratio exceeds 50%, the image forming apparatus 10 gradually restricts the functions of the print job executed by the job executing unit 18a in accordance with the discharge ratio (S147 to S151), thereby improving convenience.

[0092] When the emission ratio exceeds 50%, the image forming apparatus 10 restricts the function of the print job executed by the job executing unit 18a (S147 to S151), thereby improving the possibility of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0093] The image forming apparatus 10 may execute the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 instead of the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG.

[0094] Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a part of an example of the printing condition setting screen display process shown in Fig. 4, which is different from the example shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the process subsequent to the process shown in Fig. 14.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the discharge amount processing unit 18b executes the processes of S181 to S185 which are similar to the processes of S141 to S145 (see FIG. 5).

[0096] If the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S185 that the discharge ratio calculated in S184 is 40% or less, it executes the process of S186 which is the same as the process of S146 (see FIG. 5).

[0097] If the discharge processing unit 18b determines in S185 that the discharge ratio calculated in S184 is greater than 40% and less than or equal to 50%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 16) that includes the current discharge ratio and the content of the print job function restrictions that will be imposed when the discharge ratio exceeds 50%, and that does not restrict the print job functions (S187).

[0098] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when the discharge rate is more than 40% and 50% or less, including the content of the print job function restrictions when the discharge rate exceeds 50%.

[0099] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 16 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 7, except for the configuration described below. The printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 16 includes text 37a indicating the content of the restrictions on the print job functions that are added when the discharge ratio exceeds 50%.

[0100] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the discharge processing unit 18b determines in S185 that the discharge ratio calculated in S184 is greater than 50% and less than or equal to 60%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see Figure 17, for example) that includes the current discharge ratio and the content of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 60%, and in which color printing is restricted as a function of the print job (S188).

[0101] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when the discharge rate is more than 50% and not more than 60%, including the content of the restrictions on the print job functions when the discharge rate exceeds 60%.

[0102] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 17 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 8, except for the configuration described below. The printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 17 includes text 37b indicating the content of the restrictions on the print job functions that are added when the discharge ratio exceeds 60%.

[0103] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the discharge processing unit 18b determines in S185 that the discharge ratio calculated in S184 is greater than 60% and less than or equal to 70%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see Figure 18, for example) that includes the current discharge ratio and the content of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 70%, and that restricts the functions of the print job to color printing and one of non-collected printing and single-sided printing (S189).

[0104] Figure 18(a) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when single-sided printing is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 60% and 70% or less, including the content of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 70%. Figure 18(b) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when no aggregation is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 60% and 70% or less, including the content of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 70%.

[0105] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 18(a) is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 9(a), except for the configuration described below. The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 18(b) is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 9(b), except for the configuration described below. The printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 18 includes text 37c that indicates the content of the print job function restrictions that are added when the discharge ratio exceeds 70%.

[0106] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S185 that the discharge amount ratio calculated in S184 is greater than 70% and less than or equal to 80%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see Figure 19, for example) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and the content of the restrictions on the print job functions when the discharge amount ratio exceeds 80%, and that restricts the print job functions to color printing, printing without aggregation, and 2-in-1 printing and single-sided printing (S190).

[0107] Figure 19(a) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when single-sided printing is specified when the discharge ratio is more than 70% and 80% or less, including the content of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 80%. Figure 19(b) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when 2-in-1 printing and double-sided printing are specified when the discharge ratio is more than 70% and 80% or less, including the content of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 80%.

[0108] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 19(a) is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 10(a), except for the configuration described below. The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 19(b) is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 10(b), except for the configuration described below. The printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Figure 19 includes text 37d that indicates the content of the print job function restrictions that are added when the discharge ratio exceeds 80%.

[0109] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S185 that the discharge amount ratio calculated in S184 is greater than 80% and less than or equal to 90%, it displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see Figure 20, for example) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and the content of the print job function restrictions that will be imposed when the discharge amount ratio exceeds 90%, and that includes a warning indicating the content of the print job function restrictions that limit color printing, printing without aggregation, 2-in-1 printing, and single-sided printing as print job functions (S191).

[0110] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when the discharge rate is more than 80% and not more than 90%, including the content of the restrictions on the print job functions when the discharge rate exceeds 80%.

[0111] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 20 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 11, except for the configuration described below. The printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 20 includes text 37e indicating the content of the restrictions on the print job functions that are added when the discharge ratio exceeds 90%.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S185 that the discharge ratio calculated in S184 is greater than 90%, it executes the process of S192, which is the same as the process of S151 (see FIG. 5).

[0113] When the process of S182 or S186 to S192 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b ends the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIGS.

[0114] When the image forming apparatus 10 executes the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 instead of the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG. 5, if the discharge ratio is 50% or less, it displays the contents of the functional restrictions on the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 50% (S187), if the discharge ratio is 60% or less, it displays the contents of the functional restrictions on the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 60% (S188), if the discharge ratio is 70% or less, it displays the contents of the functional restrictions on the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 70% (S189), if the discharge ratio is 80% or less, it displays the contents of the functional restrictions on the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 80% (S190), and if the discharge ratio is 90% or less, it displays the contents of the functional restrictions on the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 90% (S191). Therefore, when the image forming device 10 executes the printing condition setting screen display process shown in Figures 14 and 15 instead of the printing condition setting screen display process shown in Figure 5, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the user will be aware in advance that the functions of the print job will be restricted.

[0115] In the above, the emission amount processing unit 18b uses a machine learning model to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the image forming apparatus 10 due to the execution of a print job. However, the emission amount processing unit 18b may estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the image forming apparatus 10 due to the execution of a print job by a method other than a method using a machine learning model. Furthermore, the emission amount processing unit 18b may measure, rather than estimate, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the image forming apparatus 10 due to the execution of a print job. For example, the emission amount processing unit 18b may measure the amount of power consumption in the image forming apparatus 10 due to the execution of a print job and calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions by multiplying the measured amount of power consumption by a specific coefficient.

[0116] In the above, the discharge amount processing unit 18b restricts the functions of a print job in five stages: a stage where the discharge amount ratio is more than 50% and not more than 60%, a stage where the discharge amount ratio is more than 60% and not more than 70%, a stage where the discharge amount ratio is more than 70% and not more than 80%, a stage where the discharge amount ratio is more than 80% and not more than 90%, and a stage where the discharge amount ratio is more than 90%. However, the discharge amount processing unit 18b may restrict the functions of a print job in only one stage or in multiple stages other than five stages. Furthermore, the discharge amount processing unit 18b may adopt a threshold other than the above-mentioned threshold as the discharge amount ratio threshold for restricting the functions of a print job. Furthermore, the discharge amount processing unit 18b may restrict the functions of a print job in a manner different from the above-mentioned one.

[0117] The above has described a carbon dioxide emission amount processing system that executes processing related to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted as a result of a job being executed by the job executing unit 18a. Here, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted as a result of a job being executed by the job executing unit 18a is proportional to the amount of power consumed as a result of the job being executed by the job executing unit 18a. Therefore, the carbon dioxide emission amount processing system described above can also be configured as a power consumption processing system that executes processing related to the amount of power consumed as a result of a job being executed by the job executing unit 18a.

[0118] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus 10 configured as a power consumption processing system.

[0119] 21 is similar to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 except that it includes a power consumption processing program 17e for executing processing related to the amount of power consumed by the image forming apparatus 10, consumption upper limit information 17f indicating the upper limit of the monthly aggregate value of power consumption by the image forming apparatus 10, power consumption history information 17g indicating the history of power consumption, and a power consumption estimation model 17h as a machine learning model in which the conditions for executing a print job are explanatory variables and the amount of power consumed by the execution of the print job is a target variable, instead of the carbon dioxide emission processing program 17a (see FIG. 1), emission upper limit information 17b (see FIG. 1), carbon dioxide emission history information 17c (see FIG. 1), and carbon dioxide emission estimation model 17d (see FIG. 1). The control unit 18 shown in FIG. 21 executes the power consumption processing program 17e to realize a consumption processing unit 18c that executes processing related to the amount of power consumed by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0120] The difference between the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1 and the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 21 is that the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1 executes processing related to carbon dioxide emissions, while the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 21 executes processing related to power consumption. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 21 can achieve the same effects as the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 21 displays the consumption rate as the ratio of the actual aggregated value to the upper limit of the aggregated value of the amount of power consumed by the job executing unit 18a to be consumed in one month, thereby allowing the user to recognize the actual situation with respect to the upper limit of the aggregated value of the amount of power consumption in one month.

[0121] In the above, the one-month period for tallying the carbon dioxide emissions or electricity consumption is a calendar month. However, the one-month period can also be the past 30 days from the time the emission rate or consumption rate is calculated.

[0122] In the above, the aggregation period for the aggregated values ​​of carbon dioxide emissions or electricity consumption is one month. However, the aggregation period may be a period other than one month. For example, the aggregation period may be one week.

[0123] In the above description, a print job is used as the job, but the image forming apparatus 10 can also process jobs other than a print job in the same way as a print job.

[0124] In the above, the carbon dioxide emission amount processing system or the power consumption processing system is realized only by the image forming apparatus 10. However, the carbon dioxide emission amount processing system or the power consumption processing system may be realized by multiple computers including the image forming apparatus 10 that executes a job, or may be realized by at least one computer that does not include the image forming apparatus 10 that executes a job. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10 Image forming equipment (carbon dioxide emission processing system, power consumption processing system, computer) 17b Carbon Emissions Treatment Program 17e Power Consumption Processing Program 18a Job Execution Unit 18b Emissions processing section 18c Consumption processing section

Claims

1. an emission processing unit that executes a job by a job executing unit that executes the job and that executes a process related to an emission amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted as a result of the job being executed; A carbon dioxide emission processing system characterized in that the emission processing unit displays an emission ratio as a ratio of the actual aggregated value to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions emitted by the job being executed by the job execution unit during a specific period.

2. The carbon dioxide emission processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the emission processing unit limits the function of the job executed by the job execution unit when the emission ratio exceeds a specific value.

3. The carbon dioxide emission processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the emission processing unit limits the function in stages according to the emission ratio when the emission ratio exceeds the specific value.

4. The carbon dioxide emission processing system described in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the emission processing unit displays the content of the function restriction that would occur if the emission ratio exceeded the specific value when the emission ratio is below the specific value.

5. a consumption amount processing unit that executes a process related to the amount of power consumed by a job executed by a job executing unit, The consumption processing unit displays a consumption ratio as a ratio of an actual aggregated value of the amount of power consumed by the job executed by the job executing unit during a specific period to an upper limit value of the aggregated value.

6. a job execution unit that executes a job causes a computer to implement an emission processing unit that executes a process related to an emission amount of carbon dioxide emitted as a result of the job being executed; A carbon dioxide emission processing program characterized in that the emission processing unit displays an emission ratio as a ratio of the actual aggregated value to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions emitted by the job being executed by the job execution unit during a specific period.

7. a job execution unit that executes a job causes a consumption amount processing unit to execute a process related to the amount of power consumed by the job execution unit, The power consumption processing program is characterized in that the consumption processing unit displays a consumption ratio as a ratio of an actual aggregated value of the power consumed by the job executed by the job executing unit during a specific period to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of the power consumed by the job executed by the job executing unit during the specific period.

Images