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 capable of making a user recognize a time when a function is not limited.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes an emission amount processing unit that executes processing related to an emission amount of carbon dioxide emitted by execution of a job by a job execution unit that executes the job, the emission amount processing unit executes restriction of a function of a job executed by the job executing unit (S165) when an emission amount ratio as a ratio of an actual aggregated value to an upper limit value of an aggregated value of an emission amount of carbon dioxide emitted by executing the job by the job executing unit in a specific period exceeds a specific value, and the emission amount processing unit executes prediction of a time when the emission amount ratio becomes equal to or less than the specific value (S167) and displays the time in the prediction (S168) when the emission amount ratio exceeds the specific value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

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 limits its functions based on 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 a problem in that they are unable to let the user know when the functions will no longer be restricted.

[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 allow users to recognize when functions will no longer be restricted. [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 executing unit that executes the job, and the emission processing unit restricts the function of the job executed by the job executing unit when an emission ratio, which is the ratio of the actual aggregated value of the amount of carbon dioxide emission emitted as a result of the job being executed by the job executing unit over a specific period, 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 executing unit, exceeds a specific value, and the emission processing unit predicts the time when the emission ratio will be below the specific value when the emission ratio exceeds the specific value, and displays the time in the prediction.

[0007] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention restricts the job functions when the emission ratio exceeds a specific value, and predicts and displays the time when the emission ratio will fall below a specific value, allowing the user to know when the job functions will no longer be restricted.

[0008] In the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention, the emission amount processing unit may display the emission ratio.

[0009] 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.

[0010] In the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention, the emission processing unit may execute a notice of the restriction when the emission ratio exceeds the specific value, and may execute the restriction when the user instructs that he or she will accept the restriction in the notice.

[0011] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention issues a notice of a job function restriction when the emission ratio exceeds a specific value, and restricts the job function when the user instructs that the job function restriction be accepted, thereby improving convenience.

[0012] In the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention, the emission processing unit may execute a reservation by the job execution unit to execute the job at the time in the prediction when the user instructs not to accept the restrictions in the notice.

[0013] With this configuration, the carbon dioxide emission processing system of the present invention can improve convenience by scheduling the execution of a job at a time when the emission ratio is below a specific value when the user instructs not to accept restrictions on the job's functions.

[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 when a consumption ratio, which is the ratio of the actual aggregated value of the amount of power consumed by the job executed by the job executing unit over a specific period of time, to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of the amount of power consumed by the job executed by the job executing unit, exceeds a specific value, the consumption processing unit restricts the function of the job executed by the job executing unit, and when the consumption ratio exceeds the specific value, the consumption processing unit predicts when the consumption ratio will be below the specific value and displays the time in the prediction.

[0015] With this configuration, the power consumption processing system of the present invention restricts the job's functions when the consumption ratio exceeds a specific value, and predicts and displays the time when the consumption ratio will fall below the specific value, allowing the user to know when the job's functions will no longer be restricted.

[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 restricts the function of the job executed by the job execution unit when an emission ratio, which is the ratio of the actual aggregated value of the carbon dioxide emission emitted as a result of the job being executed by the job execution unit over a specific period, 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, exceeds a specific value, and the emission processing unit predicts the time when the emission ratio will be below the specific value when the emission ratio exceeds the specific value, and displays the time in the prediction.

[0017] With this configuration, a computer executing the carbon dioxide emission processing program of the present invention restricts the job functions when the emission ratio exceeds a specific value, and predicts and displays the time when the emission ratio will fall below the specific value, allowing the user to know when the job functions will no longer be restricted.

[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 executed by a job executing unit that executes the job, and the consumption processing unit restricts the function of the job executed by the job executing unit when a consumption ratio, which is the ratio of the actual aggregated value of the amount of power consumed by the job executed by the job executing unit over a specific period of time to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of the amount of power consumed by the job executed by the job executing unit, exceeds a specific value, and the consumption processing unit predicts when the consumption ratio will be below the specific value when the consumption ratio exceeds the specific value, and displays the time in the prediction.

[0019] With this configuration, a computer executing the power consumption processing program of the present invention restricts the job functions when the consumption ratio exceeds a specific value, and predicts and displays the time when the consumption ratio will fall below the specific value, allowing the user to know when the job functions will no longer be restricted. [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 make the user aware of the time when the functions will no longer be restricted. [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] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of job history information shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of job reservation information shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 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 6] 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when executing a print job. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 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 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 8 when the discharge ratio is 80% or less. [Figure 10] 8 is a flowchart of an example of the process of more than 80% and not more than 90% shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11]11 is a diagram showing an example of a notice screen displayed in the process shown in FIG. 10 when the discharge ratio is more than 80% and not more than 90%. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 8 when the discharge ratio is more than 80% and not more than 90%. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a timing prediction screen displayed in the process shown in FIG. 10 when the discharge ratio is greater than 80% and equal to or less than 90%. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an 80% time reservation screen displayed in the process shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 15] 8 is a flowchart of a portion of an example of the over 90% process shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 16] 16 is a flowchart of a process subsequent to the process shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a notice screen displayed in the process shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 when the discharge ratio is over 90%. [Figure 18] 9A is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 8 when single-sided printing is specified and the discharge ratio is over 90%. (b) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen shown in FIG. 8 when non-consolidated printing is specified and the discharge ratio is over 90%. [Figure 19] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a timing prediction screen displayed in the processing shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 when the discharge ratio is over 90%. FIG. [Figure 20] 15 and 16 when printing without aggregation is selected, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a 90% time reservation screen displayed in the process shown in Figures 15 and 16 when single-sided printing is selected. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when a reserved print job is executed. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when a print job is executed. [Figure 23]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 total amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming apparatus 10 over the most recent 30 days (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] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 17 can store job history information 17d that indicates the history of jobs.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the job history information 17d.

[0033] The job history information 17d shown in Fig. 3 indicates the date and time when the job was executed and the conditions for the job execution for each job. Some information is omitted from the job history information 17d shown in Fig. 3. The conditions for the execution of 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; and a print side condition, i.e., whether it is single-sided printing or double-sided printing.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 17 can store a carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model 17e 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.

[0035] The memory unit 17 can store a timing prediction model 17f as a machine learning model in which the emission upper limit value indicated in the emission upper limit value information 17b, the information indicated in the carbon dioxide emission history information 17c, the information indicated in the job history information 17d, and a specific ratio are explanatory variables, and the target variable is the time when the ratio of the aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions by the image forming device 10 over the most recent 30 days to the emission upper limit value (hereinafter referred to as the ``emission ratio'') becomes a specific ratio.

[0036] The storage unit 17 can store job reservation information 17g that indicates a reserved job.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the job reservation information 17g.

[0038] The job reservation information 17g shown in Fig. 4 indicates, for each job, the execution time of the reserved job, the execution conditions of the job, and the image data to be printed by the job. Some information is omitted from the job reservation information 17g shown in Fig. 4.

[0039] 1 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] For example, the emission amount processing unit 18b can use the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model 17e to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emission in the image forming apparatus 10 due to the execution of a print job. For example, the emission amount processing unit 18b can use the timing prediction model 17f to predict the time when the emission ratio will reach a specific ratio.

[0042] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0043] First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when the discharge upper limit value is set will be described.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when the discharge amount upper limit value is set.

[0045] 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.

[0046] When instructed to start processing for setting the emission amount upper limit, the emission amount processing unit 18b executes the operation shown in FIG.

[0047] 5, 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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 5.

[0050] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when executing a print job will be described.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when executing a print job.

[0052] 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.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge amount processing unit 18b executes a printing condition setting screen display process to display a screen for setting conditions for executing a print job (hereinafter referred to as a "printing condition setting screen") (S121).

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, 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).

[0056] 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. 8) that does not restrict the functions of the print job (S142).

[0057] FIG. 8 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.

[0058] The print condition setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 8 includes a radio button 31a for specifying color printing as the print color condition, a radio button 31b for specifying monochrome printing as the print color condition, a radio button 32a for specifying non-multiplex printing as the multiplex printing condition, a radio button 32b for specifying 2-in-1 printing as the multiplex printing condition, a radio button 32c for specifying 4-in-1 printing as the multiplex printing condition, a radio button 33a for specifying single-sided printing as the print side condition, a radio button 33b for specifying double-sided printing as the print side condition, and a print execution button 34 for receiving a command to execute printing. Only one of the radio buttons 31a and 31b is always selected. Only one of the radio buttons 32a, 32b, and 32c is always selected. Only one of the radio buttons 33a and 33b is always selected.

[0059] 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 printing side condition.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, 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 the most recent 30 days based on the information included in the carbon dioxide emission history information 17c (S143).

[0061] When the process of S143 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b calculates the emission amount ratio by dividing the total value calculated in S143 by the emission amount upper limit value indicated in the emission amount upper limit value information 17b (S144).

[0062] When the process of S144 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines the discharge ratio calculated in S144 (S145).

[0063] If the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the discharge amount ratio calculated in S144 is 80% or less, it displays on the display unit 12 the printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 9) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and does not restrict the functions of the print job (S146).

[0064] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when the discharge ratio is 80% or less.

[0065] 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. The printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 9 includes text 36 indicating the emission ratio calculated in S144, i.e., the current emission ratio.

[0066] On 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.On 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 multiplex printing condition, without the content of the multiplex printing condition specification being limited by the content of the print job execution condition specification other than the multiplex printing condition.On 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 printing side condition.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, when the emission processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the emission ratio calculated in S144 is greater than 80% and less than or equal to 90%, it executes processing for when the emission ratio is greater than 80% and less than or equal to 90% (hereinafter referred to as "greater than 80% and less than or equal to 90% processing") (S147).

[0068] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example of the process for the range from over 80% to 90% shown in FIG.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge amount processing unit 18b displays on the display unit 12 a notice screen 40 (see, for example, FIG. 11) including details of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio is greater than 80% and less than 90% (S161).

[0070] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the notice screen 40 when the discharge ratio is more than 80% and not more than 90%.

[0071] 11 includes text 41 indicating the current discharge ratio, text 42 indicating the content of the print job function limitations for the current discharge ratio, i.e., the print job function limitations when the discharge ratio is greater than 80% and less than 90%, a YES button 43 for the user to instruct that they accept the print job function limitations for the current discharge ratio, and a NO button 44 for the user to instruct that they do not accept the print job function limitations for the current discharge ratio. The text 42 includes the fact that color printing is restricted.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, when the process of S161 ends, the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines whether or not the YES button 43 has been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S161 (S162).

[0073] If the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S162 that the YES button 43 has not been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S161, it determines whether the NO button 44 has been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S161 (S163).

[0074] If the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S163 that the NO button 44 has not been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S161, it executes the process of S162.

[0075] When the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S162 that the YES button 43 has been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S161, it terminates the display of the notice screen 40 displayed in S161 on the display unit 12 (S164).

[0076] When the processing of S164 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 12) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and restricts color printing as a function of the print job (S165).

[0077] FIG. 12 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%.

[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. 9, except for the configuration described below. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 12, the radio button 31a is grayed out and cannot be selected. In other words, the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in Fig. 12 limits the printing color conditions to monochrome printing.

[0079] The user cannot specify color printing as a print color condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S165. The user can specify either 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 S165, 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 multiple printing on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S165, 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.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, when the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S163 that the NO button 44 has been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S161, it terminates the display of the notice screen 40 displayed in S161 on the display unit 12 (S166).

[0081] When the processing of S166 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b predicts the time when the emission ratio will reach 80% using the emission amount upper limit value indicated in the emission amount upper limit value information 17b, the information indicated in the carbon dioxide emission history information 17c, the information indicated in the job history information 17d, and the timing prediction model 17f (S167).

[0082] When the process of S167 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b displays on the display unit 12 a time prediction screen 50 (see FIG. 13, for example) showing the time predicted in S167 (S168).

[0083] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the timing prediction screen 50 when the discharge ratio is more than 80% and not more than 90%.

[0084] The timing prediction screen 50 shown in Figure 13 includes text 51 indicating the current emission ratio, text 52 indicating the restrictions on the print job's functions when the emission ratio falls below 80%, text 53 indicating the time when the emission ratio is predicted to reach 80%, an OK button 56 for closing the timing prediction screen 50, and an 80% time reservation button 57 for the user to instruct a reservation for the print job to be executed at the time when the emission ratio is predicted to reach 80%.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, when the process of S168 ends, the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines whether or not the OK button 56 has been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S168 (S169).

[0086] If the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S169 that the OK button 56 has not been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S168, it determines whether the 80% timing reservation button 57 has been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S168 (S170).

[0087] If the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S170 that the 80% timing reservation button 57 has not been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S168, it executes the process of S169.

[0088] When the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S169 that the OK button 56 has been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S168, it terminates the display of the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S168 on the display unit 12 (S171).

[0089] When the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S170 that the 80% timing reservation button 57 has been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S168, it terminates the display of the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S168 on the display unit 12 (S172).

[0090] When the processing of S172 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b displays on the display unit 12 a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "80% time reservation screen") 60 (see, for example, Figure 14) for reserving the execution of a print job at the time when the discharge amount ratio is predicted to be 80% (S173).

[0091] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the 80% time reservation screen 60.

[0092] The 80% timing reservation screen 60 shown in FIG. 14 includes text 61 indicating the current emission rate, text 62 indicating the time when the emission rate is predicted to reach 80%, radio button 63a for specifying color printing as the print color condition, radio button 63b for specifying monochrome printing as the print color condition, radio button 64a for specifying non-consolidated printing as the consolidation printing condition, radio button 64b for specifying 2-in-1 printing as the consolidation printing condition, radio button 64c for specifying 4-in-1 printing as the consolidation printing condition, radio button 65a for specifying single-sided printing as the print side condition, radio button 65b for specifying double-sided printing as the print side condition, and reservation execution button 66 for receiving an instruction to execute the print reservation. Only one of radio button 63a and radio button 63b is always selected. Only one of radio button 64a, radio button 64b, and radio button 64c is always selected. Only one of the radio buttons 65a and 65b is selected at any one time.

[0093] As shown in Figure 10, when the processing of S173 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b determines whether the reservation execution button 66 has been pressed on the 80% time reservation screen 60 (S174) until it determines that the reservation execution button 66 has been pressed on the 80% time reservation screen 60.

[0094] When the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S174 that the reservation execution button 66 has been pressed on the 80% time reservation screen 60, it terminates the display of the 80% time reservation screen 60 on the display unit 12 (S175).

[0095] When the process of S175 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b sets the time predicted in S167 as the time for executing the job, and registers in the job reservation information 17g the reservation of the print job with the conditions set on the 80% time reservation screen 60 as the conditions for executing the job (S176). Note that the image to be printed by the 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 obtained from outside the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 15.

[0096] When the process of S165, S171 or S176 is completed, the discharge process unit 18b completes the process for exceeding 80% and not exceeding 90% shown in FIG.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, when the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S145 that the emission amount ratio calculated in S144 is greater than 90%, it executes processing for when the emission amount ratio is greater than 90% (hereinafter referred to as "greater than 90% processing") (S148).

[0098] Fig. 15 is a flowchart of a part of an example of the over 90% process shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of the process subsequent to the process shown in Fig. 15.

[0099] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the discharge processing unit 18b displays on the display unit 12 a notice screen 40 (see, for example, Figure 17) containing details of the restrictions on the functions of the print job when the discharge ratio exceeds 90% (S181).

[0100] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the notice screen 40 when the discharge ratio exceeds 90%.

[0101] The configuration of the preview screen 40 shown in Fig. 17 is the same as the configuration of the preview screen 40 shown in Fig. 11, except for the configuration described below. The text 42 additionally includes information that color printing and either non-aggregated printing or single-sided printing are restricted.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the process of S181 ends, the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines whether or not the YES button 43 has been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S181 (S182).

[0103] If the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S182 that the YES button 43 has not been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S181, it determines whether the NO button 44 has been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S181 (S183).

[0104] If the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S183 that the NO button 44 has not been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S181, it executes the process of S182.

[0105] When the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S182 that the YES button 43 has been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S181, it terminates the display of the notice screen 40 displayed in S181 on the display unit 12 (S184).

[0106] When the processing of S184 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b displays on the display unit 12 a printing condition setting screen 30 (see, for example, FIG. 18) that includes the current discharge amount ratio and limits the print job functions to color printing and either non-consolidated printing or single-sided printing (S185).

[0107] Fig. 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 over 90%. Fig. 18(b) is a diagram showing an example of the printing condition setting screen 30 when non-consolidated printing is specified when the discharge ratio is over 90%.

[0108] The configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 18 is the same as the configuration of the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 12, except for the configuration described below. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 18, radio button 31a is grayed out and cannot be selected. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 18(a), radio button 32a is grayed out and cannot be selected. In the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 18(b), radio button 33a is grayed out and cannot be selected. In other words, the printing condition setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 18 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.

[0109] The user cannot specify color printing as the print color condition on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S185. If the printing side condition is specified as double-sided printing on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S185, the user can specify either non-combining printing, 2-in-1 printing, or 4-in-1 printing as the combined printing condition, but if the printing side condition is specified as single-sided printing, the user cannot specify non-combining printing as the combined printing condition, and can only specify either 2-in-1 printing or 4-in-1 printing as the combined printing condition. If the combined printing condition is specified as 2-in-1 printing or 4-in-1 printing on the printing condition setting screen 30 displayed in S185, the user can specify either single-sided printing or double-sided printing as the printing side condition, but if the combined printing condition is specified as non-combining printing, the user cannot specify single-sided printing as the printing side condition.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 10, when the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S183 that the NO button 44 has been pressed on the notice screen 40 displayed in S181, it terminates the display of the notice screen 40 displayed in S181 on the display unit 12 (S186).

[0111] When the processing of S186 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b uses the emission amount upper limit value indicated in the emission amount upper limit value information 17b, the information indicated in the carbon dioxide emission history information 17c, the information indicated in the job history information 17d, and the timing prediction model 17f to predict the time when the emission amount ratio will reach 80% and the time when the emission amount ratio will reach 90% (S187).

[0112] When the process of S187 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b displays on the display unit 12 a time prediction screen 50 (see, for example, FIG. 19) showing the time predicted in S187 (S188).

[0113] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the timing prediction screen 50 when the discharge ratio is over 90%.

[0114] The configuration of the timing prediction screen 50 shown in Fig. 19 is the same as the configuration of the timing prediction screen 50 shown in Fig. 13, except for the configuration described below. The configuration of the timing prediction screen 50 shown in Fig. 19 is the same as the configuration of the timing prediction screen 50 shown in Fig. 13, which includes text 54 indicating the content of the restriction on the function of the print job when the discharge ratio is greater than 80% and equal to or less than 90%, text 55 indicating the time when the discharge ratio is predicted to reach 90%, and a 90% time reservation button 58 for the user to instruct a reservation for the execution of the print job at the time when the discharge ratio is predicted to reach 90%.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the process of S188 ends, the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines whether or not the OK button 56 has been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S188 (S189).

[0116] If the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S189 that the OK button 56 has not been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S188, it determines whether the 80% timing reservation button 57 has been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S188 (S190).

[0117] If the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S190 that the 80% time reservation button 57 has not been pressed on the time prediction screen 50 displayed in S188, it determines whether the 90% time reservation button 58 has been pressed on the time prediction screen 50 displayed in S188 (S191).

[0118] If the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S191 that the 90% time reservation button 58 has not been pressed on the time prediction screen 50 displayed in S188, it executes the process of S189.

[0119] When the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S189 that the OK button 56 has been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S188, it terminates the display of the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S188 on the display unit 12 (S192).

[0120] When the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S190 that the 80% timing reservation button 57 has been pressed on the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S188, it terminates the display of the timing prediction screen 50 displayed in S188 on the display unit 12 (S193).

[0121] When the process of S193 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b displays the 80% timing reservation screen 60 (see, for example, FIG. 14) on the display unit 12 (S194).

[0122] When the processing of S194 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines whether the reservation execution button 66 has been pressed on the 80% time reservation screen 60 (S195) until it determines that the reservation execution button 66 has been pressed on the 80% time reservation screen 60.

[0123] When the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S195 that the reservation execution button 66 has been pressed on the 80% time reservation screen 60, it terminates the display of the 80% time reservation screen 60 on the display unit 12 (S196).

[0124] When the process of S196 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b sets the time when the discharge ratio will be 80% as predicted in S187 as the job execution time, and registers in the job reservation information 17g the reservation of the print job with the conditions set on the 80% time reservation screen 60 as the job execution conditions (S197). Note that the image to be printed by the 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 obtained from outside the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 15.

[0125] When the emission amount processing unit 18b determines in S191 that the 90% time reservation button 58 has been pressed on the time prediction screen 50 displayed in S188, it terminates the display of the time prediction screen 50 displayed in S188 on the display unit 12 (S198).

[0126] When the processing of S198 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b displays on the display unit 12 a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "90% time reservation screen") 70 (see, for example, Figure 20) for reserving the execution of a print job at the time when the discharge amount ratio is predicted to be 90% (S199).

[0127] Fig. 20(a) is a diagram showing an example of the 90% time reservation screen 70 when printing without aggregation is selected, and Fig. 20(b) is a diagram showing an example of the 90% time reservation screen 70 when single-sided printing is selected.

[0128] The 90% timing reservation screen 70 shown in FIG. 20 includes text 71 indicating the current emission rate, text 72 indicating the time when the emission rate is predicted to reach 90%, radio button 73a for specifying color printing as the print color condition, radio button 73b for specifying monochrome printing as the print color condition, radio button 74a for specifying non-consolidated printing as the consolidation printing condition, radio button 74b for specifying 2-in-1 printing as the consolidation printing condition, radio button 74c for specifying 4-in-1 printing as the consolidation printing condition, radio button 75a for specifying single-sided printing as the print side condition, radio button 75b for specifying double-sided printing as the print side condition, and reservation execution button 76 for receiving an instruction to execute the print reservation. Only one of radio button 73a and radio button 73b is always selected. Only one of radio button 74a, radio button 74b, and radio button 74c is always selected. Only one of the radio buttons 75a and 75b is selected at any one time.

[0129] On the 90% time reservation screen 70, when the radio button 74a is selected, the radio button 75a is grayed out and cannot be selected, as shown in Fig. 20(a). On the 90% time reservation screen 70, when the radio button 75a is selected, the radio button 74a is grayed out and cannot be selected, as shown in Fig. 20(b).

[0130] As shown in Figure 10, when the processing of S199 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b determines whether the reservation execution button 76 has been pressed on the 90% time reservation screen 70 (S200) until it determines that the reservation execution button 76 has been pressed on the 90% time reservation screen 70.

[0131] When the discharge amount processing unit 18b determines in S200 that the reservation execution button 76 has been pressed on the 90% time reservation screen 70, it terminates the display of the 90% time reservation screen 70 on the display unit 12 (S201).

[0132] When the process of S201 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b sets the time when the discharge ratio will be 90% as predicted in S187 as the job execution time, and registers in the job reservation information 17g a reservation for the print job with the conditions set on the 90% time reservation screen 70 as the job execution conditions (S202). Note that the image to be printed by the job may be, for example, an image read from a document by the scanner 14, an image stored in the storage unit 17, or an image obtained from outside the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 15.

[0133] When the process of S185, S192, S197 or S202 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b completes the over-90% process shown in FIGS.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 7, when the process of S142, S146, S147, or S148 is completed, the discharge amount processing unit 18b ends the printing condition setting screen display process shown in FIG.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 6, when the printing condition setting screen display process in S121 ends, the job executing unit 18a determines whether the printing condition setting screen 30 is displayed on the display unit 12 (S122).

[0136] When the job execution unit 18a determines in S122 that the printing condition setting screen 30 is displayed on the display unit 12, it determines whether the printing execution button 34 has been pressed on the printing condition setting screen 30 (S123) until it determines that the printing execution button 34 has been pressed on the printing condition setting screen 30.

[0137] When the job executing unit 18a determines in S123 that the print execution button 34 has been pressed on the printing condition setting screen 30, it terminates the display of the printing condition setting screen 30 on the display unit 12 (S124).

[0138] When the process of S124 is completed, the job executing unit 18a executes the print job under the conditions set on the print condition setting screen 30 (S125). 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.

[0139] When the job executing unit 18a determines in S122 that the printing condition setting screen 30 is not displayed on the display unit 12, or when the process of S125 ends, the operation shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0140] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when executing a reserved print job will be described.

[0141] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when executing a reserved print job.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 21, the job execution unit 18a determines whether or not a job whose scheduled execution time is before the current date and time exists in the job reservation information 17g until it determines that a job whose scheduled execution time is before the current date and time exists in the job reservation information 17g (S221).

[0143] If the job execution unit 18a determines in S221 that there is a job in the job reservation information 17g whose reserved execution time is before the current date and time, the job execution unit 18a executes the print job whose reserved execution time is the earliest in the job reservation information 17g under the conditions set in the job reservation information 17g (S222). Note that the image printed in the print job is the image set in the job reservation information 17g.

[0144] When the process of S222 is completed, the job executing unit 18a deletes the print job executed in S222 from the job reservation information 17g (S223).

[0145] When the process of S223 is completed, the job executing unit 18a executes the process of S221.

[0146] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when a print job is executed will be described.

[0147] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 when a print job is executed.

[0148] When the job executing unit 18a executes a print job (hereinafter referred to as the "target print job") in S125 (see FIG. 6) or S222 (see FIG. 21), the discharge amount processing unit 18b executes the operation shown in FIG.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 22, the emission amount processing unit 18b uses the conditions of the target print job and the carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model 17e to estimate the carbon dioxide emission amount in the image forming apparatus 10 due to the execution of the target print job (S241).

[0150] When the process of S241 is completed, the emission amount processing unit 18b records the carbon dioxide emission history related to the carbon dioxide emission amount estimated in S241 in the carbon dioxide emission history information 17c (S242), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

[0151] As described above, when the discharge ratio exceeds a specific value ("more than 80% but not more than 90%" or "more than 90%" in S145), the image forming device 10 restricts the job functions (S165 or S185), and predicts (S167 or S187) and displays (S168 or S188) the time when the discharge ratio will be equal to or less than the specific value, thereby allowing the user to know when the job functions will no longer be restricted.

[0152] When the image forming apparatus 10 manages working days, which are days when the image forming apparatus 10 is used by users, the image forming apparatus 10 may predict working days as the times when the discharge rate will be equal to or less than a specific value.

[0153] The image forming device 10 displays the emission ratio as the ratio of the actual aggregated value to the upper limit value of the aggregated value of the carbon dioxide emissions emitted by the job execution unit 18a during a specific period of time (S146, S161, S165, S168, S173, S181, S185, S188, S194 or S199), thereby allowing the user to recognize the actual situation regarding the upper limit value of the aggregated value of the carbon dioxide emissions during a specific period of time.

[0154] The image forming device 10 issues a notice of job function restriction when the discharge ratio exceeds a specific value (S161 or S181), and executes job function restriction (S165 or S185) when the user instructs the device to accept the job function restriction (YES in S162 or YES in S182), thereby improving convenience.

[0155] When the user instructs not to accept the function restrictions of the job (YES in S163 or YES in S183), the image forming device 10 executes the reservation of the job when the discharge ratio is equal to or less than a specific value (S176, S197 or S202), thereby improving convenience.

[0156] When the emission ratio exceeds 80%, the image forming apparatus 10 restricts the function of the print job executed by the job executing unit 18a (S165 or S185), thereby improving the possibility of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0157] 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.

[0158] In the above, the discharge amount processing unit 18b restricts the functions of a print job in two stages: when the discharge amount ratio is greater than 80% but less than 90%, and when the discharge amount ratio is greater 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 two 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 content different from the above-mentioned content.

[0159] 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.

[0160] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus 10 configured as a power consumption processing system.

[0161] The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 23 includes a power consumption processing program 17h for executing processing related to the amount of power consumed by the image forming apparatus 10, upper consumption limit value information 17i indicating the upper limit value of the aggregated value of power consumption by the image forming apparatus 10 over the most recent 30 days (hereinafter referred to as the "upper consumption limit value"), power consumption history information 17j indicating the history of power consumption, a power consumption estimation model 17k 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 this print job is a target variable, and the upper consumption limit value indicated in the upper consumption limit value information 17i, information indicated in the power consumption history information 17j, 23 is the same as the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, except that the information indicated in job history information 17d and timing prediction model 17l, which is a machine learning model in which a specific ratio is an explanatory variable and the time when the ratio of the aggregate value of power consumption by the image forming apparatus 10 over the most recent 30 days to the consumption upper limit value (hereinafter referred to as the "consumption ratio") reaches a specific ratio is used as the objective variable, are provided in place of carbon dioxide emission amount processing program 17a (see FIG. 1), emission upper limit value information 17b (see FIG. 1), carbon dioxide emission history information 17c (see FIG. 1), carbon dioxide emission amount estimation model 17e (see FIG. 1), and timing prediction model 17f (see FIG. 1). The control unit 18 shown in FIG. 23 executes power consumption processing program 17h, thereby realizing a consumption amount processing unit 18c that executes processing related to the amount of power consumed by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0162] The difference between the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1 and the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 23 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. 23 executes processing related to power consumption. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 23 can obtain the same effects as the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 23 restricts the job functions when the consumption ratio exceeds a specific value, and predicts and displays the time when the consumption ratio will be equal to or less than the specific value, allowing the user to recognize the time when the job functions will no longer be restricted.

[0163] In the above, the aggregation period for the aggregated values ​​of carbon dioxide emissions or power consumption is 30 days, but the aggregation period may be a period other than 30 days.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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]

[0166] 10 Image forming equipment (carbon dioxide emission processing system, power consumption processing system, computer) 17a Carbon Emissions Processing Program 17h 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; the emission processing unit restricts the function of the job executed by the job executing unit when an emission ratio, which is a ratio of an actual aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions emitted as a result of the job being executed by the job executing unit in a specific period, to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of the carbon dioxide emissions, exceeds a specific value; The carbon dioxide emission processing system is characterized in that, when the emission ratio exceeds the specific value, the emission processing unit predicts when the emission ratio will be below the specific value and displays the time in the prediction.

2. The carbon dioxide emission processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the emission processing unit displays the emission ratio.

3. The carbon dioxide emission processing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the emission processing unit executes a notice of the restriction when the emission ratio exceeds the specific value, and executes the restriction when the user instructs that they accept the restriction in the notice.

4. The carbon dioxide emission processing system described in claim 3, characterized in that when a user instructs not to accept the restrictions in the notice, the emission processing unit executes a reservation by the job execution unit to execute the job at the time in the prediction.

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 restricts the function of the job executed by the job executing unit when a consumption ratio, which is a ratio of an actual aggregated value of power consumption 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 consumption, exceeds a specific value; The power consumption processing system is characterized in that, when the consumption ratio exceeds the specific value, the consumption processing unit predicts when the consumption ratio will be equal to or less than the specific value, and displays the predicted time.

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; the emission processing unit restricts the function of the job executed by the job executing unit when an emission ratio, which is a ratio of an actual aggregated value of carbon dioxide emissions emitted as a result of the job being executed by the job executing unit in a specific period, to an upper limit value of the aggregated value of the carbon dioxide emissions, exceeds a specific value; The carbon dioxide emission processing program is characterized in that, when the emission ratio exceeds the specific value, the emission processing unit predicts when the emission ratio will be below the specific value and displays the time in the prediction.

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 consumption processing unit restricts the function of the job executed by the job executing unit when a consumption ratio, which is a ratio of an actual aggregated value of power consumption 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 consumption, exceeds a specific value; The power consumption processing program is characterized in that, when the consumption ratio exceeds the specific value, the consumption processing unit predicts when the consumption ratio will be below the specific value and displays the predicted time.

Images