Information processing system, control method and program for information processing system

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, a control method for the information processing system, and a program that can obtain the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that occur from the time a primary product, which is a printed material, to the time a secondary product is obtained by processing it. [Solution] An information processing system 1 processes information from an image forming device 101 capable of outputting a printed material as a primary product, and a processing device 110 capable of processing the primary product to output a secondary product. The information processing system 1 includes an acquisition means (job history information management unit 730) that acquires first information until the primary product is output and second information until the secondary product is output, a first calculation means 740 that calculates greenhouse gas emissions based on the first information and the second information, and a second calculation means (carbon dioxide emission recording unit 731) that calculates the total greenhouse gas emissions based on the calculation result of the first calculation means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a control method for an information processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend toward calculating greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide in order to visualize the extent of environmental impact. Image forming devices such as printers consume electricity during printing or use materials such as ink and toner to produce printed materials, so there are techniques for calculating greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating an environmental impact value that represents the environmental impact. Specifically, the amount of color material used, the amount of sheet used, and the amount of electricity used (electrical energy) are calculated based on document data when forming an image and job information that defines the document formation mode, and an environmental impact value that represents the environmental impact caused by these uses is calculated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-21414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As mentioned above, the technology described in Patent Document 1 calculates the environmental impact value when forming an image to obtain a printed matter. Furthermore, the printed matter may undergo post-processing, such as surface treatment such as lamination or cutting. In this case, greenhouse gases may also be emitted during the post-processing. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot calculate the total greenhouse gas emissions from image formation to post-processing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an information processing system, a control method for the information processing system, and a program that can acquire the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that occurs from the time a primary product, which is a printed matter, to the time a secondary product is obtained by processing the primary product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing system of the present invention is an information processing system that processes information between an image forming device that can output a printed material as a primary product by printing on a printing medium, and processes information between a processing device that can output a secondary product by processing the primary product, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means that acquires first information regarding the process until the primary product is output by the image forming device and second information regarding the process until the secondary product is output by the processing device; a first calculation means that calculates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted by the image forming device based on the first information, and calculates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted by the processing device based on the second information; and a second calculation means that calculates the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions based on the calculation result of the first calculation means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that occur from the time a primary product, which is a printed matter, to the time a secondary product is obtained by processing the primary product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic side view mainly showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view mainly showing the internal configuration of the processing device. [Figure 4A]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a processing device and an environmental load calculation server. [Figure 5A] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of history screens of jobs for which environmental impacts in an image forming apparatus and a cutting and binding apparatus are to be calculated; [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing the calculation results of the carbon dioxide emission amount in the execution of a job selected by a selection button in FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying a list of calculation results of carbon dioxide emissions. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating job history information transmitted from an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus to an environmental load calculation server. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration of an environmental load calculation server. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between cutting of a sheet and a portion (excess portion) that is discarded as a result of the cutting. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the processing device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an environmental load calculation server. [Figure 12A] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a history screen of a job for which an environmental impact is to be calculated in an image forming apparatus and a cutting and binding apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on which a job history of a surface finishing process is input. [Figure 12C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on which a job history of a cutting and binding process is input. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an environmental load calculation server. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an environmental load calculation server according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in step 1401 (subroutine) of the flowchart shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 101, a surface processing apparatus 102, a cutting and binding apparatus 103, and an environmental load calculation server 104, which are communicatively connected to one another via a network 100. The information processing system 1 calculates (calculates) the environmental loads of the image forming apparatus 101 to the cutting and binding apparatus 103. Here, the "environmental load" refers to a negative impact on the environment, and in this embodiment, refers to greenhouse gases, for example. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), but this embodiment will explain carbon dioxide as a representative example. The image forming apparatus 101 receives a print job from an external device (not shown) via the network 100. The image forming apparatus 101 prints on a print medium based on the print job, thereby outputting a printed product as a primary deliverable.

[0011] The surface processing device 102 and the cutting and binding device 103 are each a processing device (post-processing device) 110 that can output a secondary product by processing the primary product. In this embodiment, the processing device 110 is a device that includes the surface processing device 102 and the cutting and binding device 103, but it is sufficient that the processing device 110 includes at least one of the surface processing device 102 and the cutting and binding device 103. The surface processing device 102 is a device that processes the surface of the primary product. In this embodiment, the surface processing device 102 is a device that performs surface processing by applying varnish, but is not limited to this. For example, the surface processing may be surface processing by attaching a film or surface processing by foil stamping. The cutting and binding device 103 is a device that cuts the primary product that has been surface processed by the surface processing device 102. The primary product that has been surface processed and cut becomes a secondary product. In this embodiment, the cutting and binding apparatus 103 can convert the secondary product into a booklet and bind it. The environmental load calculation server 104 is an information processing apparatus that processes information transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 101, information transmitted and received between the surface processing apparatus 102, and information transmitted and received between the cutting and binding apparatus 103. In this embodiment, the environmental load calculation server 104 can calculate the amount of environmental load associated with the products generated by the image forming apparatus 101, the surface processing apparatus 102, and the cutting and binding apparatus 103. The environmental load calculation server 104 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view mainly showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing device 105, an inserter 106, an inspection device 107, a large-capacity stacker 108, and a finisher 109, which are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream in the print medium transport direction. The printing device 105 is a device that prints on paper to form an image. The printing device 105 includes a paper feed deck 201, a paper feed deck 202, developing stations 204 to 207, an intermediate transfer belt 208, and a secondary transfer position 209. The paper feed deck 201 and the paper feed deck 202 each store various types of paper (printing paper) that serve as print media. When printing, the paper stored in the paper feed deck 201 and the paper feed deck 202 can be set using an operation unit 407 of the image forming apparatus 101. Based on this setting, the topmost sheets of paper are transported one by one from each of paper feed decks 201 and 202 onto paper transport path 203. The operation unit 407 can also display the printing status of image forming apparatus 101. Development station 204 forms a toner image using yellow (Y) toner. Development station 205 forms a toner image using magenta (M) toner. Development station 206 forms a toner image using cyan (C) toner. Development station 207 forms a toner image using black (K) toner. The toner images are primarily transferred onto intermediate transfer belt 208, which rotates clockwise in FIG. 2. Secondary transfer position 209 transfers the toner image on intermediate transfer belt 208 onto paper transported from paper transport path 203. This allows a color image to be formed on the paper.

[0013] The printing device 105 also has a first fixing unit 211 and a second fixing unit 213. The first fixing unit 211 has a pressure roller and a heating roller, and as the paper passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. After passing through the first fixing unit 211, the paper passes through a paper transport path 212 and is transported to a paper transport path 215. Depending on the type of paper, further melting and pressing may be required to fix the toner image. In this case, after passing through the first fixing unit 211, the paper is transported to a second fixing unit 213. In the second fixing unit 213, additional melting and pressing of the paper is performed. The paper is then transported to the paper transport path 215 via a paper transport path 214. In the case of double-sided printing, the paper is transported to a paper inversion path 216, where it is inverted, and then transported to a double-sided transport path 217, where the image is transferred to the back side at a secondary transfer position 209.

[0014] The inserter 106 is a device that inserts a sheet (hereinafter referred to as an "insertion sheet") into a sheet group made up of multiple sheets printed by the printing device 105 at a desired position. The inserter 106 has an inserter tray 221. The sheet group fed from the printing device 105 to the inserter tray 221 passes through a sheet transport path 222, and the insertion sheet is inserted. The sheet group with the insertion sheet inserted is transported to the inspection device 107. The inspection device 107 has a camera 231 and a camera 232 arranged opposite each other. The camera 231 captures an image of the front side of the sheet. The camera 232 captures an image of the back side of the sheet. When the sheet transported to the sheet transport path 233 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection device 107 captures an image of the front side of the sheet with the camera 231 and an image of the back side of the sheet with the camera 232. This makes it possible to read the image printed on the paper sheets of the paper stack from the inserter 106. The inspection device 107 compares this read image with a reference image stored in advance to inspect whether printing was performed without problems by the printing device 105. As a result of this inspection (inspection), paper stacks that are determined to have no printing problems are transported to the large-capacity stacker 108 as normal printed matter. On the other hand, paper stacks that are determined to have no printing problems, i.e., primary deliverables that are no longer needed, are separated from normal printed matter and discharged.

[0015] The large-capacity stacker 108 has a stack tray 241 as a tray for stacking normally printed materials. A large volume of paper that has passed from the inspection device 107 through paper transport path 244 and paper transport path 245 in this order is stacked on the stack tray 241. The large-capacity stacker 108 also has an escape tray 246 as a paper output tray. A group of paper that has been determined to have a printing problem by the inspection device 107 is stacked on the escape tray 246. In this case, the paper of the group of paper that has been determined to have a problem passes through paper transport path 244 and paper transport path 247 in this order and is transported to the escape tray 246. In addition, when paper is transported from the large-capacity stacker 108 to the processing device 110, the paper passes through paper transport path 248. The paper transported from the large-capacity stacker 108 to the processing device 110 is the primary deliverable. The large-capacity stacker 108 also has an inverting unit 249 that inverts the paper so that the orientation of the paper at the time of input matches the orientation of the paper at the time of output. This inverting unit 249 is used when loading paper onto the stack tray 241. Note that the inverting unit 249 is not used when transporting paper to the escape tray 246 or the processing device 110.

[0016] The finisher 109 performs finishing processing on sheets according to settings made on the operation unit 407. The finishing processing is not particularly limited, and examples include a staple that can bind in one or two places, and a punch that forms two or three holes. The finisher 109 has a paper output tray 251, a paper output tray 252, and a processing unit 255. Paper that passes through a paper transport path 253 is transported to the paper output tray 251. In this case, the finishing processing on the paper is omitted. Paper that passes through a paper transport path 254 is transported to the paper output tray 252. In this case, the finishing processing on the paper is performed in the processing unit 255. The paper output tray 251 and the paper output tray 252 can each be raised and lowered. The finisher 109 also has a saddle stitching processing unit 256 and a binding tray 258. In this case, saddle stitching binding is also possible as a finishing processing. The paper is stapled in the center by processing section 255, then folded in half by saddle stitching processing section 256 to form a saddle-stitched book, and passes through paper transport path 257. The saddle-stitched paper is then transported to saddle stitching tray 258. Saddle stitching tray 258 has a belt conveyor. As a result, the saddle-stitched paper on the belt conveyor is placed on the belt conveyor and transported to the left side in FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing mainly the internal configuration of the processing device. FIG. 3(a) is a schematic side view showing mainly the internal configuration of the surface processing device. FIG. 3(b) is a schematic side view showing mainly the internal configuration of the cutting and binding device. The surface processing device 102 shown in FIG. 3(a) is a roll-type varnish coater that applies varnish to the primary product. The surface processing device 102 includes an application roller 301, a backup roller 302, a feed roller 303, a regulating roller 304, a storage unit 305, and a curing device 306. The application roller 301 and the backup roller 302 form an application nip N that applies varnish to paper P, which is the primary product. The paper P is fed from a paper feed tray 315 and a paper feed roller 316, and after coating with varnish, is discharged to an output tray 317. The storage unit 305 stores varnish. A portion of the surface of the feed roller 303 is immersed in the varnish stored in the storage unit 305. The varnish liquid is drawn up from reservoir 305 by the rotation of feed roller 303, passes through the opposing portion between feed roller 303 and regulating roller 304, and then moves to the surface of application roller 301 due to contact between feed roller 303 and application roller 301. The amount of varnish liquid applied to application roller 301 (film thickness) can be adjusted by adjusting at least one of the rotation speed of feed roller 303, the distance between feed roller 303 and regulating roller 304, and the contact pressure between feed roller 303 and application roller 301.

[0018] The curing device 306 includes a curing unit 307 and a conveying section 308. The curing unit 307 can cure or dry the varnish by UV irradiation, heating, or the like depending on the type of varnish. When applying varnish to the front side of the paper P, the paper P passes through the curing device 306, then passes through an external discharge path 311, and is discharged to a discharge tray 317. When applying varnish to the back side of the paper P, the paper P passes through a conveying path 312, a reversing path 313, and a double-sided conveying path 314 in that order, and is then turned over. The paper P then undergoes the same process as when the varnish is applied to the front side, and the varnish is also applied to the back side. After the varnish has been applied to both sides, the paper P passes through the curing device 306 again, then passes through an external discharge path 311, and is discharged to a discharge tray 317.

[0019] The cutting and binding device 103 shown in FIG. 3(b) is a three-way cutter capable of cutting paper in three directions. The cutting and binding device 103 has a conveying section 321, a cutter section 322, a press section 323, a butting section 324, a conveying section 325, a waste box 326, a paper feed roller 327, a paper feed tray 328, a paper discharge roller 329, and a paper discharge tray 330. In the cutting and binding device 103, paper P on paper feed tray 328 is fed by paper feed roller 327. Paper P is conveyed to the cutting position by conveying section 321 and positioned by the butting section 324. With paper P held in place by press section 323, cutter section 322 descends, thereby cutting paper P. Scraps of paper P resulting from this cutting fall under their own weight and are stored in waste box 326. Cutter unit 322 has an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the cutting position in the transport direction of paper P. In addition to cutter unit 322, cutting bookbinding device 103 has cutter units (not shown) arranged on the front and rear sides of paper P in the transport direction. These cutters enable, for example, edge cutting and three-sided cutting. The cutter units also have an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the cutting position in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of paper P. After cutting, paper P is transported by transport unit 325 and discharged to paper discharge tray 330 by paper discharge rollers 329. In this embodiment, cutting bookbinding device 103 is configured to transport and cut paper P one sheet at a time, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to transport and cut multiple sheets P at once, or to transport and cut paper in groups.

[0020] 4A is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4A, the printing apparatus 105 includes a communication I / F 401, a LAN I / F 402, a video I / F 408, a HDD 404, a CPU 405, a memory 406, an operation unit 407, and a display 408. The printing apparatus 105 also includes a document exposure unit 409, a laser exposure unit 410, an image creation unit 411, a fixing unit 412, and a paper feed unit 413. These pieces of hardware included in the printing apparatus 105 are communicatively connected to one another via a system bus 414. The communication I / F 401 is communicatively connected to a communication I / F 421 of the inserter 106, a communication I / F 431 of the inspection device 107, a communication I / F 441 of the large-capacity stacker 108, and a communication I / F 451 of the finisher 109 via a communication cable 400. The LAN_I / F 402 is communicatively connected to a print server (not shown) or an information processing device (not shown) via the network 100 and receives print instructions from them. The LAN_I / F 402 is also communicatively connected to the environmental load calculation server 104 and communicates job history information and the like. A job ID for identifying this job history information may be assigned by the image forming apparatus 101, designated by the print server or the information processing device, or set by user input. When receiving a print instruction from the print server or the information processing device, the job identifier of each process in each deliverable may be associated and recorded, or a print instruction using the same job ID as the job ID may be issued. The video I / F 403 is communicatively connected to a PC (not shown) that generates images to be printed or an external controller (not shown) via a video cable (not shown) and communicates rasterized image data and the like. The HDD 404 is a storage device in which programs and data are stored. The CPU 405 comprehensively controls, for example, image processing and printing based on programs stored in the HDD 404. The memory 406 stores programs and image data required for the CPU 405 to perform various processes, and also operates as a work area for the CPU 405. The operation unit 407 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display 408 displays, for example, setting information for the printing device 105 and the processing status of a print job.

[0021] The document exposure unit 409 performs the process of scanning a document when using the copy or scan function. In this embodiment, the document exposure unit 409 scans a document placed by a user by illuminating the paper with an exposure lamp and capturing an image with a CCD camera. The laser exposure unit 410 performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light to transfer a toner image. Specifically, the laser exposure unit 410 first performs primary charging, charging the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, the laser exposure unit 410 irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light from a laser driver while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge on the light-irradiated portion of the photosensitive drum, forming an electrostatic latent image. The image creation unit 411 includes a development unit, a transfer unit, a toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to paper. The development unit transfers negatively charged toner from a development cylinder to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, visualizing the electrostatic latent image. The transfer unit applies a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to perform primary transfer, transferring the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt. The transfer unit also applies a positive potential to the secondary transfer roller to perform secondary transfer, transferring the toner on the transfer belt to paper. The fixing unit 412 has a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc., and melts and fixes the toner on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure. The paper feed unit 413 is a roller for feeding paper, and controls the paper feed and transport operations according to the detection results of various sensors.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4A, the inserter 106 has a communication I / F 421, a CPU 422, a memory 423, and a paper feed control unit 424, which are communicatively connected to one another via a system bus 420. The CPU 422 executes a control program stored in the memory 423 to perform various controls required for paper feeding. The memory 423 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper feed control unit 235 controls paper transport based on instructions from the CPU 421.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4A, the inspection device 107 has a communication I / F 431, a CPU 432, a memory 433, and an image capturing unit 434, which are communicatively connected to one another via a system bus 430. The CPU 432 executes a control program stored in the memory 433 to perform various controls required for the inspection. The CPU 432 may execute a control program stored in, for example, an external server to perform various controls required for the inspection. The memory 433 is a storage device in which the control program is stored. The memory 433 may also store a history of the inspection execution results and setting contents. The image capturing unit 434 captures an image of the conveyed paper based on an instruction from the CPU 432. The CPU 432 analyzes the image captured by the image capturing unit 240 to inspect the primary deliverable.

[0024] 4A, the large-capacity stacker 108 has a communication I / F 441, a CPU 442, a memory 443, and a paper discharge control unit 444, which are communicably connected to one another via a system bus 440. The CPU 442 executes a control program stored in the memory 443 to perform various controls required for paper discharge. The memory 443 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 444 controls the transport of paper based on instructions from the CPU 442.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4A, the finisher 109 has a communication I / F 451, a CPU 452, a memory 453, a paper discharge control unit 454, and a finishing processing unit 455, which are communicatively connected to one another via a system bus 450. The CPU 452 executes a control program stored in the memory 453 to perform various controls required for finishing and paper discharge. The memory 453 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 454 controls paper transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 452. The finishing processing unit 455 controls finishing processing of the primary deliverable after inspection based on instructions from the CPU 452.

[0026] FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the processing device and the environmental load calculation server. FIG. 4B(a) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the surface processing device. FIG. 4B(b) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cutting and binding device. FIG. 4B(c) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the environmental load calculation server. As shown in FIG. 4B(a), the surface processing device 102 includes a CPU 471, a memory 472, an HDD 473, a LAN_I / F 474, and an operation unit 475. The surface processing device 102 also includes a display unit 476, a conveyance control unit 477, and a surface processing unit 478. These pieces of hardware included in the surface processing device 102 are communicably connected to each other via a system bus 479. The CPU 471 executes a control program stored in the memory 472 to perform various controls required for surface processing. The control program is recorded in the memory 472 or the HDD 473. The HDD 473 also stores setting values ​​for surface processing and job history. The conveyance control unit 477 controls the conveyance of paper based on instructions from the CPU 471. The surface treatment processing unit 478 controls the surface treatment processing based on instructions from the CPU 471. The LAN_I / F 474 is communicably connected to a print server (not shown) or an information processing device (not shown) via the network 100 and receives processing instructions as jobs. The LAN_I / F 474 is communicably connected to the environmental load calculation server 104 and communicates job history information. A job ID for identifying this job history information may be assigned by the surface treatment device 102, may be specified by the print server or the information processing device, or may be set by user input. When a job is received from the print server or the information processing device, a job ID associated with a job for another related device may be assigned. The surface treatment device 102 may be built into the image forming apparatus 101 as part of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0027] 4B(b), the cutting and binding apparatus 103 has a CPU 481, a memory 482, an HDD 483, a LAN I / F 484, and an operation unit 485. The cutting and binding apparatus 103 also has a display unit 486, a conveyance control unit 487, and a cutting and binding processing unit 488. These pieces of hardware included in the cutting and binding apparatus 103 are connected to each other via a system bus 489 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0028] 4B(b), the cutting and binding apparatus 103 has a CPU 481, a memory 482, an HDD 483, a LAN I / F 484, and an operation unit 485. The cutting and binding apparatus 103 also has a display unit 486, a conveyance control unit 487, and a cutting and binding processing unit 488. These pieces of hardware included in the cutting and binding apparatus 103 are connected to each other via a system bus 489 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0029] The CPU 481 executes a control program stored in the memory 482 to perform various controls required for cutting and binding. The control program is recorded in the memory 482 or the HDD 483. The HDD 483 also stores setting values ​​for the cutting and binding process and job history. The conveyance control unit 487 controls paper conveyance based on instructions from the CPU 481. The cutting and binding processing unit 488 controls the cutting and binding process based on instructions from the CPU 481. The LAN_I / F 484 is communicably connected to a print server (not shown) or an information processing device (not shown) via the network 100 and receives processing instructions as jobs. The LAN_I / F 484 is communicably connected to the environmental load calculation server 104 and communicates job history information. A job ID for identifying this job history information may be assigned by the cutting and binding device 103, may be designated by the print server or information processing device, or may be set by user input. When a job is received from the print server or the information processing device, a job ID associated with the job for another related device may be assigned. The cutting and binding device 103 may be built in as a part of the image forming device 101.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4B(c), the environmental load calculation server 104 includes a CPU 491, a memory 492, a HDD 493, a LAN I / F 494, an operation unit 495, and a display unit (display means) 496, all of which are communicatively connected to one another via a system bus 497. The CPU 491 executes processes such as receiving job history information from the image forming apparatus 101, the surface finishing apparatus 102, and the cutting and binding apparatus 103, and calculating the amount of environmental load, based on programs stored in the HDD 493. The memory 492 stores programs and data required for the CPU 491 to perform various processes, and also functions as a work area for the CPU 491. The HDD 493 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The operation unit 495 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display unit 496 displays information such as the applications executed by the environmental load calculation server 104 as still images or moving images, for example. The LAN_I / F 494 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101, the surface processing apparatus 102, and the cutting and binding apparatus 103 via the network 100, and communicates job histories and the like. Note that in the information processing system 1, each memory such as the memory 492 can be replaced with, for example, a volatile RAM, a non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, etc. Also, the program for causing each CPU (computer) to execute each part and each means (control method of the information processing system) of the information processing system 1 may be stored in one device, or may be stored in a distributed manner in each device.

[0031] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a job history screen for which an environmental impact is to be calculated in an image forming apparatus and a cutting and binding apparatus. A job history screen (history screen) 500 shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display unit 496 of the environmental load calculation server 104 or the display 210 of the printing apparatus 105. The setting information on the job history screen 500 is stored in the HDD 493 of the environmental load calculation server 104. The job history screen 500 includes a job history 501, a selection button 502, a calculation setting button 503, a calculation result list button 504, and an emission calculation button 505. The job history 501 includes items 501a to 501m. A job number for identifying the job is entered (input) in item 501a. An apparatus that executed the job is entered in item 501b. A type of job is entered in item 501c. A job name is entered in item 501d. An execution end date and time of the job is entered in item 501e. Item 501f describes the type of paper used in the job. Item 501g describes the number of copies obtained by executing the job. Item 501h describes the number of pages obtained by executing the job. Item 501i describes the execution result of the job. Item 501j describes the amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during printing. Item 501k describes the amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated during post-processing. Item 501L describes details of the job. By operating the selection button 502, it is possible to select the target for calculating the carbon dioxide emissions from the job history 501 prior to calculating the carbon dioxide emissions. By operating the calculation setting button 503, it is possible to display a screen for setting the conditions used to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions. By operating the calculation result list button 504, it is possible to display a carbon dioxide calculation list screen 520 (see Figure 5C) that shows a list of the calculation results of the carbon dioxide emissions. By operating the emission amount calculation button 505, it is possible to instruct the execution of calculation of the carbon dioxide emissions for the job selected with the selection button 502. After this execution, a detailed calculation result screen 510 (see FIG. 5B) is displayed.

[0032] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result screen for carbon dioxide emissions for the execution of a job selected with the selection button in FIG. 5A. The detailed calculation result screen 510 shown in FIG. 5B includes a job name field 511 for the calculation target, a total emission amount display field 512, a detailed calculation result display field (input means) 513, a print button 514, an output button 515, and a close button 516. The job name field 511 displays the name of the job selected with the selection button 502 (item 501d). The total emission amount display field 512 displays the calculation result of carbon dioxide emissions for the execution of the job selected with the selection button 502. If multiple jobs are selected with the selection button 502, the total carbon dioxide emissions for the execution of these jobs is displayed. The detailed calculation result display field 513 includes items 513a to 513f. Item 513a describes the type of job. Item 513b describes the emission calculation stage for the job. Item 513c describes the emission amount calculation target for the job. Item 513d describes the total carbon dioxide emission amount. Item 513e describes the number of copies of the printed material. Item 513f describes the carbon dioxide emission amount per copy. By operating the print button 514, for example, a job name column 511 to be output, a total emission amount display column 512, and a detailed calculation result display column 513 are printed. This printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 101. By operating the output button 515, for example, the job name column 511 to be output, the total emission amount display column 512, and the detailed calculation result display column 513 are saved as a file in the HDD 493 of the environmental load calculation server 104. By operating the close button 516, the detailed calculation result screen 510 is closed. Thereafter, the job history screen 500 is redisplayed.

[0033] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing an example of a screen listing the calculation results of carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide calculation list screen 520 includes calculation history display 521, calculation result confirmation button 522, and close button 523. Calculation history display 521 includes items 521a to 521i. Item 521a lists an administrative number for identifying the calculation results of carbon dioxide emissions. Item 521b lists the name of the job. Item 521c lists the number of copies obtained by executing the job. Item 521d lists the calculation date of the carbon dioxide emissions. Item 521e lists the carbon dioxide emissions when the job is a print job (print process). Item 521f lists the carbon dioxide emissions when the job is a post-process job (post-process). Item 521g lists the total carbon dioxide emissions, which is the sum of items 521e and 521f. Item 521i lists whether or not output was performed. A detailed calculation result screen 510 (see FIG. 5B) is displayed by operating the calculation result confirmation button 522. The carbon dioxide calculation list screen 520 is closed by operating the close button 523. Thereafter, the job history screen 500 is displayed again.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows job history information transmitted from an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus to the environmental load calculation server. FIG. 6A shows job history information required for calculating carbon dioxide emissions in a printing process. The print job history information (first execution history) 600 shown in FIG. 6A is stored in the HDD 493 of the environmental load calculation server 104. The print job history information 600 is also used as information included in the job history screen 500 and the detailed calculation result screen 510. In this embodiment, the print job history information 600 includes, but is not limited to, basic information 600a, print setting information 600b, output information 600c, operation information 600d, disposal information 600e, and media information 600f. The basic information 600a is, for example, a job ID for identifying the job. The print setting information 600b is, for example, a mode specifying color or monochrome printing, page layout, the number of sides printed on a sheet of paper, and the number of copies obtained by printing. The output information 600c is information about the amount of materials used in the process up to the output of the primary product by the image forming apparatus 101. Specifically, the output information 600c includes the total number of pages printed, the number of sheets used for each medium, the amount of toner consumed in printing, etc. The number of sheets for each medium is associated with a media ID recorded as media information. The amount of toner consumed is calculated by multiplying the count value of dots made up of the toner by the amount of toner per dot.

[0035] The operation information 600d is the amount of power consumed by the image forming apparatus 101 in the process of outputting a primary product, i.e., the amount of power consumed from the start of printing to the end of printing. The power consumption may be calculated from a pre-stored power consumption calculation table. The power consumption is the total amount of power consumed by the printer 105 to the finisher 109 that make up the image forming apparatus 101. The disposal information 600e is information regarding the amount of waste generated in the process of outputting a primary product by the image forming apparatus 101. Examples of waste include, but are not limited to, paper determined to have printing problems by the inspection device 107, paper removed from the image forming apparatus 101 due to a paper jam, and paper used to adjust the image forming apparatus 101. The number of such paper sheets is treated as the number of non-product outputs. Other waste includes toner used in printing waste paper. The amount of such toner is treated as the amount of non-product toner. The media information 600f includes, for example, the media ID of the media (paper) used for printing, the name of the media, the type of media, the size of the media, and the basis weight of the media. The media ID is an ID for identifying the media (paper). The media type is, for example, the type of paper, such as high-quality paper, coated paper, or recycled paper. The media size is a standard size classification, width length, and length in the transport direction. If a width length or transport direction length not included in the standard size classification is specified, the media size is recorded as user-defined. The media basis weight is the weight of the paper per square meter. The basic information 600a to media information 600f described above are information related to the process up to the output of the primary deliverable by the image forming apparatus 101. Hereinafter, this information may be referred to as "first information."

[0036] FIG. 6B shows job history information required to calculate carbon dioxide emissions in a surface finishing process among post-processes. Surface finishing job history information (second execution history) 610 shown in FIG. 6B is stored in the HDD of the environmental load calculation server 104. The surface finishing job history information 610 is used as information included in the job history screen 500 and the detailed calculation result screen 510. In this embodiment, the surface finishing job history information 610 includes, but is not limited to, basic information 610a, processing setting information 610b, output information 610c, operation information 610d, and disposal information 610e. The basic information 610a, like the basic information 600a, is, for example, a job ID for identifying a job. The processing setting information 610b is, for example, the number of sheets and copies of paper subjected to processing such as varnishing, foil stamping, filming, and lamination. The output information 610c is information regarding the amount of materials used in the process until the secondary deliverable is output by the surface finishing device 102. Specifically, the output information 610c includes the total number of pages processed, the amount of varnish consumed if the processing is varnishing, and the area of ​​the foil-stamped paper if the processing is foil stamping. The amount of varnish consumed and the area of ​​the paper are processed as the amount of processing material consumed. The operation information 610d includes the amount of power consumed in the process until the secondary product is output by the surface processing device 102, i.e., the power consumed from the start time of processing to the end time of processing. The disposal information 610e includes information regarding the amount of waste generated in the process until the secondary product is output by the surface processing device 102. Examples of waste include, but are not limited to, paper that has not been processed successfully, paper for processing confirmation, and paper that has not been transported to the cutting and binding device 103. The number of these sheets of paper is processed as non-product output sheets. Other waste includes varnish used in processing the waste paper and any excess varnish. The amount of varnish and any excess varnish are processed as the amount of non-product processing material.

[0037] FIG. 6C shows job history information required to calculate carbon dioxide emissions in the cutting and binding process, one of the post-processes. Cutting and binding job history information (second execution history) 620 shown in FIG. 6C is stored in the HDD of the environmental load calculation server 104. The cutting and binding job history information 620 is used as information included in the job history screen 500 and the detailed calculation result screen 510. In this embodiment, the cutting and binding job history information 620 includes, but is not limited to, basic information 620a, processing setting information 620b, output information 620c, operation information 620d, and disposal information 620e. The basic information 620a, like the basic information 600a, is, for example, a job ID for identifying the job. The processing setting information 620b is, for example, the cutting direction for the paper, the cutting amount fore-edge and cutting amount top and bottom indicating the amount from the edge of the paper where cutting starts, binding settings indicating whether or not binding is to be performed and the binding method, the number of binding units, etc. The output information 620c is information about the amount of materials used in the process until the secondary product is output by the cutting and binding device 103. Specifically, the output information 620c includes the total number of pages processed, the final size after cutting, and the amount of processing materials used in binding. For example, in the case of saddle stitching, the pages are bound in two places with wire, so the processing materials are two wires. In the case of perfect binding, the processing material is glue. The operation information 620d is the amount of power used in the process until the secondary product is output by the cutting and binding device 103, that is, the power consumed from the start time of processing to the end time of processing. The disposal information 620e is information about the amount of waste generated in the process until the secondary product is output by the cutting and binding device 103. The waste is not particularly limited, and examples include paper scraps (excess paper from the secondary product) generated by processing (cutting) and paper that was not processed properly. The number of such sheets of paper is treated as the number of non-deliverables output. Other waste includes varnish used in processing waste paper and its excess. The amount of such varnish and its excess is treated as the amount of non-product processing material. The above basic information 610a to disposal information 610e and basic information 620a to disposal information 620e are information related to the process up to the output of the secondary product by the processing device 110.Hereinafter, this information may be referred to as "second information."

[0038] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the environmental load calculation server. As shown in FIG. 7, the environmental load calculation server 104 has an environmental load calculation processing application 700. The environmental load calculation processing application 700 is software that executes processing to calculate environmental loads, and is stored in the HDD 493. The CPU 491 reads the environmental load calculation processing application 700 from the HDD 493 to the memory 492 and executes it. The environmental load calculation processing application 700 has a job history information management unit 730, a printing process calculation unit 701, a surface finishing process calculation unit 711, and a cutting and binding process calculation unit 721. The environmental load calculation processing application 700 also has sections from a paper usage amount calculation unit 702 to a waste emission amount calculation unit 708, a processing material usage amount calculation unit 712 to a waste emission amount calculation unit 717, and a bookbinding material usage amount calculation unit 722 to a waste emission amount calculation unit 728. The environmental load calculation processing application 700 also has a carbon dioxide emission amount recording unit 731 to a calculation setting management unit 733.

[0039] When the discharge amount calculation button 505 is pressed while a desired selection button 502 is selected on the job history screen 500, the job ID of the job corresponding to the selected selection button 502 is notified to the job history information management unit 730. The job history information management unit 730 acquires job history information (first information and second information) based on the job ID (acquisition process). As described above, in this embodiment, the job history information management unit 730 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires job history information. Furthermore, the job history information management unit 730 calls one of the printing process calculation unit 701, the surface treatment process calculation unit 711, and the cutting and binding process calculation unit 721 depending on the job type of the job included in the job history information. For example, if the job type is printing, the job history information management unit 730 calls the printing process calculation unit 701. Furthermore, if the job type is surface treatment, the job history information management unit 730 calls the surface treatment process calculation unit 711. If the job type is cutting and binding, the job history information management unit 730 calls the cutting and binding process calculation unit 721 .

[0040] The print process calculation unit 701 executes a process for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emissions from the job history of each print type. The print process calculation unit 701 calls a paper usage calculation unit 702, a color material usage calculation unit 703, a power usage calculation unit 704, and a waste paper calculation unit 705 based on the job history information (print job). The paper usage calculation unit 702 reads the number of sheets for each medium in the output information 600c in the print job history information 600, associates this number with a media ID, and stores the result in memory 492 as paper usage. The color material usage calculation unit 703 reads the color material consumption (toner consumption) of the output information 600c in the print job history information 600 and stores it in memory 492. The power usage calculation unit 704 reads the power consumption of the output information 600c in the print job history information 600 and stores it in memory 492. The waste paper amount calculation unit 705 reads the number of non-product outputs from the output information 600c in the print job history information 600, associates this number of non-product outputs with the media ID, and stores it in the memory 492 as the amount of paper used.

[0041] The HDD 493 stores in advance a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient (predetermined coefficient) for each medium corresponding to each media ID. The raw material emission calculation unit (printing raw material emission calculation unit) 706 reads this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from the HDD 493 and multiplies it by the amount of paper used in the memory 492. This calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the amount of paper used. The calculation result is stored in the memory 492. The HDD 493 also stores in advance a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient for each color material in the printing device 105. The raw material emission calculation unit 706 reads this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from the HDD 493 and multiplies it by the amount of color material consumed in the memory 492. This calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the amount of color material consumed. The calculation result is stored in the memory 492. In this way, the raw material emission calculation unit 706 can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emission at the raw material stage based on the amount of paper used and the amount of color material consumed stored in the memory 492. The HDD 493 also stores in advance a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient corresponding to the amount of power consumed. The carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient may be a coefficient obtained through simulation or experiment, or may be a coefficient provided by an electric power company. The production emission calculation unit (print production emission calculation unit) 707 retrieves this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from HDD 493 and multiplies it by the power consumption stored in memory 492. This calculates the carbon dioxide emission amount corresponding to the paper usage amount. The calculation result is stored in memory 492. The HDD 493 also stores in advance a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient for disposal of each medium corresponding to the media ID. The waste emission calculation unit (print waste emission calculation unit) 708 retrieves this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from HDD 493 and multiplies it by the number of non-deliverable outputs (paper usage amount) stored in memory 492. This calculates the carbon dioxide emission amount corresponding to the number of non-deliverable outputs. The calculation result is stored in memory 492. The calculation of the carbon dioxide emission amount at the disposal stage may include a waste recycling rate as a calculation condition. The recycling rate can be set using, for example, calculation setting button 503.

[0042] As described above, the environmental load calculation processing application 700 (environmental load calculation server 104) can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming apparatus 101 based on the first information (first calculation step). In addition, in the environmental load calculation processing application 700, the print process calculation unit 701 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 708 function as a first calculation means 740 that executes this first calculation step.

[0043] The surface finishing process calculation unit 711 calls a processing material usage calculation unit 712, a power usage calculation unit 713, and a waste paper disposal amount calculation unit 714 based on the job history information (surface finishing job). The processing material usage calculation unit 712 reads the processing material consumption amount from the output information 610c in the surface finishing job history information 610 and stores it in the memory 492. The power usage calculation unit 713 reads the power consumption from the operation information 610d in the surface finishing job history information 610 and stores it in the memory 492. The waste paper disposal amount calculation unit 714 reads the number of non-product output sheets from the disposal information 610e in the surface finishing job history information 610 and stores it in the memory 492.

[0044] The HDD 493 pre-stores a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient corresponding to the amount of processed material used in the surface processing device 102. The raw material emission calculation unit (surface processing raw material emission calculation unit) 715 retrieves this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from the HDD 493 and multiplies it by the amount of processed material used in the memory 492. This calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the amount of processed material used. The calculation result is stored in the memory 492. The HDD 493 also pre-stores a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient corresponding to the power consumption in the surface processing device 102. The production emission calculation unit (surface processing production emission calculation unit) 716 retrieves this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from the HDD 493 and multiplies it by the power consumption in the memory 492. This calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the power consumption. The calculation result is stored in the memory 492. The HDD 493 also pre-stores a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient for disposal of each piece of media corresponding to the media ID. The waste emission amount calculation unit (surface processing waste emission amount calculation unit) 717 retrieves this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from the HDD 493 and multiplies it by the number of non-product outputs in the memory 492. This calculates the carbon dioxide emission amount corresponding to the number of non-product outputs. This calculation result is stored in the memory 492. Note that in calculating the carbon dioxide emission amount at the disposal stage, the waste recycling rate may be included in the calculation conditions, as in the calculation by the waste emission amount calculation unit 708.

[0045] The cutting and binding process calculation unit 721 calls the bookbinding material usage calculation unit 722, the cover material usage calculation unit 723, the power usage calculation unit 724, and the waste paper disposal calculation unit 725 based on the job history information (cutting and binding job). The bookbinding material usage calculation unit 722 reads out the amount of processing material consumed from the output information 620c in the cutting and binding job history information 620 and stores it in memory 492. The cover material usage calculation unit 723 reads out the amount of cover material consumed from the output information 620c in the cutting and binding job history information 620 and stores it in memory 492. This amount of cover material consumed is the number of sheets of paper that will become the cover during bookbinding. The power usage calculation unit 724 reads out the operation information 620d in the cutting and binding job history information 620 and stores it in memory 492. The waste paper disposal amount calculation unit 725 calls up the number of non-product outputs from the disposal information 620 e in the cutting and binding job history information 620 and stores it in the memory 492 .

[0046] Here, the cutting of paper and the waste portion (excess portion) resulting from the cutting will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the cutting of paper and the waste portion (excess portion) resulting from the cutting. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating a case where the cutting direction is set to fore-edge. In the cutting setting 1000 shown in FIG. 8(a), a cutting amount fore-edge setting value K (unit: millimeters) is set for paper with a width length X (unit: millimeters) and a feed length Y (unit: millimeters). Then, by cutting from the edge of the paper on the fore-edge side at the position of the cutting amount fore-edge setting value K, a cut-sheet 1001 is obtained. This cutting also generates a waste portion 1002. The waste portion 1002 has an area calculated by (K·X). The total cut weight for each media is calculated by multiplying this area by the basis weight of the media and the output number. FIG. 8(b) is a diagram illustrating a case where the cutting direction is set to three-way. In the case of three-side trimming, the fore-edge side of the paper is trimmed, followed by the top and bottom sides. In the trimming settings 1003 shown in FIG. 8(b), the fore-edge side is trimmed at a position equal to the fore-edge trimming amount set value K from the fore-edge edge of the paper, as in FIG. 8(a). The top side is trimmed at a position equal to the top trimming amount set value T1 (unit: millimeters) from the top edge of the paper. The bottom side is trimmed at a position equal to the bottom trimming amount set value T2 (unit: millimeters) from the bottom edge of the paper. The trimmed paper 1004 is then obtained by trimming the fore-edge, top, and bottom sides. This trimming also produces a waste portion 1005. The waste portion 1005 has an area calculated by (K·X+T1·(YK)+T2·(YK)). The total trim weight of the waste portion 1005 is calculated by multiplying this area by the basis weight of the media and the number of outputs. Furthermore, when multiple media are used, the total cut weight is calculated for each of the media. The same carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient as that of the type of paper (e.g., fine paper, coated paper, recycled paper, etc.) that is the source of the printed matter is used as a calculation condition for calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the discarded portion 1002 and the total cut weight of the discarded portion 1002.

[0047] The HDD 493 stores in advance a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient corresponding to the amount of processing material used in the cutting and binding device 103. A raw material emission calculation unit (cutting and binding raw material emission calculation unit) 726 retrieves this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from the HDD 493 and multiplies it by the amount of processing material used in the memory 492. This calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the amount of processing material used. The calculation result is stored in the memory 492. The HDD 493 also stores in advance a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient corresponding to the power consumption of the cutting and binding device 103. The production emission calculation unit (cutting and binding production emission calculation unit) 727 retrieves this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from the HDD 493 and multiplies it by the power consumption in the memory 492. This calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the power consumption. The calculation result is stored in the memory 492. The HDD 493 also stores in advance a carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient related to the disposal of each piece of media corresponding to the media ID. The waste emission amount calculation unit (cutting and binding waste emission amount calculation unit) 728 retrieves this carbon dioxide emission conversion coefficient from the HDD 493 and multiplies it by the number of non-deliverable outputs stored in the memory 492. This calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emission corresponding to the number of non-deliverable outputs. The calculation result is stored in the memory 492. Note that in calculating the amount of carbon dioxide emission in this disposal stage, the waste recycling rate may be included in the calculation conditions, as in the calculations by the waste emission amount calculation unit 708 and the waste emission amount calculation unit 717.

[0048] As described above, the environmental load calculation processing application 700 (environmental load calculation server 104) can calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the processing apparatus 110 based on the second information (first calculation step). In the environmental load calculation processing application 700, the surface finishing process calculation unit 711 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 717 and the cutting and binding process calculation unit 721 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 728 function as a first calculation means 740 that executes this first calculation step. In this embodiment, the printing process calculation unit 701 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 708, the surface finishing process calculation unit 711 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 717, and the cutting and binding process calculation unit 721 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 728 collectively constitute one calculation means, but this is not limiting. For example, the printing process calculation unit 701 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 708, the surface finishing process calculation unit 711 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 717, and the cutting and binding process calculation unit 721 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 728 may each be configured as one calculation means.

[0049] The carbon dioxide emission amount recording unit 731 stores the calculation results from the raw material emission amount calculation unit 706 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 708, i.e., the carbon dioxide emission amount from the image forming apparatus 101, in the HDD 493. The carbon dioxide emission amount recording unit 731 also stores the calculation results from the raw material emission amount calculation unit 715 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 717, i.e., the carbon dioxide emission amount from the surface processing device 102, in the HDD 493. The carbon dioxide emission amount recording unit 731 also stores the calculation results from the raw material emission amount calculation unit 726 to the waste emission amount calculation unit 728, i.e., the carbon dioxide emission amount from the cutting and binding device 103, in the HDD 493. The calculation results are stored for each process and stage. In addition, when the same process or stage is stored, the total value of the calculation results stored therein is also stored. In addition, each storage is associated with a predetermined ID. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide emission amount recording unit 731 calculates the total carbon dioxide emission amount based on each calculation result (second calculation step). Specifically, the carbon dioxide emission amount recording unit 731 calculates the total emission amount by adding up the carbon dioxide emission amount from the image forming apparatus 101, the carbon dioxide emission amount from the surface processing apparatus 102, and the carbon dioxide emission amount from the cutting and binding apparatus 103. In this manner, in this embodiment, the carbon dioxide emission amount recording unit 731 functions as a second calculation means for calculating the total emission amount.

[0050] The emission conversion coefficient management unit 732 manages coefficients for converting carbon dioxide emissions. The emission conversion coefficient management unit 732 holds conversion information that associates conversion items with conversion coefficients. The conversion information is also stored in the HDD 493 and is read out to the memory 492 when calculating each of the carbon dioxide emissions described above. The conversion information is updatable. The calculation setting management unit 733 manages setting values ​​used when calculating carbon dioxide emissions. The calculation setting management unit 733 also manages criteria (calculation rules) for determining whether or not to store this total emission in the HDD 493. The criteria are not particularly limited, and examples include whether or not a setting is made on a setting screen that is displayed by pressing the calculation setting button 503 on the job history screen 500. The criteria are updatable. The calculation setting management unit 733 also accepts readout of setting values ​​from each unit constituting the environmental load calculation processing application 700 and passes the setting values ​​to each unit.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the image forming apparatus. This processing involves the image forming apparatus 101 sending information related to carbon dioxide calculation to the environmental load calculation server 104 upon job completion. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the HDD 404 of the printing apparatus 105. The CPU 405 of the printing apparatus 105 loads this program from the HDD 404 to the memory 406 and executes it. As shown in FIG. 9, in step S801, the CPU 405 receives print job completion notifications from the paper feed unit 413, the large capacity stacker 108, and the finisher 109 of the printing apparatus 105. This causes the CPU 405 to determine that the print job is complete. After step S801 is executed, the processing proceeds to step S802.

[0052] In step S802, the CPU 405 obtains from the HDD 404 the basic information 600a (see FIG. 6A) of the print job determined to be completed in step S801, and stores it in the memory 406. After step S802 is executed, the process proceeds to step S803.

[0053] In step S803, CPU 405 obtains print setting information 600b (see FIG. 6A) of the print job determined to be completed in step S801 from HDD 404 and stores it in memory 406. After step S803 is executed, the process proceeds to step S804.

[0054] In step S804, the CPU 405 obtains from the HDD 404 the output information 600c (see FIG. 6A) of the print job determined to be completed in step S801, and stores it in the memory 406. After step S804 is executed, the process proceeds to step S805.

[0055] In step S805, the CPU 405 obtains from the HDD 404 the operation information 600d (see FIG. 6A) of the print job determined to be completed in step S801, and stores it in the memory 406. After step S805 is executed, the process proceeds to step S806.

[0056] In step S806, CPU 405 obtains from HDD 404 discard information 600e (see FIG. 6A) of the print job determined to be completed in step S801, and stores it in memory 406. After step S806 is executed, the process proceeds to step S807.

[0057] In step S807, the CPU 405 obtains from the HDD 404 the media information 600f (see FIG. 6A) of the print job determined to be completed in step S801, and stores it in the memory 406. After step S807 is executed, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0058] In step S808, CPU 405 saves (records) the information saved in memory 406 in steps S802 to S807 as unsent information related to the corresponding job ID in HDD 404. After step S808 is executed, the process proceeds to step S809.

[0059] In step S809, the CPU 405 transmits the unsent information stored in the HDD 404 in step S808 to the environmental load calculation server 104 via the LAN_I / F 402. After step S809 is executed, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0060] In step S810, the CPU 405 determines whether the transmission of the unsent information (job history information) in step S809 was successful. If the result of the determination in step S810 is that the transmission was successful, the process proceeds to step S811. In this case, the transmitted information from the printing device 105 is saved in the HDD 493 of the environmental load calculation server 104. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S810 is that the transmission was not successful, that is, that the transmission was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to step S812.

[0061] In step S811, the CPU 405 saves the unsent information determined in step S809 as transmitted information in the HDD 404. After step S811 is executed, the process ends.

[0062] In step S812, the CPU 405 saves the unsent information determined in step S809 as unsent information in the HDD 404. After step S812 is executed, the process ends.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the processing device. In this processing, the processing device 110 transmits information related to carbon dioxide calculation to the environmental load calculation server 104 when a job is completed. As described above, the processing device 110 includes the surface processing device 102 and the cutting and binding device 103. Here, a flowchart showing the processing executed by the surface processing device 102 will be representatively described. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the HDD 473 of the surface processing device 102. The CPU 405 of the surface processing device 102 loads this program from the HDD 473 to the memory 472 and executes it. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1601, the CPU 471 receives a print job completion notification from the surface processing unit 478 of the surface processing device 102. As a result, the CPU 471 determines that the surface processing job is complete. After step S1601 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1602.

[0064] In step S1602, the CPU 471 obtains from the HDD 473 the basic information 610a (see FIG. 6(b)) of the surface processing job determined to be completed in step S1601, and stores it in the memory 472. After step S1602 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1603.

[0065] In step S1603, the CPU 471 obtains from the HDD 473 the processing setting information 610b (see FIG. 6B) of the surface processing job determined to be completed in step S1601, and stores it in the memory 472. After step S1603 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1604.

[0066] In step S1604, the CPU 471 obtains from the HDD 473 the output information 610c (see FIG. 6(b)) of the surface processing job determined to be completed in step S1601, and stores it in the memory 472. After step S1604 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1605.

[0067] In step S1605, the CPU 471 obtains from the HDD 473 the operation information 610d (see FIG. 6(b)) of the surface processing job determined to be completed in step S1601, and stores it in the memory 472. After step S1605 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1606.

[0068] In step S1606, the CPU 471 obtains from the HDD 473 the disposal information 610e (see FIG. 6A) of the surface processing job determined to be completed in step S1601, and stores it in the memory 472. After step S1606 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1607.

[0069] In step S1607, CPU 471 stores the information stored in memory 472 in steps S1602 to S806 as unsent information related to the job ID in HDD 473. After step S1607 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1608.

[0070] In step S1608, the CPU 471 transmits the unsent information saved in the HDD 473 in step S1607 to the environmental load calculation server 104 via the LAN_I / F 474. After step S1608 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1609.

[0071] In step S1609, the CPU 471 determines whether or not the transmission of the unsent information (job history information) in step S1608 was successful. If it is determined in step S1609 that the transmission was successful, the process proceeds to step S1610. In this case, the transmitted information from the surface processing device 102 is saved in the HDD 493 of the environmental load calculation server 104. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1609 that the transmission was not successful, the process proceeds to step S1611.

[0072] In step S1610, CPU 471 saves the unsent information determined in step S1608 as transmitted information in HDD 473. After step S1610 is executed, the process ends.

[0073] In step S1611, CPU 471 saves the unsent information in step S1608 as unsent information in HDD 473. After step S1611 is executed, the process ends.

[0074] 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the environmental load calculation server. This processing is processing in which the environmental load calculation server 104 calculates the carbon dioxide emission amount. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the HDD 493 of the environmental load calculation server 104. The CPU 491 of the environmental load calculation server 104 loads this program from the HDD 493 to the memory 492 and executes it. As shown in FIG. 11, in step S901, the CPU 491 generates a job history screen 500 (see FIG. 5A) based on the transmitted information from the surface processing device 102 stored in the HDD 493, and displays it on the display unit 496. After executing step S901, the processing proceeds to step S902.

[0075] In step S902, CPU 491 waits for a user operation on selection buttons 502 and discharge amount calculation button 505 of job history screen 500 displayed on display unit 496 in step S901. When at least one selection button 502 is selected via operation unit 495 and discharge amount calculation button 505 is pressed, CPU 491 saves the job ID of the job history information corresponding to that selection button 502 in memory 492 as the job ID to be calculated. After step S902 is executed, the process proceeds to step S903.

[0076] In step S903, the CPU 491 reads out the criteria and the conversion coefficients required for carbon dioxide conversion that have been stored in the HDD 493, and stores them in the memory 492. The conversion coefficients are stored in the HDD 493 for each printing process, surface finishing process, and cutting and binding process. After step S903 is executed, the process proceeds to step S904.

[0077] In step S904, CPU 491 selects one job history (item) for calculating carbon dioxide not yet calculated from the calculation target job IDs stored in memory 492 in step S902, and reads it into memory 492. After step S904 is executed, the process proceeds to step S905.

[0078] In step S905, CPU 491 determines whether the job history information read into memory 492 in step S904 is a job history of a printing process (print job history). If the determination in step S905 indicates that the information is a job history of a printing process, the process proceeds to step S906. On the other hand, if the determination in step S905 indicates that the information is not a job history of a printing process, the process proceeds to step S907.

[0079] In step S906, CPU 491 calls print process calculation unit 701 of environmental load calculation processing application 700 based on the job history information of the job to be calculated selected in step S904. CPU 491 then executes calculation processing to calculate the carbon dioxide emission amount in the printing process using print process calculation unit 701 and other units from paper usage amount calculation unit 702 to waste emission amount calculation unit 708. The calculation results are stored in memory 492. After step S906 is executed, the process proceeds to step S911.

[0080] In step S907, the CPU 491 determines whether the job history information read into the memory 492 in step S904 is a job history of a surface finishing process (surface finishing job history). If it is determined in step S907 that the job history is a job history of a surface finishing process, the process proceeds to step S908. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S905 that the job history is not a job history of a surface finishing process, the process proceeds to step S909.

[0081] In step S908, the CPU 491 calls the surface finishing process calculation unit 711 of the environmental load calculation processing application 700 based on the job history information of the job to be calculated selected in step S904. Then, the CPU 491 executes a calculation process to calculate the carbon dioxide emission amount in the surface finishing process using the surface finishing process calculation unit 711 and the other units from the processed material usage calculation unit 712 to the waste emission calculation unit 717. The calculation result is stored in the memory 492. After executing step S908, the process proceeds to step S911.

[0082] In step S909, CPU 491 determines whether the job history information read into memory 492 in step S904 is the job history of the cutting and binding process (cutting and binding job history). If the result of the determination in step S909 is that it is the job history of the cutting and binding process, the process proceeds to step S910. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S905 is that it is not the job history of the cutting and binding process, the process proceeds to step S911.

[0083] In step S910, the CPU 491 calls the cutting and binding process calculation unit 721 of the environmental load calculation processing application 700 based on the job history information of the job to be calculated selected in step S904. Then, the CPU 491 executes calculation processing to calculate the carbon dioxide emission amount in the cutting and binding process using the cutting and binding process calculation unit 721 and the other units from the bookbinding material usage calculation unit 722 to the waste emission calculation unit 728. The calculation results are stored in the memory 492. After step S910 is executed, the processing proceeds to step S911.

[0084] In step S911, CPU 491 determines whether or not there is a job history of a carbon dioxide calculation that has not yet been performed among the calculation target job IDs stored in memory 492 in step S902. If it is determined in step S911 that there is a job history of a carbon dioxide calculation that has not yet been performed, the process returns to step S904, and the subsequent steps are executed in order. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S911 that there is no job history of a carbon dioxide calculation that has not yet been performed, the process proceeds to step S912.

[0085] In step S912, the CPU 491 reads out each calculation result stored in the memory 492 up to step S911, based on the criteria managed by the calculation setting management unit 733. The CPU 491 also calls the carbon dioxide emission recording unit 731 of the environmental load calculation processing application 700. The CPU 491 uses the carbon dioxide emission recording unit 731 to add up each of the read calculation results to calculate the total carbon dioxide emission amount. After executing step S912, the process proceeds to step S913.

[0086] In step S913, the CPU 491 stores the total carbon dioxide emission amount stored in the memory 492 in step S912 as a carbon dioxide emission calculation history in the HDD 493. After step S913 is executed, the process proceeds to step S914.

[0087] In step S914, CPU 491 generates detailed calculation result screen 510 capable of displaying the carbon dioxide emission calculation history stored in HDD 493 in step S913, and displays it on display unit 496. The total carbon dioxide emission amount based on the carbon dioxide emission calculation history is displayed in total emission display field 512 of this detailed calculation result screen 510. After step S914 is executed, the processing ends.

[0088] As described above, in the information processing system 1, the environmental load calculation server 104 acquires, from the image forming apparatus 101, first information relating to the process up to when a primary product is output by the image forming apparatus 101. The environmental load calculation server 104 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming apparatus 101 based on the first information. The environmental load calculation server 104 also acquires, from the processing apparatus 110, second information relating to the process up to when a secondary product is output by the processing apparatus 110. The environmental load calculation server 104 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the processing apparatus 110 based on the second information. Then, the environmental load calculation server 104 can add up the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming apparatus 101 and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the processing apparatus 110 to acquire the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted up to when a secondary product is obtained.

[0089] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12A to 13. The differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. For example, some types of surface finishing apparatuses 102 and cutting and binding apparatuses 103 operate without being connected to a network. In this case, to calculate the environmental impact of the entire deliverable, the job details executed by the surface finishing apparatus 102 and cutting and binding apparatus 103 must be separately received by the environmental load calculation server 1041. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the job details are separately received by the environmental load calculation server 104 will be described. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of a job history screen for calculating the environmental impact of an image forming apparatus and a cutting and binding apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on which the job history of the surface finishing process is input. FIG. 12C is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on which the job history of the cutting and binding process is input. As shown in FIG. 12A, a job history screen 1200 includes a job history 501 to a discharge amount calculation button 505, and further includes a job history registration button 1201. The job history registration button 1201 is a button for instructing the registration of a job history on the environmental load calculation server 104, separate from the job history received via the network. Pressing the job history registration button 1201 displays a job history registration screen 1210 shown in FIG. 12B and a job history registration screen 1230 shown in FIG. 12C. Information corresponding to the surface finishing job history information 610 (see FIG. 6B) is input into the job history registration screen 1210. Information corresponding to the cutting and binding job history information 620 (see FIG. 6C) is input into the job history registration screen 1230. The operation unit 495 is used for input operations into the job history registration screen 1210 and the job history registration screen 1230. Since the job history registration screen 1210 and the job history registration screen 1230 have the same screen content, the job history registration screen 1210 will be described as a representative example. The job history registration screen 1210 includes items from a machine number 1211 to a job history information item 1225.

[0090] The identification information of the device that executed the job for which the job history is to be registered is input in the device number 1211. The identification information may be selected from a list of target devices stored in the environmental load calculation server 104 or from pre-registered device numbers. The name of the job is input in the job name 1212. The job start date and time 1213 is the date and time the job started. The job end date and time 1214 is the date and time the job ended. The input date and time may be input numerically or may be input using a date and time input screen on a displayed calendar. The number of copies 1215 is the number of copies of the deliverables processed in the job. The total number of pages 1216 is the total number of pages obtained by multiplying the number of pages processed in one job by the number of copies input in the number of copies 1215. The power consumption 1218 is the power consumption consumed in the job execution. The standard power consumption usage setting 1219 allows the user to select whether to use the value input in the power consumption 1218 or the value of operating time x standard power consumption. Note that when a selection is made in the standard power consumption usage setting 1219, the input of the power consumption 1218 may be ignored, or the input of the power consumption 1218 may not be accepted. Information regarding the pages discarded when the job is executed is input into the number of pages to discard 1220. Either the surface finishing process selection 1221 or the cutting and binding process selection 1222 is selected. When the surface finishing process selection 1221 is selected, job history information of the surface finishing process is input into the job history information item 1225. When the cutting and binding process selection 1222 is selected, job history information of the cutting and binding process is input into the job history information item 1225. Since the job history registration screen 1210 is a display screen where the job history of the surface finishing process is input, the surface finishing process selection 1221 is selected on the job history registration screen 1210. On the other hand, since the job history registration screen 1230 is a display screen where the job history of the cutting and binding process is input, the cutting and binding process selection 1222 is selected on the job history registration screen 1230. Also, by pressing the cancel button 1223, the input contents are discarded and the screen returns to the job history screen 1200, and by pressing the register button 1224, the input contents are registered as job history information.

[0091] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the environmental load calculation server. This processing is processing in which a job history is input. A program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the HDD 493 of the environmental load calculation server 104. The CPU 491 of the environmental load calculation server 104 loads this program from the HDD 493 to the memory 492 and executes it. This program also starts when the job history registration button 1201 on the job history screen 1200 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 13, in step S1301, the CPU 491 generates the job history registration screen 1210 (or the job history registration screen 1230) and displays it on the display unit 496. After step S1301 is executed, the processing proceeds to step S1302.

[0092] In step S1302, the CPU 491 determines whether either the surface finishing process selection 1221 or the cutting and binding process selection 1222 on the job history registration screen 1210 has been selected. If it is determined in step S1302 that the surface finishing process selection 1221 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1303. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1302 that the cutting and binding process selection 1222 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1304.

[0093] In step S1303, the CPU 491 generates the job history information item 1225 for inputting job history information for the surface finishing process. After step S1303 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1305.

[0094] In step S1304, the CPU 491 generates the job history information item 1225 for inputting job history information for the cutting and binding process. After step S1304 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1305.

[0095] In step S1305, the CPU 491 accepts the job history information input to the job history information item 1225. The CPU 491 stores this job history information in the memory 492. After step S1305 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1306.

[0096] In step S1306, CPU 491 determines whether or not cancel button 1223 has been pressed. If it is determined in step S1306 that cancel button 1223 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1308. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1306 that cancel button 1223 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1307.

[0097] In step S1307, CPU 491 determines whether or not register button 1224 has been pressed. If it is determined in step S1307 that register button 1224 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1309. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1307 that register button 1224 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S1305, and the subsequent steps are executed in order. Note that if there are any items that have not been input as job history information at the time it is determined that register button 1224 has been pressed, the process may return to step S1305, and the subsequent steps may be executed in order. Furthermore, if there are any items that have not been input as job history information, the register button 1224 may be made unavailable for pressing, and a message to that effect may be displayed on the screen.

[0098] In step S1308, CPU 491 deletes the job history information saved in memory 492 in step S1305, and returns the screen from job history registration screen 1210 to job history screen 1200. After step S1308 is executed, the process ends.

[0099] In step S1309, CPU 491 determines whether or not the standard power consumption usage setting 1219 has been selected based on the job history information stored in memory 492 in step S1305. If it is determined in step S1309 that the standard power consumption usage setting 1219 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1310. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1309 that the standard power consumption usage setting 1219 has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S1312.

[0100] In step S1310, CPU 491 calculates the in-operation time for job execution. Specifically, CPU 491 acquires the dates and times entered in job start date and time 1213 and job end date and time 1214, and calculates the elapsed time from the start to the end of the job as the in-operation time. This in-operation time is saved in memory 493. After step S1310 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1311.

[0101] In step S1311, the CPU 491 acquires the standard power consumption amount associated with the machine number 1211 from the environmental load coefficient stored in the memory 493 or the HDD 494. The CPU 491 calculates the power consumption by multiplying this standard power consumption amount by the operating time stored in the memory 493 in step S1310. This power consumption amount is stored in the memory 493. After step S1311 is executed, the process proceeds to step S1312.

[0102] In step S1312, CPU 491 saves the items input on job history registration screen 1210 as job history information in HDD 494. After step S1311 is executed, the process ends.

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, even if the surface finishing device 102 or the cutting and binding device 103 is a device that operates without being connected to a network, the job content executed by each device can be received by the environmental load calculation server 1041. This makes it possible to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions for the deliverables processed in the job. Note that in this embodiment, input is made to the job history registration screen 1210 displayed on the display unit 496 of the environmental load calculation server 104, but this is not limiting. For example, job history information for the surface finishing device 102 or the cutting and binding device 103 that is not connected to a network may be output in file format and used. Furthermore, if the usage record of the surface finishing device 102 or the cutting and binding device 103 that is not connected to a network is input as a file, the file may be read and received as input.

[0104] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. Differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar details will not be described. In the process of the image forming apparatus 101, the image forming apparatus 101 may be operated to manufacture spare products in case a problem occurs in the process of the processing apparatus 110. In this case, the handling of the spare products must be considered in order to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions of the final products. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the environmental load calculation server 104 takes into consideration the handling of the spare products will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the environmental load calculation server according to the third embodiment. This processing is processing in which the environmental load calculation server 104 calculates the carbon dioxide emissions. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, steps S901 to S911 are executed, which are similar to those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11. If it is determined in step S911 that there is no job history for which carbon dioxide has not yet been calculated, the processing proceeds to step S1401. In step S1401, CPU 491 reads all carbon dioxide emission values ​​of jobs for which carbon dioxide emission amount calculation is to be performed that are stored in HDD 493, and performs inter-process check processing. The inter-process check processing will be described later with reference to Fig. 15. After step S1401 is performed, steps S912 to S914 are performed, which are similar to those in the flowchart shown in Fig. 11.

[0105] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the inter-process check processing executed in step 1401 (subroutine) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 15, in step S1501, CPU 491 acquires emission calculation rules managed by calculation setting management unit 733. The emission calculation rules are rules for determining emissions to be added together when calculating total carbon dioxide. Based on the emission calculation rules, CPU 491 reads all carbon dioxide emissions to be added together that are stored in HDD 493 into memory 492. Note that if there are multiple jobs in the same process, the carbon dioxide emissions of each job are added together and the total value is read into memory 492. After step S1501 is executed, processing proceeds to step S1502.

[0106] In step S1502, CPU 491 determines whether or not there is a process for which job history information does not exist among the total values ​​for each process saved in step S1501. If the determination in step S1502 determines that there is a process for which job history information does not exist, processing proceeds to step S1503. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1502 determines that there is no process for which job history information does not exist, processing proceeds to step S1505.

[0107] In step S1503, CPU 491 displays job history registration screen 1210 for the process for which it was determined in step S1502 that no job history information exists on display unit 496. The processing in step S1503 is a subroutine, and is performed based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 13. When input to job history registration screen 1210 is complete, the processing proceeds to step S1504.

[0108] In step S1504, CPU 491 determines whether or not the registration button 1224 on job history registration screen 1210, for which input was completed in step S1503, has been pressed. If it is determined in step S1504 that the registration button 1224 has been pressed, the process returns to step S1501, and the subsequent steps are executed in order. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1504 that the registration button 1224 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1505.

[0109] In step S1505, CPU 491 reads the total number of output pages and the number of non-products (discarded spares) from the sum values ​​for each process stored in memory 492, and calculates the difference in the total number of output pages for each process. This calculation is performed based on the total number of output pages for the processes in image forming apparatus 101, the total number of output pages for the processes in processing apparatus 110, and the number of non-products output. The comparison between processes here differs depending on the combination of registered processes. For example, if there is only a printing process, no calculation of the difference is performed. If there is a printing process and a surface treatment process, or if there is a printing process and a cutting and binding process, the difference between the two processes is calculated. If there is a printing process, a surface treatment process, and a cutting and binding process, the difference between the printing process and the surface treatment process and the difference between the surface treatment process and the cutting and binding process are calculated taking into account the steps of creating the product. The calculated difference is then stored in memory 492. After step S1505 is performed, the process proceeds to step S1506.

[0110] In step S1506, CPU 491 determines whether or not at least one difference was stored in memory 492 in step S1505. If the result of the determination in step S1506 is that at least one difference was stored, the process proceeds to step S1507. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S1506 is that no difference was stored, the process proceeds to step S1508.

[0111] In step S1507, the CPU 491 additionally registers the difference between the processes calculated in step S1505 as the number of non-product outputs of the process of the processing apparatus 110 in the job history information of the processing apparatus 110 in the HDD 493. After executing step S1507, the process proceeds to step S1508.

[0112] In step S1508, the CPU 491 reads out the job to be calculated that has been saved in the HDD 493 at the time of executing step S1508. Then, the CPU 491 adds up the emissions of each process based on this job to obtain the total carbon dioxide emission amount. This total carbon dioxide emission amount is saved in the memory 492. After executing step S1508, the processing ends. As described above, in this embodiment, even if a spare product is produced, the carbon dioxide emission amount emitted in the manufacture of the product can be included in the total carbon dioxide emission amount.

[0113] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0114] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An information processing system that processes information between an image forming device that can print on a print medium and output a printed matter as a primary product, and processes information between an image forming device that can process the primary product and output a secondary product, an acquisition means for acquiring first information relating to a process until the primary product is output by the image forming device and second information relating to a process until the secondary product is output by the processing device; a first calculation means for calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the image forming apparatus based on the first information, and for calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the processing apparatus based on the second information; and second calculation means for calculating a total greenhouse gas emission amount based on the calculation result of the first calculation means. (Configuration 2) The acquiring unit is capable of acquiring a first execution history of outputting the primary product in the image forming device and a second execution history of outputting the secondary product in the processing device, the first execution history includes the first information; 2. The information processing system according to configuration 1, wherein the second execution history includes the second information. (Configuration 3) The acquisition means is capable of acquiring a plurality of the first execution histories and a plurality of the second execution histories, The information processing system according to configuration 2, further comprising a display means for displaying a history screen including the plurality of first execution histories and the plurality of second execution histories. (Configuration 4) The information processing system according to Configuration 3, characterized in that on the history screen, prior to the calculation by the first calculation means, it is possible to select a first execution history to be calculated by the first calculation means from among the plurality of first execution histories displayed on the display means, and to select a second execution history to be calculated by the first calculation means from among the plurality of second execution histories displayed on the display means. (Configuration 5) The information processing system according to Configuration 3, wherein the history screen allows an operation to instruct the calculation by the first calculation means and the calculation by the second calculation means. (Configuration 6) The information processing system according to configuration 5, wherein the display means displays the calculation result of the second calculation means. (Configuration 7) An input means for inputting the first information and the second information is provided, 7. The information processing system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the acquisition means acquires the first information and the second information input to the input means. (Configuration 8) An information processing system described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the first information includes at least one of the amount of material used in the process until the primary product is output by the image forming device and the amount of power used. (Configuration 9) The information processing system described in Configuration 8, wherein the second information includes at least one of the amount of material used in the process until the secondary product is output by the processing device and the amount of electricity used. (Configuration 10) The first calculation means is capable of calculating the amount of greenhouse gas emissions according to the amount of material used and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions according to the amount of electricity used, The information processing system according to configuration 9, further comprising a display means for displaying the results of the calculations performed by the first calculation means. (Configuration 11) The information processing system described in Configuration 10, wherein the first calculation means multiplies the amount of material used by a predetermined coefficient to calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the amount of material used, and multiplies the amount of electricity used by a predetermined coefficient to calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the amount of electricity used. (Configuration 12) An information processing system described in any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the first information includes the amount of waste generated in the process up to the output of the primary product by the image forming device. (Configuration 13) The information processing system according to configuration 12, wherein the waste includes unnecessary parts of the primary deliverables. (Configuration 14) An information processing system described in any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the second information includes the amount of waste generated in the process until the secondary product is output by the processing device. (Configuration 15) The processing device cuts the primary product, The waste includes a surplus of the secondary product generated by the cutting, The information processing system described in configuration 14, wherein the first calculation means includes the type of printing medium that is the source of the primary product as a calculation condition when calculating the amount of greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the amount of the surplus. (Configuration 16) The first calculation means is capable of calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emissions according to the amount of the waste, 15. The information processing system according to configuration 12 or 14, further comprising a display means for displaying the calculation result calculated by the first calculation means. (Configuration 17) The information processing system according to Configuration 16, wherein the first calculation means multiplies the amount of waste by a predetermined coefficient to calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the amount of waste. (Configuration 18) An information processing system described in any one of configurations 1 to 17, characterized in that the first calculation means calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming device as the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the image forming device, and calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the processing device as the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the processing device. (Configuration 19) The information processing system described in any one of configurations 1 to 18, characterized in that the second calculation means calculates the total emission amount by adding up the greenhouse gas emission amount at the image forming device calculated by the first calculation means and the greenhouse gas emission amount at the processing device calculated by the first calculation means. (Configuration 20) An information processing system according to any one of configurations 1 to 19, characterized in that the processing device used includes at least one of a device that processes the surface of the primary product and a device that cuts the primary product. (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing system that processes information between an image forming device that can print on a print medium and output a printed matter as a primary product, and processes information between an image forming device that can process the primary product and output a secondary product, an acquiring step of acquiring first information relating to a process until the primary product is output by the image forming device and second information relating to a process until the secondary product is output by the processing device; a first calculation step of calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the image forming apparatus based on the first information and calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the processing apparatus based on the second information; A method for controlling an information processing system, comprising: a second calculation step of calculating a total amount of greenhouse gas emissions based on the calculation result in the first calculation step. (Program 1) A program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in Method 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1. Information Processing Systems 101 Image forming device 102 Surface processing equipment 103 Cutting and binding device 104 Environmental Load Calculation Server 110 Processing equipment 731 Carbon dioxide emission recorder 740 First calculation means

Claims

1. An information processing system that processes information between an image forming device that can print on a print medium and output a printed matter as a primary product, and processes information between an image forming device that can process the primary product and output a secondary product, an acquiring means for acquiring first information relating to a process until the primary product is output by the image forming device and second information relating to a process until the secondary product is output by the processing device; a first calculation means for calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the image forming apparatus based on the first information, and for calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the processing apparatus based on the second information; and second calculation means for calculating a total amount of greenhouse gas emissions based on the calculation result of said first calculation means.

2. the acquiring means is capable of acquiring a first execution history of outputting the primary product in the image forming device and a second execution history of outputting the secondary product in the processing device, the first execution history includes the first information; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second execution history includes the second information.

3. the acquiring means is capable of acquiring a plurality of the first execution histories and a plurality of the second execution histories; 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit that displays a history screen including the plurality of first execution histories and the plurality of second execution histories.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, on the history screen, prior to calculation by the first calculation means, it is possible to select a first execution history to be calculated by the first calculation means from among the plurality of first execution histories displayed on the display means, and to select a second execution history to be calculated by the first calculation means from among the plurality of second execution histories displayed on the display means.

5. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the history screen allows an operation to instruct the calculation by the first calculation means and the calculation by the second calculation means.

6. 6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein said display means displays the results of the calculations performed by said second calculation means.

7. an input means for inputting the first information and the second information; 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires the first information and the second information input to the input means.

8. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first information includes at least one of the amount of material used in the process until the primary product is output by the image forming device and the amount of power used.

9. 9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the second information includes at least one of an amount of material used in the process until the secondary product is output by the processing device and an amount of power used.

10. the first calculation means is capable of calculating the amount of greenhouse gas emissions according to the amount of material used and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions according to the amount of electricity used, 10. The information processing system according to claim 9, further comprising a display unit that displays the results of the calculations performed by the first calculation unit.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first calculation means calculates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the amount of material used by multiplying the amount of material used by a predetermined coefficient, and calculates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the amount of electricity used by multiplying the amount of electricity used by a predetermined coefficient.

12. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first information includes an amount of waste generated in the process up to the output of the primary product by the image forming device.

13. 13. The information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the waste includes unnecessary parts of the primary products.

14. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second information includes an amount of waste generated in the process from the processing device to the output of the secondary product.

15. The processing device cuts the primary product, The waste includes a surplus of the secondary product generated by the cutting, The information processing system according to claim 14, characterized in that the first calculation means includes the type of printing medium that is the source of the primary product as a calculation condition when calculating the amount of greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the amount of the surplus.

16. the first calculation means is capable of calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emissions according to the amount of waste; 16. The information processing system according to claim 13, further comprising a display unit that displays the results of the calculation performed by the first calculation unit.

17. 17. The information processing system according to claim 16, wherein the first calculation means calculates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions corresponding to the amount of waste by multiplying the amount of waste by a predetermined coefficient.

18. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first calculation means calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the image forming device as the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the image forming device, and calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the processing device as the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the processing device.

19. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second calculation means calculates the total emission amount by adding up the greenhouse gas emission amount of the image forming device calculated by the first calculation means and the greenhouse gas emission amount of the processing device calculated by the first calculation means.

20. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processing device includes at least one of a device that processes the surface of the primary product and a device that cuts the primary product.

21. A method for controlling an information processing system that processes information between an image forming device that can print on a print medium and output a printed matter as a primary product, and processes information between an image forming device that can process the primary product and output a secondary product, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring first information relating to a process until the primary product is output by the image forming device and second information relating to a process until the secondary product is output by the processing device; a first calculation step of calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the image forming apparatus based on the first information and calculating an amount of greenhouse gas emitted by the processing apparatus based on the second information; a second calculation step of calculating a total amount of greenhouse gas emissions based on the calculation result in the first calculation step.

22. A program causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 21.

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