Printing system, printing device, server device, state control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing system, printing apparatus, server apparatus, state control method, and program that can reduce power consumption while maintaining productivity. [Solution] One embodiment of the printing system of the present disclosure comprises a server device and a plurality of printing devices, the server device comprising an operational status management unit that manages the total number of operating units of the plurality of printing devices, and an inference unit that, in response to the input of the current time, infers the minimum number of operating units of the plurality of printing devices in the current time period including the current time based on the operational history of the plurality of printing devices, each of the plurality of printing devices comprising a detection unit that detects the timing of transition from an operational state to a standby state, an operational unit that, when a transition timing is detected, obtains the total number of operating units from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device and obtains the inferred minimum number of operating units, and a determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to a standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, a server apparatus, a state control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In an image processing apparatus such as a printing apparatus, a technique for preventing a decrease in convenience while reducing power consumption is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which, among a plurality of image processing apparatuses, the image processing apparatuses of the minimum required number of operating units are operated in a normal state, and the remaining image processing apparatuses are put on standby in a power saving state.

[0003] Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when there is an image processing apparatus that can shift to a power saving state among the image processing apparatuses operating at the minimum required number of operating units, the image processing apparatus with the lowest power consumption is specified from among the said image processing apparatus and the image processing apparatuses on standby. If the image processing apparatus with the lowest power consumption is an image processing apparatus that can shift to a power saving state, it is operated as it is. On the other hand, if the image processing apparatus with the lowest power consumption is an image processing apparatus on standby, the image processing apparatus that can shift to a power saving state is shifted to the power saving state, and the image processing apparatus with the lowest power consumption is returned to the normal state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above-described conventional technology, since the minimum required number of operating units is a predetermined number, it is inevitable that there will be a difference from the actual required number of operating units, and there is room for improvement.

[0006] Furthermore, in the conventional technology described above, in order to reduce power consumption, the image processing device that was operating in the normal state is sometimes switched to a power-saving state, and the image processing device that was in standby in the power-saving state is returned to the normal state (started up again). However, since some image processing devices take time to start up, depending on the circumstances under which the image processing device needs to be restarted, it may be difficult to ensure the necessary productivity.

[0007] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide a printing system, printing apparatus, server apparatus, state control method, and program that can reduce power consumption while maintaining productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the printing system of the present disclosure comprises a server device and a plurality of printing devices, wherein the server device includes an operational status management unit that manages the total number of operational units of the plurality of printing devices, and an inference unit that, in response to an input of the current time, infers the minimum number of operational units of the plurality of printing devices in the current time period including the current time based on the operational history of the plurality of printing devices, and each of the plurality of printing devices includes a detection unit that detects the timing of transition from an operational state to a standby state, an operational unit that, when the transition timing is detected, obtains the total number of operational units from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and obtains the inferred minimum number of operational units, and a determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operational units and the minimum number of operational units.

[0009] One embodiment of the printing apparatus of this disclosure includes: a detection unit for detecting the timing of transition from an operating state to a standby state; an operating unit for acquiring the total number of operating units of a plurality of printing devices, including the printing apparatus, from a server device when the transition timing is detected, inputting the current time to the server device, and acquiring the minimum number of operating units of the plurality of printing devices in the current time period, including the current time, inferred by the server device based on the operating history of the plurality of printing devices; and a determination unit for determining whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units.

[0010] One embodiment of the server device of this disclosure includes: an operational status management unit that manages a plurality of printing devices, manages the total number of operational units of the plurality of printing devices, and notifies the total number of operational units in response to a request from a printing device in which a transition timing from an operational state to a standby state has been detected; and an inference unit that, in response to the input of the current time from the printing device in which the transition timing has been detected, infers the minimum number of operational units of the plurality of printing devices in the current time period including the current time based on the operational history of the plurality of printing devices, and notifies the printing device.

[0011] One embodiment of the state control method of the present disclosure is performed in a printing system comprising a server device and a plurality of printing devices, wherein the server device includes an operation status management step in which an operation status management unit manages the total number of operating units of the plurality of printing devices, and an inference step in which an inference unit, in response to an input of the current time, infers the minimum number of operating units of the plurality of printing devices in the current time period including the current time based on the operation history of the plurality of printing devices, wherein each of the plurality of printing devices includes a detection step in which a detection unit detects the timing of transition from an operating state to a standby state, an operation number acquisition step in which, when the transition timing is detected, an operation number acquisition unit acquires the total number of operating units from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and acquires the inferred minimum number of operating units, and a determination step in which a determination unit determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units.

[0012] One aspect of the program of this disclosure provides a computer for a printing device that functions as: a detection unit for detecting the timing of transition from an operating state to a standby state; an operating device count acquisition unit that, when the transition timing is detected, obtains the total number of operating devices, including the printing device, from a server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and obtains the minimum number of operating devices in the current time period, including the current time, inferred by the server device based on the operating history of the multiple printing devices; and a determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating devices and the minimum number of operating devices.

[0013] One aspect of the program of this disclosure is to cause a computer in a server device that manages a plurality of printing devices to function as an operation status management unit that manages the total number of operating devices of the plurality of printing devices and notifies the total number of operating devices in response to a request from a printing device in which a transition timing from an operating state to a standby state has been detected, and an inference unit that, in response to the input of the current time from the printing device in which the transition timing has been detected, infers the minimum number of operating devices of the plurality of printing devices in the current time period including the current time based on the operation history of the plurality of printing devices and notifies the printing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a printing system, printing apparatus, server apparatus, state control method, and program that can reduce power consumption while maintaining productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device and printing device in this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device and printing device in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation history of the printing apparatus of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the learning process performed in the printing system of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the state control process performed in the printing system of the present embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure (hereinafter simply referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, the following embodiments and modification examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0017] First, the configuration of the printing system of the present embodiment will be described.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a server device 10 and printing devices 20-1 to 20-n (n is a natural number). The server device 10 and the printing devices 20-1 to 20-n are connected via a network 2. The network 2 can be realized by, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the printing devices 20-1 to 20-n, they may simply be referred to as the printing device 20.

[0019] The server device 10 is a server that manages the printing devices 20-1 to 20-n. Specifically, the server device 10 manages the operation status and operation history of the printing devices 20-1 to 20-n. Further, the server device 10 infers the minimum number of operating units of the printing devices 20-1 to 20-n using the operation history of the printing devices 20-1 to 20-n. Note that the server device 10 may be realized by a single server computer or may be realized as a server system by a plurality of server computers.

[0020] The printing device 20 is a device for producing (printing) printed matter. The printing device 20 may be any device that has a printing function (image forming), for example, a printing device, a copier, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), a scanner device, a facsimile device, etc., but is not limited thereto. A multifunction peripheral has at least two functions among a copying function, a printing function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. Note that the printing by the printing device 20 may be printing for any purpose such as commercial printing, industrial printing, and office printing. Hereinafter, the case where the printing devices 20-1 to 20-n are installed at a production site such as a factory will be taken as an example for explanation, but it is not limited thereto.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10 and the printing device 20 of the present embodiment.

[0022] First, the hardware configuration of the server device 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 11, a main storage device 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a communication device 14, and various buses 15. The control device 11, the main storage device 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the communication device 14 are connected via the various buses 15. Thus, the server device 10 of the present embodiment has a general hardware configuration using a normal computer.

[0023] The control device 11 controls the overall operation of the server device 10. Examples of the control device 11 include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but are not limited thereto. The number of CPUs and GPUs may be one or more, and they may be single-core or multi-core.

[0024] Examples of main memory 12 include, but are not limited to, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). ROM stores various programs, such as programs for controlling the server device 10 and programs for managing the printing device 20. RAM is used as a workspace when the control device 11 performs various controls based on the programs stored in ROM.

[0025] The auxiliary storage device 13 stores various data, including the various programs mentioned above, the operating history of the printing device 20, and a minimum operating count output model (trained model) for inferring the minimum number of printing devices 20 in operation. The various programs mentioned above only need to be stored in at least one of the main storage device 12 and the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 may be, but is not limited to, at least one of existing storage devices capable of magnetic, electrical, or optical storage, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The auxiliary storage device 13 may be built into the server device 10 or externally connected to the server device 10 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 13 may be a NAS (Network Attached Storage) connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0026] The communication device 14 is used to communicate with the printing device 20 via the network 2. Examples of the communication device 14 include, but are not limited to, a communication device for a wired LAN or a wireless communication device for a wireless LAN.

[0027] In addition to the above configuration, the server device 10 may also be equipped with hardwired circuits such as ICs (Integrated Circuits), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) specific to the server device 10 in order to realize the management functions of the printing device 20.

[0028] Next, the hardware configuration of the printing device 20 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the printing device 20 includes a control device 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary memory 23, a communication device 24, a display device 25A, an input device 25B, a printing engine 26, and various buses 27. In this embodiment, the case in which the display device 25A and the input device 25B constitute a touch panel display 25 will be described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this, and the display device 25A and the input device 25B may be separate devices. The control device 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary memory 23, the communication device 24, the display device 25A, the input device 25B, and the printing engine 26 are connected via various buses 27.

[0029] The control device 21 controls the overall operation of the printing device 20. The implementation method of the control device 21 is the same as that of the control device 11. However, the printing device 20 generates images for printing by applying various image processing, such as RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing, to the images included in the print job. For this reason, in addition to the control device 21, the printing device 20 may further include hardwired circuits such as ICs, ASICs, and FPGAs specific to the above processing.

[0030] Print jobs may be supplied from an external source (e.g., a user terminal not shown in the diagram) or stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 described later. Examples of images included in a print job include, but are not limited to, PostScript or other PDL (Page Description Language) and TIFF (Tag Image File Format) formats. Similarly, images for printing may include, but are not limited to, CMYK formats.

[0031] The implementation method for the main memory 22 is the same as that for the main memory 12, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. The ROM of the main memory 22 stores various programs, such as programs for controlling the printing device 20.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the various programs mentioned above, data indicating the operating status of the printing device 20, and various data such as print jobs as needed. The various programs mentioned above only need to be stored in at least one of the main storage device 22 and the auxiliary storage device 23. The implementation method for the auxiliary storage device 23 is the same as that for the auxiliary storage device 13, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0033] The communication device 24 is used to communicate with the server device 10 via the network 2. Since the implementation method for the communication device 24 is the same as that for the communication device 14, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0034] The display device 25A displays various screens, such as print screens, generated by the control device 21, and serves as a user interface between the user and the device. The input device 25B is used for various operation inputs, such as printing operations, to the printing device 20, and also serves as a user interface between the user and the device. In this embodiment, as described above, the display device 25A and the input device 25B are described using touch panel displays as an example, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0035] The printing engine 26 prints (forms) the printable image generated by the control device 21 and the like onto a printing medium, thereby producing (producing) a printed material. The printing method of the printing engine 26 may be either an inkjet method or a laser method. Therefore, the printing engine 26 may be implemented with a mechanism for an inkjet method or with a mechanism for a laser method. Examples of printing mediums include recording paper and roll paper, but are not limited to these; any medium on which a printable image can be printed may be used.

[0036] In addition to the above configuration, the printing device 20 may also be equipped with a scanner engine for reading images from printed materials.

[0037] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 10 and the printing device 20 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the server device 10 includes a collection unit 101, a history storage unit 103, a learning unit 105, a model storage unit 107, an operation status management unit 109, and an inference unit 111. The printing device 20 includes a notification unit 201, a detection unit 203, an operating unit count acquisition unit 205, a determination unit 207, and a transition unit 209.

[0038] The data collection unit 101, the learning unit 105, the operating status management unit 109, and the inference unit 111 can be realized, for example, by the control device 11, main memory 12, and communication device 14 described in Figure 2. For example, the control device 11 reads a program for managing the printing device 20 stored in the main memory 12 (ROM) or auxiliary memory 13 and expands it into the main memory 12 (RAM). The control device 11 realizes each of the above-mentioned functional units by executing various processes according to the expanded program. Here, the case in which each of the above-mentioned functional units is realized as software has been explained as an example, but at least a part of each of the above-mentioned functional units may be realized as hardware. In this case, the functional unit to be realized as hardware can be realized, for example, by the hardwired circuit described above. Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned functional units may be realized through the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0039] The history storage unit 103 and the model storage unit 107 can be implemented, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 13 described in Figure 2.

[0040] The notification unit 201, detection unit 203, operating unit acquisition unit 205, determination unit 207, and transition unit 209 can be implemented, for example, by the control device 21, main memory 22, and communication device 24 described in Figure 2. For example, the control device 21 reads a program for controlling the printing device 20 stored in the main memory 22 (ROM) or auxiliary memory 23 and expands it into the main memory 22 (RAM). The control device 21 implements each of the above-mentioned functional units by executing various processes according to the expanded program. Here, the above-mentioned functional units have been explained using the example of implementation as software, but at least a part of each of the above-mentioned functional units may be implemented as hardware. In this case, the functional unit to be implemented as hardware can be implemented, for example, by the hardwired circuit described above. Alternatively, any of the above-mentioned functional units may be implemented through the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0041] The notification unit 201 notifies the server unit 10 of device information, including various information about the printing device 20. Examples of device information for the printing device 20 include, but are not limited to, the status information of the printing device 20, startup time, counter value, alert information, error information, remaining consumables, operator information, print job information, remaining print count, and waiting time.

[0042] Status information indicates the state of the printing device 20, and includes, but is not limited to, states such as "operating state," "standby state," "error state," and "power off state." Furthermore, status information includes not only the state of the printing device 20 but also information about the time period during which that state is observed.

[0043] "Operating state" refers to a state in which the printing device 20 is operating (active), for example, a state in which the printing device 20 can immediately start printing. "Standby state" refers to a state in which the printing device 20 is in standby mode, for example, a state in which it has transitioned to a power-saving state (sleep state) that consumes less power than the operating state (went down) and is in standby mode. Note that it takes a certain amount of time to bring the printing device 20 back to the operating state from the standby state (start up), as it is necessary to control the printing device 20, such as controlling its temperature, to a state in which it can print. This certain amount of time tends to be longer as the printing device 20 becomes larger, such as in commercial printing or industrial printing. Note that the standby state is synonymous with the so-called standby state or ready state. "Error state" refers to a state in which an error has occurred in the printing device 20, and printing cannot be performed. "Power off state" refers to a state in which the power to the printing device 20 is turned off and the power is not on. Note that "operating state," "standby state," and "error state" all assume that the power to the printing device 20 is turned on and the device is powered on.

[0044] The startup time indicates the time (time period) during which the printer 20 is powered on. The counter value is the production history of the printer 20 and indicates the number of times (number of pages) that printing has been performed by the printer 20. The alert information indicates the content of alerts that have occurred in the printer 20 (for example, information on consumables that need to be replaced). The error information indicates the content of errors that have occurred in the printer 20 (for example, paper jams). The remaining consumable amount indicates the remaining amount of consumables such as toner and ink. The operator information indicates the operator using the printer 20 to print. The print job information indicates the content of the print job that the printer 20 is processing. The remaining print count indicates the number of remaining pages (production amount) in the print job that the printer 20 is processing. The waiting time indicates the time required for the print job that the printer 20 is processing to finish.

[0045] The notification unit 201 may notify the server device 10 of the printer device 20's device information in response to periodic polling from the server device 10, or it may proactively notify the server device 10 of the device information via push notification or the like. For example, the notification unit 201 may be configured to notify the server device 10 of the device information via push notification in at least one of the following cases: when the status of the printer device 20 changes, when an alert occurs, or when an error occurs. In this way, the server device 10 can manage the status of the printer device 20 in real time.

[0046] The collection unit 101 collects device information from each printing device 20 and stores the collected device information in the history storage unit 103. The collection unit 101 may, for example, periodically poll each printing device 20 to collect device information, or it may collect device information through push notifications from each printing device 20.

[0047] The history storage unit 103 stores the device information of each printing device 20 collected by the collection unit 101 as an operation history. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation history of the printing device 20 in this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, the operation history of each printing device 20 managed by the server device 10 is shown in a visualized report format using the status information, startup time, and error information included in the device information.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 4, the operating history of printers PA to PF, which are managed by the server device 10, is shown on a timeline. In the example shown in Figure 4, the portion corresponding to the startup time is shown with dot shading, the portion corresponding to the operating status in the status information is shown with diagonal shading, and the portion corresponding to the error status and error information in the status information is shown with an exclamation mark icon.

[0049] Therefore, the example shown in Figure 4 shows that all printing machines PA through PF were running (powered on) during the time period from 0:00 on June 24th to 0:00 on June 25th. It also shows that production was carried out using approximately four printing machines (printing machines PA, PB, PD, and PE) during the time periods of 0:00 to 4:00 and 12:00 to 20:00 on June 24th. It can be seen that during the time period of approximately 12:30 to 14:00, printing machine PB was shut down for an extended period due to an error, so printing machine PC was operating in its place. Furthermore, it can be seen that other errors were resolved quickly, and therefore no alternative operation was performed for those.

[0050] In this embodiment, for example, when an operator requests the output of a report on the operation history of the printing device 20 using the input device 25B, the server device 10 can generate a report as shown in Figure 4 and output it to the display device 25A. The server device 10 may also output such a report to a user terminal (not shown) in response to a request from that user terminal.

[0051] The learning unit 105 generates a minimum operating number output model by learning from the operation history stored in the history storage unit 103, and stores it in the model storage unit 107. The minimum operating number output model is a trained model that outputs the minimum number of operating units of multiple printing devices 20 in response to the current time input. Specifically, the learning unit 105 generates a minimum operating number output model that outputs the minimum number of operating units of multiple printing devices 20 in the current time period including the current time, by machine learning at least the operating time period of each printing device 20 included in the operation history. Note that the operating time period is the time period in which the status information indicates "operating state".

[0052] The minimum number of operating units output model may be a pre-trained model that outputs the minimum number of operating units for the current time period on the current day of the week or date, in addition to the current time. In this case, the learning unit 105 can generate the aforementioned pre-trained model by learning not only the operating time period of each printing device 20 included in the operating history, but also the day of the week or date to which that operating time period belongs.

[0053] Furthermore, the current time used as input for the minimum number of operating units output model can be either the current time itself or the current time period that includes the current time. For example, if you input the current time as the current time, and the time period is in one-hour increments, then if the current time is 16:15, you should input the 16:00 hour.

[0054] Since the operation history stored in the history storage unit 103 is updated sequentially, the learning unit 105 periodically retrains the minimum number of operating units output model using the latest operation history. The period during which the learning unit 105 retrains the minimum number of operating units output model can be any period. However, since machine learning the minimum number of operating units output model takes a certain amount of time, it is preferable that the period be at least longer than one day. Any machine learning method can be used to generate the minimum number of operating units output model, but examples include methods such as Random Forest.

[0055] The model storage unit 107 stores the minimum number of operating units output model generated by the learning unit 105.

[0056] The detection unit 203 detects the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state of the printing device 20. The timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state may be, for example, the timing when a certain amount of idle time has elapsed after printing (execution of a print job) by the printing device 20 has been completed, but is not limited to this.

[0057] When the detection unit 203 detects a transition timing, the operational unit 205 acquires the total number of operational printers 20 from the server device 10, inputs the current time to the server device 10, and acquires the minimum number of operational printers 20 from the server device 10.

[0058] The operational status management unit 109 manages the total number of operational units of the multiple printing devices 20. The total number of operational units is the number of printing devices 20 that are currently in operation. Specifically, each time the collection unit 101 collects device information from each printing device 20, the operational status management unit 109 obtains the status information contained in the device information from the collection unit 101, thereby managing the latest status of each printing device 20. This allows the operational status management unit 109 to manage the total number of operational units of the multiple printing devices 20 in real time.

[0059] The operational status management unit 109 notifies the printing device 20 of the latest total number of operating units in response to a request from the printing device 20. This allows the printing device 20 (operating unit acquisition unit 205) to obtain the total number of operating units for multiple printing devices 20 from the server device 10.

[0060] The inference unit 111, in response to the input of the current time, infers the minimum number of operating printers 20 in the current time period, including the current time, based on the operating history of the multiple printers 20. Specifically, when the inference unit 111 receives the input (notification) of the current time from the printers 20, it inputs the current time into the minimum number of operating printers output model stored in the model storage unit 107, and infers the minimum number of operating printers 20 in the current time period, including the current time. The inference unit 111 notifies the printers 20 of the inferred minimum number of operating printers 20 in the current time period. As a result, the printers 20 (operating printer acquisition unit 205) can obtain the minimum number of operating printers 20 from the server device 10. When the inference unit 111 infers the minimum number of operating printers for a time period by day of the week or date, it inputs the current day of the week or date in addition to the current time into the minimum number of operating printers output model, and infers the minimum number of operating printers for the current time period on the current day of the week or date.

[0061] Furthermore, the current time input from the printing device 20 and the current time input to the minimum number of operating units output model may be the current time itself or the current time range that includes the current time. For example, if the input is the current time that includes the current time, and the time range is in 1-hour units, then if the current time is 16:15, it should be rounded to the 16:00 hour before input. The process of rounding the current time to the current time range may be performed as a preprocessing step on the printing device 20 side or as a preprocessing step on the inference unit 111 side.

[0062] The determination unit 207 determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units obtained by the operating unit acquisition unit 205. Specifically, the determination unit 207 determines to transition to the standby state if the total number of operating units is greater than the minimum number of operating units, and determines not to transition to the standby state if the total number of operating units is less than or equal to the minimum number of operating units.

[0063] For example, suppose the total number of active units is 5 and the minimum number of active units is 4. In this case, the determination unit 207 determines that the system will transition to the standby state. Alternatively, suppose the total number of active units is 4 and the minimum number of active units is also 4. In this case, the determination unit 207 determines that the system will not transition to the standby state.

[0064] If the determination unit 207 determines that the printer 20 should transition to a standby state, the transition unit 209 transitions the printer 20 from the operating state to the standby state. On the other hand, if the determination unit 207 determines that the printer 20 should not transition to a standby state, the transition unit 209 continues the operating state of the printer 20.

[0065] Next, the operation of the printing system of this embodiment will be described.

[0066] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the learning process performed in the printing system 1 of this embodiment.

[0067] First, the collection unit 101 collects device information from each printing device 20 and stores the collected device information as an operation history in the history storage unit 103 (step S101).

[0068] Next, the learning unit 105 uses machine learning on the operation history stored in the history storage unit 103 to generate a minimum operating count output model that outputs the minimum number of operating multiple printing devices 20 in response to the input of the current time, and stores it in the model storage unit 107 (step S103).

[0069] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the state control process performed in the printing system 1 of this embodiment.

[0070] First, the detection unit 203 detects whether or not the printing device 20 is transitioning from an operating state to a standby state (step S201).

[0071] If the detection unit 203 detects the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state (Yes in step S201), the operating unit acquisition unit 205 acquires the total number of operating printing devices 20 managed by the server device 10 from the server device 10 (step S203).

[0072] Next, the unit 205 that acquires the number of operating units inputs the current time to the server device 10 (step S205).

[0073] Next, the inference unit 111 inputs the current time received from the printing device 20 into the minimum number of operating devices output model stored in the model storage unit 107, infers the minimum number of operating devices for the multiple printing devices 20 in the current time period including the current time, and notifies the printing device 20 of the inferred minimum number of operating devices (step S207). As a result, the operating device acquisition unit 205 acquires the minimum number of operating devices for the multiple printing devices 20 in the current time period.

[0074] Next, the determination unit 207 determines whether the total number of operating units obtained by the operating unit acquisition unit 205 is greater than the minimum number of operating units obtained by the operating unit acquisition unit 205 (step S209).

[0075] If the determination unit 207 determines that the total number of operating units is greater than the minimum number of operating units and that the system should transition to the standby state (Yes in step S209), the transition unit 209 transitions the printing device 20 from the operating state to the standby state (step S211).

[0076] If the detection unit 203 does not detect the timing for transitioning from the operating state to the standby state in step S201 (No in step S201), or if the determination unit 207 determines in step S209 that the total number of operating units is not greater than the minimum number of operating units (No in step S209), the process ends.

[0077] As described above, in this embodiment, the minimum number of operating units, which is the basis for deciding whether to transition the printing device 20 from an operating state to a standby state, is inferred by machine learning of the operating history of the printing device 20, so the minimum number of operating units can be determined with high accuracy. In particular, in this embodiment, since the minimum number of operating units can be inferred for each time period, the minimum number of operating units can be determined with high accuracy even in environments where the amount of production fluctuates greatly from time to time.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the timing for transitioning the printing device 20 from an operating state to a standby state is detected, if the total number of operating units is greater than the minimum number of operating units, the device is switched to the standby state; if the total number of operating units is less than or equal to the minimum number of operating units, the device continues to operate.

[0079] Thus, in this embodiment, the number of printing devices 20 can be operated at a rate greater than the minimum required, thereby reducing the frequency of restarts of the printing devices 20 and preventing the number of operating devices from becoming excessive. Therefore, according to this embodiment, power consumption can be reduced while maintaining productivity.

[0080] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the minimum number of operating units can be inferred for each time period of the day of the week or date. Therefore, the minimum number of operating units can be accurately determined, taking into account the actual conditions of a typical production site where there are fluctuations in workload not only during the time of day but also within the week and month.

[0081] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the inference unit 111 may correct the inferred minimum operating number to generate a corrected minimum operating number, and the operating number acquisition unit 205 may acquire the corrected minimum operating number as the minimum operating number.

[0082] (Extreme variation 1-1) For example, the inference unit 111 may acquire forecast production volume information indicating the expected production volume, and correct the minimum number of operating units according to this forecast production volume information to generate a corrected minimum number of operating units. The forecast production volume information can be obtained, for example, from an external scheduler that manages the expected production volume of printed materials, as information indicating the expected production volume for the day. If the inference unit 111 finds that the inferred minimum number of operating units is greater than or equal to the minimum number of operating units derived from the forecast production volume indicated by the forecast production volume information, it corrects the inferred minimum number of operating units according to the difference and generates a corrected minimum number of operating units. In this way, even if the production volume suddenly increases or decreases compared to the normal production volume, the minimum number of operating units can be determined with high accuracy.

[0083] (Variations 1-2) Alternatively, for example, the inference unit 111 may use the required total operating time for the current time period, which is determined from the minimum number of operating units in the current time period inference, and the actual total operating time for the current time period, which is determined from the operating history, to correct the minimum number of operating units and generate a corrected minimum number of operating units, which is the minimum number of operating units for the remaining time in the current time period.

[0084] For example, suppose the inference unit 111 infers that the current time is 14:30 and the minimum number of operating machines for the current time slot (14:00-14:30) is 3. In this case, the total required operating time for the current time slot (14:00-14:30) is 60 minutes x 3 machines = 180 minutes. On the other hand, suppose the operating history stored in the history storage unit 103 shows that 4 printing machines were in operation (in operation) between 14:00 and 14:30. In this case, the actual total operating time for the current time slot (14:00-14:30) is 30 minutes x 4 machines = 120 minutes. Therefore, taking the actual total operating time into account, at the current time of 14:30, the remaining total required operating time for the current time slot (14:00-14:30) is 180 minutes - 120 minutes = 60 minutes. Therefore, the actual minimum number of operating machines required is 60 minutes ÷ 30 minutes = 2 machines. Thus, the inference unit 111 corrects the inferred minimum number of operating machines "3 machines" and generates a corrected minimum number of operating machines "2 machines". This method allows for a more accurate determination of the minimum number of operating units.

[0085] (Variations 1-3) Alternatively, for example, modifications 1-1 and 1-2 described above may be combined. That is, in modification 1-2 described above, the inference unit 111 may acquire expected production quantity information indicating the expected production quantity, correct the required total operating time according to the expected production quantity information, and use the corrected required total operating time and actual total operating time to correct the minimum number of operating units and generate the corrected minimum number of operating units.

[0086] For example, in the modified example 1-2 above, the inference unit 111 inferred that the minimum number of operating units was 3, and the required total operating time for the current time period, the 2 PM hour, was 180 minutes. However, the required total operating time for the 2 PM hour, derived from the expected production volume information, was 240 minutes. Therefore, the inference unit 111 corrected the required total operating time from 180 minutes to 240 minutes. In this case, if the actual total operating time for the current time period, the 2 PM hour, is 120 minutes, as in the modified example 1-2 above, then at the current time of 2:30 PM, the remaining required total operating time for the current time period, the 2 PM hour, is 240 minutes - 120 minutes = 120 minutes. Therefore, the actual minimum number of operating units required is 120 minutes ÷ 30 minutes = 4 units. Thus, the inference unit 111 corrects the inferred minimum number of operating units "3 units" and generates a corrected minimum number of operating units "4 units". In this way, the minimum number of operating units can be determined with greater accuracy.

[0087] (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, the learning unit 105 may further learn using correction parameters that define time periods in which the operation of multiple printing devices 20 is suppressed, and generate a minimum operating number output model. Examples of correction parameters include, but are not limited to, variables that reduce the minimum operating number during specific time periods such as break times or shift boundaries. For example, if the learning unit 105 is learning with the value during time periods when the printing devices 20 were operating set to "1" and the value during time periods when the printing devices 20 were not operating set to "0", then the variable should adjust the value during the time periods when the printing devices 20 were operating to a value greater than 0 and less than 1. In this way, the minimum operating number can be determined with greater accuracy.

[0088] (program) The programs executed by the server device 10 and printing device 20 in the above embodiments and each of the above modifications are provided as installable or executable files stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, memory card, DVD, or flexible disk (FD).

[0089] Furthermore, the programs executed by the server device 10 and printing device 20 of the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by allowing downloads via the network. Alternatively, the programs executed by the server device 10 and printing device 20 of the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the programs executed by the server device 10 and printing device 20 of the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be pre-installed in ROM or the like and provided.

[0090] The programs executed in the server device 10 and printing device 20 of the above embodiments and each of the above modifications are configured as modules for realizing the above-described parts on a computer. In actual hardware, for example, the CPU reads the learning program from the HDD into RAM and executes it, thereby realizing the above-described parts on the computer.

[0091] As described above, according to the above embodiments and their respective modifications, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining productivity.

[0092] The above embodiments and their respective modifications are merely examples of how this disclosure may be implemented, and they do not restrict the technical scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its essence or its main features. For example, the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be combined as appropriate on a component basis. Also, for example, some components may be removed from the total components in the above embodiments and their respective modifications.

[0093] This disclosure includes the following aspects:

[0094] (1) A printing system comprising a server device and a plurality of printing devices, The server device is The operation status management unit manages the total number of operating printing devices, An inference unit that, in response to the input of the current time, infers the minimum number of operating units of the multiple printing devices during the current time period including the current time, based on the operating history of the multiple printing devices, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned plurality of printing devices is A detection unit that detects the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state, When the transition timing is detected, the operating number acquisition unit acquires the total number of operating units from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and acquires the inferred minimum number of operating units. The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units. Printing system.

[0095] (2) The operation history includes the operating time for each printing device, The inference unit inputs the current time into the minimum number of operating units output model and infers the minimum number of operating units of the plurality of printing devices during the current time period. The minimum number of operating units output model is learned using the operation history to output the minimum number of operating units of the multiple printing devices in response to the input of the current time. The printing system described in (1) above.

[0096] (3) The inference unit inputs the current day of the week or date in addition to the current time into the minimum operating number output model and infers the minimum operating number for the current time period on the current day of the week or date. The minimum number of operating units output model is trained using the operation history to output the minimum number of operating units for the current time period on the current day of the week or date, in addition to the current time, based on the input of the current day of the week or date. The printing system described in (2) above.

[0097] (4) The inference unit corrects the inferred minimum operating number to generate a corrected minimum operating number, The unit that acquires the number of operating units acquires the corrected minimum number of operating units as the minimum number of operating units. A printing system as described in any one of the above items (1) to (3).

[0098] (5) The inference unit acquires forecast production quantity information indicating the forecast production quantity, corrects the minimum operating number according to the forecast production quantity information, and generates the corrected minimum operating number. The printing system described in (4) above.

[0099] (6) The inference unit corrects the minimum operating number using the required total operating time for the current time period, which is determined from the minimum operating number for the current time period that has been inferred, and the actual total operating time for the current time period, which is determined from the operating history, to generate the corrected minimum operating number, which is the minimum operating number for the remaining time in the current time period. The printing system described in (4) above.

[0100] (7) The inference unit acquires forecast production quantity information indicating the forecast production quantity, corrects the required total operating time according to the forecast production quantity information, corrects the minimum operating number using the corrected required total operating time and the actual total operating time, and generates the corrected minimum operating number. The printing system described in (6) above.

[0101] (8) The minimum number of operating units output model is further trained using correction parameters that define the time periods during which the operation of the multiple printing devices is suppressed. The printing system described in (2) or (3) above.

[0102] (9) The minimum number of operating units output model is periodically learned using the operating history, The printing system described in (2) or (3) above.

[0103] (10) A printing apparatus, A detection unit that detects the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state, When the transition timing is detected, the operating count acquisition unit acquires the total number of operating printers, including the printer, from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and acquires the minimum number of operating printers in the current time period, including the current time, which is inferred by the server device based on the operating history of the printers. A determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units, A printing device equipped with the following features.

[0104] (11) A server device that manages multiple printing devices, An operational status management unit manages the total number of operating printing devices and notifies the total number of operating devices in response to a request from a printing device that has detected a transition timing from an operational state to a standby state among the multiple printing devices, In response to the input of the current time from the printing device in which the transition timing was detected, an inference unit infers the minimum number of operating printing devices in the current time period including the current time, based on the operating history of the multiple printing devices, and notifies the printing device; A server device equipped with the following features.

[0105] (12) A state control method performed in a printing system comprising a server device and a plurality of printing devices, The server device is The operational status management unit manages the total number of operating printing devices in the operational status step, The inference unit includes an inference step of inferring the minimum number of operating printers in the current time period, including the current time, based on the operating history of the plurality of printers, in response to the input of the current time. Each of the aforementioned plurality of printing devices is The detection unit performs a detection step to detect the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state, The operating unit acquisition step involves, when the transition timing is detected, acquiring the total number of operating units from the server device, inputting the current time to the server device, and acquiring the inferred minimum number of operating units. The determination unit includes a determination step of determining whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units, State control method.

[0106] (13) The computer of the printing device, A detection unit that detects the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state, When the transition timing is detected, the operating count acquisition unit acquires the total number of operating printers, including the printer, from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and acquires the minimum number of operating printers in the current time period, including the current time, which is inferred by the server device based on the operating history of the printers. A determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units, A program to make it work.

[0107] (14) The computer of the server device that manages multiple printing devices, An operational status management unit manages the total number of operating printing devices and notifies the total number of operating devices in response to a request from a printing device that has detected a transition timing from an operational state to a standby state among the multiple printing devices, In response to the input of the current time from the printing device in which the transition timing was detected, an inference unit infers the minimum number of operating printing devices in the current time period including the current time, based on the operating history of the multiple printing devices, and notifies the printing device; A program to make it work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Printing System 2 Network 10 Server devices 20, 20-1~20-n Printing device 101 Collection Department 103 History Storage Unit 105 Learning Department 107 Model Memory Unit 109 Operational Status Management Department 111 Reasoning Department 201 Notification Department 203 Detection unit 205 Units in Operation Acquisition Section 207 Judgment section 209 Transition Section

Claims

1. A printing system comprising a server device and multiple printing devices, The server device is The operation status management unit manages the total number of operating printing devices, An inference unit that, in response to the input of the current time, infers the minimum number of operating units of the multiple printing devices during the current time period including the current time, based on the operating history of the multiple printing devices, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned plurality of printing devices is A detection unit that detects the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state, When the transition timing is detected, the operating number acquisition unit acquires the total number of operating units from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and acquires the inferred minimum number of operating units. The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units. Printing system.

2. The aforementioned operating history includes the operating time for each printing device. The inference unit inputs the current time into the minimum number of operating units output model and infers the minimum number of operating units of the plurality of printing devices during the current time period. The minimum number of operating units output model is learned using the operation history to output the minimum number of operating units of the multiple printing devices in response to the input of the current time. The printing system according to claim 1.

3. The inference unit inputs the current day of the week or date in addition to the current time into the minimum operating number output model, and infers the minimum operating number for the current time period on the current day of the week or date. The minimum number of operating units output model is trained using the operation history to output the minimum number of operating units for the current time period on the current day of the week or date, in addition to the current time, based on the input of the current day of the week or date. The printing system according to claim 2.

4. The inference unit corrects the inferred minimum operating number to generate a corrected minimum operating number, The unit that acquires the number of operating units acquires the corrected minimum number of operating units as the minimum number of operating units. A printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The inference unit acquires forecast production quantity information indicating the forecast production quantity, corrects the minimum operating number according to the forecast production quantity information, and generates the corrected minimum operating number. The printing system according to claim 4.

6. The inference unit uses the required total operating time for the current time period, which is determined from the inferred minimum number of operating units for the current time period, and the actual total operating time for the current time period, which is determined from the operating history, to correct the minimum number of operating units and generate the corrected minimum number of operating units, which is the minimum number of operating units for the remaining time in the current time period. The printing system according to claim 4.

7. The inference unit acquires forecast production quantity information indicating the expected production quantity, corrects the required total operating time according to the forecast production quantity information, corrects the minimum operating number using the corrected required total operating time and the actual total operating time, and generates the corrected minimum operating number. The printing system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned minimum operating output model is further trained using correction parameters that define the time periods during which the operation of the multiple printing devices is suppressed. The printing system according to claim 2 or 3.

9. The minimum number of operating units output model is periodically learned using the operating history. The printing system according to claim 2 or 3.

10. A printing device, A detection unit that detects the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state, When the transition timing is detected, the operating count acquisition unit acquires the total number of operating printers, including the printer, from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and acquires the minimum number of operating printers in the current time period, including the current time, which is inferred by the server device based on the operating history of the printers. A determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units, A printing device equipped with the following features.

11. A server device that manages multiple printing devices, An operational status management unit manages the total number of operating printing devices and notifies the total number of operating devices in response to a request from a printing device that has detected a transition timing from an operational state to a standby state among the multiple printing devices, In response to the input of the current time from the printing device in which the transition timing was detected, an inference unit infers the minimum number of operating printing devices in the current time period including the current time, based on the operating history of the multiple printing devices, and notifies the printing device; A server device equipped with the following features.

12. A state control method performed in a printing system comprising a server device and multiple printing devices, The server device is The operational status management unit manages the total number of operating printing devices in the operational status step, The inference unit includes an inference step of inferring the minimum number of operating printers in the current time period, including the current time, based on the operating history of the plurality of printers, in response to the input of the current time. Each of the aforementioned plurality of printing devices is The detection unit performs a detection step to detect the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state, The operating unit acquisition step involves, when the transition timing is detected, acquiring the total number of operating units from the server device, inputting the current time to the server device, and acquiring the inferred minimum number of operating units. The determination unit includes a determination step of determining whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units, State control method.

13. Printing device computer, A detection unit that detects the timing of the transition from the operating state to the standby state, When the transition timing is detected, the operating count acquisition unit acquires the total number of operating printers, including the printer, from the server device, inputs the current time to the server device, and acquires the minimum number of operating printers in the current time period, including the current time, which is inferred by the server device based on the operating history of the printers. A determination unit that determines whether or not to transition to the standby state based on the total number of operating units and the minimum number of operating units, A program to make it work.

14. The computer of the server device that manages multiple printing devices, An operational status management unit manages the total number of operating printing devices and notifies the total number of operating devices in response to a request from a printing device that has detected a transition timing from an operational state to a standby state among the multiple printing devices, In response to the input of the current time from the printing device in which the transition timing was detected, an inference unit infers the minimum number of operating printing devices in the current time period including the current time, based on the operating history of the multiple printing devices, and notifies the printing device; A program to make it work.

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