Image processing device, method for controlling the image processing device, and program

Abstract

This document presents information regarding the amount of power consumed by the image processing device. [Solution] The image processing device includes an acquisition means for acquiring the cumulative power consumption for each type of job within a predetermined period, and a display control means for displaying the cumulative power consumption for each type of job acquired by the acquisition means on a display device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus that presents power consumption.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus that sets a threshold value for the power consumption of an image processing apparatus and displays a warning when the power consumption consumed during the use of the image processing apparatus exceeds the set threshold value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the power consumption of an image processing apparatus varies depending on the operating state, there is a need to know the actual power consumption. However, the technique of Patent Document 1 can only grasp that the power consumption has exceeded a predetermined power consumption and cannot satisfy the above need.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The image processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires the cumulative power consumption for each type of job within a predetermined period, and a display control unit that causes a display device to display the cumulative power consumption for each type of job acquired by the acquisition unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to present information regarding the power consumption consumed by an image processing apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of system 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for printer 130. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the exterior of printer 130. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the control panel 203 of printer 130. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of a screen displaying a list of print job history. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of a screen displaying a list of scan job history. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of a screen displaying a history list of copy jobs. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the data structure stored in the non-volatile memory 215. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the menu structure and settings of the control panel 203 of printer 130. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the software processing blocks used when printing and scanning are performed. [Figure 11] A table summarizing the power consumption of printer 130, which varies depending on the operating conditions. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the processing steps of the CPU 211 of printer 130. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating the software processing blocks used when printing and scanning are performed. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the software processing blocks used when printing and scanning are performed. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the processing steps of the CPU 211 of printer 130. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the electrical circuit configuration for measuring the power consumption of printer 130 while it is in operation. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing the process for calculating the power consumption of printer 130. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of a screen display accompanying a suggestion to reduce power consumption during printing. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of a setting screen for various setting values. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of a screen including the display of "power consumption value during a predetermined period".

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the present disclosure. Note that the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and described. Also, each step (step) in the flowchart is indicated by a symbol starting with "S".

[0009] 《First Embodiment》 《Configuration of the System》 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. This system includes a printer 130, a personal computer (PC) terminal 140, etc., connected via a local area network 102. Here, the printer 130 is merely an example, and it may be a multi-function peripheral (MFP) including a printing unit and a scanner unit. Also, the printer 130 may be an image processing apparatus including the PC terminal 140. The printer 130 in the image processing apparatus may be a single function peripheral or a multi-function peripheral.

[0010] Printer 130 is connected to local area network 102 by wirelessly connecting to wireless LAN access point 101 and wireless LAN 105. Here, the connection between printer 130 and wireless LAN access point 101 uses router 103 for wireless LAN infrastructure mode connection. Other devices such as PC terminal 140 can be connected to local area network 102. Also, local area network 102 is connected to the Internet 104 via router 103. Printer 130 and other devices can communicate with cloud server 120 on the Internet 104 via router 103. Further, a print server 121 is installed in local area network 102. Terminal devices such as PC terminal 140 can cause the printer 130 to execute printing via the print server 121 and check the status of the printer 130. Note that this configuration shows an example of the present disclosure, and even if it includes a different configuration, it is included in the present disclosure. For example, in FIG. 1, wireless LAN access point 101 and router 103 are shown as different devices, but it may be a single router device having an access point function.

[0011] 《Configuration of Printer 130》 Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control system of the printer 130. The printer 130 includes a main board 210 that controls the entire device, an operation panel 203 on the outside of the device, and various units such as a wireless LAN unit 204. The microprocessor-type CPU 211 located on the main board 210 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM-type program memory 213 connected via the internal bus 212, and the contents of the RAM-type data memory 214. In addition, the main board 210 includes a non-volatile memory 215 that can retain its contents even when the power supply is cut off. The CPU 211 writes various setting values ​​and data to the non-volatile memory 215. When the power is turned off and then power is supplied again to operate, the CPU 211 can continue to operate based on the same setting values ​​and data. The CPU 211 controls the reading mechanism 240 via the reading mechanism control circuit 217, reads the document, and stores it as image data information in the data memory 214. Furthermore, the CPU 211 controls the printing mechanism 230 via the printing mechanism control circuit 216 to print image data from the data memory 314 onto the printing sheet. The CPU 211 communicates wirelessly with other devices via wireless LAN by controlling the wireless LAN unit 204 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 219. The CPU 211 controls the operation control circuit 218 to display the status of the printer 130 on the operation panel 203, display a function selection menu, and accept operations from the user. In other words, the operation panel 203 functions as an input device that accepts user operations and as a display device that displays a user interface screen (UI screen), etc. The functions of the CPU 211 also include an input function (input unit) that accepts input to the operation panel 203 and a display control function (display control unit) that controls the display of the user interface screen, etc.

[0012] The CPU 211 controls the optional device 205, which is connected to the printer via the expansion bus 221, by controlling the expansion bus control circuit 220. The expansion bus 221 is electrically connected to the optional device control unit 222 of the optional device 205 installed in the printer 130. The CPU 211 of the printer 130 obtains the status of the optional device 205 or operates the optional device mechanism 223 by communicating with a specific optional device control unit 222 via the expansion bus 221. Although multiple optional devices 205 can be installed in the printer 130 simultaneously, the CPU 211 is configured to specify and communicate with and control a particular optional device 205. The power supply circuit of the main board 210 is provided with a power measurement unit 225 that measures power from the amount of current flowing through the circuit, and the CPU 211 obtains the instantaneous power consumption as a numerical value using the A / D converter 224.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the printer 130. In Figure 3, the printer 130 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal mounting surface. Of the Z-axis perpendicular to the mounting surface of the printer 130, the upward direction is defined as the +Z direction and the downward direction as the -Z direction, and the two axes perpendicular to the Z-axis are defined as the X-axis and Y-axis, respectively. The X-direction parallel to the X-axis includes both the +X direction and the -X direction. The X-direction parallel to the X-axis is the width direction of the print sheet M, and is therefore also called the width direction X. The Y-direction parallel to the Y-axis includes both the +Y direction and the -Y direction. The Y-direction parallel to the Y-axis is also called the horizontal direction Y. The Z-direction parallel to the Z-axis is also called the vertical direction Z. As shown in Figure 3, the printer 130 includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped printing mechanism 230 and a reading mechanism 240 located on top of the printing mechanism 230. The printing mechanism 230 has a transport path for transporting the print sheet M.

[0014] The scanning mechanism 240 includes a scanning unit 313A and an automatic document feeder 313B. The automatic document feeder 313B feeds the document D placed on the document tray 313C to the scanning unit 313A and discharges the document D after it has been scanned by the scanning unit 313A to the document output tray 313D. In addition to a feed-type scanning function that reads the document D while it is being transported, the scanning unit 313A also has a flatbed scanning function that reads the document D set on the document bed, which is exposed when the automatic document feeder 313B is opened.

[0015] The printer 130 may have an operation panel 203. The operation panel 203 may have a display unit 203A, for example, a touch panel. That is, the user may be able to give instructions to the printer 130 by touching the display unit 203A.

[0016] The printer 130 may include a cassette 315 capable of accommodating multiple print sheets M. The cassette 315 may be provided in one or more stages (four stages in Figure 3). The cassette 315 is located at the bottom of the printing mechanism 230 and is removable by sliding it in the X-axis direction using a handle 315A.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, the printing mechanism 230 includes a plurality of cover doors 316, 317, and 318 on its side surface 311S. The plurality of cover doors 316, 317, and 318 have handles 316A, 317A, and 318A for user opening and closing operations. The first cover door 316 includes a feed tray 316T on which a printing sheet M can be placed. The feed tray 316T has a handle 316B for user opening and closing operations.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the printer 130 has a printing unit 320 that prints on print sheets M. The printing unit 320 prints on print sheets M fed from the cassette 315 and print sheets M fed from the feed tray 316T. The printer 130 includes an output unit 319 to which the printed print sheets M are discharged. The output unit 319 has an output tray 319A for stacking the print sheets M discharged from the printing mechanism unit 230. The printer 130 may have detachable optional parts not shown in Figure 3. For example, a shift sorter with a sorting function for the print sheets M may be installed in the output unit 319 to which the printed print sheets M are discharged.

[0019] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed on the control panel 203 of the printer 130. Figure 4(a) shows an example of the home screen 400. The home screen 400 is displayed when the printer 130 is in standby mode and accepts function execution commands from the user. The home screen 400 is equipped with a copy button 401, a scan button 402, a maintenance button 403, a status display button 404, and a setting button 405 for selecting the function to be executed. When the copy button 401 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for executing the copy function. When the scan button 402 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for executing the scan function. When the maintenance button 403 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for performing maintenance functions such as various adjustments to the printer 130 and cleaning of the printing mechanism 230. When the status display button 404 is pressed, the screen transitions to the status display screen 410, which will be described later. When the setting button 405 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen (not shown) for changing various settings.

[0020] Figure 4(b) shows an example of the status display screen 410. The status display screen 410 is displayed when the status display button 404 on the home screen 400 is pressed. The power consumption 411 displays the value calculated by the first power aggregation unit 1012 (described later) for a predetermined period. For example, if multiple print jobs are executed during the predetermined period, the cumulative power consumption is used to calculate the power consumption 411. When the details confirmation button 412 is pressed, the power consumption details screen 420 (described later) is displayed (see Figure 4(c)). Also, when the display settings button 413 is pressed, the user transitions to another screen where the method for calculating power consumption to display the power consumption is set.

[0021] Figure 4(c) shows an example of the power consumption details screen 420. The power consumption details screen 420 displays the power consumption of the printer 130 for each state. The power consumption details screen 420 displays the cumulative power consumption of print jobs, cumulative power consumption of copy jobs, cumulative power consumption of scan jobs, cumulative power consumption while in standby mode, and cumulative power consumption when the power is off. Although not shown in Figure 4(c), the cumulative power consumption of other jobs that have been executed may also be displayed.

[0022] In Figure 4(c), the processing when the print setting button 421, copy setting button 422, and scan setting button 423 are pressed will be described later. When the standby setting button 424 is pressed, a UI screen is displayed that shows the power setting button 431 which displays the standby power setting screen shown in Figure 4(e), and the history list button 432 which displays a history list of standby power consumption (not shown) (see Figure 4(d)). This UI screen is referred to as the setting / list display screen. In Figure 4(d), when the power setting button 431 is pressed, the standby power setting screen 430 shown in Figure 4(e) is displayed. In Figure 4(d), when the history list button 432 is pressed, a history list of standby power consumption (not shown) is displayed, but the subsequent processing is the same as the display processing of the history list for each job described later, so the explanation is omitted. The processing when the power off setting button 425 is pressed is the same as the processing when the standby setting button 424 is pressed, so the explanation is omitted.

[0023] In Figure 4(c), the process when the print settings button 421, which displays the cumulative power consumption of a print job, is pressed will be described in detail. When the print settings button 421 is pressed in Figure 4(c), a settings / list display screen will be displayed, which includes a power consumption setting button 431 that displays the power consumption setting screen for printing (not shown) and a history list button 432 that displays a list of print job history (see Figure 4(d)).

[0024] In Figure 4(d), when the power setting button 431 is pressed, the power setting screen for printing (not shown) is displayed. Also, when the history list button 432 is pressed, the print job history list screen 500 shown in Figure 5(a) is displayed. In Figure 5(a), when the user selects a desired print job, only the selected print job is inverted in black and white, as shown in Figure 5(b). If the back button 501 is pressed in Figure 5(a), the screen returns to the settings / list display screen of Figure 4(d). If the OK button 512 is pressed in Figure 5(b), the power consumption of the selected print job is displayed, as shown in Figure 5(c). This allows the user to know the power consumption of the print job selected by the user. If the back button 511 is pressed in Figure 5(b), the UI screen returns to the screen of Figure 5(a). If the back button 521 is pressed in the screen of Figure 5(c), the UI screen returns to the screen of Figure 5(a). Although the power consumption is displayed on a separate screen in the above example, the power consumption may also be displayed on the list view screen shown in Figure 5(a), for example, by associating each power consumption with the history entry on the far right.

[0025] By performing similar screen operations, the power consumption of the executed scan job or copy job can be determined. Figure 4(c) describes the process when the scan settings button 423, which displays the cumulative power consumption of scan jobs, is pressed. When the scan settings button 423 is pressed, a settings / list display screen is displayed, which shows the power consumption setting button 431 that displays the power consumption setting screen during scanning (not shown) and the history list button 432 that displays the history list of scan jobs (see Figure 4(d)). In the settings / list display screen of Figure 4(d), when the history list button 432 is pressed, the scan job history list screen 600 shown in Figure 6(a) is displayed. In Figure 6(a), when the desired scan job is selected by the user, only the selected scan job is inverted in black and white, as shown in Figure 6(b). In Figure 6(b), when the OK button 612 is pressed, the power consumption of the selected scan job is displayed, as shown in Figure 6(c). This allows the user to know the power consumption of the scan job selected by the user. When the back button 611 in Figure 6(b) is pressed, the UI screen returns to the screen in Figure 6(a). When the back button 621 in the screen in Figure 6(c) is pressed, the screen returns to the screen in Figure 6(a). In the above example, the power consumption is displayed on a separate screen, but the power consumption may also be displayed on the list display screen in Figure 6(a), for example, by associating each power consumption with the rightmost entry in each history entry.

[0026] Figure 4(c) describes the process when the copy settings button 422, which displays the cumulative power consumption of copy jobs, is pressed. When the copy settings button 422 is pressed, a settings / list display screen is displayed, which shows the power consumption setting screen (not shown) for copying and the history list button 432 which displays a history list of copy jobs (see Figure 4(d)). On the settings / list display screen in Figure 4(d), when the history list button 432 is pressed, the copy job history list screen 700 shown in Figure 7(a) is displayed. When a desired copy job is selected by the user in Figure 7(a), only the selected copy job is inverted in black and white, as shown in Figure 7(b). When the OK button 712 is pressed in Figure 7(b), the power consumption of the selected copy job is displayed, as shown in Figure 7(c). This allows the user to know the power consumption of the copy job selected by the user. When the back button 711 is pressed in Figure 7(b), the UI screen returns to the screen in Figure 7(a). When the back button 721 is pressed on the screen in Figure 7(c), the screen returns to the screen in Figure 7(a). Although the power consumption is displayed on a separate screen in the above example, the power consumption may also be displayed on the list display screen in Figure 7(a), for example, by associating each power consumption with the rightmost entry in each history entry.

[0027] Figure 4(e) shows an example of the standby power consumption setting screen 440. On the standby power consumption setting screen 440, the current power consumption value is displayed in the power consumption display 441. In addition, the power consumption value setting options 442 display power consumption values ​​within a changeable range, and the user can select the desired power consumption value from among them. When the OK button 443 is pressed with the desired power consumption value selected, the standby power consumption setting confirmation screen 450 shown in Figure 4(f) is displayed.

[0028] Figure 4(f) shows an example of the standby power consumption setting confirmation screen 450. On the standby power consumption setting confirmation screen 450, the settings to be changed to match the power consumption value determined by pressing the OK button 433 described above are notified in area 451. The user confirms this notification. If the user determines that this setting is acceptable, the user applies the setting by pressing the OK button 453. If the user does not want to apply this setting, the user can press the Cancel button 452 to transition from this screen to another screen without applying this setting.

[0029] Figure 8 shows the data structure stored in the non-volatile memory 215. The data stored in the non-volatile memory 215 is divided into areas such as copy settings 800, scan settings 810, adjustment values ​​820, network settings 830, power consumption settings 840, and the first power storage database (DB) 850. In addition to these, various other data such as control parameters and device state variables are also stored in the non-volatile memory 215, but only a selection of data related to this embodiment is shown here.

[0030] The copy settings 800 is an area that stores setting values ​​related to the copy operation. These include the number of copies 801, sheet type 802, sheet size 803, duplex printing setting 804, and print quality 805. The copy magnification 806 for enlargement / reduction copying, the number of pages for layout copying 807, and the layout order 808 are also included in the copy settings 800. The scan settings 810 is an area that stores setting values ​​related to the scan operation. These include the document size to scan 811, scan resolution 812, and background removal setting 813. The adjustment values ​​820 is an area that stores setting values ​​related to the basic operation of the printer 130. These adjustment values ​​820 include head position adjustment values ​​821 for adjusting the color interval and bidirectional misalignment of the inkjet recording head. The network settings 830 is an area that stores setting values ​​necessary for network connection. Network settings 830 include the network name 831 of the access point to connect to, security settings 832 for connection, and the password 833 for connecting to the access point. Power consumption settings 840 is an area that stores settings that affect power consumption. Power consumption settings 840 include printing power settings 841 that affect power consumption during printing, standby power settings 842 that affect power consumption while in standby mode, and off power settings 843 that affect power consumption when the power is off.

[0031] The first power storage DB 850 is a database area for storing information on power consumed according to the operation of the device as a history. The first power storage DB 850 includes the print history DB 860, scan history DB 870, maintenance history DB 880, and operation history DB 890. These DBs may be configured as independent database management systems, or they may be managed by adding type information to each database record within a single database management system. The print history DB 860 is a database that stores print history records 861, which store information on power consumed by individual printing operations. The print history record 861 stores the settings for each executed print job, the power consumed by the job execution, and the date and time of execution. The scan history DB 870 is a database that stores scan history records 871, which store information on power consumed by individual scanning operations. The scan history record 871 stores the settings for each executed scan job, the power consumed by the job execution, and the date and time of execution. The maintenance history DB 880 is a database that stores maintenance history records 881, which store information on the power consumed by individual maintenance operations. Maintenance operations include, for example, cleaning operations to keep the inkjet recording head in good condition, and head position adjustment operations. The maintenance history record 881 stores the type and setting value of the maintenance operation performed, the power consumed by the maintenance operation, and the date and time information of the operation. The operation history DB 890 is a database that stores operation history records 891, which store information on the power consumed according to the elapsed time in states other than those listed above, such as standby or power off. The operation history record 891 stores information on the type of operating state, such as standby or power off, the setting value corresponding to the operating state, and the elapsed time and date and time information for that operating state.

[0032] Figure 9 shows the menu structure and settings of the control panel 203 of the printer 130. The menu structure is a tree structure starting from the home screen 400. In the menu structure, when a selected button is pressed, the screen transitions to a lower-level screen, and the setting item is displayed on the lowest-level screen. For example, the home screen 400 in Figure 4(a) corresponds to the home 901 in the menu structure, and buttons corresponding to the menu items copy 902, scan 903, and maintenance 904 are located there. Also, the function buttons on the left and right of the bottom of the screen in Figure 4(a) correspond to the status 906 and setting 905 of the menu items, respectively.

[0033] 《Printer 130 Software Processing Block》 Figure 10 illustrates the software processing blocks for printing and scanning during the CPU 211 of the printer 130. In the printing process shown in Figure 10, the user launches a printing application using the PC 140 and instructs the application to print a print job using the application's print UI 1001. The instruction to print is made by setting the print settings on the application and pressing the print execution button. Based on the operation of the print UI 1001, the PC print setting specification unit 1002 reflects these settings in the job data generation.

[0034] The job data generation / transfer unit 1003 generates job data according to the print execution instruction. The job data is converted into a transfer format that allows information to be communicated between the PC 140 and the printer 130, and the data includes print settings and image data for printing.

[0035] The job management unit 1004 receives job data within the printer 130, stores the job data in the job database 1005, and reads the stored job data. The job decoding unit 1006 instructs the job management unit 1004 to read the stored job data and decodes the acquired job data. At this time, the job management unit 1004 can also directly send the job data received from the PC 140 to the job decoding unit 1006 without going through the job database 1005. The job decoding unit 1006 decodes the image data to be printed from the job data and expands it into Bitmap format (where the pixel values ​​themselves are continuously listed according to the arrangement of the image, rather than being a compressed image format). During decoding, the job decoding unit 1006 also expands the print settings within the job data and reflects the expanded setting information in the control blocks related to the print process within the printer 130. Note that the reflection of the setting information may be implemented in a different software block.

[0036] The first image processing unit 1007 processes the bitmap image data obtained from the decoding result for printing. The image processing includes processes such as converting the input color space format to ink colors for printing, and converting the multi-level information of the ink colors into a dot pattern for printing. The image processing is not limited to these; value-added processing such as processing to richly express color gradation within the printer's color reproduction range and processing to enhance saturation may also be performed. The processing content of the first image processing unit 1007 is determined based on the print settings. The printing unit 1008 controls the printing mechanism unit 230 via the printing mechanism control circuit 216 to print the image data processed by the first image processing unit 1007 onto a printing sheet. The printing process is executed by the software block described above.

[0037] The first power calculation unit 1009 calculates (acquires) the power consumption of the input job. Here, as an example, we will explain how to calculate the power consumption required for printing job data in a print job, but the power consumption of a scan job can be calculated in the same way.

[0038] In Figure 10, as an example, the first power calculation unit 1009 calculates power consumption based on information from the job management unit 1004, the first image processing unit 1007, and the printing unit 1008. It obtains print setting information from the job management unit 1004. The first power consumption information database 1010 stores fixed power values ​​and power calculation variables determined for each print setting. The first power calculation unit 1009 reads information from the first power consumption information database 1010 that matches the print setting. Fixed power values ​​represent power that is accounted for regardless of the content of the job data in the relevant print setting, such as power used for mechanical control for transporting the print sheets. If the job data consists of multiple image data, the fixed power values ​​may be calculated based on information such as the number of prints and the area of ​​the sheets to be printed.

[0039] Power calculation variables represent basic information about the power consumption calculated according to the job data, such as the power consumed during the ejection of each ink color. The first power calculation unit 1009 obtains the ink ejection density (print density) or the number of ejected dots (ejected dot count) from the image data obtained from the first image processing unit 1007 or the printing unit 1008, and calculates a power value by combining this with the power calculation variables. Obtaining the number of ejected dots instead of ejection density in the first image processing unit 1007 is effective for calculating accurate power. The number of ejected dots obtained in the printing unit 1008 can reflect ejection control caused by the print head, such as continuous ejection control and non-ejection control, compared to the number of ejected dots obtained in the first image processing unit 1007, allowing for a more accurate power calculation. As a result, it is possible to calculate the power consumption of a print job, whose power consumption varies depending on the processing content, based on a fixed power value and a power value that combines the ink ejection density (print density) or the number of ejected dots (ejected dot count) with the power calculation variables. By using power consumption calculations that may fluctuate depending on the content of such job data, accurate information on the power consumption of print jobs can be displayed to the user on the printer 130's control panel 203. Alternatively, the power consumption information for print jobs may be displayed on the PC 140's power consumption panel UI 1014. This allows the user to refer to this information and use it to manage power consumption.

[0040] The first power storage DB 850 stores the power calculation results of the first power calculation unit 1009. The power calculation results can be stored linked to the print date and time of the job data and the power calculation value. The first power aggregation unit 1012 retrieves the power calculation result information from the first power storage DB 850. The user can check the power consumption status from the power consumption panel UI 1014 on the PC 140.

[0041] The power consumption UI screen control unit 1013 receives a display request from the user on the power consumption panel UI 1014, obtains the power calculation results from the first power aggregation unit 1012, and displays them on the power consumption panel UI 1014. The first power aggregation unit 1012 aggregates the power calculation results that occurred within a predetermined period, based on a power aggregation period set in advance by the user or defined by the initial settings of the printing application. When aggregating, it can also calculate the total power consumption by adding up the power calculation values. Furthermore, it can also calculate the average power consumption for the predetermined period based on the total power consumption and the predetermined period. In addition, it can calculate the cumulative power consumption for each job type and display it on the power consumption panel UI 1014 or the operation panel 203 of the printer 130. It can also calculate the power consumption of the job data with the highest or lowest power consumption among the job data that occurred within the predetermined period. The calculation process for displaying such power consumption may be performed by the first power aggregation unit 1012 or by the power consumption UI screen control unit 1013.

[0042] The user can specify the method for displaying and aggregating power consumption, or control methods for suppressing the power consumption of the printer 130, from the power consumption management panel UI 1016. The power management setting specification unit 1015 receives requests from the user via the power consumption management panel UI 1016 and transmits information such as the display method, aggregation method, and control method to the printer 130. The various power consumption amounts described above may be displayed on the operation panel 203 of the printer 130.

[0043] The setting reflection unit 1017 acquires information from the PC 140 and reflects the acquired information to each software block. For example, it changes the image processing method and printing method for each print setting managed by the print control unit 1018. The changed information is reflected in the first image processing unit 1007 and the printing unit 1008 when the job data is printed.

[0044] The above describes the process of calculating the power consumption incurred when printing job data. This embodiment employs a configuration that allows for the calculation of other power consumption as well. The standby power calculation unit 1020 calculates the power consumption incurred for purposes other than printing and stores it in the first power storage DB 850. Power consumption incurred for purposes other than printing includes, for example, ink ejection due to periodic maintenance and the power consumed by the print head that is driven during maintenance. The standby control unit 1019 receives information from the setting reflection unit 1017. That is, the standby control unit 1019 instructs the standby power calculation unit 1020 to either save the power consumption incurred for standby states other than printing, or not save the power consumption incurred for standby states.

[0045] The setting reflection unit 1017 also transmits information to the first power aggregation unit 1012. The first power aggregation unit 1012 reflects the aggregation period and aggregation method based on the transmitted information. The first power aggregation unit 1012 can also reflect information indicating whether to aggregate power used in standby mode or not.

[0046] We have so far explained how to calculate power consumption during printing and standby. In this embodiment, it is also possible to calculate power consumption during scanning. The panel UI 1021 installed on the printer 130 receives scan settings and scan execution instructions for the document placed on the scanner bed by the user. The scan execution specification unit 1022 acquires the instruction information from the panel UI 1021 and instructs the scanner to execute.

[0047] The scan image reading unit 1023 lights up an LED and reads the document according to the scan execution instruction. During document reading, control is performed to receive light reflection with the sensor, and control is performed to scan the sensor in the specified direction of the document. The A / D conversion unit 1024 converts the analog information received by the sensor in the scan image reading unit 1023 into digital information. Processing is also performed on the digital information, such as correction of blur caused by the scanner reading, removal of white areas of the paper, and color conversion processing to correspond to the display color gamut.

[0048] The power consumption can also be calculated for this series of scanning processes. Similar to print jobs, the first power consumption information DB 1010 stores fixed power values ​​for scan jobs. Processing content such as blur correction, removal of white areas of paper, and color conversion corresponding to the display color gamut varies depending on the scan job being executed. The first power calculation unit 1009 calculates the power consumption according to the executed scan settings. The power fluctuation amount when changing the image processing control according to the content information of the reading result during image processing during scanning can also be reflected in the first power calculation unit 1009. In other words, similar to print jobs, it is possible to calculate the power consumption of scan jobs, which fluctuate depending on the processing content, based on fixed power values ​​and power calculation variables that vary for each scan job. The calculated power consumption of the scan job is stored in the first power storage DB 850. Also, similar to print jobs, the power consumption information of scan jobs is displayed on the printer 130's operation panel 203 or the PC 140's power consumption panel UI 1014.

[0049] As described above, the configuration shown in Figure 10 enables power calculation, display of power consumption, and power control. The configuration in Figure 10 is just one example, and the means and block configuration for performing power calculation, display of power consumption, and power control are not limited to this.

[0050] Use cases such as copying or faxing are not shown, but power calculation, power consumption display, and power control are possible even in such use cases. Although the processing shown in Figure 10 is assumed to be executed by the CPU 211, some or all of the processing can also be executed by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. Execution by hardware circuits enables high-speed processing. Furthermore, in Figure 10, the display of power aggregation results and control instructions are specified from the PC 140, but this is not the only option. For example, the display could be performed on the printer 130's control panel 203.

[0051] Power consumption of Printer 130 Figure 11 is a table showing the power consumption of the printer 130, which varies depending on the operating conditions. Operation type 1101 is a list of the operation types of the printer 130. Copying is the operation of scanning a sheet with the scanner on the printer 130 and printing the scanned image data. Printing is the operation of receiving print data from a PC, smartphone, etc., and printing based on the received data. ADF (Auto Document Feeder) reading operation converts scanned image data into electronic data by scanning a document with the ADF. FB (Flat Bed) reading operation converts scanned image data into electronic data by scanning a document with the FB. Print head recovery operation is a print performance recovery operation performed during printing to prevent clogging of the print head. Standby state is a state in which the power is on but no operations are being performed. Power saving state is a state in which the power is on but some functions of the printer 130 are stopped by transitioning to sleep state. Power off state refers to a state in which the power of the printer 130 is turned off.

[0052] The required power 1102 and required time 1103 are examples of approximate power values ​​and required time values ​​required for the operation of print jobs, scan jobs, and copy jobs, etc., under predetermined conditions. The power-saving state and power-off state will remain in place unless operated by the user. Therefore, the required time is not specified here. The predetermined conditions in the example in Figure 11 refer to the approximate values ​​for a job that processes 10 standard images, A4 size, single-sided, full color. Using the data in Figure 11, the power consumption when executing a job that processes 1000 standard images, A4 size, single-sided, full color is as follows: Print job: 0.009 (kWh), Scan job: 0.006 (kWh), Copy job: 0.019 (kWh). The power consumption when executing a job that processes 5000 standard images, A4 size, single-sided, full color is as follows: Print jobs consume 0.047 kWh, scan jobs 0.027 kWh, and copy jobs 0.098 kWh.

[0053] The printer 130 has a power consumption table as shown in Figure 11 for various conditions, and can calculate the power consumption of each job based on the power consumption table that matches the executed job. It is also possible to calculate the cumulative power consumption for each job type over a predetermined period by calculating the sum of the power consumption for each job type.

[0054] The above explanation uses a job that processes a reference image as an example, but this can also be considered as the fixed power value mentioned above. In print jobs, images with various print densities are printed. In the printer 130 of this embodiment, data on print density or dot count is acquired for each print job. This amount of power consumption that changes for each job can also be considered as the power calculation variable mentioned above. By calculating the power consumption of a print job using the power value (fixed power value) under the predetermined conditions mentioned above and the power calculation variable corresponding to the acquired print density or dot count data, the power consumption of the print job can be obtained with higher accuracy. Similarly, various images are scanned in scan jobs. In the printer 130 of this embodiment, the contents of blur correction processing, paper white area removal processing, and color conversion processing corresponding to the display color gamut are acquired for each scan job. Similar to print jobs, the case when processing a reference image can be considered as a fixed power value, and the amount of power consumption for processing that changes for each job can be considered as the power calculation variable. By calculating the power consumption of a scan job using the power value (fixed power value) under the predetermined conditions mentioned above and the power calculation variable corresponding to the processing content mentioned above, the power consumption of the scan job can be obtained with higher accuracy. Although details are not provided, a similar method can be used to accurately obtain the power consumption of copy jobs.

[0055] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the CPU 211 of the printer 130. The processing shown in Figure 12 is executed by the CPU 211 of the printer 130 when the printer 130 is powered on, and the processing from S1201 to S1212 in Figure 12 is repeatedly executed while the printer 130 is powered on. In S1202, the first step of the repeating loop, the CPU 211 of the printer 130 waits for an event to occur. When an event is detected in S1202, the processing proceeds to S1203.

[0056] In S1203, the CPU 211 processes according to the type of event that occurred. If the event in S1203 is the pressing of the power key on the control panel 203, the process proceeds to S1204, and the printer 130 transitions from the power-on state to the power-off state. This exits the loop, and the processes described in S1213 and S1214 are performed, and the printer enters a hibernation state until the next power-on state is reached. If the event in S1203 is the receipt of a job execution instruction such as a print job or scan job from an external device, the process proceeds to S1205, and the operation according to the content of the received job is executed.

[0057] In S1203, if the event that occurred was a press of the start key on the operation panel 203, the process proceeds to S1206, where an action is performed based on the settings displayed on the display screen. Here, it is assumed that a scan job or a copy job is performed. In S1203, if the event that occurred was an operation on the operation panel 203, the process proceeds to S1207, where an action corresponding to the panel operation is performed. For example, if it is an operation on the touch panel, an appropriate action is performed according to the touch coordinates. If a touch on a button on the screen is detected, the screen transitions to the appropriate screen or an action is performed according to the button pressed. In S1203, if the event that occurred was any other event, the process proceeds to S1208, where an action corresponding to the event that occurred is performed. After the processing corresponding to the event that occurred in S1205 to S1208 is completed, the process proceeds to S1209.

[0058] In S1209, the CPU 211 calculates the power consumption of the received job or the job executed in S1206, and calculates an estimated power consumption corresponding to the event that occurred. In S1210, the CPU 211 saves the calculated power consumption and estimated power consumption as history information in the first power storage DB 850 of the non-volatile memory 215. In S1211, the CPU 211 determines the destination display screen based on the combination of the screen currently displayed on the operation panel 203 and the received job or event that occurred, and the display screen transitions to the determined screen.

[0059] In S1213, the CPU 211 calculates an estimated power consumption corresponding to the event that occurred. In S1214, the CPU 211 saves the estimated power consumption as history information in the first power storage DB 850 of the non-volatile memory 215, and terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 12. Using the history information in the first power storage DB 850, the CPU 211 can calculate the cumulative power consumption of print jobs, copy jobs, scan jobs, standby time, and power-off time within a predetermined period. Furthermore, the CPU 211 can display the calculated cumulative power consumption and information such as the power consumption of each job on the operation panel 203. In addition, the above cumulative power consumption and power consumption information may be displayed on the power consumption panel of the PC 140.

[0060] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to calculate various power consumption amounts. This makes it possible to display information regarding the power consumption consumed by the image processing device. Furthermore, it becomes possible for the user to check the power consumption display via the printer's control panel or the like, and reduce power consumption by changing various settings.

[0061] 《Second Embodiment》 Figure 13 illustrates the software processing blocks of the CPU 211 of the printer 130 in this embodiment, specifically for print and scan job execution. Sections similar to those in Figure 10 are omitted from the explanation, and the configuration necessary for calculating the power consumption of the system 100 in the PC 140, a feature of this embodiment, is described.

[0062] The second image processing unit 1351 performs image processing on the image to be printed in accordance with the print job execution instruction. The image processing may include processes such as expanding the input color space format into ink colors for printing, and expanding the multi-level information of the ink colors into a dot pattern for printing. The image processing is not limited to these, and value-added processing such as processing to express rich color gradation within the printer's color reproduction range or processing to enhance saturation may also be performed. The processing content of the second image processing unit 1351 is determined based on the print settings specified by the user in the print UI 1001.

[0063] The second power calculation unit 1352 calculates the power consumption related to printing job data. In this embodiment, it obtains print setting information from the PC print setting specification unit 1002. It obtains information matching the print settings from the second power consumption information DB 1353 and the ejection density (print density) or number of ejected dots (ejected dot count) from the second image processing unit 1351, and calculates the power consumption in the same manner as described in Figure 10. In Figure 13, image processing is performed on the PC 140, but by adopting this configuration, power that may fluctuate depending on the content of the job data can also be used in the calculation of power consumption on the PC 140. In other words, the calculation of the power consumption of a print job is performed on the PC 140.

[0064] The job data generation / transfer unit 1003 converts information including image data, which is the processing result of the second image processing unit 1351, into a transfer format. At this time, the power consumption amount calculated by the second power calculation unit 1352 can also be included in the transfer format. However, the method of transferring the power consumption amount to the printer 130 is not limited to this, and it may be transferred using a different transfer format or transfer method than the image data. The transferred power consumption amount is stored in the job management unit 1004.

[0065] The first power aggregation unit 1012 aggregates the amount of power consumed, as explained in Figure 10. At this time, the job management unit 1004 retrieves the amount of power consumed stored in the job DB 1005, so that the amount of power consumed by the image processing performed on the PC 140 can also be added to the amount of power consumed aggregated by the first power aggregation unit 1012.

[0066] The control method instructed by the power management setting specification unit 1015 can also be transmitted to the second image processing unit 1351 of the PC 140, and the control method can be changed based on user instructions. For example, in a system where the transfer time from the PC 140 to the printer 130 is a concern, the PC 140 may perform image processing that converts the data to a quantized format that can represent the data with fewer bits in order to minimize the transfer size. In this embodiment, even in such a system, the power consumption can be calculated by adopting the software block configuration shown in Figure 13.

[0067] The software block shown in Figure 13 is an example, and other configurations, such as those shown in Figure 14, may also be used. The third power calculation unit 1451 of the PC 140 calculates the power consumption for printing job data. The third power calculation unit 1451 obtains print setting information from the PC print setting specification unit 1002. The third power calculation unit 1451 obtains information matching the print settings from the second power consumption information DB 1353 and the ejection density or number of ejected dots from the second image processing unit 1351, and calculates the power consumption in the same manner as described in Figure 10. In Figure 14, by performing image processing in the PC 140, power that may fluctuate depending on the content of the job data can also be used in the calculation of power consumption. In other words, the calculation of power consumption for print jobs whose power consumption fluctuates depending on the processing content is performed in the PC 140.

[0068] The second power storage DB 1452 stores the power calculation results of the third power calculation unit 1451. The second power aggregation unit 1453, which stores the power calculation results linked to the print date and time of the job data and the power calculation value, retrieves the power calculation result information from the second power storage DB 1452. The instructions for the display method and aggregation method of power consumption via the power management setting specification unit 1015, and the control method for suppressing the power consumption of the printer 130, are the same as described in Figure 10. As described above, the configuration shown in Figure 14 enables the calculation, display, or control of power consumption. In the configuration shown in Figure 14, the calculation and aggregation processing of power consumption is performed on the PC 140.

[0069] The configuration for calculating, displaying, and controlling power consumption is not limited to this. Use cases such as copying and faxing, which are not illustrated, can also be performed using the above configuration to calculate power consumption and perform other related processes. Furthermore, some or all of the processes described as being processed by the CPU 211 of the printer 130 can also be performed by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. Execution by hardware circuits enables high-speed processing.

[0070] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 14, it is also possible to calculate power consumption unrelated to printing in this embodiment. Power consumption information for activities other than printing can be stored in the second power consumption information DB 1353, and when maintenance or other actions occur, the corresponding power consumption information can be stored in the second power storage DB 1452. The PC 140 may decide whether or not to perform maintenance, or the CPU 211 of the printer 130 may decide. If the printer 130 decides whether or not to perform maintenance, it will appropriately send the maintenance performance record to the PC 140, although this is not shown in Figure 14. The same applies to the calculation of power consumption in scan jobs, which is not shown in Figure 14. The calculation of power consumption for scan jobs, whose power consumption varies depending on the processing content, is performed by the printer 130, and the calculated power consumption of the scan job is sent from the printer 130 to the PC 140.

[0071] Furthermore, while Figure 14 shows that the PC 140 was used to display the power consumption summary results and to control power consumption, this is not the only option. For example, the power consumption and power consumption summary results may be displayed on the printer 130's control panel 203.

[0072] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the CPU 211 of printer 130 in the configuration shown in Figure 13. This processing is performed by the CPU 211 of printer 130 when the printer 130 is powered on, and the processes from S1501 to S1513 are repeatedly executed while the printer 130 is powered on. In S1202, the first step of the repeating loop, the CPU 211 of printer 130 waits for an event to occur. When an event is detected in S1502, the process proceeds to S1503.

[0073] In S1503, the CPU 211 processes according to the type of event that occurred. If the event in S1503 is the pressing of the power key on the control panel 203, the process proceeds to S1504, and the printer 130 transitions from the power-on state to the power-off state. This exits the loop, and the processes described in S1514 and S1515 are performed, and the printer enters a hibernation state until the next power-on state is reached. If the event in S1503 is the receipt of a job execution instruction, such as a print job or scan job, from an external device, the process proceeds to S1505, and the operation according to the content of the received job is executed.

[0074] In S1506, the CPU211 obtains power consumption information for a print job from the PC140 as the power consumption of that print job, and calculates the power consumption of other jobs. In other words, the power consumption of jobs such as print jobs or scan jobs, whose power consumption varies depending on the processing content, is obtained.

[0075] In S1503, if the event that occurred was the pressing of the start key on the operation panel 203, the process proceeds to S1507, where it executes an action based on the settings displayed on the display screen. Here, it is assumed that a scan job or a copy job was executed. In S1503, if the event that occurred was an operation on the operation panel 203, the process proceeds to step S1508, where it executes the processing corresponding to the panel operation. In S1503, if the event that occurred was any other event, the process proceeds to S1509, where it executes the processing corresponding to the event that occurred. After the processing corresponding to the event that occurred in S1506 to S1509 is completed, the process proceeds to S1510.

[0076] In S1510, the CPU 211 obtains the power consumption of the received job or the job executed in S1507, and calculates an estimated power consumption corresponding to the event that occurred. In S1511, the CPU 211 saves the obtained power consumption and the calculated estimated power consumption as history information in the first power storage DB 850 of the non-volatile memory 215. In S1512, the destination display screen is determined based on the combination of the screen currently displayed on the operation panel 203 and the received job or event that occurred, and the display screen transitions to the determined screen.

[0077] In S1514, the CPU 211 calculates the estimated power consumption corresponding to the event that occurred. In S1515, the CPU 211 saves the estimated power consumption as history information in the first power storage DB 850 of the non-volatile memory 215, and terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 15.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the power consumption of a print job can be calculated on the PC 140 and the calculated power consumption of the print job can be sent to the printer 130. In other words, it becomes possible to reduce the load on the printer 130.

[0079] 《Third Embodiment》 This embodiment describes a method for calculating actual power consumption using an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit configuration and operation flow of the measurement unit (measurement circuit) for calculating power consumption will be primarily described. Explanations of content already described in the first and second embodiments will be omitted. Figure 16 shows an electrical circuit configuration 1600 for measuring power consumption, which changes depending on the operating conditions of the printer 130. This electrical circuit configuration 1600 is installed on each power line whose power consumption is to be measured. The electrical circuit configuration 1600 includes an operational amplifier 1651, a power line 1652 whose current value is to be detected, a resistor 1653 constituting the detection circuit, a power supply 1654 for driving the operational amplifier 1651, a ground connection 1655, and a signal line 1656 for reading the detected current value. The signal line 1656 may be connected to an ASIC and used for calculating power consumption.

[0080] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the process of calculating the power consumption of the printer 130, which changes depending on the operating conditions, using an electrical circuit. In S1701, the current value is detected using the electrical circuit configuration 1600 included in the electrical circuit. Details of the electrical circuit configuration 1600 are shown in Figure 16. In S1702, the current value detected in S1701 is converted from an analog value to a digital value using an AD converter. The AD converter may be one built into the ASIC. In S1703, the current value after the digital conversion process is saved to a register that can be read by the firmware. The register may be one built into the ASIC.

[0081] In S1704, the firmware reads the current value stored in the register. In S1705, the firmware calculates the power value using the read current value. The power value is calculated using the current value and the voltage value (a constant value) of the part where the electrical circuit configuration 1600 is installed. In S1706, the firmware saves the calculated power value to memory. The power calculation unit described above may access the memory to obtain the power value measured by the electrical circuit configuration 1600 and, for example, calculate the power consumption of a job for which the estimated power consumption is unknown.

[0082] In S1707, the firmware determines whether or not to update the cumulative power value. If the firmware determines not to update the cumulative power value, the process returns to S1701 and repeats the processes from S1701 to S1706 to recalculate the current power value. If the firmware determines to update the cumulative power value, the process proceeds to S1708.

[0083] In S1708, the firmware reads multiple power values ​​from memory that correspond to the period for which the cumulative power value is to be calculated. For example, when calculating the cumulative power value for the past week, the firmware reads the power values ​​for the past week from memory. In S1709, the firmware performs integration using the multiple power values ​​read. In S1710, the cumulative power value is calculated using the result of the integration performed in S1709, and the calculated cumulative power value is displayed on the operation panel 203.

[0084] The above describes the power consumption of a print job, but the power consumption of scan jobs or copy jobs can be calculated in the same way. Furthermore, the electrical circuit configuration 1600 may be installed in multiple locations. The firmware may calculate the cumulative power consumption of print jobs, scan jobs, or copy jobs by summing the power values ​​of multiple electrical circuit configurations 1600.

[0085] According to this embodiment, power consumption can be accurately calculated based on measurements taken by the electrical circuit configuration 1600. Furthermore, users can reduce power consumption by checking the displayed power consumption and changing various settings.

[0086] 《Fourth Embodiment》 Figure 18 shows an example of a settings change screen displayed at the start of a print job in this embodiment. This settings change screen may be displayed on the operation panel 203 of the printer 130 or on various UIs of the PC 140. Figure 18(a) prompts the user to enable "Set to 2in1" as a print setting, as shown in area 1802. The user can select either the enable button 1804 or the cancel button 1803 on the display UI 1800. "Set to 2in1" is a suggestion to reduce the area of ​​ink ejection within an image. Another way to reduce the area is to change the rendering settings. For example, if an object in the graphic area of ​​the screen is drawn with a uniform color across its entire surface, changing the rendering settings to a hatched area will make the areas where ink is ejected discrete, thus reducing the total area where ink is ejected. The UI setting can prompt the user to enable it with a display such as "Change the rendering settings of the graphic object". Other display UIs for changing ejection-related controls can be prompted to the user using a similar method. In Figure 18(a), when the enable button 1804 is pressed, the power consumption effect of "setting to 2in1" is displayed in area 1801. Although "2in1" was used as an example above, this is not the only example. Printing two or more pages on a single sheet is also included in this embodiment.

[0087] Figure 18(b) prompts the user to enable the print speed to 20 ipm as a print setting, as shown in area 1812. As shown in area 1812, "print speed of 20 ipm" corresponds to reducing the scan speed of the print head, assuming the normal print speed is 40 ipm. The user can select either the enable button 1814 or the cancel button 1813 on the display UI 1810. This is a suggestion to reduce the power consumption of the motor when printing the screen. Reducing the number of times the print head scans in the width direction of the paper is also effective in reducing power consumption. In addition to the power used to drive the print head and transport paper, the printer itself also uses power for ink ejection, so a similar suggestion could be made to encourage the user to set a setting that reduces the amount of ink ejected. As a UI setting, the user can be prompted to enable this by displaying something like "lighten the ink (colorant)". Furthermore, this is not the only way to reduce the amount of ink ejected. For example, prompting users to "set color printing to monochrome printing" or "print with undercolor removal (UCR)" is also effective in reducing ink consumption and power consumption. In Figure 18(b), when the enable button 1814 is pressed, the actual power consumption reduction achieved by "setting the print speed to 20 ipm" is displayed in area 1811. In other words, the actual power consumption reduction achieved by changing the settings is displayed on the settings change screen.

[0088] Figure 18(c) prompts the user to enable "Select Power Saving Mode" as a print setting, as shown in area 1822. As shown in area 1822, "Select Power Saving Mode" enables one or more predefined settings as recommended power saving modes all at once, without requiring the user to select the enablement of individual settings. The user can select either the enable button 1824 or the cancel button 1823 on the display UI 1820. For example, enabling "Power Saving Mode" reduces the ink flow and sets the print speed to 20 ipm, thereby suppressing both the power required for ink ejection and the power required for head driving, and also reducing the user's setting burden. Such ink ejection volume and print speed can be achieved, for example, by setting the ink volume to the high-speed print mode in the user UI settings and the print speed to the high-quality print mode in the user UI settings. In Figure 18(c), when the enable button 1824 is pressed, the actual power consumption reduction achieved by "Selecting Power Saving Mode" is displayed in area 1821.

[0089] Although the above example described a print job, similarly, for scan or copy jobs, the settings screen displayed at the start of a scan or copy job may guide the user to a mode that reduces power consumption. The actual power consumption reduced by the setting change may also be displayed on the settings screen for scan or copy jobs. In other words, the actual power consumption reduced by the setting change is displayed on the settings screen. By setting the printer 130 with the above-described settings, it becomes possible to reduce power consumption.

[0090] 《Fifth Embodiment》 In the fourth embodiment, the induction of power consumption reduction was described. However, the user must constantly be aware of how much power consumption is consumed by the process performed relative to the power value that the user considers acceptable to consume over a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the "power consumption limit"), which places a high burden on the user. Therefore, this embodiment describes examples of a screen for setting the power consumption limit and a screen for displaying the amount of power consumed. Note that the screen shown in Figure 19 is a UI screen that is accessed from the power consumption display setting 918 in Figure 9. The screen shown in Figure 20 is a UI screen that is accessed from the screen shown in Figure 19.

[0091] The user opens the screen shown in Figure 19 and sets the power consumption limit and the power value at which an alert is displayed if the power consumption limit is likely to be exceeded (hereinafter referred to as the "alert limit"). Hereinafter, the screen shown in Figure 19 will also be referred to as the "threshold setting screen". This threshold setting screen may be displayed on the operation panel 203 of the printer 130 or on various UIs of the PC 140.

[0092] The following methods can be used to set the power consumption limit and alert limit: For example, by directly setting the values ​​(Figure 19(a)), by setting the alert limit using a slider bar relative to the power consumption limit (Figure 19(b)), or by setting the power consumption limit and alert limit using slider bars relative to the average power consumption (Figure 19(c)).

[0093] The user opens the screen shown in Figure 20 to check the power consumption and the power consumption limit status. Hereinafter, the screen shown in Figure 20 will also be referred to as the "power consumption confirmation screen". The power consumption confirmation screen may be displayed on the operation panel 203 of the printer 130 or on various UIs of the PC 140. The power consumption confirmation screen may display values ​​directly (Figure 20(a)) or as a graph (Figure 20(b)). When the alert limit is exceeded during display, the alert method may be to display an alert mark (Figure 20(a)) or change the drawing method in the graph (Figure 20(b)). It is also possible to change the period, interval, and target of power consumption aggregation (see Figure 20(b)). The power consumption aggregation interval can be set by user specification, such as yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly. The power consumption aggregation period can also be set by user specification. The method of specifying the aggregation period may be linked to a calendar. As a result, the user can perform aggregation linked to business days, public holidays, closing dates, etc. Depending on the set period for power consumption aggregation, past power consumption can also be aggregated and displayed. Alternatively, the power consumption aggregation target can be set according to the user's specified print job, user, or time period (see Figure 20(c)). It is also possible to display jobs, users, or time periods with high power consumption within the aggregation target. When the alert limit is exceeded, the printing method described in the fourth embodiment is displayed on the operation panel 203, or the system is set to that printing method. Other methods besides the printing method described in the fourth embodiment may include a mode that suppresses ink consumption or a mode that performs maintenance only on the ink being used. The amount of ink consumed may be arbitrarily set by the user. As a result, it becomes possible to provide users with usage methods that do not exceed the power consumption limit.

[0094] Other embodiments In the above embodiments, examples were shown of calculating numerical values ​​and setting values ​​to be displayed using power consumption as an indicator, but the system may be configured to use indicators other than power consumption. For example, instead of power consumption, an indicator of carbon dioxide emissions may be used. In this case, in addition to converting the aggregated power consumption into carbon dioxide emissions, the system can be configured to convert the consumption of consumables such as ink and printing sheets used for printing into carbon dioxide emissions and use them as indicators. In the fourth embodiment, the guidance for reducing power consumption was described, but this may also be extended to encourage guidance for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. For example, it is possible to reduce paper consumption and lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by encouraging the activation of "set to double-sided printing".

[0095] The above embodiment shows an example of reducing power consumption for a single printer, but it may also be applied to systems using multiple printers. For example, printing continuously reduces power consumption per page more effectively than printing with intervals between jobs. This is because the head temperature is maintained without gaps, and the cap-close control during standby can be omitted. Therefore, when a user executes a print job, the driver may consider power consumption and suggest a recommended printer on the printer's control panel or PC UI screen. Alternatively, if a printer is scheduled to start up periodically for maintenance such as ink circulation, even in a power-saving state, the printer with the shortest time until the next scheduled maintenance startup may be suggested on the printer's control panel or PC UI screen. The user may then submit a print job to that printer. While this example shows suggesting a recommended printer based on recent power consumption, the recommended time for submitting print jobs for each printer may also be suggested on the printer's control panel or PC UI screen. Specifically, when the print setting button 421, which displays the power consumption of a print job, is pressed, a power setting screen for printing (not shown) is displayed, and the recommended time for submitting print jobs is displayed on this power setting screen. Furthermore, as information for users to select a printer, information such as power consumption and ink consumption at the target printer, printing time, and estimated operating noise may be displayed on the printer's control panel or PC UI screen before executing a print job.

[0096] Similarly, for scan jobs, the driver may consider power consumption and suggest a recommended printer on the printer's control panel or PC UI screen. For each printer, the recommended time to submit scan jobs may also be displayed on the printer's control panel or PC UI screen. Specifically, when a scan settings button (not shown) that displays the power consumption of a scan job is pressed, a power settings screen for scanning (not shown) is displayed, and the recommended time to submit scan jobs is shown on that power settings screen.

[0097] In the above embodiment, examples of power consumption reduction were presented. In addition to the examples given, power consumption in standby mode can be reduced by setting intermittent reception in wireless communication. Furthermore, depending on how the user uses the printer, power consumption in standby mode can be reduced by extending the time interval for periodic maintenance. In addition, for users who mainly use the printer for printing from the driver, power consumption in standby mode can be reduced by shortening the time the control panel lights up.

[0098] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by a computer in that system or device reading and executing the program. The computer has one or more processors or circuits and may include a plurality of separate computers or a network of a plurality of separate processors or circuits for reading and executing computer executable instructions.

[0099] A processor or circuit may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gateway (FPGA). It may also include a digital signal processor (DSP), a dataflow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0100] A storage medium can also be called a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Furthermore, a storage medium may include one or more hard disks (HDs), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and storage devices in distributed computing systems. It may also include optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), or Blu-ray discs (BD, registered trademark)), flash memory devices, and memory cards.

[0101] The above-described embodiments include the following configurations.

[0102] (Configuration 1) An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring the cumulative power consumption for each type of job within a predetermined period; and a display control means for displaying the cumulative power consumption for each type of job acquired by the acquisition means on a display device.

[0103] (Configuration 2) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the cumulative power consumption for each type of job by accumulating the power consumption for each job executed within the predetermined period for each type of job.

[0104] (Configuration 3) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the job is a print job or a scan job.

[0105] (Configuration 4) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the power consumption for each job based on a power consumption table corresponding to the job.

[0106] (Configuration 5) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the amount of power consumption for each job based on the amount of power consumption measured by the measurement circuit.

[0107] (Configuration 6) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 5, characterized in that the measurement circuit is installed in multiple locations.

[0108] (Configuration 7) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 4, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the amount of power consumed for each job based on the print density or dot count related to printing when a print job is executed.

[0109] (Configuration 8) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 4, characterized in that when a scan job is executed, the acquisition means acquires the amount of power consumed for each job based on the contents of the blur correction process related to scanning, the white area removal process of the paper, and the color conversion process corresponding to the display color gamut.

[0110] (Configuration 9) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the display control means causes a user interface screen showing the cumulative power consumption for each type of job to be displayed on the display device.

[0111] (Configuration 10) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 9, wherein the user interface screen has a button that displays details of the power consumption for each type of job, and when the display control means receives a press of the button that displays details of the power consumption for each type of job, it transitions to the history list screen of the job corresponding to the pressed button.

[0112] (Configuration 11) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 10, characterized in that when a job history is selected by user operation on the job history list screen, the display control means transitions to a screen that displays the power consumption of the selected job.

[0113] (Configuration 12) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the display control means displays a screen for changing the settings of the print job, which includes content that guides the user to a mode that reduces the amount of power consumed, on the display device when the print job starts.

[0114] (Configuration 13) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 12, characterized in that the display control means displays the actual power consumption values ​​that are reduced by the setting change on the print job setting change screen.

[0115] (Configuration 14) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 12, characterized in that the modes for reducing power consumption include a mode for printing multiple pages on one sheet, a mode for changing the printing speed, a mode for converting color printing to monochrome printing, a mode for printing with undercolor removal, and a mode for thinning the colorants.

[0116] (Configuration 15) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the display control means displays a screen for changing the settings of the scan job, which includes content that guides the user to a mode that reduces the amount of power consumed, on the display device when the scan job starts.

[0117] (Configuration 16) The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 15, characterized in that the display control means displays the actual power consumption values ​​that are reduced by the setting change on the setting change screen of the scan job.

[0118] (Configuration 17) A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising the steps of: acquiring the cumulative power consumption for each type of job within a predetermined period; and displaying the cumulative power consumption for each type of job acquired in the acquisition step on a display device.

[0119] (Configuration 18) A program for causing a computer to function as an image processing device as described in any one of Configurations 1 to 16.

Claims

1. A means for acquiring the cumulative power consumption for each job type within a predetermined period, A display control means that displays the cumulative power consumption for each job type acquired by the acquisition means on a display device, An image processing apparatus characterized by having

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires the cumulative power consumption for each type of job by accumulating the power consumption for each job executed within the predetermined period for each type of job.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the job is a print job or a scan job.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the amount of power consumption for each job based on a power consumption table corresponding to the job.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the power consumption for each job based on the power consumption measured by the measurement circuit.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the measurement circuit is installed in multiple locations.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the amount of power consumed for each job based on the print density or dot count related to printing when a print job is executed.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that when a scan job is executed, the acquisition means acquires the amount of power consumed for each scan job based on the contents of the blur correction process, the white area removal process, and the color conversion process corresponding to the display color gamut related to the scan.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means causes the display device to display a user interface screen showing the cumulative power consumption for each type of job.

10. The user interface screen has a button that displays details of the power consumption for each job type, The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that when the display control means receives a press of a button that displays details of the power consumption for each type of job, it transitions to a history list screen of the job corresponding to the pressed button.

11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that when a user selects a job from the job history list screen, the display control means transitions to a screen that displays the power consumption of the selected job.

12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the display control means causes the display device to display a screen for changing the settings of the print job, which includes content that guides the user to a mode that reduces the amount of power consumed, when the print job is started.

13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the display control means displays the actual power consumption values ​​reduced by the setting change on the print job setting change screen.

14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the modes for reducing power consumption include a mode for printing multiple pages on a single sheet, a mode for changing the printing speed, a mode for converting color printing to monochrome printing, a mode for printing with undercolor removal, and a mode for thinning the colorant.

15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the display control means causes the display device to display a screen for changing the settings of the scan job, which includes content that guides the user to a mode that reduces the amount of power consumed, when the scan job starts.

16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the display control means displays the actual power consumption values ​​reduced by the setting change on the setting change screen for the scan job.

17. A step of obtaining the cumulative power consumption for each job type within a predetermined period, A step of displaying the cumulative power consumption for each type of job acquired in the acquisition step on a display device, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

18. A program for causing a computer to function as an image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images