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

Abstract

The present invention provides a technology that can suppress the generation of wasteful measures in order to reduce the power consumption of image forming apparatus at the organizational level, for example. [Solution] The information processing system includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires a first print setting for a predetermined image forming apparatus; a second acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption consumed by all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the predetermined image forming apparatus belongs; a first determination unit that uses the power consumption acquired by the second acquisition unit to determine whether or not the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved; and a generation unit that generates a second print setting that can reduce power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, according to the determination result by the first determination unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With growing awareness of environmental issues including initiatives toward realizing a decarbonized society, efforts to reduce the power consumption of printers (or the carbon dioxide emissions converted from the power consumption) are being carried out on an organizational basis such as companies or departments. For example, a target such as an N% reduction in a quarter compared to the same period of the previous year is set on an organizational basis. When an organization owns a plurality of printers, monitoring each printer makes it possible to determine whether the target can be achieved with the current usage status, or whether there are measures to achieve the target.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes setting a target value for the number of printed sheets within a predetermined period for a user in order to raise environmental awareness. It also describes displaying whether the target has been achieved based on the actual print performance value of each user, and selecting whether to execute printing when it is determined that the target has not been achieved. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-134765 Summary of Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The method described in Patent Document 1 sets target values ​​for users. Therefore, even if it is determined that the target can be achieved at the organizational level based on the actual printing figures for the entire organization, if a particular user prints a large number of pages, the system will display unnecessary messages that suppress printing for that user. Conversely, even if the target cannot be achieved at the organizational level, for example, no restrictions are placed on users who hardly print at all. Therefore, those users can print freely. Consequently, the power consumption at the organizational level may increase further. Thus, because the power consumption differs for each image forming machine belonging to an organization, it is difficult to generate efficient measures to reduce power consumption at the organizational level.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention addresses the problem of reducing the power consumption of image forming apparatus at the organizational level, and aims to provide a technology that can suppress the generation of wasteful measures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is, A first acquisition unit that acquires the first print settings of a predetermined image forming apparatus, A second acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the aforementioned predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, A first determination unit determines whether the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired by the second acquisition unit, The system includes a generation unit that generates a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, based on the determination result of the first determination unit. It is an information processing system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the generation of wasteful measures in order to reduce the power consumption of image forming apparatus at the organizational level. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a print system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram of a print system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Software configuration diagram of a print system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure showing a display screen according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Figure 6] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Figure 7] Software configuration diagram of one embodiment [Figure 8] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart of the process according to one embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Using Figure 1, an overview of the configuration of the print system 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained. The print system 10 (an example of an "information processing system") consists of an image forming apparatus (131, 132), a client terminal 133 (an example of an "information processing terminal"), a target management service 121, a printing service 122, and an authentication and authorization service 123. These devices are connected to each other via the Internet 100 and a local network (101, 102). Hereafter, the Internet 100 or the local network (101, 102) will also be simply referred to as the network (100-102).

[0012] The image forming apparatus (131, 132) has, for example, a printing function, a copying function, a scanning function, and a fax transmission function. The image forming apparatus (131, 132) may be an electrophotographic apparatus that transfers and fixes toner onto paper, an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink onto paper, or an apparatus capable of 3D printing. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus (131, 132) does not have to have at least one of the functions of, for example, a copying function, a scanning function, and a fax transmission function. In Figure 1, two image forming apparatuses are shown, but the number of image forming apparatuses may be one or three or more.

[0013] The client terminal 133 is a data processing device, such as a personal computer or mobile device, used by the user to access cloud services. The user operates the reduction target setting application 301 (described later), which runs on the client terminal 133, to obtain and set power consumption reduction targets for the target management service 121. The user also operates the print application 302 (described later), which runs on the client terminal 133, to set print settings and send print data to the print service 122.

[0014] The target management service 121 is, for example, a computer, and has a function of retaining the print job performance (hereinafter also referred to as job log) in the image forming apparatuses (131, 132). The target management service 121 also has a function of managing the power consumption target of an organization, and a function of converting print settings into print settings that can further reduce power consumption.

[0015] The print service 122 is, for example, a computer, and performs processing of converting print data into a format printable by the image forming apparatuses (131, 132) according to an instruction from the client terminal 133. The print service 122 also provides the converted print data to the image forming apparatuses (131, 132).

[0016] The authentication and authorization service 123 is, for example, a computer, and has functions of performing authentication and authorization for the entire cloud services provided by computers such as the target management service 121 and the print service 122, as well as tenant management and the like. A user operating the client terminal 133 accesses the authentication and authorization service 123 to perform user login, thereby obtaining an authentication token, and further obtains an authorization token using the authentication token. The user operating the client terminal 133 can access the target management service 121 and the print service 122 by using the authorization token.

[0017] The networks (100 to 102) are so-called communication networks realized by, for example, LAN such as the Internet, WAN, telephone line, dedicated digital line, ATM or frame relay line, cable television line, or wireless line for data broadcasting. The Internet 100 and the local networks (101, 102) are sufficient as long as they can transmit and receive data.

[0018] The image forming apparatus (131, 132) and client terminal 133 can access the target management service 121 and the printing service 122 via the local network (101, 102) and the internet 100. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus (131, 132) and client terminal 133 can directly access the internet 100 to access the target management service 121, the printing service 122, and the authentication and authorization service 123.

[0019] Here, the goal management service 121, the printing service 122, and the authentication and authorization service 123 may be, for example, redundant cloud servers consisting of multiple servers. In such a case, the cloud services are made publicly available on the internet through the cooperation of these cloud servers. Furthermore, the functions of the cloud services may be implemented by a single server or a single virtual server, or by multiple servers or multiple virtual servers. Note that multiple virtual servers may be provided on a single server.

[0020] Next, the hardware configuration of each device constituting the print system 10 will be explained using Figures 2(a) and 2(b). Figure 2(a) illustrates the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus (131, 132). The image forming apparatus (131, 132) consists of a CPU 221, ROM 222, RAM 223, NIC (Network Interface Card) 224, and DKC (Disk Controller) 225. The image forming apparatus (131, 132) also consists of a raster controller 227, print engine 228, operation panel 229, storage device 230, device I / F 231, Reader 232, and a system bus 220 to which these components are connected.

[0021] The CPU 221 controls the entire system and provides comprehensive control over access to various devices connected to the system bus 220. This control is performed based on control programs stored in the ROM 222, or on control programs or resource data (resource information) stored in the external memory 226 connected via the DKC 225.

[0022] RAM223 functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU221. RAM223 is also configured to allow memory capacity expansion via optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Storage device 230 is an external storage device that functions as a large-capacity memory and stores the programs described later. The operation panel 229 (also referred to as the operation unit) includes a display unit such as an LCD panel and receives user operation instructions via the screen. The operation panel 229 also displays buttons for setting the operating mode of the image forming apparatus (131, 132), the operating status of the image forming apparatus (131, 132), and performing operations such as specifying copies. The reduction setting application screen shown in Figure 4, described later, is displayed to the user via the operation panel 229. These buttons may also be physically provided.

[0023] NIC224 is configured to include a communication module and transmits and receives data between the image forming apparatus (131, 132) and external devices. The print engine 228 utilizes known printing technologies, such as electrophotography (laser beam method), inkjet method, or sublimation (thermal transfer) method.

[0024] The raster controller 227 is a controller that converts print data formats such as PDL (Page Description Language) and PDF (Portable Document Format) into image data formats. The device interface 231 is configured to include connectors such as USB, enabling connection between the image forming apparatus (131, 132) and external devices. The reader 232 is a scanner device that reads documents. The image forming apparatus (131, 132) implements a copy function by processing the read images with the print engine 228.

[0025] Figure 2(b) illustrates a hardware configuration of an information processing device applicable to the client terminal 133, the goal management service 121, the printing service 122, and the authentication and authorization service 123. This information processing device may be replaced by a system comprising multiple devices, or by a system connected via a network such as a LAN or WAN, as long as it can perform the functions described below.

[0026] The information processing device consists of a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, NIC 204, input / output control unit 205, storage device 206, and a system bus 200 to which these components are connected. The CPU 201 controls each component of the information processing device and executes application programs and the operating system stored in the storage device 206. The application programs include programs for the goal management service 121, the printing service 122, the authentication and authorization service 123, and various applications installed on the client terminal 133. The CPU 201 also controls the temporary storage of information and files necessary for program execution in the RAM 203.

[0027] ROM202 stores programs such as basic I / O programs and various data internally. RAM203 temporarily stores data and functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU201. NIC224 is configured to include a communication module and transmits and receives data between the information processing device and external devices connected via networks 101 to 103.

[0028] The input / output control unit 205 controls the transmission and reception of data between the information processing device and external devices. External devices connected to the input / output control unit 205 include, for example, devices that display information to the user, such as displays and liquid crystal panels, and devices that accept user input, such as mice, keyboards, and touch panels. These external devices may be configured integrally with the information processing device. In such cases, the input / output control unit 205 controls the input and output to the components configured integrally with the information processing device. The storage device 206 is a storage device that functions as a large-capacity memory and stores application programs, the OS, etc.

[0029] Next, the software configuration of each device constituting the print system 10 will be explained using Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 illustrates the software configuration of the target management service 121, the printing service 122, the authentication and authorization service 123, the client terminal 133, and the image forming apparatus (131, 132). The software modules for the target management service 121, the printing service 122, the authentication and authorization service 123, and the client terminal 133 are stored in the storage device 206 shown in Figure 2(b), loaded into the RAM 203 by the CPU 201, and executed. Similarly, the software modules for the image forming apparatus (131, 132) are stored in the storage device 230 shown in Figure 2(a), loaded into the RAM 223 by the CPU 221, and executed.

[0030] The authentication and authorization service 123 includes an authorization unit 310. The authorization unit 310 receives an authentication token issued when a user logs in, performs scope verification, and then issues an authorization token.

[0031] The target management service 121 includes a device management unit 311, a device group management unit 312, a performance data storage unit 313, a performance data management unit 314, a reduction setting proposal unit 315, and a performance data receiving unit 316. The performance data receiving unit 316 receives job logs from the image forming apparatus (131, 132). The performance data management unit 314 (an example of a "power management unit") stores the job logs received by the performance data receiving unit 316 from the image forming apparatus (131, 132) in the performance data storage unit 313. Table 1 shows an example of a job log stored in the performance data storage unit 313.

[0032] [Table 1]

[0033] In Table 1, the Time (UTC) column indicates the time the print job was performed. The Serial No. column indicates the identifier of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) that performed the print job. The Color, Size, Double / Single, and Collated Print columns indicate the print settings for the print job printed by the image forming apparatus (131, 132) represented by the Serial No. column at the time indicated in the Time column.

[0034] More specifically, the Color column indicates whether the print setting is color printing or monochrome printing. The Size column indicates the paper size setting during printing. The Double-Sided / Single-Sided column indicates whether the print setting is double-sided printing or single-sided printing. The Collated Printing column indicates the collated printing (layout printing) setting. The Number of Sheets column indicates the number of sheets to be printed. The Power Consumption column shows the calculated power consumption as a result of printing by the image forming apparatus 131 or image forming apparatus 132, based on the color, size, double-sided / single-sided, and collated printing settings.

[0035] The data received by the performance data receiving unit 316 and stored in the performance data storage unit 313 may also include data from the image forming apparatus (131, 132) other than the job log, such as configuration information and error information.

[0036] The device management unit 311 manages the image forming apparatus (131, 132) as device information. Table 2 shows the device information managed by the device management unit 311. [Table 2]

[0037] In Table 2, the Serial No. column indicates an identifier that uniquely identifies the image forming apparatus (131, 132). The Tenant ID column indicates an identifier representing the organization to which the image forming apparatus (131, 132) represented by the Serial No. column belongs. The Installation Location column indicates the location where the image forming apparatus (131, 132) represented by the Serial No. column is installed. Note that the linking of the Serial No. column and the Tenant ID column, as well as the input of the installation location, are performed during the registration process for the image forming apparatus (131, 132).

[0038] The final communication time column indicates the time when data was last transmitted from the image forming apparatus (131, 132) to the actual data receiving unit 316. The device management unit 311 receives an event from the actual data storage unit 313 indicating that data from the image forming apparatus (131, 132) corresponding to the serial number column has been stored in the actual data storage unit 313, and updates the final communication time column.

[0039] The device group management unit 312 groups together image forming machines (131, 132) within the same organization, i.e., those with the same tenant ID. These groups will hereafter be referred to as device groups. The device group management unit 312 (an example of a "group information management unit") manages the power consumption reduction targets for each device group. Table 3 shows an example of device group information managed by the device group management unit 312.

[0040] [Table 3]

[0041] The Group ID column indicates the identifier of the device group. The Serial No column indicates the identifier of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) belonging to the device group identified in the Group ID column. The numbers that can be set in the Serial No column are the identifiers of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) included in the device information managed by the device management unit 311. Furthermore, the numbers that can be set in the Serial No column are the identifiers of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) belonging to the tenant to which the user belongs, among the tenants listed in the Tenant ID column. The Tenant ID column indicates the Tenant ID of the tenant that owns the device group. Note that the Serial No column and the Reduction Target column are set by the user operating the Reduction Target Setting Application 301 (described later) running on the client terminal 133.

[0042] The reduction setting proposal unit 315, upon request from the reduction setting inquiry unit 341 of the image forming apparatus (131, 132), proposes print settings to achieve the reduction targets for each device group managed by the device group management unit 312. Specifically, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 receives the current print settings from the reduction setting inquiry unit 341. Then, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 proposes print settings using the reduction target of the device group to which the image forming apparatus (131, 132) belongs, and actual data. The reduction target of the device group is obtained from the device group management unit 312. The actual data is obtained from the actual data storage unit 313 via the actual data management unit 314. The print settings proposed by the reduction setting proposal unit 315 are, for example, to change the current print setting from "single-sided / color" to "double-sided / monochrome". In this way, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 proposes print settings that can reduce power consumption further.

[0043] The client terminal 133 includes a reduction target setting application 301 and a print application 302. Furthermore, the reduction target setting application 301 includes a reduction target setting unit 321. The reduction target setting unit 321 registers device group information as shown in Table 3 by accessing the device group management unit 312 of the target management service 121. The print application 302 also includes a print management unit 322. The print management unit 322 displays image data and documents held on the client terminal 133. The print management unit 322 then accepts and sets print settings and sends a print job to the print data management unit 332 of the print service 122.

[0044] The printing service 122 includes a print data storage unit 331, a print data management unit 332, and a print data acquisition unit 333. The print data management unit 332 receives print jobs from the print management unit 322 of the client terminal 133. The print data management unit 332 then registers the received print jobs with the print data storage unit 331. The print data storage unit 331 saves these print jobs to a storage medium. Table 4 below illustrates the management information for print jobs managed by the print data storage unit 331.

[0045] [Table 4]

[0046] In Table 4, the Job ID column indicates an ID that uniquely identifies the print job, generated when the print data management unit 332 registers the print job in the print data storage unit 331. The User ID column indicates the identifier of the user who submitted the print job by operating the client terminal 133. The Print Data column indicates binary data representing the content and print settings. The Print Data Acquisition Unit 333 receives a request to acquire a print job from the image forming apparatus (131, 132) and transmits the print job, as stored in the print data storage unit 331, to the image forming apparatus (131, 132) via the Print Data Management Unit 332.

[0047] Next, the software blocks of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) will be described. The image forming apparatus (131, 132) includes a reduction setting inquiry unit 341, a print setting unit 342, a data transmission unit 343, a print data control unit 345, and a print control unit 346. The print data control unit 345 obtains a list of print jobs of users logged into the image forming apparatus (131, 132) from the print data acquisition unit 333 of the print service 122, and passes the obtained print jobs to the print control unit 346. The print control unit 346 displays the list of print jobs passed from the print data control unit 345 on the operation panel 229. The user selects the job they want to print from the list of print jobs displayed on the operation panel. Then, the print control unit 346 passes the corresponding print job to the raster controller 227, and printing is executed.

[0048] Here, we will explain how to implement held prints in the image forming apparatus (131, 132). Specifically, the print service 122 temporarily holds the print job submitted from the print application 302 of the client terminal 133. Then, the image forming apparatus (131, 132) requests the print service 122 to retrieve the print job for a predetermined user. The print service 122 then returns the print job to the image forming apparatus (131, 132). The image forming apparatus (131, 132) then executes printing according to the print job. In this way, held prints are implemented. A detailed method for implementing held prints will be explained in the second embodiment.

[0049] Next, using Figures 4 to 6, we will explain how to print (copy) a document read via Reader 232 of the image forming apparatus (131, 132). Note that the processing in Figures 5 and 6 is achieved by the CPU of each device constituting the print system 10 loading the program stored in the ROM of each device into RAM and executing it.

[0050] In S501 of Figure 5, the user operates the control panel 229 of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) to configure print settings such as monochrome / color, collation settings, and single-sided / double-sided printing via the print setting unit 342. The user then places the document in the Reader 232 and presses the print button on the image forming apparatus (131, 132). The print setting unit 342 (an example of a "reception unit") of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) receives the user's press of the print button and starts the printing process upon detection of this press.

[0051] In S502, the print setting unit 342 transmits to the reduction setting inquiry unit 341 the serial number of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) on which the print button was pressed, and the print settings made by the user. The reduction setting inquiry unit 341 then transmits the serial number of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) and the print settings (an example of the "first print settings") received from the print setting unit 342 to the reduction setting proposal unit 315 of the target management service 121. The reduction setting inquiry unit 341 is an example of the "second output unit". The reduction setting proposal unit 315 is an example of the "first acquisition unit". The reduction setting proposal unit 315 then receives the serial number of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) and the print settings. In S503, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 generates reduction settings using the received serial number of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) and the print settings.

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates a detailed flowchart of the process in S503. In S601, the reduction setting proposal unit 315, via the device group management unit 312, determines whether the image forming apparatus (131, 132) on which the print setting was executed belongs to a device group. That is, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 uses, for example, Table 3 to determine whether there is a device group that includes the serial numbers of the image forming apparatus (131, 132). If the reduction setting proposal unit 315 determines that the image forming apparatus (131, 132) on which the print setting was executed belongs to a device group, the process proceeds to S602. Otherwise, the process in Figure 6 ends, and the generation of the reduction setting is not performed.

[0053] In S602, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 uses the device group management unit 312 to identify device groups including the serial numbers of the image forming apparatuses (131, 132). In S603, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 uses Table 3 to obtain a list of serial numbers and reduction targets for the device groups identified in S601. In S604, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 (an example of the "second acquisition unit") obtains actual power consumption values ​​for each image forming apparatus (131, 132) corresponding to the list of serial numbers obtained in S603 from the actual data management unit 314. For example, if the reduction target is an N% reduction compared to the same period last year for a quarter, the actual values ​​for the current quarter and the same quarter of the previous year are obtained.

[0054] In S605, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 (an example of the "first determination unit") compares the actual results obtained in S604 with the reduction target obtained in S603 to determine whether the organization's (tenant's) reduction target is achievable. That is, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 predicts whether the reduction target will be achieved if the image forming apparatus (131, 132) continues to be used at a similar pace to past results. If the reduction setting proposal unit 315 determines that the organization's reduction target is achievable (an example of "according to the determination result"), the process in Figure 6 ends. In such cases, no reduction setting is generated.

[0055] On the other hand, if the reduction setting proposal unit 315 does not determine that the organization's reduction target is achievable, the process proceeds to S606. In S606, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 (an example of a "generation unit") generates a reduction setting (an example of a "second print setting") that reduces the amount of power consumed compared to the print setting received from the image forming apparatus (131, 132) when printing is performed. Note that generating a reduction setting is also referred to as converting the print setting. Then the process in Figure 6 is completed.

[0056] Let's return to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 5. In S504, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 (an example of the "first output unit") sends the print settings after the processing in the flowchart of Figure 6 has been executed to the reduction setting inquiry unit 341 of the image forming apparatus (131, 132). That is, if the print settings have been converted, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 sends the converted print settings; otherwise, it sends the print settings received from the image forming apparatus (131, 132) in S502. Note that the image forming apparatus (131, 132) is an example of the "first information processing device," the "predetermined image forming apparatus," and the "external device." The reduction setting inquiry unit 341 of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) then receives these print settings. The reduction setting inquiry unit 341 then returns the received print settings to the print setting unit 342.

[0057] In S505, the print setting unit 342 (an example of the "second determination unit") determines whether there is a difference between the print settings made by the user in S501 and the print settings returned by the reduction setting inquiry unit 341 in S504. If the print setting unit 342 determines that a difference exists, the process proceeds to S506; otherwise, the process proceeds to S508.

[0058] In S506, the print settings unit 342 displays information regarding the differences determined in S505 on the operation panel 229. Figure 4 illustrates the operation panel 229 with a difference display dialog 401 containing such difference information. The difference display dialog 401 includes boxes (422, 423, 424) that show the print settings made by the user in S501, and a box 421 that shows that the print settings displayed in boxes (422, 423, 424) are the settings before the change.

[0059] The difference display dialog 401 also includes boxes (432, 433, 434) that display the changed print settings, and box 431 that indicates that the print settings displayed in boxes (432, 433, 434) are the changed settings. The difference display dialog 401 also includes an apply button 441 for applying the changed print settings, and a cancel button 442 for canceling the application of the changed print settings. The difference display dialog 401 also includes checkboxes (411, 412, 413) for selecting whether to apply the changed print settings.

[0060] The user, for example, checks at least one of the reduction setting checkboxes (411, 412, 413) and presses the apply button 441. Then, in S507, the print setting unit 342 sends the print settings corresponding to the checked checkboxes to the print control unit 346.

[0061] In step S508, the print control unit 346 reads the document using the Reader 232. The scanned document, along with the print settings received from the print setting unit 342, is then sent to the raster controller 227. The raster controller 227 generates image data using the received document data and print settings. The print engine 228 then processes this image data to perform printing.

[0062] In S509, when printing is complete, the print control unit 346 transmits job log information, including print settings, to the data transmission unit 343. The data transmission unit 343 transmits the job log information as performance information to the performance data receiving unit 316 of the target management service 121. The performance data receiving unit 316 of the target management service 121 then receives this performance information. In S510, the performance data receiving unit 316 responds to the image forming apparatus (131, 132) indicating that it has received the performance information.

[0063] In the first embodiment, a method for printing (copying) a document read via Reader 232 was described. However, the first embodiment is also applicable when printing a document held in the storage device 230 within the image forming apparatus (131, 132) or in the external memory 226.

[0064] Furthermore, in S606, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 may determine the past performance of the specific image forming machine (131, 132) on which printing is to be performed, instead of the performance of the image forming machines (131, 132) in the serial number list. That is, if it is determined that this past performance is not based on printing with environmentally friendly printing settings, it may proactively propose reduction settings. This is because it is determined that a specific department within the organization that mainly uses a particular image forming machine (131, 132) is not actively working to reduce power consumption, and that unnecessary printing is being performed on that particular image forming machine (131, 132).

[0065] <One aspect of action / effect> According to the first embodiment, a reduction setting is proposed when it is predicted that the reduction target at the device group level cannot be achieved based on past printing performance. Therefore, the reduction target can be addressed at the organizational level, rather than for individual image forming apparatuses (131, 132). Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, differences in power consumption per user due to the use of image forming apparatuses (131, 132) and differences in power consumption per image forming apparatus (131, 132) can be leveled out at the device group level. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of unnecessary reduction settings in order to reduce the power consumption of image forming apparatuses (131, 132) at the organizational level. In addition, according to the first embodiment, a reduction setting is proposed when it is predicted that the reduction target cannot be achieved at the group level. Therefore, it is possible to quickly achieve a reduction in power consumption at the group level.

[0066] (Second Embodiment) The first embodiment described the process of setting print settings when the image forming apparatus (131, 132) is the starting point of the printing process, such as when printing a document read by Reader 232 or a document held in storage device 230 or external memory 226. However, there are cases where print settings are set using the print application 302 on the client terminal 133. Then, the print control unit 346 of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) may select the target job from the jobs displayed on the operation panel 229 and execute printing with these print settings. The second embodiment describes the reduction setting process in such cases. This type of printing method is also called hold printing. Furthermore, the second embodiment will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0067] Figure 7 illustrates the software configuration of the print system 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the print application 302 of the client terminal 133 includes a reduction setting inquiry unit 721. The reduction setting inquiry unit 721 receives print settings from the print management unit 322. Then, the reduction setting inquiry unit 721 uses an authorization token obtained from the authorization unit 310 of the authentication authorization service 123 to obtain reduction settings from the device group management unit 312 or the reduction setting proposal unit 315 of the target management service 121.

[0068] Using Figures 8 and 9, a flowchart is shown illustrating how to apply reduction settings to hold printing and perform printing on the image forming apparatus (131, 132). Note that the processes shown in Figures 8 and 9 are realized by the CPUs of each device constituting the print system 10 loading the programs stored in the ROM of each device into RAM and executing them.

[0069] In S801 of Figure 8, the print management unit 322 of the print application 302 on the client terminal 133 displays the image data and documents held in the client terminal 133 on the input / output control unit 205. The user makes print settings on the displayed screen and presses the print button. The print management unit 322 then accepts the print settings and the press of the print button. The print management unit 322 then sends the accepted print settings to the reduction setting inquiry unit 721. The reduction setting inquiry unit 721 then receives the print settings.

[0070] In S802, the print setting conversion process is executed through the cooperation of the client terminal 133 and the goal management service 121. A detailed flowchart of S802 is shown using Figure 9. In S901, the reduction setting inquiry unit 721 of the client terminal 133 obtains device group information associated with the tenant ID of the authorization token from the device group management unit 312 of the goal management service 121.

[0071] In S902, the reduction setting inquiry unit 721 uses the device group information obtained in S901 to determine whether the device group actually exists. If the reduction setting inquiry unit 721 determines that the device group exists, the process proceeds to S903. Otherwise, the reduction setting inquiry unit 721 simply returns the received print settings to the print management unit 322, and the process shown in Figure 9 ends.

[0072] In S903, the print management unit 322 displays a list of device groups on the input / output control unit 205. The user then selects a device group by operating the input / output control unit 205. The reduction setting inquiry unit 721 transmits the group ID of the selected device group and the print settings received from the print management unit 322 in S801 to the reduction setting proposal unit 315 of the target management service 121. The reduction setting proposal unit 315 then receives the group ID and print settings.

[0073] In S904, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 accesses the device group management unit 312 to obtain the serial number of the device group corresponding to the group ID and the reduction target. In S905, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 obtains the job log corresponding to the obtained device group serial number from the actual data storage unit 313 via the actual data management unit 314. In S906, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 determines whether the device group's reduction target is achievable based on the actual data in the obtained list of device group serial numbers. If the reduction setting proposal unit 315 determines that the device group's reduction target is achievable, it sends the print settings received from the client terminal 133's reduction setting inquiry unit 721 back to the reduction setting inquiry unit 721. The process in Figure 9 then ends. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S907.

[0074] In S907, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 converts the print settings to print settings that can further reduce power consumption. It then transmits the converted print settings to the reduction setting inquiry unit 721 of the client terminal 133. Here, the print settings converted by the reduction setting proposal unit 315 are, for example, the same as the converted print settings in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the print settings may be converted to settings that "suggest printing with more environmentally friendly image forming apparatus models (131, 132)". Then the process in Figure 9 is completed.

[0075] Let's return to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 8. In S803, the reduction setting inquiry unit 721 of the client terminal 133 returns the print settings returned from the reduction setting proposal unit 315 of the target management service 121 to the print management unit 322. The print management unit 322 then determines whether there is a difference between the print settings made by the user in S801 and the print settings returned from the reduction setting inquiry unit 721. If the print management unit 322 determines that a difference exists, the process proceeds to S804; otherwise, the process proceeds to S806.

[0076] In S804, the print management unit 322 displays the difference on the screen of the input / output control unit 205 of the client terminal 133, as shown in Figure 4. The user then performs the same operation on the screen as in the first embodiment. In S805, the print management unit 322 accepts that the print settings have been converted when the user presses the apply button 441. In S806, the print management unit 322 transmits the print setting data, along with the content data to be printed, to the print data management unit 332 of the print service 122. The print data management unit 332 then receives the print setting data and content data and stores them in the print data storage unit 331.

[0077] In S807, the print data control unit 345 of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) accepts the user's login operation. In S808, the print data control unit 345 requests the acquisition of a list of jobs associated with the logged-in user, which is stored in the print data storage unit 331, by accessing the print data acquisition unit 333 of the print service 122. In S809, the print data acquisition unit 333 of the print service 122 transmits the acquisition result of the print job list to the print control unit 346 in response to the acquisition request from the print data control unit 345 of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) in S808. The print control unit 346 then receives this acquisition result and displays it on the operation panel 229.

[0078] In S810, the print control unit 346 accepts the user's selection operation from the list of print jobs displayed on the operation panel 229. In S811, the print control unit 346 sends the accepted print job to the raster controller 227. The raster controller 227 generates image data using the content data and print setting data included in the received print job. The print engine 228 then processes this image data to execute printing.

[0079] In S812, when the printing process is complete, the print control unit 346 sends a print job completion notification to the print service 122 via the print data control unit 345. In S813, the print control unit 346 receives a response from the print service 122 to the print job completion notification via the print data control unit 345. In S814, the print control unit 346 sends job log information, including print settings, to the data transmission unit 343. The data transmission unit 343 sends the job log information to the performance data receiving unit 316 of the target management service 121. In S815, the data transmission unit 343 receives a response from the performance data receiving unit 316 of the target management service 121 to the transmission of the job log information. Then, the process ends.

[0080] Furthermore, in S907, if the reduction setting proposal unit 315 converts the print setting to a setting that "suggests printing on a more environmentally friendly image forming machine (131, 132)," the following processing may be performed. That is, the reduction setting proposal unit 315 may embed information in the print job indicating that it is a job that can only be printed on an image forming machine (131, 132) with a specific serial number. Also, if the device management unit 311 has location information for the image forming machines (131, 132), the reduction setting proposal unit 315 may use that location information to suggest an image forming machine (131, 132) that is close to the user's current location. If these processing is performed, in S810, the print data control unit 345 may control the system so that it cannot acquire a print job if the user is not operating the image forming machine (131, 132) corresponding to the suggested serial number. In this way, the reduction settings generated by the reduction setting proposal unit 315 may target all devices belonging to the same group.

[0081] <One aspect of action / effect> According to the second embodiment, when a user utilizes the reserved print service, it is possible to suppress the generation of unnecessary reduction settings in order to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus (131, 132) on an organizational basis.

[0082] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or recording medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0083] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0084] The disclosures herein include the following information processing systems, information processing devices, methods for controlling information processing systems, and programs. <Item 1> A first acquisition unit that acquires the first print settings of a predetermined image forming apparatus, A second acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the aforementioned predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, A first determination unit determines whether the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired by the second acquisition unit, The system includes a generation unit that generates a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, based on the determination result of the first determination unit. Information processing system. <Item 2> The system further includes a first output unit that outputs the second print settings to the first information processing device. The information processing system described in item 1. <Item 3> The first information processing device includes the predetermined image forming apparatus, The information processing system described in item 2. <Item 4> The first information processing device includes an image forming apparatus belonging to the same group as the predetermined image forming apparatus. The information processing system described in item 2 or 3. <Item 5> The first information processing device includes an information processing terminal that generates a print job for a user to perform printing on the predetermined image forming apparatus. An information processing system described in any one of items 2 through 4. <Item 6> A receiving unit that accepts input for executing printing with the first print settings described above, The system further includes a second output unit that outputs the first print settings to the first acquisition unit in response to the input received by the reception unit, An information processing system described in any one of items 1 through 5. <Item 7> The system further includes a second determination unit that determines whether or not there is a difference between the first print setting and the second print setting. If the second determination unit determines that there is a difference, the system further includes a display unit that displays the first print setting and the second print setting. An information processing system described in any one of items 1 through 6. <Item 8> A power management unit that manages the power consumption of the image forming apparatus, A group information management unit manages the identifier of the image forming apparatus and the power consumption reduction target of the group to which the image forming apparatus belongs, and further comprises An information processing system described in any one of items 1 through 7. <Item 9> A first acquisition unit that acquires the first print settings of a predetermined image forming apparatus, A second acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the aforementioned predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, A first determination unit determines whether the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired by the second acquisition unit, The system includes a generation unit that generates a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, based on the determination result of the first determination unit. Information processing device. <Item 10> The system further includes a first output unit that outputs the second print settings to an external device. The information processing device described in item 9. <Item 11> The external device includes the predetermined image forming apparatus, The information processing device described in item 10. <Item 12> The external device includes an image forming apparatus belonging to the same group as the predetermined image forming apparatus. An information processing device as described in item 10 or 11. <Item 13> The external device includes an information processing terminal that generates a print job for the user to perform printing on the predetermined image forming apparatus. An information processing device described in any one of items 10 to 12. <Item 14> A method for controlling an information processing system, The first acquisition unit performs a first acquisition step of acquiring a predetermined first print setting of an image forming apparatus, The second acquisition unit performs a second acquisition step of acquiring the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, The first determination unit performs a first determination step in which it determines whether or not the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired in the second acquisition step, The generation unit includes a generation step of generating a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, according to the determination result in the first determination step. A method for controlling an information processing system. <Item 15> A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an information processing system, wherein the control method is: The first acquisition unit performs a first acquisition step of acquiring a predetermined first print setting of an image forming apparatus, The second acquisition unit performs a second acquisition step of acquiring the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, The first determination unit performs a first determination step in which it determines whether or not the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired in the second acquisition step, The generation unit includes a generation step of generating a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, according to the determination result in the first determination step. A control program for an information processing system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 10: Printing system, 121: Target management service, 122: Printing service, 123: Authentication and authorization service, 131, 132: Image forming apparatus, 133: Client terminal, 229: Operation panel, 312: Device group management unit, 315: Reduction setting proposal unit, 316: Performance data reception unit, 322: Printing management unit, 341, 721: Reduction setting inquiry unit, 342: Printing setting unit, 346: Printing control unit

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit that acquires the first print settings of a predetermined image forming apparatus, A second acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the aforementioned predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, A first determination unit determines whether the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired by the second acquisition unit, The system includes a generation unit that generates a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, based on the determination result by the first determination unit. Information processing system.

2. The system further comprises a first output unit that outputs the second print settings to the first information processing device. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The first information processing device includes the predetermined image forming apparatus, The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The first information processing device includes an image forming apparatus belonging to the same group as the predetermined image forming apparatus. The information processing system according to claim 2.

5. The first information processing device includes an information processing terminal that generates a print job for a user to perform printing on the predetermined image forming apparatus, The information processing system according to claim 2.

6. A receiving unit that accepts input for executing printing with the first print settings, The system further includes a second output unit that outputs the first print settings to the first acquisition unit in response to the input received by the reception unit, The information processing system according to claim 1.

7. The system further includes a second determination unit that determines whether or not there is a difference between the first print setting and the second print setting. If the second determination unit determines that there is a difference, the system further includes a display unit that displays the first print setting and the second print setting. The information processing system according to claim 1.

8. A power management unit that manages the power consumption of the image forming apparatus, A group information management unit manages the identifier of the image forming apparatus and the power consumption reduction target of the group to which the image forming apparatus belongs, and further comprises An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A first acquisition unit that acquires the first print settings of a predetermined image forming apparatus, A second acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the aforementioned predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, A first determination unit determines whether the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired by the second acquisition unit, The system includes a generation unit that generates a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, based on the determination result by the first determination unit. Information processing device.

10. The system further includes a first output unit that outputs the second print settings to an external device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The external device includes the predetermined image forming apparatus, The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The external device includes an image forming apparatus belonging to the same group as the predetermined image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

13. The external device includes an information processing terminal that generates a print job for the user to perform printing on the predetermined image forming apparatus. An information processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. A method for controlling an information processing system, The first acquisition unit performs a first acquisition step of acquiring a predetermined first print setting of an image forming apparatus, The second acquisition unit performs a second acquisition step of acquiring the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, The first determination unit performs a first determination step in which it determines whether or not the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired in the second acquisition step, The generation unit includes a generation step of generating a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, according to the determination result in the first determination step. A method for controlling an information processing system.

15. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an information processing system, wherein the control method is: The first acquisition unit performs a first acquisition step of acquiring a predetermined first print setting of an image forming apparatus, The second acquisition unit performs a second acquisition step of acquiring the power consumption of all image forming apparatuses included in the group to which the predetermined image forming apparatus belongs, The first determination unit performs a first determination step in which it determines whether or not the power consumption reduction target for the group is achieved using the power consumption acquired in the second acquisition step, The generation unit includes a generation step of generating a second print setting that reduces power consumption compared to printing with the first print setting, according to the determination result in the first determination step. A control program for an information processing system.

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