JP5832228B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to control of an information processing apparatus that manages environmental costs of an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, when an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a device) such as a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine is used, resources consumed by the image forming apparatus such as CO2 emission amount and power consumption amount for the purpose of environmental consideration (so-called “so-called”). There is a desire to reduce environmental costs. As a method for reducing the CO2 emission amount and the power consumption amount due to the use of the device, there are a method in which single-sided printing is changed to double-sided printing, and two pages of originals are integrated and printed on one page.

A method has been proposed in which target values for CO2 emissions and power consumption are set and information on the achievement status of the target is provided (see Patent Document 1).
For example, the proposal of Patent Document 1 specifies a reduction ratio from the number of printed sheets of the previous month, sets a target value, displays a target achievement status, converts the reduced number of sheets into CO2, and presents a reduced CO2 emission amount. To do.

JP 2010-134765 A

  The above prior art calculates the reduction amount of CO2 emissions and provides information on the achievement status of the target. In order to actually reduce CO2 emissions and power consumption, what kind of policy is used for printing? Information is required to determine whether or not

  For example, companies and the like may generally recommend double-sided printing or aggregate printing to employees in order to reduce CO2 emissions and power consumption. However, for example, certain documents such as documents submitted to customers cannot be printed on both sides or in aggregate, and it may not be practical to print on both sides or in aggregate.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the resources (so-called environmental costs) consumed by the image forming apparatus such as CO2 emission amount and power consumption amount. It is to provide a mechanism capable of providing information capable of determining a print setting recommended for achieving.

  The present invention provides an acquisition unit that acquires history information of a print job executed in an image forming apparatus, an input unit that inputs a target value related to saving of resources consumed in the image forming apparatus, and the resource saving. A selection unit for selecting a saving print setting indicating a possible print setting; and all of the above-described cases in which the saving print setting selected by the selection unit is not applied to all print jobs corresponding to the history information. First analysis means for obtaining a first consumed resource amount to be reduced when the saving print setting is applied to the print job, and a print job corresponding to the history information for the first consumed resource amount A second reduction ratio for obtaining an actual reduction ratio indicating the ratio of the reduced second consumption resource amount and a target reduction ratio indicating the ratio of the third consumption resource amount necessary to achieve the target value; Min And having means, said display means for identifiably displaying the reduction ratio of the actual reduction ratio and the target, the.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide information with which it is possible to determine a recommended print setting for achieving a reduction target of resources (so-called environmental costs) consumed by the image forming apparatus such as CO2 emission amount and power consumption amount. it can. In other words, it is possible to provide information for determining an optimal print policy in accordance with individual circumstances.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the information processing system which can apply the information processing apparatus which shows one Example of this invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a device 120. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus 110. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for performing a CO2 emission reduction prediction that is executed by the information processing apparatus 110; 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI 400 that displays a result of counting CO2 emissions in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of UI500 which displays the total result for every user of the CO2 discharge | emission amount in Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of UI400 which displays the total result of the CO2 discharge | emission amount in Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of UI400 which displays the total result of the CO2 discharge | emission amount in Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of UI500 which displays the total result for every user of CO2 discharge | emission amount in Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI 600 that sets a type of printing result that is a target of saving prediction in the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the information processing system of the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus 110 and a device 120 are connected via a network 100 so as to communicate with each other.
The information processing apparatus 110 is a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. The device 120 is an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a device) such as a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction peripheral having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG.

The information processing apparatus 110 has functions such as a communication unit 113, a calculation unit 112, and an interface (IF) 111. Details will be described below.
The communication unit 113 has a function of connecting to a network and a function of communicating with the device 120 via the network 100. The calculation unit 112 has a function of acquiring information (history information) such as printing results (job information) from the device 120 via the communication unit 113 and calculating consumption resource amounts such as CO2 emission amount and power consumption amount. . In this embodiment, the CO2 emission amount and the power consumption amount will be described as examples of the resource consumption amount of the image forming apparatus, but the resource consumption amount of the image forming apparatus is not limited to these.

  The interface (IF) 111 has a function of accepting an operation of an administrator who operates the information processing apparatus 110. The IF 111 may have a configuration in which a user interface (UI) is displayed on the monitor 310 (FIG. 3) connected to the information processing apparatus 110 to accept an operation, or a web service is configured and another computer is connected via a web browser. It may be configured to accept the operation performed.

The device 120 has functions such as a communication unit 121, a printing unit 122, and a job information management unit 123. Details will be described below.
The communication unit 121 of the device 120 has a function of connecting to a network and a function of communicating with the information processing apparatus 110 via the network 100. The printing unit 122 has a function of accepting a direct operation of a device by a user or a print request via a network and executing printing.

  The job information management unit 123 has a function of storing a printing result (job information) as a result of printing by the printing unit 122. The printing result (job information) managed by the job information management unit 123 is transmitted from the communication unit 121 to the information processing apparatus 110 in response to a request from the information processing apparatus 110. Note that one or more devices 120 may be provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device 120 illustrated in FIG.
The CPU 201 outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 206 connected to the system bus 204 based on a control program or the like. The control program is recorded in a ROM 202, a hard disk drive (HDD) 209, or the like so as to be readable by a computer.

  The CPU 201 can perform communication processing with a computer, a device 120 and the like on the network 100 via a network interface card (NIC) 208. The RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201.

  The operation unit 205 includes buttons and switches for operation, a touch panel display device, and the like. A disk controller (DKC) 207 controls data writing to and reading from the HDD 209. Instead of the HDD, other storage devices (for example, SSD (Solid State Drive)) may be used.

  The functions of the communication unit 121, the printing unit 122, and the job information management unit 123 illustrated in FIG. 1 are realized by the CPU 201 reading and executing a computer-readable program recorded in the ROM 202, the HDD 209, or the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 110 illustrated in FIG.
The CPU 301 uses a RAM 303 as a work memory, executes a program recorded in a ROM 302, a hard disk drive (HDD) 311 and the like so as to be readable by a computer, and controls each component described later via a system bus 304.

  The HDD 311 stores an operating system (OS), various programs, and data. The CPU 301 accesses the HDD 311 and the disk drive 312 via the disk controller (DKC) 307 and installs various programs and the like in the HDD 311.

The CPU 301 can communicate with other computers, devices, etc. via the network 100 via a network interface card (NIC) 308.
The CPU 301 displays a user interface (UI) on the monitor 310 via the video card (VC) 306 according to the program. A user operates a pointing device such as a keyboard (KB) 309 or a mouse to give instructions and inputs to the UI. The CPU 301 receives a user instruction and input via the keyboard controller (KBC) 305 and executes various processes in accordance with the user instruction and input.

Note that the functions of the IF 111, the calculation unit 112, and the communication unit 113 illustrated in FIG. 1 are realized by the CPU 301 reading and executing a computer-readable program recorded in the ROM 302, the HDD 311, or the like.
In other words, this system is realized by a program that operates cooperatively on information processing apparatuses such as the information processing apparatus 110 and the device 120. The program is recorded in a non-volatile storage area of each information processing apparatus so that it can be read by a computer, and is read into the RAM and executed by the CPU.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, a description will be given of a process for performing the reduction prediction of the CO2 emission amount and the power consumption amount in the device use of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for performing reduction prediction of the CO2 emission amount and the power consumption amount executed by the information processing apparatus 110. Note that the processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 reading and executing a program recorded in a ROM 302, HDD 311 or the like so as to be readable by a computer.

When printing is executed in the printing unit 122 of the device 120, the job information management unit 123 of the device 120 stores the printing result in the HDD 209 of the device 120.
The print record includes job information such as the number of printed pages, the number of printed sheets, print settings, and paper type. The print settings include setting information such as duplex printing and aggregate printing. The settings for duplex printing and aggregate printing are print settings that can save resources consumed by the device, and are referred to as saving print settings. Note that consolidated printing is to print a plurality of pages of a document on one page. “2 in 1” is a case where two pages of a document are consolidated on one page. Is called “4 in 1”.

  The communication unit 113 of the information processing apparatus 110 acquires a print record from the device 120 (S700). The acquisition of printing results may be acquired by the information processing apparatus 110 periodically communicating with the device 120, or may be transmitted from the device 120 to the information processing apparatus 110 when job execution is completed. The print results acquired by the information processing apparatus 110 are held in the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110 or the like.

  Next, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 performs totalization of the CO2 emission amount and the power consumption amount (hereinafter referred to as CO2 emission amount, etc.) at regular intervals (CO2 emission result calculation; S701). The CO2 emission result calculation is performed for all users and for each user. The certain period is, for example, every month. This fixed period can be set by the administrator and is stored in the HDD 209 of the information processing apparatus 110. It is assumed that results calculation results such as the amount of CO2 emission up to the previous time (up to the previous month in this case) are held in the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110.

The actual CO2 emission amount calculation is performed using a calculation formula stored in, for example, the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110. Details will be described below.
For example, the information processing apparatus 110 holds, for each paper type, the CO2 emission amount per sheet that is discharged to create the paper, and calculates the CO2 emission amount due to the paper from the information on the number of papers in the printing results. To do. More specifically, the CO2 emission amount by the sheet is calculated by multiplying the sheet number information for each sheet type in the printing results by the CO2 emission amount per sheet for each sheet type.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 110 holds information for converting the amount of power consumption per sheet and the amount of power consumption for each device model and printing content into CO2 emissions, and from the job information, the CO2 emissions due to the amount of power consumption. Is calculated. Specifically, for example, the combination of the device model and the paper content is obtained by multiplying the number of prints for each combination of the device model and the paper content in the job information by the power consumption per sheet for each combination of the device model and the paper content. The amount of power consumption for each device is calculated, and the CO2 emission amount for each combination of device model and paper content is calculated using a conversion formula for each combination of device model and paper content. Further, the power consumption amount and the CO2 emission amount for each combination of the device model and the paper content are added together to calculate the CO2 emission amount based on the power consumption amount and the power consumption amount.

  Further, the CO2 emission amount is calculated by adding the CO2 emission amount due to the paper and the CO2 emission amount due to the power consumption amount. Each calculation result is held in the HDD 311. Further, it is assumed that such a CO2 emission result calculation is performed for each user and is stored in the HDD 311. It should be noted that all users calculated in the middle and the power consumption for each user are also stored in the HDD 311.

  When the calculation of the actual CO2 emission amount as described above is completed, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 executes the processing of S702 to S705 described later, and the calculation result of the IF 111 is the UI 400 (FIG. 5) of the information processing apparatus 110. It controls to display on the monitor 310.

Here, before describing the processing of S702 to S705, the UI 400 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI (user interface) 400 that displays the total result of the CO2 emission amount according to the first embodiment.
The UI 400 is displayed on the monitor 310 by the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110.
The UI 400 includes an item selection control 401 for selecting a total item (CO2 emission / power consumption). Note that the initial value of the item selection control 401 is a CO2 emission amount. Hereinafter, a case where the CO2 emission amount is selected by the item selection control 401 will be described as an example.

  The UI 400 displays a bar graph 405 based on the actual CO2 emission amount calculated in S701. This bar graph 405 is displayed based on the result of CO2 actual calculation in S701 of FIG. 4 described above. In this example, the annual CO2 emissions results for 2011 are cumulatively displayed for each month, but the actual CO2 emissions results for the previous month are displayed even if it is not one year (January to December). You may make it do. For example, the process of FIG. 4 may be performed in September, and the CO2 emission results from January to August may be accumulated and displayed for each month.

  The UI 400 further includes a pattern selection control 402 that selects a pattern for saving print settings. The saving print setting pattern is, for example, “2 in 1”, “4 in 1”, “both sides”, “2 in 1 and both sides”, “4 in 1 and both sides”, and the like. The user can select the saving print setting for which the reduction prediction is to be displayed on the UI 400 by using the pattern selection control 402. In this embodiment, the initial value of the pattern selection control 402 is “2 in 1”.

  Further, the UI 400 includes a ratio designation control 403 for designating a ratio of saving printing that is desired to be used for reduction prediction. The ratio designation control 403 is, for example, a slider, and can be designated between 0% and 100% by moving a knob. The user can designate a reduction ratio for which the reduction prediction is to be displayed on the UI 400 by using the ratio designation control 403.

  In the UI 400, the CO2 emission amount is calculated based on the reduction ratio (%) designated by the percentage designation control 403, and is displayed as a bar graph 406 of the predicted saving result on the front side of the bar graph 405 of the CO2 emission amount of the printing results. . The bar graph 405 of the CO2 emission amount of the printing results and the bar graph 406 of the saving prediction result are displayed in an identifiable manner.

Hereinafter, an example of a calculation method of the predicted result of CO2 emission when saving printing is performed will be described.
When the saving print setting is “2 in 1”, the CO2 emission amount is calculated when printing is performed with a print setting that does not consolidate all the pages on one sheet, and this is set to 0% saving printing. Further, the CO2 emission amount when all the pages that can be collected are printed with “2 in 1” is calculated, and this is set as 100% saving printing. The same applies to “4 in 1”.

  In the case of “both sides”, the CO2 emission amount when all pages are printed on one side is calculated, and this is set to 0% saving printing. Further, the CO2 emission amount when all the pages that can be printed on both sides are printed with “both sides” is calculated, and this is set as 100% saving printing.

  In the case of “2 in 1 and double-sided”, the CO 2 emission amount is calculated when printing is performed on one side with a print setting that does not aggregate all pages, and this is set as 0% saving printing. In addition, the CO2 emission amount when all pages that can be aggregated and printed on both sides are printed in “2 in 1 and both sides” is calculated, and this is set as 100% saving printing. The same applies to “4 in 1 and both sides”.

  The CO2 emission amount between 0% and 100% of saving printing is calculated as a percentage. For example, if the CO2 emission amount for 0% saving printing is 100 g and the CO2 emission amount for 100% saving printing is 50 g, the difference is 50 g. Divide 50g by 100, and calculate that CO2 emission will be reduced by 0.5g when saving printing increases by 1%. When the saving printing is 50%, the CO2 emission amount is calculated as 75 g, and when the saving printing is 75%, the CO2 emission amount is calculated as 62.5 g.

  In this embodiment, the initial value of the ratio designation control 403 is set to “0%”, for example. That is, in the initial state, the value of the bar graph 406 of the saving prediction result is the same as the value of the bar graph 405 based on the actual CO2 emission amount. Then, as the user increases the reduction ratio with the ratio designation control 403, the value of the bar graph 406 of the saving prediction result decreases in accordance with this operation. Note that the initial value of the ratio specification specified by the ratio specification control 403 is stored in the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110 and can be changed by the administrator.

  In addition, the actual reduction ratio 408 is displayed on the slider of the ratio designation control 403. The actual reduction ratio 408 is displayed at the slider position corresponding to the actual CO2 emission amount calculated in S701 of FIG.

  The UI 400 also includes a target setting control 404 for setting a target value of CO2 emissions (annual target value in this embodiment) and an update button 420. The target value of the CO2 emission amount is, for example, for setting the total CO2 emission amount for the year. The user can set the target value of the CO2 emission amount by inputting the target value of the CO2 emission amount into the target setting control 404 and pressing the update button 420. In this embodiment, the initial value of the target setting control 404 is set to “1000 g”, for example. Note that the initial value of the target value is stored in the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110 and can be changed by the administrator.

  In the UI 400, a line graph 407 corresponding to the target value set in the target setting control 404 is represented. In this example, the line graph 407 is shown as a straight line graph. However, for example, it may be a line graph according to the monthly CO2 emission ratio (of course, a curve such as a spline may be used). For example, there is a user who tends to use such that 70% of CO2 is exhausted for one year in a specific period (June, December, etc.). In the case of such a user, an annual target value is allocated for each month at a rate corresponding to this usage trend, and a value corresponding to the target value is displayed on a line graph or the like.

  Further, a reduction ratio 409 necessary for achieving the target value is displayed on the slider of the ratio designation control 403. The reduction ratio 409 necessary for achieving the target value is displayed at the slider position corresponding to the target value set in the target setting control 404. Note that the above-described actual reduction ratio 408 (actual reduction ratio) and the reduction ratio 409 (target reduction ratio) necessary to achieve the target value are displayed in an identifiable manner.

Hereinafter, the processing after S702 in FIG. 4 will be described.
In S702 to S705, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 calculates the CO2 emission amount of 0% and 100% of the saving printing (S703; first analysis step) and the actual reduction ratio calculation for each saving printing setting pattern (S703). S704), reduction ratio calculation required to achieve the target value (S705) is performed (S704 and S705; second analysis step). Details will be described below.

  In step S <b> 702, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 determines whether there is a saving print setting pattern for which a ratio has not yet been calculated (the processing in steps S <b> 703 to S <b> 705 has not been performed).

  If it is determined that there is a saving print setting pattern whose ratio has not yet been calculated (Yes in S702), the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 selects a saving print setting pattern whose ratio has not yet been calculated ( Hereinafter, the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S <b> 703, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 outputs the CO2 emission amount when the saving printing of the current saving printing setting pattern is executed by 0%, and the CO2 emission amount when the saving printing is executed by 100% (first amount). (Consumed resource amount)). Further, the calculation unit 112 calculates the CO2 emission amount that decreases when the saving printing of the current saving printing setting pattern increases by 1%, and stores it in the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110.

  In S <b> 704, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 saves how much the printing performance acquired in S <b> 700 has already been saved for the saving printing of the current saving printing setting pattern (actual reduction ratio (second Of the amount of consumed resources))) is calculated (obtained) using the calculation result of S703. Then, the calculation result is stored in the RAM 303 or the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110. Using this calculation result, the actual reduction ratio 408 is displayed.

The calculation formula for calculating the actual reduction ratio is shown below.
(Actual reduction ratio) = ((Saved printing 0% emission)-(Emissions actual)) / (Emissions reduced by 1% saving printing)
If the above calculation result is negative, it may be corrected as “0%”, and when it exceeds 100%, it may be corrected as “100%”.

  Further, although not shown, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 prints the print results acquired in S701 at a ratio of the position where the knob on the slider of the current saving print setting pattern and the ratio designation control 403 is located. A prediction (saving prediction result) of CO2 emission when saving printing is performed is calculated (third analysis step), and the calculation result is stored in the RAM 303 or the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110. By using this calculation result, a bar graph 406 of the saving prediction result is displayed. Note that the ratio designated by the ratio designation control 403 is set to a predetermined initial value (for example, 0%), and is calculated with this initial value before the UI 400 is displayed.

  In step S <b> 705, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 reduces the reduction ratio necessary for achieving the target value set by the target setting control 404 for the saving printing of the current saving print setting pattern (the target reduction ratio ( The ratio of the third resource consumption amount)) is calculated (obtained) using the calculation result of S703. Then, the calculation result is stored in the RAM 303 or the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110. Using this calculation result, the reduction ratio 409 necessary to achieve the target value is displayed. Note that the target value set by the target setting control 404 is set to a predetermined initial value (for example, 1000 g), and at this point in time, before the user sets the target setting control 404, this initial value is set. Is calculated by

The calculation formula for calculating the reduction ratio required to achieve the above achievement target is shown below.
(Reduction ratio required to achieve the target) = ((Saved printing 0% emissions)-(Target value)) / (Emissions reduced by 1% saving printing)
If the above calculation result is negative, it may be corrected as “0%”, and when it exceeds 100%, it may be corrected as “100%”.

And the calculation part 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 will return a process to S702, after complete | finishing the process of S705.
If the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 determines that the ratio calculation has been completed for all the saving print setting patterns (No in S702), the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 executes the process of S706.

  In step S <b> 706, the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 displays the total result of the CO2 emission amount corresponding to the initial value of the saving print setting on the UI 400 (FIG. 5) based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 112. Note that the saving print setting pattern selected by the pattern selection control 402 is set to a predetermined initial value (for example, 2 in 1), and the total result of the CO2 emission amount corresponding to this initial value is displayed.

  At this time, the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 displays the bar graph 405 based on the CO2 emission result calculation result calculated by the calculation unit 112 in S701. Further, the IF 111 displays the actual reduction ratio 408 for the corresponding saving print setting pattern on the slider of the ratio designation control 403 based on the actual reduction ratio calculation result in S704. Further, the IF 111 displays a line graph 407 corresponding to the target value based on the initial value of the target setting control 404. Further, the IF 111 displays a reduction ratio 409 necessary for achieving the target on the slider of the ratio designation control 403 based on the calculation result of the reduction ratio necessary for achieving the target in S705. Further, the IF 111 displays a bar graph 406 of the saving prediction result for the corresponding saving printing setting pattern based on the saving prediction result calculated by the calculation unit 112 in S704.

  As described above, the saving prediction result at the rate specified by the rate specifying control 403 and the target value are displayed in a state where the target value can be compared, so that information on the rate of the saving print setting pattern necessary for achieving the target value can be obtained. Can be provided.

  In the above description, the initial value of the ratio specification by the ratio specification control 403 and the initial value of the target value set by the target setting control 404 are provided separately. However, the initial value of the ratio specification is the initial value of the target value. The reduction rate required to achieve the value is very good. In this case, in the initial display state of the UI 400, the display position of the reduction ratio 409 necessary for achieving the target and the position of the slider knob of the ratio designation control 403 are the same position.

  When the CO2 emission result calculation and the display of the UI 400 are completed as described above, the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 receives an input from the UI 400, for example, a pattern change control with the pattern selection control 402 and a ratio designation control 403. Control is performed so as to accept a change in the ratio designation, a change in the target value from the target setting control 404, and the like.

  When these inputs are detected, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 recalculates only the portion that needs to be recalculated, and the IF 111 redisplays the UI 400 based on the recalculation result. For example, when the saving print setting pattern is changed by the pattern selection control 402, the calculation result corresponding to the changed saving print setting pattern is read from the RAM 303 or the HDD 311 of the information processing apparatus 110, and the UI 400 is displayed again. To do. Further, when the ratio designation is changed by the ratio designation control 403, the calculation of S704 in FIG. 4 is re-executed, and the UI 400 is redisplayed with the calculation result corresponding to the changed ratio designation. Further, when the target value is changed by the control 404, the calculation of S705 in FIG. 4 is re-executed, and the calculation result corresponding to the changed target value is displayed again on the UI 400.

  Note that the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 accepts selection of a bar graph for each month of the bar graph 405 (or the bar graph 406 of the saving prediction result) based on the CO2 emission results on the UI 400, and is selected according to this selection. The tabulation result for each user in the month can be displayed like a UI 500 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI 500 that displays a totaling result for each user of the CO2 emission amount according to the first embodiment.
The UI 500 is displayed on the monitor 310 by the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110.
Note that the information processing apparatus 110 may calculate the CO2 emission amount for each user by the calculation unit 112 when a bar graph for a certain month is selected, or perform calculation for each user in each step of FIG. 4 in advance. You may go and remember.

The method for selecting the saving print setting pattern, the method for specifying the ratio, and the method for displaying the bar graph of the CO2 emission results and the bar graph of the saving prediction result are the same as in the UI 400 example.
When the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 detects that a bar graph of a certain user is selected on the UI 500 by operating a pointing device or the like, how much the printing result of the user is already in the selected saving print setting pattern. Is displayed as indicated at 501.

  As described above, the CO2 emission information for each user can be provided by displaying the actual results of CO2 emission for each user and the saving prediction result in the ratio designation in a comparable state.

  In this example, the CO2 emission amount graph for each user has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other aggregation units. For example, the present invention can be applied to a graph totaled for each fixed period, for each user group, for each device, or for each device group.

In addition, when printing is performed, a code is added to each print purpose (for example, draft, clean copy, etc.), printing is performed, and the print information is stored as a part of job information of the print results, so that it is possible to perform aggregation for each print purpose. . In this case, this example can also be applied to a graph for each printing purpose.
Although the calculation of the CO2 emission amount has been described so far, the same applies to the power consumption amount.

  In response to switching of the item selection control 401 on the UI 400 (and UI 500) of FIG. 5, the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 may switch between the graph of CO2 emission and the graph of power consumption.

  As described above, when the aggregation item is switched by the item selection control 401, the target value of the target setting control 404 may be configured to newly set the CO2 emission amount and the power consumption amount, or from the target value of the CO2 emission amount. Alternatively, the target value of power consumption may be calculated automatically (or vice versa). For example, the target value of power consumption is automatically calculated assuming that a certain ratio of the target value of CO2 emission is the CO2 emission by the power consumption. As the fixed ratio, for example, the results of the previous fiscal year are used. If the CO2 emission amount of paper last year was 30000 g and the CO2 emission amount by power consumption was 70000 g, it is determined that 70% of the target value of CO2 emission is due to power consumption. The CO2 emission amount converted into the power consumption amount is set as the target value of the power consumption amount. The ratio for converting the CO2 emission amount to the power consumption amount may be stored in the HDD and changeable by the administrator.

  It should be noted that the calculation when the total item is switched by the item selection control 401 may be performed in advance in each step of FIG. 4 and stored in the RAM 303 or the HDD 311, or according to the switching of the item selection control 401. The calculation unit 112 may newly calculate.

  As described above, by performing a simulation when saving print settings are executed, the print settings recommended for achieving the target values of CO2 emission and power consumption can be determined as a whole or for each user. Can be provided.

  In this embodiment, based on the initial values of the item selection control 401, the pattern selection control 402, the ratio specification control 403, and the target setting control 404, a predicted value when saving print setting is executed is calculated to calculate the UI 400. The configuration has been described in which the UI 400 is displayed again by recalculating the predicted value as necessary when each control 401 to 404 is switched. However, immediately after S701 in FIG. 4, that is, before calculating the saving prediction result, when the inputs of the respective controls 401 to 404 are received and the calculation unit 112 executes the saving printing setting based on the input values. The UI 400 may be displayed by calculating the prediction.

  In the second embodiment, a method of displaying a saving prediction result by linking a plurality of saving print setting patterns in cooperation with each other will be described with reference to FIG. Detailed descriptions of the same configurations and procedures as those in the first embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI 400 that displays a result of counting CO2 emissions in the second embodiment, and the same components as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In the first embodiment, in the case of aggregate printing, either “2 in 1” or “4 in 1” is selected as the saving print setting, but in the pattern selection control 402 of this embodiment, both are combined as “aggregate printing”. Provide alternatives.

  The calculation method of the calculation result of the CO2 emission prediction result of “aggregated printing” by the calculation unit 112 is to calculate the CO2 emission amount when printing is performed with a print setting in which all pages are not aggregated, and set it as 0% saving printing. Further, the CO2 emission amount when all the pages that can be collected are printed with “2 in 1” is calculated, and is set to “2 in 1” 100%. Further, the CO2 emission amount when all the pages that can be collected are printed with “4 in 1” is calculated and set to “4 in 1” 100%.

  Then, the IF 111 displays a position (410) of “2 in 1” 100% and a position (411) of “4 in 1” 100% on the slider of the ratio designation control 403. Calculation and display of the prediction of the CO2 emission amount when the slider knob is between 0% and “2 in 1” 100% is the same as in the first embodiment. Also, when the slider knob is between “2 in 1” 100% and “4 in 1” 100%, the ratio specified by the slider knob is “4 in 1”, and the CO2 when the remaining is set to “2 in 1” as much as possible. The discharge amount is calculated and reflected in the bar graph 406.

  With such a configuration, even if the target value is not achieved even if it is “2 in 1” as much as possible, it is easy to predict when “4 in 1” continues (the reduction rate is larger than “2 in 1”). Can be done.

  In the present embodiment, an example of linking two patterns of aggregate printing among the saving print setting patterns has been described, but the pattern to be linked is not limited to this. For example, “both sides”, “2 in 1”, and “4 in 1” may be linked. In this case, when the value specified by the knob is increased, first, “double-sided” is set, and when 100% double-sided is completed, “double-sided and 2 in 1” is set. When 100% “both sides and 2 in 1” is completed, “both sides and 4 in 1” is further set, and the saving prediction result is displayed. When saving print setting patterns are linked, it may be possible to select which saving print setting pattern is to be performed first.

  Further, as another linkage method of saving print setting patterns, a method of designating a ratio for applying a plurality of saving print setting patterns and displaying a CO2 emission saving prediction result will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the UI 400 that displays the total result of the CO2 emission amount according to the second embodiment, and the same components as those in FIGS. 5 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The pattern selection control 415 shown in FIG. 8 is configured to select two of “2 in 1”, “4 in 1”, and “both sides” as the saving print setting pattern (that is, it is necessary to always select two). ).

  The UI 400 in FIG. 8 includes a ratio designation control 412 for designating a ratio at which saving printing is predicted in the entire printing result. In this embodiment, a drop-down list is used, and a ratio can be selected from the list. For example, when 50% is selected, 50% of the entire printing result is set as a prediction target for saving printing.

The UI 400 in FIG. 8 includes a pattern ratio designation control 413 that can select the ratio of each of the saving print setting patterns. For example, when “2 in 1” and “double-sided” are selected in the pattern selection control 415, the ratio of “2 in 1” and “double-sided” in the 50% selected by the ratio designation control 412 is set to the pattern ratio designation control 413. Specify with. That is, when the knob of the pattern ratio designation control 413 is moved to the rightmost (both sides), the ratio is designated as “2 in 1” 0% and “both sides” 50%, while the knob of the pattern ratio designation control 413 is the first. When moved to the left (2 in 1 side), “2 in 1” 50% and “both sides” 0% are specified. Note that the specified ratio is displayed as 414 by the IF 111. In this example, since the knob of the pattern ratio designation control 413 is 3/5 from the leftmost (2 in 1 side), 50% of the reduction ratio is distributed to “2 in 1” and “double-sided” at a ratio of 3: 2. , "2 in 1" 30% and "both sides" 20% are specified.
The calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 calculates the CO2 emission amount at a rate specified by the UI 400 in FIG. 8, and the IF 111 displays the result as a bar graph 406.

  With the above configuration, a print setting recommended for achieving the target value of the CO2 emission amount and the power consumption amount is determined by performing a simulation when the saving print setting in which a plurality of saving print setting patterns are linked is executed. Possible information can be provided.

  In the third embodiment, a method for predicting saving printing for one or more selected users will be described with reference to FIG. Detailed descriptions of the same configurations and procedures as those in the first embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI 500 that displays the total results of CO2 emission amounts for each user in the third embodiment, and the same components as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In this example, the case where the user is the aggregation unit will be described, but the present invention can be applied to other aggregation units. For example, the present invention can be applied to a total period for each fixed period, for each user group, for each device, or for each device group.

  In the present embodiment, the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 displays the actual CO2 emission amount and the saving prediction result for each user as a UI 500 (FIG. 9) by the method described with reference to FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.

  In this display, a user who has a large difference between the actual result and the saving prediction result can be regarded as not saving printing. In the case where the majority of users are saving printing, and only a specific user is not saving printing, there is a case where the target value of the CO2 emission amount can be achieved by calling attention only to a specific user. In the present embodiment, for such a case, a function of predicting saving printing for only a specific user is provided.

  The IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 changes the thickness and color of the frame line of the user's bar graph, such as 502, in the user CO2 emission graph of the UI 500 in FIG. And highlight it. Alternatively, the user's bar graph may be selected in advance.

  The UI 500 in FIG. 9 has a target designating function that allows one or more specific users to be selected on the bar graph of CO2 emissions of printing results, and uses only the selected users as a calculation target for saving prediction. When a predetermined key (for example, the Enter key) of the KB 309 of the information processing apparatus 110 is pressed in a state where one or more specific users are selected on the bar graph of the CO2 emission amount of the printing results, the information processing apparatus 110 The calculation unit 112 uses the selected saving print setting pattern and the ratio of the position on the slider of the ratio designation control 403 of the UI 500, and the CO2 emission amount when saving printing is performed for the selected user's performance as a target. (Conservation prediction result) is calculated. Then, the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110 displays the calculation result of the calculation unit 112 on the UI 500 as the CO2 emission amount as the saving prediction result.

  Further, for the performance of the user selected by the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110, the saving printing ratio is increased from 0%, and when the annual target value is achieved, the IF 111 sets the target value at the ratio. Is displayed on the slider of the ratio designation control 403. The display indicates that the above has been achieved (reduction ratio 504 necessary to achieve the target).

Hereinafter, an example of a calculation process of the reduction ratio 504 necessary for achieving the target will be specifically described.
For example, a case where the target value is 500 g and the total performance of all current users is 520 g will be described as an example. In this case, to achieve the target, it is necessary to reduce 20 g from “520 g−500 g = 20 g”.

  Further, assuming that the user for whom saving prediction is performed is user A, user A's saving print 0% discharge amount is 100 g, user A's saving print 100% discharge amount is 50 g, and user A's current discharge amount is 80 g. The amount of discharge reduced by 1% increase in user A's saving printing is 0.5 g.

Then, the actual saving rate of the user A is calculated as follows.
Actual saving rate of user A = (100−80) ÷ 0.5 = 40%
In order to reduce the CO2 emission amount of the user A by 20 g, “20 ÷ 0.5 = 40”, and the user A needs to reduce by 40%.
Currently, user A has already saved 40%, so if user A is 40% + 40% and the saving rate is 80%, user A can achieve the target value. That is, in this example, the reduction ratio necessary for achieving the target value of user A is calculated as “80%”.

  The same applies to the case where there are a plurality of users (user A and user B) to perform saving prediction. By replacing the “user A” with “user A and user B”, it is possible to calculate the reduction ratio necessary for achieving the target values of the user A and the user B in the same manner.

  In addition, although there is a large difference between the actual result and the saving prediction result, a user who has less than a predetermined number of printed pages and a small amount of CO2 emission is excluded from the target of highlighting, or distinctly highlighted like 503 It is good.

  With the above configuration, by selecting some users (especially users who have a large difference between the actual results and the saving prediction results) and performing a simulation when the selected users execute saving printing settings, the CO2 emission amount or In order to achieve the target value of power consumption, it is possible to provide information with which it is possible to determine print settings recommended for some users (particularly those who are not saving).

  Note that the case where a period, a user group, a device, and a device group are used as the aggregation unit is the same as the case where the user is used as the aggregation unit.

  Note that when there are a plurality of devices that the information processing apparatus 110 predicts saving, a saving print setting that cannot be set by some devices may be selected by the pattern selection control 402. For example, when a device that cannot perform double-sided printing is included, a device that includes both sides may be selected as the saving print setting. In such a case, the saving prediction process is performed only for devices that can be printed with the saving print setting selected by the pattern selection control 402. A specific calculation method and the like are the same as in the saving prediction process for only the selected user.

  In the fourth embodiment, a method for setting the type of printing results to be a target of CO2 emission saving prediction will be described with reference to FIG. Detailed descriptions of the same configurations and procedures as those in the first embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI 600 that sets the type of print results that are targets of saving prediction in the fourth embodiment.
The UI 600 is displayed on the monitor 310 by the IF 111 of the information processing apparatus 110.
In S600 of FIG. 4, the UI 600 selects the target or non-target for each type of job information included in the print results acquired by the information processing apparatus 110, so that the type of print results that are targeted for saving prediction is selected. Can be specified. As shown in FIG. 10, the types of print results specified by the UI 600 include, for example, at least one of paper size, paper type, color / monochrome, printing purpose, and document type.

  For example, in the UI 600 in FIG. 10, an item whose check box is checked is an object. In the example of FIG. 10, only “A4” is checked in the paper size column, which indicates that only “A4” is targeted.

Based on the settings in the UI 600, the calculation unit 112 of the information processing apparatus 110 calculates the saving prediction for only the target printing performance.
For example, in a certain company, daily printing may be A4, and blueprints may be A3. Daily printing can be “double-sided” or “2 in 1”, but a design drawing for printing a fine figure cannot be “double-sided” or “2 in 1”. In such a case, even if the target value can be achieved if the saving printing is set to “double-sided” 100%, it cannot actually be set to 100% double-sided, resulting in a prediction result that does not match the actual situation. Thus, by excluding A3 from the target, saving prediction based on the actual situation can be performed.

  Note that the calculation method of the calculation unit 112 in this embodiment is the same as the method described in S701 to S705 of FIG. 4 except that only the print job corresponding to the item checked in the UI 600 is a calculation target.

  With the above configuration, by setting the type of print results that are the targets of saving prediction from the UI 600, by performing the simulation when saving print settings are executed for the selected type of print job, the CO2 emission amount and consumption In order to achieve the target value of power consumption, it is possible to provide information capable of determining a print setting recommended when executing a specific type of job.

  As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, the resources consumed by the image forming apparatus such as the CO2 emission amount and the power consumption amount (so-called “so-called CO2 emission amount” and “power consumption amount”) are executed by performing simulations when various saving print settings are executed. It is possible to provide information capable of determining a recommended print setting for achieving the target value of (environmental cost). Therefore, it is possible to provide information for determining an optimal print policy that suits individual circumstances.

It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.
Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.
Moreover, all the structures which combined said each Example are also contained in this invention.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not. That is, the present invention includes all the combinations of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof.

110 Information processing device 111 IF
112 Calculation unit 113 Communication unit 120 Device 121 Communication unit 122 Printing unit 123 Job information management unit

Claims (13)

Acquisition means for acquiring history information of a print job executed by the image forming apparatus;
An input unit for inputting a target value related to saving of resources consumed in the image forming apparatus;
Selection means for selecting a saving print setting indicating a print setting capable of saving the resource;
The first reduction is achieved when the saving print setting is applied to all the print jobs, compared to the case where the saving print setting selected by the selection unit is not applied to all the print jobs corresponding to the history information. A first analysis means for obtaining a consumed resource amount;
An actual reduction ratio indicating a ratio of the second consumption resource amount actually reduced by the print job corresponding to the history information with respect to the first consumption resource amount, and a first number necessary to achieve the target value. A second analysis means for determining a target reduction ratio indicating the ratio of the consumption resource amount of 3;
Display means for displaying the actual reduction ratio and the target reduction ratio in an identifiable manner;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource consumption is a CO2 emission amount or a power consumption amount.   3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the CO2 emission amount includes an emission amount of CO2 emitted to produce a sheet and an emission amount of CO2 emitted by printing.   4. The print setting according to claim 1, wherein the saving print setting is a print setting to which at least one of aggregate printing for consolidating a plurality of pages into one page and printing and duplex printing is applied. The information processing apparatus described in 1. A specifying means for specifying a ratio of the saving print setting;
Predicted when the actual consumption resource amount of the print job corresponding to the history information and the saving print setting selected by the selection unit are applied to the print job corresponding to the history information at the ratio specified by the specification unit A third analyzing means for determining the amount of consumed resources,
5. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the actual consumption resource amount obtained by the third analysis unit and the predicted consumption resource amount in an identifiable manner. The information processing apparatus according to item. The third analysis means obtains the actual consumed resource amount and the predicted consumed resource amount for each aggregation unit,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display unit displays the actual consumed resource amount and the predicted consumed resource amount for each aggregation unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the aggregation unit is a user, a group of users, an image forming apparatus, a group of image forming apparatuses, a period, or a printing purpose. The selection means is for selecting a plurality of saving print settings to be applied in cooperation with each other,
The designation means designates a proportion of a plurality of saving print settings selected by the selection means,
The third analysis unit applies the saving print setting designated by the designation unit by the designated proportion, and cooperates with the saving printing setting designated by the designation unit for the remaining proportion. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a predicted consumed resource amount is obtained when a saving print setting with a smaller reduction rate of the consumed resource amount is applied as much as possible. The selection means is for selecting a plurality of saving print settings,
The designation means designates an overall ratio of the plurality of saving print settings selected by the selection means, and an individual ratio in the overall ratio,
The third analysis means is predicted when a plurality of saving print settings selected by the selection means are applied at the individual ratio to the overall ratio of the print job corresponding to the history information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a resource consumption amount is obtained.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a target designating unit that designates a type of a print job to be analyzed among print jobs corresponding to the history information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the type specified by the target specifying unit includes at least one of a paper size, a paper type, color / monochrome, a printing purpose, and a document type. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus,
An acquisition step of acquiring history information of a print job executed by the image forming apparatus;
An input step of receiving an input of a target value related to saving of resources consumed in the image forming apparatus;
A selection step of accepting selection of a saving print setting indicating a print setting capable of saving the resource;
The first reduction is achieved when the saving print setting is applied to all the print jobs, compared to the case where the saving print setting selected in the selection step is not applied to all the print jobs corresponding to the history information. A first analysis step for determining a consumed resource amount;
An actual reduction ratio indicating a ratio of the second consumption resource amount actually reduced by the print job corresponding to the history information with respect to the first consumption resource amount, and a first number necessary to achieve the target value. A second analysis step for determining a target reduction ratio indicating the ratio of the consumption resource amount of 3;
A display step for displaying the actual reduction ratio and the target reduction ratio in an identifiable manner;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising:   The program for functioning a computer as a means as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11.

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