JP6241166B2 - Printing system, printing control apparatus, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system and related technology.

  There is a printing method (also referred to as a first printing method) that executes print output of a print job including a plurality of pages according to different print settings in accordance with the page order specified in the print job. For example, in Patent Document 1, in each MFP, a print job composed of pages of different paper types is changed to a fixing temperature corresponding to the paper type of each page as needed. There is a technique for executing print processing according to the page order (see Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, print output of a print job including multiple pages with different print settings is performed with the page order specified by the print job changed and the pages grouped for each print setting, and the page order is arranged and output. There is also a printing technique (also referred to as a second printing technique). For example, in Patent Document 2, the print job is divided into a plurality of sub-jobs based on the paper type of each page of the print job, and the sub-job is printed out by a printer. A technique for using and arranging the order has been proposed (Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 3, a plurality of print jobs are divided into a color print job and a monochrome print job based on print settings (specifically, print output color (color / monochrome)) of each page of the print job. There has been proposed a technique of printing out with a printer of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-228688.

  Patent Document 4 describes a technique for changing the position of the transfer roller between color printing and monochrome printing.

JP-A-3-153283 JP 2008-152712 A JP 2008-84325 A JP 2008-268610 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a change is made to the fixing temperature corresponding to the paper type of the paper of each page as needed, and power consumption for realizing such a temperature change occurs. For example, when the fixing temperature changing operation (fixing temperature rise (heating temperature rise) and fall (natural cooling)) is repeated frequently according to the paper type change (when pages of different paper types are printed alternately) Etc.) consumes a relatively large amount of power.

  In the techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the work of finally sorting the printed output output classified and output for each paper type (or print output color) in a predetermined page order is performed. It is executed by a paper insertion machine (paper inserter). Since pages of the same paper type are printed together, the change in fixing temperature is minimized, but power consumption occurs in the paper insertion machine.

  Regarding the print output of a print job including a plurality of pages according to different print settings, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 individually execute different print methods (first and second print methods), respectively. It is.

  By the way, it is preferable that the power consumption in the whole printing system is reduced.

  However, from the viewpoint of minimizing power consumption, it cannot be determined in general which of the above-mentioned methods is superior. In other words, the power consumption by a specific printing method among the power consumptions by the plurality of printing methods is not always the minimum. Depending on the contents of the print job, the power consumption of one printing method may be the smallest, or the power consumption of another printing method may be the smallest.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of executing printing by selectively using a printing method with relatively little power consumption among a plurality of printing methods.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is a print control apparatus for controlling a print job, in accordance with the first information relating to the print setting of each page of the print job and the change of the print setting. and second information about the power requirements consumption for changing the state of the predetermined portion of the printer, and obtaining means for obtaining a third information relating to requirements power consumption due to the driving operation of the page order changing device, wherein The first evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the first printing method that executes the print output of the print job according to the page order of the plurality of pages in the print job and specified in the print job Is calculated for the first printing method based on the second information, and the page order specified in the print job is changed and the print order is summarized for each print setting. A second evaluation value which reflects the power consumption in the second printing method for outputting established a page order of the plurality of pages in the print job by using the page order changing apparatus performs a job print output , Based on the second information and the third information, the calculation means for calculating the second printing method, the first evaluation value, and the second evaluation value, Determining means for determining, as an optimal printing technique, a printing technique having a relatively small amount of power consumption among the first printing technique and the second printing technique;

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the change in the state of the predetermined portion includes a change in the temperature state of the fixing unit of the printer, and the second information is the print setting. The information on the power consumption required for changing the temperature state of the fixing unit according to the change is included.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the print setting includes a setting relating to a paper type of a print target paper.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, the print setting includes a setting relating to a print output color for a print target paper.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects of the invention, the calculation means changes from one print setting to another print setting in the first print technique. The first evaluation value is calculated by reflecting the required power consumption for changing the fixing temperature accompanying the change.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the print setting includes a setting relating to a print output color for the print target paper, and the state of the predetermined portion is changed. Includes a change in the arrangement state of the predetermined roller member in the printer, and the second information is power consumption required for changing the arrangement state of the predetermined roller member in accordance with a change in the setting relating to the print output color. It contains information about the quantity.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the calculation means accompanies a change from one print output color setting to another print output color setting in the first printing technique. The first evaluation value is calculated by reflecting a required power consumption for driving the moving member.

  The invention of claim 8 is the print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second printing method includes a printing method executed using a single printer, The calculating means calculates the second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption of the single printer.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the second printing method includes a printing method executed using a plurality of printers, and the calculation is performed. The means is characterized in that the second evaluation value is calculated by reflecting power consumption in the plurality of printers.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the second printing method is a first sub-method executed using a single printer. A second sub-method executed using a plurality of printers, wherein the calculating means reflects a power consumption amount in the single printer and is a third evaluation value for the first sub-method. An evaluation value is calculated, and a fourth evaluation value that is an evaluation value for the second sub-method is calculated by reflecting power consumption in the plurality of printers, and the determining means includes the first evaluation value. On the basis of the third evaluation value and the fourth evaluation value, a relatively small amount of power consumption among the first printing method, the first sub-method, and the second sub-method is reduced. Determine the printing method you have as the optimal printing method And wherein the door.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, the operation of arranging and outputting the page order in the second printing method is a paper provided in the printer. It is executed using an inserter, and the calculation means calculates the second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the paper inserter.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, an operation for arranging and outputting the page order in the second printing method is provided separately from the printer. The second evaluation value is calculated by reflecting the power consumption in the offline bookbinding machine, and is executed using the offline bookbinding machine.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the invention, the calculation means changes from one print setting to another print setting in the first print technique. The first evaluation value is calculated by reflecting the required power consumption associated with changing the state of the predetermined portion according to the change, and the page order changing device is used in the second printing method. to reflect the requirements power consumption associated with aligning the page order, and calculates the second evaluation values.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the acquisition unit also acquires information relating to the required power consumption according to the current power state of the printer. The calculating means calculates the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value by reflecting the required power consumption according to the power supply state.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the acquisition unit also acquires information relating to required power consumption for each print setting in each of the plurality of printers. Then, the calculation means calculates the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value for each of the plurality of printers, reflecting the power consumption performance of the plurality of printers.

  A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the print control apparatus according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, further comprising display control means for controlling a display operation for presenting the optimum printing technique to a user. Features.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that controls a print job, the first information relating to the print setting of each page of the print job, and a predetermined portion in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the change of the print setting. Acquisition means for acquiring second information related to the required power consumption for changing the state and third information related to the required power consumption associated with the driving operation of the page order changing device, and a plurality of items in the print job a first evaluation value reflecting the electricity consumption in the first printing method for executing the printout of a print job according to the page order specified by the print job to a page order of the pages, the second And calculating the first printing method based on the information of the print job, changing the page order specified in the print job, and collecting the print job for each print setting. A second evaluation value which reflects the power consumption in the second printing method for outputting established a page order of the plurality of pages in the print job by using the page order changing device performs, the second And the first printing method based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, the calculating means for calculating the second printing method based on the information and the third information. And a determining means for determining a printing technique having a relatively small power consumption as the optimum printing technique among the second printing technique and the second printing technique.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in a computer incorporated in a print control apparatus that controls a print job, a) obtaining first information relating to print settings of each page of the print job; b) setting the print settings Obtaining a second information relating to the required power consumption for changing the state of the predetermined part in the printer in response to the change; and c) a third information relating to the required power consumption accompanying the driving operation of the page order changing device. Obtaining information, and d) power in a first printing technique for executing print output of the print job according to the page order of a plurality of pages in the print job and specified in the print job Calculating a first evaluation value reflecting consumption based on the second information for the first printing technique; and e) specified in the print job. Second outputting performs print output of the print job in a state in which summarized for each print setting to change the page order established a page order of the plurality of pages in the print job by using the page order changing apparatus Calculating a second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the printing method for the second printing method based on the second information and the third information; and e) the first Based on the evaluation value and the second evaluation value, a printing method having a relatively small amount of power consumption is determined as the optimum printing method among the first printing method and the second printing method. And a program for executing the steps.

The invention of claim 19 is a printing system, comprising: at least one printer; and a print control device that controls a print job in the at least one printer, wherein the print control device includes each page of the print job. First information relating to the print settings of the printer, second information relating to the power consumption required to change the state of a predetermined part in at least one printer in accordance with the change of the print settings, and driving of the page order changing device Acquisition means for acquiring third information related to power consumption required for operation; and printing of the print job according to a page order of a plurality of pages in the print job , which is specified in the print job Based on the second information, a first evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the first printing method for executing output is used as the first printing method. To calculate for said in the print job by using the page order changing device performs print output of the print job in a state where grouped by changing the specified page order print setting in the print job Based on the second information and the third information, a second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the second printing method for arranging and outputting the page order of a plurality of pages is used. A relatively small power consumption of the first printing method and the second printing method based on the calculation means for calculating the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value. Determining means for determining a printing technique having the optimal printing technique.

The invention of claim 20 is a printing system comprising a plurality of printers, wherein one printer of the plurality of printers functions as a print control device for controlling a print job, and the one printer is the printing system. First information relating to print settings of each page of the job, and first information relating to power consumption required for changing the state of a predetermined portion in any one of the plurality of printers according to the change of the print settings. Acquisition means for acquiring the second information and the third information related to the required power consumption accompanying the driving operation of the page order changing device, and the page order of a plurality of pages in the print job, Based on the second information, the first evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the first printing method for executing the print output of the print job in accordance with the specified page order. Calculating the first printing method, changing the page order designated in the print job, printing out the print job in a state of being grouped for each print setting, and the page order changing device. The second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the second printing method that uses and outputs the plurality of pages in the print job after arranging the page order, and the second information and the third information Based on the calculation means for calculating the second printing method, and based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, the first printing method and the second printing method Among them, a determination unit that determines a printing method having a relatively small amount of power consumption as an optimum printing method is provided.

According to the first to twentieth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to easily execute printing using a printing method that consumes less power among a plurality of printing methods.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of a printer. It is a figure which shows the functional block of a printing control apparatus. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a print job. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the printing operation which concerns on a 1st printing method. It is a figure which shows the printing operation which concerns on a 2nd printing method. It is a figure which shows another printing operation which concerns on a 2nd printing method. It is a figure which shows the power consumption in the fixing part regarding the printing operation of FIG. It is a figure which shows the power consumption in the fixing part regarding the printing operation of FIG. It is a figure which shows the power consumption in the fixing part regarding the printing operation of FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen of recommended operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electric power for a drive regarding a 1st printing method. It is a figure which shows the electric power for a drive regarding the 2nd printing method (when using a single printer). It is a figure which shows the electric power for a drive regarding the 2nd printing method (when using a some printer).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 1 includes a plurality of printers (also referred to as print output devices) 10 (here, two printers 10a and 10b), a print control device 50 that controls the plurality of printers, and a client computer 70. With.

  Each printer 10, the printing control apparatus 50, and the client computer 70 are connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW is configured by a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, and the like. Further, the connection mode to the network NW may be wired connection or wireless connection.

<1-2. Printer configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the printer 10. Here, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) is exemplified as the printer 10. In FIG. 2, functional blocks of the MFP 10 are shown. The MFP 10 is also expressed as an image forming apparatus.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating each part of the above in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 and generates image data of the document (also referred to as a scanned image). It is. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image on various media such as paper based on data related to a print target. The printer 10 is an electrophotographic printer (full color printer), and the print output unit 3 has various hardware mechanisms such as an exposure unit, a development unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Further, the communication unit 4 can perform network communication via the network NW. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the MFP 10 can exchange various data with a desired partner (for example, the print control device 50). The communication unit 4 includes a transmission unit 4a that transmits various data and a reception unit 4b that receives various data.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

  The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives an operation input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various types of information. The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-like operation panel unit 6c (see FIG. 1), and the operation panel unit 6c has a touch panel 25 (see FIG. 1) on the front side thereof. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and can display various kinds of information and accept an operation input from an operator. For example, the touch panel 25 displays various screens (including button images) such as a menu screen. The operator can change various setting contents of the MFP 10 by pressing a button (button represented by a button image) virtually arranged in the touch panel 25. The touch panel 25 functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also functions as a part of the display unit 6b.

  The controller 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a program) PM1 stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) in the CPU. The program PM1 may be installed in the MFP 10 via a portable recording medium such as a USB memory, or a network NW.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 9 executes various processing units including a communication control unit 11, an input control unit 12, a display control unit 13, and a print output control unit 15 by executing the program PM1. Realize.

  The communication control unit 11 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices (such as the print control device 50). For example, the communication control unit 11 receives a print command or the like from the print control device 50 in cooperation with the communication unit 4 or the like.

  The display control unit 13 is a processing unit that controls the display operation in the display unit 6b. The display control unit 13 displays an operation screen or the like for operating the MFP 10 on the display unit 6b.

  The input control unit 12 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation with respect to the operation input unit 6a. For example, the input control unit 12 controls an operation for receiving an operation input on the operation screen.

  The print output control unit 15 is a control unit that controls a print output operation in the MFP 10. The print output control unit 15 controls the print output operation in the MFP 10 in accordance with a command from the print control device 50, an operation instruction by the operator, and the like.

  In this embodiment, each of the two printers 10 (10a, 10b) has a paper insertion portion (also referred to as a paper insertion machine or a paper inserter) 31 (31a, 31b) (see FIG. 1). Each paper insertion section 31 has two manual feed type trays (also referred to as paper inserter trays) PIT.

  The paper insertion unit 31 sends the paper placed on the tray PIT of the paper insertion unit 31 onto the transport path of the printed output in the printer 10a, and the paper is sent to a predetermined page position of the final printed output. Can be inserted. As will be described later, when a printed output composed of a plurality of pages is generated, for example, a plurality of sub-jobs SB classified by the paper type of each page are shared by a plurality of printers 10 and printed out. At the same time, it is possible to place the printed output related to a part of the sub-jobs SB at a desired page position of the final printed output using the paper insertion unit 31 of the printer 10a. The paper insertion unit 31 is an example of a “page order changing device”.

<1-3. Configuration of Print Control Device 50>
Next, the configuration of the print control apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the print control apparatus 50.

  The print control device 50 is configured by an information processing device such as a personal computer. The print control device 50 is also expressed as a print server or a management server.

  As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 3, the print control device 50 includes a communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, an operation unit 56, a controller 59, and the like. Realize the function.

  The communication unit 54 can perform network communication via the network NW. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the print control device 50 can exchange various data with a desired partner (the printer 10 or the like). The communication unit 54 includes a transmission unit 54a that transmits various data and a reception unit 54b that receives various data.

  The storage unit 55 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 55 temporarily stores print output data to be transmitted to each printer 10.

  The operation unit 56 includes an operation input unit 56a that receives an operation input to the print control apparatus 50, and a display unit 56b that displays and outputs various types of information. The operation unit 56 is also expressed as a reception unit that receives various print jobs.

  The controller 59 in FIG. 3 is a control device that is built in the print control device 50 and controls the print control device 50 in an integrated manner. The controller 59 includes a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 59 implements various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a program) PM5 stored in a storage unit (semiconductor memory or the like) in the CPU. The program PM5 may be installed in the print control apparatus 50 via a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and a USB memory, or a network NW.

  The controller 59 includes a communication control unit 61, an input control unit 62, a display control unit 63, a print control unit 64, an information acquisition unit 65, a classification unit 66, a calculation unit 67, and a determination unit 68 by executing the program PM5. The processing unit is realized.

  The communication control unit 61 is a processing unit that controls a communication operation with the printer 10 or the like in cooperation with the communication unit 54 or the like. For example, the communication control unit 61 controls the transmission operation of the print command to each printer 10 in cooperation with the communication unit 54 and the like.

  The input control unit 62 is a control unit that controls an operation input operation with respect to the operation input unit 56a.

  The display control unit 63 is a processing unit that controls display operations in the display unit 56b and the like.

  The print control unit 64 is a processing unit that controls a print output operation by the printer 10.

  The information acquisition unit 65 acquires information (also referred to as print setting information) MP regarding print settings (for example, the paper type of the print target paper and the print output color for the print target paper) of each page of the print job JB. It is. The print setting information MP is acquired through communication with the client 70. Specifically, the print job JB is received from the client 70, and the print setting information MP is acquired based on the job information included in the execution command for the print job JB.

  The information acquisition unit 65 acquires power amount information MA related to each printer (MFP) 10. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 65 requires power for changing the state of a predetermined portion in the printer (for example, the temperature state of the fixing unit 46 (see FIG. 13)) in accordance with the change of the print setting of the print target page. Information about consumption (power consumption information MC) is acquired. Further, the information acquisition unit 65 also acquires information (power amount information MD) related to the required power consumption accompanying the driving operation of the paper inserter 31. The power amount information MD is also expressed as information on power consumption required for the page order changing operation. The power amount information MA including the power amount information MC and MD is acquired by communication with each printer 10.

  The classification unit 66 sets print settings for each page in the print job (settings relating to the paper type (“plain paper”, “thick paper”, etc.) of the print target paper (print output paper)) and / or print output colors for the print target paper. This is a processing unit that classifies the print job JB into a plurality of sub-jobs SB having the same print settings based on (settings relating to “monochrome”, “color (full color)”, etc.).

  The calculation unit 67 is a processing unit that calculates each evaluation value EV reflecting the power consumption in a plurality of printing methods.

  For example, the calculation unit 67 calculates an evaluation value EV1 for the first printing technique PT1 and an evaluation value EV2 for the second printing technique PT1.

  Here, the first printing method PT1 is a printing method for executing print output of the print job JB in accordance with a specified page order. The evaluation value EV1 is calculated by reflecting the power consumption amount in the first printing method PT1.

  The second printing method PT2 is a printing method for changing the designated page order and performing print output of the print job in a state where the print order is summarized for each print setting and adjusting the page order for output. The second printing method PT2 is also called cluster printing because it is a method of printing the print job JB by dividing it into partial elements (clusters) for each paper type. The evaluation value EV2 is calculated by reflecting the power consumption amount in the second printing method PT2.

  The calculation operation of these evaluation values EV1 and EV2 will be described later.

  Based on the plurality of evaluation values EVi, the determination unit 68 determines the printing method having the least power consumption among the plurality of printing methods as the optimum printing method.

  The display control unit 63 also displays on the display unit (liquid crystal monitor, etc.) of the client 70 the optimal operation related to the optimal printing method determined by the calculation unit 67, the determination unit 68, etc., and presents it to the user. Also controls the operation.

  Further, the communication control unit 61 controls the operation of sending the execution command for the optimum operation to each printer 10.

<1-4. Print job>
Next, the print job JB related to the print target of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print job JB. The print job JB is transmitted from the client 70 to the print control apparatus 50, and the print control apparatus 50 receives the print job JB transmitted from the client 70.

  The print job JB in FIG. 4 has a total of 6 pages to be printed. This print job JB has a plurality of pages relating to different print settings (specifically, paper type). Specifically, the paper type of the first page PG1, the third page PG3, and the fifth page PG5 (odd page) is “thick paper”, and the second page PG2, the fourth page PG4, and the sixth page PG6 (even page). ) Is “plain paper”. Here, it is assumed that the print output color of all pages is “monochrome”.

  In the print job JB, it is assumed that such print settings are specified for each page.

<1-5. Printing operation>
Next, a printing operation according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the operation according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, in step S <b> 11, the print job JB to be processed is transmitted from the client 70 to the print control apparatus (server) 50. The print control apparatus 50 receives and acquires the print job JB (specifically, the data).

  Next, in step S12, the information acquisition unit 65 of the print control apparatus 50 acquires information (print setting information) MP regarding the print settings (such as “paper type” / “print output color”) of each page of the print job JB. To do. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 65 analyzes the print job JB received from the client 70 (more specifically, data related to the print job JB), and acquires information related to the paper type of each page. Specifically, as described above, out of a total of six pages to be printed related to the print job JB, the paper type of the odd page is “thick paper” and the paper type of the even page is “plain paper”. Information (see FIG. 4) is acquired. In this example, only the information on the paper type of each page is acquired, but the present invention is not limited to this. Information on the print output color of each page (for example, all pages are printed in “monochrome”). Information indicating that it is present) may also be acquired.

  In step S <b> 14, the information acquisition unit 65 of the print control apparatus 50 sends a transmission request (acquisition request) for information MA related to each printer 10 to each printer 10. Each printer 10 transmits information MA related to each printer 10 to the print control apparatus 50 in response to the transmission request.

  This information MA is the power consumed by a predetermined part (for example, the fixing unit 46 of the printer 10) in the printer when performing print output according to the print settings (for example, the paper type) specified in the print job JB. The power amount information MB related to the amount is included. This amount of power is defined for each print setting (for example, paper type). For example, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit of the printer 10 differs between “plain paper” and “thick paper”. Specifically, the fixing temperature for “thick paper” is higher than the fixing temperature for “plain paper”, so the power consumption in the fixing part during “thick paper” printing is the fixing part during “plain paper” printing. It is larger than the power consumption at.

  The information MA includes the above-described power amount information MC. This power amount information MC is information relating to the required power consumption for changing the state of a predetermined portion in the printer (for example, the temperature state of the fixing unit of the printer 10) in accordance with the change of the print setting of the page to be printed. . For example, the amount of power consumption (for raising the temperature) required for changing the temperature of the fixing unit of the printer 10 from the fixing temperature for “plain paper” (relatively low temperature) to the fixing temperature for “thick paper” (relatively high temperature). Information on the electric energy) is included in the electric energy information MC.

  The information MA includes the above-described power amount information MD. The power amount information MD is information related to the power consumption required for the page order changing operation (specifically, information related to the required power consumption accompanying the driving operation of the paper inserter 31 and the like).

  Here, as an example of the page order changing device, a paper insertion unit 31 (in other words, a paper inserter (inline paper inserter) provided inline in the printer 10) provided integrally with the printer 10 is illustrated. The page order changing device may be provided separately from the printer 10 (for example, offline binding machine). When a page order changing device provided separately from the printer 10 is used, information related to the required power consumption of the page order changing device is acquired by the print control device 50 separately from the information MA. In this case, the required power consumption related to the page order changing device is stored in advance in the storage unit 55 of the print control device 50, and the print control device 50 accesses the storage unit 55 in step S14 and the like to access the page. What is necessary is just to acquire the information regarding the required power consumption regarding an order change apparatus.

  Next, in step S <b> 16, the calculation unit 67 of the print control apparatus 50 calculates each evaluation value EV reflecting the power consumption in the plurality of printing methods.

  Here, the above-described two types of printing methods (first and second printing methods PT1 and PT2) are considered.

  The first printing method PT1 is a printing method in which the print output of the print job JB is executed by one (single) printer 10 in accordance with a specified page order. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, in the printer 10a, six pages PG1 to PG6 are printed out according to the page order (output page order) specified in the print job JB, and have a predetermined page order. A printed output (a printed output related to the print job JB) is generated.

  The second printing method PT2 employs a printing method that changes the designated page order and prints out a print job in a state where the designated page order is summarized and arranges and outputs the page order. In the second printing method PT2, the print job JB is divided into two sub-jobs SB1 and SB2 and executed. Here, the sub job SB1 is a job in which three pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 of “thick paper” are printed together, and the sub job SB2 is printed in a group of three pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 of “plain paper”. Job.

  Here, two sub printing methods PT21 and PT22 are exemplified as the second printing method PT2. One sub-printing method PT21 (see FIG. 7) is for performing print output according to the second printing method using one (single) printer 10, and another sub-printing method PT22 (see FIG. 8). Reference) is to perform print output according to the second printing method using a plurality of printers 10.

  In the printing method PT21, as shown in FIG. 7, three pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 of “thick paper” are printed together, and three pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 of “plain paper” are printed together. Is done. Each page PG1 to PG6 is printed by the same single printer 10a.

  More specifically, first, three pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 of “thick paper” are collectively printed and printed out. Next, three pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 of “plain paper” are gathered in a state where the printed output is arranged on the tray (paper inserter tray) PIT of the paper insertion portion (paper inserter) 31 of the printer 10. Printed. At this time, the three pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 that have already been printed are respectively inserted in front of the pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 by the paper insertion unit 31, and the print output of the print job JB in a state having a predetermined page order. Is output.

  In the printing method PT22, as shown in FIG. 8, three pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 of “thick paper” are printed together, and three pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 of “plain paper” are printed together. Is done. However, the six pages PG1 to PG6 are printed by being shared by the two printers 10a and 10b.

  More specifically, first, three pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 of “thick paper” are collectively printed and output by the printer 10a. Next, in a state in which the printed output is arranged on the tray (paper inserter tray) PIT of the paper insertion portion (paper inserter) 31 of the other printer 10b, the three pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 of “plain paper” are displayed. The data is collectively printed by the printer 10b. At this time, the three pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 that have already been printed are respectively inserted in front of the pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 by the paper insertion unit 31 of the printer 10b, and the print job JB has a predetermined page order. A printed output is output from the printer 10b.

  In step S16, evaluation values are calculated for each of the printing methods PT1, PT21, and PT22. The evaluation value of each printing method is calculated based on the above-described various information MB, MC, MD and the like.

  The evaluation value EV1 for the printing method PT1 is expressed by, for example, Expression (1).

  Here, the value WB1 is the power consumption in the fixing unit for printing out six pages at the respective fixing temperatures in the printer 10a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the power consumption (= PW1 × 3) in the fixing unit when the printer 10a performs print output for three pages “PG1, PG3, PG5” of “thick paper”, and the printer 10a. Is expressed as a total value (WB1 = PW1 × 3 + PW2 × 3) with the power consumption (= PW2 × 3) in the fixing unit when performing print output on the three pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 of “plain paper”. . The value PW1 is the required power consumption for printing out one page at the fixing temperature for “thick paper”, and the value PW2 is the required power for printing out one page at the fixing temperature for “plain paper”. It is consumption.

  Further, the value WC1 is the electric power for heating in the printing method PT1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, in the printing method PT1, when the pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 are printed, the temperature raising operation is performed three times. It is the electric energy for temperature rising in operation (= PW3 × 3). The value PW3 is the power consumption required for one heating operation.

  Further, the evaluation value EV21 for the printing method PT21 is expressed by, for example, Expression (2). The evaluation value EV21 is calculated by reflecting the power consumption in one printer 10 (10a or 10b).

  Here, the value WB21 is power consumption in the fixing unit for printing out six pages at the respective fixing temperatures in the printer 10a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the power consumption (= PW1 × 3) in the fixing unit when the printer 10a performs print output for three pages “PG1, PG3, PG5” of “thick paper”, and the printer 10a. Is expressed as a total value with the power consumption (= PW2 × 3) in the fixing unit when performing print output on the three pages PG2, PG4, PG6 of “plain paper” (WB21 = PW1 × 3 + PW2 × 3) . Here, all the pages PG1 to PG6 are printed by the same printer 10a, and the value WB21 is the same value as the value WB1.

  Further, the value WC21 is the electric power for heating in the printing method PT21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the printing method PT21, the temperature raising operation (one time) is performed only immediately before printing the page PG1, and the value WC21 is the one temperature raising operation. Is the amount of power for heating (= PW3).

  The value WD21 is the total power consumption (= PW5) required for the operation of inserting the three printed pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 using the paper insertion unit 31 of the printer 10a. Here, the value WD21 is calculated by reflecting the power consumption of the inline inserter 31a. When an offline bookbinding machine is used as the page order changing device, the value WD21 may be calculated reflecting the power consumption in the offline bookbinding machine.

  Furthermore, the evaluation value EV22 for the printing technique PT22 is expressed by, for example, Expression (3). The evaluation value EV22 is calculated particularly reflecting the power consumption in the plurality of printers 10a and 10b.

  Here, the value WB22 is power consumption in the fixing unit for printing out six pages at the respective fixing temperatures in the printers 10a and 10b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the power consumption (= PW1 × 3) in the fixing unit and the printer 10b when the printer 10a prints out the three pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 of “thick paper”. Is expressed by a total value (WB21 = PW1 × 3 + PW2 ′ ×) with the power consumption (= PW2 ′ × 3) in the fixing unit at the time of performing print output for the three pages PG2, PG4, PG6 of “plain paper”. 3). The value PW2 'is a required power consumption for printing out one page by the printer 10b at the fixing temperature for "plain paper". For example, when the printer 10a and the printer 10b are the same model, the value PW2 'is the same as the value PW2, and the value WB22 is the same as the value WB21.

  Further, the value WC22 is the amount of power for heating in the printing method PT22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, in the printing method PT22, the temperature raising operation is performed only once (one time) just before printing the page PG1, and the value WC22 is the one temperature raising operation. Is the amount of power for heating (= PW3).

  The value WD22 is the total power consumption (= PW6) required for the operation of inserting three printed pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 using the paper insertion unit 31 of the printer 10b. For example, when the printer 10b is an old model of the printer 10a and consumes relatively large power, the value PW6 is larger than the value PW5. Alternatively, when the printer 10a and the printer 10b are the same model, the value PW6 is the same as the value PW5. Here, the value WD22 is calculated by reflecting the power consumption of the inline inserter 31b. When an offline bookbinding machine is used as the page order changing device, the value WD22 may be calculated reflecting the power consumption in the offline bookbinding machine.

  In the next step S17, the determination unit 68 determines the printing method having the minimum power consumption among these printing methods PT1, PT2 (PT21, PT22) as the optimum solution. Specifically, based on the evaluation values EV1 and EV2 (EV21 and EV22), the printing method that has the relatively small power consumption amount among the first printing method PT1 and the second printing method PT2 is the optimum printing method. As determined.

  For example, when the total value of the value WC21 and the value WD21 (= PW3 + PW5) is smaller than the value WC1 (= PW3 × 3) (the paper inserter driving power PW5 is twice the temperature rising power amount (= PW2 × 2)) Is smaller than the printing method PT2 (PT21) is determined as the optimum solution. Conversely, when the value WC1 (= PW3 × 3) is smaller than the total value (= PW3 + PW5) of the value WC21 and the value WD21, the printing method PT1 is determined as the optimal solution.

  As for the second printing technique PT2, the printing technique PT21, PT22 having a relatively small evaluation value (more appropriate printing technique) can be selected as a result. In other words, comparing the printing methods PT1, PT21, PT22 can be included in the concept of comparing the two printing methods PT1, PT2.

  In step S18, the operation related to the optimum solution (optimum printing method) determined in step S17 (in other words, recommended operation for the user) is presented to the user. More specifically, the print control device 50 (such as the transmission unit 4a) transmits display data for the screen SC to the client 70, and the client 70 displays the screen SC (FIG. 12) based on the display data. To do. In the screen SC of FIG. 12, the operation content related to the printing method PT2 (PT21) is presented as an optimal solution.

  Specifically, “The printing operation that prints all types of paper with the first printer (10a) and arranges the page order using the paper inserter (31a) of the first printer is the optimal operation. “Is it OK to execute?” Or the like (words describing the printing procedure) is displayed on the screen SC.

  When the operating user of the client 70 presses the OK button in the screen SC, the client 70 transmits information (approval information) indicating that the printing operation has been approved by the operating user to the print control apparatus 50. When receiving the approval information, the print control apparatus 50 proceeds to step S20.

  In step S <b> 20, job information (print command) for executing the recommended operation displayed on the screen SC is transmitted from the print control device 50 to each printer 10, and print processing is executed in each printer 10.

  More specifically, a job ticket (print command information) describing an optimal print operation (print operation according to the print method approved in step S18) related to the print job JB is printed in the print control device 50 (print output control unit 15 or the like). ) (Step S21). Then, the print control device 50 (communication control unit 11 and transmission unit 4a, etc.) transmits the print command information to the execution target printer 10 (at least one of 10a and 10b) (step S22). The printer 10 that has received the print command information performs a print output operation based on the print command information (step S23). Thereby, for example, a printing operation corresponding to the optimum printing method PT2 (PT21) or the like is executed, and a printed output according to the print job JB is generated.

  According to the operation as described above, based on the evaluation values EV1, EV2 (EV21, EV22) for the plurality of printing methods PT1, PT2 (PT21, PT22), the plurality of printing methods PT1, PT2 (PT21, PT22) are selected. The optimum printing method with the minimized power consumption is determined. For example, the printing technique PT2 (PT21) in FIG. 7 (FIG. 10) is determined as the optimum printing technique. Therefore, it is possible to execute a printing operation with reduced power consumption.

  In the first embodiment, a mode in which the fixing temperature is different depending on the paper type of the paper is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above idea may be applied when the fixing temperature varies depending on the print output color (“color (full color)” / “monochrome”). In general, the fixing temperature of “color” is relatively high and the fixing temperature of “monochrome” is relatively high (due to the amount of toner adhesion). Depending on the difference in the fixing temperature, the power consumption of the fixing unit during “color” printing and the power consumption of the fixing unit during “monochrome” printing are different from each other. An evaluation value reflecting such power consumption may be calculated for each of the plurality of printing methods PT1 and PT2, and an optimum printing operation may be determined based on the evaluation value. Similarly, when the fixing temperature differs according to both the paper type of the paper and the print output color, the power consumption based on the difference in the fixing temperature may be considered.

  In the above embodiment, only the printing method PT1 is considered to be performed using the printer 10a, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be considered that the printing method PT1 is performed using the printer 10b. In this case, an evaluation value EV1 (EV1a) when the printing method PT1 is performed using the printer 10a and an evaluation value EV1 (EV1b) when the printing method PT1 is performed using the printer 10b are calculated. An optimum printing operation may be determined based on these evaluation values EV1a and EVb.

  When each evaluation value EV1 (EV1a, EV1b) is calculated for a plurality of printers 10, the plurality of printers 10 reflect the power consumption performance (power amount information MB and the like for each printer 10). Each evaluation value EV1 (EV1a, EV1b) for each of the printers 10 is preferably calculated. This facilitates the use of the printer 10 having a relatively small power consumption.

  Similarly, not only the printing method PT21 is performed using the printer 10a but also the printing method PT21 is performed using the printer 10b may be considered. In this case, an evaluation value EV21 (EV21a) when the printing technique PT21 is performed using the printer 10a and an evaluation value EV21 (EV21b) when the printing technique PT21 is performed using the printer 10b are calculated. An optimum printing operation may be determined based on these evaluation values EV21a and EV21b.

  When each evaluation value EV2 (EV21a, EV21b) is calculated for a plurality of printers 10, each evaluation value EV21 (for each of the plurality of printers 10 is reflected to reflect the power consumption performance of each of the plurality of printers 10. EV21a, EV21b) is preferably calculated. This facilitates the use of the printer 10 having a relatively small power consumption.

  Similarly, in the printing method PT22, in which printer 10a, 10b the two sub jobs SB1, SB2 are executed, and between the paper inserter 31 (31a) of the printer 10a and the paper inserter 31 (31b) of the printer 10b. A plurality of combinations regarding which one is used to change the page order may be considered. Specifically, each evaluation value may be calculated for each of the plurality of combinations, and an optimal printing operation may be determined based on each evaluation value.

  Further, when each evaluation value EV22 is calculated for a plurality of combinations related to a plurality of printers 10, each evaluation value EV22 for each of the plurality of printers 10 reflects each power consumption performance of each of the plurality of printers 10. Is preferably calculated. This facilitates the use of the printer 10 having a relatively small power consumption.

<2. Second Embodiment>
<2-1. Overview>
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In the first embodiment and the like, the amount of electric power for temperature rise accompanying the change of the fixing temperature according to the print setting (“paper type” / “print output color”) of each page is considered. Is not limited to this. For example, the driving electric energy associated with the change in the position of the moving mechanism according to the print setting (“print output color”) of each page may be further taken into consideration. Such a mode will be described in the second embodiment.

  13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating an internal configuration of the printer 10 (10B) according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 shows the internal configuration during color printing, and FIG. 14 shows the internal configuration during monochrome printing.

  The printer 10B is an electrophotographic printer (full color printer). As shown in FIG. 13, the printer 10 </ b> B includes four photosensitive drums (image carriers) 41. Specifically, the printer 10B includes a yellow photosensitive drum 41Y, a magenta photosensitive drum 41M, a cyan photosensitive drum 41C, and a black photosensitive drum 41K. The photosensitive drums 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K respectively have color components (specifically, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) components) of the final output image. ) Image is formed by an electrophotographic method and transferred to an intermediate transfer belt (also referred to as an intermediate transfer member) 43. In this transfer, primary transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are used. Each primary transfer roller 42 (42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K) is disposed at a position facing each photoconductor 41 (41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K) with the intermediate transfer belt 43 therebetween. Then, the image of each color component superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 43 is further transferred onto the paper (recording paper) PA using the secondary transfer roller 45, whereby a full color image is formed on the paper PA. Thereafter, fixing processing is performed by the fixing unit 46, and the paper PA on which a full color image is printed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 48.

  In this printer 10B, a circumferential (endless) intermediate transfer belt 43 is wound around rollers 44a and 44b, and rollers 38 and 39 are disposed inside (inside) the circumferential intermediate transfer belt 43. Is provided. The positions of the rollers 38 and 39 are changed between color printing and monochrome printing.

  During color printing, the rollers 38 and 39 exist at the positions shown in FIG. Specifically, the roller 39 exists at a position lower than the positions of the transfer rollers 42M and 42C facing the photoconductors 41M and 41C, respectively. The intermediate transfer belt 43 is brought into contact with all the photoconductors 41 (41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K) by pushing the lower center side of the intermediate transfer belt 43 downward by the roller 39. The roller 38 is present at a position retracted from the intermediate transfer belt 43 (retracted position) so as not to contact the intermediate transfer belt 43. In this way, during color printing, the primary transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 43 (on the inner peripheral side) and are respectively in contact with the photosensitive drums 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K. It exists in the opposite position.

  On the other hand, during monochrome printing, the rollers 38 and 39 are present at the positions shown in FIG. Specifically, the roller 38 moves to a relatively lower position, and the roller 39 and the three primary transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, and 42C move to a relatively upper position. The primary transfer roller 42K does not move.

  The roller 39 is located at a relatively upper position (retracted position) retracted from the intermediate transfer belt 43 so as not to contact the intermediate transfer belt 43. Specifically, the position of the transfer rollers 42M and 42C during color printing (see broken lines). Is also moved to an upper position. Similarly, the three primary transfer rollers 42 </ b> Y, 42 </ b> M, and 42 </ b> C also move to a relatively upper retracted position so as not to contact the intermediate transfer belt 43.

  Thus, during monochrome printing, only the primary transfer roller 42K among the four primary transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K is in a position that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 43 and faces the photosensitive drum 41K. The other three primary transfer rollers 42 </ b> Y, 42 </ b> M, and 42 </ b> C do not contact the intermediate transfer belt 43.

  Thus, during monochrome printing, the photosensitive drums 41Y, 41M, and 41C are prevented from contacting the intermediate transfer belt 43, thereby suppressing wear of the photosensitive drums 41Y, 41M, and 41C and the intermediate transfer belt 43. Is possible. According to this, it is possible to solve the problem that the life of each of the photosensitive drums 41Y, 41M, 41C and the intermediate transfer belt 43 is reduced due to the wear.

  Further, the roller 38 is present at a position (a position below the position at the time of color printing) in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 43. When the roller 38 supports the intermediate transfer belt 43 at this position, the arrangement angle of the intermediate transfer belt 43 in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 41K is adjusted to have the same angle as that during color printing.

  In such a printer 10B, when changing from the color printing state (FIG. 13) to the monochrome printing state (FIG. 14), a mechanism (drive mechanism) (not shown) for moving the rollers 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C is used. The positions of the rollers 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C are changed. Similarly, when changing from the monochrome printing state to the color printing state, the roller members 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C are moved using the moving mechanism (drive mechanism) of the roller members 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C. 42C is driven. In the second embodiment, the power consumption in such driving is considered.

  In the print job JB in the second embodiment, the odd pages PG1, PG3, and PG5 are pages related to “thick paper” and “color printing”, respectively, and the even pages PG2, PG4, and PG6 are “plain paper”, respectively. The page is related to “monochrome printing”.

  In the second embodiment, the same operation as in the first embodiment is executed (see FIG. 5).

  However, in step S14, information including the power amount information ME is acquired as the power amount information MC. The electric energy information ME includes printer rollers (roller members) 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and the like according to changes in print settings (specifically, print output colors (“color print output” / “monochrome print output”)). This is information relating to the required power consumption for changing the arrangement state (position state) of 42C.

  In step S16, the amount of power for driving accompanying the change in position of the moving mechanism according to the print setting (print output color) of each page is further taken into consideration.

  Specifically, the evaluation value EV1 for the printing method PT1 is expressed by, for example, Expression (4). In the equation (4), the value WE1 is also considered in addition to the above equation (1).

  Here, the value WE1 is a required power consumption accompanying the movement operation of the rollers 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C. Specifically, in response to the printing of the pages PG1 to PG6 in this order by the printing method PT1, as shown in FIG. 15, “color” printing and “monochrome” printing are alternately performed by the printer 10a. Is called. As a result, a power consumption amount (= PW7 × 6) corresponding to a total of six movement operations is calculated as the value WE1. Here, the value PW7 is a required power consumption accompanying one movement operation of the rollers 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that each printer 10 has a monochrome printing state (FIG. 14) at the start of execution of the print job JB.

  Further, the evaluation value EV21 for the printing technique PT21 is expressed by, for example, Expression (5). In the equation (5), the value WE21 is considered in addition to the equation (2).

  Here, the value WE21 is a required power consumption accompanying the moving operation of the rollers 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C. Specifically, according to the printing operation of the printing method PT21, as shown in FIG. 16, the driving operation before the sub job SB1 (pages PG1, PG3, PG5) and the sub job SB2 (pages PG2, PG4, PG6) are performed. A total of two movement operations are performed, including the previous drive operation. The power consumption (= PW7 × 2) corresponding to the total of two movement operations is calculated as the value WE21.

  Further, the evaluation value EV22 for the printing technique PT22 is expressed by, for example, Expression (6). In the equation (6), the value WE22 is considered in addition to the above equation (3).

  Here, the value WE22 is a required power consumption accompanying the moving operation of the rollers 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C. Specifically, according to the printing operation of the printing method PT22, as shown in FIG. 17, the driving operation before the sub job SB1 (pages PG1, PG3, PG5) is performed in the printer 10a. The power consumption (= PW7 × 1) corresponding to the driving operation is calculated as the value WE22.

  15 to 17, it is assumed that the printing operation immediately before the print job JB is a monochrome printing operation. In the case where the printing operation immediately before the execution of the print job JB in each printer 10 is a color printing operation, the number of times of driving (and thus power consumption) can vary.

  Thereafter, after step S17, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed.

  According to the above aspect, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment. Further, it is possible to consider the power consumption more finely by considering the required power consumption associated with the moving operation of the rollers 38, 39, 42Y, 42M, and 42C.

<3. Modified example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the print control apparatus 50 receives the print job JB from the client 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. The print control apparatus 50 uses the operation input unit 56a or the like of the print control apparatus 50. 50 may acquire the print job JB. Further, the display screen SC showing the optimum solution regarding the printing method may be displayed on the display unit 56b of the print control apparatus 50 (not the client 70).

  In each of the above embodiments, two printing methods PT1, PT2 and more specifically three (sub) printing methods PT1, PT21, PT22 are considered, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only two sub-printing methods PT1, PT21 may be compared with each other, or only two sub-printing methods PT1, PT22 may be compared with each other.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, there is a mode in which each evaluation value is calculated in consideration of the required power consumption in each printer 10 on the assumption that each printer 10a, 10b is already ready for print output. Illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the evaluation values EV1, EV2 (EV21, EV22) and the like are calculated by reflecting the required power amount according to the current power supply state of each printer 10a, 10b. It may be.

  For example, in a printer having a power-off state, each evaluation value may be calculated by adding the required power consumption from the power-off state until reaching the print output ready state. Further, in a printer having a sleep state, each evaluation value may be calculated by adding the required power consumption until reaching the print output preparation completion state from the sleep state. Information regarding the required power consumption (required power consumption according to the current power supply state of each printer) may be acquired by the information acquisition unit 65 in step S12 or the like.

  According to the calculation of each evaluation value that reflects the power consumption required until the print output ready state is reached from the sleep state (and / or the power-off state), the sleep state (or the power-off state) The use of the printer 10 that already has the print output ready state is promoted more than the printer 10 that has the printer 10. Each evaluation value reflects that the required power consumption from the sleep state to the print output ready state is smaller than the required power consumption from the power-off state to the print output ready state. Is calculated, the use of the printer 10 in the sleep state is promoted more than the printer 10 in the power-off state.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the power consumption for heating associated with the change of the fixing temperature in accordance with the print setting for each page (“paper type” / “print output color”) and the print setting for each page (printing) Both the driving power amount associated with the position change of the moving mechanism according to the output color) are considered, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the driving power amount accompanying the change in the position of the moving mechanism according to the print setting (“print output color”) of each page may be considered.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the print control operation is performed by the print control apparatus (server) 50 that is separate from the printer 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one of the plurality of printers 10 (for example, 10a) may perform the same operation as the print control device 50 described above and function as a print control device that controls a print job.

1 Printing System 10, 10a, 10b Printer (MFP)
31, 31a, 31b Paper insertion part (paper inserter)
38, 39 Roller 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K Photosensitive drum 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K Primary transfer roller 43 Intermediate transfer belt 45 Secondary transfer roller 46 Fixing section 50 Print control device 70 Client (computer)

Claims (20)

A print control device for controlling a print job,
First information relating to print settings of each page of the print job, second information relating to power consumption required for changing the state of a predetermined portion in the printer in accordance with the change of the print settings, and page order change Acquisition means for acquiring third information related to power consumption required for the driving operation of the apparatus;
A first evaluation that reflects power consumption in a first printing method that executes print output of the print job in accordance with the page order of a plurality of pages in the print job according to the page order specified in the print job A value is calculated for the first printing method based on the second information, and the print order of the print job is changed for each print setting by changing the page order specified in the print job. And the second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the second printing method in which the page order of the plurality of pages in the print job is arranged and output using the page order changing device. Calculating means for calculating the second printing method based on the information and the third information;
Based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, the printing method having a relatively small power consumption amount among the first printing method and the second printing method is the optimum printing method. Determining means to determine as,
A printing control apparatus comprising: The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
The change in the state of the predetermined portion includes a change in the temperature state of the fixing unit of the printer,
The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second information includes information related to power consumption required to change the temperature state of the fixing unit in accordance with the change of the print setting. The print control apparatus according to claim 2,
The print control apparatus, wherein the print setting includes a setting related to a paper type of a print target paper. In the printing control apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The print control apparatus, wherein the print setting includes a setting related to a print output color for a print target paper. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The calculation means calculates the first evaluation value by reflecting a required power consumption for changing the fixing temperature accompanying a change from one print setting to another print setting in the first printing method. A printing control apparatus characterized by the above. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The print setting includes a setting related to a print output color for a print target paper,
The change in the state of the predetermined portion includes a change in the arrangement state of the predetermined roller member in the printer,
The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second information includes information related to power consumption required for changing an arrangement state of the predetermined roller member in accordance with a change in the setting related to the print output color. The print control apparatus according to claim 6.
The calculation means reflects the required power consumption for driving the moving member in accordance with the change from one print output color setting to another print output color setting in the first printing method. A print control apparatus characterized by calculating The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The second printing technique includes a printing technique performed using a single printer,
The print control apparatus, wherein the calculation unit calculates the second evaluation value by reflecting power consumption in the single printer. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The second printing method includes a printing method executed using a plurality of printers,
The print control apparatus, wherein the calculation unit calculates the second evaluation value by reflecting power consumption in the plurality of printers. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The second printing method includes a first sub-method executed using a single printer and a second sub-method executed using a plurality of printers,
The calculation means calculates a third evaluation value, which is an evaluation value for the first sub-method, reflecting the power consumption of the single printer, and reflects the power consumption of the plurality of printers. Calculating a fourth evaluation value that is an evaluation value for the second sub-method,
The determination means is configured to determine the first printing method, the first sub-method, and the second sub-method based on the first evaluation value, the third evaluation value, and the fourth evaluation value. And a printing method having a relatively small power consumption is determined as an optimum printing method. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The operation of arranging and outputting the page order in the second printing method is executed using a paper inserter provided in the printer,
The printing control apparatus, wherein the calculation unit calculates the second evaluation value by reflecting power consumption in the paper inserter. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The operation of arranging and outputting the page order in the second printing method is performed using an offline binding machine provided separately from the printer,
The printing control apparatus, wherein the calculation unit calculates the second evaluation value by reflecting power consumption in the off-line binding machine. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The calculating means includes
The first evaluation value is calculated by reflecting the power consumption required for changing the state of the predetermined portion in accordance with a change from one print setting to another print setting in the first printing method. And
Print control apparatus and calculates the second evaluation values that reflect the requirements power consumption associated with aligning the page order by using the page order changer by the second printing method . The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The acquisition means also acquires information on required power consumption according to the current power state of the printer,
The printing control apparatus, wherein the calculating unit calculates the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value by reflecting the required power consumption according to the power supply state. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The acquisition means also acquires information on required power consumption for each print setting in each of a plurality of printers,
The calculation unit is configured to calculate the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value for each of the plurality of printers by reflecting power consumption performance of the plurality of printers. . The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
Display control means for controlling a display operation for presenting the optimum printing method to the user;
The printing control apparatus further comprising: An image forming apparatus that controls a print job,
First information relating to print settings of each page of the print job, second information relating to power consumption required for changing the state of a predetermined portion in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the change of the print settings, and a page Acquisition means for acquiring third information related to power consumption required for the driving operation of the order change device;
A first evaluation that reflects power consumption in a first printing method that executes print output of the print job in accordance with the page order of a plurality of pages in the print job according to the page order specified in the print job A value is calculated for the first printing method based on the second information, and the print order of the print job is changed for each print setting by changing the page order specified in the print job. And the second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the second printing method in which the page order of the plurality of pages in the print job is arranged and output using the page order changing device. Calculating means for calculating the second printing method based on the information and the third information;
Based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, the printing method having a relatively small power consumption amount among the first printing method and the second printing method is the optimum printing method. Determining means to determine as,
An image forming apparatus comprising: In the computer built in the print control device that controls the print job,
a) obtaining first information relating to print settings of each page of the print job;
b) obtaining second information relating to the required power consumption for changing the state of a predetermined portion in the printer in accordance with the change of the print setting;
c) obtaining third information related to the required power consumption accompanying the driving operation of the page order changing device;
The reflecting the power consumption in the first printing method for performing printing output of the print job according to the page order specified by the print job to a page order of a plurality of pages of d) in the print job 1 Calculating an evaluation value for the first printing method based on the second information;
e) Changing the page order specified in the print job and performing print output of the print job in a state of being grouped for each print setting, and using the page order change device , the plurality of pages in the print job A second evaluation value that reflects the power consumption in the second printing method that outputs the data after arranging the page order is calculated for the second printing method based on the second information and the third information. And steps to
e) Based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, the printing method having a relatively small power consumption is optimally selected from the first printing method and the second printing method. Determining a printing method;
A program for running A printing system,
At least one printer;
A print control device for controlling a print job in the at least one printer;
With
The print control device includes:
First information relating to print settings for each page of the print job; second information relating to power consumption required for changing the state of a predetermined portion in at least one printer in accordance with the change in the print settings; Acquisition means for acquiring third information related to power consumption required for the driving operation of the page order changing device;
A first evaluation that reflects power consumption in a first printing method that executes print output of the print job in accordance with the page order of a plurality of pages in the print job according to the page order specified in the print job A value is calculated for the first printing method based on the second information, and the print order of the print job is changed for each print setting by changing the page order specified in the print job. And the second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the second printing method in which the page order of the plurality of pages in the print job is arranged and output using the page order changing device. Calculating means for calculating the second printing method based on the information and the third information;
Based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, the printing method having a relatively small power consumption amount among the first printing method and the second printing method is the optimum printing method. Determining means to determine as,
A printing system comprising: A printing system comprising a plurality of printers,
One of the plurality of printers functions as a print control device that controls a print job;
The one printer is
First information regarding print settings of each page of the print job, and power consumption required for changing the state of a predetermined portion in any one of the plurality of printers according to the change of the print settings Acquisition means for acquiring second information relating to the third information relating to required power consumption associated with the driving operation of the page order changing device;
A first evaluation that reflects power consumption in a first printing method that executes print output of the print job in accordance with the page order of a plurality of pages in the print job according to the page order specified in the print job A value is calculated for the first printing method based on the second information, and the print order of the print job is changed for each print setting by changing the page order specified in the print job. And the second evaluation value reflecting the power consumption in the second printing method in which the page order of the plurality of pages in the print job is arranged and output using the page order changing device. Calculating means for calculating the second printing method based on the information and the third information;
Based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value, the printing method having a relatively small power consumption amount among the first printing method and the second printing method is the optimum printing method. Determining means to determine as,
A printing system comprising:

Images