JP5170364B2 - Power control system, power control program, image forming apparatus, and power control information providing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power control system, a power control program, an image forming apparatus, and a power control information providing apparatus (power control server).

  In general households and small offices, if the total power consumption of all electrical devices connected to the same power line outlet exceeds the rated power, the power breaker (breaker) is activated immediately. All the power is forcibly cut off.

  For example, in general households, when power is supplied indoors through a switchboard equipped with a breaker, and the amount of power consumed by various electrical devices exceeds the rated capacity, the breaker detects power line overcurrent and shuts off the power. It is like that.

  By the way, in the case of personal computers and communication devices among electrical devices, if power is cut off during operation, data may be lost, or initial settings may be required again at the next start-up. It took time.

  As a measure for solving this problem, a technique has been proposed in which the power consumption of an electric device is detected using a power line communication technique and controlled so that the total power consumption does not exceed the rated power.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-94170, when the power consumption of an electrical device is detected by a communication line on the power line and the total power consumption exceeds the rated power amount, the control terminal device connected to the electrical device is A technique is disclosed in which the total power consumption is suppressed so as not to exceed the rated power amount by performing control so that the operation state is reduced.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-237177, a terminal provided between an outlet and a load device (electric device) outputs a power consumption value according to control information, and the power consumption value indicates the rated capacity of the outlet. When it exceeds, the technique which prevents interruption | blocking of a main current (whole) by controlling so that supply of load current with respect to a terminal device may be disclosed is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-94170 JP-A-8-237177

  An object of the present invention is to provide a power control system, a power control program, an image forming apparatus, and a power control information providing apparatus capable of stably managing dynamically changing power usage.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a power control system according to the invention of claim 1 includes a plurality of electric devices provided with activation determining means, and power consumption measuring means for measuring power consumption of each of the electric devices via communication means. , A usable power amount calculation that calculates a usable power amount based on a total sum of measured power consumption of each electric device and an allowable power consumption value set as a power allowable value that can be used in all the electric devices And a notification means for notifying each electric device of the calculated usable power amount via the communication means, and providing each electric device with information regarding power control via the communication means consists, and power control information providing means for performing the notification means performs at predetermined time intervals in which a time difference in the notification timing to the respective electric devices a notification of the available electric power amount And wherein the door.

  The power control system according to a second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the communication means is constituted by power line communication means for transmitting and receiving information using a power line as a communication line.

  The power control system according to a third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the notifying unit notifies the electric devices of usable electric power at a predetermined time interval.

  Further, in the power control system according to the invention of claim 4, each of the electrical devices includes a startup power amount calculation unit that calculates a power amount required at the time of startup of the electrical device, and the startup determination unit includes the startup When the electric energy calculated by the hourly electric energy calculating means is smaller than the usable electric energy, it is determined that the electric device can be activated.

  Further, in the power control system according to the invention of claim 5, each of the electric devices has a fluctuating power amount calculating means for calculating a fluctuating power amount after starting, and a fluctuating power amount calculated by the fluctuating power amount calculating means. And a variable power amount notifying unit for notifying the power control information providing unit before the electric device is activated, wherein the usable power amount calculating unit is configured to detect the fluctuation notified by the variable power amount notifying unit. The amount of usable power is calculated again based on the amount of power, and the notifying unit notifies each of the electrical devices of the calculated amount of usable power again at a predetermined time interval.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power control system in which the electric device includes a first control unit that controls the entire electric device, a second control unit that performs power control of the electric device, and the electric device. The electric device includes a switching unit that supplies and cuts off power to the device, a power line communication unit that performs power line communication with the power control information providing unit, a display unit that displays information on the power control, and the electric device. A function realizing means for realizing the function; and an energizing means for supplying or cutting off the power to the function realizing means under the control of the second control means, wherein the first control means Is controlled to supply power to the second control means, the power line communication means, and the display means, and to suspend power supply to the function realizing means.

  Further, in the power control system according to the invention of claim 7, when the power is supplied by the control of the first control means, the second control means sends the power amount information to the power line communication means. The power line communication means obtains the rated power amount information that can be supplied to the entire system and the current power consumption information from the power control information providing means in response to the request, and acquires the second power consumption information. It outputs to a control means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Further, in the power control system according to the invention of claim 8, the second control means calculates a currently usable power amount based on the rated power amount obtained through the power line communication means and the current power consumption amount. And comparing the calculated value with the power consumption in each function of the function realizing means stored in advance, and outputting the comparison result to at least one of the energizing means, the function realizing means, and the display means. It is characterized by.

  The power control system according to the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that the energization means determines whether or not power can be supplied to the function realization means based on the comparison result.

Further, in the power control system according to the invention of claim 10, the second control unit calculates a power shortage amount that is insufficient for starting different functions of the function realization unit based on the comparison result, and the display The means displays at least one of information relating to a function that can be activated and information relating to the power shortage among the functions of the function realizing means.

  In addition, the power control system according to the invention of claim 11 includes a power amount registration means for registering a power amount necessary for activating the function realization means of each electric device, wherein the power control information providing means includes: The second control means notifies the power control information providing means of the power shortage amount via the power line communication means, and the power control information providing means is registered in the power shortage amount and the power registration means. Compared with the amount of electric power required by each electric device, the function is realized for one or more electric devices excluding the electric device that has notified the power shortage amount based on the comparison result. The power line communication means is instructed to cut off the power supply to the means.

  The power control system according to the invention of claim 12 is characterized in that at least one of the electric devices is an image forming apparatus.

  The power control system according to the invention of claim 13 is characterized in that the image forming apparatus includes at least one of a facsimile function, a scan function, a print function, and a copy function as each function of the function realizing unit. To do.

Further, the power control system according to the invention of claim 14 is characterized in that the display means requests and displays power amount information of other electrical devices.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power control program for measuring a power consumption of a plurality of electric devices and an allowable power consumption value for setting an allowable power consumption value usable in all the electric devices. A setting process, a total amount of power consumption measured for each electrical device, a usable power amount calculation process for calculating a usable power amount based on a set allowable power consumption value, and a usable power amount calculation process. A notification process for notifying each electric device of the calculated usable power amount and a start determination process for determining whether to start each electric device based on the notified usable power amount are calculated. It is characterized by causing the processing means to execute.

The power control program according to the invention of claim 16 is characterized in that, in the notification step, the available electric energy is notified to each electric device at a predetermined time interval.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power control program that includes a startup power amount calculation process in which each of the electrical devices calculates a required power amount at the time of startup of the electrical device. When it is determined that the amount of power calculated in the starting power amount calculation process is smaller than the usable power amount, the electric device is started.

A power control program according to the invention of claim 18 includes a variable power amount calculation process for calculating a power amount that fluctuates after activation of each electric device, and a variable power amount calculated in the variable power amount calculation process. A variable power amount notifying process for notifying the power control information providing means before the electric device is activated, and the usable power amount calculating step is based on the notified variable power amount. The amount is recalculated, and the notifying step notifies the electric devices of the recalculated amount of power at a predetermined time interval.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power control program comprising: an electric device amount registration process for pre-registering an amount of electric power required to activate the function realizing unit of each electric device; and the second control unit. A power shortage amount notifying process for notifying the power control information providing means of the power shortage amount via the communication means, and the power shortage amount and the electric energy required for each electric device registered in the power registration means. And, based on the comparison result, instruct one or more electric devices other than the electric device that has notified the power shortage amount to cut off the power supply to the function realizing means. And a power cut-off instruction process.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 20, a first control means for controlling the entire apparatus, and a second control means for performing power control, and switching means for supplying and interruption of power, the activation determination A power line communication unit that performs power line communication with a power control information providing unit that is connected to a plurality of electrical devices including a unit and provides information about power control; a display unit that displays information about the power control; A function realizing means for realizing the function of the apparatus; and an energizing means for supplying or cutting off power to the function realizing means under the control of the second control means. The power consumption measuring means for measuring the power consumption of each electrical device via the above, the sum of the measured power consumption of each electrical device and the allowable value of power that can be used in all the electrical devices A usable power amount calculating means for calculating a usable power amount based on a capacity consumption value, and a notifying means for notifying the respective electrical devices of the calculated usable power amount via the communication means. Providing information related to power control to each electric device via the communication unit, and the notification unit provides a time difference in the notification timing of the notification of the usable electric energy to each electric device. performed at predetermined time intervals, said first control means, when the power by the previous SL switching means becomes supply state, said second control means supplies power to the power line communication means and the display means The power supply to the function realizing means is suspended.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 21 , when the second control means is supplied with power under the control of the first control means, the power amount information is sent to the power line communication means. The power line communication means obtains information on the rated power amount that can be supplied to the entire system from the power control information providing means and information on the current power consumption in response to the request, and It outputs to the control means.

In the image forming apparatus according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the second control unit calculates a power amount that can be currently used based on the rated power amount acquired through the power line communication unit and the current power consumption amount. And comparing the calculated value with the power consumption in each function of the function realizing means stored in advance, and outputting the comparison result to at least one of the energizing means, the function realizing means, and the display means. It is characterized by.

An image forming apparatus according to a twenty-third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the energizing unit determines whether or not power can be supplied to the function realizing unit based on the comparison result.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the second control unit calculates a power shortage amount that is insufficient for starting each function of the function realizing unit based on the comparison result, and the display unit Is characterized in that it displays at least one of information relating to a function that can be activated among the respective functions of the function realizing means and information relating to the amount of power shortage.

An image forming apparatus according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in that each function of the function realizing unit includes at least one of a facsimile function, a scanning function, a printing function, and a copying function.

A power control information providing apparatus according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the invention includes a power line communication unit that transmits / receives information regarding power control to / from a plurality of electrical devices using a power line as a communication line, and the power line communication unit through the power line communication unit. Sum of the power consumption measuring means for measuring the power consumption of each electrical device, the allowable power consumption value setting means for setting the allowable power consumption value that can be used in all the electrical devices, and the measured power consumption of each electrical device And a usable power amount calculating means for calculating a usable power amount based on the allowable power consumption value, and a notifying means for notifying each of the electrical devices of the usable power amount via the power communication means. It is characterized by providing.

Further, the power control information providing apparatus according to the invention of claim 27 is characterized in that the notifying means notifies the electric devices of usable electric energy at a predetermined time interval.

The power control information providing apparatus according to the invention of claim 28 comprises a power amount registering means for registering a power amount required to activate the function realizing means of each electric device, and notifies the electric device from each electric device. The amount of power shortage to be compared with the amount of power required by each electrical device registered in the power registration means, and based on the comparison result, excludes the electrical device that has notified the power shortage amount One or more electric devices are instructed via the power line communication means to cut off the power supply to the means for realizing the function of the electric device.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the notifying unit notifies each electric device of the amount of usable electric power at a predetermined time interval, whereby each electric Device control can also be performed with a time difference, and there is an excellent effect that it is possible to prevent the allowable power consumption value from being exceeded by simultaneous operation of each electrical device .

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 2, there is an effect that it is not necessary to install a new communication cable and a system can be easily constructed as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  In addition, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform power control of each electric device with a predetermined time difference, and the situation where the allowable power consumption value is exceeded by simultaneous operation of each electric device is effective. Can be avoided.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, and the control itself is simplified. There is an effect that can be.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 5, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, it becomes possible to quickly notify the available electric energy reflecting the variable electric energy to other electric devices.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 6, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, by making communication functions that consume relatively little power available, and by suspending the activation of the function realizing means that consumes relatively power, it is possible to avoid electric power consumption of the entire system while avoiding excessive power consumption. Device power control can be continued.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 7, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, it is possible to continue the power control of the electrical equipment while avoiding a situation where the power consumption of the entire system is excessive.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 8, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, various controls can be performed based on the comparison result.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 9, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid a situation in which the power of the entire system is cut off due to excessive power consumption.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 10, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the power usage amount that dynamically changes compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, it is possible to accurately notify the user or the like of the startup state of the electrical device and the insufficient amount of power.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 11, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, it is possible to preferentially supply power to an electrical device to be used by forcibly cutting off the power of one or more electrical devices.

  Further, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount, and it is possible to simplify the control itself. Furthermore, it becomes possible to perform power control of the image forming apparatus and each electrical device at a predetermined time interval, and to effectively avoid a situation where the allowable power consumption value is exceeded by simultaneous operation of each electrical device and the image forming apparatus. Can do.

  In addition, according to the invention described in claim 13, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 14, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to manage the power usage amount that dynamically changes compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided.
In addition, according to the invention described in claim 15, it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, and the control itself is simplified. There is an excellent effect of being able to.

According to the invention described in claim 15, the notification means notifies each electric device of the usable electric energy at a predetermined time interval, so that the control of each electric device can also be performed with a time difference. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the allowable power consumption value from being exceeded due to the simultaneous operation of each electric device .

In addition, according to the invention described in claim 17 , it is possible to manage the power usage amount that dynamically changes compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, and the control itself is simplified. There is an effect that can be.

In addition, according to the invention described in claim 18 , there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, it becomes possible to quickly notify the available electric energy reflecting the variable electric energy to other electric devices.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to manage a dynamically changing power usage amount. Furthermore, it is possible to preferentially supply power to an electrical device to be used by forcibly cutting off the power of one or more electrical devices.

In addition, according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the power usage amount that dynamically changes compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, by making communication functions that consume relatively little power available, and by suspending the activation of the function realizing means that consumes relatively power, it is possible to avoid electric power consumption of the entire system while avoiding excessive power consumption. Device power control can be continued.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 21 , there is an effect that it is possible to manage the power usage amount that dynamically changes compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, it is possible to continue the power control of the electrical equipment while avoiding a situation where the power consumption of the entire system is excessive.

In addition, according to the invention described in claim 22 , there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, various controls can be performed based on the comparison result.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 23 , there is an effect that it is possible to manage the power usage amount that dynamically changes compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid a situation in which the power of the entire system is cut off due to excessive power consumption.

According to the 24th aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the power usage amount that dynamically changes compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided. Furthermore, it is possible to accurately notify the user or the like of the startup state of the electrical device and the insufficient amount of power.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 25 , there is an effect that it is possible to manage the power usage amount that dynamically changes compared to the case where this configuration is not provided.

According to the invention described in claim 26 , the control of each electric device can also be performed by notifying at a predetermined time interval provided with a time difference in the notification timing as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. Control with a time difference becomes possible, and there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the allowable power consumption value from being exceeded by simultaneous operation of each electrical device .

According to the invention of claim 27 , it is possible to perform power control of each electric device with a predetermined time difference, and it is effective to prevent the situation that the allowable power consumption value is exceeded by simultaneous operation of each electric device. Can be avoided.

Further, according to the 28th aspect of the invention, there is an effect that it is possible to manage the dynamically changing power usage amount. Furthermore, it is possible to preferentially supply power to an electrical device to be used by forcibly cutting off the power of one or more electrical devices.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power control system S1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power control server in the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of calculation of usable power capacity values according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a chart showing usable power capacity values of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for notifying the available power amount at predetermined time intervals based on a calculation example, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of power control processing in the power control system S1 according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the printing apparatus start-up process in the power control system S1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power control system S2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming apparatus in the power control system S2 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a power control performed in the power control system S2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a table showing an example of power consumption in each function of the function block unit 410, and FIG. 12 is a display state of the image forming apparatus in the power control system S2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of power control processing when a processing request is generated from a user in the power control system S2 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing an example of a display state, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a display state in the host computer.

  First, in FIG. 1 showing the overall configuration of the power control system S1, four printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104 as communicable electric devices manage the power load of the power line L via the indoor power line L. It is connected to a power control server (power control information providing means) SE1.

  The power control server SE1 includes a power breaker (breaker: energization means) (not shown), and is connected to an outdoor wiring H serving as a power supply source.

  In the present embodiment, the case where four printing apparatuses are connected as communicable electric devices will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, and an illumination provided with communication means corresponding to power line communication described later. A so-called digital home appliance such as a device or a personal computer can also be connected.

  The power control server (power control information providing means) SE1 is configured by a computer (for example, a host computer, a microcomputer, a program for realizing a server function, etc.) connected by power line communication via the power line L, and the like. Data relating to power control such as power amount information is provided to the devices 101, 102, 103, and 104.

  Here, power line communication will be described.

  Power line communication is a technology that uses a 100 V (50/60 Hz) power line as a communication line, and an adapter for communication (PLC modem (power line communication modem) or PLC (Power Line Communications modem) card (power line communication card). )) Is connected to an electrical device such as a personal computer or a printer to superimpose a high-frequency signal (4 MHz to 28 MHz) on the power line and enable data communication of several Mbps to several hundred Mbps using the power line as a transmission line. It is.

  The power line communication modem has a function of extracting only digital data from the power line, sending the data to various electric devices, and sending information from the various electric devices to the power line.

  Since electrical wiring is stretched around houses and offices, it has the advantage of being able to easily build a local communication network without laying new cables. In addition, the distribution network of the electric power company can be used as it is as a communication infrastructure, and an Internet connection service is also possible.

  Next, the operation of the power control system S1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The power control server SE1 measures the total power consumption of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104 connected on the power line L, and calculates the usable power amount with respect to the set allowable power consumption value. The usable power capacity value is notified to each printing apparatus 101, 102, 103, 104 at predetermined time intervals.

  When there is a power fluctuation amount notification from each of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104, the power control server SE1 reflects the value on the usable power capacity value.

  Next, each printing apparatus 101, 102, 103, 104 notifies the power control server SE1 of the power consumption that increases after startup as a power fluctuation amount.

  For example, when the printing apparatus 101 is in an OFF state and is going to be in the ON state from now on, it waits for notification of a usable power capacity value until it is notified from the power control server SE1 to its own apparatus (printing apparatus 101).

  When receiving the notification of the usable power capacity value, the printing apparatus 101 determines whether or not the power consumption increased after the self apparatus starts up is smaller than the notification of the usable power capacity value. To notify the amount of power fluctuation, and then start.

  Next, the configuration of the power control server SE1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The power control server SE1 includes a power line L that supplies indoor power to the indoor, a target power consumption setting unit (allowable power consumption storage unit) 108, and an available power amount calculation unit that calculates a usable power amount ( Usable power amount calculating means) 109, a power consumption measuring section (power consumption measuring means) 110 for measuring the power consumption of each electric device (printing apparatus 101, 102, 103, 104), and a power line communication section (power line communication means: For example, the power line communication card (T1). The target power consumption setting unit 108, the usable power amount calculation unit 109, and the power consumption measurement unit 110 can be configured by a microcomputer, a control program, and the like, for example.

  The target power consumption setting unit 108 sets a target power consumption amount, and uses this value as the upper limit of the total power consumption.

  Further, the power consumption measuring unit 110 measures the power consumption of all the electrical devices (printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, 104) connected to the power line L.

  The usable power amount calculation unit 109 calculates the usable power amount from the allowable power consumption value from the target power consumption setting unit 108 and the total power consumption from the power consumption measurement unit 110, and each of the printing apparatuses 101 and 102 through the power line L. , 103, 104. The notification of the usable power amount is performed at a predetermined time interval that provides a time difference to the notification timing for each of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104.

  Further, the usable power amount calculation unit 109 receives notification of the power fluctuation amount from each of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104 from the power line L, and adds the value to the usable power amount and reflects it.

  Next, the configuration of the printing apparatus 101 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 101 is described, but the printing apparatuses 102, 103, and 104 have the same configuration.

  FIG. 3 shows only the configuration necessary for carrying out the present invention, and the configuration of the printer engine and the like that executes the printing process is not shown. As the printer engine, one corresponding to the type of printing apparatus (laser printer, full color printer, ink jet printer, etc.) is used.

  The printing apparatus 101 determines whether or not to start based on the power line L connected to the power control server SE1, the power consumption value storage unit 111 including a non-volatile memory for storing the power consumption value, and the available power amount. A start determination unit (start determination unit) 112 for determining, a start control unit 113 for controlling start of the printing apparatus 101 itself, a main circuit 114 for performing communication with the power control server SE1 and controlling the printer engine, etc., and a power line And a communication unit (power line communication means: for example, a power line communication card) T2.

  The power consumption value storage unit 111 stores a power consumption value that increases after the printing apparatus 101 is activated.

  The activation determination unit 112 operates when starting from the OFF state to the ON state. When the notification of the usable power capacity is received from the power control server SE1 via the power line L at a predetermined time interval, the power consumption value storage unit 111 The power consumption value is read from and compared.

  When the power consumption value of the printing apparatus 101 is smaller than the usable power capacity, the power control server SE1 is notified of the power amount fluctuation amount via the power line L, and the start control unit 113 is started. I do.

  The activation control unit 113 activates the main circuit 114 in response to the activation instruction from the activation determination unit 112 to activate the printing apparatus 101.

  Here, a calculation example of the usable power capacity value in the power control system S1 according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the table of FIG.

  The printing apparatus 101 assumes that the power consumption after activation is 20 W, and the power supply is currently OFF.

Similarly, the printing apparatus 102 is in a power-on state with power consumption of 50 W, the printing apparatus 103 is in a power-on state with power consumption of 30 W, and the printing apparatus 104 is in a power-off state with power consumption of 10 W.
The total power consumption from the current printing apparatus 101 to the printing apparatus 104 is 80 W.

  Here, since the allowable power consumption value is set to 90 W, the value of the usable electric energy is 10 W.

  With this value, the power consumption of the printing apparatus 101 is 20 W, so the printing apparatus 101 cannot be activated. However, since the power consumption of the printing apparatus 104 is 10 W, it can be seen that the printing apparatus 104 can be activated.

  FIG. 5 shown next notifies the printing apparatus 101, 102, 103, 104 of the usable power amount at predetermined time intervals from the power control server SE1 using the calculation example of the usable power capacity value of FIG. The procedure is specifically shown.

  First, the power control server SE1 measures the power amounts of all the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104 connected to the power line L and calculates the usable power amount.

  Since the calculated usable power amount is 10 W (see FIG. 4), first, the power control server SE1 notifies the printing apparatus 101 of the usable power amount 10 W. Next, the available power amount 10 W is notified to the printing apparatus 102. Similarly, the printing apparatus 103 and the printing apparatus 104 are sequentially notified at predetermined time intervals.

  Here, the order of notification from the printing apparatus 101 to the printing apparatus 104 is arbitrarily set by the power control server SE1 based on a predetermined rule, or the user designates a priority order for the power control server SE1. There is a way to do it. However, in the present invention, this notification order is not particularly problematic.

  Further, the predetermined time interval is about several mS or several uS that a person does not feel is too long, and is preferably longer than the rise time of the power supply.

  When the notification to the printing apparatus 104 is completed, the power control server SE1 measures the power amount again to calculate the usable power amount.

  In the example of FIG. 5, since there is no change in the activation state of each of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104, the same usable power amount 10 W is sequentially notified to the printing apparatus 101 and the printing apparatus 104.

  Here, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 104 is about to start from the OFF state to the ON state at a timing after the notification to the printing apparatus 102 is finished.

  In this case, the printing apparatus 104 is activated after notifying the power control server SE1 of the power fluctuation amount 10W.

  Upon receiving the notification of the power fluctuation amount, the power control server SE1 promptly reflects the value on the usable power amount, and the result (usable power amount 0 W) is printed in the printing device 103, which is the next notification order, and printing. Notification is sequentially made to the device 104.

  The value at this time is not a measured amount of electric power but a planned value (reserved value).

  After the notification to the printing apparatus 104 is completed, the amount of power is measured again, and the usable power amount 0 W is calculated as an actual measurement value.

  Then, the printing apparatus 101 sequentially notifies the printing apparatus 104 of the usable power amount 0W.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process sequence of the power control process in power control system S1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

  When this power control process is started, first, the power control server SE1 calculates the total power consumption amount of each electrical device (printing apparatus 101, 102, 103, 104) connected on the same power line L in step S10. Is measured, the available electric energy is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, it is determined whether there is a notification of the variable power amount from each of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, 104. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S12, and the power control server SE1. After reflecting the value as a planned value in the calculated usable electric energy, the process proceeds to step S13. When the determination result is “No”, the value is transferred to step S13 with the value unchanged.

  In step S13, the power control server SE1 notifies the printing apparatus 101 of the available power amount and proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, it is determined whether there is a notification of the variable power amount from each of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, 104. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S15, and the power control server SE1. After reflecting the value as a planned value in the calculated usable electric energy, the process proceeds to step S16, and when the determination result is “No”, the value is transferred to step S16 without changing the value.

  In step S16, the power control server SE1 notifies the printing apparatus 102 of the available power amount and proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, it is determined whether there is a notification of the variable power amount from each of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, 104. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S18 and the power control server SE1. After reflecting the value as a planned value in the calculated usable electric energy, the process proceeds to step S19. When the determination result is “No”, the value is transferred to step S19 without changing the value.

  In step S19, the power control server SE1 notifies the printing apparatus 103 of the available power amount and proceeds to step S20.

    In step S20, it is determined whether there is a notification of the variable power amount from each of the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, 104. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S21 and the power control server SE1. After reflecting the value as a planned value in the calculated usable electric energy, the process proceeds to step S22, and when the determination result is “No”, the value is transferred to step S22 with the value unchanged.

  In step S22, the power control server SE1 notifies the printing apparatus 102 of the available power amount and returns to step S10.

  In the present embodiment, the case where four printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104 are connected to the power control system S1 as the electric apparatus has been described. However, the number of printing apparatuses increases, and other electric apparatuses The same control process can be applied when a mixture of air conditioners (eg, air conditioners and personal computers having a power line communication function) is connected.

  Next, the processing procedure of the printing apparatus start-up process in the power control system S1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  7 illustrates the startup procedure of the printing apparatus 101, the startup procedures of the other printing apparatuses 102, 103, and 104 are the same.

  When the activation process is started, the printing apparatus 101 is turned on from the power-off state in step S30, and the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, it is determined whether there is a notification of the available power amount sent from the power control server SE1 to the printing apparatus 101. If “No”, the process waits until the notification is received, “Yes” ", The process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether the power consumption after activation of the printing apparatus 101 is smaller than the notified usable power quantity. If the determination result is “No”, the process returns to step S30 to return to the printing apparatus. 101 is not started, and it waits until the available power amount notified again becomes a startable value.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is “Yes” in step S32, the process proceeds to step S33, and the printing apparatus 101 notifies the power supply control server SE1 of the fluctuating power amount that increases after activation, and then proceeds to step S34. 101 shifts to a power-on (startup) state and ends the process.

  As described above, according to the power control system S <b> 1 according to the first embodiment, the power control server SE <b> 1 manages the current total power consumption and the variable power amount notified from each printing apparatus 101, 102, 103, 104. By simply performing power control and not directly performing power control on the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104, the power control server SE1 can be simplified and the system scale can be reduced.

  In addition, the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104 can easily determine whether or not to start from the available power amount, and can easily perform fine control so as not to reach the determined power amount. Further, when the determined amount of power is set to a value intended for power saving, it can also contribute to power saving.

  Furthermore, even if there are many electrical devices and printing devices that are not compatible with the control for the usable power amount notification, the power control system of this embodiment can be configured, and power control is performed only by the corresponding printing device. It is also possible to perform.

  In addition, the power control server SE1 notifies the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the usable power amount at predetermined time intervals, so that the control of each printing apparatus 101, 102, 103, and 104 also provides a time difference. Control is possible, and it is possible to prevent the allowable power consumption value from being exceeded by simultaneous operation of the printing apparatuses.

  Also, the printing apparatuses 101, 102, 103, and 104 start after confirming in advance the amount of variable power that increases after startup after confirming in advance the amount of power that can be used from the power control server SE1. Therefore, it is possible to promptly notify the other printing apparatuses of the usable power amount reflecting the variable power amount.

  Further, since the power line is used as the notification means, it is not necessary to install a new network cable, and a simple system can be constructed.

  In addition, it is difficult to communicate with a normal network such as a LAN when the electrical equipment is in the power off state, so the entire device cannot be turned off. However, if communication is performed using a power line, power can be easily supplied. Communication is possible, and it is possible to return from the power-off state.

  Moreover, efficient control can be performed even when many electrical devices that do not support power control are connected. In addition, even when an electrical device such as a personal computer or peripheral device is connected via a connector such as a table tap, it is possible to prevent a failure of the personal computer or the peripheral device or data corruption in the personal computer. .

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 15, a power control system S2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the configuration of the power control system S2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  In the power control system S2, a power control server (main power management device: power control information providing means) SE2 supplies power from outside the building to each device (host computer 200, image forming device M, peripheral device) through the power line L1. 400, 500), and in response to a request from each device, power information such as the rated power amount of the building and the current total power consumption is output to each device via the power line L1. Yes.

  An image forming apparatus M such as a printer (printing apparatus) is connected to the host computer 200 via a communication line, and performs image forming processing in response to a request from the host computer 200.

  The peripheral devices 400 and 500 are configured by, for example, an air conditioner or a personal computer having a power line communication function, and are supplied with power from the power control server SE2.

  Note that the power consumption of the peripheral devices 400 and 500 is included in the total power consumption in the building calculated by the power control server SE2.

  In addition, when the image forming apparatus M and the peripheral devices 400 and 500 are requested by the power control server SE2 via the power line L1, the power control server SE2 uses the current minimum power consumption as the power amount information. In response to this, it is designed to output.

  The image forming apparatus M is configured as a multifunction printer (MFP) equipped with a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, a communication function, and the like in addition to a print function.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus M will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus M includes a function block unit (function realizing unit) 410 that realizes the functions of the image forming apparatus M, a power control block unit (first control unit) 420 that performs power control, and a panel block having display and operation switches. The unit 430 is configured.

  The function block unit 410 includes an interface unit 411, a function control unit 412, a function processing unit 413, and a function block unit power supply 414.

  The interface unit 411 outputs a processing request from the host computer 200 to the function control unit 412 and outputs a processing response from the function control unit 412 to the host computer 200.

  The function control unit 412 outputs processing request information created from the processing request from the interface unit 411 or the panel block unit 430 to the power control block unit 420, and sends the processing request information to the function processing unit 413 according to the comparison result from the power control block unit 420. Output processing request.

  The function processing unit 413 performs facsimile processing, scan processing, printing processing, and copy processing in response to a processing request from the function control unit 412, and outputs a processing response corresponding to each processing to the function control unit 412.

  The functional block power supply 414 supplies the supplied power to the functional block 410 and the panel block 430. Note that the functions processed by the function block unit 410 have different power consumption depending on the function.

  The power control block unit 420 includes a power control unit 421 (second control unit), a power line communication unit (power line communication unit) 422, a power breaker (energization unit) 423, a power control block unit power supply 424, And a power switch 425 (switching means). The power control unit 421 outputs a power amount information request to the power line communication unit 422, the power amount information from the power line communication unit 422, the power consumption amount in each function of the function block unit 410 stored in advance, and power-on The power consumption for initialization is compared, and the comparison result is output to the power breaker 423, the function block unit 410, and the panel block unit 430.

  When processing request information from the function block unit 410 and switch information from the panel block unit 430 are input, a power amount information request is output to the power line communication unit 422, and power amount information from the power line communication unit 422 is output. Are compared with the power consumption of the function specified by the processing request information or the switch information, and the comparison result is output to the power breaker 423, the function block unit 410, and the panel block unit 430.

  When the power is insufficient, the power amount information request of the other device is output to the power line communication unit 422, and the function block unit 410 and the panel with the power amount information of the other device and the power shortage amount as the shortage information from the power line communication unit 422. The data is output to the block unit 430.

  The power line communicator 422 uses the power line L1, and from the power control server SE2 in the building, information on the rated power amount of the building, current power consumption amount, and the current status from the peripheral devices 400 and 500 when power is insufficient. Is acquired as power amount information and output to the power control unit 421.

  The power breaker 423 controls power supply to the functional block unit 410 according to the comparison result from the power control unit 421.

  The power control block unit power supply 424 supplies the supplied power to the power control block unit 420 and the panel block unit 430.

  The power switch 425 conducts the power line L1 in the building and the power line L2 in the image forming apparatus M when the switch is on, and shuts off when the switch is off.

  The panel block unit 430 includes a function block unit display unit 431, a function block unit switch unit 432, a power control block unit display unit 433, and a power control block unit switch unit 434.

  The function block unit display unit 431 displays a processing response from the function block unit 410, and the function block unit switch unit 432 outputs a processing request to the function block unit 410.

  The power control block unit display unit 433 displays the comparison result from the power control block unit 420, the shortage information, and the power amount information of other devices, and the power control block unit switch unit 434 displays the power control block unit. The switch information is output to 430.

  In addition, the function block unit display unit 431 and the function block unit switch unit 432 are supplied with power from the function block unit 410, and the power control block unit display unit 433 and the power control block unit switch unit 434 perform power control. Electric power is supplied from the block unit 420.

  Next, a processing procedure of power control processing performed in the power control system S2 according to the second embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the power control process is started, first, when the power switch 425 is turned on in step S40, the process proceeds to step S41, and the power control block unit power supply 424 supplies power to the power control block unit 420 and the panel block unit 430. Then, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, when power is supplied, the power control unit 421 requests power amount information from the power line communication unit 422, and proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the power line communication unit 422 uses the power line L1, acquires information on the rated power amount of the building and the current power consumption amount from the power control server SE2 in the building, and outputs the information to the power control unit 421. The process proceeds to S44.

  In step S44, the power control unit 421 calculates the currently usable power amount from the rated power amount and the current power consumption amount, and proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the power control unit 421 stores in advance the power consumption for each function of the function block unit 410 and the power consumption for initialization when the power is turned on. The amount of power consumed for initialization is compared with the amount of power that is currently available, and the comparison result is output to the power breaker 423, the function block unit 410, and the panel block unit 430, and then the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, it is determined whether initialization is possible based on the comparison result. If initialization is possible, the process proceeds to step S47, where the power breaker 423 supplies power to the function block unit 410, and step S48. In step S49, the panel block unit 430 displays an operable function according to the comparison result from the power control unit 421, and then proceeds to step S49.

  In step S49, it is determined whether or not the function requested by the user is operable. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process is terminated as it is. If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S50. To do.

  On the other hand, if “No” is determined in step S46, the power breaker 423 cuts off the power to the function block unit 410 in step S62, and then the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S63, the panel block unit 430 displays an operation impossibility due to power shortage, and the process ends.

  In step S50, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed a switch corresponding to the function requested by the power control block switch unit 434. If “No”, the process waits until the user presses the switch. In the case of “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S51, and the power control block unit switch unit 434 outputs the switch information to the power control block unit 420, and proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, when the switch information is input, the power control unit 421 requests power amount information from the power line communication unit 422, and proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, the power line communication unit 422 uses the power line L1 to acquire the rated power amount of the building and the current power consumption information from the power control server SE2 in the building, and outputs the information to the power control unit 421. To step S54.

  In step S54, the power control unit 421 calculates the currently usable power amount from the rated power amount and the current power consumption amount, and proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, the power consumption of the function of the function block unit 410 specified by the switch information is compared with the power consumption required for initialization at power-on, and the comparison result is compared with the power breaker 423 and the function block unit 410. And after outputting to the panel block part 430, it transfers to step S56.

  In step S56, it is determined whether initialization is possible and the function requested by the user is operable based on the comparison result. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S47. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S57.

  In step S57, the power control unit 421 requests the power amount information of the other device from the power line communication unit 422, and proceeds to step S58.

  In step S58, the power line communication unit 422 uses the power line L1, acquires the current minimum power consumption from the peripheral devices 400 and 500 as power amount information, outputs the information to the power control unit 421, and proceeds to step S59.

  In step S59, the power control unit 421 outputs the power amount information of other devices from the power line communication unit 422 and the power amount that is insufficient to operate the function requested by the user to the panel block unit 430 as the shortage information. Then, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the panel block unit 430 displays the power shortage amount and the power amount information of the other device, and then proceeds to step S61.

  In step S61, when the user confirms the amount of power that is insufficient for the function requested from the display to operate and the amount of power used by another device and operates the peripheral devices 400 and 500, the peripheral device After securing the power of the devices 400 and 500, the process proceeds to step S50.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of power consumption in each function of the function block unit 410. In this example, the standby time is 10 W, the initialization time is 25 W, the scanning time is 50 W, the FAX transmission time is 50 W, the printing time is 900 W, the FAX reception time is 900 W, and the copying time is 950 W.

  Next, a display example of the image forming apparatus M in the power control system S2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

  Here, the panel block unit 430 includes operation display areas A1 and A2. The operation display area A1 includes “insufficient power”, “scannable”, “fax transmission is possible”, “fax reception is possible”, “Printable” and “Copyable” items are displayed.

  In addition, on the left side of each item, notification units (for example, composed of LEDs or the like) F1 to F6 that are turned on when the item is valid are arranged.

  Further, switches 434a to 434e for confirming the insufficient power amount are arranged on the right side of each item except for “insufficient power amount”.

  Also, below the item, there is provided a display unit (configured with a liquid crystal display panel or the like) K1 for an insufficient amount of power and a display unit (configured with a liquid crystal display panel or the like) K2 for power consumption of other devices. It has been. A selection button G for selecting a device whose power consumption is to be displayed is provided on the left side of the display unit K2.

  An operation display area A2 provided above the operation display area A1 includes a display unit K3 for displaying a message indicating the state of the apparatus, an operation button J for operating various functions, and a switch ( Processing request switch) N is provided.

  For example, in the power consumption amount shown in FIG. 11 described above, when the currently usable power amount is 20 W, the comparison result indicates that initialization requiring 25 W is impossible. The power to the block unit 410 is cut off.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 12A, the panel block unit 430 lights up the “power shortage” notification unit F1. Based on this notification, when the function that the user desires to use is, for example, printing, the switch 434d for confirming the amount of insufficient power corresponding to printing is pressed.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the amount of power necessary to activate the print function and the amount of power used by other devices are displayed.

  In the example of FIG. 12B, “880 W shortage” is displayed, and for example, it can be confirmed that “900 W is consumed by the peripheral device 400”.

  Therefore, if the peripheral device 400 can be stopped, 900 W can be used, and the print function can be activated. Therefore, the user determines whether the peripheral device 400 can be stopped by determining the state and necessity of the peripheral device 400. For example, in the case where the peripheral device 400 is an air conditioner, even if it is temporarily stopped, there is little influence. Therefore, the print processing by the image forming apparatus M can be executed by stopping the air conditioner.

  Further, for example, in the above example, when it is desired to use the copy function, the power amount of 880 W or more may be insufficient. In such a case, the selection button G is operated so that the power consumption of other electrical devices In addition, by stopping two or more electric devices or operating these electric devices in a mode with less power consumption, a condition for operating the copy function is searched.

  Also, for example, when power that can use all functions is secured, as shown in FIG. 12C, all the functions are used by the user by turning on the notification units F2 to F6 of all functions. Notify that it is possible.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, in a general image processing apparatus, there is a large difference in power consumption between the standby time (10 W) and the processing time (25 to 950 W). In this embodiment, the amount of power is checked even when a processing request occurs, and whether or not the requested function is operable, how much power is insufficient, The user can also be notified of how much power is being used by other electrical devices.

  Next, a processing procedure of power control processing when a processing request is generated from the user will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When this processing is started, first, when the processing request from the host computer 200 or the processing request switch N of the function block unit switch unit 432 is pressed in step S70, the process proceeds to step S71.

In step S71, a processing request is output from the interface unit 411 or the function block unit switch unit 432 to the function control unit 412, and the process proceeds to step S72.
In step S72, the function control unit 412 creates processing request information from the processing request, outputs the processing request information to the power control unit 421, and proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, the power control unit 421 requests power amount information from the power line communication unit 422, and then proceeds to step S74. The power line communication unit 422 uses the power line L1 from the power control server SE2 in the building. The rated power amount and current power consumption information are acquired and output to the power control unit 421, and then the process proceeds to step S75.

  In step S75, the power control unit 421 calculates the currently usable power amount based on the rated power amount and the current power consumption amount, and proceeds to step S76. The power control unit 421 performs the function block 410 for each function. The power consumption amount is compared with the currently available power amount, and the comparison result is output to the function block unit 410 and the panel block unit 430, and then the process proceeds to step S77.

  In step S77, it is determined whether or not the function requested by the user is operable. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S78 to output a processing request to the function processing unit 413, and step S79. Then, the function processing unit 413 executes the requested process and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if “No” is determined in step S77, the process proceeds to step S80, and the power control unit 421 requests the power amount information of the other electrical device from the power line communication unit 422, and the process proceeds to step S81. .

  In step S81, the power line communication unit 422 uses the power line L1 to acquire the current minimum power consumption amount as the power amount information from the peripheral devices 400 and 500, outputs the information to the power control unit 421, and then proceeds to step S82. To do.

  In step S82, the power control unit 421 uses the power block information 410 of the other electrical devices from the power line communication unit 422 and the power block insufficient to operate the function requested by the user as the shortage information. It outputs to the panel block part 430, and transfers to step S83.

  In step S83, the function block unit 410 outputs the function requested by the function control unit 412 to be inoperable, the power amount information of other electric devices, and the shortage information to the interface unit 411 as a processing response. The interface unit 411 notifies the processing response from the function control unit 412 to the host computer 200, and the panel block unit 430 displays that the function block unit display unit 431 cannot process due to insufficient power, and the power control block unit The display unit 433 displays the power shortage amount and the power amount information of other electrical devices, and the process is terminated.

  Here, for example, in the case where the power consumption amount in each function of the function block unit 410 and the power consumption amount required for initialization at the time of power-on is the above-described FIG. When the power consumption of 400 is 450 W and the power consumption of the peripheral device 500 is 550 W, when the user operates the switch J of the panel block unit 430 to select the copy function and presses the start button N, “ The result is “uncopyable”.

  Therefore, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 14, the panel block unit 430 displays a message “Cannot copy” on the display unit K3 to notify that the copy function cannot be used due to insufficient power, The amount of power that is insufficient to operate the copy function (for example, 850 W) is displayed on the display unit K1, and the amount of power that is used by another electrical device (for example, the peripheral device 400 uses 450 W). ) Is displayed.

  Further, when the host computer 200 requests printing, the result is that the printing function cannot be used. Therefore, the function block unit 410 is unable to print due to insufficient power and is insufficient for printing. The amount of power being used and the amount of power used by other electrical devices are notified as a processing response, and the display monitor of the host computer 200 displays, for example, “Unable to print due to insufficient power. After that, please re-execute.The power shortage is 800 W. The peripheral device 400 is using 450 W. The peripheral device 500 is using 550 W. ”is displayed.

  As a result, the user of the image forming apparatus M or the operator of the host computer 200 can execute a desired function by taking measures such as stopping the use of the peripheral devices 400 and 500 based on the notification contents. State.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limited to the disclosed technology. Should not be considered. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications that fall within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.

  For example, in the display example shown in FIG. 12, the case where the power consumption of each electric device is displayed one by one by operating the switch G is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the electric device connected to the power control system S <b> 2 is displayed. All power consumption may be displayed in a list.

  When using the program in the power control system according to the present invention, it can be provided via a network or stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  The power control system according to the present invention can be applied to a system in which printers such as laser printers, full-color printers, inkjet printers, facsimiles, and the like are connected in addition to general home appliances such as air conditioners having a communication function.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of electric power control system S1 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the power control server in 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows the example of calculation of the usable electric power capacity value in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for notifying a usable power amount at predetermined time intervals based on a calculation example of a usable power capacity value in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the power control process in power control system S1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of the starting process of the printing apparatus in power control system S1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of electric power control system S2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus in power control system S2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the power control process performed with power control system S2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 5 is a table showing an example of power consumption in each function of a function block unit 410. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display state of the image forming apparatus in power control system S2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the power control process when the process request generate | occur | produces from the user in power control system S2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state in a host computer.

Explanation of symbols

S1, S2 Power control system 101, 102, 103, 104 Printing device (electric equipment)
H Outdoor wiring L, L1, L2 Power line T1, T2 Power line communication unit (power line communication means)
SE1, SE2 Power control server (power control information providing means)
101, 102, 103, 104 Printing device (electrical equipment)
108 Target power consumption setting unit (allowable power consumption value setting means)
109 Usable power amount calculation unit (usable power amount calculating means)
110 Power consumption measuring unit (power consumption measuring means)
112 Start determination unit (start determination means)
114 Main circuit 200 Host computer 400, 500 Peripheral device 410 Function block (function realization means)
411 Interface unit 412 Startup control unit 413 Function processing unit 414 Power supply for function block unit 420 Power control block unit (first control means)
421 Power control unit (second control means)
422 Power line communication unit (power line communication means)
423 Power circuit breaker (energization means)
424 Power control block power supply 425 Power switch (switching means)
430 Panel block unit 430 Power control block unit 431 Function block display unit (display means)
432 Function Block Switch Unit 433 Power Control Block Display Unit (Display Unit)
434 Power control block switch units 434a to 434e
switch

Claims (28)

A plurality of electrical devices provided with activation determining means;
Power consumption measuring means for measuring the power consumption of each electrical device via communication means, the total of the measured power consumption of each electrical device and the tolerance set as the power allowable value for all the electrical devices A usable power amount calculating means for calculating a usable power amount based on a power consumption value, and a notifying means for notifying the respective electric devices of the calculated usable power amount via the communication means, Power control information providing means for providing information related to power control to each of the electrical devices via the communication means;
Consisting of
The power notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit performs the notification of the usable power amount at a predetermined time interval with a time difference between notification timings to the electric devices.   The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit includes a power line communication unit that transmits and receives information using a power line as a communication line.   3. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the electric appliances of usable electric power at predetermined time intervals. Each of the electric devices is
It has a starting power amount calculating means for calculating the amount of power required when starting the electric device,
The activation determination means includes
4. The electric device according to claim 1, wherein the electric device is determined to be startable when the power amount calculated by the start-up power amount calculating unit is smaller than the usable power amount. 5. Power control system. Each of the electric devices is
A fluctuating power amount calculating means for calculating a power amount that fluctuates after startup;
A variable power amount notifying unit for notifying the power control information providing unit of the variable power amount calculated by the variable power amount calculating unit before the electric device is activated;
The usable electric energy calculating means calculates again the usable electric energy based on the variable electric energy notified by the variable electric energy notifying means,
5. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the electric devices of the recalculated usable electric energy at predetermined time intervals. The electrical equipment is
First control means for controlling the entire electrical device;
Second control means for performing power control of the electrical equipment;
Switching means for supplying and shutting off electric power to the electrical equipment;
Power line communication means for performing power line communication with the power control information providing means;
Display means for displaying information on the power control;
Function realizing means for realizing the function of the electric device;
An energization means for supplying or shutting off power to the function realization means under the control of the second control means,
The first control means includes
When power is supplied by the switching means, power is supplied to the second control means, the power line communication means, and the display means, and the power supply to the function realizing means is controlled to be suspended. The power control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The second control means requests power amount information from the power line communication means when power is supplied by the control of the first control means,
In response to the request, the power line communication unit acquires information on a rated power amount that can be supplied to the entire system and information on a current power consumption amount from the power control information providing unit, and sends the information to the second control unit. The power control system according to claim 6, wherein the power control system outputs the power control system.   The second control means calculates a power amount that can be currently used based on the rated power amount acquired through the power line communication means and the current power consumption amount, and stores the calculated value and the function in advance. The power control system according to claim 7, wherein the power consumption amount in each function of the means is compared, and the comparison result is output to at least one of the energizing means, the function realizing means, and the display means.   9. The power control system according to claim 8, wherein the energization unit determines whether or not power can be supplied to the function realization unit based on the comparison result. The second control means calculates a power shortage amount that is insufficient for starting different functions of the function realization means based on the comparison result,
The said display means displays at least one of the information regarding the function which can be started among each function of the said function implementation | achievement means, and the information regarding the said electric power shortage amount, The any one of Claim 6 to 9 characterized by the above-mentioned. Power control system. The power control information providing unit includes a power amount registration unit that registers a power amount necessary for starting the function realizing unit of each electric device,
The second control means notifies the power control information providing means of the power shortage amount via the power line communication means,
The power control information providing unit compares the power shortage amount with a power amount required by each electric device registered in the power registration unit, and notifies the power shortage amount based on the comparison result. 11. The power according to claim 10, wherein one or more electric devices other than an incoming electric device are instructed via the power line communication unit to cut off power supply to the function realizing unit. Control system.   The power control system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the electrical devices includes an image forming apparatus.   The power control system according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus includes at least one of a facsimile function, a scan function, a printing function, and a copying function as each function of the function realizing unit.   The power control system according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the display means requests and displays power amount information of another electrical device. A power consumption measurement process for measuring power consumption of a plurality of electrical devices;
An allowable power consumption value setting process for setting an allowable power consumption value that can be used in all the electric devices;
A total amount of power consumption measured for each electrical device and a usable power amount calculation process for calculating a usable power amount based on a set allowable power consumption value;
A notification process for notifying each of the electrical devices of the available electric energy calculated in the usable electric energy calculation process;
Have
The notification of the usable power amount is performed at a predetermined time interval in which a time difference is provided in the notification timing for each of the electric devices.   The power control program according to claim 15, wherein the notifying process notifies the electric appliances of usable electric power at predetermined time intervals. Each of the electrical devices has a startup power amount calculation process for calculating the amount of power required when starting the electrical device,
16. The start determination process starts the electric device when it is determined that the amount of power calculated in the start-up power amount calculation step is smaller than the usable power amount. The power control program described in 1. Fluctuating electric energy calculation process for calculating electric energy that fluctuates after activation of each electric device,
A variable power amount notification step of notifying the power control information providing means of the variable power amount calculated in the variable power amount calculation process before the electric device is activated,
The usable power amount calculation process recalculates the usable power amount based on the notified variable power amount,
The power control program according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the notification step notifies the electric devices of the recalculated usable electric energy at a predetermined time interval. An electrical device amount registration process for pre-registering the amount of power required to activate the function realizing means of each electrical device;
A power shortage notification process in which the second control means notifies the power control information providing means of the power shortage via the communication means;
The amount of power shortage is compared with the amount of power required by each electric device registered in the power registration means, and the electric device that has notified the amount of power shortage is excluded based on the comparison result 1 The electric power according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising: a power cut-off instruction process for instructing two or more electric devices to cut off power supply to the function realizing means. Control program. First control means for controlling the entire apparatus;
A second control means for performing power control;
Switching means for supplying and cutting off power;
A power line communication unit that performs power line communication with a power control information providing unit that is connected to a plurality of electrical devices including an activation determination unit and provides information about power control;
Display means for displaying information on the power control;
Function realizing means for realizing the function of the device;
An energization means for supplying or shutting off power to the function realization means under the control of the second control means,
The power control information providing unit includes a power consumption measuring unit that measures power consumption of each electric device via a communication unit, a sum of the measured power consumption of each electric device, and power that can be used in all the electric devices. A usable power amount calculating means for calculating a usable power amount based on a permissible power consumption value set as a permissible value, and the calculated usable power amount for each electric device via the communication means. A notification means for notifying, providing information on power control to each electric device via the communication means,
The notification means performs notification of the usable electric energy at a predetermined time interval that provides a time difference in notification timing for each electric device,
It said first control means, when the power reaches the supply state by the previous SL switching means, said second control means supplies power to the power line communication unit and the display unit, to the function executing unit An image forming apparatus, wherein power supply is suspended. The second control means requests power amount information from the power line communication means when power is supplied by the control of the first control means,
In response to the request, the power line communication unit acquires information on a rated power amount that can be supplied to the entire system from the power control information providing unit and information on a current power consumption amount, and the second control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs the image to the image forming apparatus.   The second control means calculates a power amount that can be currently used based on the rated power amount acquired through the power line communication means and the current power consumption amount, and stores the calculated value and the function in advance. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the power consumption in each function of the means is compared, and the comparison result is output to at least one of the energizing means, the function realizing means, and the display means.   23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the energization unit determines whether or not power can be supplied to the function realization unit based on the comparison result. The second control means calculates a power shortage amount that is insufficient for starting each function of the function realization means based on the comparison result,
The said display means displays at least one of the information regarding the function which can be started among each function of the said function implementation means, and the information regarding the said electric power shortage amount, The any one of Claims 20-23 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus.   25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising at least one of a facsimile function, a scanning function, a printing function, and a copying function as each function of the function realizing unit. Power line communication means for transmitting and receiving information related to power control between a plurality of electrical devices using the power line as a communication line;
Power consumption measuring means for measuring power consumption of each electrical device via the power line communication means;
An allowable power consumption value setting means for setting an allowable power consumption value usable in all the electrical devices;
A total amount of power consumption measured for each electrical device, and a usable power amount calculating means for calculating a usable power amount based on the allowable power consumption value;
A power control information providing apparatus comprising: notification means for notifying the available electric energy at a predetermined time interval with a time difference in notification timing to each electric device via the power communication means.   27. The power control information providing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the notifying unit notifies the electric appliances of usable electric power at a predetermined time interval. Electric energy registration means for registering the electric energy required to activate the function realization means of each electrical device,
The power shortage amount notified from each electric device is compared with the power amount required by each electric device registered in the power registration means, and the power shortage amount is notified based on the comparison result. 27. One or more electric devices other than an incoming electric device are instructed via the power line communication means to cut off the power supply to the means for realizing the function of the electric device. Or the electric power control information provision apparatus in any one of Claim 27.

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