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

Abstract

The system will be able to control the display of CO2 emissions before and after changes to print settings. [Solution] The information processing device includes a change means for changing print settings, a display control means for controlling the display of a first CO2 emission amount based on printing with the print settings before the change and a second CO2 emission amount based on printing with the print settings after the change, and a transmission means for transmitting a print job of the selected print setting from the print settings before the change and the print settings after the change to an image forming apparatus.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for pre-checking the CO2 emission amount based on printing conditions in order to encourage users to reduce the CO2 emission amount. It was expected that this would have the effect of raising environmental awareness by grasping the CO2 emission amount in advance. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-50964 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 enables the confirmation of the CO2 emission amount together with an image preview before printing. However, since it does not present to the user specifically what setting changes can reduce the CO2 emission amount, it has a configuration that is difficult for the user to understand in order to perform printing with awareness of the environmental load.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable control to display the CO2 emission amounts before and after a change in print settings. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] The information processing apparatus includes a changing unit that changes print settings, a display control unit that controls to display a first CO2 emission amount based on printing with the print settings before the change and a second CO2 emission amount based on printing with the print settings after the change, and a transmission unit that transmits a print job of the selected print settings among the print settings before the change and the print settings after the change to an image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to control the display of CO2 emissions before and after changes to the print settings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] This is an external view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is an internal configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus when it is in standby mode. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of the host terminal. [Figure 6] This flowchart illustrates the process of notifying users of settings that reduce CO2 emissions. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the process for changing the halftone settings. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the UI screen. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the screen displayed when the CO2 emission preview setting button is pressed. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the screen displayed when the CO2 emission preview button is pressed. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the emission factor setting screen. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the emission factor table. [Figure 13] This diagram shows several possible settings that reduce CO2 emissions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the relative arrangements, device shapes, etc. of the respective components of the devices used in this embodiment are merely examples and are not limited thereto. Further, in the drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus represents a single-function printer having a printing function, but is not limited thereto. It may also be a copying machine equipped with a reading device for reading an image on an original, or a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having other functions added thereto.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system 110 according to this embodiment. The image forming system 110 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a host terminal 101, a router integrated ONU 102, the Internet 103, and a host terminal 104.

[0011] An ONU (Optical Network Unit) is a terminal device at the end of an optical fiber, and has a function of mutually converting an optical signal of an optical fiber and an electrical digital signal. The router integrated ONU 102 of this embodiment is connected to the Internet 103 via an optical fiber.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from the host terminal 101 and performs printing. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured to receive a print job from the host terminal 104 via the Internet 103 and perform printing.

[0013] The printing method of the image forming apparatus 100 used in this embodiment may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a stencil printing method, or other methods. There is no particular limitation on the components of the ink, but in this embodiment, a case where aqueous pigment ink containing a pigment, water, and a resin as coloring materials is used is assumed.

[0014] The host terminal 101 generates a print job and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 100. The host terminal 104 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 100 via the Internet 103.

[0015] Hereafter, as a representative example, the host terminal 101 will be adopted and described as the host terminal.

[0016] FIG. 2 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 100 during top surface paper discharge in the present embodiment.

[0017] Note that the image forming apparatus 100 is merely an example of an embodiment. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a small-sized image forming apparatus used for home use, a large-sized image forming apparatus used for industrial use, or the like.

[0018] It is possible to set two roll papers in which the paper 1 is wound in a roll shape. An image is printed on the paper 1 selectively pulled out from the two roll papers set in the paper supply device 200 arranged vertically. The printed paper is discharged to the stacker 28 provided at the upper part of the image forming apparatus 100. The user can input various commands for the image forming apparatus 100, such as specifying the size of the paper 1, switching between online / offline, setting the paper discharge destination, turning on / off the power, etc., by using various switches provided on the operation panel 2.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 during top surface paper discharge in the present embodiment.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 100 can attach roll paper and cut paper. Two paper supply devices 200 corresponding to two roll papers R are arranged vertically. The paper 1 pulled out from the roll R by the paper supply device 200 is conveyed by a paper conveyance unit (conveyance mechanism) 300 along a paper conveyance path to a print unit 400 capable of printing an image.

[0021] The print unit 400 prints an image on the paper 1 by discharging ink from an inkjet print head 18. The print head 18 discharges ink from a discharge port by using a discharge energy generating element such as an electrothermal conversion element (heater) or a piezo element.

[0022] The print head 18 is not limited to an inkjet method, nor is the printing method of the print unit 400 limited; for example, it may be a serial scan method or a full line method.

[0023] In the serial scan method, the image is printed by transporting the paper 1 and scanning the print head 18 in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper 1. In the full-line method, a long print head 18 extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper 1 is used to print the image while continuously transporting the paper 1.

[0024] The paper 1 guided to the printing unit 400 is transported in the transport direction F1 by the transport roller 14. The nip roller 15 is also provided so as to be able to rotate in response to the rotation of the transport roller 14.

[0025] Paper 1 is pressed and transported by transport rollers 14 and nip rollers 15, and recording is performed by the print head 18. A cutter 21 is located downstream of the print head 18 in the transport direction F1, and it operates to cut the paper 1 when printing is complete.

[0026] Further downstream of the cutter 21, a nip roller 61 is provided as a paper pressing mechanism capable of selectively pressing (in the D1 direction) and separating (in the D2 direction) the paper 1 and the upstream transport roller 63. This mechanism controls the CPU 402 (Figure 4) based on information such as the type and length of the recording medium to select between pressing and separating.

[0027] However, since the nip roller 61 may deform if it is separated for a long period of time, it is best to keep the nip pressed down as much as possible. Deformation of the nip roller 61 can occur, for example, due to creep, but is not limited to this.

[0028] Further downstream of the upstream transport roller 63, a paper output destination switching mechanism (paper output switching flap 22) is located, which can rotate in the E1 and E2 directions shown in the figure. Based on the control of the CPU 402 (Figure 4), the paper output switching flap is driven to switch the paper output destination between top output and front output.

[0029] The paper output switching flap 22 is positioned on the E1 side when paper is being output from the top, and on the E2 side when paper is being output from the front. When top output is selected, the paper 1 that has passed through the paper output switching flap 22 is output by the top output section 500 to the stacker 28 located above the print section 400.

[0030] Between the upper paper discharge section 500 and the stacker 28, a downstream paper discharge roller 84 and a paper discharge nip roller 26 are provided to grip the cut paper and discharge it in the paper discharge direction F2. The discharged paper is stored in the stacker 28 and stacked on top of the tray 29 and the stacked paper 1a.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 has a controller unit 451 controlled by a CPU 402 that performs printing, and an engine unit 452.

[0032] The controller unit 451 includes an I / F (LAN) unit 401, a CPU 402, a ROM 403, a RAM 404, an NVRAM 405, and a display operation unit 406.

[0033] ROM 403 stores the control execution code (program) for the image forming apparatus 100. RAM 404 stores print image data as temporary storage during the control execution of the image forming apparatus 100. NVRAM 405 is a non-volatile memory that stores various data necessary for the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 and information related to images for printing.

[0034] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a display operation unit 406 that has a user interface such as an LCD, LED, keys, and a touch panel. The execution and setting operations of each function of the image forming apparatus 100 are performed using the display operation unit 406. The operation status and display content of the display operation unit 406 are controlled via the controller unit 451.

[0035] The controller unit 451 is equipped with an I / F (LAN) unit 401 for connecting to the host terminal 101 as an interface with external devices, and handles the exchange of execution commands and data.

[0036] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the host terminal 101 in this embodiment. The host terminal 101 includes an I / F (LAN) unit 501, a CPU 502, a ROM 503, a RAM 504, an HDD 505, and a printing system 506.

[0037] The host terminal 101 is controlled by the CPU 502. The ROM 503 stores the control execution code (program) for the host terminal 101. The RAM 504 stores print image data as temporary storage during the control execution of the host terminal 101. The HDD 505 is non-volatile memory and stores various data necessary for the maintenance of the host terminal 101, as well as information related to images for printing.

[0038] Furthermore, the host terminal 101 is equipped with a printing system 506 for sending print jobs to the image forming apparatus 100. It is assumed that various print jobs are converted to the manufacturer's proprietary format via the printing system 506 and then sent to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0039] The host terminal 101 is equipped with an I / F (LAN) unit 501 for connecting to the image forming apparatus 100 as an interface with external devices, and performs the exchange of execution commands and data.

[0040] Next, the process by which the printing system 506 in this embodiment notifies the user of settings that reduce CO2 emissions will be explained using Figure 6. The processing method of the host terminal 101 will be explained below. The host terminal 101 is an example of an information processing device.

[0041] In this embodiment, as an example, CO2 emissions are calculated as activity level (total number of printed pages × ink consumption) × emission coefficient. The total number of printed pages is calculated based on the print settings, such as single-sided / double-sided, N Up setting, and continuous shooting setting. Ink consumption is a value based on the color mode and halftone setting. For example, error diffusion processing and halftone processing result in a difference in the total number of printed dots, which in turn affects the amount of ink consumed.

[0042] In step S601, the CPU 502 determines whether the CO2 emission preview button 801 in Figure 8 has been pressed. If it is determined that it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S602. If it is determined that it has not been pressed, the process returns to step S601.

[0043] In step S602, the CPU 502 generates a print preview image (pre-change preview image) 1004 of Figure 10 using the currently set print settings.

[0044] In step S603, the CPU 502 refers to the emission factor table in Figure 12 and obtains the emission factor. It is assumed that the emission factor will differ depending on the power company, and it is stored in the HDD 505. Furthermore, the emission factor may be configured to be changeable via the network or USB memory.

[0045] In step S604, the CPU 502 determines whether the total number of printed pages is two or more. If it determines that the total number of pages is two or more, it proceeds to step S605. If it determines that the total number of pages is not two or more, it proceeds to step S611.

[0046] In step S605, the CPU 502 determines whether the double-sided changing mode is ON or OFF. If it determines that it is ON, the process proceeds to step S606. If it determines that it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S607.

[0047] In step S606, CPU 502 changes the print job setting to double-sided.

[0048] In step S607, the CPU 502 determines whether the N Up change mode is ON or OFF. If it determines that it is ON, the process proceeds to step S608. If it determines that it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0049] In step S608, the CPU 502 changes the N Up setting. For example, the CPU 502 changes the N Up setting to 1 / 16. However, the CPU 502 does nothing if the upper limit setting value (e.g., 1 / 16) of the printing system 506 has already been set. For example, the CPU 502 maintains the upper limit setting value or overwrites it with the upper limit setting value. Alternatively, the CPU 502 may be configured to calculate for all possible values ​​(e.g., 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, 1 / 16) and ultimately notify the preview image for all patterns.

[0050] In step S609, the CPU 502 determines whether the continuous shooting mode is ON or OFF. If it determines that it is ON, the process proceeds to step S610. If it determines that it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S611.

[0051] In step S610, the CPU 502 changes the continuous shooting setting. For example, the CPU 502 changes the continuous shooting setting to 16 shots per second. However, if the printing system 506 already has an upper limit setting (e.g., 16 shots per second), the CPU 502 does nothing. For example, the CPU 502 maintains the upper limit setting or overwrites it with the upper limit setting.

[0052] In step S611, the CPU 502 determines whether the halftone change mode is ON or OFF. If it determines that it is ON, the process proceeds to step S612. If it determines that it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S613.

[0053] In step S612, the CPU 502 changes the halftone setting.

[0054] In step S613, the CPU 502 determines whether the color setting change mode is ON or OFF. If it determines that it is ON, the process proceeds to step S614. If it determines that it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S615.

[0055] In step S614, the CPU 502 changes the color mode to monochrome. Note that monochrome is just one example; any setting that minimizes the number of inks used by the image forming apparatus 100 is acceptable.

[0056] In step S615, the CPU 502 determines whether the punch / staple change mode is ON or OFF. If it determines that it is ON, the process proceeds to step S616. If it determines that it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S617.

[0057] In step S616, the CPU 502 changes the punch / staple setting.

[0058] In step S617, the CPU 502 generates a modified print preview image 1005 of Figure 10.

[0059] In step S618, the CPU 502 displays the modified preview image 1005 alongside the original preview image 1004, as shown in Figure 10.

[0060] In step S618, the CPU 502 sends the selected preview image from the modified preview image 1005 and the original preview image 1004 to the image forming apparatus 100, thus completing the series of steps.

[0061] Next, the process of changing the halftone setting in step S612 of Figure 6 will be explained using Figure 7.

[0062] In step S701, the CPU 502 determines whether the halftone change mode is ON or OFF. If it determines that it is ON, the process proceeds to step S702. If it determines that it is OFF, the process ends.

[0063] In step S702, the CPU 502 calculates the total number of dots (=M) when the print job image is subjected to error diffusion processing.

[0064] In step S703, the CPU 502 calculates the total number of dots (=N) when the image of the print job is processed with halftones.

[0065] In step S704, the CPU 502 compares the values ​​of M and N to determine whether the value of M is greater than the value of N. If it determines that the value of M is greater, it proceeds to step S705. If it determines that the value of M is not greater, it proceeds to step S706.

[0066] In step S705, the CPU 502 selects a halftone processing method with a small total number of dots as the halftone processing method, and completes the series of processes.

[0067] In step S706, the CPU 502 selects an error diffusion process with a small total number of dots as the halftone process, and completes the series of processes.

[0068] Figure 8 shows the UI screen of the printing system 506 in this embodiment. When the CO2 emission preview button 801 in Figure 8 is pressed, the CPU 502 displays the CO2 emission preview image 1004 corresponding to the currently set value and the CO2 emission preview image 1005 after the setting change side by side, as shown in Figure 10.

[0069] When the CO2 emission preview setting button 802 in Figure 8 is pressed, CPU 502 displays a screen, as shown in Figure 9, for selecting the settings to change when previewing CO2 emissions.

[0070] When the print button 803 in Figure 8 is pressed, the CPU 502 generates a print job according to the currently set value and sends it to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0071] Figure 9 shows the screen displayed by the CPU 502 when the CO2 emission preview setting button 802 in Figure 8 is pressed. As an example, it shows the state when the following settings are selected: Double-sided change mode: OFF, N Up change mode: ON, Continuous shooting change mode: OFF, Halftone processing mode: OFF, Color setting change mode: ON, Punch / staple change mode: OFF.

[0072] The CPU 502 functions as a change unit and modifies the print settings in response to the operation of the display screen shown in Figure 9. The display screen in Figure 9 is a display screen for multiple print setting items. These print setting items are those that affect CO2 emissions. For example, the print setting items include at least one of the following: duplex setting, N Up setting, continuous shooting setting, halftone setting, color setting, and punch / staple setting.

[0073] Figure 10 shows the screen displayed by the CPU 502 when the CO2 emission preview button 801 in Figure 8 is pressed. If the CPU 502 determines that the change button 1001 has been pressed, it displays the emission coefficient setting screen in Figure 11.

[0074] CO2 emission 1002 represents the CO2 emissions under the current settings. CO2 emission 1003 represents the CO2 emissions after the settings have been changed. In addition, to make it easy for users to understand which settings have been changed, arrows are added to the changed items, such as 1006 and 1007. Changing the text color or increasing the font size would also be acceptable if it is easy to understand.

[0075] Image 1004, the preview image before the change, is an example of a print preview with the current settings. Image 1005, the preview image after the change, is an example of a print preview with the settings changed.

[0076] In step S618, the CPU 502 functions as a display control unit and controls the display of CO2 emissions 1002 based on printing with the print settings before the change and CO2 emissions 1003 based on printing with the print settings after the change.

[0077] The CPU502 calculates CO2 emissions, for example, as activity level (total number of printed pages × ink consumption) × emission coefficient. The total number of printed pages is calculated based on the print settings, such as single-sided / double-sided, N Up setting, and continuous shooting setting. Ink consumption is a value based on the color mode and halftone setting. For example, error diffusion processing and halftone processing result in a difference in the total number of printed dots, which in turn affects the amount of ink consumed.

[0078] Furthermore, CPU 502 controls the display of a print preview image 1004 based on the print settings before the change, and a print preview image 1005 based on the print settings after the change.

[0079] Furthermore, CPU 502 controls the display of both the print settings before the change and the print settings after the change. Specifically, CPU 502 controls the display of multiple print setting items before the change and multiple print setting items after the change.

[0080] Furthermore, the CPU 502 controls the display of arrows 1006 and 1007 from the previous print setting item to the new print setting item for any of the multiple print setting items that have been changed.

[0081] Furthermore, the CPU 502 controls the display of text for the modified print settings among the multiple print settings after the change to be different from the display of text for the unmodified print settings among the multiple print settings after the change.

[0082] For example, CPU 502 makes the text color of the modified print settings among the multiple print settings after the change different from the text color of the print settings that have not been changed. The text color of the modified print settings is the highlighting color.

[0083] Furthermore, CPU 502 controls the font size of the modified print settings among the multiple print settings after the change to be different from the font size of the print settings that have not been changed. The font size of the modified print settings is larger than the font size of the print settings that have not been changed.

[0084] In step S619, the CPU 502 functions as a transmitter and sends a print job for the selected print setting from the print settings before the change and the print settings after the change to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0085] When the print button 1008 is pressed, the CPU 502 determines whether to use the current setting or the changed setting based on the radio button selected between the preview image before the change and the preview image after the change. Based on the result, it generates a print job and sends it to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0086] When the back button 1009 is pressed, CPU 502 closes the CO2 emission preview screen in Figure 10 and displays the original screen (Figure 8).

[0087] Figure 11 shows the emission factor setting screen in this embodiment. It is possible to select the electricity company being used.

[0088] Figure 12 shows the emission factor table in this embodiment. The emission factor table shows the correspondence between the power company selected in Figure 11 and the emission factor.

[0089] Figure 13 shows the CO2 emission preview screen displaying multiple setting options that reduce CO2 emissions in this embodiment. As an example, four items are displayed: 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, and 1 / 16. The preview image before the change and four types of preview images after the change are displayed, and the desired preview image can be selected from these.

[0090] As described above, by implementing this embodiment, it becomes possible to easily determine the settings that reduce CO2 emissions.

[0091] The host terminal 101 can calculate CO2 emissions and suggest specific print settings to the user that reduce CO2 emissions. The host terminal 101 calculates CO2 emissions from the number of pages printed and the amount of ink consumed at the preview stage before printing. Then, the host terminal 101 changes the print settings to reduce the number of pages printed if there are many, and changes the print settings to reduce the amount of ink consumed if there are many, thereby notifying the user of print settings that reduce CO2 emissions, making it easy for the user to understand print settings that reduce environmental impact.

[0092] (Other embodiments) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0093] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating how to implement this disclosure, and they should not be interpreted as limiting the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0094] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Item 1) Methods for changing print settings, A display control means that controls the display to show a first CO2 emission based on printing with the print settings before the change and a second CO2 emission based on printing with the print settings after the change. A transmission means for transmitting a print job for the selected print setting from the print settings before the change and the print settings after the change to an image forming apparatus. An information processing device characterized by having the following features. (Item 2) The information processing apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the display control means controls the display to show the print settings before the change, the first CO2 emissions, the print settings after the change, and the second CO2 emissions. (Item 3) The information processing apparatus according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the display control means controls the display to show a print preview image based on the print settings before the change, the first CO2 emissions, a print preview image based on the print settings after the change, and the second CO2 emissions. (Item 4) The display control means is Control the display to show multiple print settings items before the change and multiple print settings items after the change. Furthermore, the information processing device according to item 2 is characterized in that it controls the display of an arrow from the print setting item before the change to the print setting item after the change for the changed print setting item among the plurality of print setting items. (Item 5) The display control means is Control the display to show multiple print settings items before the change and multiple print settings items after the change. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus according to item 2 or 4 is characterized by controlling the display manner of the characters of the modified print setting items among the multiple print setting items after the modification to be different from the display manner of the characters of the unmodified print setting items among the multiple print setting items after the modification. (Item 6) The information processing apparatus according to item 5, characterized in that the display control means controls the text color of the modified print setting item among the multiple print setting items after the modification to be different from the text color of the unmodified print setting item among the multiple print setting items after the modification. (Item 7) The information processing apparatus according to item 5, characterized in that the display control means controls the font size of the changed print setting item among the multiple print setting items after the change to be different from the font size of the unchanged print setting item among the multiple print setting items after the change. (Item 8) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the modification means changes the print settings in accordance with the operation. (Item 9) The information processing device according to item 8, characterized in that the operation is an operation on the display screen of multiple print setting items. (Item 10) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the print settings are print settings that affect CO2 emissions. (Item 11) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that the print settings include at least one of the following: duplex setting, N Up setting, continuous shooting setting, halftone setting, color setting, and punch / staple setting. (Item 12) Steps to change print settings, A display control step that controls the display to show a first CO2 emission based on printing with the print settings before the change and a second CO2 emission based on printing with the print settings after the change. A transmission step of sending a print job with the selected print setting from the print settings before the change and the print settings after the change to an image forming apparatus. A processing method for an information processing device characterized by having the following features. (Item 13) A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device as described in any one of items 1 through 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1: Paper 1a: Loading paper 2: Control Panel 14: Conveyor roller 15: Nipple Roller 18: Printhead 21: Cutter 22: Paper output switching flap 26: Paper output nip roller 28: Stacker 29: Tray 61: Nipple Roller 63: Upstream paper ejection roller 84: Downstream paper output roller 100: Image forming apparatus 101, 104: Host terminal 102: Router-integrated ONU 103: Internet 200:Paper supply device 300: Paper transport unit 400: Printing Department 401: Image forming device I / F (LAN) 402: Image forming device CPU 403: Image forming apparatus ROM 404: Image forming apparatus RAM 405: Image forming apparatus NVRAM 406: Image forming device display operation section 451: Image forming apparatus controller unit 452: Image forming apparatus, engine section 500: Top paper ejection section 501: Host terminal I / F (LAN) 502: Host terminal CPU 503: Host terminal ROM 504: Host terminal RAM 505: Host terminal HDD 506: Host terminal printing system 801: CO2 Emission Preview Button 802: CO2 Emission Preview Settings Button 803, 1008: Print button 1001: Change button 1002: CO2 emissions (current setting) 1003: CO2 emissions (after setting change) 1004: Print preview in current settings 1005: Print preview after changing settings 1006, 1007: Change arrow 1009: Back button

Claims

1. Methods for changing print settings, The first CO based on printing with the print settings before the aforementioned change 2 Emissions and the second CO2 based on printing with the print settings after the above changes 2 A display control means that controls the display to show emissions, A transmission means for transmitting a print job for the selected print setting from the print settings before the change and the print settings after the change to an image forming apparatus. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The display control means includes the print settings before the change and the first CO 2 Emissions, print settings after the above change, and the second CO 2 The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it controls the display of emissions.

3. The display control means displays a print preview image based on the print settings before the change, and the first CO 2 Emissions, print preview image with the print settings after the above change, and the second CO 2 The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it controls the display of emissions.

4. The display control means is Control the display to show multiple print settings items before the change and multiple print settings items after the change. Furthermore, the information processing device according to claim 2 is characterized in that it controls the display of an arrow from the print setting item before the change to the print setting item after the change for the changed print setting item among the plurality of print setting items.

5. The display control means is Control the display to show multiple print settings items before the change and multiple print settings items after the change. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus according to claim 2 is characterized in that it controls the display of characters in the modified print setting items among the multiple print setting items after the modification to be different from the display of characters in the unmodified print setting items among the multiple print setting items after the modification.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the display control means controls the text color of the modified print setting item among the multiple print setting items after the modification to be different from the text color of the unmodified print setting item among the multiple print setting items after the modification.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the display control means controls the font size of the changed print setting item among the multiple print setting items after the change to be different from the font size of the unchanged print setting item among the multiple print setting items after the change.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned modification means changes the print settings in accordance with the operation.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the operation is an operation on a display screen of multiple print setting items.

10. The aforementioned print settings are CO 2 The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a print setting that affects the amount of waste produced.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the print settings include at least one of the following: duplex setting, N Up setting, continuous shooting setting, halftone setting, color setting, and punch / staple setting.

12. Steps to change print settings, A first CO based on printing according to the printing settings before the change 2 emission amount and a second CO based on printing according to the printing settings after the change 2 emission amount, and a display control step for controlling to display them A transmission step of sending a print job with the selected print setting from the print settings before the change and the print settings after the change to an image forming apparatus. A processing method for an information processing device characterized by having the following features.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images