Eco-Printing Parameter Automation for Ink and Power Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current eco-printing technologies lack efficient methods to automatically set optimal print parameters for reducing consumable consumption and power usage, leading to suboptimal environmental and economic performance.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable medium and information processing device with a user interface that accepts eco-printing operations, obtains related information, and automatically sets print parameters for setting items such as printing surface, color, and layout based on the type of target image and device functions, optimizing consumable usage and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If manual setting of print parameters is used for eco-printing, then user control over printing settings is maintained, but the optimization of consumable consumption and power usage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmanual parameter setting

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing system automatically analyzes image data and autonomously determines optimal print parameters for eco-printing, eliminating the need for manual user configuration. The system self-adjusts settings based on image characteristics, device capabilities, and eco-printing objectives, thereby reducing power consumption without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts multiple print parameters including color mode, resolution, scaling, and layout based on automatic analysis of image data. By changing these parameters optimally for each printing task, the system minimizes power consumption and consumable usage while maintaining print quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If automatic parameter setting is implemented for eco-printing, then consumable and power consumption are reduced, but the complexity of the printing system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumable consumptionVSAvoidparameter setting system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic analysis of image data and self-determination of optimal parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration interfaces. The automation handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple user experience, thereby reducing consumable consumption without proportionally increasing perceived system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of print parameters with automated digital analysis and control. By using image processing algorithms and automatic parameter determination, the system reduces the need for complex user interfaces and manual adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing consumable usage while managing system complexity through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If eco-printing parameters are not automatically optimized, then printing operations are simple to perform, but environmental and economic friendliness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidparameter configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adapts print parameters to achieve eco-friendly printing by analyzing image characteristics and determining optimal settings for each task. This self-service approach enables the system to adapt to different printing scenarios and maximize environmental friendliness without requiring users to understand or configure complex parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The eco-printing system is designed to handle diverse printing tasks with a single automatic parameter optimization mechanism. By creating a universal system that can analyze various image types and automatically adjust parameters accordingly, the patent achieves high adaptability and environmental friendliness across different printing scenarios without complicating the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11526309B2Computer-readable medium, information processing device, and method for performing eco-printing

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-readable instructions executable by a processor of an information processing device including a user interface. The instructions are configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the information processing device to accept via the user interface an operation for performing eco-printing, obtain related information on a plurality of setting items for the eco-printing, and when accepting the operation for performing the eco-printing, automatically set print parameters for the plurality of setting items for the eco-printing, based on the obtained related information.