Image Forming System Resource Reduction Information Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems, such as multi-function peripherals (MFPs), can only inform users of resource reduction after printing, failing to prompt changes in print conditions to minimize paper, toner, and power consumption before image formation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of communicating, where the system generates and transmits reduction information on resource consumption based on set and default print conditions, allowing for accurate storage of resource savings history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If resource reduction information is provided only after printing, then the system can track actual consumption, but users cannot adjust print conditions to minimize resource usage before image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and provides resource reduction information before image formation based on the set print conditions. This allows users to adjust their print settings (such as selecting double-sided printing, grayscale instead of color, or compression options) to minimize resource consumption before the actual printing occurs, rather than only after the fact.
2Device complexity
If the system tracks only paper consumption, then the tracking mechanism is simple, but it fails to account for toner and electric power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is designed to measure and track multiple types of resource consumption simultaneously - paper usage, toner consumption, and electric power usage. The resource reduction information calculation unit computes the reduction amounts for each resource type based on the print conditions and actual consumption, providing a comprehensive multi-resource tracking capability within a single integrated system.
3Ease of operation
If print conditions are set only on the PC side, then the driver control is simple, but conditions that can only be set on the MFP side cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the print condition setting capabilities of both the PC driver and the MFP apparatus. The image forming apparatus receives print jobs with basic settings from the PC and supplements them with additional optimization options that can only be configured on the MFP side. The resource reduction information is calculated considering both sets of conditions, enabling comprehensive energy and resource optimization that leverages both locations' capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a portion to receive a print job, a portion to generate print data of the print job, a portion to perform prescribed processing on the print data to convert it into processed data, a portion to form an image of the print data or the processed data, a portion to generate first reduction information including a difference in the amount of resources consumed when an image is formed under a print condition included in the print job and when an image is formed under a predetermined print condition, a portion to generate second reduction information including a difference in the amount of resources consumed when an image is formed from the print data and when an image is formed from the processed data, and a portion to store history information which associates the first and second reduction information with the print job.