Imaging Device Cost Control via Preliminary Dot Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices require users to repeatedly adjust print modes to meet both cost and quality requirements, leading to time-consuming operations and unsatisfactory results when the selected mode does not align with the planned cost or quality.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device operates in both normal and economical modes, featuring a consumption quantity calculating system, an upper limit setting system, and a consumption quantity modifying system to ensure printing within a set cost limit while maintaining image quality, allowing users to input arbitrary cost limits and notify them of potential quality reductions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the user repeatedly adjusts print modes to meet planned cost, then the printing cost is reduced, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the estimated printing cost based on the number of dots to be printed and the selected print mode. This estimated cost is displayed to the user before actual printing occurs, allowing users to understand the cost implication in advance without needing to repeatedly adjust print modes through trial and error.
2Manufacturing precision
If the user selects a mode providing satisfactory image quality, then the image quality is improved, but the printing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user by displaying the estimated printing cost before printing. This allows users to understand the relationship between selected print modes and associated costs, enabling them to make informed decisions about which mode to select based on both quality requirements and budget constraints.
3Loss of information
If the estimated cost is notified to the user, then the user can know the cost before printing, but the user experience becomes bothersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates and displays the estimated printing cost based on the number of dots to be printed and the selected print mode. This self-service approach provides cost information proactively without requiring additional user input or creating a bothersome experience, as the calculation is performed transparently based on the already-selected printing parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device is configured to operable in a normal print mode and in an economical print mode. The imaging device includes an image storage, a cost calculating system that calculates a normal print cost representing a cost when the image is printed in the normal print mode, an upper limit setting system that sets an upper limit of the print cost. Further provided is an adjustment parameter determining system that determines an adjustment parameter representative of reduced quantity of consumable substances when the image data is printed. The adjustment parameter is calculated based on the upper limit and the normal print cost such that a print cost is suppressed below the upper limit if the image data stored in the image storage is printed in accordance with the adjustment parameter. A printing system is provided to print the image in accordance with the adjustment parameter.