Environmental Load Display for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses lack an accurate method to inform users about the environmental load resulting from their processing, particularly with the introduction of finishers and toner reuse functions, making it difficult for users to understand the environmental impact of their operations.
Innovation Solution
An environmental load display processing device that calculates and displays the environmental load values based on paper usage, paper jams, machine failures, toner usage, and finisher operations, providing users with clear indications of the environmental impact of their choices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the image forming apparatus counts only the number of scratch paper sheets used for copying, then the protection of the natural environment is promoted, but the user cannot accurately understand the degree of environmental load
Solution Approach 1:
The environmental load calculation is divided into multiple independent components: paper production load, printing processing load, and re-printing load due to paper jams. Each component is calculated separately using specific parameters (paper type, jam probability, re-printing frequency) and then combined to form the total environmental load value, making the complex calculation transparent and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to users by displaying the calculated environmental load value on the display unit. This feedback mechanism enables users to understand the environmental impact of their printing activities and make informed decisions about paper usage and printing settings
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus includes finishers such as staplers and punching devices, then the functionality is enhanced, but the environmental load calculation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The environmental load values from different functions (copying, printing, finishing) are merged into a single comprehensive environmental load value. The calculation integrates paper production loads, printing processing loads, and finishing processing loads, providing a unified measure of environmental impact that accounts for all apparatus functions
Solution Approach 2:
The environmental load calculation system is designed to be universal and can accommodate various paper types (new paper, scratch paper, recycled paper) and different printing scenarios (single-sided, double-sided, color, black-and-white). The system adapts to different finishing operations and paper handling conditions, making it applicable to diverse printing environments
3Loss of energy
If the image forming apparatus has a function to reuse toner, then resource efficiency is improved, but the environmental load assessment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of environmental load values for different paper types and printing scenarios before the actual printing operation. By pre-calculating the paper production load, printing processing load, and potential re-printing loads based on stored probability data, the system can quickly determine the total environmental load without requiring complex real-time analysis during printing
Data Source
AI summary
A computer performs the following processing: calculating a probability that a machine fails in work applied to a printed matter; calculating, as a production environmental load value, a value including a printing environmental load value, a paper environmental load value, a product of the probability and a re-printing environmental load value, and a product of the probability and the paper environmental load value, the printing environmental load value representing a degree of load put on the environment resulting from printing onto paper used for the printed matter, the paper environment load value representing a degree of load put on an environment resulting from production of the paper, the re-printing environmental load value representing a degree of load put on the environment until the printing unit has conducted printing again since the machine failed in the work; and displaying the production environmental load value on the display.