Print Control Program Preview Generation for Resource Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to select printing conditions that effectively reduce resource consumption, such as paper and ink, due to lack of clear visualization of the printed output under different settings.
Innovation Solution
A print control program that analyzes user-set printing conditions and generates a preview image to demonstrate how images will appear under conditions optimized for resource savings, such as N-up printing, double-side printing, and monochromatic printing, facilitating user decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If printing conditions are optimized for resource savings (N-up printing, double-side printing, monochromatic printing), then consumption of printing media is reduced, but user ability to foresee the printed output is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating a preview image that represents the printed output under resource-saving conditions before the actual printing occurs. This allows users to see the effect of N-up printing, double-side printing, or monochromatic printing in advance, enabling informed decision-making while maintaining resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy (preview image) of the intended printed output under resource-saving conditions. This visual copy allows users to understand what the final print will look like without consuming physical printing media, resolving the contradiction between resource savings and user comprehension.
2Loss of substance
If printing conditions are optimized for resource savings, then consumption of printing media is reduced, but ease of operation is worsened due to user hesitation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by displaying a preview image that shows users exactly what their printed output will look like under resource-saving conditions. This visual feedback eliminates user hesitation and uncertainty, making it easy to confirm and proceed with resource-efficient printing settings.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing preliminary action through preview generation, the system allows users to understand the visual impact of resource-saving settings before committing to printing. This preliminary visualization simplifies the operation process and reduces user hesitation.
Data Source
AI summary
A print control program according to the present invention makes an information processor control a printer. The printer is connected to the information processor and can do printing under the conditions set. The set conditions can reduce the consumption of printing media by the printer. The program includes a first step through a fourth step. The first step is to wait until an instruction is entered into the information processor to start printing under the set conditions. The second step is to analyze the set conditions if the information processor detects the entered instruction at the first step. The third step is to form a preview image representing an image or images as printed under the analyzed conditions at least one of which has been changed to further reduce the printing medium consumption. The fourth step is to display the formed preview image on the display of the information processor.