Print Control Program Resource Saving Function Selection Window

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printer and print control programs lack visibility and operability in setting functions that contribute to resource savings, making it difficult for users to easily and reliably select features like double-side printing and reduced colorant usage.

Innovation Solution

A print control program that includes a resource saving function selection window, allowing users to select options such as double-side printing and monochromatic printing, with clear display of potential resource savings, enabling users to easily choose functions that reduce paper and colorant consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If the printer provides many functions for resource savings, then resource saving capability is improved, but the setting complexity and operability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper and colorant consumptionVSAvoidsetting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the type of document being printed and recommends appropriate resource-saving functions without requiring users to manually configure settings. The printer controller analyzes print data characteristics and autonomously selects functions such as double-sided printing, aggregate printing, or monochromatic printing, making the system self-serve in optimizing resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to users by displaying the expected resource savings (number of sheets reduced, colorant savings) when resource-saving functions are automatically selected. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the impact of automatic function selection and encourages acceptance of the system's autonomous decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of substance

If the printer provides many functions for resource savings, then resource saving capability is improved, but the visibility and reliability of function selection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper and colorant consumptionVSAvoidfunction selection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the type of document being printed and recommends appropriate resource-saving functions without requiring users to manually configure settings. The printer controller analyzes print data characteristics and autonomously selects functions such as double-sided printing, aggregate printing, or monochromatic printing, making the system self-serve in optimizing resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual user configuration (mechanical interaction with settings menus) with automatic detection and selection based on print data analysis. The printer controller uses software-based detection of document characteristics to automatically determine appropriate printing functions, substituting the manual mechanical setting process with an automated intelligent system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If users manually configure printing functions, then customization flexibility is improved, but the time and complexity required deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction customizationVSAvoidsetting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of print data characteristics before the printing process begins. By detecting document type, size, and content in advance, the system pre-selects appropriate resource-saving functions, eliminating the need for users to spend time configuring settings manually while still achieving customized optimal printing configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects the type of document being printed and recommends appropriate resource-saving functions without requiring users to manually configure settings. The printer controller analyzes print data characteristics and autonomously selects functions such as double-sided printing, aggregate printing, or monochromatic printing, making the system self-serve in optimizing resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8531703B2Print control program, print control method, and printing system for saving more resources than a function selected prior to the input operation

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 SHARP KK

AI summary

If, in the printing window displayed on the display according to the printer driver, the information processor is instructed to start printing, the control unit activates a program, displaying the main setting window at the front of the display. The main setting window shows images of resource saving buttons and a start decision button. Each of the resource saving buttons enables a user to select a printing function that can contribute to a resource saving more effectively than the already selected printing function or functions. The start decision button enables the user to decisively instruct the information processor to start the printing.