Print Job Power Feedback for Eco-Aware Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack sufficient action indicators to encourage users to use them in an environmentally friendly manner, despite methods to reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that calculates and displays the amount of power required per page of printing, incorporating features to encourage environmentally friendly usage by providing users with detailed power consumption data and options for reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power consumption is reduced through technological improvement, then energy efficiency is improved, but user awareness and motivation to use environmentally friendly settings remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by displaying estimated power consumption values to users before they execute print jobs. The controller calculates and presents power consumption information based on different print settings, enabling users to see the environmental impact of their choices and motivate them to select more energy-efficient options.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the printing system and the user by introducing a power consumption estimation function. This intermediary component processes print job parameters, applies printing settings, and translates them into comprehensible power consumption information that guides user decision-making.
2Loss of information
If detailed power consumption data is provided to users, then user awareness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by providing only the essential power consumption information needed for user decision-making, rather than displaying all possible technical parameters. The controller estimates and displays power consumption values based on applied printing settings, offering sufficient information without overwhelming the user with excessive data.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide an action indicator for encouraging a user to use an image forming apparatus in an environmentally friendly manner, the image forming apparatus includes a printing unit configured to perform printing on a print medium based on image data; and a controller configured to control the printing unit based on a job involving the printing. The controller causes the printing unit to print by applying printing settings to image data related to the job, and outputs information on an amount of power required to execute the job, the amount of power being an amount of power per processing unit on the condition that the print setting is applied.