Printer Schedule Notification for Power-Saving Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network print systems face inefficiencies in selecting an optimal output destination for printing, as users often encounter printers in power-saving modes that require time to resume, leading to inefficient printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A network system that includes image forming apparatuses with multiple operation modes, a management terminal, and an information terminal, which transmit and display status information to allow users to select the most efficient printer based on real-time status and schedule data, optimizing power usage and printing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a printer is kept in power-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but printing speed deteriorates due to resume time required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying users in advance when a printer will transition to power-saving mode, allowing users to complete printing tasks before the mode change occurs, thus avoiding resume delays while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing real-time status information about printer operation modes and scheduled mode changes to users, enabling informed decisions about when to initiate printing tasks to optimize both power consumption and printing speed
2Productivity
If the system provides detailed schedule information about printer operation modes, then printing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates the information provision function from the printing function, using independent notification and display units to provide schedule information, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the core printing system while maintaining printing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary information display mechanism that mediates between the printer's internal schedule management and the user, providing necessary information without requiring complex integration between system components
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system equipped with an image forming apparatus having a plurality of operation modes and an information terminal to be used by a user includes a transmission part that transmits schedule information of the image forming apparatus, and a display part that displays information based on the schedule information.