Michinori Kutami

Environmental burden assessment method for ICT solutions

We have developed a method for evaluating the possibility of reducing environmental burden through the introduction of ICT solutions, based on ICTs environmental efficiency evaluation guideline. The method used calculates the environmental burden (CO2 emissions) before and after the introduction of our ICT solution with respect to seven environmental factors, including resource consumption and human transportation. What is prominent in our system particularly is that the increase and decrease of office spaces as a result of introducing ICT required for work (working efficiency), documents, equipment, etc., is included as a subject for evaluation as office spaces. In addition to evaluation of the environmental burden, eco-efficiency and the factor were considered through the case study.

Electrostatic screen-through ink jet printing technique

The authors designed an electrostatic ink jet printing technique that prints using a voltage lower than conventional techniques. The assembly consists of a closely aligned ink roller, mask screen, paper, and an electrode. A voltage pulse is applied between the ink and electrode, then electrostatic force overcomes the surface tension of the ink, and the ink goes through holes in the screen and sticks to the paper. Major factors affecting the success of this technique are the materials comprising the screen, ink attributes, and electrostatic force.