Consuming Device Mode Switching for Consumption Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies lack a seamless method to switch a device from a no-cost operating mode to a mode where it operates within a user-paid permitted quantity, impacting user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A consuming device with a controller that switches between a billing mode and a non-billing mode, allowing the device to consume consumables within a permitted quantity in the billing mode and without restrictions in the non-billing mode, enabling users to transition from no-cost to paid operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device operates in non-billing mode without restricted consumption, then user convenience is improved, but the device cannot enforce permitted consumption quantity limits
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between non-billing mode and billing mode based on operational needs. The controller changes the operational state from unrestricted consumption to restricted consumption with permitted quantity enforcement, allowing the device to adapt its behavior dynamically rather than being fixed in one mode
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates in billing mode with permitted consumption quantity restrictions, then consumption control is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to mode switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically manages the transition between modes and enforces permitted consumption quantity without requiring manual user intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting when to switch modes and automatically applying consumption limits, reducing the operational burden on users
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device switches from non-billing mode to billing mode, then permitted consumption quantity enforcement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages both non-billing and billing modes, enforces permitted consumption quantity, and handles mode transitions. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single controller component, the patent avoids the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function
Data Source
AI summary
In a consuming device, a controller is configured to perform, when an operating mode is set to a non-billing mode: executing. The executing executes, in response to receiving an execution instruction, a prescribed operation consuming a consumable. The prescribed operation is executed while consuming the consumable irrespective of a permitted consumption quantity without decreasing the permitted consumption quantity. The controller is configured to perform: when the operating mode is set to a billing mode: acquiring; and executing. The acquiring acquires the permitted consumption quantity including a newly purchased consumption quantity paid for by a user. The executing executes, in response to receiving the execution instruction, the prescribed operation. The prescribed operation is executed while consuming the consumable and decreasing the permitted consumption quantity acquired in the acquiring until the decreased permitted consumption quantity reaches a predetermined quantity.