Contract Consumable Transfer via External Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face complexity when switching between image forming apparatuses under a flat-rate printing service, as existing systems require waiting for contract consumables to be delivered for the new apparatus, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a consumable memory that stores type and usage information, allowing a contract consumable used in one apparatus to be recognized and used in another by transferring this information via an external memory, enabling seamless switching without waiting for new consumables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contract consumables are associated with specific contracted apparatuses, then proper use of contract consumables is ensured, but operations become complicated when changing the contracted apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
An external memory device serves as an intermediary between the consumable and the new apparatus. The external memory stores second information (usage permission information) that enables the new apparatus to recognize and permit use of the consumable without complex user operations. This mediator transfers the authorization from the old apparatus context to the new apparatus context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies the usage permission information from the consumable memory to the external memory. This copy (second information) can then be transferred to the new apparatus, allowing the consumable to be recognized and used in the new apparatus without requiring the new apparatus to have the original contract association.
2Reliability
If contract consumables are dedicated to specific apparatuses, then service contract compliance is maintained, but users must wait for new consumables to be delivered when switching apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The external memory is prepared in advance with second information (usage permission information) that enables immediate use of the consumable in the new apparatus. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to wait for new consumables to be delivered, as the authorization is already in place before the apparatus switch occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The external memory acts as a mediator that carries the usage permission information independently of the original apparatus. This allows the consumable to be used in a new apparatus immediately by presenting the external memory, bypassing the need to wait for new contract consumables to be delivered to the new apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If type information is stored in consumable memory, then consumable identification is accurate, but additional information storage and transfer mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The external memory serves multiple functions: it stores type information from the consumable, stores second information (usage permission information), and acts as a transfer medium between apparatuses. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single universal component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the type information storage and usage permission information storage into a unified external memory device. Instead of requiring separate storage mechanisms for consumable identification and authorization, both functions are combined in the external memory, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A consumable memory of a consumable stores type information and first information. The type information indicates whether the consumable is a contract consumable or a normal consumable. The contract consumable is usable when a contract for an image forming apparatus is made. The normal consumable is usable regardless of whether the contract is made. The first information indicates whether the consumable is a new consumable or a used consumable. An external memory is physically connectable to a main housing from outside the main housing. A controller is configured to: determine whether the type information is information indicating the contract consumable; and in response to determining that the type information is information indicating the contract consumable, store second information in the external memory. The second information is information for permitting a use of the consumable in another image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus.