Copier Usage Tracking Appliance Network Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking copier and printer usage and consumables are vulnerable to network failures, leading to data loss and missed orders for consumables, as they rely on the customer's network environment and lack robustness and security in internal counting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A networked appliance that connects directly to copiers or printers via Ethernet or other protocols, operates independently of the user's network, and includes data processing capabilities to collect and store usage data in a standard format, allowing for continuous data collection and upload when the network is unavailable, and provides remote access through a web server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If software running on customer's computer systems tracks copy usage via network connection to the copier, then copy usage can be tracked, but the system loses copy counts when the customer network is down or interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary appliance that sits between the copier and the customer's network infrastructure. This appliance collects usage data directly from the copier's internal counters through direct network connection, storing it locally in non-volatile memory. This intermediary approach eliminates the dependency on the customer's network being operational for data collection, as the appliance independently maintains the usage data and can transfer it later when connectivity is restored.
2Ease of operation
If internal copier counting capability is used for tracking outputs, then copy usage can be tracked without external systems, but the counting capability lacks robustness and security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the counting function from the copier's internal system and relocates it to a separate, dedicated appliance. This extraction allows the counting logic to be implemented in a more robust manner within the appliance, with proper data validation, security measures, and persistent storage capabilities that the copier's internal system lacks. The appliance independently queries the copier's counters and maintains its own authoritative record of usage.
3Loss of information
If consumable tracking is performed in customer's computer applications, then consumable usage can be monitored, but data can be corrupted or notifications can be missed due to network or computer failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the appliance autonomously monitors consumable levels by querying the copier's internal sensors and counters. The appliance independently calculates consumable usage based on copy volume and consumable yield data, generates notifications when thresholds are approached, and can even initiate reordering processes. This self-service approach eliminates reliance on customer's computer applications being operational, ensuring continuous monitoring and notification capabilities.
4Reliability
If the appliance operates independently from the customer network, then data collection continues during network failures, but the appliance requires separate power and network connectivity infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the appliance with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The single device performs multiple functions: it acts as a network bridge between the copier and customer network, maintains local web server for direct access to usage data, provides SMTP relay for email notifications, and stores usage data in non-volatile memory. This consolidation of multiple functions into one appliance reduces the need for separate infrastructure components while maintaining independent operation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A networked device or appliance that connects directly to a copier or printer via a network connection, such as Ethernet, or some other suitable physical network connection and protocol. The copier may, but need not, be connected to the customer environment. The appliance functions outside the user's network environment and is independent from it. The device may also be powered independently from the other aspects of the network.