Image Processing Apparatus Usage-Based Application Activation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems cannot effectively utilize applications without valid licenses beyond a predefined trial period, leading to unnecessary restrictions on usage quantity, which limits user convenience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that controls application activation based on usage quantity rather than time, allowing applications to be used until a predetermined upper limit is reached, thereby extending the trial period for valid license applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the application uses a time-based trial period restriction, then the license validity can be clearly managed, but the application cannot be used even if not accessed during the trial period, reducing user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the licensing parameter from time-based to usage-quantity-based. Instead of restricting access by trial period expiration, the system now restricts by cumulative usage quantity (e.g., number of copies made). This allows the application to remain accessible indefinitely as long as the usage limit hasn't been reached, improving user convenience while maintaining license control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic licensing where the trial period is not fixed in time but dynamically adjusted based on usage patterns. The system monitors cumulative usage and adjusts the effective trial period accordingly - if usage is low, the effective trial period extends; if usage is high, it reaches the usage limit faster. This dynamic approach balances user convenience with license validity
2Reliability
If the application restricts usage by trial period expiration, then license control is simplified, but unused applications become inaccessible, leading to loss of potential utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the license control parameter from temporal (time-based) to quantitative (usage-based). The system now tracks cumulative usage quantity rather than elapsed time, ensuring that license control remains reliable and enforceable while preventing the loss of unused trial periods. Users can take their time to utilize the application without fear of time-based expiration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors usage quantity and provides information to users about remaining usage capacity. This feedback loop maintains reliable license control by clearly communicating status while allowing users to plan their usage, preventing complete loss of utility by informing users before usage limits are reached
3Ease of operation
If the system allows unlimited trial period access, then user convenience is improved, but resource allocation becomes unfair among multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces usage quantity as a new parameter to balance convenience and fairness. By setting cumulative usage limits (e.g., maximum number of copies), the system allows indefinite time access for user convenience while ensuring fair resource allocation across multiple users. Each user's usage is tracked independently, preventing any single user from monopolizing resources indefinitely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial restriction by allowing usage beyond time-based limits but imposing usage-quantity caps. This partial action approach provides more flexibility than strict time limits while still maintaining fairness through usage caps. Users can exceed time boundaries but cannot exceed usage boundaries, creating a balanced system that addresses both convenience and fairness concerns
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit in which a usage quantity of each of the functions is stored, and a processor configured to control activation of the application, based on the usage quantity of the function employed by the application.