Image Forming Device Division Counter Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices with division management functions struggle to accurately manage and track page counts across multiple user divisions and operation modes, leading to inefficiencies and potential overuse in shared printing environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a digital multifunction machine with multiple operation modes, featuring a printer with first and second counters associated with user divisions and a setting unit to manage page counts, allowing for precise tracking of pages printed in various modes, including color and monochrome printing, and enabling division and color management functions to limit usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single counter is used to track all printed pages, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of page counts per division deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single counter into multiple first counters (one for each division) and one second counter. Each first counter tracks pages for a specific division, enabling precise measurement of page counts per division while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization.
2Measurement precision
If multiple counters are implemented for each division, then the measurement precision of page counts improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting unit provides universal control over the counter system, enabling it to adaptively switch between different counting modes (first counters for specific divisions, second counter for general tracking). This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high measurement precision while managing complexity through flexible, context-dependent operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all printed pages are counted in division-specific counters, then user accountability is improved, but adaptability to different counting requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts counting behavior based on operation mode. The setting unit enables the counter system to switch between tracking pages in division-specific first counters (for accountability) and the general second counter (for flexibility). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to meet different counting requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automated mode-based routing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device including a printer having a plurality of operation modes sets beforehand the number of pages printed by the printer to be counted in a division counter or a division undefined counter for each operation mode of the printer. The image forming device counts, in the division counter corresponding to the division to which the user belongs who has requested the printing, the number of the pages printed in the operation mode in which the number of the pages is set to be counted in the division counter, and counts, in the division undefined counter, the number of the pages printed in the operation mode in which the number of the pages is set to be counted in the division undefined counter.