Image Forming Apparatus Usage Display for Subscription Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image forming apparatuses on subscription agreements may unknowingly exceed print limits, leading to unexpected disadvantages due to limited display space for agreement information, which can result in the inability to print important documents.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus acquires and updates agreement information, extracts partial information, and displays it on a function selection screen to prevent such disadvantages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If agreement information is displayed in dashboard form on a separate information processing apparatus, then the user can view complete agreement information, but the user may not be aware of usage status when performing copying or USB printing operations on the image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dashboard display function with the image forming apparatus by integrating the display unit into the apparatus itself. The control unit extracts relevant agreement information and usage status from the server and displays it directly on the apparatus display, merging the information display function with the printing function to ensure users can see both their agreement limits and current usage status at the point of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the server and the user. It receives agreement information from the server, processes and extracts relevant usage status data, and presents it in a simplified format on the display unit. This intermediary function translates complex server data into actionable insights for users at the point of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the display device of the image forming apparatus is used to show agreement information, then the user can view usage status at the apparatus, but the limited display space prevents complete dashboard information from being shown
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit extracts only the essential information needed for user awareness - specifically the usage status relative to agreement limits - from the complete agreement information. Instead of displaying all dashboard data, it selectively extracts and displays only the critical usage status indicators that prevent users from exceeding their agreement limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The display presents information in a localized, context-relevant format at the point of operation. Rather than providing a comprehensive dashboard view, the system displays localized usage status indicators directly on the apparatus display where users make printing decisions, making the information locally relevant and immediately actionable.
3Reliability
If the image forming apparatus controls usage based on agreement information, then service authentication can be implemented, but users may unknowingly exceed print limits and suffer unexpected disadvantages
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors usage status against agreement limits and provides real-time visual feedback through the display unit. When users approach or exceed their print limits, the system immediately displays warning messages, allowing users to adjust their behavior before suffering the consequence of being unable to print important documents.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus that acquires agreement information managed by a server and receives provision of a service according to the agreement information includes at least one memory storing a program, and at least one processor that executes the stored program, which cause the at least one processor to update use state information of the image forming apparatus, extract partial information from the agreement information and the use state information, and perform display of the partial information on a function selection screen for selecting a function of the image forming apparatus.