Image Forming System Trial Mode for Optional Function Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of composite image forming apparatuses often purchase optional network scanner and printer functions that go unused, resulting in wasted costs, as there is no effective way to trial these functions before committing to their use.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with a trial mode that limits the number of trials or days for optional functions, allowing users to experience and decide on the functionality before purchasing, featuring a setting section for trial mode configuration and a permitting section for function usage based on user requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optional functions (network scanner, network printer) are provided in a composite image forming apparatus, then the functionality and versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the cost increases and may be wasted if the functions are rarely used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a trial mode that is activated before the user fully commits to using the optional function. The system allows limited-numbered or time-limited trial usage of the network scanner or network printer function, enabling users to experience the functionality before purchasing. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by allowing users to verify functionality (improving adaptability) while limiting the duration and scope of free access (reducing cost loss).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic access control mechanism where the function availability changes based on usage conditions. The trial mode transitions from an active state (allowing limited usage) to an inactive state (prohibiting usage) after a predetermined number of operations or time period. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt functionality access based on user behavior, resolving the contradiction between providing versatile functions and preventing cost waste.
2Ease of operation
If optional functions are provided without trial mode, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but users cannot effectively decide whether they need the functions before purchasing
Solution Approach 1:
The trial mode serves as a preliminary action that enables users to experience the optional function before making a purchasing decision. By implementing limited-numbered or time-limited trial usage, the system provides users with practical experience of the network scanner or network printer functionality. This resolves the contradiction by enhancing user decision-making capability (ease of operation) while adding a manageable layer of system complexity (trial mode control mechanism).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system tracks and monitors usage of the optional function during trial mode. The system records the number of operations performed or time elapsed, and uses this feedback information to determine when to transition from trial mode to restricted mode. This feedback-based control enables informed user decision-making while maintaining relatively simple implementation through usage counting and time tracking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trial mode with limited number of trials or days is implemented, then users can effectively try optional functions, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by implementing trial mode through parameter changes in the control mechanism. Instead of creating entirely new complex systems, the invention modifies existing control parameters (such as operation count counters or time trackers) to enable trial functionality. The system changes the state of these parameters to transition between trial mode and restricted mode, providing function trial capability while maintaining relatively simple control through parameter-based state management.
Data Source
AI summary
A trial mode in which the number of trials is limited can be set for a network printer function and a network scanner function of an image forming apparatus. Then, the use of one of the network printer function and network scanner function of the image forming apparatus for which the trial mode has been set is permitted in accordance with a use request from a user.