Image Processing Device Subscription Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a network printing system, the provision of a 'Connect' button on image processing devices before a subscription agreement is established can lead to unnecessary communications and erroneous user operations, as there is no initial need for connection to the server.

Innovation Solution

The image processing device is designed with a controller that disables the operation to connect to the server until a subscription agreement is established, using a communication interface and operation interface to enable connection only when necessary, by hiding the 'Subscription Service' button until the agreement is confirmed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a 'Connect' button is provided on the image processing device before a subscription agreement is established, then the device can be connected to the server when needed, but unnecessary communications and erroneous user operations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectabilityVSAvoidneedless communications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by establishing the subscription agreement status before enabling the connect function. The controller checks whether a subscription agreement exists in advance, and only then allows the connect operation to be executed. This prevents users from attempting to connect before necessary conditions are met, eliminating needless communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connect button's operational state is made dynamic based on subscription agreement status. The controller dynamically changes the button from an executable state (when agreement exists) to a non-executable state (when no agreement exists). This dynamic adaptation prevents erroneous operations while maintaining ease of operation when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a 'Connect' button is provided on the image processing device before a subscription agreement is established, then the device can be connected to the server when needed, but erroneous user operations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectabilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of subscription agreement status before allowing connect operations. By checking the agreement status in advance and conditionally enabling the connect function, the system ensures that users only attempt connections when appropriate, thereby improving operation accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the connect button and the communication interface. It mediates the connect operation by verifying subscription agreement status and only permitting the communication interface to connect when conditions are satisfied. This intermediary control prevents erroneous operations and enhances reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the device connects to the server continuously, then communication with the server is maintained, but unnecessary communications occur when no subscription agreement exists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection continuityVSAvoidcommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checking of subscription agreement status before initiating any connection attempts. By verifying the agreement exists in advance, the system avoids continuous connection attempts when unnecessary, thereby reducing communication overhead and energy loss while maintaining connection continuity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection state is made dynamic based on subscription agreement status. The controller dynamically enables or disables the connect function, adjusting the duration of connection action according to actual needs. This prevents continuous unnecessary communications while maintaining connection continuity when a subscription agreement is in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11825054B2Image processing device disabling specific operation to cause communication interface to communicate with server

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image processing device includes a communication interface, an operation interface, and a controller. The communication interface is configured to communicate with a server. In a case that an agreement is not established for subscription service using the server, the controller performs an operation disabling process to disable a specific operation using the operation interface. The specific operation is to cause the communication interface to communicate with the server. In a case that the agreement is established, the controller performs an operation enabling process to enable the specific operation using the operation interface.