On-Demand Function Activation in Multi-Functional Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of multi-functional printers face challenges in accessing and adding features to their devices, as they often need to purchase new models to acquire additional functionalities, leading to unnecessary costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows multi-functional printers to authorize and activate functions on demand, using software authorization and supply apparatuses to enable users to access specific features only when needed, with charges based on usage, reducing the need for multiple device models and allowing suppliers to recover costs through usage-based revenue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users purchase a multi-functional device with all desired functions specified in advance, then they can access all functions, but they pay a high upfront price for a full-feature device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software functions into separate activatable modules that can be individually licensed and activated. Instead of requiring a complete full-featured device, users can activate only the specific functions they need at any given time, paying only for those activated functions rather than a high upfront price for all possible features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic function activation system where the device can change its functionality over time based on user needs. Functions are not fixed at purchase but can be activated or deactivated through software licensing, allowing users to adapt the device capabilities to match current requirements without repurchasing hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users purchase a multi-functional device with all desired functions, then they can use all features, but they cannot readily add additional features without purchasing a new device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal base device model that can perform multiple functions through software activation rather than requiring different hardware models for different feature sets. A single device platform can be configured to provide various functions (printing, scanning, copying, faxing, etc.) by activating appropriate software licenses, eliminating the need for users to purchase different device models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of the device through software licensing rather than hardware configuration. By activating or deactivating software licenses, the device's functional parameters (which functions are available) can be dynamically adjusted without changing the physical device, allowing flexible addition of features without purchasing new hardware models.
3Adaptability or versatility
If suppliers produce a variety of MFP models with various features, then they can meet different user needs, but users are at a loss as to which model is best suited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a universal device platform that can provide various functions through software activation. Instead of producing multiple specialized hardware models, suppliers can offer a single versatile device that can be configured to meet different user needs through software licensing, making model selection straightforward as users don't need to choose between different hardware models.
4Ease of operation
If users activate software upon code validation, then they can access specific functions on demand, but they need a software authorization apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software authorization apparatus as an intermediary between the user and the device functions. This separate authorization system handles the complexity of function activation, licensing validation, and feature management externally, keeping the user interface simple while managing the authorization complexity in a dedicated component.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods are provide to allow a multi-functional apparatus to be configured on user side, as needed. Functions are activated on demand, and user is charged an amount corresponding to the functions and/or settings that the user requests.