Predictive Consumable Shipping for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subscription services for image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately predicting consumable product consumption, leading to inappropriate timing for replenishment or replacement, especially when user consumption behavior changes.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus calculates a predicted consumption degree based on the user's contracted plan and determines when to ship consumable products by monitoring consumption rates and adjusting order timing accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the predicted consumption amount is calculated from the actual consumption amount when the user has used the image forming apparatus so far, then the shipping timing can be controlled, but the calculation accuracy of the predicted consumption amount is lowered when the consumption behavior of the user has changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation accuracy of predicted consumption amountVSAvoidresponse to consumption behavior change

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the predicted consumption amount based on the contracted plan before the user actually changes their consumption behavior. This allows the system to establish a baseline prediction that remains accurate even when usage patterns change, as the prediction is anchored to the agreed-upon plan rather than historical data that may become obsolete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring the relationship between the predicted consumption amount and actual consumption, and by providing a mechanism for users to notify the service provider of plan changes. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust and maintain prediction accuracy despite changes in user behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user changes the plan according to a change in consumption behavior, then the service can adapt to user needs, but the calculation accuracy of the predicted consumption amount is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplan flexibilityVSAvoidprediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of the predicted consumption amount based on the contracted plan before any behavior changes occur. This establishes a stable reference point that maintains prediction accuracy while allowing the user the flexibility to change plans as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to detect when users change their consumption behavior or notify of plan changes, allowing the prediction model to adapt while maintaining accuracy through continuous validation against actual usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If consumable products are shipped based on predicted consumption amount, then automated shipping control can be achieved, but inappropriate shipping timing occurs when prediction accuracy is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated shipping controlVSAvoidshipping timing appropriateness

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of the predicted consumption amount based on the contracted plan before shipping decisions are made. This advance calculation ensures that automated shipping control is based on accurate, plan-driven predictions rather than potentially outdated historical data, thereby maintaining reliable shipping timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated shipping control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor actual consumption against predictions and allow users to notify of plan changes. This feedback ensures that automated decisions remain reliable even when consumption patterns evolve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240346433A1Information processing apparatus managing consumable product of image forming apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus capable of executing a predetermined process for ordering a consumable product of an image forming apparatus includes one or more processors causes the information processing apparatus to calculate a predicted consumption degree of the consumable product based on a contracted plan selected by a user from among plans for using the image forming apparatus in the predetermined process, determine whether the predicted consumption degree reaches a predetermined value, and control so as to ship the consumable product to the user in a case where it is determined that the predicted consumption degree reaches the predetermined value.