Image Forming Control for Residual Print Quota Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In prepaid operation methods for image forming apparatuses, residual printable sheets and lending periods can be wasted if the apparatus fails or needs replacement before reaching the limit, leading to user disadvantages.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that allows transfer of residual printable sheets from one apparatus to another, using a takeover process managed by a controller to add the residual sheets to the destination apparatus and reset the source apparatus to zero.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the prepaid operation method is used with a fixed printable number of sheets and lending period, then the business model is simplified and revenue is secured in advance, but the residual printable sheets and residual lending period are discarded in vain when the apparatus fails or needs replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the residual printable sheets from multiple image forming apparatuses into a unified pool that can be shared across the network. When one apparatus fails or is replaced, its residual sheets are transferred to another apparatus, preventing waste and maintaining business model stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a management server as an intermediary that coordinates the transfer of residual printable sheets between apparatuses. The server manages the lending period and printable sheet counts, enabling seamless redistribution when apparatuses fail or are replaced.
2Ease of operation
If the printable number of sheets is set in advance for a predetermined period, then the charging method is simple and revenue prediction is easy, but the user cannot utilize the residual sheets if the apparatus fails before reaching the limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the printable sheet allocation dynamic by allowing transfers between apparatuses during the lending period. The system adapts to apparatus failures or replacements by redistributing residual sheets, maintaining simplicity while preventing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of printable sheet allocation from fixed-to-one-apparatus to flexible-across-multiple-apparatus. This allows the system to maintain simple charging while adapting the distribution of residual sheets based on apparatus availability.
3Reliability
If the image forming apparatus is replaced before the printable number is reached, then the user gets a new apparatus, but the residual sheets and lending period are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for apparatus replacement in advance by establishing a system where residual sheets are automatically transferred to other apparatuses. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when replacement occurs, no sheets are wasted.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding residual sheets when apparatuses are replaced, the patent recovers them by transferring to other apparatuses in the network. This maintains apparatus availability while preventing loss of printable sheets.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system capable of preventing a residual printable number of sheets until reaching an upper limit number of sheets and the residual lending period from being discarded in vain. The image forming system including first and second image forming apparatuses each of which includes a print function, an obtaining unit that obtains the upper limit number of sheets printable within a predetermined period and a residual printable number until reaching the upper limit number within the predetermined period, a limiting unit that limits the print function when reaching the upper limit number within the predetermined period, an addition unit that adds the residual printable number of sheets of the first image forming apparatus to the upper limit number of sheets of the second image forming apparatus, and a controller that sets the residual printable number of the first image forming apparatus to zero.