Printer Cartridge Authentication Server Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer systems lack the capability to provide user-specific messages regarding subscription to services based on the authenticity of installed cartridges, thereby compromising user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A server and printer system configuration that includes units to identify whether a cartridge is genuine or non-genuine, and transmit appropriate messages to a terminal device for prompting subscription to a service, enhancing user convenience by providing tailored prompts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single uniform message is transmitted to all users regardless of cartridge type, then the system structure remains simple, but user convenience deteriorates due to lack of personalized service

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidmessage transmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different message content and transmission strategies based on the local condition of cartridge authenticity. Genuine cartridges receive one type of service message while non-genuine cartridges receive another type, making the service quality adapted to each specific case rather than applying a uniform approach to all users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The message transmission system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time detection of cartridge authenticity. The server selects different message types and transmission methods depending on whether the cartridge is genuine or non-genuine, making the system flexible and adaptive rather than static and rigid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system transmits different messages based on cartridge authenticity, then user convenience is improved, but the complexity of identifying and transmitting appropriate messages increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice customization capabilityVSAvoidmessage identification and transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of cartridge authenticity through authentication information verification before the message transmission process. By pre-identifying whether the cartridge is genuine or non-genuine and pre-selecting the appropriate message type, the system avoids complex real-time decision-making during message transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that receives authentication information from the printer, determines cartridge authenticity, and selects appropriate messages based on this determination. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic in one component rather than distributing complexity across multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4535158A1Server, printer, and application program for terminal device
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP4535158A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4535158A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4535158A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a technology enabling improvement in user convenience. A server receives, from a printer, cartridge information related to whether a cartridge installed in the printer is a genuine cartridge or a compatible cartridge. If identification information for identifying the printer is received from a terminal device and the cartridge information received from the printer identified by the identification information indicates that a genuine cartridge is installed in the printer, the server transmits a first message prompting subscription to a service to the terminal device. If the identification information is received from the terminal device and the cartridge information received from the printer identified by the identification information indicates that a compatible cartridge is installed in the printer, the server transmits a second message prompting subscription to a service to the terminal device.