Printer Consumable Management via Mobile Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing consumable management systems require constant network connectivity between printers and management servers, which is costly and impractical for printers installed in remote work environments such as homes or shared offices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that uses short-range wireless communication to connect with a mobile terminal, allowing the apparatus to notify the terminal of consumable levels and output consumable information for prompt ordering, even in environments without constant network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant network connectivity is maintained between printer and management server, then consumable monitoring reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device between the printer and management server. The mobile terminal stores consumable information locally and enables on-demand data exchange via short-range wireless communication, eliminating the need for constant network connectivity while maintaining monitoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing consumable information and notification settings in advance on the mobile terminal. When consumable levels reach replacement thresholds, the printer generates notifications that are captured by the mobile terminal, which then handles the ordering process without requiring real-time server connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If constant network connectivity is provided for remote printers, then consumable ordering capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal serves as an intermediary that enables consumable ordering functionality without requiring expensive constant network infrastructure. It stores necessary consumable data locally and facilitates communication with the management server only when needed, significantly reducing network infrastructure costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service consumable management by allowing the mobile terminal to store and manage consumable information locally. Users can initiate ordering operations directly from their mobile devices without requiring continuous server connectivity or complex network infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If printer is not connected to network, then deployment flexibility is improved, but consumable management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal acts as a portable intermediary that bridges the gap between offline printers and online management systems. It stores consumable information and enables data exchange through short-range wireless communication, allowing printers to be deployed in remote locations without network infrastructure while maintaining management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different deployment scenarios by using the mobile terminal as a flexible communication bridge. When the printer is offline, the mobile terminal maintains consumable management functionality locally; when connectivity is available, it synchronizes with the management server, providing adaptability across various operational modes.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to, in a case where a level of consumption of a consumable in the information processing apparatus meets a predetermined condition, provide a notification indicating that the level of consumption of the consumable meets the predetermined condition, and in a case where the information processing apparatus is connected to a mobile terminal via short-range wireless communication in a state in which the notification is being provided, notify the mobile terminal that the level of consumption of the consumable meets the predetermined condition and output consumable information, which indicates a prompt order for the consumable, to the mobile terminal.