Printer Page Count Allocation Based on Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing management systems fail to allocate page counts efficiently based on printer performance, leading to insufficient provisional usage page limits and potential printing disruptions when the usage page count upper limit is low.
Innovation Solution
A printing management apparatus that allocates page counts based on the performance of each printer, including printing speed, color capability, and optional equipment, ensuring that the allocation is adjusted dynamically to prevent running out of allocable pages and to avoid delays or unfair allocations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the usage page count upper limit is divided evenly in advance into n portions for each printer, then the allocation is simple and uniform, but the allocation does not consider printer performance differences leading to insufficient page counts for high-performance printers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating page counts differently to each printer based on its specific performance characteristics. High-performance printers receive larger page count allocations while low-performance printers receive smaller allocations, making the allocation tailored to each printer's capabilities rather than uniform across all printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from a fixed uniform value to a variable value that depends on printer performance parameters. The management server dynamically adjusts the page count allocation for each printer based on measured or specified performance metrics, allowing the system to adapt to different printer capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed provisional usage page count upper limit is allocated to each printer, then the allocation is straightforward, but the limit becomes insufficient when the total usage page count upper limit is low causing printing disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the page count allocation flexible and adjustable rather than fixed. The management server can dynamically modify the allocation for each printer based on current conditions, ensuring that high-performance printers receive adequate page counts even when the total limit is low, thereby maintaining printing continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the management server monitors printer performance and page count usage, then adjusts allocations accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that printers receive appropriate page counts to maintain reliable operation without causing disruptions.
3Device complexity
If the same provisional usage page count upper limit is allocated to all printers regardless of performance, then the allocation is uniform and simple, but high-performance printers cannot utilize their full capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the page count allocation to each printer's specific performance characteristics. High-performance printers receive larger allocations that allow them to utilize their full capability, while low-performance printers receive appropriate smaller allocations, making each allocation locally optimized rather than uniformly applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from a constant uniform value to a variable that reflects printer performance. The management server adjusts the page count allocation parameter for each printer based on performance metrics, enabling the system to adapt to different printer capabilities and maximize overall system utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A management apparatus receives an allocation request from a printer in accordance with a designation of a user, and reads a page count upper limit and an already-allocated page count for the user. The management apparatus calculates an allocable page count by subtracting an already-allocated page count from the page count upper limit, and if the allocable page count is greater than 0, calculates a page count allocation that is based on the printing speed of the printer and is lower the lower the allocable page count is. The printing management apparatus prints the obtained allocable page count to the printer.