Operation Terminal Prioritizing Low-Use Printers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In environments where multiple printing apparatuses can be connected to a single operation terminal via wireless communication, there is often an uneven use frequency among the apparatuses, leading to rapid deterioration and potential failure of frequently used devices.

Innovation Solution

A computer program executed by the operation terminal that collects and analyzes cumulative operation data from multiple printing apparatuses, prioritizing connection to those with lower use frequencies to distribute usage more evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operation terminal can freely connect to any printing apparatus, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use frequency becomes uneven leading to rapid deterioration of frequently used devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operation terminal acquires cumulative operation amounts from multiple printing apparatuses, determines use frequency rankings based on this data, and uses this feedback information to prioritize connection to less frequently used devices. This creates a closed-loop system where usage patterns are monitored and used to adjust connection behavior, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts connection priorities based on real-time usage data. The operation terminal continuously updates use frequency rankings and adapts its connection behavior accordingly, transforming a static connection approach into a dynamic one that responds to changing usage patterns and prevents any single device from being overused

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If printing is performed on frequently used apparatuses, then the productivity is improved, but the deterioration rate increases leading to potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of always connecting to the most convenient or highest-performance printing apparatus, the system inverts the selection logic by prioritizing connection to less frequently used devices. This inversion ensures that productivity needs are met while distributing wear across multiple devices, preventing any single apparatus from deteriorating too rapidly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11122176B2Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An operation terminal is caused to perform: acquiring cumulative operation amounts of a plurality of items of each of a plurality of printing apparatuses, the cumulative operation amounts being transmitted from the plurality of printing apparatuses which are within a communication range of the communication unit; receiving, via an operation unit, a designation of at least one item of the plurality of items; determining a use frequency ranking of the plurality of printing apparatuses in accordance with the received designation; and performing, based on a result of the determined use frequency ranking, one of connection processing of connecting to a printing apparatus by the wireless communication and preparation processing of preparing for connection to a printing apparatus by the wireless communication, in a manner that a printing apparatus having a low use frequency ranking is prioritized over a printing apparatus having a high use frequency ranking.