Printer User ID Counter Control for Print Restriction Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices lack the capability to count and manage the number of printing operations per user.
Innovation Solution
A printer and printing system equipped with a memory and controller to store restriction periods and upper limits for each user ID, updating counters based on printing operations, and restricting printing when limits are reached, with user interfaces displaying operation screens for management and initialization of counter values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image forming devices are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the capability to count and manage printing operations per user is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing management system by introducing user ID-based counter values for different users. Each user has their own counter value that is independently managed, allowing the system to track and control printing operations for multiple users separately. This segmentation enables user-specific printing management without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that manages the upper limit values and counter values for multiple users. The server communicates with the image forming device through network connections, allowing centralized management of printing restrictions. This intermediary approach enables sophisticated user management while keeping the image forming device itself relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If user-specific printing management is implemented, then printing control precision is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic counter value update functionality that operates without manual intervention. When a user performs printing operations, the system automatically detects the user ID, retrieves the corresponding counter value, increments it, and compares it against the upper limit. This self-service mechanism ensures accurate tracking of printing operations while minimizing the operational burden on users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users through the operation panel, displaying information about their counter values and printing status. When the counter value reaches the upper limit, the system provides notifications to inform users of their printing restrictions. This feedback mechanism helps users understand their printing status without requiring complex manual monitoring.
3Productivity
If printing restrictions are enforced per user, then resource management is improved, but the ease of initializing counter values deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a universal initialization function that can reset counter values for any user through a single operation. The server stores management information for multiple users, and the operation panel provides a unified interface to initialize counter values regardless of which user's counter needs to be reset. This multi-functional approach simplifies the initialization process while maintaining the ability to manage multiple users' printing resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer has a memory and a controller, and the controller is configured to perform storing a restriction period and an upper limit in the memory in accordance with an instruction from a user interface, the restriction period being a period in which a number of printing is restricted for each user ID. When printing is performed, the controller updates a counter value which is stored in the memory and associated with a user ID corresponding to the printing, when the counter value reaches the upper limit, restricts printing corresponding to the user ID, causing the user interface to display an operation screen including the upper limit and an individual operator, when the individual operator is operated, initializing the counter value.