Printer User-Quota Counter Reset After Restriction Periods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices do not effectively manage the number of printing operations per user, lacking a functional mechanism to restrict or track individual user printing limits.
Innovation Solution
A printer system with a memory and controller that initializes and manages a counter value for each user ID, restricting printing during a specified period and updating limits through a user interface, allowing for individual and common operator interactions to adjust or reset printing quotas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printer tracks the number of printing operations per user, then user printing management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing management system into separate functional modules: a counter value management unit that tracks individual user printing counts, a restriction determination unit that evaluates whether printing should be limited, and a user interface that displays and allows modification of printing limits. This segmentation allows the printer to gain sophisticated user management capabilities while maintaining a clear, organized internal structure that minimizes complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external server as an intermediary that can store and manage printing restriction settings and counter values. By offloading some management functions to the server, the printer itself doesn't need to maintain complex databases or authentication systems, thereby reducing device complexity while still providing comprehensive user printing management capability.
2Productivity
If the printer restricts printing based on counter values, then printing resource control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where users can directly interact with the printer's user interface to view their current printing counter values, understand their remaining printing capacity, and receive clear notifications when approaching or exceeding their limits. This self-service approach allows users to manage their own printing resources without requiring administrator intervention, improving ease of operation while maintaining effective printing resource control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows printing restriction settings and counter values to be dynamically adjusted during operation. Administrators can modify printing limits for different users or user groups, and the system automatically updates restrictions in real-time. This dynamic capability enables flexible resource allocation that adapts to changing organizational needs while providing a consistent, easy-to-use interface for all users.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer has a function of restricting a number of printing during a particular period for each user ID. When printing is performed, a computer updates a counter value of the number of printing associated with a user ID corresponding to the printing, and restricts printing corresponding to the user ID when the counter value reaches an upper limit. When an individual operator is operated in an administrator PC, the computer initializes the counter value associated with the user ID corresponding the individual operator.