Printing Apparatus Copy Control via Removable Memory

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses lack the ability to restrict and control the number of copies made from print data stored in removable storage media, potentially leading to unauthorized copying and information leaks.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a removable memory interface, a printable number detecting system, and a controlling system that limits the number of copies based on data stored in the removable memory medium, ensuring that only a specified or maximum number of copies can be made, and optionally deleting the print data after reaching this limit to prevent further unauthorized use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If print data stored in removable storage medium is printed directly without user instruction, then printing convenience and speed are improved, but information security and copy control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting convenienceVSAvoidinformation security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds copy control information and printable number limits directly into the print data before it is stored in the removable storage medium. This preliminary action ensures that when the data is printed, the printing apparatus can automatically enforce copy restrictions without requiring user intervention, thus maintaining both convenience and security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus includes a controlling system that detects the printable number from the print data and monitors the number of copies made. When the maximum printable number is reached, the system provides feedback by preventing further printing or deleting the print data from the removable storage medium, ensuring information security while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If print data is stored in removable storage medium for direct printing, then printing speed and accessibility are improved, but unauthorized copying and information leaks worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidunauthorized copying

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds copy control information and printable number limits directly into the print data before it is stored in the removable storage medium. This preliminary action ensures that when the data is printed, the printing apparatus can automatically enforce copy restrictions without requiring user intervention, thus maintaining both convenience and security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus includes a controlling system that detects the printable number from the print data and monitors the number of copies made. When the maximum printable number is reached, the system provides feedback by preventing further printing or deleting the print data from the removable storage medium, ensuring information security while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If no copy restriction is implemented, then printing flexibility and user freedom are improved, but information exposure and unauthorized use worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting flexibilityVSAvoidinformation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds copy control information and printable number limits directly into the print data before it is stored in the removable storage medium. This preliminary action ensures that when the data is printed, the printing apparatus can automatically enforce copy restrictions without requiring user intervention, thus maintaining both convenience and security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus includes a controlling system that detects the printable number from the print data and monitors the number of copies made. When the maximum printable number is reached, the system provides feedback by preventing further printing or deleting the print data from the removable storage medium, ensuring information security while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8780371B2Printing apparatus, computer usable medium, and controlling method therefor

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus to make a number of copies of a printed material on which an image is formed according to print data stored in a removable memory medium is provided. The printing apparatus includes an interface to which the removable memory medium is connected so that the print data stored in the removable memory medium is inputted to the printing apparatus, a printable number detecting system, which is configured to detect a number of copies of the printed material to be made being stored in the removable memory medium, a printing system, which is configured to make the printed material, and a controlling system, which is configured to control a total of the number of copies of the printed material to be made by the printing system.