Multi-Apparatus Printing System with Distributed Printable Number Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems limit the number of printed materials a user can create, and do not allow for seamless interoperation between multiple printing apparatuses, restricting flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising two printing apparatuses that communicate via NFC to share and manage a printable number assigned to a user, enabling either apparatus to produce printed materials within the allocated limit, allowing for interoperation and flexible printing across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a maximum number of printed materials is determined for each user in advance, then security is improved, but flexibility and convenience are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The printable number is segmented and distributed across multiple printing apparatuses. Each apparatus stores a portion of the total printable number allocated to a user, allowing the user to print across different devices while maintaining the overall limit. This segmentation enables flexibility across multiple devices while preserving security through distributed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables a single user's printable number to be universally applicable across multiple printing apparatuses. By allocating portions of the printable number to different devices and enabling inter-apparatus communication, the system makes the printing capability multi-functional and device-agnostic, improving flexibility without compromising the security of the overall limit.
2Reliability
If printing is limited to a single printing apparatus, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the printing functionality across multiple apparatuses, with each apparatus holding a portion of the user's printable number. This allows users to operate from any registered apparatus, significantly improving convenience while maintaining security through the distributed allocation mechanism that tracks total printing across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system acts as an intermediary between multiple printing apparatuses and the user's printable number. Through short-range wireless communication, the system mediates the transfer and coordination of printable numbers between apparatuses, enabling seamless cross-device operation while maintaining centralized security control over the total printable limit.
3Device complexity
If printable number is stored in one printing apparatus only, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The printable number storage is segmented across multiple printing apparatuses rather than centralized in one device. Each apparatus stores a portion of the total printable number, and the system coordinates between them through communication protocols. This segmentation increases interoperation capability while distributing the complexity across multiple simple devices rather than concentrating it in one complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functionality of multiple printing apparatuses into a coordinated network where each device maintains simplicity individually but achieves enhanced adaptability collectively. Through short-range wireless communication and printable number allocation protocols, the merged system enables interoperation across devices while each device remains relatively simple in structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user convenience by allowing printing across multiple apparatuses while maintaining security through managed printable number allocation, improving flexibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a first communication device configured to perform communication using a first wireless communication method... a second communication device configured to perform communication using the first wireless communication method
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes a first printing apparatus and a second printing apparatus. A first controller of the first printing apparatus is configured to: accept designation of first-user-identification information; transmit first numeric information to the second printing apparatus; update the first printable number based on the first numeric information; and control a first conveyor and a first printing device to perform printing so as to limit the number of printed materials to be produced, to the first printable number. A second controller of the second printing apparatus is configured to: receive the first numeric information from the first printing apparatus; update second numeric information indicating a second printable number, based on the received first numeric information; and control the second conveyor and the second printing device to perform printing so as to limit the number of printed materials to be produced, to the second printable number.