Self-Driving Multifunction Copier Job Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in accessing multifunction copiers as they need to physically move to the device's location, and existing solutions for delivering printer outputs are inefficient, limiting rapid processing of printing and copying jobs, and result in a high cost burden due to underutilized copiers installed across multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A self-driving multifunction copier system that assigns jobs based on processing and movement times, allowing the copier to move to the user's location for printing, copying, or faxing tasks, optimizing job distribution and reducing the number of required copiers by selecting the most efficient device based on distance and job load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multifunction copier is installed at a fixed location, then the device can be easily accessed and maintained, but users must physically move to the device location causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having users move to the copier, the copier moves to the users. The mobile multifunction copier reverses the traditional access model by autonomously navigating to user locations within the building, eliminating the need for user movement and solving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The copier transitions from a static fixed-location device to a dynamic mobile device. The mobile multifunction copier uses mobile platforms (robots, AGVs, or elevators) to dynamically relocate itself based on job requests and user positions, optimizing accessibility while maintaining operational capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If multiple multifunction copiers are installed across different floors or departments, then user accessibility is improved, but the cost burden increases due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
A single mobile multifunction copier serves multiple locations and user groups throughout the building, replacing the need for multiple fixed copiers. The device performs printing, copying, and scanning functions across different departments and floors, achieving universal accessibility with one device instead of many.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile copier autonomously navigates to different locations and responds to job requests without human intervention. Users simply submit requests through terminals or mobile apps, and the system automatically dispatches the copier to the appropriate location, enabling self-service operation across the entire building.
3Ease of operation
If a robot delivers printer output, then the output can be delivered to users, but the printing and delivery times cannot be performed simultaneously increasing total processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile multifunction copier combines the printing function and delivery function into a single integrated device. The copier prints documents and then autonomously delivers them to users, merging two separate processes into one continuous operation performed by the same device, thereby eliminating idle time between printing and delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The copier maintains continuous productive action by immediately transitioning from printing to delivery without interruption. The mobile platform enables the copier to continuously perform useful actions (printing, copying, scanning, and delivering) in sequence, maximizing productivity while providing complete output delivery service.
4Ease of operation
If a mobile multifunction copier moves to user locations, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases due to movement and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses intermediary components (mobile platforms, navigation systems, and control software) to enable movement without complicating the core copier functions. The mobile multifunction copier integrates with existing building infrastructure such as elevators and navigation systems, using intermediaries to handle complexity while maintaining simple user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a self-driving multifunction copier capable of performing artificial intelligence learning through machine learning, a server controlling the self-driving multifunction copier, and a method for operating the server. A method for operating a server controlling a self-driving multifunction copier in an Internet of things (IoT) environment constructed through a 5G communication network, which is a method for operating a server controlling a self-driving multifunction copier, includes: in response to receiving an execution request for a job from a user terminal in a building, calculating a processing time of the job; selecting one self-driving multifunction copier among a plurality of self-driving multifunction copiers in the building based on the processing time of the job; and assigning the job to the selected self-driving multifunction copier to allow the selected self-driving multifunction copier to perform the assigned job.