Service Provision State Switching for Consumable Procurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional technologies do not provide a convenient method for users or manufacturers to obtain consumables other than through delivery, even when a service contract for consumable delivery is in effect.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that manages a service contract for consumable delivery, allowing users to switch between automatic delivery and non-delivery modes. In the non-delivery mode, the system outputs procurement request information to the user, enabling them to obtain consumables without relying on delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a service contract for consumable delivery is in effect, then the user receives automatic delivery of consumables, but the user cannot obtain consumables through alternative methods that may be more convenient in certain circumstances

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The provision state is made dynamic and changeable based on user needs and circumstances. The system allows switching between first state (automatic delivery) and second state (user self-procurement) through a prescribed condition, enabling adaptability without requiring multiple separate contracts or complex service structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If automatic delivery is provided, then the user convenience is improved, but delivery costs and logistics complexity increase for the manufacturer

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service procurement in the second state, where users obtain consumables themselves rather than relying on manufacturer delivery. This reduces delivery costs and logistics complexity while maintaining user convenience through the ability to choose alternative procurement methods when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system provides only automatic delivery, then the service structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate circumstances where alternative procurement methods are more convenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The service contract is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both automatic delivery and user self-procurement modes within a single contractual framework. The provision state can be switched between first state and second state, allowing the system to accommodate different procurement scenarios without requiring multiple separate service structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250037046A1Information processing apparatus changing provision state of service when determining that prescribed condition is met

Publication Date: 2025.01.30

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a memory and a controller. The memory is for storing therein provision state information. The provision state information indicates a provision state of a service. The provision state is one of at least two states including a first state and a second state. In the first state, a new consumable is delivered to a user when a residual quantity of a consumable has dropped below a predetermined residual quantity. In the second state, procurement request information is outputted to the user when the residual quantity of the consumable has dropped below the predetermined residual quantity. The procurement request information requests the user to obtain a new consumable in a manner not reliant on delivery. The controller is configured to determine whether a prescribed condition for changing the provision state is met, and to change the provision state when determining that the prescribed condition is met.