18443034. PRINTER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRINTER simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
PRINTER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRINTER
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Inventor(s)
PRINTER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRINTER - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18443034 titled 'PRINTER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRINTER
The abstract describes a system where a printer alerts the user when the remaining number of prints is close to the upper limit specified in the subscription contract. The printer prompts the user to either change the contract or pay an additional charge to increase the print limit when the upper limit is reached in offline mode. The printer then updates the contract information based on the user's request and reminds the user to connect the printer to the server within a certain timeframe. Failure to connect within this timeframe results in printing restrictions.
- The printer alerts the user when the print limit is nearing the upper threshold.
- Users can change the contract or pay extra to increase the print limit.
- The system updates the contract information and prompts the user to connect the printer to the server within a specified timeframe.
- Failure to connect within the timeframe leads to printing restrictions.
- The system aims to manage print limits efficiently and ensure compliance with subscription contracts.
Potential Applications: - Office printers with subscription-based print limits. - Printers in educational institutions with controlled printing quotas.
Problems Solved: - Efficient management of print limits. - Ensuring compliance with subscription contracts. - Preventing unauthorized printing.
Benefits: - Cost-effective print management. - Improved control over printing expenses. - Enhanced user accountability.
Commercial Applications: Title: Subscription-Based Print Limit Management System This technology can be utilized in office settings, educational institutions, and any environment where print quotas need to be managed effectively. It can help businesses save costs on printing and ensure better control over print resources.
Questions about the Subscription-Based Print Limit Management System: 1. How does the system differentiate between authorized and unauthorized printing? The system tracks print counts based on the subscription contract, alerting users when they are close to the limit and restricting printing if the user fails to connect to the server within the specified timeframe.
2. Can users manually adjust the print limit without contacting the server? Users can request a change in the contract or pay an additional charge to increase the print limit, but the system requires them to connect the printer to the server for the changes to take effect.
Original Abstract Submitted
A printer issues an alert when the remaining number of prints up to the upper limit number of prints according to the subscription contract is reduced. The printer displays a screen for requesting to change a contract or perform an additional charge for increasing the upper limit number of prints in the offline state when the number of prints reaches the upper limit number of prints in the offline state. Then, the printer updates the held contract information in response to the request for changing the contract or the request for an additional charge, and displays a message indicating that the printer should be connected to the server within a certain business day or within the contract period. Thereafter, if the printer is not connected to the server within the certain business day or within the contract period, the printer restricts printing.
