A small copier (Mini Copier or MC) would require very different
characteristics from traditional PPCs. Obviously, the copier must produce clear
copies, and be lightweight and compact (less than 50 pounds). More
problematic was that the MC might be used only rarely and thus the cost of
regular servicing would be exorbitant on a per copy basis. Because of this, the
MC must require either extremely simple maintenance or none at all. Moreover,
the initial price must be no more than 200,000 yen (approximately $1,000 at
that time). These constraints imposed a heavy burden on the design team.