Billing System for Image Forming Apparatus with Web Browser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image forming apparatuses with a Web browser installed are inconvenienced by having to pay both a usage fee and a print fee without discount benefits, which discourages the use of print services despite the intention to use the Web browser for printing.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a billing system that charges a usage fee only when the Web browser is used and discounts this fee if the printed image data obtained from the Web browser is printed, or charges a print fee for non-Web browser data while offering discounts for printing data obtained by the Web browser, thereby promoting print practice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a usage fee is charged for using the Web browser in addition to a print fee, then the cost for the Web browser is recovered and unlimited use is prevented, but users have to pay both fees without discount benefits which discourages print practice
Solution Approach 1:
The billing system dynamically changes the pricing parameters based on the source of image data. When image data is obtained through the Web browser, a discounted billing rate is applied compared to the standard rate. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining cost recovery while providing economic incentive for print practice promotion.
2Productivity
If the Web browser is installed to print out image data from Websites, then opportunities for printing are increased, but users are inconvenienced by having to pay both usage fee and print fee without discount benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The billing system implements feedback by detecting the source of image data (whether obtained through Web browser or other means) and automatically adjusting the billing amount accordingly. This feedback mechanism provides real-time economic incentive to users, encouraging them to use the Web browser for obtaining image data to be printed, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
3Loss of energy
If a billing system charges both usage fee and print fee, then revenue is maximized, but the dual fee structure without discounts creates user inconvenience and discourages Web browser usage for printing
Solution Approach 1:
The billing system applies local quality by differentiating the billing treatment based on the specific condition of how image data was obtained. Standard billing rate applies to general printing, while a discounted rate specifically applies when image data is obtained through the Web browser. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by maintaining overall revenue while providing targeted convenience incentives.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises: an image data obtainer that obtains image data by a Web browser from a Website via a network; a printer that prints out the obtained image data and other image data; and a billing portion that bills a usage fee if the Web browser is used, meanwhile discounts the usage fee to be billed if the Web browser is used and also the image data obtained by the Web browser is printed out by the printer.