Dual-Phase Ink Charging System for Fair Usage Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink consumption charging methods often result in excessive charges due to overfilling of ink or toner containers, leading to disadvantageous usage-based charging for users, as they are charged for more ink than actually used, especially when measurement errors occur or ink evaporates.
Innovation Solution
Implement a dual charging system where usage-based charging is applied until a predetermined ink consumption level is reached, then switch to a different charging basis, such as a lower per-unit charge or one-time charge, to avoid excessive billing and account for measurement errors, with options including charging when the ink container is replaced or when ink refilling is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If usage-based charging is implemented on the basis of ink consumption amount, then charging fidelity to actual usage is improved, but excessive charging occurs due to overfilling and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is segmented into two distinct phases: usage-based charging for the first portion of ink consumption (up to a predetermined threshold), and then switching to a different charging basis (such as per-container or reduced rate) after the threshold is reached. This segmentation allows accurate charging for measured usage while avoiding excessive charging for the remaining ink that may not be fully consumable.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging parameter (charging basis) is changed based on the ink consumption amount. When the ink consumption reaches a predetermined value, the system transitions from usage-based charging to an alternative charging model. This parameter change accommodates the reality that not all filled ink may be usable due to evaporation, adhesion, or measurement errors, thereby preventing excessive charging.
2Reliability
If ink containers are overfilled to prevent exhaustion, then reliability of ink supply is improved, but users are charged for excess ink they cannot use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary action by setting a predetermined threshold for ink consumption before actual exhaustion occurs. This threshold accounts for potential losses due to evaporation, adhesion to container walls, and measurement uncertainties. By establishing this threshold in advance, the system ensures reliable ink supply monitoring while preventing charges for ink that may never be actually used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial charging action by only charging usage-based for a portion of the ink consumption (up to the predetermined threshold). The excess ink beyond this threshold is charged differently or not at all, recognizing that charging for the entire overfilled amount would be excessive and unfair to users, while still maintaining adequate supply reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of charging for ink in an ink container consumed by a printing unit during printing. The method of charging includes obtaining information on an amount of the ink consumed; and implementing charging on the basis of the information. Before the amount of the ink in the ink container consumed reaches a predetermined value, first charging is implemented according to a charging basis in which usage-based charging is implemented on the basis of the amount of the ink consumed. After the amount of the ink consumed reaches the predetermined value, second charging is implemented according to a charging basis different from the charging basis applied to the first charging.