Dynamic Charge Schedule Switching for Billing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems lack the ability to dynamically change charge schedules based on user attribution and usage timing, leading to inefficient billing and limited administrative control over service charges.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a calculation unit that adjusts charges according to a schedule and a changing unit that switches between multiple charge schedules based on predetermined periods, allowing administrators to change the charge schedule when specific conditions are met, such as user authentication or time zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed charge schedule is used, then the billing system is simple to manage, but it cannot adapt to different user attributions or time-based pricing strategies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic charge schedules that automatically change based on time periods and user attribution. The system transitions from a static single schedule to multiple dynamic schedules that are selected based on current conditions, allowing the billing system to adapt to different scenarios without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of charge schedule selection based on user attribution and time period. By introducing parameters such as user type (student, faculty, guest) and time of day, the system can select appropriate charge schedules dynamically, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Extent of automation
If charge schedules are changed manually by administrators, then control over pricing is maintained, but it requires constant administrator oversight and intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the billing system to automatically select and switch between charge schedules based on user attribution and time period without administrator intervention. The system serves itself by automatically determining which schedule applies to each user at each time, eliminating the need for manual schedule changes while maintaining billing accuracy through predefined rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple charge schedules and the rules for selecting them based on user attribution and time period. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically make correct billing decisions without real-time administrator oversight, ensuring both automation and reliability.
3Productivity
If multiple charge schedules are maintained for different user types and time periods, then billing flexibility is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the billing system into multiple charge schedules, each tailored to specific user attributions and time periods. By dividing the single schedule into specialized segments (e.g., student daytime, faculty nighttime, guest rates), the system achieves high billing efficiency for different user groups while managing complexity through automated selection logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal charge schedule management system that handles multiple schedules and user types through a single automated framework. The system universally applies selection rules across all user attributions and time periods, improving billing efficiency while reducing management complexity compared to handling each schedule separately.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a calculation unit that calculates a charge for a service used by a user based on a charge schedule, and a changing unit that, when a period starts, changes the charge schedule from a first charge schedule to a second charge schedule of at least one second charge schedule, and that, when the period ends, changes the charge schedule from the second charge schedule to the first charge schedule.