Dynamic Print Charge Management via Real-Time Sheet Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for continuous printing services, as the number of sheets printed can vary within a predetermined period, leading to inconsistencies in actual printing costs.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising a terminal device, a printer, and a service server, where user identification information and a print-permitted amount are stored, allowing for real-time tracking and management of printing amounts, enabling continuous use of the printing service based on actual sheet usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a fixed fee for a predetermined period is used for printing service, then continuous use of printing service is enabled, but variation in actual printing cost occurs due to variation in number of sheets used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pricing parameter from a fixed periodic fee to a dynamic per-sheet charge. The service server calculates charges based on the actual number of sheets printed, stored in the storage unit, and multiplies it by a predetermined charge per sheet. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous service access while ensuring cost accuracy reflects actual usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the service server continuously monitors the number of sheets printed, stores this information, and uses it to calculate and display real-time charges. The terminal device receives and displays this charge information, providing users with feedback on their consumption and costs, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous service and accurate cost measurement.
2Measurement precision
If per-sheet charging is implemented, then accurate cost management is achieved, but user convenience decreases due to frequent monitoring and payment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the terminal device automatically communicates with the service server to obtain charge information and displays it to the user without requiring manual intervention. The service server automatically calculates charges based on stored printing data and pushes this information to the terminal device, eliminating the need for users to manually track or calculate costs, thus maintaining convenience while ensuring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing the number of sheets printed in the storage unit and pre-calculating charge information before the user needs to know it. The service server prepares the charge data in advance and makes it available for automatic display on the terminal device, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining accurate cost tracking.
3Measurement precision
If printing amount is tracked and managed in real-time, then accurate charge calculation is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function for tracking printed sheets with the service server that handles charge calculations. The storage unit is integrated into the service server, allowing seamless data sharing between the terminal device, printer, and server. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate tracking and billing systems while maintaining accurate real-time charge calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A print system has a terminal device, a printer including a printing unit, and a service server including a memory storing user identification information and a print-permitted amount. The print system has a controller to perform displaying a charge screen for receiving a charge of a printing amount to be printed by the printing unit, acquiring the received printing amount to be charged and first user identification information of a user, adding the acquired printing amount to the print-permitted amount associated with the first user identification information, acquiring a print-completed amount printed by the printing unit of the printer and second user identification information of a user who instructed the printing of the print-completed amount, subtracting the acquired print-completed amount from the print-permitted amount associated with the second user identification information stored in the memory, and determining whether printing is permitted or not based on the print-permitted amount.