Email Printing Fee Notification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional e-mail printing technologies do not provide users with advance notification of the charges for printing services based on the content of images, lacking transparency and convenience in electronic payment processes.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that receives an e-mail with a print file, determines the printing fee, generates an e-mail with a payment URL, and transmits either the print data or storage information to a printing device after payment confirmation, enabling users to know the payment amount in advance through electronic payment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional e-mail printing technology is used, then printing service is provided, but users cannot know the charge amount in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the charge amount based on the print file content (number of pages, color requirements, paper type) before the user completes the payment process. A reply e-mail is automatically generated containing the calculated charge amount and a payment URL, allowing users to know exactly what they will be charged before proceeding with the transaction.
2Extent of automation
If electronic payment is implemented without advance notification, then payment process is simplified, but transparency of charging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated charge amount is communicated back to the user through a reply e-mail before payment is required. This feedback loop provides transparency by showing users the breakdown of charges (based on pages, color, paper type) and allows them to confirm or adjust their printing requirements before finalizing the payment.
3Reliability
If payment is required before printing, then service cost recovery is ensured, but user workflow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends the charge amount and payment URL to the user's e-mail address in advance, allowing users to complete payment at their convenience without interrupting their immediate workflow. The printing process can then proceed automatically once payment is confirmed, reducing overall time loss by decoupling the payment step from the printing execution step.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a controller. The controller receives a first e-mail from an external device. The first e-mail has a print file attached thereto and is addressed to a device e-mail address assigned to a printing device. The controller determines a fee to be charged for image formation based on the attached print file. The controller generates a second e-mail including: a first amount that is the amount of the determined fee; and a first URL for a payment page for paying the first amount. The controller transmits the generated second e-mail to the external device in reply to the received first e-mail. After payment of the first amount is completed through access to the first URL included in the transmitted second e-mail, the controller transmits to the external device either print data based on the print file or storage destination information for the print data.