Image Forming Apparatus Controller Mixed Fee Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming apparatuses require users to pay for all output fees upfront, even when mixed images requiring individual and corporate payment are printed simultaneously, leading to inefficient expense adjustment and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a controller that separates and switches output fees for images to be paid by individuals and companies, allowing for simultaneous mixed image output without subsequent fee adjustments, by charging individuals first and then refunding and charging companies accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users pay for all output fees upfront when printing mixed images, then the payment process is simple and fast, but expense adjustment becomes inefficient and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified payment process into distinct phases: initial unified payment for all images, followed by automatic identification and separation of corporate versus personal images through image analysis, and finally automatic refund processing. This segmentation eliminates the need for manual expense adjustment while maintaining simple upfront payment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically identifying which images belong to corporate accounts versus personal users through image metadata analysis, calculating the appropriate fees, and processing refunds without human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the expense separation and refund workflow.
2Ease of operation
If the system charges all users upfront for mixed image output, then the charging process is simplified, but resource wastage occurs through manual expense adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of expense adjustment with an automated image analysis system that uses optical character recognition and metadata extraction to identify corporate images, calculate fees, and process refunds automatically, eliminating human resource consumption entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated analysis layer between the upfront payment and final charging. This intermediary automatically separates corporate and personal expenses through image analysis, acting as a mediator that simplifies the charging process while eliminating the need for manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If the system requires subsequent expense adjustment for mixed images, then accurate charging is achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by conducting image analysis and corporate image identification immediately after the upfront payment is received, before the refund process begins. This preliminary separation of corporate and personal images simplifies the subsequent refund process while ensuring accurate charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using image metadata and content analysis to automatically determine which images belong to corporate accounts, then using this information to calculate precise refund amounts. The feedback loop ensures accurate charging while keeping the process simple through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image output unit, an image reading unit, and a controller. The image output unit outputs an image on a recording medium. The image reading unit reads an image on a recording medium. The controller charges a first user for a fee so as to output mixed images from the image output unit. The mixed images have a first image and a second image. The first image is an image for which the first user is to pay an output fee. The second image is an image for which a second user is to pay an output fee. The second user is a charge destination different from a charge destination of the first user. When the image reading unit reads the second image for which the second user is to pay the output fee, the controller switches an output fee for the image read by the image reading unit, from the output fee charged to the first user, to the output fee that is to be paid by the second user.