Image Processing Apparatus Consumable Cost Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems fail to accurately determine who covers the cost of consumables used in maintenance operations, leading to incorrect invoicing due to unclear operation modes.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that switches between operation modes for different use applications, counting consumable consumption information for each mode. During maintenance operations, this information is associated with the operation mode of the next unrelated printing operation, ensuring accurate cost allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If consumable consumption is counted based on the operation mode set during maintenance operation execution, then the counting process is simple, but the cost allocation becomes incorrect when operations switch between work and private use modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by setting the operation mode before the maintenance operation executes. The consumable consumption counted during maintenance is preliminarily associated with the operation mode that was active before the maintenance started, ensuring accurate cost allocation is prepared in advance before any mode switching occurs during the maintenance process
2Ease of manufacture
If the operation mode is determined at the time of maintenance operation execution, then the determination is straightforward, but it cannot accurately reflect the actual use application when operations switch modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the operation mode preliminarily before the maintenance operation starts. By capturing the operation mode setting that existed prior to maintenance execution, the system ensures reliable invoice recipient determination without needing to analyze complex operation sequences or mode transitions during and after maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus counts, based on an execution of an operation that uses a consumable, consumable consumption information indicating the amount of the consumable used in the execution of the operation in association with an operation mode set in the execution of the operation. In a case where the executed operation is an operation related to a maintenance operation, the consumable consumption information indicating the amount of the consumable used in the execution of the operation is stored in a suspension history and counted in association with an operation mode set in an execution of a next printing operation unrelated to the maintenance operation.