Multi-Mode Print Counting for Flexible Service Provision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing apparatus systems are limited in providing varied services based on the number of prints, as they only allow for a single type of counting method, failing to accommodate different service models such as charging and point-granting services effectively.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that includes a printing apparatus and a server system, where the apparatus counts multiple types of usage amounts and transmits them to a server, allowing the server to select or combine count values suitable for different service forms, enabling multiple service models like charging and point-granting services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single counting method is used for number of prints, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot provide various services according to different usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the counting function into multiple independent counting methods (number of printed faces, number of output sheets, number of pages). Each counting method can be independently configured and selected for different service scenarios, allowing the system to provide various services without requiring a completely complex unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where users can select and change the counting method based on their specific needs and service scenarios. The system allows real-time switching between different counting methods (printed faces, output sheets, pages) to adapt to different service requirements such as charging services, point-granting services, or usage analysis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple counting methods are implemented, then various services can be provided according to usage amount, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal counting system where a single multi-functional framework supports multiple counting methods (printed faces, output sheets, pages). The same system architecture handles different service scenarios (charging, point-granting, usage analysis) by simply changing the selected counting method, avoiding the need for separate systems for each service type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to switch between different counting methods. Instead of implementing completely different systems, the system changes the counting parameter (from printed faces to output sheets to pages) to adapt to different service requirements. This allows various services to be provided by modifying configuration parameters rather than changing the fundamental system structure.
3Measurement precision
If only one counting method is used, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot accurately reflect different usage scenarios for charging and point-granting services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the usage measurement into different dimensions (printed faces, output sheets, pages) depending on the service scenario. For charging services, the system can select the most appropriate counting method (e.g., number of printed faces for ink consumption, number of output sheets for paper consumption) to accurately reflect the usage scenario, improving measurement precision without requiring a monolithic complex system.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes a printing apparatus and a server system to receive a processing result of processing performed by the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus notifies the server system of the processing result, which includes a plurality of types of counts that indicate the number of prints generated by execution of print processing in the printing apparatus and that concurrently count up under predetermined conditions, and the server system provides a service based on the plurality of types of counts included in the processing result. In addition, the processing unit provides the service based on counts which are a combination of at least two types of counts from among the plurality of types of counts, and the combination of the types of counts is set in advance in association with the service.