Network Printing Management System for Service Provider Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The spread of print services via networks is limited due to high effort and investment required for service providers, and users face difficulties in finding and using these services, with insufficient convenience for both providers and users.
Innovation Solution
A printing system and method that allows mobile terminals to connect with a management and charging system via a network, enabling user authentication, search for image forming apparatuses, display of charge information, and seamless printing job execution, facilitating easy introduction and use of print services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If print services are introduced via network with traditional methods, then printing functionality is provided, but the effort and investment required for service providers is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management server as an intermediary between image forming apparatuses and users. The management server handles authentication, job management, and coordination, allowing image forming apparatuses to focus solely on printing functionality. This mediator approach simplifies the introduction process for service providers as they only need to deploy the management server rather than configure complex individual apparatus settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The management server provides universal functionality by handling authentication, job queuing, and coordination for multiple different image forming apparatuses through a single system. This multi-functional approach allows diverse printing devices to be managed uniformly, reducing the complexity and investment required for service providers to support multiple apparatus types.
2Ease of manufacture
If print services are introduced via network with traditional methods, then printing functionality is provided, but the effort for management of printing costs is high
Solution Approach 1:
The management server acts as an intermediary for cost management by centrally handling authentication and job tracking. It communicates with a charging system to manage printing costs, eliminating the need for individual apparatuses to independently track and manage costs. This centralized approach simplifies cost management effort while maintaining systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the management server receives job completion status from image forming apparatuses and automatically triggers charging processes. This automated feedback loop ensures cost management occurs systematically without manual intervention, reducing management effort while maintaining accurate cost tracking.
3Ease of operation
If users search for stores providing print services traditionally, then print services are accessed, but the effort for users to find and use services is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location-based searching that allows users to find image forming apparatuses based on their geographical position. By adding the spatial dimension to service access, users can automatically discover nearby printing services without manual searching, significantly reducing the time and effort required to locate and use print services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated authentication and job submission processes. Users authenticate once through the management server, and the system automatically handles job routing, cost calculation, and printing execution. This self-service approach eliminates manual searching and coordination efforts, allowing users to quickly access and use print services.
4Ease of operation
If users use cash payment for print services, then printing is completed, but the convenience for users is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary authentication where users authenticate themselves to the management server before initiating print jobs. This preliminary action establishes their identity and payment authorization in advance, eliminating the need for cash transactions at the time of printing. The authentication process pre-configures payment handling, significantly improving convenience and reducing on-site processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cash payment system with an electronic authentication and charging system. The management server handles electronic verification and cost calculation, substituting physical cash transactions with automated digital processes. This substitution eliminates the need for cash handling, improving user convenience while reducing payment processing time.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A printing system and a method of controlling a printing system capable of making it easier for service providers that provide print services via a network to spread more easily are provided. Also, a printing system and a method of controlling a printing system by which a service user can use print services easily are provided.