Unmanned Print Payment via ID Matching and Billing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for using image forming apparatuses, such as printers, require complex procedures and may have reliability issues with charging and managing print history, especially when users need to pay for services without an employee's intervention.
Innovation Solution
A printing method and apparatus that allows users to make payments using a payment device and manages job history through a payment management server, enabling unmanned print services by receiving job information, matching user IDs, transmitting accounting information, and printing content upon payment confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an employee manually handles printing procedures, then service reliability is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to independently complete payment and printing procedures through automated ID matching between the external apparatus and image forming apparatus. The billing system automatically processes payments when IDs correspond, eliminating the need for employee intervention while maintaining service reliability through systematic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the image forming apparatus transmits accounting information to the billing system, which then provides payment completion information back to the apparatus. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable processing without manual intervention, as each step confirms completion before proceeding to the next.
2Reliability
If an employee manually manages print history, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The billing system automatically manages and stores print history information without requiring employee intervention. The system self-updates the database with job information, accounting information, and payment status, eliminating manual record-keeping time while maintaining reliable history management through systematic automated tracking.
3Productivity
If automated payment processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the image forming apparatus sends accounting information to the billing system, which verifies payment and returns confirmation. This automated feedback loop ensures accurate charge calculation and reliable payment processing, maintaining trust in the automated system while improving productivity through elimination of manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The billing system acts as an intermediary between the external apparatus and image forming apparatus, handling all payment processing and verification. This mediator ensures reliable charge calculation by systematically comparing job information with payment status before authorizing printing, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling automated high-speed processing.
4Reliability
If ID matching verification is performed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The billing system performs multiple functions including ID verification, payment processing, accounting calculation, and history management through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach maintains reliable user identification while avoiding the complexity of separate verification systems, as one system handles all these tasks cohesively.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method of an image forming apparatus is provided. The printing method includes receiving, from one of an external apparatus and a server connected to the external apparatus, job information and first identification (ID) information related to printing of content, receiving, from a user, second ID information, transmitting accounting information based on the job information to a billing system, when the second ID information received from the user and the first ID information received from one of the external apparatus and the server correspond to each other, and printing the content based on the job information, when payment completion information regarding payment by the user is received from the billing system.