Printing System Charging via Document Metadata Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems require large storage capacity and network connectivity to charge users for printing, causing inconvenience and inefficiency, especially when users need to retrieve documents from a printer server and lack network access.
Innovation Solution
A printing system and method that registers reference information for document registrants, allows document retrieval with user authentication, and charges the appropriate registrant or user for printing, using a server with a storing part, host communication, and a printing apparatus with a printer controller, enabling charging without network dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If documents are stored in a printer server to determine charging targets, then charging accuracy is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential reference information (file name, revision date, file size, checksum) from complete documents and stores it in the printer server. This allows the system to identify and charge the correct document registrant while minimizing storage requirements by keeping only metadata rather than full document copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by storing different types of information in different locations: reference information (metadata) is stored in the printer server's storing part for identification purposes, while actual documents can be stored locally on user devices or in external storage. This differentiated storage approach reduces the printer server's storage burden while maintaining charging accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users retrieve documents from a printer server, then charging to non-commanding users is enabled, but user convenience deteriorates due to retrieval time and network dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-registering reference information about documents in the printer server before actual printing occurs. When a user wants to print, the system quickly matches the document against registered reference information without requiring full document retrieval. This enables fast identification of the document registrant for charging purposes while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating and storing only a reference copy (metadata) of document information rather than the full document. This reference information contains sufficient details (file name, revision date, file size, checksum) to identify the document and its registrant, enabling charging functionality without requiring users to retrieve or transfer actual document files.
3Extent of automation
If network connectivity is required for document retrieval and printing commands, then centralized control is achieved, but system adaptability worsens for non-network devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the charging system to work with multiple types of devices and connection methods. The printer server can receive documents and printing commands not only through network connections but also through direct device connections. The reference information matching mechanism is device-agnostic, allowing the system to charge document registrants regardless of whether the printing device is networked or connected directly.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system and a method of charging to print a document therein. The printing system includes a server and a printing apparatus. The sever includes a storing part in which reference information on a document to be printed, a host communication part which receives a document including relevant information, and a host controller which charges a document registrant corresponding to the relevant information to print the document. The printing apparatus includes a printer communication part which receives the document, and a printer controller which prints the document received through the printer communication part.