Printing System Fee Determination and User Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems do not provide users with multiple print setting values and corresponding fees before the final application decision, limiting user flexibility and cost optimization.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that includes a data processing server, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), and a transaction server, which allows users to select from various print setting values and presents corresponding fees, enabling users to choose settings that better match their preferences and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print setting values and corresponding fees are presented to users, then user flexibility and cost optimization are improved, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fee determination process by creating separate modules: a fee determination unit that calculates fees for multiple print setting values, a display unit that presents these options to users, and a selection unit that records user choices. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple setting options without creating overall complexity, as each component has a specific, simplified function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of fees for multiple print setting values before the user makes a final decision. The fee determination unit pre-calculates costs for different settings (e.g., color vs. monochrome, different paper types), and the display unit presents these pre-computed options to the user, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations during user interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print setting values and corresponding fees are presented to users, then cost optimization is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fee determination unit performs preliminary calculations of fees for multiple print setting values before user selection. By pre-computing costs for various settings (different paper types, colors, quantities), the system avoids time-consuming calculations during the user decision-making process, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining cost optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines and displays fees for multiple print setting values without requiring manual intervention or complex user input. The fee determination unit self-service calculates costs based on stored pricing information and current print settings, presenting options to users immediately without time-consuming manual computation.
3Productivity
If one print setting value is determined in advance, then processing efficiency is improved, but user preference matching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts between efficiency and user preference by initially determining one print setting value for processing efficiency, then calculating additional fee options for alternative settings based on user needs. The display unit dynamically presents multiple options including the pre-determined setting and alternative settings with their respective fees, allowing users to choose settings that better match their preferences while maintaining overall processing efficiency through the initial pre-determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes a print engine, and one or more controllers configured to perform a data obtaining process of obtaining print data, a print controlling process of controlling the print engine to print an image corresponding to the print data on a printing medium based on a print setting value, and a fee determining process of determining a fee corresponding to a plurality of the print setting values to be applied when the print engine prints the image on the printing medium.