Billing System for Scanning Service Costs Using Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current billing systems for scanning services charge based on fixed rates for black and white or color pages, regardless of the content, leading to inefficient pricing due to the lack of consideration for the types and distribution of objects on a page, resulting in increased costs for users who scan complex color images.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that electronically detect and classify objects on a page, calculate their usage profiles, and apply a cost function based on the type, area, and weight of objects to determine a customized scanning cost, using a computing device integrated with the output device to analyze pixel data and determine the approximate file size and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed rate billing is used for black and white or color pages, then billing simplicity is improved, but pricing accuracy deteriorates because content types and object distribution are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the page content into different object types (text, graphics, images, tables, etc.) and applies different pricing weights to each type. This segmentation allows the system to move from a single fixed rate to a differentiated pricing structure that reflects the actual complexity and resource consumption of scanning different content types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different weight values to different regions and object types within a page. Instead of treating the entire page uniformly, the system analyzes specific objects (text blocks, images, graphics) and applies localized pricing based on their individual characteristics, thereby improving pricing accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automated analysis.
2Loss of energy
If manual scan controls are adjusted to reduce file size, then scanning cost is reduced, but user operation complexity increases due to multiple imaging and quality selections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically analyze page content, determine appropriate scan settings, and calculate pricing without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously identifies object types, estimates file sizes, and applies pricing weights, thereby reducing scanning costs through optimized settings while eliminating the complexity of manual control adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing content analysis and setting determination before the actual scanning process. The system pre-analyzes the document structure, identifies objects that will impact file size and cost, and establishes optimal scan parameters in advance, allowing users to benefit from cost optimization without needing to understand or adjust multiple technical parameters.
3Loss of energy
If trial and error process is used to adjust scan settings, then desired file size or cost is achieved, but time consumption increases due to working through multiple tabs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing users with immediate, accurate cost estimates based on automated content analysis. The system analyzes the document, calculates the expected file size and scanning cost using weighted object types, and presents this information to the user before scanning begins. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for trial and error by giving users precise information about the scanning parameters and costs upfront.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all necessary analysis and calculation actions before the scanning process begins. By pre-analyzing the document content, determining object types, calculating weighted costs, and establishing optimal settings in advance, the system eliminates the time-consuming trial and error process that would otherwise require users to repeatedly adjust settings and wait for results.
4Device complexity
If one size fits all billing approach is used, then billing system complexity is reduced, but service cost accuracy deteriorates because object types and their distribution are not weighted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing multiple pricing parameters (weight values) associated with different object types instead of a single fixed rate. The system dynamically adjusts the pricing calculation based on the detected object types and their distribution, allowing for accurate service cost reflection while maintaining billing system manageability through automated parameter application.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of billing for scanning service costs is provided to examine content of a page and apply a cost function to approximate the cost of scanning the page. Examining the page includes detecting an object in the page, determining a type of the detected object, determining an approximate file size of the page, and determining an approximate area of coverage of the detected object within the page. A usage profile of each type of detected object is calculated and stored. The cost function uses the detected object, the approximate file size, the approximate area of coverage, and a weight value associated with the type of detected object to approximate the cost of the page. When costs are calculated over a period of time, the weight value of each type of detected object may be adjusted based on the usage profile for each type of detected object.