Server Billing System for Selective Print Job Settlement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing billing systems for image forming apparatuses do not allow users to select a billing method for print jobs based on their intended use, leading to difficulties in managing operational costs and handling non-business use print jobs.
Innovation Solution
A server system that connects to image forming apparatuses and information processing devices via a network, allowing users to select and settle print jobs not based on a contract, by generating billing information based on specific rules for business and non-business use, and executing settlement processing based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic billing processing is performed based on predetermined rules, then billing efficiency is improved, but user flexibility in selecting billing methods for different uses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The billing system dynamically switches between automatic billing mode (for business use) and manual selection mode (for non-business use) based on the print job type. This allows the system to maintain high efficiency for routine operations while providing user control when needed, resolving the contradiction between automation and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The billing processing is segmented into two distinct paths: automatic billing for contract-based business print jobs, and manual selection billing for non-contract non-business print jobs. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, maintaining efficiency where applicable while providing flexibility where required.
2Device complexity
If all print jobs are billed according to contract rules, then billing simplicity is improved, but accuracy in distinguishing business and non-business use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of print jobs into business and non-business categories before billing processing. By pre-identifying the use type through user input or system analysis, the billing system can apply appropriate rules accurately without increasing overall complexity, as the classification happens once upfront.
3Measurement precision
If manual selection of billing methods is required for all print jobs, then billing accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of manual intervention required based on the print job characteristics. For clear business use cases, automatic billing applies immediately without user interaction. For non-business cases, the system prompts for user confirmation only when necessary, thereby maintaining accuracy while minimizing time loss through selective rather than universal manual review.
Data Source
AI summary
A server causes a display unit of a second information processing device to display a screen displaying a list of print jobs that are not based on a contract and are for use other than business use and print jobs that are not confirmed as print jobs for use other than business use in stored print job information, receives selection of a print job not based on a contract and for use other than business use as a settlement target job by a user from a list of the print jobs, and causes the display unit to display a settlement screen for presenting billing information and a settlement method based on a second rule for the selected print job and executing settlement processing based on an operation performed by the user.