18496783. IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT MANAGES LOG FOR USE IN CALCULATING USAGE FEE, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
- 1 IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT MANAGES LOG FOR USE IN CALCULATING USAGE FEE, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT MANAGES LOG FOR USE IN CALCULATING USAGE FEE, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Unanswered Questions
- 1.11 Original Abstract Submitted
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT MANAGES LOG FOR USE IN CALCULATING USAGE FEE, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
YOSHIHIRO Yamagishi of Kanagawa (JP)
IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT MANAGES LOG FOR USE IN CALCULATING USAGE FEE, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18496783 titled 'IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT MANAGES LOG FOR USE IN CALCULATING USAGE FEE, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an image forming apparatus that ensures proper storage of a log for calculating a usage fee in a nonvolatile memory. When a printing unit completes drawing on a recording medium during a chargeable job, a flag is updated to indicate the completion. The output unit is then instructed to output the recording medium, and monitoring of an output sensor begins. If the output sensor no longer detects the recording medium after output, the flag is updated and the log is updated. If an error occurs during the detection process, the chargeable job is terminated without updating the log.
- Image forming apparatus with log storage in nonvolatile memory
- Updating flag to indicate completion of drawing on recording medium
- Instructing output unit to output recording medium and monitoring output sensor
- Updating flag and log based on output sensor detection
- Terminating chargeable job in case of error during detection process
Potential Applications
The technology described in the patent application could be applied in various industries where accurate tracking of usage fees for printing or imaging services is essential. This includes office environments, print shops, and commercial printing services.
Problems Solved
This technology solves the problem of ensuring that usage fees are accurately calculated and logged when printing or imaging services are provided. By updating the log based on the completion of drawing on a recording medium, errors in fee calculation can be minimized.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include improved accuracy in calculating usage fees, streamlined tracking of printing jobs, and enhanced efficiency in managing printing processes. By automating the log updating process, manual errors can be reduced, leading to more reliable billing and record-keeping.
Potential Commercial Applications
The technology described in the patent application has potential commercial applications in the printing industry, office equipment manufacturing, and imaging services sector. Companies that provide printing services or develop imaging devices could benefit from implementing this technology to enhance their billing processes and improve customer satisfaction.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be systems that track printing jobs and usage fees in office environments or print shops. These systems may have similar features for monitoring printing processes and updating logs based on job completion, but the specific method described in the patent application may offer unique advantages in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Unanswered Questions
How does the apparatus handle different types of recording media?
The patent application does not specify if the apparatus can differentiate between various types of recording media, such as paper, transparencies, or labels. It would be important to understand how the system adapts to different media types to ensure accurate log updating.
What is the impact of errors in the log updating process on billing accuracy?
The application mentions that errors during the detection process can lead to termination of the chargeable job without updating the log. It would be useful to know how often these errors occur and how they affect the overall accuracy of usage fee calculations.
Original Abstract Submitted
An image forming apparatus that ensures a log for use in calculating a usage fee is properly stored in a nonvolatile memory of the apparatus. When an image sensor detects completion of drawing on a recording medium by a printing unit while a chargeable job is executed, a flag is updated to a first state. Then, an output unit is instructed to output the recording medium, and monitoring of an output sensor is started. When the output sensor no longer detects the recording medium after the output unit is instructed to output the recording medium, the flag is updated to a second state and the log is updated. In a case where an error occurs during the detection of the recording medium by the output sensor after the output unit is instructed to output the recording medium, the chargeable job is terminated without the log being updated.
