System, method, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: downtime occurs in an image forming apparatus that can perform reserved printing.SOLUTION: A system includes an image forming apparatus and a server device. The image forming apparatus has: printing means that reserves a received print job, and upon receiving a print instruction from a user, outputs the reserved print job; prediction means that predicts the consumption of a consumable item when the reserved print job is output on the basis of an analysis result obtained by analyzing the reserved print job; and transmission means that transmits, to the server device, information including the predicted consumption of the consumable item and the amount of the consumable item remaining in the image forming apparatus. The server device has: derivation means that derives a predicted amount of the consumable item remaining after printing from the predicted consumption of the consumable item and the remaining amount of the consumable item included in the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus; and ordering means that orders the consumable item when the predicted amount of the consumable item remaining after printing is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for ordering consumables for an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, image forming apparatuses that can connect to the Internet and communicate with WEB servers have been introduced. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an image forming apparatus that forms images using consumables such as ink cartridges detects the remaining amount of the consumables, and orders the consumables when the remaining amount of the consumables falls below a predetermined threshold. In addition, in consideration of security, the use of reserved printing, in which a print job is not output immediately upon reception, but is output upon receiving a print start instruction from a logged-in user, is also increasing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-65155 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an image forming device capable of reservation printing, for example, a reservation print job may be received and output at noon on the day following the day of receipt. In such a case, even if the technology of Patent Document 1 is adopted, an order for consumables is not placed unless the remaining amount of consumables is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value at the time of output of the reservation print job. Therefore, there is a possibility that the consumables will be used up before they arrive, resulting in downtime of the image forming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a system including an image forming device and a server device capable of communicating with the image forming device, wherein the image forming device has a printing means for holding a received print job and receiving a print instruction from a user to output the held print job, a prediction means for predicting an amount of consumables to be consumed when the held print job is output based on an analysis result obtained by analyzing the held print job, and a transmission means for transmitting information including the predicted amount of consumables to be consumed and a remaining amount of the consumables included in the image forming device to the server device, wherein the server device has a receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the image forming device, a derivation means for deriving an expected remaining amount of consumables after printing from the predicted amount of consumables contained in the received information and the remaining amount of the consumables contained in the received information, and an ordering means for ordering the consumables if the expected remaining amount of consumables after printing is below a predetermined threshold. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the possibility of downtime occurring in an image forming apparatus capable of performing reservation printing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a consumables ordering system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process up to delivery of a replacement item. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a status information transmission process. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of status information. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of an order instruction transmission process. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an ink management table. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a user management table. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow when a print job is received. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an estimated ink consumption calculation process. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of drawing information. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of status information. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of an order instruction transmission process. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a paper management table. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow when a print job is received. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of an estimated paper consumption calculation process. [Figure 18] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process from ordering consumables to executing a reservation print job. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process up to the cancellation of an ordered consumable by deleting a reserved print job; FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process up to cancellation of an ordered consumable due to a change in the remaining amount of the consumable after printing; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the technology of the present disclosure, and all configurations described in the following embodiments are not necessarily essential means for solving the problems of the present disclosure. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the technology.

[0009] <Embodiment 1> (Configuration of consumables ordering system) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a consumables ordering system according to the present embodiment. The consumables ordering system includes a printer 103, which is an image forming apparatus that uses consumables to form an image, a printer management server 101 that processes orders for consumables used in the printer 103, and a retail store server 102 that handles processes related to the delivery of the ordered consumables. In the case of FIG. 1, the consumables ordering system includes a printer, a management server, and a retail store server, but the consumables ordering system may include a printer and a single server that combines the functions of the management server and the retail store server. It is assumed that a user of the printer 103 has signed a contract for an automatic consumables ordering service, and the printer 103 is registered as a subject of management by the printer management server 101.

[0010] The printer management server 101 and the store server 102 are each connected to the Internet 100. The printer 103 can be connected to the Internet via a router 104. The printer management server 101 manages information sent from the printer 103, and can provide information on ordering consumables used in the printer 103 to the store server 102 via the Internet 100. The store server 102 provides a web service via a network. For example, the store server 102 performs processing related to the delivery of consumables used in the printer 103 to the user of the printer 103, which is the delivery destination, in accordance with an order instruction from the registered printer management server 101. Each communication is controlled via HTTP, XMPP, or the like. Note that the protocol is not limited to these, and other protocols may be used.

[0011] (Server device configuration) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer management server 101. The printer management server 101 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a storage device 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a network communication unit 207, and a network connection unit 208.

[0012] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit for controlling each part of the printer management server 101. The RAM 202 is a memory for temporarily storing data, and serves as a working memory required when the CPU 201 executes a program. The ROM 203 is a read-only memory for storing a boot program required for system startup. The storage device 204 is a device for storing programs executed by the CPU 201, databases, or various information, and is a non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic disk or flash memory. The operation unit 205 is composed of a keyboard, mouse, etc., for the user to perform various input operations. The display unit 206 is composed of, for example, an LCD, etc., and displays various information to present to the user. The network communication unit 207 is connected to a network such as the Internet 100 via a network connection unit 208, and performs various communications. The above-mentioned units are connected to a bus 210, and can transmit and receive data to each other.

[0013] The store server 102 has the same hardware configuration as the printer management server 101, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, the store server 102 may have a different hardware configuration from that of the printer management server 101.

[0014] 2, an example in which the printer management server 101 is configured from one server is described, but it may be configured from multiple servers. In other words, each function may be executed by multiple servers working in cooperation with each other. The dealer server 102 may also be configured from multiple servers. In this disclosure, a configuration consisting of one server or multiple servers is called a server system.

[0015] (Printer hardware configuration) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 103. The printer 103 has a printer unit 301, a scanner unit 302, and an ink tank unit 315. The printer 103 also has a storage device 303, a CPU 305, a ROM 306, a RAM 307, a display unit 308, an operation unit 309, a network communication unit 310, and a network connection unit 311. In this embodiment, the printer 103, which is a multifunction machine, is taken as an example of an image forming apparatus, but the image forming apparatus to which this embodiment can be applied does not have to be a multifunction machine. An image recording apparatus such as a copier or facsimile may be used, or a printer without a scanner function may be used. In addition, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is taken as an example of a printer that records using ink, but may be applied to an apparatus that uses a recording material such as toner.

[0016] In printer 103, the printing function is realized by printer unit 301. Also, the scanner function is realized by scanner unit 302. Printer unit 301 records (i.e., prints) an image on a recording medium such as printing paper by inkjet printing based on image data received from the outside. Printer unit 301 also manages paper information including information on the remaining amount of ink and the number of sheets of loaded paper. Note that in a printer that uses toner for image formation, printer unit 301 also manages paper information including information on the remaining amount of toner and the number of sheets of loaded paper.

[0017] The CPU 305 is a central processing unit for controlling each section in the printer 103. The storage device 303 is composed of, for example, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, etc., and stores various data used in the processes executed by the CPU 305. The ROM 306 is a memory for storing various program codes, applications for communicating with the printer management server 101, and applications related to printing functions. The RAM 307 is a memory for temporarily storing image data and the like when executing each service, and for buffering.

[0018] The display unit 308 is composed of, for example, an LCD, and displays various information. The operation unit 309 is composed of switches and the like for the user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 310 connects to a network such as the Internet 100 via a network connection unit 311, and performs various communications. In the various communications, control is performed through HTTP or XMPP, etc. Note that the protocols are not limited to these, and other protocols may be used. The above-mentioned units are connected to a bus 313, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from each other.

[0019] The ink tank unit 315 is equipped with an ink cartridge including an ink tank that contains the ink used in the printer unit 301. Note that a toner cartridge may be equipped when toner is used as the recording material. The ink cartridge mounted in the ink tank unit 315 is replaced with another ink cartridge by the user when the ink contained therein runs out or the remaining amount is extremely low. In other words, the ink cartridge mounted in the ink tank unit 315 of this embodiment is a type of consumable item that is replaced with a replacement ink cartridge when the ink runs out.

[0020] (Processing up to delivery of replacement ink cartridges) Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram of the process up to the delivery of a replacement ink cartridge, which is a consumable item. The series of processes shown in the sequence of Fig. 4 are performed by the CPUs of the printer 103, the printer management server 101, and the retail store server 102 by loading program code stored in a storage device or the like into RAM and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 4 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Note that the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process refers to the step in the sequence diagram. Below, the subject of each process is the CPU provided in the printer 103, the printer management server 101, and the retail store server 102.

[0021] In S401, the printer 103 transmits printer status information including information on ink cartridges and the estimated consumption of consumables that are estimated to be consumed when the currently reserved print job is executed and printed to the printer management server 101. The printer status information (hereinafter, status information) includes, for example, the ID (identification information), color information, and remaining ink amount information of each ink cartridge currently mounted in the printer 103. The status information also includes the estimated ink consumption (estimated ink consumption) that is estimated to be consumed when the currently reserved print job is executed and printed. The status information is updated with the ink usage status, reservation of a print job, deletion of a reserved print job, and changes in the estimated ink consumption due to output of a reserved print job. When the status information is updated, the printer 103 transmits the updated status information to the printer management server 101 at the timing of updating the above information.

[0022] (Status information transmission process) Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the process (S401) in which the printer 103 transmits status information to the printer management server 101. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 are performed by the CPU 305 of the printer 103 by loading program code stored in the storage device 303 into the RAM 307 and executing it. Note that before the series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 are started, the printer 103 is in a state in which the target print management server has been registered in advance and is in a power-off state. The flow shown in Fig. 5 is started when pressing of the power button of the printer 103 is detected.

[0023] In S501, the CPU 305 switches the power of the printer 103 from OFF to ON. In S502, the CPU 305 transmits status information 600 indicating the state of the printer 103 to the target printer management server 101.

[0024] (Status Information) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of status information. The status information 600 includes a printer serial number 601, a model name 602, a color 603 for each ink cartridge, a model number 604, and a remaining ink amount 605. The status information 600 includes an ink consumption amount (estimated ink consumption amount) 606 that is expected to be consumed when all currently reserved print jobs are executed and printed. The status information 600 also includes a unique ID (hereinafter, referred to as an ink cartridge ID) 607 that identifies an ink cartridge. The ink cartridge ID is an ID that is unique to a cartridge regardless of the color of ink contained therein. For example, an ink cartridge with "CRG000001" assigned thereto is uniquely identified in this consumables ordering system. In addition, when a reserved print job is deleted, or when a reserved print job is executed and printed, a value corresponding to the target print job is subtracted from the value of the estimated ink consumption amount 606.

[0025] In S503, the CPU 305 determines whether an event has occurred. An example of the event is when printing or copying is performed, or when the cover of the printer 103 is opened. An example of the event is when the calculation of the estimated ink consumption amount that is expected to be consumed when a currently reserved print job is executed and printed is completed, or when a print job is deleted. In other words, an event is when some process is performed by the printer 103. If the result of the determination in S503 is true (YES in S503), the process proceeds to S504. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S503 is false (NO in S503), the process proceeds to S506. Note that the estimated ink consumption amount is calculated when the printer 103 receives a print job, and details will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0026] In S504, the CPU 305 determines whether there has been a change in the status information 600. The status information before the occurrence of the event is compared with the status information after the occurrence of the event. If the comparison result is greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that there has been a change in the status information. For example, in the case of completion of printing or copying, ink is actually consumed, so that there is a change in the status information after the occurrence of the event. In addition, in the case of completion of calculation of the expected ink consumption amount predicted by printing by the currently reserved print job, or deletion of the print job, the expected ink consumption amount changes, so that there is a change in the status information after the occurrence of the event. If the determination result in S504 is true (YES in S504), the process proceeds to S505. On the other hand, if the determination result in S504 is false (NO in S504), the process proceeds to S506. In S505, the CPU 305 transmits the status information 600 to the printer management server 101.

[0027] In S506, the CPU 305 determines whether the power of the printer 103 has been turned off. If the determination result of S506 is true (YES in S506), the series of processes shown in Fig. 5 ends. On the other hand, if the determination result of S506 is false (NO in S506), the process returns to S503, and the processes from S503 to S505 are repeatedly performed until the power of the printer 103 is turned off.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 305 of the printer 103 sends status information 600 to the printer management server 101 both when the power is turned on and when a change occurs in the remaining ink amount 605 or the estimated ink consumption amount 606.

[0029] Returning to Fig. 4, in S402, the printer management server 101 determines whether to perform an ordering process for a replacement item (consumable item). If the determination result is that a replacement item should not be ordered (NO in S402), the process shown in Fig. 4 is terminated. If the determination result is that a replacement item should be ordered (YES in S402), the process proceeds to S403.

[0030] In addition, in the case of canceling an order, since status information is transmitted, a determination is made in S402 as to whether or not to cancel the ordered replacement item, similar to the case of ordering. If the determination result is that the ordered replacement item is not to be canceled (NO in S402), the process shown in Fig. 4 is terminated. If the determination result is that the ordered replacement item is to be canceled (YES in S402), the process proceeds to S403.

[0031] In S403, the printer management server 101 transmits an instruction to order a replacement item or an instruction to cancel the ordered replacement item to the retailer server 102. However, the transmission of the instruction to cancel the ordered replacement item is canceled if a predetermined condition is met. The cancellation of the transmission of the cancellation instruction may be triggered, for example, by a predetermined time, or by receiving a delivery cancellation impossible signal transmitted from the retailer server 102. The delivery cancellation impossible signal is a signal indicating that the delivery of the ordered replacement item cannot be canceled, and is transmitted to the printer management server 101, for example, at a time that includes a predetermined time margin added to the time at which the delivery by the delivery company cannot be canceled.

[0032] (Order / cancellation instruction sending process) Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing up to the point where the printer management server 101 issues an order / cancellation instruction for a replacement ink cartridge to the dealer server 102. Note that the processing in each step in Fig. 7 is performed by the CPU 201 of the printer management server 101 expanding into the RAM 202 and executing the program code stored in the ROM 203 or the storage device 204.

[0033] In S701, the printer management server 101 receives the status information 600 transmitted by the printer 103 that is managed by the printer management server 101.

[0034] In S702, the CPU 201 calculates the estimated remaining amount of ink after printing when all reserved print jobs are executed and printed, based on the remaining amount of ink and the estimated amount of ink consumption included in the status information received in S701.

[0035] In S703, the CPU 201 judges whether the expected ink remaining amount after printing calculated in S702 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is, for example, an arbitrary value such as 0, 10, or 20 indicating the ratio of the expected ink remaining amount after printing. In addition, although the above is described as "the expected ink remaining amount after printing is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold", there is no problem if the "expected ink remaining amount after printing is less than a predetermined threshold", and this is the same for all thresholds in the following embodiments. In the above status information 600, the ink remaining amount 605 for Black is 40, and the expected ink consumption amount 606 is 25, so that 40-25=15 is calculated as the expected ink remaining amount after printing. Here, if the threshold is 20, it is judged that the ink remaining amount for Black is equal to or less than the threshold. If the judgment result in S703 is true (YES in S703), the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, if the judgment result in S703 is false (NO in S703), the process proceeds to S706.

[0036] In S704, CPU 201 determines whether or not the corresponding ink cartridge ID has not yet been ordered, based on the replacement order information stored in ink management table 801. If the determination result indicates that a replacement has not yet been ordered (YES in S704), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that a replacement has already been ordered (NO in S704), the process proceeds to S708.

[0037] (Replacement ordering information) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an ink management table stored in storage device 204 of printer management server 101. Replacement order information is stored in ink management table 801. Replacement order information is information that associates the ID of an ink cartridge with information indicating that a replacement for that ink cartridge has been ordered. Note that the replacement order information does not include information indicating which ink cartridge has been ordered as a replacement. In other words, assuming that ink cartridge B has been ordered as a replacement for ink cartridge A, only information indicating that a replacement for ink cartridge A has been ordered is stored. Therefore, information that ink cartridge B has been ordered as a replacement for ink cartridge A is not stored.

[0038] In this embodiment, since it is sufficient to be able to identify whether a replacement for ink cartridge A has been ordered, an example will be described in which information that ink cartridge B has been ordered is not stored, but this is not limiting. Information that ink cartridge B has been ordered as a replacement for ink cartridge A may be stored as replacement order information. In any case, it is sufficient to be able to identify whether a replacement for ink cartridge A has been ordered. At a predetermined timing, CPU 201 acquires replacement order information from ink management table 801, or stores new replacement order information in ink management table 801. In addition, CPU 201 does not delete replacement order information stored in ink management table 801. In other words, even after the status information received from printer 103 no longer includes information on the cartridge ID, replacement order information for the cartridge ID continues to be held in ink management table 801.

[0039] Also, the ink management table may store only the ink cartridge IDs. In that case, it means that all ink cartridge IDs stored in the ink management table have already been ordered. In other words, the ink management table itself may serve as replacement product ordering information.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 7, in S705, the CPU 201 adds the model number of the ink cartridge to the order list and stores it.

[0041] In S706, the CPU 201 determines whether the corresponding ink cartridge ID has been ordered based on the replacement order information stored in the ink management table 801. Here, being determined to have been ordered means that an order instruction has been given once in S709. For example, it is assumed that an order instruction for the corresponding consumables was sent based on the previously received status information, but the print job corresponding to the previous status information was deleted before the corresponding consumables specified in the order instruction were received. In this case, when the reserved print job is deleted, the expected ink remaining amount after printing is executed increases compared to before the reserved print job was deleted. It is also assumed that an order instruction for the corresponding consumables was sent based on the previously received status information, but printing by the print job corresponding to the previous status information was executed but was stopped midway before the corresponding consumables specified in the order instruction were received. In this case, it is assumed that the ink expected remaining amount after printing increases compared to when it was calculated because the reserved print job was stopped midway during printing, and less ink was consumed than expected. In other words, it is determined whether ordering based on the previous status information was unnecessary. If the determination result indicates that the replacement item has been ordered (YES in S706), the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that the replacement item has not been ordered (NO in S706), the process proceeds to S708.

[0042] In S707, the CPU 201 adds the model number of the ink cartridge to the cancellation list and holds it.

[0043] In S708, the CPU 201 determines whether the ink cartridge replacement order determination process has been performed for all colors of ink cartridges installed in the printer 103. If the determination result of S708 is true (YES in S708), the process proceeds to S709. On the other hand, if the determination result of S708 is false (NO in S708), the process returns to S702.

[0044] In S709, the CPU 201 transmits to the dealer server 102 a replacement order instruction including the order list and the serial number of the printer 103, or a cancellation instruction including the cancellation list and the serial number of the printer 103.

[0045] In S710, CPU 201 adds the IDs of all ink cartridges added to the order list to ink management table 801 as having been ordered. The ink cartridge ID added here is not the ID of the replacement ink cartridge that has been ordered, but the ID of the ink cartridge currently installed in printer 103. In other words, the ink cartridge ID added to ink management table 801 means that a replacement for that ink cartridge has already been ordered. In addition, the IDs of all ink cartridges added to the cancellation list are deleted. As a result, even after a cancellation has occurred, an order instruction will be issued if the estimated remaining ink amount after next printing falls below the threshold value.

[0046] Returning to FIG. 4, in S404, the retail store server 102 receives the order instruction sent by the printer management server 101, and performs delivery processing based on the received order instruction. That is, the retail store server 102 performs delivery processing based on the model number and serial number of the ink cartridge to be ordered, which are included in the order instruction sent by the printer management server 101. The retail store server 102 acquires the address of the user linked to the received serial number from the user management table 901, which will be described later in FIG. 9, and performs delivery processing of the replacement ink cartridge. Note that when an order cancellation instruction is received, the retail store server 102 receives the order cancellation instruction sent by the printer management server 101, and performs delivery cancellation work based on the received order cancellation instruction. That is, the item that was being prepared for delivery is returned to its original state.

[0047] (User management table) 9 is a diagram showing an example of a user management table 901 stored in the storage device 303 of the dealer server 102. The user management table 901 stores information required for a service contract for ink management by the printer management server 101 after a user purchases a printer 103. Specifically, the printer ID (serial number) that is an identifier for the printer under contract, the user ID of the contractor, the delivery address, and the email address are stored in association with each other.

[0048] (Processing when a print job is received) Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing from when the printer 103 receives a print job, which is one of the events, to when it calculates the estimated ink consumption amount. Note that the series of processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 10 is performed by the CPU 305 of the printer 103 expanding the program code stored in the storage device 303 into the RAM 307 and executing it.

[0049] In S1001, the CPU 305 receives a print job created by a client PC (not shown). In S1002, the CPU 305 stores the print job received in S1001 in the storage device 303. Note that the print job is made up of job print settings related to the entire job output, such as color settings and double-sided settings, and PDL data made up of drawing commands.

[0050] In S1003, the CPU 305 calculates the estimated ink consumption amount. When the process of S1003 ends, the flow shown in FIG.

[0051] (Calculation process of estimated ink consumption) Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the process of calculating the estimated ink consumption (S1003). The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 11 are performed by the CPU 305 of the printer 103 by loading the program code stored in the storage device 303 into the RAM 307 and executing it.

[0052] In S1101, the CPU 305 loads the job print settings of the print job stored in the storage device 303 in S1002 into the RAM 307. In S1102, the CPU 305 loads the PDL data of the print job stored in the storage device 303 in S1002 into the RAM 307. In S1103, the CPU 305 interprets one command of the PDL data loaded into the RAM 307 in S1102.

[0053] In steps S1104 to S1108, the CPU 305 interprets the drawing information obtained in step S1103 and counts the components of the command. Specifically, the CPU 305 counts Edge 1221, Segment 1222, Fill 1223, and Pixel 1224 shown in FIG.

[0054] First, in S1104, the CPU 305 determines whether the interpretation result of S1103 means the end of the job. If the interpretation result indicates that the job is ended (YES in S1104), the process proceeds to S1112. On the other hand, if the interpretation result indicates that the job is not ended (NO in S1104), the process proceeds to S1105.

[0055] In S1105, the CPU 305 determines whether the interpretation result of S1103 means the end of the page. If the interpretation result indicates the end of the page (YES in S1105), the process proceeds to S1109. On the other hand, if the interpretation result indicates that the page is not the end (NO in S1105), the process proceeds to S1106.

[0056] In S1106, the CPU 305 determines whether the interpretation result in S1103 is an object. If the interpretation result is determined to be an object (YES in S1106), the process proceeds to S1107. On the other hand, if the interpretation result is determined to be not an object (NO in S1106), the process proceeds to S1111.

[0057] In S1107, the CPU 305 extracts fill / edge information from the drawing information determined to be an object in S1106. Next, from the extracted fill / edge information, the CPU 305 counts Fill1223, Pixel1224, Segment1222, and Edge1221 of the object, and stores them in the RAM 307. Here, Fill1223 and Pixel1224 contain color information in the (R,G,B) format.

[0058] In S1108, the CPU 305 adds the number of elements stored in the RAM 307 in S1107 to each element counter for each page stored in the RAM 307. When the process of S1108 ends, the process proceeds to S1111.

[0059] In S1109, the CPU 305 associates the count value of each element counter, which was incremented in S1108, with the page number and stores the count value in the RAM 307. In S1110, the CPU 305 initializes each element counter.

[0060] In S1111, the CPU 305 selects the next command to be processed from the PDL data read in S1102. When the process of S1111 ends, the process returns to S1103.

[0061] In S1112, the CPU 305 calculates the expected ink consumption that is expected to be consumed when the print job is executed and printed (output) based on the job print settings stored in the storage device 303 in S1109 and the information of each element in each page. In other words, it can be said that the consumption of ink, which is a consumable, is predicted. This is calculated by multiplying the count numbers of Fill1223 and Pixel1224 related to color by the unit ink consumption of each element. For example, by multiplying the count number of Pixel(30,10,5) shown in FIG. 12C by the unit ink consumption of cyan ink, the cyan ink consumption required to output Pixel(30,10,5) can be predicted. The above calculations for each element and each ink are stored in the storage device 303 as the expected ink consumption. The expected ink consumption of each ink calculated here becomes the numerical value indicated by the expected ink consumption 606 in FIG. 6.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the PDL according to this embodiment, the rendering result of an object corresponding to the PDL, its components, and the data finally stored in the storage device 303. In FIG.

[0063] Figure 12(a) shows an example of PDL data, which includes PDL commands. PDL commands describe a group of drawing commands as PDL, such as the specification of the canvas on which to draw, the coordinate positions of the starting point and each point sequence, color values, and stroke width. For example, as shown in the figure, in XPS, after indicating the position of the path rectangle to be drawn, it is possible to refer to a PNG format bitmap image as information on the color values ​​to paint the inside of the rectangle. A drawn object such as that shown here is called a drawing object.

[0064] FIG. 12(b) shows data interpreted by CPU 305 from the PDL command in FIG. 12(a). By interpreting the PDL, edge data having contour information of a drawing object and fill data having fill information of a drawing object can be obtained. Here, contour information refers to the start coordinates and end coordinates of the lines that make up an edge. Also, fill information refers to image data that fills the inside of the contour of the object to be drawn. Edge data refers to Edge 1221 and Segment 1222. Also, fill data refers to Fill 1223 and Pixel 1224. This information is counted, and the count value obtained from the count is used to predict the amount of ink to be consumed.

[0065] Fig. 12(c) is a diagram showing an example of data generated by the CPU 305. This data is composed of the edge data shown in Fig. 12(b), the aggregated value of the fill data, color / monochrome, single-sided / double-sided setting, and the number of copies. Also, as explained in S1107, Fill1223 and Pixel1224 have color information in the (R,G,B) format, so counting is performed separately for (R,G,B) as shown in the figure.

[0066] Data is generated for one print job. Single-sided / double-sided and the number of copies are acquired in S1101 and set for each job. Edge and fill data are collected in S1108 and set for each page.

[0067] As described above, according to this embodiment, the remaining ink and toner amounts after the print job is output can be predicted at the timing when the print job is held, and delivery procedures can be carried out according to the predicted results, thereby reducing the possibility of downtime occurring in the image forming device. For example, when a large amount of printing is performed for one held print job, or when a large amount of print jobs are held and a large amount of printing is performed in a short period of time, the consumption amount of consumables can be predicted and delivery procedures can be carried out in advance before the actual printing is performed.

[0068] <Embodiment 2> Since this embodiment is almost the same as the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the following description will focus on the differences. In this embodiment, the mode of managing paper orders will be described.

[0069] (Status Information) 13 is a diagram showing an example of status information 1300. Status information 1300 is information that the printer 103 transmits to the printer management server 101 in S502 or S505.

[0070] The status information 1300 includes the printer's serial number 601 and model name 602. The status information 1300 includes accumulated paper consumption 1301 indicating the total number of sheets of paper actually printed and consumed by the printer that generated the status information 1300. The status information 1300 also includes estimated paper consumption 1302 indicating the number of sheets of paper expected to be consumed when all currently reserved print jobs are executed and printed. Furthermore, when a reserved print job is deleted, or when a reserved print job is executed and printed, a value corresponding to the target print job is subtracted from the value of estimated paper consumption 1302. When a reserved print job is executed and printed, the accumulated paper consumption 1301 is a value obtained by adding a value corresponding to the target print job.

[0071] (Order / cancellation instruction sending process) Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing up to when the printer management server 101 issues an order instruction for replacement paper to the retailer server 102. The processing in each step of Fig. 14 is performed by the CPU 201 of the printer management server 101 by loading into the RAM 202 and executing the program code stored in the ROM 203 or the storage device 204. Note that the processing other than S1401 to S1405 is the same as the processing shown in Fig. 7, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of S701 is completed, the processing proceeds to S1401.

[0072] In S1401, the CPU 201 calculates the post-printing cumulative paper consumption amount when all reserved print jobs are executed and printed from the cumulative paper consumption amount 1301 and the estimated paper consumption amount 1302 included in the status information received in S701.

[0073] In S1402, the CPU 201 judges whether the post-printing cumulative paper consumption calculated in S1401 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is, for example, a number of arbitrary values ​​such as 400, 900, 1400, and 1900, and is the smallest value other than any value used in the past. In addition, although the above description states that the "post-printing cumulative paper consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold," there is no problem if the "post-printing cumulative paper consumption is greater than a predetermined threshold," and this is the same for all thresholds in the following embodiments. Here, if the threshold is set to 1400, in the case of the status information 1300, the cumulative paper consumption 1301 is 1365, the estimated paper consumption 1302 is 50, and the post-printing cumulative paper consumption is 1415, so that it is judged to be equal to or greater than the threshold. If the judgment result in S1402 is true (YES in S1402), the process proceeds to S1403. On the other hand, if the determination result in S1402 is false (NO in S1402), the process proceeds to S1404.

[0074] In S1403, CPU 201 determines whether a replacement corresponding to the corresponding accumulated post-printing paper consumption has not yet been ordered, based on the replacement order information stored in paper management table 1501. If the determination result indicates that a replacement has not yet been ordered (YES in S1403), processing proceeds to S705. In S705, CPU 201 adds the replacement (paper) corresponding to the corresponding accumulated post-printing paper consumption to the order list and holds it. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that a replacement has been ordered (NO in S1403), processing proceeds to S709.

[0075] (Replacement ordering information) 15 is a diagram showing an example of a paper management table stored in storage device 204 of printer management server 101. Replacement order information is stored in paper management table 1501. The replacement order information is information that associates the serial number of printer 103, the accumulated paper consumption after printing, and information indicating that a replacement for the accumulated paper consumption after printing has been ordered.

[0076] Returning to the description of FIG. 14, in S1404, CPU 201 determines whether a replacement corresponding to the corresponding accumulated paper consumption after printing has been ordered based on the replacement order information stored in paper management table 1501. If the determination result indicates that a replacement has been ordered (YES in S1404), the process proceeds to S707. In S707, CPU 201 adds the replacement (paper) corresponding to the corresponding accumulated paper consumption after printing to the cancellation list and holds it. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that a replacement has not been ordered (NO in S1404), the process proceeds to S709. Here, being determined to have been ordered means that an order instruction was once given in S707. For example, it is assumed that a reserved print job is deleted, causing the accumulated paper consumption after printing to be less than before, or that a reserved print job is canceled midway through printing, causing the accumulated paper consumption after printing to be less than before.

[0077] When the process of S709 ends, the process proceeds to S1405. In S1405, CPU 201 adds the serial number and the accumulated paper consumption after printing that were added to the order list to paper management table 1501 as having been ordered. Also, all serial numbers and the accumulated paper consumption after printing that were added to the cancellation list are deleted. As a result, even if the same serial number and the accumulated paper consumption after printing again exceed the threshold value after a cancellation occurs, a shipping instruction will be issued.

[0078] (Processing when a print job is received) Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the printer 103 receives a print job, which is one of the events. The series of processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 16 is performed by the CPU 305 of the printer 103 by loading the program code stored in the storage device 303 into the RAM 307 and executing it. The processing other than S1601 is the same as the processing in Fig. 10, so the description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of S1002 is completed, the processing proceeds to S1601.

[0079] In S1601, the CPU 305 calculates the estimated paper consumption amount. When the process of S1601 ends, the flow shown in FIG.

[0080] (Calculation process of estimated paper consumption) Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the process for calculating the estimated paper consumption (S1601). The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 17 are performed by the CPU 305 of the printer 103 by loading the program code stored in the storage device 303 into the RAM 307 and executing it. The processes other than S1701 are the same as those in Fig. 11, so detailed explanations are omitted. If the determination result in S1104 is true (YES in S1104), the process proceeds to S1701.

[0081] In S1701, the CPU 305 calculates the estimated paper consumption that is expected to be consumed when the print job is executed and printed (output) based on the job print settings stored in the storage device 303 in S1109 and the information on each element of each page. In other words, it can be said that the consumption of paper, which is a consumable, is predicted. This is calculated from the number of copies setting and double-sided setting, which are job print settings related to the number of sheets to be output, and the number of pages of the job. For example, if the number of copies setting is 5, the double-sided setting is single-sided, and the number of pages of the job is 10, the estimated paper consumption can be predicted to be 50 pages. The estimated paper consumption is then stored in the storage device 303. The estimated paper consumption calculated here becomes the numerical value indicated by estimated paper consumption 1302 in FIG. 13.

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, the amount of paper remaining after the print job is output is predicted at the time the print job is held, and delivery procedures can be carried out according to the predicted results, thereby reducing the possibility of downtime occurring at the image forming device.

[0083] <Example 1> Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram up to the execution of printing by a reservation print job. In Fig. 18, for example, it is assumed that a reservation print job scheduled to be executed the following day, July 4th, is received at 16:00 on July 3rd, and consumables are ordered in anticipation of running out of consumables due to printing of the received reservation print job. It is assumed that a retailer with a retailer server has consumables in stock, and if an ordering instruction is received by 18:00 on July 3rd, a delivery driver picks up the consumables at 8:00 on the following day, July 4th, and delivers the ordered consumables to the user at the delivery destination at 9:00 on July 4th.

[0084] In S1801, a reserved print job created by a user on a client PC is sent to the printer 103. In S1802, the printer 103 receives the reserved print job sent in S1801. In S1803, the printer 103 generates status information based on the reserved print job received in S1802. In S1804, the printer 103 sends the status information generated in S1803 to the printer management server 101. In S1805, the printer management server 101 receives the status information sent in S1804, and generates an order instruction including an order list based on the received status information. In S1806, the printer management server 101 sends the order instruction generated in S1805 to the dealer server 102.

[0085] In S1807, the retail store server 102 receives the order instruction sent in S1806. In S1808, the retail store server 102 notifies the salesperson of the receipt of the order instruction based on the order instruction received in S1807. In S1809, the salesperson prepares for delivery of the consumables ordered in the order instruction. That is, the salesperson picks up the consumables, packs them in a delivery box, and affixes a slip indicating the delivery destination. The salesperson then requests delivery from a delivery company.

[0086] In S1810, the consumables for which the order has been received are delivered to the user's address, which is the delivery destination corresponding to the order, by a delivery company requested by the salesperson.

[0087] In S1811, the user receives the delivered consumables and replenishes the printer 103. In S1812, the user logs in to the printer 103 and instructs the printer 103 to start printing the reserved print job received by the printer 103 in S1802. In S1813, the printer 103 executes the reserved print job in response to the user's print start instruction and prints (outputs) the job.

[0088] In this way, because orders can be automatically placed for consumables whose remaining amount is below a predetermined threshold based on the status information generated by receiving a reserved print job, the possibility of printer downtime can be reduced.

[0089] <Example 2> Fig. 19 is a sequence diagram up to the cancellation of the delivery of consumables by deleting a reserved print job. In Fig. 19, after the consumables are ordered in response to the reception of a reserved print job, the reserved print job is deleted and the order of the consumables is cancelled before the consumables are delivered. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. That is, the following process is executed before the delivery S1810 following S1809 is executed. However, the cancellation instruction is sent before the time when the delivery of the ordered consumables cannot be cancelled.

[0090] In S1901, the user executes an instruction to delete a reserved print job that has been reserved in the printer 103. In S1902, the printer 103 generates status information based on the instruction to delete the reserved print job. In S1903, the printer 103 transmits the status information generated in S1902 to the printer management server 101.

[0091] In S1904, the printer management server 101 receives the status information transmitted in S1903, and generates a cancellation instruction including a cancellation list based on the received status information. In S1905, the printer management server 101 transmits the cancellation instruction generated in S1904 to the dealer server 102.

[0092] In S1906, the retail store server 102 receives the cancellation instruction. In S1907, the retail store server 102 notifies the salesperson that the cancellation instruction has been received based on the received cancellation instruction. In S1908, the salesperson cancels the delivery of the consumables that were canceled by the cancellation instruction. In other words, the salesperson returns the consumables that were prepared for delivery to their original location. The salesperson then notifies the delivery company of the delivery cancellation.

[0093] In this way, a command to cancel an order for consumables can be automatically sent by deleting a reserved print job, thereby preventing unnecessary ordering of consumables.

[0094] <Example 3> FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram until the delivery of consumables is cancelled when the remaining amount of consumables due to a reserved print job becomes equal to or exceeds a threshold. In FIG. 20, after the consumables are ordered by receiving a reserved print job, the expected remaining amount of consumables after printing exceeds the threshold before the consumables are delivered, and the order of the consumables is cancelled. In this embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described. It is assumed that the printer receives two reserved print jobs. It is assumed that the expected ink consumption of the reserved print job scheduled to be printed first of the two is 160, and the expected ink consumption of the reserved print job scheduled to be printed later of the two is 50, and the total expected ink consumption of the two is 210. It is assumed that the remaining ink amount before the execution of the two print jobs is 225, and the threshold is 50. However, it is assumed that the cancellation instruction is sent before the time when the delivery of the ordered consumables cannot be cancelled.

[0095] S2001 to S2008 are the same as S1801 to S1808 except that the number of received reserved print jobs is two, and detailed description of S2001 to S2008 will be omitted. The processing of S2001 to S2008 results in ink being ordered automatically. In other words, when two reserved print jobs are received, the remaining ink amount becomes 225-(160+50)=15, which is below the threshold value of 50, and therefore ink is automatically ordered.

[0096] In S2011, the user executes a print start instruction for the first reserved print job reserved in the printer 103, for example, by reducing the number of prints from when the job was created. For example, assume that the estimated ink consumption was 160 but is changed to 100. In S2012, the printer 103 prints the first reserved print job. In S2013, the printer 103 generates status information based on the printing of the first reserved print job executed in S2012. That is, the status information generated in S2013 includes information corresponding to a state in which the first reserved print job has been executed and the second reserved print job has not been executed. In S2014, the printer 103 transmits the status information generated in S2013 to the printer management server 101.

[0097] In S2015, the printer management server 101 receives the status information sent in S2014. Based on the received status information, the expected remaining amount of ink after printing is calculated. That is, the expected remaining amount of ink after printing is the remaining amount of ink - the amount of ink consumed by executing the first reserved print job - the expected ink consumption of the second reserved print job = 225 - 100 - 50 = 75. The expected remaining amount of ink after printing, 75, is a value greater than the threshold value of 50. Based on this determination result, the ink is added to a cancellation list in order to cancel the ink order. Then, a cancellation instruction including the cancellation list is generated.

[0098] In S2016, the printer management server 101 transmits the cancellation instruction generated in S2015 to the dealer server 102.

[0099] In S2017, the retail store server 102 receives the cancellation instruction. In S2018, the retail store server 102 notifies the salesperson that the cancellation instruction has been received. In S2019, the salesperson cancels the delivery of the consumables that were canceled by the cancellation instruction. In other words, the salesperson returns the consumables that were prepared for delivery to their original location. The salesperson then notifies the delivery company of the delivery cancellation.

[0100] In this way, when the amount of printing is reduced when executing the previous reserved printing job compared to when the job was created, and the predicted remaining amount of consumables after printing becomes greater than a predetermined threshold, an instruction to cancel the order of consumables is automatically sent, thereby preventing wasteful ordering of consumables.

[0101] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0102] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration examples.

[0103] (Configuration 1) A system including an image forming apparatus and a server device capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes: a printing means for storing a received print job and outputting the stored print job in response to a print instruction from a user; a prediction unit for predicting the consumption of consumables when the reserved print job is output based on an analysis result obtained by analyzing the reserved print job; a transmission unit that transmits information including the predicted consumption amount of the consumables and a remaining amount of the consumables provided in the image forming apparatus to the server device; having The server device includes: a receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus; a derivation means for deriving an estimated remaining amount of the consumable after printing from the estimated consumption amount of the consumable contained in the received information and the remaining amount of the consumable contained in the received information; ordering means for ordering the consumables when the estimated remaining amount of the consumables after the printing is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; have A system characterized by:

[0104] (Configuration 2) The server device includes: A storage means for storing order information indicating that the consumables have been ordered; a canceling means for canceling an order for the consumable that has already been ordered, when the expected remaining amount of the consumable after the printing is greater than the predetermined threshold value and the storing means has stored the ordered information related to the consumable; 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

[0105] (Configuration 3) When a print job that was reserved in the image forming apparatus is deleted and the estimated remaining amount of the consumables after printing derived by the deriving means becomes greater than the predetermined threshold value, The canceling means cancels the order of the consumables that has already been ordered. 3. The system according to configuration 2.

[0106] (Configuration 4) When the image forming apparatus outputs the reserved print job, the estimated remaining amount of the consumable after the printing derived by the deriving unit becomes greater than the predetermined threshold value. The canceling means cancels the order of the consumables that has already been ordered. 3. The system according to configuration 2.

[0107] (Configuration 5) The consumable is ink. 5. The system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0108] (Configuration 6) The consumable is toner. 5. The system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0109] (Configuration 7) The consumable is paper. 5. The system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0110] (Configuration 8) A method executed in a system including an image forming apparatus and a server apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus a printing step of suspending the received print job, receiving a print instruction from a user, and outputting the suspended print job; a prediction step of predicting the consumption of consumables when the reserved print job is output based on an analysis result obtained by analyzing the reserved print job; a transmission step of transmitting information including the predicted consumption amount of the consumables and a remaining amount of the consumables provided in the image forming apparatus to the server device; The server device: a receiving step of receiving the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus; a deriving step of deriving an expected remaining amount of the consumable after printing from the predicted consumption amount of the consumable contained in the received information and the remaining amount of the consumable contained in the received information; an ordering step of ordering the consumables when the estimated remaining amount of the consumables after the printing is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

[0111] (Configuration 9) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method according to claim 8.

Claims

1. A system including an image forming apparatus and a server device capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes: a printing means for storing a received print job and outputting the stored print job in response to a print instruction from a user; a prediction unit for predicting the consumption of consumables when the reserved print job is output based on an analysis result obtained by analyzing the reserved print job; a transmission unit configured to transmit information including the predicted consumption amount of the consumables and a remaining amount of the consumables provided in the image forming apparatus to the server device; having The server device includes: a receiving means for receiving the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus; a derivation means for deriving an estimated remaining amount of the consumable after printing from the estimated consumption amount of the consumable contained in the received information and the remaining amount of the consumable contained in the received information; ordering means for ordering the consumables when the estimated remaining amount of the consumables after the printing is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; A system comprising:

2. The server device includes: A storage means for storing order information indicating that the consumables have been ordered; a canceling means for canceling an order for the consumable that has already been ordered, when the estimated remaining amount of the consumable after the printing is greater than the predetermined threshold value and the storing means has stored the ordered information related to the consumable; 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

3. When a print job that has been reserved in the image forming apparatus is deleted and the estimated remaining amount of the consumables after printing derived by the deriving means becomes greater than the predetermined threshold value, The canceling means cancels the order of the consumables that has already been ordered.

3. The system of claim 2.

4. When the image forming apparatus outputs the reserved print job, the estimated remaining amount of the consumables after the printing derived by the deriving unit becomes greater than the predetermined threshold value. The canceling means cancels the order of the consumables that has already been ordered.

3. The system of claim 2.

5. The consumable is ink.

2. The system of claim 1 .

6. The consumable is toner.

2. The system of claim 1 .

7. The consumable is paper.

2. The system of claim 1 .

8. A method executed in a system including an image forming apparatus and a server apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus a printing step of suspending the received print job, receiving a print instruction from a user, and outputting the suspended print job; a prediction step of predicting the consumption of consumables when the reserved print job is output based on an analysis result obtained by analyzing the reserved print job; a transmission step of transmitting information including the predicted consumption amount of the consumables and a remaining amount of the consumables provided in the image forming apparatus to the server device; The server device: a receiving step of receiving the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus; a deriving step of deriving an expected remaining amount of the consumable after printing from the predicted consumption amount of the consumable contained in the received information and the remaining amount of the consumable contained in the received information; an ordering step of ordering the consumables when the estimated remaining amount of the consumables after the printing is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

9. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method according to claim 8.

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