Management system, information processing apparatus, and management method

Abstract

To enable a user to recognize that statistical information is inaccurate when missing jobs are included.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus stores a history of print jobs executed by a printing apparatus. The information processing apparatus generates statistical information regarding the print jobs based on the history. The information processing apparatus performs processing for displaying the statistical information on a terminal device. The information processing apparatus performs processing such that, when a missing job, which is a print job that was executed by the printing apparatus but whose history was not acquired from the printing apparatus, is included in a predetermined period, a display mode of the statistical information differs from a display mode of the statistical information when no missing job is included in the predetermined period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system, an information processing device, and a management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for collecting and recording history information indicating the history of printing performed by a printer. In Patent Document 1, an information processing device compiles statistics on the history information to obtain statistical information. In Patent Document 1, when a user of an information processing terminal operates the information processing terminal to make a request to view the statistical information, the statistical information is transmitted from the information processing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-131663 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, if history information is not collected from the printer for some reason, the statistical information may be inaccurate. However, it is difficult for the user of the information processing terminal to recognize that the statistical information is inaccurate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The management system according to the present disclosure comprises at least one printing device that executes print jobs, and an information processing device that manages the history of print jobs executed by the printing device, wherein the information processing device comprises a history storage unit that stores the history, a generation unit that generates statistical information regarding the print jobs based on the history, and a display processing unit that performs processing to display the statistical information on a terminal device, and the display processing unit processes the statistical information so that the display manner of the statistical information when a specified period includes a missing job, which is a print job that was executed by the printing device but whose history was identified as not being obtained from the printing device, is different from the display manner of the statistical information when the missing job is not included in the specified period.

[0006] The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes a history storage unit that stores the history of print jobs executed by a printing device, a generation unit that generates statistical information regarding the print jobs based on the history, and a display processing unit that performs processing to display the statistical information on a terminal device, and the display processing unit performs processing so that the display manner of the statistical information when a specified period includes a missing job, which is a print job that was executed by the printing device but whose history was identified as not being obtained from the printing device, is different from the display manner of the statistical information when the missing job is not included in the specified period.

[0007] The management method disclosed herein stores a history of print jobs executed by a printing device, generates statistical information about the print jobs based on the history, and performs processing to display the statistical information on a terminal device, so that the display manner of the statistical information when a specified period includes a missing job, which is a print job that was executed by the printing device but whose history was not obtained from the printing device, is different from the display manner of the statistical information when the specified period does not include the missing job. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an intermediary device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the intermediary device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a missing job according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating display information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 4 is a diagram illustrating a display screen displayed on a terminal device by processing of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 13] 4 is a diagram illustrating a display screen displayed on a terminal device by processing of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a diagram illustrating a display screen displayed on a terminal device by processing of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is a diagram illustrating a display screen displayed on a terminal device by processing of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations have been omitted as necessary.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a management system 1 according to a first embodiment. The management system 1 includes an intermediary device 10, an information processing device 100, one or more printing devices 200, and terminal devices 300A and 300B. The intermediary device 10, the information processing device 100, and the terminal device 300B are communicatively connected to each other via a network 2 such as the Internet. The intermediary device 10, the printing device 200, and the terminal device 300A are communicatively connected to each other via a local network 4 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the terminal devices 300A and 300B, they will simply be referred to as the terminal devices 300.

[0011] The management system 1 manages the processing status of the printing device 200. The management system 1 manages the history of print jobs executed by the printing device 200. Here, the intermediary device 10, the printing device 200, and the terminal device 300A may be devices of a customer of the printing device 200. In this case, the local network 4 is a network implemented within the organization of the customer. The management system 1 may have printing devices 200 of multiple customers. In this case, the management system 1 manages the processing status of the printing devices 200 of the multiple customers. Furthermore, in this case, the management system 1 may have multiple intermediary devices 10. In this case, in the management system 1, one or more printing devices 200 are connected to each of the multiple intermediary devices 10.

[0012] The printing device 200 is a device that performs printing, such as a printer. The printing device 200 may also have computer functions. The printing device 200 executes print jobs received from the terminal device 300A or the operation panel of the printing device 200, and stores a job history that is a history of executed print jobs. The configuration of the printing device 200 will be described in detail later. Note that a print job corresponds to a print command generated by a user's operation. The print job may also include print data, which is data for the printing process to be executed. The print data is data that represents an image to be printed on a print medium such as paper. The print data is, for example, document editing file data or image display file data. The job history corresponds to the execution result of an executed print job. The job history also corresponds to the processing status of the printing device 200.

[0013] The intermediary device 10 may be a computer having a processor, memory, etc. The intermediary device 10 monitors the printing device 200 connected via the local network 4. The intermediary device 10 also mediates information between the printing device 200 and the information processing device 100. Specifically, the intermediary device 10 acquires information from the printing device 200 via the local network 4 and transmits the acquired information to the information processing device 100 via the network 2. More specifically, the intermediary device 10 monitors print jobs executed by the printing device 200. The intermediary device 10 collects job histories from the printing device 200 and transmits the acquired job histories to the information processing device 100. The configuration of the intermediary device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0014] The information processing device 100 is a computer having a processor, memory, etc. The information processing device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a server. The information processing device 100 functions as a management device that manages the printing processing status of the intermediary device 10 and the printing device 200 connected via the network 2. The information processing device 100 manages job histories related to print jobs executed in the printing device 200. The information processing device 100 acquires job histories in the printing device 200 via the intermediary device 10 and stores the acquired job histories. The information processing device 100 also generates statistical information related to print jobs based on the job histories. The information processing device 100 performs processing to display the generated statistical information on the terminal device 300B. The configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described in detail later. The statistical information will be described in detail later.

[0015] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may be, for example, a web server that provides a statistical information viewing service to the terminal device 300. In this case, the information processing device 100 has a web application that provides the viewing web service. The terminal device 300 may access the viewing web service using a web browser, and the user may operate the terminal device 300 to send a viewing request to the information processing device 100. In response to this, the viewing web service of the information processing device 100 may perform processing so that the statistical information can be viewed using the web browser of the terminal device 300.

[0016] The terminal device 300 is a computer having a processor, memory, etc. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). The terminal device 300 is operated by a user. The terminal device 300A sends a print job to the printing device 200 and causes the printing device 200 to execute printing processing. The terminal device 300B displays statistical information generated by the information processing device 100. The terminal device 300B requests the information processing device 100 to view the statistical information in response to a user operation. The information processing device 100 performs processing to cause the terminal device 300 to display the statistical information in response to a request from the terminal device 300. Note that the terminal device 300A and the terminal device 300B may be integrated. In other words, the terminal device 300B may send a print job to the printing device 200. The user may also view the statistical information using the terminal device 300A. The configuration of the terminal device 300 will be described in detail below.

[0017] In the first embodiment, there are cases where a job history corresponding to a print job executed by the printing device 200 is not acquired from the printing device 200. That is, there are cases where the information processing device 100 cannot acquire the job history from the printing device 200. For example, because the printing device 200 has a limited storage capacity for storing the job history, the job history may be deleted before being sent from the printing device 200 to the intermediary device 10. Here, the storage corresponds to the memory unit 204 and the job history storage unit 250, which will be described later. Normally, the job history is sent from the printing device 200 to the intermediary device 10 in a relatively short time, so it is rare for the job history to be deleted before being sent from the printing device 200 to the intermediary device 10. However, there are cases where the intermediary device 10 is essentially offline, such as a period when the intermediary device 10 is not running or a period when communication between the printing device 200 and the intermediary device 10 is interrupted or significantly delayed due to some communication problem. During this offline period, the job history may not be sent from the printing device 200 to the intermediary device 10, or it may take longer than usual for the job history to be sent from the printing device 200 to the intermediary device 10. During this offline period, if a new print job is executed but the storage capacity is full, the old job history stored in the storage may be deleted to free up storage space for the job history of the newly executed print job. In this case, if the old job history is deleted before being sent to the intermediary device 100, the information processing device 100 may not be able to acquire the job history. Furthermore, for example, if the intermediary device 10 is not running, the information processing device 100 may not be able to acquire the job history from the printing device 200 because the intermediary device 10 does not acquire the job history. Furthermore, for example, if communication between the printing device 200 and the intermediary device 10 is interrupted, the information processing device 100 may not be able to acquire the job history from the printing device 200 because the intermediary device 10 does not acquire the job history.

[0018] In this way, a print job that is identified after the fact as having been executed by the printing device 200 but whose history was not obtained from the printing device 200 is referred to as a missing job or a lost job. In other words, a missing job is a print job related to a job history that was deleted from the printing device 200 before being sent from the printing device 200. A missing job can also be said to be a print job related to a job history that was not sent from the printing device 200 because the printing device 200 was unable to communicate with a device that collects job history. Note that the "device that collects job history" is, for example, the intermediary device 10, but it may also be the information processing device 100. Note that a print job that is identified as having been executed by the printing device 200 and whose history was obtained from the printing device 200 is referred to as a normal job. In other words, a normal job is a print job that is not a missing job.

[0019] In this way, when the information processing device 100 generates statistical information without acquiring job history from the printing device 200, the statistical information may be inaccurate. However, even if the user of the terminal device 300 views inaccurate statistical information, it is difficult for the user to recognize that the statistical information is inaccurate. Therefore, in this case, the user may misinterpret the processing status of the printing device 200.

[0020] In contrast, the management system 1 according to the first embodiment performs processing so that the display mode of statistical information when a missed job is included in a predetermined period differs from the display mode of statistical information when no missed job is included in the predetermined period. In other words, the management system 1 according to the first embodiment performs processing so that the display mode of statistical information when a missed job exists in a predetermined period differs from the display mode of statistical information when no missed job exists in the predetermined period. In further words, the management system 1 according to the first embodiment performs processing so that the display mode of statistical information when a missed job occurs in a predetermined period differs from the display mode of statistical information when no missed job occurs in the predetermined period. Note that a case where no missed job is included in a predetermined period can be said to be a case where only normal jobs are included in the predetermined period.

[0021] As a result, the management system 1 according to the first embodiment can notify the user that the statistical information is inaccurate when a missing job is present. Therefore, the management system 1 according to the first embodiment allows the user to recognize that the statistical information is inaccurate when a missing job is present.

[0022] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. The printing device 200 has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 202, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 206, an interface unit 210, and a printing unit 220. The processing unit 202, the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the interface unit 210, and the printing unit 220 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0023] The processing unit 202 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 202 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 202 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, and the like. The processing unit 202 controls the storage unit 204, communication unit 206, interface unit 210, and printing unit 220.

[0024] The storage unit 204 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 204 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 204 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 202. The storage unit 204 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 204 may include a database. The storage unit 204 stores job history.

[0025] The communication unit 206 performs processing necessary for the printing device 200 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 206 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 206 performs processing for the printing device 200 to communicate with the intermediary device 10 via the local network 4. The communication unit 206 may also perform processing for the printing device 200 to communicate with the terminal device 300 and the information processing device 100.

[0026] The interface unit 210 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 210 accepts data input operations by a user of the printing device 200 and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 210 has a display unit 212 and an operation unit 214. The display unit 212 is a display device that displays images, such as a display. The operation unit 214 is an input device for inputting or selecting information. The interface unit 210 may be configured such that an input device and an output device are integrated, such as a touch screen or touch panel. In this case, the display unit 212 and the operation unit 214 may be physically integrated. The interface unit 210 includes an operation panel. The display unit 212 and the operation unit 214 constitute the operation panel.

[0027] The printing unit 220 is an operating mechanism that realizes the functions of the printing device 200. The printing unit 220 has a printing function for forming an image on a print medium such as paper. In this case, the printing unit 220 also includes a print engine. The print engine is a mechanical configuration that prints an image on the print medium. The print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that prints using toner using an electrophotographic method. Alternatively, the print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that prints using an inkjet method. The print engine may also have a transport mechanism that transports the print medium. The print medium may include, for example, roll paper, standard size paper, photo paper, film, or matte paper.

[0028] The printing unit 220 has one or more driving components and one or more detection components 224. Driving components are components that are physically driven in the printing device 200. Here, "physically driving" means, for example, that the position of some structure that constitutes the driving component changes. Driving components include, for example, motors, actuators, solenoids, etc. Driving components also include, for example, components for transporting print media. For example, driving components may include a paper feed motor. Driving components also include, for example, components that constitute a carriage. For example, driving components may include a carriage motor and a carriage lock mechanism. Driving components also include, for example, components that constitute a pump.

[0029] The detection component 224 is a component that detects the status of the printing device 200. The detection component 224 is, for example, a sensor or an encoder. For example, the detection component 224 detects the status of a driving component. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the number of rotations of a driving component such as a motor. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the amount of ink. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the temperature, humidity, and air pressure of a specific location on the printing device 200. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the open / closed state of various covers on the printing device 200. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the amount of print media consumed. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the amount of ink consumed. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the type of print media used in the printing process.

[0030] The printing device 200 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, a job receiving unit 230, a job executing unit 240, a job history storage unit 250, and a job history transmitting unit 260. Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 202. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 202 executing a program stored in the storage unit 204. Each component may also be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0031] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized by a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized by using this integrated circuit.

[0032] The job receiving unit 230 receives a print job. For example, the job receiving unit 230 receives a print job from the terminal device 300A. In this case, the job receiving unit 230 can be realized by the communication unit 206. Alternatively, the job receiving unit 230 may receive a print job by, for example, a user operating the operation unit 214.

[0033] The job execution unit 240 executes the print job accepted by the job acceptance unit 230. The job execution unit 240 controls the operation of the printing unit 220 in accordance with the print command indicated in the print job, and executes the print process corresponding to the print job.

[0034] The job execution unit 240 also generates a job history, which is a history of executed print jobs. The job history includes job identification information (described later) and detailed information. The detailed information may include print setting information, detection information, the execution date and time of the corresponding print job, and a status. The print setting information indicates the print settings used when the corresponding print job was executed. The print setting information may indicate a job name, a printer name, and a media name. The printer name corresponds to the identification information of the printing device 200 that executed the corresponding print job. The media name corresponds to the type of print media used when the corresponding print job was executed. The job name may also be a file name corresponding to the print data related to the corresponding print job. The detection information indicates information detected by the detection component 224 when the corresponding print job was executed. The detection information may indicate, for example, the amount of print media and the amount of ink consumed when the print job was executed. The detection information may also indicate the temperature, humidity, and air pressure when the print job was executed. The status may indicate whether an error occurred when the corresponding print job was executed. The detailed information of the job history may also include mechanical parameters that indicate various parameters of the printing device 200 when the corresponding print job was executed. Mechanical parameters include, for example, the number of times the print engine and drive components provided in the printing unit 220 were driven.

[0035] Furthermore, the job executing unit 240 assigns consecutive identification information to each executed print job. The identification information assigned to a print job is referred to as job identification information. The job identification information may be a value that changes monotonically and discretely according to a predetermined rule. For example, the job identification information may be identification information whose value assigned to the print job advances by a predetermined interval each time the print job is executed. In other words, when a print job is executed, the value of the job identification information assigned to that print job can be uniquely determined from the job identification information assigned to the print job executed immediately before that print job. In other words, the job identification information #n of the nth executed print job can be uniquely determined according to the job identification information #(n-1) of the (n-1)th executed print job. Furthermore, the job identification information assigned to a print job can be uniquely determined according to the execution order of the print job. In other words, the job identification information #n of the nth executed print job can be uniquely determined according to the ordinal number n.

[0036] The job identification information may be, for example, a number whose value increases by one each time a print job is executed. For example, a print job executed after a print job assigned job identification information "001" may be assigned job identification information "002." Alternatively, the job identification information may be, for example, a character string whose value increases by one each time a print job is executed. For example, a print job executed after a print job assigned job identification information "AAA" may be assigned job identification information "BBB." Alternatively, a print job executed after a print job assigned job identification information "AAA" may be assigned job identification information "AAB." Alternatively, the job identification information may be a combination of a number and an alphabet.

[0037] The job history storage unit 250 stores job histories generated by the job execution unit 240. The job history storage unit 250 may be realized by the memory unit 204. The job history storage unit 250 stores a job history each time a print job is executed. Here, the job history storage unit 250 can store a predetermined number of job histories due to storage capacity constraints. In other words, the job history storage unit 250 cannot store more than a predetermined number of job histories due to storage capacity constraints. Furthermore, when a new print job is executed when the job history storage unit 250 already stores a predetermined number of job histories, the job history storage unit 250 cannot store a job history related to the newly executed print job. Therefore, the job history storage unit 250 deletes the oldest job history from the stored job histories. In other words, the job history storage unit 250 deletes the job history related to the print job that was executed most recently from the stored job histories. This allows the job history storage unit 250 to store a job history related to the newly executed print job.

[0038] The job history transmission unit 260 transmits the job histories to the intermediary device 10. When the job history transmission unit 260 receives an inquiry from the intermediary device 10 requesting transmission of the job histories, the job history transmission unit 260 transmits the job histories stored in the job history storage unit 250 to the intermediary device 10. In this way, the job histories are collected by the intermediary device 10. The job history transmission unit 260 may transmit the job histories stored in the job history storage unit 250 to the intermediary device 10 in reverse chronological order. Alternatively, the job history transmission unit 260 may transmit all the job histories stored in the job history storage unit 250 to the intermediary device 10 all at once. Note that, as described above, because older job histories may be deleted when new job histories are stored in the job history storage unit 250, the job history transmission unit 260 does not necessarily transmit job histories for all executed print jobs.

[0039] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the intermediary device 10 according to the first embodiment. The intermediary device 10 according to the first embodiment has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 12, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 16, and an interface unit 18. The processing unit 12, the storage unit 14, the communication unit 16, and the interface unit 18 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0040] The processing unit 12 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 12 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 12 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The processing unit 12 controls the storage unit 14, the communication unit 16, and the interface unit 18.

[0041] The storage unit 14 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 14 is, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 14 may have multiple memories. The storage unit 14 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 12. The storage unit 14 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 14 may include a database. The storage unit 14 may also store job history acquired from the printing device 200.

[0042] The communication unit 16 performs processing necessary for the intermediary device 10 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 16 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 16 performs processing for the intermediary device 10 to communicate with the printing device 200 via the local network 4. The communication unit 16 also performs processing for the intermediary device 10 to communicate with the information processing device 100 via the network 2. The communication unit 16 may also perform processing for the intermediary device 10 to communicate with the terminal device 300.

[0043] The interface unit 18 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 18 has an input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and an output device such as a display or a speaker. The interface unit 18 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, for example, as in a touch screen or a touch panel. The interface unit 18 accepts data input operations by the user of the intermediary device 10 and outputs information to the user.

[0044] The intermediary device 10 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, a job monitoring unit 20, a missing job identifying unit 22, a complementing unit 24, a job history storage unit 26, and a job history transmitting unit 30. The job monitoring unit 20, the missing job identifying unit 22, the complementing unit 24, the job history storage unit 26, and the job history transmitting unit 30 may perform processing separately for each of the multiple printing devices 200.

[0045] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 12. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 12 executing a program stored in the storage unit 14. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0046] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0047] The job monitoring unit 20 monitors print jobs executed by the printing device 200. Specifically, the job monitoring unit 20 sends a query to the printing device 200 requesting that the printing device 200 transmit a job history. The job monitoring unit 20 may send the query to the printing device 200 every few seconds, for example. The job monitoring unit 20 then receives the job history transmitted from the printing device 200 in response to the query. The job monitoring unit 20 can be realized by the communication unit 16.

[0048] The job history storage unit 26 stores the acquired job histories. The job history storage unit 26 can be realized by the memory unit 14. The job history storage unit 26 stores the job histories for each printing device 200. In other words, the job history storage unit 26 stores the job histories of one printing device 200 separately from the job histories of other printing devices 200. The job history storage unit 26 may store the job histories in the order of the job identification information included in the job histories. In other words, the job history storage unit 26 may store the job histories in chronological order from oldest to newest. Unlike the job history storage unit 250 of the printing device 200, the job history storage unit 26 of the intermediary device 10 does not need to consider storage capacity constraints. In other words, the job history storage unit 26 does not need to delete old job histories.

[0049] The missing job identifying unit 22 identifies a missing job using the job identification information included in the received job history. That is, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies a missing job based on the continuity of the job identification information included in the received job history. Specifically, if the job identification information of multiple print jobs in the acquired job history is not consecutive, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies the print job associated with the missing job identification information as a missing job. More specifically, the missing job identifying unit 22 determines whether the job identification information included in the acquired multiple job histories is consecutive. In other words, the missing job identifying unit 22 determines whether there is any missing information in the job identification information included in the acquired multiple job histories. If there is any missing information in the job identification information included in the acquired multiple job histories, the missing job identifying unit 22 determines that the job identification information is not consecutive. Then, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies the print job associated with the missing job identification information as a missing job.

[0050] For example, suppose the job identification information is a series of numbers such as "001," "002," "003," "004," and so on. Furthermore, suppose the job identification information included in the job history acquired from the printing device 200 is "001," "002," "003," "004," "006," "007," "008," and "009." In this case, the missing job identifying unit 22 determines that the job identification information "005" is missing. Therefore, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies the print job associated with the job identification information "005" as a missing job. In this case, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies the print jobs associated with the job identification information "001," "002," "003," "004," "006," "007," "008," and "009" as normal jobs. Here, the print job identified as the missing job with job identification information "005" is a print job that was deleted from job history storage unit 250 during the offline period described above. Furthermore, the print jobs with job identification information "001," "002," "003," and "004" are print jobs that intermediary device 10 obtained from printing device 200 during a period prior to the offline period. Furthermore, the print jobs with job identification information "006," "007," "008," and "009" are print jobs that intermediary device 10 obtained from printing device 200 during a period after the offline period, i.e., during a period when communication between printing device 200 and intermediary device 10 was restored after being interrupted.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, if the job identification information included in the acquired job history is "001," "002," "006," "007," "008," and "009," the missing job identifying unit 22 determines that the job identification information "003," "004," and "005" are missing. Therefore, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies the print jobs corresponding to the job identification information "003," "004," and "005" as missing jobs. In this case, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies multiple consecutive print jobs as missing jobs. In this case, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies the print jobs corresponding to the job identification information "001," "002," "006," "007," "008," and "009" as normal jobs.

[0052] Also, for example, suppose the job identification information is a string of consecutive alphabetical characters such as "AAA," "AAB," "AAC," "AAD," etc. Furthermore, suppose the job identification information included in the job history acquired from the printing device 200 is "AAA," "AAB," "AAC," "AAD," "AAE," "AAG," "AAH," and "AAI." In this case, the missing job identifying unit 22 determines that the job identification information "AAF" is missing. Therefore, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies the print job associated with the job identification information "AAF" as a missing job. The missing job identifying unit 22 also identifies the print jobs associated with the job identification information "AAA," "AAB," "AAC," "AAD," "AAE," "AAG," "AAH," and "AAI" as normal jobs.

[0053] The complementing unit 24 complements the content of the job history for the missing job to generate a complemented job history, which is a job history complemented for the missing job. Specifically, the complementing unit 24 estimates, for the missing job, part of the information contained in the job history of the normal job. More specifically, the complementing unit 24 adds job identification information for the missing job to the complemented job history. The complementing unit 24 also estimates the content of the complemented job history for the missing job from the job history for the normal job executed before the missing job and the job history for the normal job executed after the missing job. Note that the complementing unit 24 does not need to estimate all of the information contained in the job history of the normal job for the missing job. In other words, the complemented job history may not include some of the detailed information. For example, the aforementioned mechanical parameters are included in the job history of the normal job, but may not be included in the complemented job history for the missing job. The complementing unit 24, for example, estimates the printer name indicating the printing device 200 that executed the missing print job. In principle, the printer name for a missing job is the same as the printer names for the normal jobs before and after the missing job, and can therefore be easily estimated.

[0054] Alternatively, for example, the complementing unit 24 may estimate the execution date and time of the missing job from the execution dates and times included in the job histories of normal jobs before and after the missing job. For example, the complementing unit 24 may estimate the execution date and time of the missing job from the difference between the execution date and time of the normal job before the missing job and the execution date and time of the normal job after the missing job. For example, the complementing unit 24 may determine, as the execution date and time of the missing job, any date and time between the execution date and time of the normal job before the missing job and the execution date and time of the normal job after the missing job.

[0055] Alternatively, for example, the complementing unit 24 may estimate the ink consumption amount when the missing job was executed from the ink consumption amount included in the job history for the normal jobs before and after the missing job. For example, the complementing unit 24 may estimate the ink consumption amount when the missing job was executed from the difference between the ink consumption amount of the normal job before the missing job and the ink consumption amount of the normal job after the missing job. For example, the complementing unit 24 may set the ink consumption amount when the missing job was executed to an arbitrary value between the ink consumption amount of the normal job before the missing job and the ink consumption amount of the normal job after the missing job. For example, the complementing unit 24 may set the ink consumption amount when the missing job was executed to an intermediate value between the ink consumption amount of the normal job before the missing job and the ink consumption amount of the normal job after the missing job. In this way, by complementing the content of the complementary job history for the missing job, the cost when the missing job was executed can be estimated. The complementing unit 24 may also estimate the print media consumption amount when the missing job was executed using the same method as the ink consumption estimation method described above.

[0056] Furthermore, the complementing unit 24 adds a lost job flag to the complementary job history for the missing job, which is a flag indicating that the corresponding print job is a missing job. The job history storage unit 26 stores the complementary job history with the lost job flag added. The job history storage unit 26 may store multiple job histories including the complementary job history in the order of job identification information. Note that the content of the complementary job history may be inaccurate compared to the content of the job history for a normal job, and may contain omissions.

[0057] The job history transmission unit 30 transmits the job history stored in the job history storage unit 26 to the information processing device 100 via the network 2. The job history transmission unit 30 can be realized by the communication unit 106. Note that the job history transmitted by the job history transmission unit 30 can include a complementary job history for the missing job.

[0058] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and an interface unit 108. The processing unit 102, the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 108 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0059] The processing unit 102 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 102 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 102 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The processing unit 102 controls the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 108.

[0060] The storage unit 104 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 104 may have multiple memories. The storage unit 104 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 102. The storage unit 104 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 104 may include a database. The storage unit 104 stores job history.

[0061] The communication unit 106 performs processing necessary for the information processing device 100 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 106 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 106 performs processing for the information processing device 100 to communicate with the intermediary device 10 and the terminal device 300. The communication unit 106 may also perform processing for the information processing device 100 to communicate with the printing device 200.

[0062] The interface unit 108 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 108 has an input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and an output device such as a display or a speaker. The interface unit 108 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, for example, as in a touch screen or a touch panel. The interface unit 108 accepts data input operations by the user of the information processing device 100, and outputs information to the user.

[0063] The information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, a job history receiving unit 110, a history storage unit 120, a request receiving unit 130, a generating unit 140, a missing job determining unit 150, and a display processing unit 160. These components can be operated by an operating system, which is basic software. These components may also be realized by a web application that provides a browsing web service.

[0064] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 102. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 102 executing a program stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0065] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0066] The job history receiving unit 110 receives the job history from the intermediary device 10. The job history receiving unit 110 may be realized by the communication unit 106. Note that the job history received from the intermediary device 10 may include a complementary job history for a missing job.

[0067] The history storage unit 120 stores job histories acquired from the intermediary device 10. The history storage unit 120 may be realized by the storage unit 104. Note that the job histories stored in the history storage unit 120 may include complementary job histories for missing jobs.

[0068] The request receiving unit 130 receives a request to view statistical information from the terminal device 300B. The request to view is sent by the user operating the terminal device 300B. The request to view includes a specification indicating which printing device 200 the statistical information for which is to be viewed and a specification indicating which period the statistical information for which is to be viewed. In other words, the request to view specifies the printing device 200 and the specified period for which the statistical information to be viewed is to be viewed.

[0069] The generation unit 140 generates statistical information about print jobs based on the histories. The generation unit 140 generates statistical information about print jobs using job histories stored in the history storage unit 120. Specifically, the generation unit 140 analyzes multiple job histories to generate statistical information in response to a viewing request. More specifically, the generation unit 140 aggregates values ​​indicated in multiple job histories and performs calculations using the values ​​indicated in the multiple job histories to generate statistical information for the printing device 200 specified in the viewing request for a predetermined period specified in the viewing request. In other words, the generation unit 140 aggregates values ​​indicated in multiple job histories related to print jobs executed by the printing device 200 specified in the viewing request during a predetermined period and performs calculations using the values ​​indicated in the multiple job histories to generate statistical information. In other words, the generation unit 140 generates statistical information using job histories whose execution dates and times are within the predetermined period and whose printer names indicate the printing device 200 specified in the viewing request. Note that the generation unit 140 generates statistical information using job histories that may include complementary job histories for missing jobs. That is, the generating unit 140 may generate statistical information regardless of whether the job history includes a complementary job history. In other words, the generating unit 140 may generate statistical information without distinguishing between cases where the job history includes a complementary job history and cases where the job history does not include a complementary job history. Therefore, statistical information generated using a job history that includes a complementary job history may be inaccurate.

[0070] For example, the generating unit 140 may generate, as the statistical information, a graph showing the number of print jobs executed in a predetermined period. That is, the statistical information may include the number of print jobs executed in a predetermined period. Furthermore, for example, the generating unit 140 may generate statistical information showing the amount of print media consumed in a predetermined period. Furthermore, for example, the generating unit 140 may generate statistical information showing the amount of ink consumed in a predetermined period. That is, the statistical information may include at least one of the amount of print media consumed and the amount of ink consumed in a predetermined period.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, the generation unit 140 may generate statistical information indicating printing costs over a predetermined period of time. The printing costs may be calculated, for example, by a media cost according to the amount of print media consumed and an ink cost according to the amount of ink consumed. The media cost may be calculated by multiplying the cost per unit amount of print media by the amount of print media consumed. Furthermore, the ink cost may be calculated by multiplying the cost per unit amount of ink by the amount of ink consumed. In other words, the statistical information may include costs according to at least one of the amount of print media consumed and the amount of ink consumed over a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, the printing costs may be calculated according to the number of print jobs executed.

[0072] The missing job determination unit 150 determines whether any missing jobs are included in the specified period. In other words, the missing job determination unit 150 determines whether any missing jobs exist within the specified period. In yet another way, the missing job determination unit 150 determines whether any missing jobs have occurred within the specified period. In yet another way, the missing job determination unit 150 determines whether any missing jobs have been executed within the specified period by the printing device 200 specified in the view request. Specifically, the missing job determination unit 150 determines whether the job history related to the print jobs executed within the specified period by the printing device 200 specified in the view request includes a complementary job history, which is a job history with a lost job flag added. If a missing job is included, the missing job determination unit 150 outputs a signal indicating this to the display processing unit 160.

[0073] The display processing unit 160 performs processing for displaying the statistical information on the terminal device 300B. That is, the display processing unit 160 performs processing for displaying the statistical information generated by the generation unit 140 on the terminal device 300 that sent the viewing request. Specifically, the display processing unit 160 generates display information for displaying the statistical information on the terminal device 300. If the information processing device 100 has a web application that provides a viewing web service, the display information is information for displaying the statistical information on the web browser of the terminal device 300. The display information includes information to be displayed on the terminal device 300 and a display instruction that is an instruction for displaying the information on the terminal device 300. The "information to be displayed on the terminal device 300" includes the above-mentioned statistical information. If the statistical information includes a graph, the display instruction includes an instruction for displaying the statistical information in a graph. That is, the display processing unit 160 performs processing to display the statistical information in a graph.

[0074] Furthermore, the "information to be displayed on the terminal device 300" may include a job list, which is a list of print jobs. In other words, the display processing unit 160 may perform processing so that the job list is displayed. The job list is a list of job histories related to print jobs executed during a predetermined period. In the job list, a lost job flag is added to a complementary job history, which is a job history related to a missing job. The job list may be included in the statistical information.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the display processing unit 160 performs processing so that the display mode of the statistical information when a missing job is included in the predetermined period differs from the display mode of the statistical information when the missing job is not included in the predetermined period. Specifically, when the missing job determination unit 150 determines that a missing job is included in the predetermined period, the display processing unit 160 adds a warning display command to the display instruction for the display information. In other words, when a missing job is included in the predetermined period, the display instruction for the display information includes a warning display command.

[0076] The warning display command is a command for changing the display mode of statistical information when a missing job is included in the specified period from the display mode of statistical information when no missing job is included in the specified period. For example, the warning display command may be a command for displaying a warning in the statistical information. That is, the display processing unit 160 performs processing so that a warning is displayed in the statistical information when a missing job is included and no warning is displayed in the statistical information when no missing job is included. The warning may be, for example, a character string displayed in a conspicuous manner. For example, the warning display command may be a command for displaying the character string indicating the warning in red, or a command for displaying the character string indicating the warning in a larger size than the characters displayed in the statistical information. The warning may also be, for example, a message indicating the warning displayed in red. The message may be, for example, "The statistical information may be inaccurate because a missing job is included." The warning may also be an icon displayed in a conspicuous manner, such as red. In this case, the warning display command may be a command for displaying the icon together with the statistical information. The warning display command may also include a command for displaying the above message when the icon is clicked on the display screen of the terminal device 300.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, if the statistical information includes a graph, the warning display command may be a command to change the display mode of the graph depending on whether the graph includes a missing job or not. That is, the display processing unit 160 performs processing so that the display mode of the graph when a missing job is included is different from the display mode of the graph when no missing job is included. For example, the warning display command may be a command to display the graph when a missing job is included in a more prominent manner than the graph when no missing job is included. For example, the warning display command may be a command to display the graph when a missing job is included in red and the graph when no missing job is included in blue. Furthermore, the "prominent manner" does not have to be a difference in color. For example, the "prominent manner" may be the application of hatching. In this case, the warning display command may be a command to display the graph when a missing job is included in hatching and the graph when no missing job is not included in hatching.

[0078] The warning display command may also be a command to display a missing job in a different manner from a normal job in the job list. That is, the display processing unit 160 performs processing so that the missing job is displayed in a different manner from a normal job in the job list. For example, the warning display command may be a command to display a complementary job history, which is a job history related to a missing job, in a more noticeable manner than a job history related to a normal job. For example, the warning display command may be a command to display a complementary job history related to a missing job in red and a job history related to a normal job in black. Furthermore, the "noticeable manner" does not have to be a difference in color. For example, the "noticeable manner" may be to increase the size of the text or to add decoration such as hatching around the complementary job history.

[0079] The display processing unit 160 transmits the display information to the terminal device 300 that has sent the view request. As a result, the statistical information and the job list are displayed on the terminal device 300 that has sent the view request.

[0080] 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the terminal device 300 according to the first embodiment. The terminal device 300 according to the first embodiment has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 302, a storage unit 304, a communication unit 306, and an interface unit 310. The processing unit 302, the storage unit 304, the communication unit 306, and the interface unit 310 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0081] The processing unit 302 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 302 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 302 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The processing unit 302 controls the storage unit 304, the communication unit 306, and the interface unit 310.

[0082] The storage unit 304 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 304 is, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 304 may have multiple memories. The storage unit 304 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 302. The storage unit 304 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 304 may include a database.

[0083] The communication unit 306 performs processing necessary for the terminal device 300 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 306 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 306 performs processing for the terminal device 300 to communicate with the information processing device 100. The communication unit 306 may also perform processing for the terminal device 300 to communicate with the printing device 200 or the intermediary device 10.

[0084] The interface unit 310 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 310 accepts data input operations by the user of the terminal device 300 and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 310 has a display unit 312 and an operation unit 314. The display unit 312 is, for example, a display device that displays images. The operation unit 314 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse that inputs or selects information. The interface unit 310 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, such as a touch screen or a touch panel. In this case, the display unit 312 and the operation unit 314 may be physically integrated. The interface unit 310 may also have a speaker and a microphone.

[0085] The terminal device 300 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, an application 320, a job execution instruction unit 322, a view request unit 330, a display information acquisition unit 340, and an information display control unit 350. These components can be operated by an operating system, which is basic software. When the information processing device 100 provides a web viewing service, the view request unit 330, the display information acquisition unit 340, and the information display control unit 350 can be realized by the functions of a web browser. At least the view request unit 330, the display information acquisition unit 340, and the information display control unit 350 can be included in the terminal device 300B of FIG. 1.

[0086] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 302. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 302 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0087] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0088] The application 320 is application software capable of performing processes involving printing. The application 320 may be, for example, document editing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, or photo display software. The application 320 outputs print data to the job execution instruction unit 322. The application 320 may be included in at least the terminal device 300A of FIG. 1.

[0089] The job execution instruction unit 322 sends a print instruction to the printing device 200. The job execution instruction unit 322 may be software for controlling the printing device 200 to operate the printing device 200. The job execution instruction unit 322 may be realized by, for example, a printer driver. Specifically, when the job execution instruction unit 322 acquires print data from the application 320, it generates a print job including the print data. The job execution instruction unit 322 sends the print job corresponding to the print instruction to the printing device 200. The job execution instruction unit 322 may be included in at least the terminal device 300A in FIG. 1.

[0090] The view request unit 330 generates a view request for viewing statistical information. Specifically, the view request unit 330 causes the display unit 312 to display a view request screen for generating the view request. The view request screen can be realized by a GUI (Graphical User Interface). The user operates the view request screen using the GUI to specify which printing device 200's statistical information to view. The user also operates the view request screen using the GUI to specify which period of statistical information to view. In other words, the user operates the view request screen to specify the printing device 200 and the predetermined period related to the statistical information to be viewed. The view request unit 330 transmits the generated view request to the information processing device 100. As described above, the information processing device 100 transmits display information to the terminal device 300 in response to the view request.

[0091] The display information acquisition unit 340 acquires display information including statistical information from the information processing device 100. The display information acquisition unit 340 may be realized by the communication unit 306. As described above, the display information includes a job list, statistical information, and a display instruction.

[0092] The information display control unit 350 performs control to display the job list and statistical information included in the display information on the display unit 312 in accordance with the display instructions included in the display information. For example, the information display control unit 350 performs control to display the job list and statistical information on the display unit 312 using a web browser. Here, if a missing job is included in the specified predetermined period, the information display control unit 350 performs control to display a warning in the statistical information in accordance with the warning display command in the display instructions. Furthermore, if a missing job is included in the specified predetermined period, the information display control unit 350 performs control to display the missing job in a different manner from the normal job in the job list in accordance with the warning display command in the display instructions.

[0093] 6 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. The printing device 200 executes a print job (step S100). Specifically, as described above, the job receiving unit 230 receives a print job, and the job executing unit 240 executes the received print job. Then, as described above, the job executing unit 240 assigns identification information to the executed print job (step S102).

[0094] The printing device 200 determines whether a new job history related to the executed print job can be saved (step S104). If a new job history can be saved (YES in S104), the job history storage unit 250 of the printing device 200 stores the new job history related to the executed print job (step S106). On the other hand, if the job history storage unit 250 cannot save any more job histories due to storage capacity constraints (NO in S104), the job history storage unit 250 deletes the oldest job history among the saved job histories (step S108). This ensures storage capacity for saving the new job history. The job history storage unit 250 then stores the new job history (S106). In this case, if the print job related to the deleted job history is a print job that has not been sent from the printing device 200 to the intermediary device 10 due to the offline period described above, the print job related to the deleted job history becomes a lost job. The following description will continue assuming that a lost job has occurred.

[0095] The printing device 200 determines whether or not there has been an inquiry from the intermediary device 10 requesting transmission of job histories (step S110). If there has been no inquiry from the intermediary device 10 (NO in S110), the printing device 200 waits until there is an inquiry from the intermediary device 10. On the other hand, if there has been an inquiry from the intermediary device 10 (YES in S110), the job history transmission unit 260 of the printing device 200 transmits the job histories stored in the job history storage unit 250 to the intermediary device 10 in response to the inquiry (step S112). Note that if the intermediary device 10 inquires to transmit all the job histories stored in the job history storage unit 250 at once, the job history transmission unit 260 may transmit all the job histories stored in the job history storage unit 250 at once. Also, if the intermediary device 10 inquires to transmit the job histories stored in the job history storage unit 250 in chronological order, the job history transmission unit 260 may transmit the job histories stored in the job history storage unit 250 in chronological order.

[0096] 7 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the intermediary device 10 according to the first embodiment. The job monitoring unit 20 of the intermediary device 10 makes an inquiry to the printing device 200 requesting transmission of a job history (step S120). When the printing device 200 transmits the job history in the processing of S112 described above, the job monitoring unit 20 receives the job history from the printing device 200 (step S122). As described above, the received job history is stored in the job history storage unit 26.

[0097] The missing job identifying unit 22 identifies a missing job (step S124). As described above, the missing job identifying unit 22 identifies a missing job based on the continuity of job identification information included in the received job history. The job monitoring unit 20 may inquire to sequentially transmit job histories, starting with the most recent job history and ending with the job history immediately following the most recent job history stored in the job history storage unit 26. The missing job identifying unit 22 may then identify, as a missing job, a print job corresponding to job identification information in a job history that was not received because it was deleted in the printing device 200.

[0098] As described above, the complementing unit 24 complements the content of the missing job and generates a complementary job history for the missing job (step S126). As described above, the complementing unit 24 adds a lost job flag to the complementary job history. If there is no missing job, the process of S126 is omitted. Then, the job history transmitting unit 30 transmits the job history, which may include the complementary job history, to the information processing device 100 (step S128).

[0099] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a missing job according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the job history storage unit 250 of the printing device 200 has a storage capacity capable of storing four job histories. The job history storage unit 250 already stores four job histories related to print jobs with job identification information #3, #4, #5, and #6, as indicated by arrow A1. In this state, the printing device 200 executes a new print job and assigns job identification information #7 to the executed print job. In this case, while the job history storage unit 250 still stores the four job histories indicated by arrow A1, it cannot store a job history related to the print job with job identification information #7. Therefore, as indicated by arrow A2, the job history storage unit 250 deletes the job history with job identification information #3, the oldest of the four job histories already stored. Here, it is assumed that the job history with job identification information #3 has not been sent from the printing device 200 to the intermediary device 10 due to the offline period described above. Then, job history storage section 250 stores four job histories relating to print jobs with job identification information #4, #5, #6, and #7, as indicated by arrow A3.

[0100] Meanwhile, job history storage unit 26 of intermediary device 10 already stores job histories for print jobs with job identification information #1 and #2, as indicated by arrow B1. The job histories for print jobs with job identification information #1 and #2 are print jobs executed by printing device 200 before the offline period and were sent to intermediary device 10 before the offline period. In this state, job monitoring unit 20 of intermediary device 10 inquires of printing device 200 that it should send a job history when normal communication is possible after recovery from the offline period. Then, job monitoring unit 20 acquires four job histories for print jobs with job identification information #4, #5, #6, and #7, as indicated by arrow B2.

[0101] The missing job identifying unit 22 determines that job identification information #2 and job identification information #4 are discontinuous based on job identification information #1 and #2 related to the already stored job history and job identification information #4, #5, #6, and #7 related to the received job history. That is, the missing job identifying unit 22 determines that job identification information #3, which should follow job identification information #2, does not exist. Therefore, the missing job identifying unit 22 determines that job identification information #3 is missing. That is, the missing job identifying unit 22 determines that job identification information #3 related to the print job that should have been executed after the print job related to job identification information #2 is missing. Therefore, the missing job identifying unit 22 retroactively determines that the print job related to job identification information #3 is a missing job. Then, the complementing unit 24 complements the content of the missing job related to job identification information #3 and generates a complemented job history related to job identification information #3, as indicated by arrow B3.

[0102] 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing processing executed by the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 9 and 10 show a management method executed by the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment to store a job history. In the information processing device 100, the job history receiving unit 110 determines whether or not a job history has been received from the intermediary device 10 (step S140). If a job history has not been received from the intermediary device 10 (NO in S140), the job history receiving unit 110 waits until a job history is received. On the other hand, if the job history receiving unit 110 receives a job history from the intermediary device 10 (YES in S140), the history storage unit 120 stores the received job history (step S142).

[0103] 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment to display statistical information on the terminal device 300. In the information processing device 100, the request receiving unit 130 determines whether or not a view request has been received from the terminal device 300B (step S150). If a view request has not been received (NO in S150), the request receiving unit 130 waits until a view request is received.

[0104] On the other hand, if the request receiving unit 130 receives a view request (YES in S150), as described above, the generating unit 140 generates statistical information about print jobs for a predetermined period specified in the view request (step S152). Specifically, the generating unit 140 generates the statistical information using job histories for the predetermined period stored in the history storage unit 120.

[0105] The missing job determination unit 150 determines whether or not any missing jobs are included in the predetermined period specified in the view request (step S154). If no missing jobs are included in the predetermined period specified in the view request (NO in S154), the display processing unit 160 does not add the above-mentioned warning display command to the display information (step S156). On the other hand, if any missing jobs are included in the predetermined period specified in the view request (YES in S154), the display processing unit 160 adds the above-mentioned warning display command to the display information (step S158). Then, the display processing unit 160 transmits the display information including the statistical information to the terminal device 300B that sent the view request (step S160).

[0106] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display information according to the first embodiment. The display information includes a job list, statistical information, and a display instruction. In the example of FIG. 11, the job list includes job histories for print jobs #1, #2, #3, and #4. In the example of FIG. 11, print job #3 is a lost job. Therefore, a lost job flag is added to print job #3. The job history for print job #3 is a complementary job history. Therefore, the job history for print job #3 is highly likely to be inaccurate.

[0107] In the example of FIG. 11, the statistical information includes the number of jobs, print media consumption, ink consumption, and printing cost for a predetermined period. As described above, the example of FIG. 11 includes print job #3, which is a missing job during the predetermined period. Therefore, the display instruction includes a warning display command. The statistical information described above may be inaccurate.

[0108] 12 to 15 are diagrams illustrating examples of display screens displayed on the terminal device 300 by the processing of the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment. The display screens illustrated in Fig. 12 to 15 are displayed on the display unit 312 of the terminal device 300 by display information transmitted from the information processing device 100.

[0109] 12 is a diagram illustrating a display screen Im1 in a case where no missing jobs are included. On the display screen Im1, an area Ar1 is an area showing the printing device 200 that is the subject of statistical information. Also, on the display screen Im1, an area Ar2 is an area showing the specified period that is the subject of statistical information. Also, on the display screen Im1, an area Ar3 is an area showing a job list related to the specified printing device 200 for the specified specified period. Also, on the display screen Im1, an area Ar4 is an area showing statistical information related to the specified printing device 200 for the specified specified period.

[0110] In the example of FIG. 12 , the printing device 200 "AA008" is specified, and the predetermined period "2024 / 01 / 23-2024 / 01 / 30" is specified. The user may also specify the printing device 200 by operating area Ar1. Specifically, the user may specify the printing device 200 "AA008" by clicking the checkbox for "AA008" through a GUI operation using the operation unit 314. Similarly, the user may specify the predetermined period by operating area Ar2. Specifically, the user may specify the predetermined period by inputting the predetermined period in area Ar2 through a GUI operation using the operation unit 314. As a result, a view request specifying the printing device 200 and the predetermined period may be generated, and the view request may be transmitted to the information processing device 100. Then, display information may be received from the information processing device 100, a job list corresponding to the view request may be displayed in area Ar3, and statistical information corresponding to the view request may be displayed in area Ar4.

[0111] 12, the job list displayed in area Ar3 includes, for each corresponding print job, the job name, cost, printer name, media name, media consumption, ink consumption, print end date and time, and status. Also, in the example of FIG. 12, the statistical information displayed in area Ar4 includes the number of print jobs, media consumption, ink consumption, media cost, ink cost, and total cost over a specified period. The statistical information displayed in area Ar4 corresponds to the aggregate value over the specified period.

[0112] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display screen Im2 that displays statistical information when a missing job is included. The display screen Im2 displays a total cost Im21. The display screen Im2 also displays a warning icon Im22 corresponding to a warning display near the total cost Im21. The warning icon Im22 is displayed in a conspicuous display mode, such as red. The display screen Im2 also displays a speech bubble Im23 corresponding to a warning display near the warning icon Im22. The speech bubble Im23 displays a message explaining that the statistical information is inaccurate due to the inclusion of a missing job. The speech bubble Im23 may also indicate the cause of the inclusion of the missing job. The information display control unit 350 causes the display unit 312 to display the warning icon Im22 and speech bubble Im23 in accordance with a warning display command included in the display instruction. Here, if a missing job is not included, the warning icon Im22 and speech bubble Im23 are not displayed because the display instruction does not include a warning display command. Therefore, the display mode when a missing job is included differs from the display mode when a missing job is not included.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen Im3 that displays statistical information when a missing job is included. The display screen Im3 displays a graph Im31 that indicates the number of print jobs. The graph Im31 separately displays a bar graph Im311 that indicates the number of normal jobs that are not missing jobs, and a bar graph Im312 that indicates the number of missing jobs. The display mode of the bar graph Im312 differs from the display mode of the bar graph Im311. This display mode of the bar graph Im312 corresponds to a warning display. For example, the bar graph Im311 may be displayed in blue, and the bar graph Im312 may be displayed in red. Alternatively, the bar graph Im312 may be hatched, and the bar graph Im311 may not be hatched. Therefore, the display mode when a missing job is included differs from the display mode when a missing job is not included. The difference in the display mode is determined by whether or not the display instruction includes a warning display command, similar to the above-described warning icon Im22 and speech bubble Im23.

[0114] The display screen Im3 also displays a warning icon Im32 corresponding to the warning display. The warning icon Im32 is displayed in a conspicuous display mode, such as red. The warning icon Im32 may also be displayed in the same display mode as the warning icon Im22 displayed on the display screen Im2 illustrated in FIG. 13. The display screen Im3 also displays a message Im33 corresponding to the warning display. The message Im33 displays a message explaining that the statistical information is inaccurate because a missing job is included. Here, the warning icon Im32 and the message Im33 are not displayed if no missing jobs are included. Therefore, the display mode when a missing job is included differs from the display mode when no missing jobs are included. This difference in display mode is determined by whether or not the display instruction includes a warning display command, as described above.

[0115] 14 shows the number of print jobs, but other statistical information, such as print media consumption or ink consumption, may be displayed in graph form. The user may select the statistical information to be displayed by operating a selection area Ar34 on the display screen Im3. The selection area Ar34 may be implemented by a GUI component such as a list box, a drop-down list, a check box, or a radio button.

[0116] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen Im4 that displays statistical information when a missing job is included. The display screen Im4 displays an area Ar43 that displays a job list and an area Ar44 that displays statistical information. A warning icon Im421 corresponding to a warning display is displayed in area Ar44. The warning icon Im421 is displayed in a conspicuous display mode, such as red. The warning icon Im421 may also be displayed in the same display mode as the warning icon Im22 displayed on the display screen Im2 illustrated in FIG. 13. A speech bubble Im43 corresponding to the warning display is displayed near the warning icon Im42. The speech bubble Im43 displays a message explaining that the statistical information is inaccurate because a missing job is included. The speech bubble Im43 may also indicate the reason why a missing job is included. Here, the warning icon Im421 and the speech bubble Im43 are not displayed when a missing job is not included. Therefore, the display mode when a missing job is included differs from the display mode when a missing job is not included. Such differences in display modes are determined by whether or not the display instruction includes a warning display command, as described above.

[0117] In addition, in area Ar43, a missing job Im44 indicates that seven consecutive jobs have been missed. Missing job Im44 indicates estimated ink consumption, estimated cost, and estimated print completion date and time. The display format of missing job Im44 in area Ar43 differs from that of normal jobs. For example, missing job Im44 may be displayed in red, while normal jobs may be displayed in black. Alternatively, the display field for missing job Im44 may be decorated to make it stand out. Therefore, the display format when missing jobs are included differs from the display format when no missing jobs are included. Note that, as illustrated in FIG. 15 , when multiple consecutive missing jobs occur, it is preferable to display multiple missing jobs together. That is, in the example of FIG. 15 , seven consecutive missing jobs are displayed together, occupying the same display area as a single normal job. Because missing jobs have less detailed information than normal jobs, limiting the display range in this way improves the visibility of other normal jobs.

[0118] Furthermore, a warning icon Im422 is displayed with the missing job Im44 attached. The warning icon Im422 is displayed in a conspicuous display mode, such as red. The warning icon Im422 may also be displayed in the same display mode as the warning icon Im22 displayed on the display screen Im2 illustrated in FIG. 13. Here, the warning icon Im422 is not attached to normal jobs. Therefore, the display mode when a missing job is included differs from the display mode when no missing job is included. This difference in display mode is determined by whether or not the display instruction includes a warning display command, as described above.

[0119] As described above, in the management system 1 according to the first embodiment, the information processing device 100 generates statistical information about print jobs based on the history of print jobs executed by the printing device 200, and performs processing to display the statistical information on the terminal device 300. The information processing device 100 then performs processing so that the display mode of the statistical information when a missed job is included in the predetermined period differs from the display mode of the statistical information when no missed job is included in the predetermined period. With this configuration, the user of the terminal device 300 can recognize that the statistical information is inaccurate when a missed job is included.

[0120] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the predetermined period may be specified by the user using the terminal device 300. This allows the user to check the statistical information for the desired period using the terminal device 300.

[0121] In the first embodiment, the statistical information may include the number of print jobs executed during a predetermined period. The statistical information may also include at least one of the amount of print media consumed and the amount of ink consumed during the predetermined period. The statistical information may also include costs corresponding to at least one of the amount of print media consumed and the amount of ink consumed during the predetermined period. This allows the user to recognize that the statistical information related to printing costs is inaccurate. This allows for appropriate management of operations related to the printing device 200 and inventory management of print media and ink.

[0122] Furthermore, the display processing unit 160 of the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment may perform processing to display statistical information on the display unit 312 of the terminal device 300, and to display a warning on the display unit 312 of the terminal device 300 when a missed job is included in the predetermined period, and not to display the warning on the display unit 312 of the terminal device 300 when no missed job is included in the predetermined period. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment may perform processing to display statistical information in a graph, and to display the graph in a manner different from the manner in which the graph is displayed when a missed job is included. This allows the user to more easily recognize that the statistical information is inaccurate when a missed job is included.

[0123] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment may perform processing to display a list of print jobs, and may perform processing so that the display mode of the missing jobs in the list differs from the display mode of the normal jobs, thereby allowing the user to easily understand which print jobs are causing inaccurate statistical information.

[0124] Furthermore, in the management system 1 according to the first embodiment, the printing device 200 may assign consecutive identification information to each executed print job. If the identification information of multiple print jobs in the acquired history is not consecutive, the print job associated with the missing identification information may be identified as a missing job. This allows the missing job to be appropriately identified when it occurs.

[0125] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the order of the processes in the above-described flowchart may be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, one or more of the processes in the above-described flowchart may be omitted. Missing jobs may occur even when the offline period described above does not occur. For example, a missed job may occur if a large number of print jobs are concentrated in the printing device 200 during a short period of time, such that the job histories cannot be sent to the intermediary device 10 in time. Specifically, suppose that between the time the printing device 200 sends its job histories to the intermediary device 10 and the time the next inquiry is received from the intermediary device 10, a large number of print jobs are generated that exceed the number of job histories that can be stored in the job history storage unit 250. In this case, job histories related to print jobs generated before the inquiry is received may be deleted from the job history storage unit 250 before being sent to the intermediary device 10. Therefore, a missed job may occur even in such a case.

[0126] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the management system 1 includes the intermediary device 10, but is not limited to this configuration. The intermediary device 10 may be omitted. In this case, the printing device 200 may be communicably connected to the information processing device 100 via the network 2. In other words, if the printing device 200 can be connected to the network 2 such as the Internet, the intermediary device 10 may be omitted. The information processing device 100 may have the functions of the intermediary device 10 described above. In other words, the information processing device 100 may acquire a job history from the printing device 200, identify a missing job, and perform completion for the missing job.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the predetermined period is specified by the user of the terminal device 300, but this is not limiting. The predetermined period may be determined without relying on a user operation. For example, the predetermined period may be set to a period from a point a predetermined period prior to the current date and time to the current date and time.

[0128] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals. The program may also be included in a program product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1...management system, 2...network, 4...local network, 10...intermediary device, 12...processing unit, 14...storage unit, 16...communication unit, 18...interface unit, 20...job monitoring unit, 22...missing job identification unit, 24...completion unit, 26...job history storage unit, 30...job history transmission unit, 100...information processing device, 102...processing unit, 104...storage unit, 106...communication unit, 108...interface unit, 110...job history receiving unit, 120...history storage unit, 130...request receiving unit, 140...generation unit, 150...missing job determination unit, 160...display processing unit, 200...printing Printing device, 202...processing unit, 204...storage unit, 206...communication unit, 210...interface unit, 212...display unit, 214...operation unit, 220...printing unit, 224...detection component, 230...job reception unit, 240...job execution unit, 250...job history storage unit, 260...job history transmission unit, 300...terminal device, 302...processing unit, 304...storage unit, 306...communication unit, 310...interface unit, 312...display unit, 314...operation unit, 320...application, 322...job execution instruction unit, 330...view request unit, 340...display information acquisition unit, 350...information display control unit

Claims

1. at least one printing device for executing a print job; an information processing device that manages a history of print jobs executed by the printing device; and The information processing device includes: a history storage unit that stores the history; a generating unit that generates statistical information about the print job based on the history; a display processing unit that performs processing for displaying the statistical information on the terminal device; and the display processing unit performs processing so that the display mode of the statistical information when a predetermined period includes a missing job, which is a print job that was executed by the printing device but whose history was not acquired from the printing device, is different from the display mode of the statistical information when the predetermined period does not include the missing job. Management system.

2. The predetermined period is specified by a user using the terminal device. The management system according to claim 1 .

3. The statistical information includes the number of print jobs executed during the predetermined period. The management system according to claim 1 .

4. the statistical information includes at least one of the amount of print media consumed and the amount of ink consumed during the predetermined period; The management system according to claim 1 .

5. the statistical information includes a cost according to at least one of a consumption amount of print media and a consumption amount of ink during the predetermined period; The management system according to claim 1 .

6. the display processing unit displays the statistical information on the terminal device, and when the missed job is included in the predetermined period, a warning is displayed on the terminal device, and when the missed job is not included in the predetermined period, the display processing unit performs processing so that the warning is not displayed on the terminal device. The management system according to claim 1 .

7. the display processing unit performs processing to display the statistical information in a graph, and performs processing so that the display mode of the graph when the missed job is included differs from the display mode of the graph when the missed job is not included. The management system according to claim 1 .

8. the display processing unit performs processing to display a list related to the print jobs, and performs processing so that the display mode of the missing jobs in the list is different from the display mode of normal jobs, which are print jobs that have been executed by the printing device and whose history has been acquired from the printing device. The management system according to claim 1 .

9. the printing device assigns sequential identification information to each executed print job; When the identification information of the plurality of print jobs related to the acquired history is not consecutive, the print job related to the missing identification information is identified as the missing job. The management system according to claim 1 .

10. a history storage unit that stores a history of print jobs executed by the printing device; a generating unit that generates statistical information about the print job based on the history; a display processing unit that performs processing for displaying the statistical information on the terminal device; and the display processing unit performs processing so that the display mode of the statistical information when a predetermined period includes a missing job, which is a print job that was executed by the printing device but whose history was not acquired from the printing device, is different from the display mode of the statistical information when the predetermined period does not include the missing job. Information processing device.

11. storing a history of print jobs executed by the printing device; generating statistical information about the print job based on the history; performing processing for displaying the statistical information on a terminal device; performing processing so that the display mode of the statistical information when a predetermined period includes a missing job, which is a print job that was executed by the printing device but whose history was not acquired from the printing device, is different from the display mode of the statistical information when the predetermined period does not include the missing job; Management method.

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