Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

To present information for appropriately maintaining a use amount of a recording material per predetermined number of sheets to a user of a subscription service.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus acquires information indicating the number of sheets on which an image forming apparatus has performed image formation in a predetermined period and a usage amount of a recording material required for the image formation, derives a usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets based on the acquired information, and causes a terminal used by the user to output a UI screen generated based on the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets and an upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under a contract in a subscription service. The UI screen displays the number of sheets on which an image can be formed so as to fall within the upper limit use amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets on the contract and the use amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, subscription contracts have become common for image forming devices such as printers and multifunction peripherals, allowing users to pay a predetermined flat rate for access to the image forming device and the recording materials used to form those images for a specified period of time. Subscription contracts often include a coverage rate threshold, which is the maximum amount of recording material per sheet of a specified size, as well as an additional fee if the coverage rate threshold is not exceeded within the specified period. Users who exceed the coverage rate threshold often find it difficult to determine how many images and at what coverage rate they need to form in the remaining period to fall within the coverage rate threshold, and thus seek information based on the coverage rate. In this regard, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102626) discloses a technology that presents information based on the coverage rate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-104559 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The information disclosed in Patent Document 1 encourages users to increase the amount of recording material used to increase the coverage rate so that the coverage rate does not become too small. Therefore, even if the technology in Patent Document 1 was used to generate information for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold, it was not possible to generate information to bring the coverage rate below the threshold.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technology for presenting information to users of a subscription service for maintaining an appropriate amount of recording material usage per predetermined number of sheets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device for providing a user with a subscription service for an image forming device, and includes: an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the number of sheets on which the image forming device has formed images over a specified period and the amount of recording material used for the image formation; a derivation means for deriving the amount of recording material used per specified number of sheets based on the acquired information; and an output means for outputting to a terminal used by the user a UI screen generated based on the derived amount of recording material used per specified number of sheets and a contractual upper limit of recording material usage per specified number of sheets in the subscription service, wherein the UI screen displays the number of sheets on which images can be formed and the amount of recording material used per specified number of sheets in order to fit within the contractual upper limit of recording material usage per specified number of sheets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to present information to users of a subscription service for maintaining an appropriate amount of recording material usage per predetermined number of sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a print service system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sequence illustrating communication between devices. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for updating a print history table and a coverage rate management table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coverage rate management screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a display process of a coverage rate information screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for generating a coverage rate information screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a coverage rate information screen. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for generating a coverage rate information screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a coverage rate information screen. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for generating a coverage rate information screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for a user whose coverage rate exceeds a threshold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a detailed description will be given of embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the technology of the present disclosure according to the claims. Not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as solutions for the technology of the present disclosure, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Identical configurations will be described using the same reference numerals. Furthermore, each process (step) in a flowchart will be denoted with an "S" at the beginning.

[0010] <<Embodiment 1>> <Print service system configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a print service system according to this embodiment. The print service system according to this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100, a terminal apparatus 200, and a server apparatus 300.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 100, the terminal apparatus 200, and the server apparatus 300 are connected to a network 400 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other. The network 400 is a communication network realized, for example, by a local area network (hereinafter abbreviated as LAN) such as the Internet, or a wide area network (hereinafter abbreviated as WAN). Alternatively, the network 400 is a communication network realized, for example, by a telephone line, a dedicated digital line, an ATM or frame relay line, a cable television line, a wireless line for data broadcasting, or the like. The type of the network 400 does not matter as long as data transmission and reception between the respective components is possible. In this embodiment, the network 400 will be described as the Internet.

[0012] Image forming apparatus 100 is a printer that forms an image on a recording medium such as printing paper by ejecting a recording material such as ink onto the recording medium. Note that image forming apparatus 100 may also be a multi-functional printer (MFP) that integrates multiple functions such as copying, faxing, and printing. Image forming apparatus 100 is assumed to be an apparatus that prints using an inkjet recording method, but is not limited to this, and may also be an apparatus that prints using an electrophotographic method or a thermal dye sublimation method, for example.

[0013] The terminal device 200 is any information processing device such as a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

[0014] 1 shows a case where there is one image forming apparatus 100 and one terminal apparatus 200. For example, there may be two or more image forming apparatuses 100 and two or more terminal apparatuses 200.

[0015] The server device 300 is a server on which an application 111 that provides services to users runs. The server device 300 receives operation information, such as print logs, errors, and alerts, of the image forming device 100 from a printer management server (not shown) that manages the image forming device 100 via the network 400 and provides the user with a printing service. The printing service is, for example, a subscription service in which a user pays a predetermined flat rate to use an image forming device that forms images and the recording material used to form the images within a specified period of time. A subscription service may include a coverage rate threshold, which is the maximum amount of recording material used per sheet of a specified size, as well as an additional fee if the coverage rate threshold is not exceeded within a certain period of time. The server device 300 stores various information for providing the printing service to users, including the user's printing service contract information and printing history information. In this embodiment, the server device 300 provides users with a printing service registration means, such as a website, and accepts printing service registrations from users. The user registers a service plan, contract information, and information about the image forming apparatus 100 in the server apparatus 300 via the terminal apparatus 200, and the server apparatus 300 stores the contract information.

[0016] <Hardware configuration of image forming device> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 100. Image forming apparatus 100 includes CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, storage device 104, communication unit 105, printing unit 106, operation unit 107, and display unit 108. The components constituting image forming apparatus 100 are connected to each other via, for example, system bus 109 so as to be able to send and receive data to and from each other. Furthermore, the configuration of image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and may have an appropriate configuration depending on the functions that a device applied as image forming apparatus 100 can execute.

[0017] The CPU 101 performs calculations, judgments, and control of data and commands in accordance with programs stored in the RAM 102 and the ROM 103. The RAM 102 is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 101 performs various processes. The ROM 103 stores an operating system (OS) and other application software. The ROM 103 may also be a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, that allows data to be rewritten.

[0018] The communication unit 105 is an interface to which a LAN cable is connected, and performs data communication with the server device 300 via a router (not shown) or the network 400. Note that the data communication may be performed wirelessly, for example, using a wireless interface.

[0019] The display unit 108 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various information. The operation unit 107 is composed of buttons and a touch panel for the user to perform various input operations. The printing unit 106 realizes a printing function that performs a printing operation. The printing unit 106 records an image on a recording medium such as printing paper using an inkjet method based on image data received from an external device.

[0020] The processing of the communication unit 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 is realized by the CPU 101 reading and executing a program required for the processing.

[0021] <Hardware configuration of terminal device> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 includes an operation unit 201, a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a display unit 204, a RAM 205, an external storage device 206, a communication unit 207, and a short-range wireless communication unit 208. The components constituting the terminal device 200 are connected to each other via, for example, a system bus 209 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other. Furthermore, the configuration of the terminal device 200 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and the terminal device 200 may have any configuration appropriate for the functions that a device applied as the terminal device 200 can execute.

[0022] The operation unit 201 has a touch panel function capable of detecting a user's touch operation, and displays various screens provided by the OS and chat application. By inputting a touch operation into the operation unit 201, the user can input a desired operation instruction into the terminal device 200. Note that the operation instruction may also be input into the terminal device 200 using a hardware key (not shown).

[0023] The CPU 202 is a system control unit and a processor that performs overall control of the terminal device 200. The RAM 205 is configured, for example, with static RAM (SRAM) that requires a backup power source. The RAM 205 retains data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, allowing data such as program control variables to be stored without volatilization. The RAM 205 includes a memory area for storing configuration information and management data for the terminal device 200. The RAM 205 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 202. The ROM 203 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 202. An application program for a print service is installed in the terminal device 200 and stored in the ROM 203. The operation of the terminal device 200 is realized, for example, by the CPU 202 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 205 and executing it.

[0024] The display unit 204 includes, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays a screen based on various display data. The display unit 204 may be configured as, for example, a touch display, and have the function of accepting various input operations (user operations) by the user. In other words, the display unit 204 is an interface for accepting data inputs and operation instructions from the user, and may be configured as an operation panel including a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc.

[0025] The external storage device 206 is a large-capacity information storage device, such as a hard disk drive. The external storage device 206 stores computer programs and data for causing the CPU 202 to execute or control the processes described below as those performed by the terminal device 2000. The computer programs stored in the external storage device 206 include a GUI computer program.

[0026] The communication unit 207 includes a circuit and an antenna for performing communication according to a predetermined wireless communication method. For example, the communication unit 207 can wirelessly connect to an external access point. The communication unit 207 may also operate as a temporary access point. The communication unit 207 may operate according to a wireless LAN wireless communication method (Wi-Fi) conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series, or may operate according to another wireless communication method.

[0027] The short-range wireless communication unit 208 performs short-range wireless communication with other devices that exist within a certain short-range range of the terminal device 200. Note that the short-range wireless communication unit 208 communicates using a wireless communication method different from that of the communication unit 207. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 208 operates in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0028] <Server hardware configuration> 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of server device 300. Server device 300 has a CPU 301, a disk device 302, an external disk reader 303, a memory 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, and a communication unit 307. Disk device 302 stores an application program 311 and a database 312.

[0029] CPU 301 is a central processing unit that controls the following components. Disk device 302 stores various files, as well as application programs 311, databases 312, and the OS that CPU 301 reads. External disk reader 303 is a device for reading information such as files stored on external storage media such as SD cards. Memory 304 is composed of RAM and the like, and is used by CPU 301 to temporarily store and buffer data as needed.

[0030] The display unit 305 is configured, for example, by an LCD and displays various types of information. The operation unit 306 is configured, for example, by a keyboard and a mouse for the user to perform various input operations. The communication unit 307 is connected to a network such as the Internet and performs various types of communication. The communication unit 307 is compatible with wired LAN and wireless LAN. The components that make up the server device 300 are connected, for example, via a system bus 308, so that they can send and receive data to and from each other.

[0031] 1 shows a case where the server device 300 is configured by one server, which is an information processing device, but is not limited to this. For example, the server device 300 may be configured by two or more servers. In other words, each function may be executed by a plurality of servers operating in cooperation with each other.

[0032] <Information managed by the server> The administrator of the print service sets the data in the following management tables in the database 312 of the server device 300. That is, the management tables include a service plan management table in Table 1, a display standard coverage rate management table based on grace period in Table 2, and a display standard coverage rate management table based on the current coverage rate and number of printed sheets in Table 3, all of which will be described later.

[0033] The following Table 1 is an example of a service plan management table managed by the database 312.

[0034] [Table 1]

[0035] The Plan ID column uniquely identifies the service plan offered by the printing service. The Type column indicates whether the service plan offers color or monochrome printing. The Coverage Threshold column indicates the upper limit of the coverage rate, which is the upper limit of the amount of printing material that can be used for a given size of printing paper in the service plan. The Overage Grace Days column indicates the number of days during the contract period during which the average coverage rate of the user's printing performed during the contract period is allowed to continuously exceed the coverage rate threshold. If the coverage rate exceeds this period, the user may be charged an additional fee. The Billing Interval column indicates the billing interval. The Contract Period column indicates the contract period for the service plan. Note that the billing interval and the contract period may be different. The Number of Pages column indicates the upper limit of the number of pages that can be printed within the billing interval. The Fee column indicates the service plan fee to be charged at each billing interval. For example, if the plan ID in Table 1 is planA, the service plan will be charged a fixed amount of 200 yen per month.

[0036] Table 2 below is an example of a display standard coverage rate table managed by the database 312 based on the number of remaining grace days.

[0037] [Table 2]

[0038] The Plan ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies a service plan and indicates a service plan managed in the service plan management table of Table 1. The Remaining Grace Period column indicates the period of remaining grace periods. The remaining grace period is the number of days remaining until the specified number of grace periods for each service plan specified in the service plan management table of Table 1 expires after the coverage rate threshold for that service plan has been exceeded. The Display Criteria Coverage Rate column indicates the coverage rate used for display in the coverage rate information screen (described later) in Figure 10(A). For example, if the service plan ID in Table 1 is planA and the remaining grace period is 25, the display criteria coverage rate is 15%. In other words, the display criteria coverage rate can also be said to be a standard coverage rate, as it is required to satisfy the coverage rate threshold for a specified period.

[0039] Table 3 below is an example of a display reference coverage rate table managed by the database 312, which shows the current coverage rate and the total number of printed sheets.

[0040] [Table 3]

[0041] The Plan ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies a service plan and indicates a service plan managed in the service plan management table in Table 1. The Total Number of Prints (Range) column indicates the total range of the number of prints made during the contract period. The Current Coverage Rate (Range) column indicates the average range of coverage rates for prints made during the contract period. The Display Standard Coverage Rate column indicates the coverage rate used for display on the coverage rate information screen in Figure 10(B), which will be described later. For example, if the plan ID in Table 1 is the service plan PlanA, the total number of prints is 25, and the current coverage rate is 7%, this indicates that the display standard coverage rate is 40%.

[0042] Furthermore, in the printing service of this embodiment, the CPU 301 of the server device 300 registers contract information in the database 312 in response to a user's registration with the printing service.

[0043] Table 4 below is an example of a contract information table managed by the database 312.

[0044] [Table 4]

[0045] The contract ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies a contract. The user ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies a user. The plan ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies a service plan, and is a service plan managed in the service plan management table of Table 1, and indicates the service plan to which the user has subscribed. The device ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies a device, and indicates the image forming device 100 used in the subscribed service plan. The device ID is, for example, the serial number of the image forming device 100. The start date column indicates the date on which the user subscribes to and starts a service plan. The renewal date column is the end date of the period for which the user subscribes to a service plan, and indicates the date on which the contract is renewed or terminated. The closing date column indicates the date on which the next fee will be charged.

[0046] In addition, in response to receiving print log information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100, data for a print history table of Table 5 and a coverage rate management table of Table 6, which will be described later, is set in the database 312 of the server device 300.

[0047] Table 5 below is an example of a print history table managed by the database 312.

[0048] [Table 5]

[0049] The device ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies the device and indicates the image forming device 100 that performed the printing. The document column indicates the name of the document that was printed. The page column indicates the page number of the document that was printed in the numerator, and the total number of pages of the document in the denominator. The type column indicates whether the printing was performed in color or black and white. The coverage rate indicates the amount of printing material used on a print sheet of a specified size. In other words, the coverage rate can be said to indicate the amount of recording material used per sheet of a specified size. The received date and time column indicates the date and time the print data was received.

[0050] Table 6 below is an example of a coverage rate management table managed by the database 312.

[0051] [Table 6]

[0052] The Device ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies the device and indicates the image forming device 100 that performed the printing. The Total Number of Prints column indicates the total number of pages printed since registration with the printing service. The total number of pages printed for the target device ID matches the row number for the corresponding device ID in the printing history table in Table 5. The Total Coverage Rate column indicates the total coverage rate of printing performed after registration with the printing service. Note that the total coverage rate for the target device ID matches the total data in the Coverage Rate column for the corresponding device ID in the printing history table in Table 5. The Current Coverage Rate column is the sum of the coverage rates divided by the total number of pages printed, and indicates the average coverage rate of printing performed by the image forming device 100. The Excess Start Date column is the date on which the current coverage rate exceeded the threshold specified in the contracted service plan, and is set at the time the threshold was exceeded. Note that the Excess Start Date column is set to "-" when the current coverage rate falls below the threshold.

[0053] <Printing advice generation flow> 5 to 9, a process for generating advice based on the relationship between the coverage rate in printing performed by image forming apparatus 100 after registration with the print service provided by server apparatus 300 and the threshold value specified by the print service will be described. That is, a process for providing advice on how many sheets should be printed at what percentage of coverage rate in the future to fall within the threshold value when the coverage rate in printing performed by image forming apparatus 100 after registration with the print service exceeds the threshold value specified by the print service will be described. Also, a process for providing advice on how many sheets should be printed at what percentage of coverage rate in the future without exceeding the threshold value of the print service will be described.

[0054] Furthermore, the series of processes shown in the following sequences and flowcharts are performed by the CPUs of the image forming apparatus 100, the terminal apparatus 200, and the server apparatus 300 by loading program code stored in a disk device or the like into RAM and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of each step may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Note that the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the sequence diagram. Below, the subject of each process is the CPU provided in the image forming apparatus 100, the terminal apparatus 200, and the server apparatus 300.

[0055] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the printing advice generation process, which is started when image forming apparatus 100 has completed printing.

[0056] In S501, when the image forming apparatus 100 executes printing, it transmits print log information to the server apparatus 300. The print log information includes the device ID of the image forming apparatus 100 that performed the printing, document information, page information, paper, information on printing materials such as ink used, and the coverage rate of the printing materials. The print log information includes, for example, information indicating the number of sheets on which the image forming apparatus 100 formed images in a predetermined period and the amount of recording material used for the image formation.

[0057] In S502, the server device 300 uses the received print log information to update the print history table of Table 5 and the coverage rate management table of Table 6 based on the flow of Figure 6 described below, and returns a message to the image forming device 100 indicating that reception of the print log information has been completed.

[0058] (Update process) 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the update process of the print history table and the coverage rate management table. The process shown in FIG. 6 starts when the server device 300 receives print log information. The update process is executed using the received print log information.

[0059] In S601, the server device 300 adds and saves the received print log information to the print history table of Table 5. This updates the print history table.

[0060] In S602, the server device 300 reads the contract information management table of Table 4, the service plan management table of Table 1, the print history table of Table 5, and the coverage rate management table of Table 6. That is, the server device 300 reads the contract information of the target device ID included in the received print log information from the contract information management table of Table 4. Furthermore, the server device 300 reads the plan information to which the image forming device 100 has contracted from the service plan management table of Table 1, using the plan ID included in the read contract information. This acquires the coverage rate threshold. Furthermore, the server device 300 reads the print history information and coverage rate information of the target device ID included in the received print log information from the print history table of Table 5 and the coverage rate management table of Table 6.

[0061] In S603, the server device 300 calculates and obtains the total number of printed sheets (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of sheets), the sum of the coverage rates, and the current coverage rate. Specifically, the server device 300 reads data with a matching target device ID from the print history table of Table 5, and obtains the number of read data as the total number of printed sheets. The server device 300 also obtains the sum of the coverage rates of the read data as the sum of the coverage rates. Furthermore, the server device 300 obtains the current coverage rate by dividing the sum of the coverage rates by the total number of printed sheets. In other words, the server device 300 obtains the total number of printed sheets and the amount of recording material used, and derives the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets from the obtained total number of printed sheets and the amount of recording material used. That is, the server device 300: The data shown in the coverage rate management table of Table 6 is updated using the acquired total number of printed sheets, the sum of the coverage rates, and the current coverage rate.

[0062] In S604, the server device 300 determines whether the current coverage rate calculated in S603 is greater than the threshold coverage rate included in the plan information read in S602. If the result of the determination is true (YES in S604), the process proceeds to S605. If the result of the determination is false (NO in S604), the process proceeds to S606.

[0063] In S605, the server device 300 executes an update process for the coverage rate management table (Table 6) when the current coverage rate exceeds the coverage rate threshold included in the plan information. That is, if there is no coverage rate information data loaded in S602, or if the excess start date included in the loaded coverage rate information is "-", the server device 300 sets the excess start date to the current date and time, and updates the coverage rate information for the target device ID. Note that the current date and time may be, for example, time information stored in the server device 300 indicating the current date and time, or time information obtained from an external device. At the same time, the server device 300 updates the coverage rate information for the target device ID using the sum of the total number of printed sheets and coverage rate calculated in S603 and the current coverage rate. When the process in S605 ends, the flow shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0064] In S606, the server 300 updates the coverage rate management table in Table 6 if the current coverage rate does not exceed the coverage rate threshold included in the plan information. Specifically, the server 300 sets the excess start date to "-" and updates the target device ID data using the excess start date, the sum of the total number of printed sheets and coverage rate calculated in S603, and the current coverage rate. When the process in S606 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0065] (Coverage rate management screen) 7 is a diagram showing an example of a coverage rate management screen. The coverage rate management screen 700 is displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200. The coverage rate management screen 700 is a screen that acquires information necessary for display from the server device 300 and is displayed on a portable screen of the user (not shown). Note that the transmission data of a request to acquire information necessary for displaying the coverage rate management screen 700 to the server device 300 includes at least the user ID.

[0066] The coverage rate management screen 700 includes a page header 701, a coverage rate management table 710, and a close button 721. The page header 701 shows an overview of the display contents of the coverage rate management screen 700.

[0067] The coverage rate management table 710 includes information corresponding to each item of a device ID 711 , a total number of printed sheets 712 , a current coverage rate 713 , a coverage rate threshold 714 , and detailed information 715 .

[0068] The device ID 711 indicates the device ID of the image forming apparatus to which the user to be displayed has a contract. The device ID 711 displays the device ID of the data linked to the user ID of the user to be displayed in the contract information management table of Table 4.

[0069] The total number of printed sheets 712 indicates the total number of printed sheets during the contract period by the image forming apparatus with the device ID indicated in the device ID 711. The current coverage rate 713 indicates the current coverage rate. The total number of printed sheets 712 and the current coverage rate 713 respectively display the total number of printed sheets and the current coverage rate of the data linked to the device ID displayed on the coverage rate management screen 700 in the coverage rate management table of Table 6.

[0070] The coverage rate threshold 714 indicates the coverage rate threshold of the plan under contract for the image forming apparatus with the device ID indicated in the device ID 711. The coverage rate threshold 714 displays the coverage rate threshold of the service plan management table in Table 1 linked to the plan ID identified by the user ID of the user to be displayed in the contract information management table in Table 4 and the device ID displayed on the coverage rate management screen 700.

[0071] Display buttons 716 and 717 displayed in the detailed information 715 are buttons for displaying a screen generated in the flow of FIG. 9 described below, which includes printing advice regarding the image forming apparatus of device ID 711 displayed on the coverage rate management screen 700.

[0072] The close button 721 is a button for accepting a user operation to close the coverage rate management screen 700 and display a user's portable screen (not shown).

[0073] (Display processing of coverage rate information screen) 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display process of the coverage rate information screen. The display process of the coverage rate information screen is executed when a user operation of pressing one of the display buttons 716, 717 corresponding to the detailed information 715 on the coverage rate management screen 700 displayed by the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200 is detected.

[0074] In S801, the terminal device 200 makes a coverage rate information screen request to the server device 300. The transmission data of the coverage rate information screen request includes at least the device ID associated with the pressed display button of the detailed information 715. For example, when a user operation of pressing the display button 716 is detected, the transmission data of the coverage rate information screen request includes deviceX, which is the device ID associated with the display button 716.

[0075] Returning to the description of the sequence in FIG. 5, the processing of S503 is the same as the processing of S801, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that before the processing of S503 is executed, the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200 displays the coverage rate management screen 700. In S504, the server device 300, which has received the coverage rate information screen request, generates a coverage rate information screen including printing advice according to the flow of FIG. 9 described below, and returns the generated screen to the terminal device 200. That is, the server device 300 outputs the coverage rate information screen including printing advice, which is information for maintaining an appropriate amount of recording material usage per predetermined number of sheets, and transmits it to the terminal device 200 used by the user. When the processing of S504 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 5 ends.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 8, in S802, the terminal device 200 receives the coverage rate information screen returned from the server device 300. In S803, the terminal device 200 displays the coverage rate information screen received in S802 on the display unit 204. When the processing of S803 ends, the flow shown in Fig. 8 ends.

[0077] (Coverage rate information screen generation process) 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for generating a coverage rate information screen. The coverage rate information screen is generated based on a received coverage rate information screen request, and includes printing advice.

[0078] In S901, server apparatus 300 reads the contract information management table of Table 4, the service plan management table of Table 1, and the coverage rate management table of Table 6. That is, server apparatus 300 reads the contract information of the target device ID included in the received coverage rate information screen request from the contract information management table of Table 4. Also, server apparatus 300 reads the plan information of the plan ID included in the read contract information from the service plan management table of Table 1. Furthermore, server apparatus 300 reads the coverage rate information of the target device ID included in the received coverage rate information screen request from the coverage rate management table of Table 6.

[0079] In S902, the server device 300 determines whether the current coverage rate included in the coverage rate information read in S901 is greater than the coverage rate threshold set in the plan information read in S901. If the result of the determination is true (YES in S902), the process proceeds to S903. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is false (NO in S902), the process proceeds to S907.

[0080] In S903, the server device 300 calculates the remaining grace period, or the number of grace days. That is, the difference between the current date and the overage start date included in the coverage rate information read in S901 is calculated as the number of overage days, and the number of overage days is calculated by subtracting the number of overage days from the number of overage grace days included in the plan information read in S901. The number of overage days is also called the overage period.

[0081] In S904, the server device 300 uses the plan ID included in the plan information read in S901 and the remaining grace period calculated in S903 to obtain a display reference coverage rate from the display reference coverage rate table for the remaining grace period in Table 2. The display reference coverage rate can also be considered as the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which image formation is possible. In other words, the display reference coverage rate can also be considered as a reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets that is associated with the subscription service plan, the remaining grace period, the total number of sheets on which image formation has been performed, and the derived current coverage rate.

[0082] In S905, the server device 300 calculates the minimum number of additional prints that satisfies Equation 1: "(Sum of coverage rates + display reference coverage rate × number of additional prints) / (total number of prints + number of additional prints) < threshold value of coverage rate." Specifically, 1, 2, 3, etc. are substituted for the number of additional prints in Equation 1 to identify the minimum number of additional prints that satisfies the condition of Equation 1. The identified minimum number of additional prints is hereinafter referred to as the "number of additional prints." Note that the sum of coverage rates and the total number of prints in Equation 1 are data included in the coverage rate information read in S901. The display reference coverage rate in Equation 1 is the display reference coverage rate acquired in S904. The threshold value of the coverage rate in Equation 1 is the threshold value of the coverage rate included in the plan information read in S901. That is, the number of sheets on which images can be formed is calculated from the sum of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets (coverage rate), the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which images have been formed, and the threshold value of the coverage rate. The threshold value of the coverage rate can also be said to be the upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets under the contract for the subscription service.

[0083] In S906, the server device 300 generates a coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold, as described in detail below, based on the display reference coverage rate, the calculated number of additional prints, and the number of grace periods. That is, a UI screen is generated that shows the number of sheets on which images can be formed and the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, which is determined based on the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets and is within the upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets under the subscription service contract. When the processing of S906 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 9 ends.

[0084] (Coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold) 10(A) is a diagram showing an example of a coverage rate information screen for a user whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold. The coverage rate information screen 1010 for a user whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold is a UI screen, and is displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200. The coverage rate information screen 1010 for a user whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold includes a page header 1011 and a current coverage rate status 1012. The coverage rate information screen 1010 for a user whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold further includes a display reference coverage rate 1013, printing advice 1014, an image title 1015, a print image example 1016, and a close button 1017.

[0085] A page header 1011 is displayed at the top of the coverage rate information screen 1010 for users whose coverage rate has exceeded the threshold, and includes the device ID of the image forming apparatus 100 to be displayed. A current coverage rate status 1012 indicates the current status of the coverage rate of the image forming apparatus 100. The current coverage rate status 1012 displays information that the coverage rate threshold set in the subscribed plan has been exceeded, and that the coverage rate needs to be reduced within the remaining grace period calculated in S903. A display standard coverage rate 1013 indicates the display standard coverage rate obtained in S904.

[0086] The printing advice 1014 includes a display of the number of additional prints calculated in S905, and indicates that it is possible to keep the coverage rate below the threshold set in the contracted plan by printing the additional number of prints at the display reference coverage rate 1013. In other words, the coverage rate information screen 1010 for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold can be said to include an area that shows advice corresponding to the amount of recording material used.

[0087] The image title 1015 is the title of an image 1016, which will be described later, and includes a display reference coverage rate 1013. The image 1016 is an image showing a print example at the display reference coverage rate 1013. In other words, the image 1016 can also be said to be an image formed when an image is formed with the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets. The image 1016 includes an explanation of the image 1016. The image 1016 also includes an explanation of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets. The close button 1017 is a button for accepting a user operation to close the coverage rate information screen 1010 for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold and display the user's portable screen (not shown).

[0088] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, in S907, the server device 300 obtains the display reference coverage rate from the display reference coverage rate table for the current coverage rate and total number of printed sheets in Table 3. To obtain the display reference coverage rate, the plan ID included in the plan information read in S901 and the total number of printed sheets and current coverage rate included in the coverage rate information read in S901 are used. In other words, the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is a reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets that is associated with the subscription service plan, the total number of sheets on which images have been formed, and the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets.

[0089] In S908, the server device 300 calculates the minimum number of additional prints that satisfies Equation 2: "(Sum of coverage rates + display reference coverage rate × number of additional prints) / (total number of prints + number of additional prints) >= coverage rate threshold." Specifically, 1, 2, 3, etc. are substituted for the number of additional prints in Equation 2 to identify the minimum number of additional prints that satisfies the condition of Equation 2. The identified minimum number of additional prints is hereinafter referred to as the "number of additional prints." Note that the sum of coverage rates and the total number of prints in Equation 2 are data included in the coverage rate information read in S901. The display reference coverage rate in Equation 2 is the display reference coverage rate acquired in S907. The coverage rate threshold in Equation 2 is the coverage rate threshold included in the plan information read in S901. In other words, the number of sheets on which images can be formed is calculated from the sum of the amount of recording material used per specified number of sheets, the standard amount of recording material used per specified number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which images have been formed, and the coverage rate threshold.

[0090] In S909, the server device 300 generates a coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded, as described in detail below, based on the display reference coverage rate and the calculated number of additional prints. That is, a UI screen is generated that shows the number of sheets on which images can be formed and the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, which is determined based on the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets and is within the upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets under the subscription service contract. When the processing of S909 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 9 ends.

[0091] (Coverage rate information screen for users who have not exceeded the coverage rate threshold) 10(B) is a diagram showing an example of a coverage rate information screen for a user whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded. The coverage rate information screen 1020 for a user whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded is a UI screen, and is displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200. The coverage rate information screen 1020 for a user whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded includes a page header 1021 and a current coverage rate status 1022. The coverage rate information screen 1020 for a user whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded further includes a display reference coverage rate 1023, printing advice 1024, an image title 1025, a print image example 1026, and a close button 1027.

[0092] A page header 1021 is displayed at the top of the coverage rate information screen 1020 for users who have not yet exceeded the coverage rate threshold, and includes the device ID of the image forming device 100 to be displayed. A current coverage rate status 1022 indicates the current status of the coverage rate of the image forming device 100. The current coverage rate status 1022 indicates that there is still some margin until the coverage rate threshold set in the subscribed plan is reached. A display standard coverage rate 1023 indicates the display standard coverage rate acquired in S907.

[0093] Printing advice 1024 includes a display of the number of additional prints calculated in S908 minus 1, and indicates that even if that number of prints is printed at the display reference coverage rate 1023, it is possible to print at or below the coverage rate threshold set in the contracted plan. Note that if the number of additional prints calculated in S908 minus 1 is less than 0, it is displayed as 0. In other words, the coverage rate information screen 1020 for users whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded can be said to include an area that shows advice corresponding to the amount of recording material used.

[0094] The image title 1025 is the title of an image 1026, which will be described later, and includes a display reference coverage rate 1023. The image 1026 is an image showing a print example at the display reference coverage rate 1023. In other words, the image 1026 can also be said to be an image formed when an image is formed with the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets. The image 1026 includes an explanatory text for the image 1026. The image 1026 also includes an explanatory text for the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets. The close button 1027 is a button for accepting a user operation to close the coverage rate information screen 1020 for users whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded and display the user's portable screen (not shown).

[0095] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, if the current coverage rate exceeds the threshold set by the printing service, it is possible to display printing advice indicating the percentage of coverage rate and the number of sheets to print to fall within the threshold. This encourages the user to reduce printing with an excessive coverage rate, reducing the risk of overworking the components involved in the printing process of the image forming device 100. Furthermore, if there is a penalty for the coverage rate imposed by the printing service provider, this can be avoided.

[0096] Furthermore, if the current coverage rate is below the threshold of the printing service, it is possible to display printing advice indicating the coverage rate and the number of pages that can be printed without exceeding the threshold. This promotes efficient use of resources within the range of printing that does not result in excessive coverage. In other words, it is possible to present information to users of the subscription service that helps them maintain an appropriate amount of recording material usage per specified number of pages.

[0097] <<Embodiment 2>> In the first embodiment, a mode in which printing advice is created based on a preset coverage rate was described, but in this embodiment, a mode in which printing advice is provided based on the coverage rate of the immediately preceding print will be described. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on differences from the first embodiment.

[0098] In this embodiment, the server device 300 receives a coverage rate information screen request in S504 of FIG. 5 and generates a coverage rate information screen including printing advice using the coverage rate from the immediately previous printing shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, which will be described later, according to the flow shown in FIG. 11. The server device 300 then returns the generated screen to the terminal device 200. That is, the server device 300 transmits the generated coverage rate information screen including printing advice using the coverage rate from the immediately previous printing to the terminal device 200. After completing the processing of S504, the flow shown in FIG. 5 ends. However, if advice cannot be created using the coverage rate from the immediately previous printing, which will be described later, the server device 300 generates a coverage rate information screen including printing advice shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, as in the first embodiment.

[0099] (Coverage rate information screen generation process) 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for generating a coverage rate information screen. The coverage rate information screen is generated based on a received coverage rate information screen request, and includes printing advice using the coverage rate from the immediately previous printing.

[0100] The process of S1101 is the same as the process of S901, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] In S1102, the server device 300 reads the most recent print history for the target device ID from the print history table in Table 5. The most recent print history is a group of data with the most recent reception date and time. The average coverage rate is calculated from the sum of the coverage rates of the most recent print history data that have been read. For example, let's consider the case where the target device ID is "deviceX." The reception date and time is the most recent date (23 / 1 / 3 12:00), and the coverage rate of "5%" for page "1 / 2" of document "ABC.pdf" and the coverage rate of "70%" for page "2 / 2" of document "ABC.pdf" are read. Then, the average coverage rate of 37.5% is calculated from the sum of 5% and 70%. Hereafter, the average coverage rate is referred to as the average coverage rate for the most recent print.

[0102] In S1103, the server device 300 evaluates formula A "current coverage rate>coverage rate threshold" and formula B "average coverage rate of most recent print>coverage rate threshold." The current coverage rate is the current coverage rate included in the coverage rate information read in S1101. The coverage rate threshold is the coverage rate threshold set in the plan information included in the contract information read in S1101. If the determination result obtained is that both formula A and formula B are true, or if the determination result obtained is that both formula A and formula B are false, the process proceeds to S1109. If the determination result obtained is that formula A is false and formula B is true, the process proceeds to S1104. If the determination result obtained is that formula A is true and formula B is false, the process proceeds to S1107.

[0103] The process of S1104 is the same as the process of S903, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] In S1105, the server device 300 calculates the minimum number of additional copies to be printed that satisfies Equation 3, using the average coverage rate of the most recent prints calculated in S1102 as the display reference coverage rate. Equation 3 is "(total coverage rate + display reference coverage rate × number of most recent prints × number of additional prints) / (total number of prints + number of most recent prints × number of additional prints) < coverage rate threshold." Specifically, 1, 2, 3, etc. are substituted for the number of additional prints in Equation 3 to identify the minimum number of additional prints that satisfies the condition of Equation 3. The identified minimum number of additional prints is hereinafter referred to as the "number of additional prints." The total coverage rate and total number of prints in Equation 3 are data included in the coverage rate information read in S1101. The most recent number of prints in Equation 3 is the number of data items in the most recent print history read in S1102. The coverage rate threshold in Equation 3 is the coverage rate threshold included in the plan information read in S1101. That is, the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is the average of the most recent amounts of recording material used. The number of copies on which images can be formed can also be calculated from the sum of the derived coverage rates, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the number of sheets on which images were most recently formed, the total number of sheets on which images were formed, and the coverage rate threshold.

[0105] In S1106, the server device 300 generates a coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold, as will be described in detail later. In other words, it can be said that a UI screen is generated that includes the remaining grace period calculated from the overage elapsed period and the predetermined grace period. When the process of S1106 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 11 ends.

[0106] (Coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold) 12(A) is a diagram showing an example of a coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold. The coverage rate information screen 1210 for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold is a UI screen, and is displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200. The coverage rate information screen 1210 for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold includes a page header 1211, a current coverage rate status 1212, an average coverage rate 1213, printing advice 1214, and a close button 1215.

[0107] The page header 1211 and current coverage rate status 1212 are the same as the page header 1011 and current coverage rate status 1012 shown in Fig. 10(A), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that the coverage rate information screen 1210 for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold can also be said to include an area showing advice corresponding to the amount of recording material used.

[0108] The average coverage rate 1213 indicates the most recent print execution date and time and the average coverage rate at that time. The most recent print execution date and time indicates the print date and time included in the most recent print history read in S1102. The average coverage indicates the display standard coverage rate of the most recent print calculated in S1102.

[0109] Printing advice 1214 includes the number of additional copies calculated in step S1105 and indicates that printing that number of copies at the same average coverage rate as the most recent print will make it possible to fall below the coverage rate threshold set in the contracted plan. In other words, the coverage rate information screen 1210 for users whose coverage rate has exceeded the threshold can be said to include an area showing image formation conditions for keeping the amount of recording material used below the upper limit per specified number of sheets in the subscription service contract. Close button 1215 is the same as close button 1017, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] Returning to the flow of FIG. 11, in S1107, the server device 300 calculates the minimum number of additional print copies that satisfies Equation 4, using the average coverage rate of the most recent prints calculated in S1102 as the display reference coverage rate. Equation 4 is "(total coverage rate + display reference coverage rate × number of most recent prints × number of additional prints) / (total number of prints + number of most recent prints × number of additional prints) >= coverage rate threshold." Specifically, 1, 2, 3, etc. are substituted for the number of additional print copies in Equation 4 to identify the minimum number of additional print copies that satisfies the condition of Equation 4. Hereinafter, the identified minimum number of additional print copies is referred to as the "number of additional prints." The sum of coverage rates and the total number of prints in Equation 4 are data included in the coverage rate information read in S1101. The most recent number of prints in Equation 4 is the number of data items in the most recent print history read in S1102. The coverage rate threshold in Equation 4 is the coverage rate threshold included in the plan information read in S1101. In other words, the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is the average of the most recent amounts of recording material used. The number of copies on which images can be formed can also be calculated from the sum of the derived coverage rates, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the number of sheets on which images were most recently formed, the total number of sheets on which images were formed, and the coverage rate threshold.

[0111] In S1108, the server device 300 generates a coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded, as described in detail below, based on the most recent print history information, the display reference coverage rate, and the number of additional print copies. That is, a UI screen is generated that shows the number of sheets on which images can be formed and the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, which is determined based on the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets and is within the upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets under the subscription service contract. When the processing of S1108 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 11 ends.

[0112] (Coverage rate information screen for users who have not exceeded the coverage rate threshold) 12(B) is a diagram showing an example of a coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded. The coverage rate information screen 1220 for users whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded is a UI screen, and is displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200. The coverage rate information screen 1220 for users whose coverage rate threshold has not been exceeded includes a page header 1221, a current coverage rate status 1222, an average coverage rate 1223, printing advice 1224, and a close button 1225.

[0113] The page header 1221 and current coverage rate status 1222 are the same as the page header 1021 and current coverage rate status 1022 shown in Fig. 10(B), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, the average coverage rate 1223 is the same as the average coverage rate 1213 shown in Fig. 12(A), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] Printing advice 1224 includes a display of the number of additional copies to be printed calculated in S1107 minus 1, and indicates that even if the same number of copies as the most recent print is printed, it is possible to print at or below the coverage rate threshold set in the contracted plan. In other words, the coverage rate information screen 1220 for users whose coverage rate threshold has been exceeded can be said to include an area showing image formation conditions for keeping the usage of recording material below the upper limit per specified number of sheets stipulated in the subscription service contract. Note that if the number of copies obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of additional copies to be printed calculated in S1107 is less than 0, it is displayed as 0 copies. Close button 1225 is the same as close button 1215, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] Returning to the flow of Fig. 11, in S1109, the server device 300 executes the flow of Fig. 9. When the process of S1109 is completed, the flow shown in Fig. 11 ends.

[0116] If both Expression A and Expression B are true, the current coverage rate and the average coverage rate of the most recent print both exceed the coverage rate threshold. Therefore, it is necessary to provide advice to reduce the coverage rate below the threshold. However, since the coverage rate of the most recent print cannot be used to provide printing advice that reduces the coverage rate below the threshold, it is necessary to provide printing advice at a coverage rate that is set in advance, as in embodiment 1. Therefore, the process of FIG. 9 is executed to generate the coverage rate information screen shown in FIG. 10(A).

[0117] Furthermore, if both Expression A and Expression B are false, the current coverage rate and the average coverage rate of the most recent print are below the coverage rate threshold, and similarly printing advice cannot be given, so the processing of Fig. 9 is executed and the printing advice screen shown in Fig. 10(B) is generated. Note that in the flow of Fig. 9 in this embodiment, the processing of S901 is the same as the processing of S1101, so the processing of S901 is skipped.

[0118] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, when a user prints, it is possible to provide the user with printing advice based on the most recent print data, which makes it easier for the user to carry out printing in accordance with the printing advice.

[0119] <<Embodiment 3>> In the first embodiment, printing advice for users who have exceeded a threshold was described assuming that a grace period for exceeding the threshold is set for the service provided, but in this embodiment, a printing advice page is created based on the number of days since the threshold was exceeded. Note that in this embodiment, explanations of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0120] The server device 300 of this embodiment manages a display standard coverage rate table based on the number of overdue days in Table 7, which will be described in detail later, instead of the display standard coverage rate table based on the number of remaining grace days in Table 2.

[0121] Table 7 below is an example of a display standard coverage rate table for the number of days since expiration, managed by the database 312.

[0122] [Table 7]

[0123] The Plan ID column is an ID that uniquely identifies a service plan and indicates the service plan managed in the service plan management table of Table 1. The Number of Days Since Expiration (Period) column indicates the number of days since the threshold for each service plan set in the service plan management table of Table 1 was exceeded. The Display Criteria Coverage Rate column indicates the coverage rate used for display on the coverage rate information screen in Figure 14, which will be described later.

[0124] (Coverage rate information screen generation process) Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of generating a coverage rate information screen. The coverage rate information screen is generated based on a received coverage rate information screen request. The following mainly describes the differences from Fig. 9. S1303 is a process instead of S903, S1304 is a process instead of S904, and S1306 is a process instead of S906. S1301, S1302, S1305, and S1307 to S1309 shown in Fig. 13 are the same processes as S901, S902, S905, and S907 to S909 shown in Fig. 9, respectively, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] In S1303, the server device 300 calculates the number of overage days, that is, calculates the difference between the current date and the overage start date included in the coverage rate information read in S1301, and sets the calculated difference as the number of overage days.

[0126] In S1304, the server device 300 obtains a display reference coverage rate from the display reference coverage rate table for overtime days in Table 7, based on the plan ID of the plan subscribed to by the target device ID and the number of overtime days. Specifically, the display reference coverage rate is obtained from the display reference coverage rate table for overtime days in Table 7, based on the plan ID included in the plan information read in S1301 and the number of overtime days calculated in S1303. In other words, the recording material usage per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is the reference recording material usage per predetermined number of sheets associated with the subscription service plan and the overtime period. The number of sheets on which images can be formed is calculated from the sum of the derived coverage rates, the reference recording material usage per predetermined number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which images have been formed, and the coverage rate threshold.

[0127] In S1306, the server device 300 generates a coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold, as will be described in detail later, based on the displayed coverage rate and the calculated number of additional prints. When the process of S1306 ends, the flow shown in FIG. 13 ends.

[0128] (Coverage rate information screen for users whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold) 14 is a diagram showing an example of a coverage rate information screen for a user whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold. A coverage rate information screen 1410 for a user whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold is a UI screen, and is displayed on the display unit 204 of the terminal device 200. The screen 1410 for a user whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold includes a page header 1411 and a current coverage rate status 1412. The screen 1410 for a user whose coverage rate exceeds the threshold further includes a display reference coverage rate 1413, printing advice 1414, an image title 1415, a print image example 1416, and a close button 1417. Of the elements constituting the screen 1410 shown in FIG. 14, elements 1411, 1413 to 1417, excluding the current coverage rate status 1412, are the same as elements 1011, 1013 to 1017 constituting the screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10(A), and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0129] Current coverage rate status 1412 is a substitute for current coverage rate status 1012 shown in Fig. 10(A). Current coverage rate status 1412 indicates the current coverage rate status of image forming apparatus 100, and indicates only that the coverage rate threshold set in the contracted plan has been exceeded.

[0130] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, if the current coverage rate exceeds the coverage rate threshold specified by the printing service, it is possible to create a coverage rate information screen that includes printing advice based on the number of days since the threshold was exceeded. This makes it possible to generate printing advice based on the number of days since the threshold was exceeded.

[0131] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made, or parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0132] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. The program may also be provided by recording it on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0133] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration examples. (Configuration 1) An information processing device for providing a user with a subscription service for an image forming device, an acquiring unit for acquiring information indicating the number of sheets on which the image forming apparatus has formed images in a predetermined period and the amount of recording material used for the image formation; a calculation unit for calculating a usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets based on the acquired information; an output unit that outputs, to a terminal used by the user, a UI screen that is generated based on the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets and the contractual upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service; and The UI screen displays the number of sheets on which images can be formed and the amount of recording material to be used per predetermined number of sheets in order to fit within the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material to be used per predetermined number of sheets. 1. An information processing device comprising: (Configuration 2) If the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract for the subscription service, determining a remaining grace period from the excess elapsed time since the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets became greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service and a predetermined grace period; The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is a reference usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets, which is associated with the subscription service plan, the calculated remaining grace period, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets; 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The number of sheets on which an image can be formed is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service. 3. The information processing device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 4) If the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is smaller than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract for the subscription service, The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is a reference usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets, which is associated with the subscription service plan, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets; 4. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) The number of sheets on which an image can be formed is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service. 5. The information processing device according to configuration 4. (Configuration 6) the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service, and the average of the most recent usage amounts of the recording material among the derived usage amounts of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is not greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service; The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is the average of the most recent amounts of recording material used. 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 7) The number of copies that can be formed using the image is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the number of sheets on which the image formation was most recently performed, the total number of sheets on which the image formation was performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service. 7. The information processing device according to configuration 6. (Configuration 8) The output means outputting the UI screen including the remaining grace period calculated from the excess elapsed time since the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets became greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service and a predetermined grace period; 8. The information processing device according to configuration 6 or 7. (Configuration 9) If the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is not greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service, and the average of the most recent usage amounts of the recording material among the derived usage amounts of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service, The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is the average of the most recent amounts of recording material used. 9. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1, 6 to 8. (Configuration 10) The number of copies that can be formed using the image is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the number of sheets on which the image formation was most recently performed, the total number of sheets on which the image formation was performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service. 10. The information processing device according to configuration 9. (Configuration 11) If the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract for the subscription service, determining an excess elapsed time period that has elapsed since the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets became greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service; The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is The usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is used as a reference, and is associated with the subscription service plan and the determined overage period. 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 12) The number of sheets on which an image can be formed is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service. 12. The information processing device according to configuration 11. (Configuration 13) The UI screen includes an image formed when the image formation is performed with the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets. 13. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. (Configuration 14) The image formation image includes a description of the image formation image. 14. The information processing device according to configuration 13. (Configuration 15) The image formation image includes a description of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets. 15. The information processing device according to configuration 13 or 14. (Configuration 16) The UI screen includes an area showing the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets when the image forming apparatus forms the image. 16. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15. (Configuration 17) The UI screen includes an area showing image formation conditions for keeping the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets below the upper limit set forth in the contract for the subscription service. 17. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16. (Configuration 18) The UI screen includes an area showing advice corresponding to the amount of recording material used. 18. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 17. (Configuration 19) The upper limit of the amount of recording material to be used per specified number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service is registered in advance. 19. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18. (Configuration 20) 1. A method for controlling an information processing device for providing a user with a subscription service for an image forming device, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring information indicating the number of sheets on which the image forming apparatus has formed images in a predetermined period and the amount of recording material used for the image formation; a deriving step of deriving a usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets based on the acquired information; an output process for outputting, to a terminal used by the user, a UI screen generated based on the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets and the contractual upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service; and The UI screen displays the number of sheets on which images can be formed and the amount of recording material to be used per predetermined number of sheets in order to fit within the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material to be used per predetermined number of sheets. 2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising: (Configuration 21) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an information processing device according to configuration 20.

Claims

1. An information processing device for providing a user with a subscription service for an image forming device, an acquiring unit for acquiring information indicating the number of sheets on which the image forming apparatus has formed images in a predetermined period and the amount of recording material used for the image formation; a calculation unit for calculating a usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets based on the acquired information; an output unit that outputs a UI screen generated based on the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets and the contractual upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service to a terminal used by the user; and The UI screen displays the number of sheets on which images can be formed and the amount of recording material to be used per predetermined number of sheets in order to fit within the upper limit of the amount of recording material to be used per predetermined number of sheets under the contract.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. If the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract for the subscription service, determining a remaining grace period from the excess elapsed time since the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets became greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service and a predetermined grace period; The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is a reference usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets, which is associated with the subscription service plan, the calculated remaining grace period, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The number of sheets on which an image can be formed is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

4. If the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is smaller than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract for the subscription service, The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is a reference usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets, which is associated with the subscription service plan, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The number of sheets on which an image can be formed is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,

6. the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service, and the average of the most recent usage amounts of the recording material among the derived usage amounts of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is not greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service; The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is the average of the most recent amounts of recording material used.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The number of copies that can be formed using the image is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the number of sheets on which the image formation was most recently performed, the total number of sheets on which the image formation was performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

8. The output means outputting the UI screen including the remaining grace period calculated from the excess elapsed time since the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets became greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service and a predetermined grace period; 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. If the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is not greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service, and the average of the most recent usage amounts of the recording material among the derived usage amounts of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service, The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is the average of the most recent amounts of recording material used.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. The number of copies that can be formed using the image is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the number of sheets on which the image formation was most recently performed, the total number of sheets on which the image formation was performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,

11. If the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract for the subscription service, determining an excess elapsed time period that has elapsed since the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets became greater than the upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service; The amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets on which images can be formed is The usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets is used as a reference, and is associated with the subscription service plan and the determined overage period.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

12. The number of sheets on which an image can be formed is The calculated total amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the reference amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets, the total number of sheets on which the image formation has been performed, and the contractual upper limit of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11,

13. The UI screen includes an image formed when the image formation is performed with the usage amount of the recording material per the predetermined number of sheets.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

14. The image formation image includes a description of the image formation image.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

15. The image formation image includes a description of the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,

16. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the UI screen includes an area showing the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets when the image forming apparatus forms the image.

17. The UI screen includes an area showing image forming conditions for keeping the amount of recording material used per predetermined number of sheets below the upper limit set forth in the contract for the subscription service.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

18. The UI screen includes an area showing advice corresponding to the amount of recording material used.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

19. The upper limit of the amount of recording material to be used per specified number of sheets under the contract in the subscription service is registered in advance.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

20. 1. A method for controlling an information processing device for providing a user with a subscription service for an image forming device, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring information indicating the number of sheets on which the image forming apparatus has formed images in a predetermined period and the amount of recording material used for the image formation; a deriving step of deriving a usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets based on the acquired information; an output step of outputting a UI screen generated based on the derived usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets and the contractual upper limit usage amount of the recording material per predetermined number of sheets in the subscription service to a terminal used by the user; and The UI screen displays the number of sheets on which images can be formed and the amount of recording material to be used per predetermined number of sheets in order to fit within the upper limit of the amount of recording material to be used per predetermined number of sheets under the contract.

2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

21. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an information processing device according to claim 20.

Images