Printing apparatus

Abstract

To enable confirmation of the sum of count information based on the contract of one's own printing device and count information based on the contract of another printing device. [Solution] The printing device has an acquisition means for acquiring count information based on a contract for its own printing device, a first receiving means for receiving count information based on a contract for another printing device, and a storage means for storing the sum of the count information based on the contract for its own printing device and the count information based on the contract for the other printing device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing device, a server device, a printing system, a processing method for a printing device, a processing method for a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices with copy, print, scanner, and facsimile functions have become widespread and developed for a wide range of uses, from business to personal. As user needs become more diverse, the content of maintenance contracts for such printing devices also becomes more diverse.

[0003] Traditionally, the mainstream billing system was the counter system, whereby users would purchase a printing device and pay a fee for the number of pages printed, allowing them to receive maintenance services including the purchase of consumables such as toner.

[0004] However, in recent years, a billing system known as the subscription system has become popular, which allows users to receive maintenance services, including toner and other consumables, within the scope of an initial basic fee paid without purchasing a printing device.

[0005] When signing a subscription-based maintenance contract, for example, the contract may state that "you can print up to a monthly print contract limit of 1,000 pages within the scope of the initial basic fee paid." If you sign such a maintenance contract, a user who prints 1,100 pages per month will have to pay an additional fee for 100 pages.

[0006] Furthermore, when a subscription-based maintenance contract is signed for multiple printing devices, there is a contract type known as a group discount. For example, suppose two printing devices have a contract stating that "you can print up to a monthly contract limit of 1,000 pages within the scope of the initial basic fee paid." Another printing device has a contract stating that "you can print up to a monthly contract limit of 2,000 pages within the scope of the initial basic fee paid." In this case, the contract stipulates that "you can print up to a cumulative monthly contract limit of 4,000 pages across the three devices within the scope of the basic fee, regardless of which printing device you use." With this type of maintenance contract, a user who prints 4,100 pages per month would pay an additional fee of 100 pages.

[0007] The following Patent Document 1 describes that the amount of consumables used (including the number of printed pages) is transmitted from each printing device to a management and calculation unit via a network, and the charges for each printing device are calculated and transmitted to each printing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-67451 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, since there is no function to display the total number of printed sheets for multiple devices on each printing device or information processing device used by the user, there is a problem in that it is not possible to determine how many sheets are left until the maximum number of sheets is reached in the printing contract.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to enable confirmation of the sum of count information based on the contract of one's own printing device and count information based on the contract of another printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The printing device is a printing device and has an acquisition means for acquiring count information based on a contract for its own printing device, a first receiving means for receiving count information based on a contract for another printing device, and a storage means for storing the sum of the count information based on the contract for its own printing device and the count information based on the contract for the other printing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to check the sum of the count information based on the contract of one's own printing device and the count information based on the contract of another printing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a printing apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart for setting the printing device to display the total number of sheets printed by the printing device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by a printing device operating as a server on the subscription contract renewal date. [Figure 8A] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a printing device operating as a server. [Figure 8B] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a printing device operating as a server. [Figure 9A] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a printing device operating as a client. [Figure 9B] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a printing device operating as a client. [Figure 10]10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the information processing apparatus starts a print driver. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart for setting the server device to add up the number of printed sheets printed by a plurality of printing devices and transmit the total to the printing device. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the server device on the subscription contract renewal date. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the server device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the total number of printed sheets of the printing device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the total number of printed sheets in the information processing apparatus. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table for recording the status of the number of printed sheets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the components described in this embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0015] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system 130 according to the first embodiment, illustrating connections between devices in an office. The printing system 130 includes multiple printing devices 100, multiple information processing devices 200, a server device 300, and a network 120. The information processing devices 200 are, for example, personal computers (PCs).

[0016] A plurality of information processing devices 200 are connected to a network 120. A plurality of printing devices 100 are also connected to the network 120. Furthermore, in the case of a subscription contract, a server device 300 is also connected to the network 120.

[0017] 2 is an external view of a printing device 100 according to this embodiment. The printing device 100 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with multiple functions such as a print function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a fax function. The printing device 100 has an operation panel 102, an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) unit 104, and a print processing unit 105.

[0018] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a printing device 100 according to this embodiment. The printing device 100 has a control unit 101 that controls the operation of the printing device 100, an operation panel 102 that serves as a user interface, a reading unit 103 that reads documents and generates image data, and an ADF unit 104 that automatically reads multiple documents. The printing device 100 also has a print processing unit 105 that executes printing processing based on image data, and a storage device 109 that stores various information. These components are connected via a bus 106 to enable mutual communication.

[0019] Furthermore, the printing device 100 has a LAN interface (LAN / IF) 107 for connecting to a wired network 120 and communicating with external devices, and a WLAN interface 108 for connecting to a wireless network 120 and communicating with external devices. Furthermore, the printing device 100 has a USB interface 110 for local connection with external devices.

[0020] The control unit 101 includes a CPU 101a and a memory 101b, and controls the operation of each unit. The CPU 101a reads and executes a program 109a stored in a storage device 109. The program 109a is a program that causes the control unit 101 to function as various processing units, which will be described later. The memory 101b stores temporary data and the like that accompanies the execution of the program by the CPU 101a. The storage device 109 stores the program 109a and a user folder 109b.

[0021] The operation panel 102 is configured to input operation instructions from the user. That is, the operation panel 102 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel or the like, and has a display unit 102a that displays various information, and an operation input unit 102b that inputs operation instructions from the user by detecting operations on the display unit 102a.

[0022] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 200 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 200 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, a storage device 203, a system bus 204, an I / O control unit 205, a LAN interface 206, a WLAN interface 207, and multiple USB interfaces 210. The information processing device 200 also includes a Display Port interface 211.

[0023] The CPU 201 processes data in the information processing device 200 and controls each device inside and outside the information processing device 200. The CPU 201 reads and executes control programs such as an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS), application programs, and printer driver programs stored in the storage device 203.

[0024] The storage device 203 generally corresponds to a solid state drive (hereinafter referred to as SSD) or a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD). Furthermore, the CPU 201 controls the temporary storage of information, files, etc. required for executing programs in the memory 202.

[0025] The CPU 201 is connected to an I / O control unit 205 via a system bus 204 .

[0026] The I / O control unit 205 is a chip that controls data processing and control with external devices, and controls a LAN interface 206, a WLAN interface 207, a USB interface 210, and the like.

[0027] The keyboard 208 and pointing device 209 are instruction input units that accept input from the user, and are connected to the I / O control unit 205 via a USB interface 210 .

[0028] The display unit 212 is a display, and is connected to the CPU 201 via a Display Port interface 211 .

[0029] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device 300 according to this embodiment. The server device 300 includes a CPU 301, a memory 302, a storage device 303, a system bus 304, an I / O control unit 305, a LAN interface 306, a WLAN interface 307, and multiple USB interfaces 310. The server device 300 also includes a Display Port interface 311.

[0030] The configuration of the server device 300 is basically the same as that of the information processing device 200 in Fig. 4. The CPU 301 processes data in the server device 300 and controls each device inside and outside the server device 300. The CPU 301 reads and executes control programs such as an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS), application programs, and printer driver programs stored in the storage device 303. The storage device 303 generally corresponds to a solid state drive (hereinafter referred to as SSD) or a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD). Furthermore, the CPU 301 controls the temporary storage of information, files, etc. required for program execution in the memory 302.

[0031] The CPU 301 is connected to an I / O control unit 305 via a system bus 304 .

[0032] The I / O control unit 305 is a chip that controls data processing and control with external devices, and controls a LAN interface 306, a WLAN interface 307, a USB interface 310, and the like.

[0033] A keyboard 308 and a pointing device 309 are instruction input units that accept input from the user, and are connected to the I / O control unit 305 via a USB interface 310 .

[0034] The display unit 312 is a display, and is connected to the CPU 301 via a Display Port interface 311 .

[0035] Here, a plurality of printing devices 100 according to this embodiment are connected to one another via a network 120, and an information processing device 200 is also connected to the network 120. In this case, a method for displaying the total number of printed sheets and the total number of sheets to be printed on the plurality of printing devices 100 on the printing devices 100 and the information processing device 200 will be described.

[0036] An example of a display on the display unit 102a of the printing device 100 is shown in FIG. 14, and an example of a display on the display unit 212 of the information processing device 200 is shown in FIG.

[0037] First, we will explain the settings that a user makes on the printing device 100 to display the total number of printed pages on the display unit 102a of the printing device 100 when signing up for multiple printing devices 100 and making a group discount contract.

[0038] Here, a group discount contract is a contract type in which a subscription-based maintenance contract is concluded for multiple printing devices 100. For example, suppose two printing devices 100 have signed a contract stating that "up to a monthly contract limit of 1,000 pages, you can print within the scope of the initial basic fee paid." Furthermore, there is another printing device 100 with a contract stating that "up to a monthly contract limit of 2,000 pages, you can print within the scope of the initial basic fee paid." In this case, the contract stipulates that "up to a monthly contract limit of 4,000 pages, which is the cumulative monthly contract limit for the three devices, you can print within the scope of the basic fee, regardless of which printing device you use." With this type of maintenance contract, a user who prints 4,100 pages per month would pay an additional fee for 100 pages.

[0039] The user sets the renewal date and the print contract upper limit for each renewal date on the screen for setting the subscription contract information for the printing device 100. The user then decides whether to register the printing device 100 as a server or a client. If the printing device 100 is registered as a server, the user also registers the IP address and identification information of the printing device 100 that is the client, the renewal date of the subscription contract, and the number of prints per renewal date, completing the setup. If the printing device 100 is registered as a client, the user registers the IP address and identification information of the printing device 100 registered as the server in the printing device 100.

[0040] 6 is a flowchart for setting the printing device 100 to display the total number of sheets printed by the printing device 100. The processing method of the printing device 100 will be described below.

[0041] In step S601, the CPU 101a detects from the operation input unit 102b that the user has pressed a button for setting subscription contract information, and controls the display unit 102a to display a setting screen, and then proceeds to step S602.

[0042] In step S602, the CPU 101a detects from the operation input unit 102b that the user has input the contract information, ie, the renewal date and the contract upper limit number of prints for each renewal date, and registers this in the storage device 109.

[0043] In step S603, the CPU 101a detects from the operation input unit 102b whether the user has registered the printing device 100 as a server. If the printing device 100 has been registered as a server, the CPU 101a registers it as a server in the storage device 109 and proceeds to step S604. If the printing device 100 has not been registered as a server, the CPU 101a proceeds to step S605.

[0044] In step S604, the CPU 101a detects from the operation input unit 102b that the user has registered the IP address, identification information, contract information such as the renewal date, and contract maximum number of pages per renewal date of the printing device 100, which is another contracted client, and registers these in the storage device 109.

[0045] In step S605, the CPU 101a detects from the operation input unit 102b that the user has registered the printing device 100 as a client, and registers it in the storage device 109 as a client.

[0046] In step S606, the CPU 101a detects from the operation input unit 102b that the user has registered the IP address and identification information of the printing device 100 as a server, and registers them in the storage device 109.

[0047] The following describes a case where the user registers printing device 100(1) as a server and printing devices 100(2) and 100(3) as clients in the subscription contract information settings.

[0048] Printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3) and information processing device 200 have table information (hereinafter referred to as the table) that records printed sheet count information, and the storage locations are storage devices 109(1), 109(2), 109(3), and 203. The table is shown in FIG.

[0049] The table in Fig. 16 records the print contract upper limit, planned print count information and the time it was recorded, printed count information and the time it was recorded, the total print contract upper limit, the total planned print count, and the total printed count for printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3). The table in Fig. 16 records information from the subscription contract renewal date to the next renewal date.

[0050] Here, the print contract limit refers to the maximum number of pages that can be printed per renewal date as specified in the subscription contract. The planned number of pages to be printed is the number of pages scanned using ADF printing or scanning multiplied by the number of copies to be printed, which is the number of pages to be printed in the future. The number of pages printed refers to the cumulative number of pages printed from the renewal date specified in the subscription contract to the next renewal date.

[0051] Printing device 100(1) operating as a server has the functions of acquiring, updating, transmitting, and displaying the table information in Fig. 16. Printing devices 100(2) and 100(3) operating as clients have the functions of transmitting, acquiring, and displaying the table information in Fig. 16 to printing device 100(1).

[0052] When the printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3) send information on the number of sheets to be printed and the number of sheets already printed, they also send the transmission time and identification information for identifying the printing device. The information processing device 200 has the function of sending, acquiring, and displaying the table information in Figure 16 to the printing device 100 and the server device 300.

[0053] The following describes the operations performed by printer 100(1) on the contract renewal date. When the contract renewal date arrives, printer 100(1), which operates as a server, prepares a table for the next month and transmits the table shown in Figure 16 to printers 100(2) and 100(3), which are clients.

[0054] 7 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the printing device 100(1) operating as a server on the subscription contract renewal date. The operation of the printing device 100(1) will be described below according to the flow of FIG.

[0055] In step S701, the CPU 101a(1) detects whether the contract renewal date has arrived. If the CPU 101a(1) detects that the contract renewal date has arrived, the process proceeds to step S702. If the CPU 101a(1) does not detect that the contract renewal date has arrived, the process returns to step S701.

[0056] In step S702, CPU 101a(1) creates a table for the next month and stores it in storage device 109(1).

[0057] In step S703, CPU 101a(1) reads the table for the next month from storage device 109(1) and transmits it to printing devices 100(2) and 100(3).

[0058] A case where the printing device 100(1) operating as a server performs ADF printing or printing from the reading unit 103(1) will be described.

[0059] In the case of ADF printing or printing from the reading unit 103(1), when the user sets the number of copies information from the operation input unit 102b(1), the CPU 101a(1) saves the number of copies information in the storage device 109(1). After that, if the CPU 101a(1) performs ADF printing, it performs the process (A) below, and if it executes printing from the reading unit 103(1), it performs the process (B) below.

[0060] (A) When ADF printing is performed on the printing device 100(1), the user places an original in the ADF unit 104(1) and presses the button to start copying. The CPU 101a(1) then executes a scan, continuing to scan until there are no more originals in the ADF unit 104(1), and stores the scanned data in the storage device 109(1).

[0061] (B) When printing from the reading unit 103(1) on the printing device 100(1), the user places an original on the reading unit 103(1) and presses the button to start copying. Then, the CPU 101a(1) executes scanning and stores the scanned data in the storage device 109(1).

[0062] After completing the above process (A) or (B), CPU 101a(1) determines the number of sheets to be printed from the copy count information and the number of sheets in the scanned data stored in storage device 109(1) and stores this information in the printing device 100(1)'s currently printing number (number of sheets to be printed) 1601 in the table of FIG. 16. CPU 101a(1) then adds up the information on the number of sheets to be printed for printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3), stores this information in the currently printing number (total number of sheets to be printed) 1602 in the table of FIG. 16, and transmits the table to printing devices 100(2) and 100(3). CPU 101a(1) then reads the table from storage device 109(1) and updates the display on display unit 102a(1). When all printing is complete, CPU 101a(1) updates the printed number information and the reserved printing number information in the table. Finally, the CPU 101a(1) transmits the table information to the printing devices 100(2) and 100(3) and updates the display on the display unit 102a(1).

[0063] A case will be described in which the printing device 100(2) operating as a client performs ADF printing or printing from the reading unit 103(2).

[0064] When printing using the ADF or printing from the reading unit 103(2), the user sets the number of copies using the operation input unit 102b(2). The CPU 101a(2) then stores the number of copies in the storage device 109(2). After that, when the CPU 101a(2) performs ADF printing, it performs the process (A) below, and when printing from the reading unit 103(2), it performs the process (B) below.

[0065] (A) When ADF printing is performed on the printing device 100(2), the user places an original in the ADF unit 104(2) and presses the button to start copying. The CPU 101a(2) then executes scanning, continuing to scan until there are no more originals in the ADF unit 104(2), and stores the scanned data in the storage device 109(2).

[0066] (B) When printing from the reading unit 103(2) on the printing device 100(2), the user places the document on the reading unit 103(2) and presses the button to start copying. Then, the CPU 101a(2) executes scanning and stores the scanned data in the storage device 109(2).

[0067] After completing the above process (A) or (B), CPU 101a(2) determines the number of sheets to be printed from the copy count information and the number of sheets in the scanned data stored in storage device 109(2) and stores this information in storage device 109(2). CPU 101a(2) then reads the information on the number of sheets to be printed from storage device 109(2) and sends it to printing device 100(1). When printing device 100(1) receives the information on the number of sheets to be printed from CPU 101a(2), printing device 100(1) updates the table and sends it to CPU 101a(2). When CPU 101a(2) receives the table from printing device 100(1), it stores it in storage device 109(2) and updates the display on display unit 102a(2). When all printing is complete, CPU 101a(2) stores the information on the number of sheets printed in storage device 109(2). Thereafter, CPU 101a(2) reads the information on the number of printed sheets from storage device 109(2) and sends it to printing device 100(1). When printing device 100(1) receives the information on the number of printed sheets from CPU 101a(2), printing device 100(1) updates the table and sends the table to CPU 101a(2). When CPU 101a(2) receives the table from printing device 100(1), it saves it in storage device 109(2) and updates the display on display unit 102a(2).

[0068] Next, the operation of displaying the total number of printed sheets and the number of sheets to be printed by the multiple printing devices 100 on the information processing device 200 will be described.

[0069] When a user starts a printer driver in the information processing device 200, the information processing device 200 requests a table from the printing device 100 selected by the user. The printing device 100 that has received the table transmits the table to the information processing device 200. The CPU 201 of the information processing device 200 stores the table in the storage device 203 and updates the display on the display unit 212. An example of this display is shown in FIG.

[0070] Thereafter, when the user presses a button to print, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 200 sends a print job to the printing device 100, closes the printer driver, and ends the process. The process also ends when the printer driver is closed without printing.

[0071] 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing the operation of the printing device 100(1) operating as a server. The operation of the printing device 100(1) to display the total number of printed sheets and the total number of sheets to be printed on each printing device 100 and information processing device 200 will be described below, following the flow of FIG. 8. The processing method of the printing device 100(1) will be described below.

[0072] In step S801, CPU 101a(1) detects from LAN / IF 107(1) that data has been received. If CPU 101a(1) has not detected from LAN / IF 107(1) that data has been received, it proceeds to step S802. If CPU 101a(1) has detected from LAN / IF 107(1) that data has been received, it proceeds to step S814.

[0073] In step S802, CPU 101a(1) detects from operation input unit 102b(1) of operation panel 102(1) that the number of copies to be printed has been set. If CPU 101a(1) detects that the number of copies to be printed has been set, the process proceeds to step S803. If CPU 101a(1) does not detect that the number of copies to be printed has been set, the process proceeds to step S804.

[0074] In step S803, the CPU 101a(1) stores the set number of copies to be printed in the storage device 109(1), and then the process proceeds to step S804.

[0075] In step S804, CPU 101a(1) detects whether paper has been set in ADF unit 104(1). If CPU 101a(1) detects that paper has been set in ADF unit 104(1), the process proceeds to step S805. If CPU 101a(1) does not detect that paper has been set in ADF unit 104(1), the process proceeds to step S809.

[0076] In step S805, CPU 101a(1) detects whether the copy start button has been pressed on operation input unit 102b(1) of operation panel 102(1). If CPU 101a(1) detects that the start button has been pressed, it proceeds to step S806. If CPU 101a(1) does not detect that the start button has been pressed, it returns to step S805.

[0077] In step S806, the CPU 101a(1) executes a scan in the ADF unit 104(1), and then the process proceeds to step S807.

[0078] In step S807, the CPU 101a(1) stores the scanned data obtained by the ADF unit 104(1) in the storage device 109(1), and then the process proceeds to step S808.

[0079] In step S808, CPU 101a(1) detects whether or not the document has been removed from ADF unit 104(1). If CPU 101a(1) detects that the document has been removed, the process proceeds to step S814. If CPU 101a(1) does not detect that the document has been removed, the process proceeds to step S806.

[0080] In step S809, CPU 101a(1) detects whether or not a document has been set on reading unit 103(1). If a document has been set on reading unit 103(1), CPU 101a(1) proceeds to step S810. If a document has not been set on reading unit 103(1), CPU 101a(1) returns to step S809.

[0081] In step S810, CPU 101a(1) detects whether the copy start button has been pressed on operation input unit 102b(1) of operation panel 102(1). If CPU 101a(1) detects that the start button has been pressed, it proceeds to step S811. If CPU 101a(1) does not detect that the start button has been pressed, it returns to step S810.

[0082] In step S811, the CPU 101a(1) executes a scan using the reading unit 103(1), and then the process proceeds to step S812.

[0083] In step S812, the CPU 101a(1) stores the scanned data obtained by the reading unit 103(1) in the storage device 109(1), and then the process proceeds to step S813.

[0084] In step S813, the CPU 101a(1) functions as an acquisition unit and determines and acquires information on the number of sheets to be printed for its own printing device 100(1) based on the number of copies information and the number of sheets of scanned data stored in the storage device 109(1).

[0085] Here, the information on the number of sheets to be printed is an example of count information based on the contract for the printing device 100(1).

[0086] In step S814, CPU 101a(1) detects from LAN / IF 107(1) that a print job has been received from information processing device 200. If CPU 101a(1) detects from LAN / IF 107(1) that a print job has been received, CPU 101a(1) proceeds to step S815. If CPU 101a(1) does not detect from LAN / IF 107(1) that a print job has been received, CPU 101a(1) proceeds to step S822.

[0087] In step S815, the CPU 101a(1) stores the received print job in the storage device 109(1), and then the process proceeds to step S816.

[0088] In step S816, CPU 101a(1) calculates (obtains) the planned number of pages to be printed for its own printing device 100(1) based on the number of copies and the number of pages to be printed of the print job stored in storage device 109(1). Then, the process proceeds to step S817.

[0089] In step S817, CPU 101a(1) stores the confirmed information on the number of sheets to be printed in a table. Furthermore, CPU 101a(1) adds up the information on the number of sheets to be printed of printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3) and stores the total in a table. Then, the process proceeds to step S818.

[0090] In step S818, the CPU 101a(1) transmits the table to the printing devices 100(2) and 100(3) via the LAN / IF 107(1), and then the process proceeds to step S819.

[0091] In step S819, the CPU 101a(1) reads the table from the storage device 109(1) and updates the display on the display unit 102a(1) based on the table, and then proceeds to step S820.

[0092] In step S820, the CPU 101a(1) reads out and prints the data stored in the storage device 109(1), and then the process proceeds to step S821.

[0093] In step S821, the CPU 101a(1) checks whether printing is complete. If printing is complete, the CPU 101a(1) proceeds to step S823. If printing is not complete, the CPU 101a(1) proceeds to step S820.

[0094] In step S822, CPU 101a(1) functions as a receiving unit and detects whether information on the number of sheets to be printed or the number of sheets already printed of the other printing devices 100(2) and 100(3) has been received from the other printing devices 100(2) and 100(3) via LAN / IF 107(1).

[0095] Here, the information on the number of sheets to be printed and the information on the number of sheets already printed are examples of count information based on the contracts of the other printing devices 100(2) and 100(3).

[0096] If the CPU 101a(1) has received the message, the process proceeds to step S823. If the CPU 101a(1) has not received the message, the process proceeds to step S826.

[0097] In step S823, CPU 101a(1) acquires the printed number information of its own printing device 100(1) based on the printing in step S820, and saves the printed number information and the planned number of sheets to be printed information in a table. Furthermore, CPU 101a(1) functions as a saving unit and saves the total value of the printed number information of printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3) and the total value of the planned number of sheets to be printed information of printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3) in a table. Then, proceed to step S824.

[0098] Here, the information on the number of printed sheets and the information on the number of sheets to be printed are examples of count information based on the contract for the printing device 100(1).

[0099] In step S824, CPU 101a(1) transmits the table to the other printing apparatuses 100(2) and 100(3) via LAN / IF 107(1), and then proceeds to step S825.

[0100] In step S825, CPU 101a(1) reads the table from storage device 109(1) and updates the display on display unit 102a(1) based on the table. That is, CPU 101a(1) functions as a display control unit, refers to the table (FIG. 16), and controls display unit 102a(1) to display the sum of the printed sheet count information, the sum of the planned printed sheet count information, and the total of the printing contract upper limit sheets for printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3), as shown in FIG. 14.

[0101] In step S826, CPU 101a(1) detects whether a table has been requested via LAN / IF 107(1) from printing device 100(2), 100(3), or information processing device 200. If CPU 101a(1) detects that a table has been requested, it proceeds to step S827. If CPU 101a(1) does not detect that a table has been requested, it proceeds to step S828.

[0102] In step S827, the CPU 101a(1) functions as a transmitting unit and transmits the table via the LAN / IF 107(1) to the printing device 100(2), 100(3) or information processing device 200 that has requested the table.

[0103] In step S828, the CPU 101a(1) executes other processes.

[0104] 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing the operation of the printing device 100(2) operating as a client. Below, we will explain the operation of the printing device 100(2) to display the total number of printed sheets and the total number of sheets to be printed on itself and the information processing device 200, according to the flow in FIG.

[0105] In step S901, the CPU 101a(2) detects from the LAN / IF 107(2) that data has been received. If the CPU 101a(2) detects from the LAN / IF 107(2) that data has been received, the process proceeds to step S919. If the CPU 101a(2) does not detect from the LAN / IF 107(2) that data has been received, the process proceeds to step S902.

[0106] In step S902, the CPU 101a(2) detects from the operation input unit 102b(2) of the operation panel 102(2) that a user has logged in. If the CPU 101a(2) detects that a user has logged in, the process proceeds to step S903. If the CPU 101a(2) does not detect that a user has logged in, the process proceeds to step S901.

[0107] In step S903, the CPU 101a(2) requests the table from the printing device 100(1) via the LAN / IF 107(2), and then the process proceeds to step S904.

[0108] In step S904, the CPU 101a(2) receives the table from the printing device 100(1) via the LAN / IF 107(2). If the CPU 101a(2) receives the table, it proceeds to step S905. If the CPU 101a(2) does not receive the table, it returns to step S904.

[0109] In step S905, the CPU 101a(2) stores the received table in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S906.

[0110] In step S906, the CPU 101a(2) reads the table from the storage device 109(2) and updates the indication on the display unit 102a(2) based on the table.

[0111] In step S907, CPU 101a(2) detects from operation input unit 102b(2) of operation panel 102(2) that the number of copies to be printed has been set. If CPU 101a(2) detects that the number of copies to be printed has been set, the process proceeds to step S908. If CPU 101a(2) does not detect that the number of copies to be printed has been set, the process proceeds to step S909.

[0112] In step S908, the CPU 101a(2) stores the set number of copies in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S909.

[0113] In step S909, CPU 101a(2) detects whether paper has been set in ADF unit 104(2). If CPU 101a(2) detects that paper has been set in ADF unit 104(2), the process proceeds to step S910. If CPU 101a(2) does not detect that paper has been set in ADF unit 104(2), the process proceeds to step S914.

[0114] In step S910, CPU 101a(2) detects whether the copy start button has been pressed on operation input unit 102b(2) of operation panel 102(2). If CPU 101a(2) detects that the start button has been pressed, it proceeds to step S911. If CPU 101a(2) does not detect that the start button has been pressed, it returns to step S910.

[0115] In step S911, the CPU 101a(2) executes a scan in the ADF unit 104(2), and then the process proceeds to step S912.

[0116] In step S912, the CPU 101a(2) stores the scanned data obtained by the ADF unit 104(2) in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S913.

[0117] In step S913, the CPU 101a(2) detects whether or not the document has been removed from the ADF unit 104(2). If the CPU 101a(2) detects that the document has been removed, the process proceeds to step S918. If the CPU 101a(2) does not detect that the document has been removed, the process proceeds to step S911.

[0118] In step S914, CPU 101a(2) detects whether or not a document has been set on reading unit 103(2). If a document has been set on reading unit 103(2), CPU 101a(2) proceeds to step S915. If a document has not been set on reading unit 103(2), CPU 101a(2) returns to step S914.

[0119] In step S915, CPU 101a(2) detects whether the copy start button has been pressed on operation input unit 102b(2) of operation panel 102(2). If CPU 101a(2) detects that the start button has been pressed, it proceeds to step S916. If CPU 101a(2) does not detect that the start button has been pressed, it returns to step S915.

[0120] In step S916, the CPU 101a(2) executes a scan using the reading unit 103(2), and then the process proceeds to step S917.

[0121] In step S917, the CPU 101a(2) stores the scanned data obtained by the reading unit 103(2) in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S918.

[0122] In step S918, the CPU 101a(2) determines the number of sheets to be printed from the copy number information stored in the storage device 109(2) and the number of sheets of scan data.

[0123] In step S919, CPU 101a(2) detects from LAN / IF 107(2) that a print job has been received from information processing device 200. If CPU 101a(2) detects from LAN / IF 107(2) that a print job has been received, CPU 101a(2) proceeds to step S920. If CPU 101a(2) does not detect from LAN / IF 107(2) that a print job has been received, CPU 101a(2) proceeds to step S934.

[0124] In step S920, the CPU 101a(2) stores the received print job in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S921.

[0125] In step S921, the CPU 101a(2) calculates the number of sheets to be printed from the copy number information and the number of sheets to be printed of the print job stored in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S922.

[0126] In step S922, the CPU 101a(2) stores the determined information on the number of sheets to be printed in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S923.

[0127] In step S923, the CPU 101a(2) transmits the planned number of sheets to be printed to the printing apparatus 100(1) via the LAN / IF 107(2), and then the process proceeds to step S924.

[0128] In step S924, the CPU 101a(2) receives the table from the printing device 100(1) via the LAN / IF 107(2). If the CPU 101a(2) receives the table, it proceeds to step S925. If the CPU 101a(2) does not receive the table, it returns to step S924.

[0129] In step S925, the CPU 101a(2) stores the received table in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S926.

[0130] In step S926, the CPU 101a(2) reads the table from the storage device 109(2) and updates the display on the display unit 102a(2) based on the table.

[0131] In step S927, the CPU 101a(2) reads out and prints the data stored in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S928.

[0132] In step S928, the CPU 101a(2) checks whether printing is complete. If printing is complete, the CPU 101a(2) proceeds to step S929. If printing is not complete, the CPU 101a(2) proceeds to step S927.

[0133] In step S929, the CPU 101a(2) stores the determined number of printed sheets information in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S930.

[0134] In step S930, the CPU 101a(2) transmits the printed number information to the printing apparatus 100(1) via the LAN / IF 107(2), and then the process proceeds to step S931.

[0135] In step S931, the CPU 101a(2) receives the table from the printing device 100(1) via the LAN / IF 107(2). If the CPU 101a(2) receives the table, it proceeds to step S932. If the CPU 101a(2) does not receive the table, it returns to step S931.

[0136] In step S932, the CPU 101a(2) stores the received table in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S933.

[0137] In step S933, the CPU 101a(2) reads the table from the storage device 109(2) and updates the display on the display unit 102a(2) based on the table.

[0138] In step S934, the CPU 101a(2) detects whether a table has been requested by the information processing device 200. If the CPU 101a(2) detects that a table has been requested, the process proceeds to step S935. If the CPU 101a(2) does not detect that a table has been requested, the process proceeds to step S939.

[0139] In step S935, the CPU 101a(2) requests the table from the printing device 100(1) via the LAN / IF 107(2), and then the process proceeds to step S936.

[0140] In step S936, the CPU 101a(2) receives the table from the printing device 100(1) via the LAN / IF 107(2). If the CPU 101a(2) receives the table, it proceeds to step S937. If the CPU 101a(2) does not receive the table, it returns to step S936.

[0141] In step S937, the CPU 101a(2) stores the received table in the storage device 109(2), and then the process proceeds to step S938.

[0142] In step S938, the CPU 101a(2) reads the table from the storage device 109(2) and transmits the table to the information processing device 200.

[0143] In step S939, the CPU 101a(2) detects whether the table has been received from the printing device 100(1). If the CPU 101a(2) detects that the table has been received, the process proceeds to step S940. If the CPU 101a(2) does not detect that the table has been received, the process proceeds to step S941.

[0144] In step S940, the CPU 101a(2) stores the received table in the storage device 109(2). After that, the process may proceed to step S933.

[0145] In step S941, the CPU 101a(2) executes other processes.

[0146] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation when the information processing device 200 starts the print driver. Below, the operation of the information processing device 200 to display the total number of pages printed and the total number of pages to be printed will be described according to the flow of FIG.

[0147] In step S1001, the CPU 201 starts the printer driver in response to a user command.

[0148] In step S1002, the CPU 201 requests a table from the printing device 100 selected by the user.

[0149] In step S1003, CPU 201 functions as a receiving unit and receives the table from printing device 100 via LAN / IF 206. If CPU 201 has received the table, it proceeds to step S1004. If CPU 201 has not received the table, it returns to step S1003.

[0150] In step S1004, the CPU 201 stores the received table in the storage device 203. Then, the process proceeds to step S1005.

[0151] In step S1005, CPU 201 reads the table from storage device 203 and updates the display on display unit 212 based on the table. That is, CPU 201 functions as a display control unit, refers to the above table (FIG. 16), and controls display unit 212 to display the total value of the printed sheet count information, the total value of the planned print sheet count information, and the total value of the print contract upper limit numbers for printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3), as shown in FIG.

[0152] In step S1006, CPU 201 transmits the print job to printing device 100 and detects that a notification that the job has been completed has been received. If CPU 201 detects that the print job has been received, it proceeds to step S1007. If CPU 201 does not detect that the print job has been received, it returns to step S1006.

[0153] In step S1007, the CPU 201 updates the table in the storage device 203.

[0154] In step S1008, CPU 201 reads the table from storage device 203 and updates the display on display unit 212 based on the table. The process of step S1008 is similar to the process of step S1005.

[0155] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, a plurality of printing devices 100, an information processing device 200, and a server device 300 are interconnected via a network 120. A method for displaying the total number of printed sheets and the total number of sheets to be printed for a plurality of printing devices 100 on the printing devices 100 and the information processing device 200 in this case will be described. An example of display on the display unit 102a of the printing device 100 is shown in FIG. 14, and an example of display on the display unit 212 of the information processing device 200 is shown in FIG.

[0156] First, the settings that a user makes on the server device 300 when signing up for a group contract for multiple printing devices 100 will be described.

[0157] On the screen for setting the subscription contract information of the server device 300, the user registers the IP address of the printing device 100 (which is the client), identification information, the renewal date of the subscription contract, and the number of prints per renewal date, and completes the setup.

[0158] 11 is a flowchart showing the process of configuring the settings required for the server device 300 to add up the number of printed pages from multiple printing devices 100 and send the total to the printing device 100. The operation of the server device 300 will be described below in accordance with the flow of FIG.

[0159] In step S1101, when the user starts the software that manages subscription contract information, the CPU 301 controls the display unit 312 to display a setting screen, and then the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0160] In step S1102, the CPU 301 detects from the keyboard 308 that the user has registered the IP address, identification information, contract information (renewal date), and contract maximum number of pages for each renewal date of the printing device 100, which is the contracted client, and registers these in the storage device 303.

[0161] The server device 300, the printer 100, and the information processing device 200 have table information (hereinafter referred to as table) for recording printed page count information, which is stored in the storage devices 303, 109, and 202. An example of the table is shown in FIG.

[0162] 16 records the print contract upper limit, information on the number of sheets to be printed and the time when it was recorded, information on the number of sheets already printed and the time when it was recorded, the total of the print contract upper limit, the total of the number of sheets to be printed, and the total of the number of sheets already printed for multiple printing devices 100. Note that the table in FIG. 16 records information from the renewal date of the subscription contract to the next renewal date.

[0163] Here, the print contract limit refers to the maximum number of pages that can be printed per renewal date as specified in the subscription contract. The planned number of pages to be printed is the number of pages scanned using ADF printing or scanning multiplied by the number of copies to be printed, which is the number of pages to be printed in the future. The number of pages printed refers to the cumulative number of pages printed from the renewal date specified in the subscription contract to the next renewal date.

[0164] The server device 300 has the functions to acquire, update, send, and display the table information in Fig. 16. The printing device 100, which operates as a client, has the functions to send, acquire, and display the table information in Fig. 16 to the server device 300. When the printing device 100 sends information on the number of sheets to be printed and the number of sheets already printed, it also sends the transmission time and identification information for identifying the printing device 100.

[0165] The information processing device 200 has the function of transmitting table information to the printing device 100 and the server device 300, acquiring the table information, and displaying the table information.

[0166] The following describes the operation performed by the server device 300 on the contract renewal date: When the contract renewal date arrives, the server device 300 prepares a table for the next month and transmits the table to the printing device 100, which is the client.

[0167] 12 is a flowchart showing the operation performed on the subscription contract renewal date by the server device 300. The operation of the server device 300 will be described below according to the flow of FIG.

[0168] In step S1201, CPU 301 detects whether the contract renewal date has arrived. If CPU 301 detects that the contract renewal date has arrived, it proceeds to step S1202. If CPU 301 does not detect that the contract renewal date has arrived, it returns to step S1201.

[0169] In step S 1202 , the CPU 301 creates a table for the next month and stores it in the storage device 303 .

[0170] In step S 1203 , the CPU 301 reads the table for the next month from the storage device 303 and transmits it to the printing device 100 .

[0171] When the printing device 100 performs ADF printing or printing from the reading unit 103, the operation is the same as that performed by the printing device 100(2), which was the client in the first embodiment. However, the destination of the number of sheets to be printed and the number of sheets printed and the source of the table are the server device 300.

[0172] The operation of displaying the total number of printed sheets and the number of sheets to be printed for multiple printing devices 100 on the information processing device 200 is the same as the operation performed by the information processing device 200 in the first embodiment. However, the destination of the number of sheets to be printed and the number of printed sheets and the source of the table are the server device 300 or the printing device 100.

[0173] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device 300. Below, we will explain the operation of the server device 300, which adds up the number of printed sheets and the number of sheets to be printed, and causes the printing device 100 and information processing device 200 to display the total number of printed sheets and the number of sheets to be printed for multiple printing devices 100, according to the flow of Fig. 13. Below, we will explain the processing method of the server device 300.

[0174] The operation of the printing device 100 follows the flowcharts of FIGS. 9A and 9B, and the operation of the information processing device 200 follows the flowchart of FIG.

[0175] In step S1301, CPU 301 detects whether information on the number of sheets to be printed or the number of sheets already printed for the printing device 100 has been received from the printing device 100 via LAN / IF 306. CPU 301 functions as a receiving unit and receives information on the number of sheets to be printed or the number of sheets already printed for each of the multiple printing devices 100. If CPU 301 has received information on the number of sheets to be printed or the number of sheets already printed, the process proceeds to step S1302. If CPU 301 has not received information on the number of sheets to be printed or the number of sheets already printed, the process proceeds to step S1303.

[0176] In step S1302, CPU 301 saves the information on the number of printed sheets and the information on the number of sheets to be printed in the table of Fig. 16. Furthermore, CPU 301 functions as a saving unit and saves the sum of the information on the number of printed sheets and the information on the number of sheets to be printed of printing devices 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3) in the table of Fig. 16. Then, the process proceeds to step S1304.

[0177] In step S1303, CPU 301 detects whether a table has been requested from printing device 100 or information processing device 200 via LAN / IF 306. If CPU 301 detects that a table has been requested, the process proceeds to step S1304. If CPU 301 does not detect that a table has been requested, the process proceeds to step S1305.

[0178] In step S1304, CPU 301 functions as a transmitting unit and transmits the table of FIG. 16 to printing device 100 via LAN / IF 306. CPU 101 may also transmit the table of FIG. 16 to printing device 100 and information processing device 200. In this case, information processing device 200 receives the table of FIG. 16 from server device 300.

[0179] In step S1305, the CPU 301 executes other processes.

[0180] Each of the multiple printing devices 100 performs the processes shown in Figures 9A and 9B. In step S923, CPU 101 transmits information on the number of sheets to be printed to server device 300. In step S930, CPU 101 transmits information on the number of sheets already printed to server device 300. In step S939, CPU 101 receives the table of Figure 16 from server device 300. In step S933, CPU 101 controls the display of the information in the received table.

[0181] The information processing device 200 performs the processing of Fig. 10. In step S1003, the CPU 201 receives the table of Fig. 16 from the server device 300 or from the server device 300 via the printing device 100. In steps S1005 and S1008, the CPU 201 performs control to display the information in the received table.

[0182] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, the number of printed sheets and the number of sheets to be printed are added together and displayed on the display units 102a, 212 of the printing device 100 and the information processing device 200, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to the number of printed sheets and the number of sheets to be printed. The display units 102a, 212 of the printing device 100 and the information processing device 200 may also add together and display the amount of ink to be used, the amount of ink already used, the amount of toner to be used, the amount of toner already used, and the number of scanned sheets.

[0183] The number of printed pages and the number of pages to be printed are examples of count information based on the contract for the printing device 100. The count information includes confirmed count information and unconfirmed count information. Confirmed count information includes the number of printed pages, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used, while unconfirmed count information includes the number of pages to be printed, the amount of ink to be used, or the amount of toner to be used.

[0184] As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, a subscription contract is made for a group of multiple printing devices 100. In this case, the total number of printed sheets for the multiple printing devices 100 is displayed on the display unit 102a of each printing device 100 and the display unit 212 of the information processing device 200, so that the total number of remaining sheets to be printed within the fixed amount can be confirmed.

[0185] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0186] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0187] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) 1. A printing device, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring count information based on a contract for the printing device; a first receiving means for receiving count information based on a contract with another printing device; a storage means for storing the sum of the count information based on the contract of said own printing device and the count information based on the contract of said other printing device; A printing device comprising: (Configuration 2) The printing device according to configuration 1, wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets. (Configuration 3) 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the count information includes the number of sheets printed and the number of sheets to be printed. (Configuration 4) 4. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a first display control means for controlling the printing device to display the total value. (Configuration 5) The count information includes the number of printed sheets, The printing device described in configuration 4, characterized in that the first display control means controls to display the sum of the number of printed pages of the printing device itself and the number of printed pages of the other printing device, and the sum of the printing contract upper limit of the printing device itself and the printing contract upper limit of the other printing device. (Configuration 6) The count information includes the number of sheets printed and the number of sheets to be printed, The printing device described in configuration 4 is characterized in that the first display control means controls to display the sum of the number of printed sheets of the printing device itself and the number of printed sheets of the other printing device, the sum of the number of sheets planned to be printed of the printing device itself and the number of sheets planned to be printed of the other printing device, and the sum of the printing contract upper limit of the printing device itself and the printing contract upper limit of the other printing device. (Configuration 7) 7. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a transmitting means for transmitting the sum. (Configuration 8) 8. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the count information includes confirmed count information and unconfirmed count information. (Configuration 9) 9. The printing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used. (Configuration 10) The determined count information includes the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used, 9. The printing device according to configuration 8, wherein the undetermined count information includes the number of sheets to be printed, the amount of ink to be used, or the amount of toner to be used. (Configuration 11) a printing device according to configuration 7; an information processing device; The information processing device includes: a second receiving means for receiving the sum from the printing device; and second display control means for controlling the display of the received total value. (Configuration 12) a first receiving means for receiving count information based on the contracts of the plurality of printing devices from the plurality of printing devices; a storage means for storing a total value of count information based on the contract of the plurality of printing devices; A server device comprising: (Configuration 13) 13. The server device according to claim 12, wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets. (Configuration 14) 14. The server device according to claim 12, wherein the count information includes the number of sheets printed and the number of sheets to be printed. (Configuration 15) 15. The server device according to any one of configurations 12 to 14, further comprising first transmission means for transmitting the sum. (Configuration 16) 16. The server device according to any one of configurations 12 to 15, wherein the count information includes confirmed count information and unconfirmed count information. (Configuration 17) 17. The server device according to any one of configurations 12 to 16, wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used. (Configuration 18) The determined count information includes the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used, 17. The server device according to configuration 16, wherein the undetermined count information includes the number of sheets to be printed, the amount of ink to be used, or the amount of toner to be used. (Configuration 19) A server device according to configuration 15; the plurality of printing devices; Each of the plurality of printing devices a second transmission means for transmitting count information based on the contract of the printing device to the server device; a second receiving means for receiving the sum from the server device; a display control unit that controls the received total value to be displayed; (Configuration 20) A server device according to configuration 15; an information processing device; The information processing device includes: a second receiving means for receiving the total value from the server device or from the server device via the printing device; a display control unit that controls the received total value to be displayed; (Configuration 21) The count information includes the number of printed sheets, The printing system described in configuration 19 or 20, characterized in that the display control means controls to display the total number of printed sheets of the multiple printing devices and the total number of sheets under the printing contract of the multiple printing devices. (Configuration 22) The count information includes the number of sheets printed and the number of sheets to be printed, The printing system described in configuration 19 or 20, characterized in that the display control means controls to display the total number of printed sheets of the multiple printing devices, the total number of sheets planned to be printed by the multiple printing devices, and the total number of sheets under the printing contract for the multiple printing devices. (Method 1) A processing method for a printing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring count information based on a contract for one's own printing device; a first receiving step of receiving count information based on a contract with another printing device; a storage step for storing a sum of the count information based on the contract of the own printing device and the count information based on the contract of the other printing device; 1. A processing method for a printing device, comprising: (Method 2) a first receiving step of receiving count information based on contracts of a plurality of printing devices from each of the plurality of printing devices; a storage step for storing a total value of count information based on the contracts of the plurality of printing devices; A processing method for a server device, comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as the printing device or server device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10 and 12 to 18. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 100 Printing device, 101 Control unit, 101a CPU, 101b Memory, 102 Operation panel, 102a Display unit, 102b Operation input unit, 103 Reading unit, 104 ADF unit, 105 Print processing unit 105, 109 Storage device, 300 Server device, 301 CPU, 302 Memory, 303 Storage device, 312 Display unit

Claims

1. 1. A printing device, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring count information based on a contract for the printing device; a first receiving means for receiving count information based on a contract with another printing device; a storage means for storing the sum of the count information based on the contract of said own printing device and the count information based on the contract of said other printing device; A printing device comprising:

2. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the count information includes the number of sheets already printed and the number of sheets to be printed.

4. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising a first display control means for controlling the sum to be displayed.

5. The count information includes the number of printed sheets, The printing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first display control means controls to display the sum of the number of printed pages of the printing device itself and the number of printed pages of the other printing device, and the sum of the printing contract upper limit of the printing device itself and the printing contract upper limit of the other printing device.

6. The count information includes the number of sheets printed and the number of sheets to be printed, The printing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first display control means controls to display the sum of the number of printed sheets of the printing device itself and the number of printed sheets of the other printing device, the sum of the number of sheets planned to be printed of the printing device itself and the number of sheets planned to be printed of the other printing device, and the sum of the printing contract upper limit of the printing device itself and the printing contract upper limit of the other printing device.

7. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting unit for transmitting the sum.

8. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the count information includes confirmed count information and unconfirmed count information.

9. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used.

10. The determined count information includes the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used, 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the undetermined count information includes a planned number of sheets to be printed, a planned amount of ink to be used, or a planned amount of toner to be used.

11. a printing device according to claim 7; an information processing device; The information processing device includes: a second receiving means for receiving the sum from the printing device; and second display control means for controlling the received total value to be displayed.

12. a first receiving means for receiving count information based on the contracts of the plurality of printing devices from the plurality of printing devices; a storage means for storing a total value of count information based on the contract of the plurality of printing devices; A server device comprising:

13. 13. The server device according to claim 12, wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets.

14. 13. The server device according to claim 12, wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets and the number of sheets to be printed.

15. 13. The server device according to claim 12, further comprising first transmitting means for transmitting the sum.

16. 13. The server device according to claim 12, wherein the count information includes confirmed count information and unconfirmed count information.

17. 13. The server device according to claim 12, wherein the count information includes the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used.

18. The determined count information includes the number of printed sheets, the amount of ink used, or the amount of toner used, 17. The server device according to claim 16, wherein the undetermined count information includes a planned number of sheets to be printed, a planned amount of ink to be used, or a planned toner usage fee.

19. The server device according to claim 15; the plurality of printing devices; Each of the plurality of printing devices a second transmission means for transmitting count information based on the contract of the printing device to the server device; a second receiving means for receiving the sum from the server device; a display control unit that controls the received total value to be displayed;

20. The server device according to claim 15; an information processing device; The information processing device includes: a second receiving means for receiving the total value from the server device or from the server device via the printing device; a display control unit that controls the received total value to be displayed;

21. The count information includes the number of printed sheets, 20. The printing system according to claim 19, wherein the display control means controls the display to display a total value of the number of printed sheets of the plurality of printing devices and a total value of the contracted upper limit number of sheets of the plurality of printing devices.

22. The count information includes the number of sheets printed and the number of sheets to be printed, The printing system according to claim 19, characterized in that the display control means controls to display the sum of the number of pages printed by the plurality of printing devices, the sum of the number of pages planned to be printed by the plurality of printing devices, and the sum of the maximum number of pages under the printing contract for the plurality of printing devices.

23. A processing method for a printing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring count information based on a contract for one's own printing device; a first receiving step of receiving count information based on a contract with another printing device; a storage step for storing a sum of the count information based on the contract of the own printing device and the count information based on the contract of the other printing device; 1. A processing method for a printing device, comprising:

24. a first receiving step of receiving count information based on contracts of a plurality of printing devices from each of the plurality of printing devices; a storage step for storing a total value of count information based on the contracts of the plurality of printing devices; A processing method for a server device, comprising:

25. A program for causing a computer to function as the printing device or server device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 12 to 18.

Images