Print management system, printing apparatus, management server, and print management method

Abstract

To solve the problem that there is a possibility that information on a print job executed by a printer cannot be acquired in an appropriate mode.SOLUTION: The printing apparatus executes a print job and performs processing for transmitting job information related to the print job to the management server when executing the print job. The printing apparatus transmits job history information including backup information related to the print job to the management server at a predetermined timing after the transmission of the job information. The management server stores information related to the print job received from the printing apparatus in a storage unit. The management server determines whether the job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit. When it is determined that the job information is not stored in the storage unit, the management server complements the job information based on the backup information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a print management system, a printing device, a management server, and a print management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing system. In the printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a server acquires a job status for printing processing by an image processing device from a second print service system. When the server acquires the job status from the second print service system, the server transmits the job status to a first print service system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-22884 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the server acquires the job status of the print process. However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the server may not be able to acquire information about the print job executed by the image processing device (printing device) in an appropriate manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A print management system according to the present disclosure includes at least one printing device and a management server capable of communicating with the printing device and managing a status of printing executed by the printing device, wherein the printing device executes a first print job and a second print job, and, when executing the first print job, executes a first sending step of processing to send first job information related to the first print job to the management server, and, when executing the second print job, executes a second sending step of processing to send second job information related to the second print job to the management server, and, at a predetermined timing after executing the first sending step and the second sending step, executes a job history sending step of sending job history information to the management server, the job history information including first backup information related to the first print job and second backup information related to the second print job, The server executes a storage step of storing information related to the print job received from the printing device in a storage unit, executes a first determination step of determining whether the first job information corresponding to the first backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit, executes a first complementation step of complementing the first job information based on the first backup information if it is determined in the first determination step that the first job information is not stored in the storage unit, executes a second determination step of determining whether the second job information corresponding to the second backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit, and executes a second complementation step of complementing the second job information based on the second backup information if it is determined in the second determination step that the second job information is not stored in the storage unit.

[0006] The printing device according to the present disclosure has a job execution unit that executes each of a plurality of print jobs; a job information sending unit that, when executing each of the plurality of print jobs, performs processing to send job information related to each of the executed plurality of print jobs to a management server that is capable of communicating with the printing device and manages the status of printing executed by the printing device; and a job history information sending unit that, at a predetermined timing after processing to send the plurality of job information to the management server has been performed, sends job history information to the management server, the job history information including multiple backup information that is a backup of each of the job information related to the plurality of print jobs regarding the history of the executed plurality of print jobs.

[0007] The management server according to the present disclosure is capable of communicating with at least one printing device and managing the status of printing executed by the printing device, wherein the printing device executes multiple print jobs and is capable of sending job information related to the executed print jobs to the management server, and includes: a job history information receiving unit that receives from the printing device job history information including multiple backup information that is a backup of each of the job information related to the multiple print jobs regarding the history of the multiple print jobs executed by the printing device; a storage processing unit that stores information related to the print jobs received from the printing device in a storage unit; a job determination unit that determines, for each of the multiple print jobs, whether job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit; and a completion unit that complements the job information of a print job for which it is determined that the job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is not stored in the storage unit based on the backup information.

[0008] A print management method according to the present disclosure is a print management method executed by at least one printing device and a management server capable of communicating with the printing device and managing a status of printing executed by the printing device, wherein the printing device executes a first print job and a second print job, and, upon execution of the first print job, executes a first sending step of processing to send first job information related to the first print job to the management server, and, upon execution of the second print job, executes a second sending step of processing to send second job information related to the second print job to the management server, and, at a predetermined timing after execution of the first sending step and the second sending step, executes a job history sending step of sending job history information to the management server, the job history information including first backup information related to the first print job and second backup information related to the second print job. The management server executes a storage step of storing information related to the print job received from the printing device in a storage unit, executes a first determination step of determining whether the first job information corresponding to the first backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit, and if it is determined in the first determination step that the first job information is not stored in the storage unit, executes a first complementation step of complementing the first job information based on the first backup information, executes a second determination step of determining whether the second job information corresponding to the second backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit, and if it is determined in the second determination step that the second job information is not stored in the storage unit, executes a second complementation step of complementing the second job information based on the second backup information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a print management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating job information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of a management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a billing server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in the management server according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the determination step of S162 shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram for explaining a process when job information is transmitted from a printing device to a management server according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram for explaining a process when job history information is transmitted from a printing device to a management server according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a printing management system 1 according to a first embodiment. The printing management system 1 includes a management server 100, one or more printing devices 200, a billing server 300, and terminal devices 10A and 10B. The management server 100, the billing server 300, and the terminal device 10B are communicatively connected to each other via a network 2 such as the Internet. The printing device 200 and the terminal device 10A are communicatively connected to each other via a local network 4 such as a local area network (LAN). In the example of FIG. 1, multiple printing devices 200 are communicatively connected to each other via the local network 4. In the following description, when the terminal device 10A and the terminal device 10B are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as terminal devices 10. The management server 100 and the billing server 300 may be configured as the same device. That is, the components of the billing server 300, which will be described later, may be implemented by the management server 100. The components of the management server 100, which will be described later, may be implemented by the billing server 300.

[0012] The print management system 1 manages the processing status of the printing device 200. The print management system 1 manages the status of printing performed by the printing device 200. Here, the printing device 200 and the terminal device 10A may be devices of a customer of the printing device 200. In this case, the local network 4 is a network implemented within the organization of the customer. The print management system 1 may have printing devices 200 of multiple customers. In this case, the print management system 1 manages the processing status of the printing devices 200 of multiple customers. In this case, multiple local networks 4 are connected to the network 2. Furthermore, the customer of the printing device 200 may use the printing device 200 through a subscription service. In this case, the printing device 200 may be managed by a provider of the subscription service.

[0013] The printing device 200 is a device that performs printing, such as a printer. The printing device 200 may also function as a computer. The printing device 200 executes print jobs received from the terminal device 10A or the operation panel of the printing device 200. The printing device 200 also performs processing to send job information, which is information about the executed print job, to the management server 100. That is, the printing device 200 performs processing to send job information about the executed print job to the management server 100 each time it executes a print job. In other words, the printing device 200 can execute multiple print jobs and send job information about the executed print jobs to the management server 100. The printing device 200 also stores backup information about the print jobs after executing a print job. The printing device 200 also sends job history information, including multiple pieces of backup information, to the management server 100. The job history information can be used to display the job history on the operation panel of the printing device 200. The configuration of the printing device 200 will be described in detail below.

[0014] A print job corresponds to a print command generated by a user operation. A print job may also include print data, which is data for the printing process to be executed. Print data is data representing an image to be printed on a print medium such as paper. The print data is, for example, document editing file data or image display file data. Job information corresponds to the execution result of an executed print job. Job information also corresponds to the processing status in the printing device 200. Job information also corresponds to the printing status in the printing device 200. Details of job information will be described later. Backup information is information related to the history of a print job. Backup information is information that is a backup of job information related to a print job. Backup information may include substantially the same content as job information. The format of the backup information may differ from the format of the job information.

[0015] The management server 100 is a computer having a processor, memory, and the like. The management server 100 functions as, for example, an information processing device. The management server 100 can be realized, for example, by cloud computing. The management server 100 can also be realized, for example, by multiple computers connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Furthermore, each of the components of the management server 100, which will be described later, can also be realized by distributing them across multiple computers.

[0016] The management server 100 functions as a management device that manages the printing device 200 connected via the network 2. The management server 100 manages the status of printing executed by the printing device 200. The management server 100 manages print jobs executed by the printing device 200. The management server 100 acquires job information related to print jobs executed by the printing device 200 and stores the acquired job information. As described above, the job information can be transmitted each time a corresponding print job is executed. Therefore, the management server 100 can remotely monitor the printing status of the printing device 200 in approximately real time. The management server 100 also acquires job history information and stores the acquired job history information. The management server 100 also transmits the acquired job information to the billing server 300. The configuration of the management server 100 will be described in detail below.

[0017] The management server 100 may also generate statistical information about print jobs based on the job information. In this case, the management server 100 may perform processing to display the generated statistical information on the terminal device 10B. The statistical information may indicate, for example, the status and billing status of the print job. In this case, the management server 100 may obtain the results of the billing process from the billing server 300, which will be described later. The management server 100 may, for example, be a web server that provides a browsing service for statistical information about print jobs to the terminal device 10. In this case, the management server 100 has a web application that provides the browsing web service. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may access the browsing web service using a web browser, and the user may operate the terminal device 10 to send a browsing request to the management server 100. In response to this, the browsing web service of the management server 100 may perform processing to enable the statistical information to be viewed using the web browser of the terminal device 10.

[0018] Billing server 300 is a computer having a processor, memory, etc. Billing server 300 functions as, for example, an information processing device. Billing server 300 can be realized, for example, by cloud computing. Billing server 300 can also be realized, for example, by multiple computers connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Furthermore, each of the components of billing server 300 described below may be distributed across multiple computers.

[0019] The billing server 300 functions as a billing device that performs billing processing for the printing device 200 connected via the network 2. The billing server 300 performs billing processing for the printing device 200 based on job information acquired by the management server 100 regarding print jobs executed by the printing device 200. The billing server 300 provides a pay-per-use billing service to the printing device 200 depending on the status of printing executed by the printing device 200. The billing server 300 performs billing processing for print jobs executed by the printing device 200. The billing server 300 acquires job information regarding print jobs executed by each printing device 200 by receiving job information from the management server 100. The billing server 300 then performs billing processing based on the acquired job information. The billing server 300 may perform billing processing based on, for example, the amount of ink or print media consumed by the printing device 200. The billing server 300 may also perform processing that allows the user to view the results of the billing processing. The configuration of the billing server 300 will be described in detail below.

[0020] The terminal device 10 is a computer having a processor, memory, etc. The terminal device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). The terminal device 10 is operated by a user. The terminal device 10A sends a print job to the printing device 200 and causes the printing device 200 to execute the print process. The terminal device 10B displays statistical information generated by the management server 100. The terminal device 10B requests the management server 100 to view the statistical information in response to a user operation. The management server 100 performs processing to display the statistical information on the terminal device 10 in response to a request from the terminal device 10. In this case, the user of the terminal device 10B can view the status of the print job and the billing status using the terminal device 10B. The terminal device 10A and the terminal device 10B may be integrated. In other words, the terminal device 10B may send a print job to the printing device 200. The user may also view the statistical information using the terminal device 10A.

[0021] Here, in the first embodiment, there are cases where the management server 100 is unable to acquire job information corresponding to a print job executed by the printing device 200 from the printing device 200. For example, if a communication failure such as a communication interruption occurs in the network 2 and the local network 4, the printing device 200 may not be able to properly transmit job information related to the executed print job to the management server 100. Alternatively, if a problem occurs in the communication equipment of the printing device 200, there is a case where the printing device 200 may not be able to properly transmit job information related to the executed print job to the management server 100. In this way, there are cases where the management server 100 is unable to acquire job information from the printing device 200.

[0022] A print job executed by the printing device 200 but for which corresponding job information was not acquired from the printing device 200 is referred to as a missing job or a lost job. In other words, a missing job is a print job executed by the printing device 200 but for which corresponding job information was not acquired by the management server 100. A missing job can also be a print job for which job information was not sent from the printing device 200 because the printing device 200 was unable to communicate with a device that collects job information. The "device that collects job information" is, for example, the management server 100, but it may also be an intermediary device provided between the management server 100 and the local network 4. The intermediary device transmits information sent from the printing device 200 to the management server 100. In this case, "the printing device 200 transmits information to the management server 100" includes the printing device 200 transmitting information to the management server 100 via the intermediary device. Furthermore, "the management server 100 receives information from the printing device 200" includes the management server 100 receiving information from the printing device 200 via the intermediary device. Furthermore, "the printing device 200 cannot communicate with the device that collects job information" includes the case where the intermediary device is not running. Note that a print job that is executed by the printing device 200 and for which corresponding job information is obtained from the printing device 200 is referred to as a normal job. In other words, a normal job is a print job that is not a missing job.

[0023] In this way, in a situation where job information is not acquired from printing device 200, there is a possibility that some information will be missing from the job information collected by management server 100. In this case, there is a possibility that some information will be missing from the job information acquired by billing server 300 from management server 100. Therefore, there is a possibility that billing server 300 will not be able to perform appropriate billing processing using the job information.

[0024] In contrast, the print management system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to complement job information related to a missed job by using job history information when a missed job occurs, as will be described later. Therefore, the management server 100 and the accounting server 300 can acquire job information related to a print job executed by the printing device 200 in an appropriate manner. This improves the reliability of the job information acquired by the management server 100 and the accounting server 300. Therefore, the print management system 1 according to the first embodiment can perform appropriate accounting processing by using job information. Furthermore, the print management system 1 can make more accurate statistical information available for viewing.

[0025] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. The printing device 200 has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 202, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 206, an interface unit 210, and a printing unit 220. The processing unit 202, the storage unit 204, the communication unit 206, the interface unit 210, and the printing unit 220 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0026] The processing unit 202 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 202 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 202 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, and the like. The processing unit 202 controls the storage unit 204, communication unit 206, interface unit 210, and printing unit 220.

[0027] The storage unit 204 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 204 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 204 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 202. The storage unit 204 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 204 may include a database. The storage unit 204 stores backup information corresponding to each of multiple pieces of job information. The storage unit 204 also stores job history information including multiple pieces of backup information. In other words, the storage unit 204 stores information that compiles multiple pieces of backup information as job history information.

[0028] The communication unit 206 performs processing necessary for the printing device 200 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 206 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 206 performs processing for the printing device 200 to communicate with the management server 100, the billing server 300, and the terminal device 10B via the local network 4 and the network 2. The communication unit 206 also performs processing for the printing device 200 to communicate with the terminal device 10A via the local network 4.

[0029] The interface unit 210 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 210 accepts data input operations by a user of the printing device 200 and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 210 has a display unit 212 and an operation unit 214. The display unit 212 is a display device that displays images, such as a display. The operation unit 214 is an input device for inputting or selecting information. The interface unit 210 may be configured such that an input device and an output device are integrated, such as a touch screen or touch panel. In this case, the display unit 212 and the operation unit 214 may be physically integrated. The interface unit 210 includes an operation panel. The display unit 212 and the operation unit 214 constitute the operation panel.

[0030] The printing unit 220 is an operating mechanism that realizes the functions of the printing device 200. The printing unit 220 has a printing function for forming an image on a print medium such as paper. In this case, the printing unit 220 also includes a print engine. The print engine is a mechanical configuration that prints an image on the print medium. The print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that prints using toner using an electrophotographic method. Alternatively, the print engine may have, for example, a mechanism that prints using an inkjet method. The print engine may also have a transport mechanism that transports the print medium. The print medium may include, for example, roll paper, standard size paper, photo paper, film, or matte paper.

[0031] The printing unit 220 has one or more driving components 222 and one or more detection components 224. The driving components 222 are components that are physically driven in the printing device 200. Here, "physically driven" means, for example, that the position of some structure that constitutes the driving component 222 changes. The driving components 222 are, for example, motors, actuators, solenoids, etc. The driving components 222 also include, for example, components for transporting print media. For example, the driving components 222 may include a paper feed motor. The driving components 222 also include, for example, components that constitute a carriage. For example, the driving components 222 may include a carriage motor and a carriage lock mechanism. The driving components 222 also include, for example, components that constitute a pump.

[0032] The detection component 224 is a component that detects the status of the printing device 200. The detection component 224 is, for example, a sensor or an encoder. For example, the detection component 224 detects the status of a driving component. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the rotation speed of the driving component 222, which is a motor. For example, the detection component 224 may detect the rotation speed of a paper ejection roller, which is the driving component 222. The detection component 224 may also detect the number of reciprocating movements of a carriage, which is the driving component 222. For example, the detection component 224 may also detect the amount of ink. For example, the detection component 224 may also detect the temperature, humidity, and air pressure of a specific location on the printing device 200. The detection component 224 may also detect the temperature of a heater. For example, the detection component 224 may also detect the open / closed state of various covers of the printing device 200. For example, the detection component 224 may also detect the amount of print media consumed. For example, the detection component 224 may also detect the amount of ink consumed. Furthermore, for example, the detection component 224 may detect the type of print media used in the printing process. The detection component 224 may generate a parameter indicating the detected state as a mechanical parameter. The detection component 224 may also detect an abnormality in the mechanical parameter.

[0033] The printing device 200 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, a job receiving unit 230, a job executing unit 240, and a job information transmitting unit 250. The printing device 200 also includes, as its components, a backup information generating unit 254, a backup information storage unit 260, a job history display processing unit 262, and a job history information transmitting unit 270. Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 202. More specifically, each of the components can be realized by the processing unit 202 executing a program stored in the storage unit 204. Each of the components may also be realized by recording the necessary programs on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing them as needed.

[0034] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized by a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized by using this integrated circuit.

[0035] The job receiving unit 230 receives a print job. For example, the job receiving unit 230 receives a print job from the terminal device 10A. In this case, the job receiving unit 230 can be realized by the communication unit 206. Alternatively, the job receiving unit 230 can receive a print job by, for example, a user operating the operation unit 214. In this case, the job receiving unit 230 can be realized by the interface unit 210.

[0036] The job execution unit 240 executes the print job accepted by the job acceptance unit 230. The job execution unit 240 controls the operation of the printing unit 220 in accordance with the print command indicated in the print job and executes the print process corresponding to the print job. The job execution unit 240 executes each of the multiple print jobs. The job execution unit 240 can be realized by the processing unit 202.

[0037] The job execution unit 240 also generates job information, which is information about the executed print job. The job information may include job identification information (job ID) and detailed information. The detailed information may include print setting information, detection information, the execution date and time of the corresponding print job, and a status. The print setting information indicates the print settings when the corresponding print job was executed. The print setting information may indicate a job name, a printer name, and a media name. The printer name corresponds to the identification information of the printing device 200 that executed the corresponding print job. The media name corresponds to the type of print media used when the corresponding print job was executed. The job name may also be a file name corresponding to the print data related to the corresponding print job. The detection information indicates information detected by the detection component 224 when the corresponding print job was executed. The detection information may indicate, for example, the amount of print media and the amount of ink consumed when the print job was executed. The detection information may also indicate the temperature, humidity, and air pressure when the print job was executed. The status may indicate whether an error occurred when the corresponding print job was executed. The detailed job information information may also include mechanical parameters that indicate various parameters of the printing device 200 when the corresponding print job was executed. The mechanical parameters may indicate the state detected by the detection component 224. The mechanical parameters may be, for example, the number of times the print engine or drive components provided in the printing unit 220 have been driven. The mechanical parameters may also indicate, for example, the number of rotations of the paper discharge roller. The mechanical parameters may also indicate the number of reciprocations of the carriage. The mechanical parameters may be generated by the job execution unit 240.

[0038] Furthermore, the job executing unit 240 may assign sequential identification information to each executed print job. The identification information assigned to a print job is referred to as job identification information (job ID). The job identification information may be a value that changes monotonically and discretely according to a predetermined rule. For example, the job identification information may be identification information whose value assigned to the print job advances by a predetermined interval each time the print job is executed. In other words, when a print job is executed, the value of the job identification information assigned to the print job may be uniquely determined from the job identification information assigned to the print job executed immediately before the print job. In other words, the job identification information #n of the nth executed print job may be uniquely determined according to the job identification information #(n-1) of the (n-1)th executed print job. Furthermore, the job identification information assigned to a print job may be uniquely determined according to the execution order of the print job. In other words, the job identification information #n of the nth executed print job may be uniquely determined according to the ordinal number n.

[0039] The job identification information may be, for example, a number whose value increases by one each time a print job is executed. For example, a print job executed after a print job assigned job identification information "001" may be assigned job identification information "002." Alternatively, the job identification information may be, for example, a character string whose value increases by one each time a print job is executed. For example, a print job executed after a print job assigned job identification information "AAA" may be assigned job identification information "BBB." Alternatively, a print job executed after a print job assigned job identification information "AAA" may be assigned job identification information "AAB." Alternatively, the job identification information may be a combination of a number and an alphabet.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of job information according to the first embodiment. The job information includes job identification information (job ID), information related to the printer ID (printer name), and information related to the job name. The job information also indicates information related to the job execution time, information related to the print result, information related to the amount of consumables consumed, and information related to the operating parameters. The information related to the printer ID corresponds to the identification information of the printing device 200 that executed the print job related to the job information. The information related to the job name may indicate a file name corresponding to the print data related to the corresponding print job.

[0041] The information about job execution time indicates the time when the corresponding print job was executed. The job execution time may include a printing start time and a printing end time. The information about the print result indicates the print result of the corresponding print job. The information about consumable consumption indicates the amount of consumables consumed in the corresponding print job. The amount of consumable consumption may include the amount of ink consumed and the amount of print media consumed. The information about operating parameters indicates the operating parameters. The operating parameters indicate the operation of the printing device 200 in the corresponding print job. The operating parameters may include the mechanical parameters described above, a normal flag, and an abnormal flag. The mechanical parameters may indicate the state detected by the detection component 224 when the corresponding print job was executed. The normal flag indicates that the corresponding print job was executed normally. The normal flag may be added to the job information when the corresponding print job was executed normally. The abnormal flag indicates that an abnormality, such as a printing defect, occurred when the corresponding print job was executed. The abnormal flag may be added to the job information when an abnormality, such as a printing defect, occurred when the corresponding print job was executed. For example, an abnormality flag may be added when a mechanical parameter indicates an abnormal state.

[0042] The job information transmitting unit 250 performs processing for transmitting job information to the management server 100. That is, the job information transmitting unit 250 performs processing for transmitting job information related to each of a plurality of print jobs to the management server 100. The job information transmitting unit 250 can be realized by the communication unit 206. The job information transmitting unit 250 may control the communication unit 206 to perform processing for transmitting the job information.

[0043] The job information transmitting unit 250 performs processing to transmit job information to the management server 100 each time the printing device 200 (job executing unit 240) executes a print job. In other words, the job information transmitting unit 250 performs processing to transmit job information related to each of the multiple print jobs to be executed to the management server 100 when each of the multiple print jobs is executed. This allows the management server 100 to monitor the printing status of the printing device 200 in roughly real time. Furthermore, the management server 100 can constantly monitor the contents of the print jobs executed by the printing device 200.

[0044] As described above, if a communication failure occurs between the printing device 200 and the management server 100, the management server 100 may not be able to receive job information even if the job information is sent from the printing device 200. In this case, even if the job information sending unit 250 performs processing to send the job information to the management server 100, the job information may not be transmitted to the management server 100.

[0045] The job information transmitting unit 250 may perform processing to transmit job information when printing related to a print job starts and when printing ends. In this case, the job information transmitted when printing starts may not include the print end time of the job execution time exemplified in FIG. 3. The job information transmitted when printing starts may not include the print result, the amount of consumables consumed, and the operating parameters. In this way, by transmitting the job information transmitting unit 250 when printing related to a print job starts, the management server 100 can monitor that the print job related to the job information is being executed on the printing device 200 that transmitted the job information.

[0046] The backup information generation unit 254 generates backup information corresponding to job information related to an executed print job. The backup information generation unit 254 generates backup information including the content of the job information described above. Here, the backup information may include information with content substantially similar to the job information as exemplified in FIG. 3. The content of the backup information does not need to strictly match the content of the job information. On the other hand, as will be described later, if job information is not sent to the management server 100, that is, if a missed job occurs, job information related to the print job (missed job) corresponding to that job information is complemented using the backup information. Therefore, the backup information includes content sufficient to complement the job information. Furthermore, as described above, job information is used in billing processing. Therefore, the backup information includes information necessary for billing processing.

[0047] As described above, the format of the backup information may differ from the format of the job information. Therefore, the backup information generation unit 254 may generate backup information by converting the format of the job information into the format of the backup information. As will be described later, the backup information is used when viewing the job history on the operation panel of the printing device 200. Therefore, the format of the backup information may be a format suitable for displaying the job history on the operation panel. On the other hand, the format of the job information may be a format suitable for performing billing processing in the billing server 300.

[0048] The backup information storage unit 260 stores backup information corresponding to job information related to an executed print job. The backup information storage unit 260 may be realized by the storage unit 204. The backup information storage unit 260 stores backup information generated by the backup information generation unit 254. Here, the backup information storage unit 260 may store multiple pieces of backup information together. The backup information storage unit 260 may then store the combined multiple pieces of backup information as job history information. In other words, the backup information storage unit 260 may store job history information including multiple pieces of backup information. Therefore, the backup information storage unit 260 may also function as a job history information storage unit. The backup information storage unit 260 may generate job history information including multiple pieces of backup information by combining multiple pieces of backup information.

[0049] The backup information storage unit 260 may store backup information for a predetermined number N of newly executed print jobs. Therefore, the job history information may include backup information for the most recent N print jobs. For example, if N=500, the backup information storage unit 260 may store 500 pieces of backup information for the most recent 500 print jobs. In this case, the job history information may include the most recent 500 pieces of backup information. Furthermore, in this case, when 500 pieces of backup information are stored in the backup information storage unit 260 and a new print job is executed, the backup information storage unit 260 deletes the backup information for the print job that was executed most recently from the stored backup information. In other words, each time a new print job is executed, the backup information storage unit 260 deletes job information, starting with the oldest. The backup information storage unit 260 then stores backup information for the newly executed print job.

[0050] The job history display processing unit 262 performs processing for displaying job history information. Specifically, the job history display processing unit 262 performs processing for displaying job history information stored in the backup information storage unit 260 on an operation panel in response to a user operation. The job history display processing unit 262 may display multiple pieces of backup information as job history on the operation panel. Furthermore, the job history display processing unit 262 may display job history on the terminal device 10 in response to a request from the terminal device 10.

[0051] The job history information transmitting unit 270 transmits the job history information to the management server 100. The job history information transmitting unit 270 may be realized by the communication unit 206. The job history information transmitting unit 270 may control the communication unit 206 to transmit the job history information to the management server 100. The job history information transmitting unit 270 transmits backup information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of job information to the management server 100 at a predetermined timing after processing for transmitting the plurality of pieces of job information to the management server 100 has been performed. The job history information transmitting unit 270 transmits, at the predetermined timing, job history information to the management server 100, including a plurality of pieces of backup information that are backups of each piece of job information related to the history of the plurality of executed print jobs. The job history information transmitting unit 270 may generate job history information by consolidating the plurality of pieces of backup information stored in the backup information storage unit 260, and transmit the generated job history information to the management server 100. Furthermore, the job history information transmission unit 270 may transmit job history information including the latest predetermined number N of backup information stored in the backup information storage unit 260 to the management server 100. If the predetermined number N is 500, the job history information transmission unit 270 may transmit job history information including the latest 500 pieces of backup information stored in the backup information storage unit 260 to the management server 100.

[0052] Here, the "predetermined timing" refers to a timing when the communication load on the printing device 200 is low. Therefore, the possibility of a communication failure occurring when the job history information transmission unit 270 transmits job history information is lower than when job information is transmitted. In other words, the possibility of a transmission error occurring when job history information is transmitted to the management server 100 is lower than when job information is transmitted to the management server 100. Therefore, the job history information transmission unit 270 can transmit job history information to the management server 100 more reliably than when job information is transmitted to the management server 100. Therefore, the management server 100 can acquire job history information more reliably than when job information is transmitted to the management server 100.

[0053] For example, when the printing device 200 is turned on or off, it is highly likely that no print job is occurring and that information such as job information is not being sent to the management server 100, so the communication load is highly likely to be low. Therefore, the "predetermined timing" may be at least one of when the printing device 200 is turned on and when it is turned off. Also, for example, immediately after the printing device 200 is connected to the network 2, it is highly likely that no information is being sent or received between the printing device 200 and the management server 100. Therefore, the "predetermined timing" may be immediately after the printing device 200 is connected to the network 2. Also, before the memory capacity of the printing device 200 becomes tight, the communication load on the printing device 200 is likely to be low. Therefore, the "predetermined timing" may be a timing before the memory capacity of the printing device 200 becomes tight. Also, when the printing device 200 is in a sleep state, it is likely that the printing device 200 is not performing many printing-related operations, so the communication load on the printing device 200 is likely to be low. Therefore, the "predetermined timing" may be when the printing device 200 is in a sleep state. Furthermore, at the timing of maintenance of the printing device 200, the printing device 200 may be performing almost no printing-related operations, and therefore the communication load on the printing device 200 may be low. Therefore, the "predetermined timing" may be the timing of maintenance of the printing device 200.

[0054] 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the management server 100 according to the first embodiment. The management server 100 according to the first embodiment has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and an interface unit 108 (IF: Interface). The processing unit 102, the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 108 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0055] The processing unit 102 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 102 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 102 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The processing unit 102 controls the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 108.

[0056] The storage unit 104 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 104 may have multiple memories. The storage unit 104 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 102. The storage unit 104 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 104 may include a database. The storage unit 104 stores job information and job history information.

[0057] The communication unit 106 performs processing necessary for the management server 100 to communicate with other devices via the network. The communication unit 106 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 106 performs processing for the management server 100 to communicate with the printing device 200 via the network 2 and the local network 4. The communication unit 106 also performs processing for communicating with the terminal device 10 and the billing server 300 via the network 2.

[0058] The interface unit 108 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 108 has an input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and an output device such as a display or a speaker. The interface unit 108 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, for example, as in a touch screen or a touch panel. The interface unit 108 accepts data input operations by a user of the management server 100, and outputs information to the user.

[0059] The management server 100 according to the first embodiment also includes, as its components, a job information receiving unit 110, a job monitoring unit 112, a job history information receiving unit 120, and a storage processing unit 130. The management server 100 according to the first embodiment also includes, as its components, a job determination unit 140, a completion unit 150, a job information transmitting unit 160, and a browsing processing unit 170. The storage processing unit 130 also includes a job information storage unit 132 and a job history information storage unit 134. These components can be operated by an operating system, which is basic software.

[0060] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 102. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 102 executing a program stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0061] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0062] The job information receiving unit 110 receives job information from the printing device 200. The job information receiving unit 110 may be realized by the communication unit 106. Alternatively, the job information receiving unit 110 may control the communication unit 106 to receive job information from the printing device 200. The job information receiving unit 110 acquires job information transmitted from the printing device 200. The job information receiving unit 110 outputs the job information acquired from the printing device 200 to the job monitoring unit 112 and the storage processing unit 130. Each time a print job is executed by the printing device 200, the job information receiving unit 110 may acquire job information corresponding to the print job from the printing device 200. Note that, when job information is transmitted from the printing device 200 before and after the execution of the print job, the job information receiving unit 110 may acquire the job information transmitted before the execution of the print job and the job information transmitted after the execution of the print job.

[0063] As described above, there is a possibility that the communication conditions between the printing device 200 and the management server 100 may deteriorate. In this case, even if the printing device 200 performs processing to transmit job information to the management server 100, the job information receiving unit 110 may not be able to acquire the job information.

[0064] The job monitoring unit 112 uses the received job information to monitor the status of printing in the printing device 200. For example, the job monitoring unit 112 may monitor the consumption of consumables such as ink or printing media in a print job executed by the printing device 200. For example, the job monitoring unit 112 may monitor the execution time of a print job executed by the printing device 200. For example, the job monitoring unit 112 may monitor the print results of a print job executed by the printing device 200. For example, the job monitoring unit 112 may monitor the operating status of the printing device 200 in a print job executed by the printing device 200. For example, the job monitoring unit 112 may monitor whether an abnormality such as a printing defect has occurred in a print job executed by the printing device 200.

[0065] As described above, the job information is transmitted from the printing device 200 each time a print job is executed. Therefore, the job monitoring unit 112 can monitor the printing status of the printing device 200 in roughly real time. Furthermore, the job monitoring unit 112 can constantly monitor the printing status of the printing device 200.

[0066] The job history information receiving unit 120 receives job history information from the printing device 200. The job information receiving unit 110 may be realized by the communication unit 106. Alternatively, the job information receiving unit 110 may control the communication unit 106 to receive job history information from the printing device 200. The job history information receiving unit 120 receives, from the printing device 200, job history information including multiple pieces of backup information that are backups of job information related to the multiple print jobs in relation to the history of the multiple print jobs executed by the printing device 200. The job information receiving unit 110 acquires the job history information transmitted from the printing device 200. The job information receiving unit 110 outputs the acquired job history information to the storage processing unit 130. The job information receiving unit 110 acquires the job history information from the printing device 200 at the predetermined timing described above.

[0067] As described above, the "predetermined timing" is a timing when the communication load is low in the printing device 200. Therefore, compared to when the job information receiving unit 110 acquires job information, the job history information receiving unit 120 can acquire job history information more reliably.

[0068] The storage processing unit 130 stores information about the print job received from the printing device 200 in the storage unit 104, such as a memory. Therefore, the storage processing unit 130 can be realized by the storage unit 104. Here, "information about the print job" refers to, for example, job information, backup information, and job history information.

[0069] The job information storage unit 132 stores job information received from the printing device 200. The job information storage unit 132 may be an area in the storage unit 104 for storing job information. As described above, if the communication conditions between the printing device 200 and the management server 100 are not good, the job information receiving unit 110 may not be able to acquire job information. Therefore, it should be noted that the job information storage unit 132 does not necessarily store, at a given point in time, job information related to all print jobs executed by the printing device 200 up to that point in time. On the other hand, it should be noted that the job information storage unit 132 may store job information that was not acquired from the printing device 200 but was supplemented by the management server 100.

[0070] The job history information storage unit 134 stores job history information received from the printing device 200. The job history information storage unit 134 may be an area in the storage unit 104 for storing job history information. As described above, the job history information includes multiple pieces of backup information for each of multiple pieces of job information. Therefore, the job information storage unit 132 stores multiple pieces of backup information as job history information. As described above, it should be noted that the job history information may be transmitted from the printing device 200 when there is a high probability that the communication conditions between the printing device 200 and the management server 100 are relatively good.

[0071] The job determination unit 140 determines, for each of the multiple print jobs, whether job information corresponding to the individual backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit 104. Specifically, the job determination unit 140 compares the job information stored in the job information storage unit 132 with the backup information included in the job history information stored in the job history information storage unit 134. For each of the multiple backup information included in the job history information, the job determination unit 140 determines whether job information related to a print job that matches the print job related to the backup information is stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132). In other words, the job determination unit 140 determines whether job information corresponding to the print job related to the backup information is stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132). For example, the job determination unit 140 may identify a print job related to the backup information stored in the job history information storage unit 134 and determine whether job information related to the identified print job is stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132).

[0072] If job information corresponding to the print job related to the backup information is not stored in storage unit 104, job determination unit 140 determines that job information corresponding to the backup information included in the job history information is not stored in storage unit 104. At this time, job determination unit 140 identifies the print job corresponding to the backup information as a missing job. On the other hand, if job information corresponding to the print job related to the backup information is stored in storage unit 104, job determination unit 140 determines that job information corresponding to the backup information included in the job history information is stored in storage unit 104. At this time, job determination unit 140 identifies the print job corresponding to the backup information (job information) as a normal job.

[0073] For example, the job determination unit 140 may compare the backup information with the job information using job identification information. That is, the job determination unit 140 may compare the job identification information included in the backup information with the job identification information included in the job information. In this case, the job determination unit 140 may determine whether job information including job identification information that matches the job identification information included in the backup information is stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132). For example, suppose that the job identification information of each of the 10 pieces of backup information included in the received job history information is “001,” “002,” “003,” “004,” “005,” “006,” “007,” “008,” “009,” and “010.” Also, suppose that the job identification information of each of the pieces of job information stored in the job information storage unit 132 is “001,” “002,” “003,” “004,” “007,” “008,” “009,” and “010.” In this case, the job determination unit 140 determines that there is no job information corresponding to the job identification information "005" and no job information corresponding to the job identification information "006." In this case, the job determination unit 140 identifies the print job corresponding to the job identification information "005" and the print job corresponding to the job identification information "006" as missing jobs.

[0074] Alternatively, for example, the job judgment unit 140 may compare the backup information with the job information using the job execution time. That is, the job judgment unit 140 may compare the job execution time included in the backup information with the job execution time included in the job information. In this case, the job judgment unit 140 may determine whether job information including a job execution time that matches the job execution time included in the backup information is stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132). For example, suppose that the job execution times of three pieces of backup information included in the received job history information are "2024 / 01 / 01 10:00:00," "2024 / 01 / 01 11:02:33," and "2024 / 01 / 01 12:30:13." Furthermore, suppose that the job execution times of the job information stored in the job information storage unit 132 are "2024 / 01 / 01 10:00:00" and "2024 / 01 / 01 12:30:13." In this case, the job determination unit 140 determines that there is no job information corresponding to the job execution time "2024 / 01 / 01 11:02:33" in the backup information. In this case, the job determination unit 140 identifies the print job corresponding to the job execution time "2024 / 01 / 01 11:02:33" as a missing job.

[0075] The complementing unit 150 complements job information using backup information corresponding to the missing job. That is, for a print job for which it has been determined that job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is not stored in the storage unit 104, the complementing unit 150 complements the job information based on the backup information. Specifically, the complementing unit 150 may complement job information corresponding to the missing job by converting the format of the backup information corresponding to the missing job into the format of the job information. In other words, the complementing unit 150 may complement job information corresponding to the missing job by converting the format of the backup information corresponding to the missing job into a format suitable for billing processing. The complementing unit 150 then outputs the job information acquired by the complementing process to the storage processing unit 130. The storage processing unit 130 stores the job information acquired by the complementing process in the job information storage unit 132 (storage unit 104). In this way, the management server 100 can acquire job information corresponding to each of the multiple pieces of backup information included in the job history information.

[0076] The job information transmitting unit 160 transmits the job information acquired by the management server 100 to the billing server 300. The job information transmitting unit 160 may be realized by the communication unit 106. Alternatively, the job information transmitting unit 160 may control the communication unit 106 to transmit the job information to the billing server 300. The job information transmitting unit 160 transmits the job information acquired by the job information receiving unit 110 and the job information acquired by the complementing process by the complementing unit 150 to the billing server 300. Here, the job information transmitting unit 160 transmits the job information determined to be stored in the memory unit 104 in the determination step by the job determination unit 140, and the job information determined not to be stored in the memory unit 104 in the determination step but complemented in the complementing process by the complementing unit 150. In other words, it should be noted that the job information transmitting unit 160 does not transmit the job information to the billing server 300 immediately after receiving the job information from the printing device 200. After receiving the job information from the printing device 200, the job information transmitting unit 160 performs a determination step using the subsequently received job history information, and transmits the job information, after having undergone supplemental processing as necessary, to the billing server 300.

[0077] The browsing processing unit 170 performs processing to allow the user of the terminal device 10 to browse the statistical information. The browsing processing unit 170 receives a request to browse statistical information from the terminal device 10B. The browsing request is transmitted by the user operating the terminal device 10B. The browsing processing unit 170 also generates statistical information. If the browsing request includes a billing status, the browsing processing unit 170 requests the billing server 300 to transmit the results of the billing process and acquires the results of the billing process from the billing server 300. The browsing processing unit 170 also performs processing to display the statistical information on the terminal device 10B. In other words, the browsing processing unit 170 performs processing to display the statistical information on the terminal device 10 that transmitted the browsing request. If the management server 100 has a web application that provides a browsing web service, the browsing processing unit 170 generates display information, which is information for displaying the statistical information on the web browser of the terminal device 10. The display information includes information to be displayed on the terminal device 10 and a display instruction, which is an instruction for displaying the information on the terminal device 10. The "information to be displayed on the terminal device 10" includes the statistical information described above. As a result, the statistical information is displayed on the terminal device 10.

[0078] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the billing server 300 according to the first embodiment. The billing server 300 according to the first embodiment has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 302, a storage unit 304, a communication unit 306, and an interface unit 308. The processing unit 302, the storage unit 304, the communication unit 306, and the interface unit 308 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0079] The processing unit 302 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 302 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 302 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The processing unit 302 controls the storage unit 304, the communication unit 306, and the interface unit 308.

[0080] The storage unit 304 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 304 is, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 304 may have multiple memories. The storage unit 304 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 302. The storage unit 304 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 304 may include a database. The storage unit 304 stores job information and the results of billing processing.

[0081] The communication unit 306 performs processing necessary for the billing server 300 to communicate with other devices via a network. The communication unit 306 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, etc. The communication unit 306 performs processing for the billing server 300 to communicate with the management server 100 via the network 2. The communication unit 306 may also perform processing for communicating with the terminal device 10 via the network 2.

[0082] The interface unit 308 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 308 has an input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and an output device such as a display or a speaker. The interface unit 308 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, for example, as in a touch screen or a touch panel. The interface unit 308 accepts data input operations by a user of the billing server 300, and outputs information to the user.

[0083] The accounting server 300 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, a job information receiving unit 310, an accounting processing unit 320, and an accounting result transmitting unit 330. These components can be operated by an operating system, which is basic software.

[0084] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 302. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 302 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0085] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0086] The job information receiving unit 310 receives job information from the management server 100. The job information receiving unit 310 can be realized by the communication unit 306. The job information receiving unit 310 may also control the communication unit 306 to receive job information from the management server 100. The job information receiving unit 310 receives job information acquired by the management server 100.

[0087] The accounting processing unit 320 performs accounting processing using the received job information. Specifically, the accounting processing unit 320 performs accounting processing for the printing device 200 based on job information acquired by the management server 100 regarding the print job executed by the printing device 200. The accounting processing unit 320 provides a pay-per-use accounting service to the printing device 200 depending on the status of printing executed by the printing device 200. The accounting processing unit 320 performs accounting processing for the print job executed by the printing device 200.

[0088] As described above, the job information and backup information for a print job may include information about consumables consumed in the print job. Specifically, the job information and backup information may include information about the amount of ink consumed in the corresponding print job. The job information and backup information may also include information about the amount of print media consumed in the corresponding print job. Therefore, the billing unit 320 may perform billing based on, for example, at least one of the amount of ink consumed and the amount of print media consumed in a print job executed by the printing device 200. For example, the billing unit 320 may charge a higher fee for a print job that consumes a large amount of ink. The billing unit 320 may also charge a higher fee for a print job that consumes a large amount of print media. This allows billing to be performed more appropriately according to the amount of consumables consumed.

[0089] Furthermore, the job information and backup information for a print job may include information regarding operating parameters that indicate the operation of the printing device 200 for that print job. Therefore, the accounting processor 320 may perform accounting based on the consumption of consumables and the operating parameters. Specifically, the accounting processor 320 references the operating parameters to determine whether an abnormality, such as a printing defect, occurred in the printing device 200 when a print job related to job information including the operating parameters was executed. More specifically, if an abnormality flag is assigned to an operating parameter, the accounting processor 320 can determine that an abnormality, such as a printing defect, occurred in the printing device 200 when a print job related to the operating parameter was executed. Furthermore, if a mechanical parameter included in the operating parameters indicates an error, the accounting processor 320 can determine that an abnormality, such as a printing defect, occurred in the printing device 200 when a print job related to the operating parameter was executed. Note that the accounting processor 320 may also determine that a mechanical parameter indicates an error by comparing the mechanical parameter with a threshold value set for the mechanical parameter and determining that the mechanical parameter indicates an abnormal value. For example, if the heater temperature, which is a mechanical parameter, is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the billing processor 320 may determine that the mechanical parameter indicates an abnormal value and that an abnormality occurred in the printing device 200 when the corresponding print job was executed. In this way, by referencing the operating parameters, the billing processor 320 can determine whether an abnormality occurred in the printing device 200 when the print job was executed.

[0090] Furthermore, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the printing device 200 when a print job is executed, the accounting processing unit 320 may not charge for that print job. In other words, if an abnormality has occurred in the printing device 200 when a print job is executed, the accounting processing unit 320 may not charge for that print job even if consumables such as ink or print media are consumed in the print job. For example, there are cases where a user does not own the printing device 200 because the user subscribes to a subscription service. In such cases, the provider of the subscription service may be held responsible for printing defects caused by an abnormality (error) on the printing device 200 side. Therefore, in such cases, it may be preferable to operate the system so that accounting is not performed when an abnormality occurs in the printing device 200. Therefore, by performing accounting using operating parameters, the accounting processing unit 320 can prevent accounting for print jobs for which accounting should not be performed. In other words, by performing accounting using operating parameters, the accounting processing unit 320 can more appropriately perform accounting.

[0091] Furthermore, the billing processing unit 320 performs the billing process at a predetermined timing. The "predetermined timing for the billing process" may be, for example, any timing after job information is received from the management server 100. For example, the "predetermined timing for the billing process" may be a predetermined time period set by a user of the billing server 300 after job information is received from the management server 100. As described above, the management server 100 transmits to the billing server 300 job information determined to be stored in the storage unit 104 and job information determined not to be stored in the storage unit 104 but complemented by the complementation process. In other words, the management server 100 transmits to the billing server 300 the job information after the determination step and the complementation process have been executed. Therefore, the billing processing unit 320 does not perform the billing process for a print job every time the print job is executed.

[0092] Therefore, the accounting processing unit 320 performs accounting processing at a predetermined timing as follows. That is, the accounting processing unit 320 performs accounting processing for a print job for which it is determined in the determination step by the management server 100 that job information corresponding to any backup information is stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132). The accounting processing unit 320 also performs accounting processing for a print job for which it is determined in the determination step by the management server 100 that job information corresponding to any backup information is not stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132) and the job information is supplemented. On the other hand, the accounting processing unit 320 does not perform accounting processing for a print job for which it has not been determined in the determination step by the management server 100 whether job information corresponding to any backup information is stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132). The accounting processing unit 320 also does not perform accounting processing for a print job for which it has been determined by the management server 100 whether corresponding job information is stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132) but the job information is not supplemented. By performing the billing process as described above, the billing processor 320 can also bill for print jobs related to job information that was not received by the management server 100. Therefore, the billing processor 320 can perform more accurate billing.

[0093] The format of the backup information included in the job history information may be a format suitable for viewing job history on the printing device 200. In other words, the format of the backup information included in the job history information may not be a format suitable for billing server 300 to perform billing processing. Therefore, it may not be appropriate for management server 100 to send job history information to billing server 300 and for billing server 300 to perform billing processing using that job history information. In contrast, the format of the job information may be a format suitable for billing server 300 to perform billing processing. Therefore, by having management server 100 complement the job information of the missed job and having billing server 300 perform billing processing using the complemented job information, billing server 300 can perform billing processing appropriately.

[0094] The billing result transmission unit 330 transmits the result of the billing process executed by the billing processing unit 320 to the management server 100. The billing result transmission unit 330 can be realized by the communication unit 306. The billing result transmission unit 330 may also control the communication unit 306 to transmit the result of the billing process to the management server 100.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed in the printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 corresponds to a print management method executed in the printing device 200 according to the first embodiment. The printing device 200 executes a first print job (step S110). Specifically, as described above, the job receiving unit 230 receives a first print job, which is a print job. Then, the job executing unit 240 executes the received first print job. In addition, the job executing unit 240 generates first job information related to the first print job.

[0096] The printing device 200 performs processing to transmit the first job information (step S112). Specifically, the job information transmitting unit 160 performs processing to transmit the first job information related to the first print job to the management server 100. That is, when the first print job is executed, the job information transmitting unit 160 executes a first transmission step of processing to transmit the first job information related to the first print job to the management server 100. As described above, the first job information may include information related to the amount of ink consumed in the first print job, which is a consumable item. The first job information may also include information related to the amount of print media consumed in the first print job, which is a consumable item. The first job information may also include information related to operating parameters that indicate the operation of the printing device 200 in the first print job. As described above, depending on the communication status between the printing device 200 and the management server 100, the first job information may not be received by the management server 100.

[0097] The printing device 200 stores the first backup information (step S114). Specifically, the backup information generation unit 254 generates first backup information related to the executed first print job. The backup information storage unit 260 then stores the first backup information. As described above, the first backup information may include information related to the amount of ink consumed, which is a consumable item consumed in the first print job. The first backup information may also include information related to the amount of print media consumed, which is a consumable item consumed in the first print job. The first backup information may also include information related to operating parameters that indicate the operation of the printing device 200 in the first print job.

[0098] Printing device 200 executes the second print job (step S120). Specifically, as described above, job receiving unit 230 receives the second print job, which is a print job. Then, job executing unit 240 executes the received second print job. In addition, job executing unit 240 generates second job information related to the second print job.

[0099] The printing device 200 performs processing to transmit the second job information (step S122). Specifically, the job information transmitting unit 160 performs processing to transmit the second job information related to the second print job to the management server 100. That is, when the second print job is executed, the job information transmitting unit 160 executes a second transmission step to transmit the second job information related to the second print job to the management server 100. As described above, the second job information may include information related to the amount of ink consumed, which is a consumable consumed in the second print job. The second job information may also include information related to the amount of print media consumed, which is a consumable consumed in the second print job. The second job information may also include information related to operating parameters that indicate the operation of the printing device 200 in the second print job. As described above, depending on the communication status between the printing device 200 and the management server 100, the second job information may not be received by the management server 100.

[0100] The printing device 200 stores the second backup information (step S124). Specifically, the backup information generation unit 254 generates second backup information related to the executed second print job. The backup information storage unit 260 then stores the second backup information. As described above, the second backup information may include information related to the amount of ink consumed, which is a consumable item consumed in the second print job. The second backup information may also include information related to the amount of print media consumed, which is a consumable item consumed in the second print job. The second backup information may also include information related to operating parameters that indicate the operation of the printing device 200 in the second print job.

[0101] The printing device 200 determines whether the present time is a predetermined timing after the first transmission step and the second transmission step are executed (step S130). Specifically, the job history information transmission unit 270 determines whether the present time is at least one of when the printing device 200 is turned on and when it is turned off. If the present time is not the predetermined timing (NO in S130), the printing device 200 waits without executing the process of S132, which will be described later. Note that at this time, the printing device 200 may accept another print job and perform substantially the same processes as S110 to S114 or S120 to S124. Furthermore, when a user of the printing device 200 requests to view the job history, the job history display processing unit 262 may perform a process for displaying job history information on the operation panel.

[0102] On the other hand, if the current timing is the predetermined timing (YES in S130), the printing device 200 transmits job history information (step S132). Specifically, the job history information transmission unit 270 transmits job history information including first backup information about the first print job and second backup information about the second print job to the management server 100. That is, the job history information transmission unit 270 executes a job history transmission step of transmitting job history information including the first backup information and the second backup information to the management server 100 at a predetermined timing after the first transmission step and the second transmission step are executed. Note that, as described above, the job history information transmission unit 270 transmits job history information at a predetermined timing, the job history information can be transmitted to the management server 100 more reliably than when job information is transmitted to the management server 100. Therefore, the management server 100 can receive job history information more reliably than when job information is transmitted to the management server 100.

[0103] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in the management server 100 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart illustrated in Fig. 7 corresponds to a print management method executed in the management server 100 according to the first embodiment. The management server 100 receives job information and stores the received job information (step S150).

[0104] Specifically, if the management server 100 is able to receive the first job information transmitted from the printing device 200 in the processing of S112, the job information receiving unit 110 receives the first job information. Then, the storage processing unit 130 stores the first job information in the storage unit 104. That is, the storage processing unit 130 executes a storage step of storing the first job information, which is information related to the print job received from the printing device 200, in the storage unit 104. Note that if the management server 100 is unable to receive the first job information transmitted from the printing device 200 in the processing of S112, the job information receiving unit 110 does not receive the first job information in the processing of S150. In this case, the storage processing unit 130 does not store the first job information in the storage unit 104 in the processing of S150.

[0105] Furthermore, if the management server 100 is able to receive the second job information transmitted from the printing device 200 in the processing of S122, the job information receiving unit 110 receives the second job information. Then, the storage processing unit 130 stores the second job information in the storage unit 104. That is, the storage processing unit 130 executes a storage step of storing the second job information, which is information relating to the print job received from the printing device 200, in the storage unit 104. Note that if the management server 100 is unable to receive the second job information transmitted from the printing device 200 in the processing of S122, the job information receiving unit 110 does not receive the second job information in the processing of S150. In this case, the storage processing unit 130 does not store the second job information in the storage unit 104 in the processing of S150.

[0106] The management server 100 receives the job history information and stores the received job history information (step S160). Specifically, the job history information receiving unit 120 receives job history information including multiple pieces of backup information from the printing device 200. Then, the storage processing unit 130 stores the received job history information in the storage unit 104. More specifically, the job history information receiving unit 120 receives the job history information including the first backup information and the second backup information transmitted from the printing device 200 in the processing of S132. Then, the storage processing unit 130 stores the job history information including the first backup information and the second backup information in the storage unit 104. In other words, the storage processing unit 130 executes a storage step of storing, in the storage unit 104, the job history information including the first backup information and the second backup information, which is information related to the print job received from the printing device 200. In other words, the storage processing unit 130 executes a storage step of storing, in the storage unit 104, the first backup information and the second backup information, which are information relating to the print job received from the printing device 200.

[0107] The management server 100 executes a determination step for each of the multiple print jobs (step S162). Note that the determination step may be executed at any timing after the job history information is received. As described above, for each of the multiple print jobs, the job determination unit 140 compares the job information stored in the job information storage unit 132 with the backup information included in the job history information stored in the job history information storage unit 134. Then, the job determination unit 140 determines, for each of the multiple print jobs, whether job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit 104. That is, for the first print job, the job determination unit 140 executes a first determination step of determining whether first job information corresponding to the first backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit 104. Furthermore, for the second print job, the job determination unit 140 executes a second determination step of determining whether second job information corresponding to the second backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit 104. If the job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is not stored in the storage unit 104, the job determination unit 140 determines that the print job corresponding to the job information is a missing job.

[0108] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the determination step of S162 shown in Fig. 7. In the example of Fig. 8, job information having a job ID of "011", job information having a job ID of "012", and job information having a job ID of "014" are stored in storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132). Also, in the example of Fig. 8, backup information having a job ID of "011", backup information having a job ID of "012", backup information having a job ID of "013", and backup information having a job ID of "014" are stored in storage unit 104 (job history information storage unit 134).

[0109] The job determination unit 140 compares the backup information with the job ID "011" with the job information stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132), and determines that the job information with the job ID "011" is stored. Therefore, the job determination unit 140 determines that the print job with the job ID "011" is not a missing job.

[0110] Furthermore, the job determination unit 140 compares the backup information with the job ID "012" with the job information stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132), and determines that the job information with the job ID "012" is stored. Therefore, the job determination unit 140 determines that the print job with the job ID "012" is not a missing job.

[0111] Furthermore, the job determination unit 140 compares the backup information with the job ID "013" with the job information stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132), and determines that no job information with the job ID "013" is stored. Therefore, the job determination unit 140 determines that the print job with the job ID "013" is a missing job.

[0112] Furthermore, the job determination unit 140 compares the backup information with the job ID "014" with the job information stored in the storage unit 104 (job information storage unit 132), and determines that the job information with the job ID "014" is stored. Therefore, the job determination unit 140 determines that the print job with the job ID "014" is not a missing job.

[0113] Returning to the description of FIG. 7, the printing device 200 determines whether or not there is a missing job (step S164). If there is no missing job (NO in S164), the processing of S166, which will be described later, is skipped. On the other hand, if there is a missing job (YES in S164), the printing device 200 executes a complement step for the missing job (step S166). Note that the complement step may be executed at any timing after the determination step is executed.

[0114] Specifically, as described above, the complementing unit 150 complements job information using backup information corresponding to the missing job. That is, if it is determined in the first determination step that the first job information is not stored in the storage unit 104, the complementing unit 150 executes a first complementing step in which the first job information is complemented based on the first backup information. Also, if it is determined in the second determination step that the second job information is not stored in the storage unit 104, the complementing unit 150 executes a second complementing step in which the second job information is complemented based on the second backup information. In the example of FIG. 8, the complementing unit 150 complements job information related to a print job having a job ID of "013" using backup information having a job ID of "013."

[0115] Management server 100 transmits the job information to billing server 300 (step S168). Specifically, as described above, job information transmitting unit 160 transmits the job information acquired by management server 100 to billing server 300. This allows billing server 300 to perform billing processing.

[0116] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the process when job information is sent from the printing device 200 to the management server 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 relates to the processes of S110 to S124 in Fig. 6 and the process of S150 in Fig. 7. The process shown in Fig. 9 is constantly executed every time a print job is executed.

[0117] In the printing device 200, the job execution unit 240 executes a print job and generates job information related to the executed print job (S110, S120). The job information transmission unit 250 transmits the generated job information to the management server 100 (S112, S122). In the management server 100, the job information reception unit 110 receives the job information when the communication status is good (S150). The received job information is stored in the job information storage unit 132 (storage unit 104) (S150). Meanwhile, in the printing device 200, backup information related to the job information is stored in the backup information storage unit 260 (storage unit 204) (S114, S124). The multiple pieces of backup information stored in the backup information storage unit 260 are stored as job history information.

[0118] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the processing when job history information is transmitted from the printing device 200 to the management server 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 relates to the processing of S130 to S132 in Fig. 6 and the processing of S160 to S166 in Fig. 7. The processing shown in Fig. 10 is executed at a predetermined timing, such as when the printing device 200 is powered on or off.

[0119] In the printing device 200, the job history information transmission unit 270 transmits, at a predetermined timing, multiple pieces of backup information stored in the backup information storage unit 260 to the management server 100 as job history information (S130, S132). In the management server 100, the job history information reception unit 120 receives the job history information (S160). The received job history information is stored in the job history information storage unit 134 (storage unit 104) (S160). In addition, the job determination unit 140 determines whether job information corresponding to the backup information included in the job history information is stored (S162). In the example of FIG. 10, the job history information includes backup information for job IDs "10," "11," and "12." In addition, the job information storage unit 132 stores job information for job IDs "10" and "12." Therefore, the job determination unit 140 determines that the job information for job ID "11" is not stored and that the print job for job ID "11" is a missing job. Therefore, the complementing unit 150 complements the job information for job ID "11" using the backup information for job ID "11" (S164, S166). Then, the complemented job information is stored in the job information storage unit 132 (storage unit 104).

[0120] The printing management system 1 according to the first embodiment, configured as described above, can appropriately perform billing processing while monitoring the printing status in real time. Specifically, the printing device 200 executes a plurality of print jobs, and, upon execution of each of the print jobs, performs processing for transmitting job information related to each of the executed print jobs to the management server 100. The printing device 200 also transmits job history information including multiple pieces of backup information to the management server 100 at a predetermined timing after processing for transmitting the job information to the management server 100 has been completed. The management server 100 also receives the job history information including multiple pieces of backup information from the printing device 200. The management server 100 stores information related to the print jobs received from the printing device 200 in the storage unit 104. For each of the print jobs, the management server 100 determines whether job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit 104. For a print job for which it is determined that job information corresponding to backup information included in the received job history information is not stored in the storage unit, the management server complements the job information based on the backup information.

[0121] This configuration increases the reliability of the job information acquired by the management server 100, allowing the accounting server 300 to perform accounting processing using the job information. Furthermore, this configuration allows job information to be sent to the management server 100 each time a print job is executed, allowing the management server 100 to monitor the printing status each time a print job is executed. Therefore, in the print management system 1 according to the first embodiment, the management server 100 can monitor the printing status in real time. Therefore, the management server 100 can acquire information about print jobs executed by the printing device 200 in an appropriate manner.

[0122] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the order of the processes in the above-described flowchart can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, one or more of the processes in the above-described flowchart can be omitted.

[0123] An intermediary device may also be provided between the printing device 200 and the management server 100. In this case, when the printing device 200 sends information to the intermediary device, the intermediary device sends the information to the management server 100. Even in this configuration, the print management system 1 can appropriately perform billing processing while monitoring the printing status in real time. Therefore, the management server 100 can appropriately obtain information about print jobs executed by the printing device 200.

[0124] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals. The program may also be included in a program product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1...printing management system, 2...network, 4...local network, 10...terminal device, 10A...terminal device, 10B...terminal device, 100...management server, 102...processing unit, 104...storage unit, 106...communication unit, 108...interface unit, 110...job information receiving unit, 112...job monitoring unit, 120...job history information receiving unit, 130...storage processing unit, 132...job information storage unit, 134...job history information storage unit, 140...job judgment unit, 150...completion unit, 160...job information transmission unit, 170...browsing processing unit, 200...printing device, 202...processing unit, 204... Memory unit, 206...communication unit, 210...interface unit, 212...display unit, 214...operation unit, 220...printing unit, 222...driving parts, 224...detection parts, 230...job reception unit, 240...job execution unit, 250...job information transmission unit, 254...backup information generation unit, 260...backup information memory unit, 262...job history display processing unit, 270...job history information transmission unit, 300...accounting server, 302...processing unit, 304...memory unit, 306...communication unit, 308...interface unit, 310...job information reception unit, 320...accounting processing unit, 330...accounting result transmission unit

Claims

1. at least one printing device; a management server that can communicate with the printing device and manages the status of printing performed by the printing device; and The printing device Execute the first print job and the second print job; a first transmission step of performing a process for transmitting first job information regarding the first print job to the management server when the first print job is executed; a second transmission step of performing processing for transmitting second job information regarding the second print job to the management server when the second print job is executed; a job history sending step of sending job history information including first backup information about the first print job and second backup information about the second print job to the management server at a predetermined timing after the first sending step and the second sending step are executed; The management server a storage step of storing information about the print job received from the printing device in a storage unit; a first determination step of determining whether the first job information corresponding to the first backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit; a first complementing step of complementing the first job information based on the first backup information when it is determined in the first determination step that the first job information is not stored in the storage unit; a second determination step of determining whether the second job information corresponding to the second backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit; a second supplementation step of supplementing the second job information based on the second backup information when it is determined in the second determination step that the second job information is not stored in the storage unit; Print management system.

2. a billing server that performs billing processing for the printing device based on job information acquired by the management server regarding the print job executed by the printing device; The print management system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The billing server, at a predetermined timing for performing billing processing, If the job information corresponding to any backup information included in the job history information is stored in the storage unit, a billing process is performed for the print job determined by the management server; performing a billing process for the print job for which the management server determines that the job information corresponding to any backup information included in the job history information is not stored in the storage unit and the job information has been supplemented; a billing process is not performed for the print job for which the management server has not determined whether the job information corresponding to any backup information included in the job history information is stored in the storage unit; The print management system according to claim 2 .

4. the first job information and the first backup information include information about the amount of ink consumed in the first print job, the ink being a consumable item; the second job information and the second backup information include information regarding the amount of ink consumed in the second print job; The print management system according to claim 2 .

5. the first job information and the first backup information include information about the consumption amount of print media, which is a consumable item consumed in the first print job; the second job information and the second backup information include information about the consumption amount of the print media consumed in the second print job; The print management system according to claim 2 .

6. the first job information and the first backup information include information regarding an operation parameter that indicates an operation of the printing device in the first print job; the second job information and the second backup information include information regarding an operation parameter that indicates an operation of the printing device in the second print job; The print management system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the billing server executes billing processing based on the consumption amount of the consumables and the operating parameters; The print management system according to claim 6 .

8. the predetermined timing at which the job history transmission step is executed is at least one of when the power of the printing device is turned on and when the power is turned off; The print management system according to claim 1 .

9. 1. A printing device, comprising: a job execution unit that executes each of a plurality of print jobs; a job information sending unit that, when executing each of the plurality of print jobs, performs processing to send job information regarding each of the plurality of executed print jobs to a management server that can communicate with the printing device and manages the status of printing executed by the printing device; a job history information transmitting unit that transmits to the management server, at a predetermined timing after a process for transmitting the plurality of pieces of job information to the management server has been performed, the job history information including a plurality of pieces of backup information that are backups of each piece of job information related to the plurality of print jobs with respect to the history of the plurality of executed print jobs; A printing device comprising:

10. a management server capable of communicating with at least one printing device and managing the status of printing performed by the printing device, the printing device is capable of executing a plurality of print jobs and transmitting job information relating to the executed print jobs to the management server; a job history information receiving unit that receives, from the printing device, job history information including a plurality of backup information that are backups of job information related to the plurality of print jobs executed by the printing device; a storage processing unit that stores information about the print job received from the printing device in a storage unit; a job determination unit that determines whether job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit for each of the plurality of print jobs; a complementing unit that complements the job information of the print job for which it has been determined that the job information corresponding to the backup information included in the received job history information is not stored in the storage unit based on the backup information; A management server having:

11. A printing management method executed by at least one printing device and a management server capable of communicating with the printing device and managing the status of printing executed by the printing device, comprising: The printing device Execute the first print job and the second print job; a first transmission step of performing a process for transmitting first job information regarding the first print job to the management server when the first print job is executed; a second transmission step of performing processing for transmitting second job information regarding the second print job to the management server when the second print job is executed; a job history sending step of sending job history information including first backup information about the first print job and second backup information about the second print job to the management server at a predetermined timing after the first sending step and the second sending step are executed; The management server: a storage step of storing information about the print job received from the printing device in a storage unit; a first determination step of determining whether the first job information corresponding to the first backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit; a first complementing step of complementing the first job information based on the first backup information when it is determined in the first determination step that the first job information is not stored in the storage unit; a second determination step of determining whether the second job information corresponding to the second backup information included in the received job history information is stored in the storage unit; a second supplementation step of supplementing the second job information based on the second backup information when it is determined in the second determination step that the second job information is not stored in the storage unit; Print management method.

Images