Management devices, systems, methods for controlling them, and programs

Abstract

Conventional technologies had a problem in that they could not determine the applicable subscription plan if they had not received some of the actual printing data from the aggregation period. [Solution] The subscription management service 104 receives job information (print settings) for a print job before the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus 102, receives print performance information (print event data) for the print job after the print job is executed, determines a first subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aggregation period (S408-S409), determines a second subscription plan using the job information corresponding to the print performance information received during the aggregation period and the job information for which the corresponding print performance information has not yet been received (S410-S411), and determines the subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus 102 based on these (S412-S416).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a system, their control methods, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, subscription services for printing on image forming apparatuses such as printers and MFPs (MultiFunction Printers) have been becoming popular. In such printing subscription services, a fixed amount can be used up to a predetermined number of sheets per a fixed period such as monthly or weekly, and when exceeding the predetermined number of sheets, an excess charge is incurred or the subscription plan switches to a plan with a larger number of printable sheets.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a system has been proposed in which a subscription management service receives printing performance information such as information on the amount of printing materials such as ink and toner and information on the number of printed sheets from an image forming apparatus, and determines a subscription plan.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus and the subscription service are not always connected via a network. Therefore, the subscription service may receive print performance information with a delay from the aggregation timing. However, in the system shown in Patent Document 1, the subscription management service needs to receive all print performance information from the image forming apparatus when determining the subscription plan, such as monthly or weekly aggregation periods. Therefore, there was a problem in that the subscription plan could not be determined if some of the print performance information for the aggregation period had not been received.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of this invention is to provide a mechanism that can determine the applicable subscription plan even when some of the actual printing data performed within the aggregation period has not been received. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a management device for managing a subscription service related to printing, comprising: a first receiving means for receiving job information of a print job from an image forming apparatus or a terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job before the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus that has a contract for the subscription service; a second receiving means for receiving print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job from the image forming apparatus or the terminal after the print job has been executed by the image forming apparatus; a first determination means for determining a first subscription plan using the print performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period; a second determination means for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aggregation period or the job information corresponding to the print performance information, and the job information that was instructed to be executed during the aggregation period but for which the corresponding print performance information has not yet been received; and a determination means for determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, even if some of the actual printing data for the period performed is not available, it is possible to determine which subscription plan to apply. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the equipment constituting the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3A] Software configuration diagram of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3B] Software configuration diagram of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which a subscription management service determines a subscription plan in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which the subscription management service determines the subscription plan in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating a notification screen prompting network connection for an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the sequence of printing operations using an image forming machine with a subscription service. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the sequence of printing operations using an image forming machine with a subscription service. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which the subscription management service determines the subscription plan in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 〔First Embodiment〕 <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a printing subscription service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] In FIG. 1, networks 100 to 101 are so-called communication networks, which are realized by, for example, LANs such as the Internet, WANs, telephone lines, dedicated digital lines, ATM or frame relay lines, cable TV lines, wireless lines for data broadcasting, etc. Networks 100 to 101 may be any communication network as long as data can be transmitted and received. In this embodiment, network 100 is described as the Internet and network 101 as a local network, but it is not limited thereto.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 102 and the client terminal 103 can access the Internet 100 via the local network 101 and access the subscription management service 104 and the print service 105.

[0013] The client terminal 103 is a data processing device such as a personal computer (PC) for using the service, a mobile terminal (e.g., a tablet terminal or a smartphone, etc.). The client terminal 103 is a computer used by the user to instruct the image forming apparatus 102 to print.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 102 has, in addition to a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, a fax transmission function, etc. Note that the image forming apparatus 102 may have only a printing function. The local network 101 is a LAN (Local Area Network) to which the above-described devices are connected, and the above-described devices communicate with each other via the LAN.

[0015] The subscription management service 104 is a service that manages print subscriptions based on contract information. The subscription management service 104 collects print event data and print settings included in print jobs, which will be described later, and determines subscriptions.

[0016] The print service 105 provides a print service to the image forming apparatus 102. The print service 105 acquires document information to be printed and the like from the client terminal 103 and generates a print job.

[0017] Here, each service (subscription management service 104, print service 105) is publicly available on the Internet as a service redundant with multiple servers. The functions of each service may be realized by a single server or a single virtual server, or may be realized by multiple servers or multiple virtual servers. Alternatively, multiple virtual servers may be executed on a single server. Also, the subscription management service 104 and the print service 105 may be operated together as one service.

[0018] <Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 102> FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. As shown in FIG. 2(a), each component of the hardware will be described as being connected to the system bus 200.

[0019] The CPU 201 controls the entire apparatus and comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 200. The CPU 201 performs this control based on a control program or the like stored in the ROM 202 or a control program and resource data (resource information) stored in an external memory 206 or a storage device 210 connected via a disk controller (DKC 205).

[0020] 3] RAM203 functions as the main memory, work area, etc., of CPU201. RAM203 is configured so that its memory capacity can be expanded by optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The storage device 210 is one of the external storage units that functions as a large-capacity memory. For example, various programs and various data according to this embodiment are stored in the storage device 210.

[0021] The control panel (operation unit) 209 displays information on the screen and accepts user instructions via the screen. The control panel 209 also includes buttons and a display unit such as an LCD panel for setting the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 102, displaying the operating status of the image forming apparatus 102, and performing operations such as specifying copying.

[0022] The Network Controller 204 exchanges data with external devices via the network. The raster controller 207 is a controller that converts print data in PDL language / PDF language into image data. The print engine 208 utilizes known printing technologies, and suitable implementations include, for example, electrophotographic (laser beam) methods, inkjet methods, and sublimation (thermal transfer) methods. The device interface (I / F211) is a connection interface for external devices that can be connected via USB or similar.

[0023] <Hardware configuration of client terminals and servers on which each service operates> Figure 2(b) shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of configuring a server on which client terminals 103, subscription management service 104, and print service 105 operate. Unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to a single device or a system consisting of multiple devices, as long as the functions of the present invention can be executed. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the present invention can be applied to a system where connections are made and processing is performed via a network such as a LAN or WAN, as long as the functions of the present invention can be executed.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2(b), each hardware component is described as being connected to the system bus 219. The CPU 220 is the control unit of the information processing unit and executes application programs and operating systems stored in the storage device 226. The CPU 220 also controls the temporary storage of information, files, etc., necessary for program execution in the RAM 222.

[0025] ROM221 is a memory unit that stores programs such as basic I / O programs and various data internally. RAM222 is a temporary storage unit and functions as the main memory or work area of ​​the CPU220. The Network Controller 223 exchanges data with external devices via the network.

[0026] 224 is a display control unit. This information processing device displays windows, icons, messages, menus, and other user interface information on an output device such as a display via the display control unit 224. 225 is the input control unit. This information processing device exchanges data with external devices via the input control unit 225.

[0027] The storage device 226 is one of the external storage units and functions as a large-capacity memory. The storage device 226 stores, for example, application programs, the OS (Operating System), and various data.

[0028] The software configuration of the system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Hereafter, Figures 3A and 3B will be collectively referred to as "Figure 3".

[0029] <Software configuration of Subscription Management Service 104> Figure 3(a) shows an example of the software configuration of the subscription management service 104. Each software module shown in Figure 3(a) is stored in the storage device 226 shown in Figure 2(b) of the information processing device that constitutes the subscription management service 104, and functions when it is loaded into RAM 222 by the CPU 220 and executed, as described above.

[0030] The data transmission / reception unit 300 provides an interface for communication with external services and terminals using protocols such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and verifies the validity of the received information. The HTTP protocol is a standard protocol used on the Web and is suitable for communication between servers and between web browsers and servers.

[0031] The Subscription Management Unit 301 manages the current subscription plan and subscription plan determination method based on the contract. The Subscription Management Unit 301 also processes changes to the subscription plan based on the printing status.

[0032] Table 1 shows an example of subscription management data. Note that the subscription management data is stored in storage 303. [Table 1]

[0033] Subscription management data includes contract ID, device ID, and service ID. The contract ID is an ID (identifier) ​​used to identify a subscription contract. The device ID is an ID that identifies the image forming machine under a subscription contract. The service ID is an ID that identifies the subscription service you have contracted. In the example in Table 1, contract ID "C001" is using the subscription service with service ID "S001".

[0034] Table 2 shows an example of subscription plan management data. Note that the subscription plan management data is stored in storage 303. [Table 2]

[0035] Subscription plan management data includes service ID, plan ID, plan details, billing method, unit price, and data aggregation period. The service ID is an ID that identifies the subscription service. The plan ID is an ID that identifies the subscription plan associated with a subscription service. The plan details are the service content for each subscription offered by the subscription service. In this embodiment, we assume a subscription service where there is no upper limit on the number of pages printed during the data aggregation period, and the usage fee changes according to the total number of pages printed during the data aggregation period. However, the plan details are not limited to these, and plan details are flexible, including plans with an upper limit on the number of pages printed.

[0036] The billing method is the method for calculating the fees for the subscription plan. In this embodiment, plan ID "X001" represents a fixed-rate billing method, and plan ID "Y002" represents a usage-based billing method. Note that the billing method is not limited to fixed-rate billing or usage-based billing; other billing methods such as one-time purchases may also be managed.

[0037] The unit price refers to the unit price in the billing method. In this embodiment, the unit price for a period or the unit price per printed page is managed. It should be noted that the unit price and the conditions for applying the unit price are not limited to being managed together; in the case of a fixed-rate billing method, the amount and the conditions for applying that unit price, such as the period during which the subscription service can be used for that amount or the number of printed pages, may be managed separately. Similarly, in the case of a pay-per-use billing method, the amount and the unit to which the unit price is applied, such as the number of printed pages or the number of days of use, may be managed separately. The same applies to billing methods other than fixed-rate billing and pay-per-use billing methods.

[0038] The data aggregation period is the period for aggregating the number of printed pages used to determine the subscription plan. In this embodiment, the number of printed pages per month is used to calculate the subscription plan fee. Note that the data aggregation period is not limited to a monthly pattern, but can be managed as any period, such as annual, weekly, daily, 2 months, or 2 weeks. In this embodiment, since the subscription plan is determined according to the subscription plan determination method described later in this embodiment for each data aggregation period, the number of printed pages starts counting from 0 for each data aggregation period.

[0039] The storage 303 stores data in the storage device 226 of the information processing device that constitutes the subscription management service 104.

[0040] The print information management unit 302 manages the print settings for the print job corresponding to the print instruction received from the image forming apparatus 102 or the client terminal 103 after the print instruction has been sent from the client terminal 103 to the image forming apparatus 102. The print settings are stored in the storage unit 303. The print information management unit 302 also manages the print event data corresponding to the print execution received from the image forming apparatus 102 or the client terminal 103 after the print execution has been performed by the image forming apparatus 102. The print event data is stored in the storage unit 303.

[0041] The following describes the print settings section and print event data for print jobs. Table 3 shows an example of the data included in the print settings section of a print job. [Table 3]

[0042] A print job consists of a print settings section, which is used to determine print settings such as device ID, print job ID, number of pages to print, date and time of print instruction, and aggregated flag, as well as the subscription plan, and a drawing / document data section to be printed on the paper. Table 3 shows only the data included in the print settings section of a print job.

[0043] Of the print jobs, the print settings section, when a print command is issued by the user, is synchronized from the client application 320 (Figure 3(c) described later) or the image forming apparatus 102 to the print information management unit 302 of the subscription management service 104 and saved to the storage 303.

[0044] In the print settings section of a print job, the device ID is an ID used to identify the image forming apparatus 102 to which the print job will be sent. The print job ID is an identifier used to identify print job data. The number of printed pages is the number of pages printed by the image forming apparatus 102 and is information used to determine the subscription plan. Note that the number of printed pages may also be the number of pages printed per monochrome / color, paper size, or paper type. The print execution instruction date and time is the date and time when the user instructed the image forming apparatus 102 to print the print job. The aggregated flag is information used to determine whether the print job in question has already been used to determine the subscription plan. In this embodiment, the information in the print settings section of the print job is used to determine the subscription plan, as described later. The print settings section of the print job is used to determine the subscription plan, and when it is determined that the subscription plan will be applied to the customer and the usage fee will be charged, the aggregated flag is set to "TRUE". For example, print job ID "CCC001" has an aggregated flag of "TRUE", so the print settings section has already been used to determine the subscription plan. Note that in this embodiment, the aggregated flag is not limited to "TRUE" or "FALSE", but any value that can determine whether the print settings section has already been used to determine the subscription plan is acceptable.

[0045] A print job is generated by the print service 105 based on document information sent from the client terminal 103, and then sent from the print service 105 to the image forming apparatus 102. When the image forming apparatus 102 receives a print command from the client terminal 103, it sends the print settings for the ordered print job to the print information management unit 302 of the subscription management service 104. In some cases, the print settings may also be sent to the subscription management service 104 via the client terminal 103.

[0046] Table 4 shows an example of print event data. [Table 4] Print event data includes device ID, print job ID, number of pages printed, print date and time, and synchronization date and time.

[0047] In print event data, the device ID is an ID that indicates the image forming apparatus that generated the print event data. The print job ID is an ID that indicates the print job executed by the image forming apparatus 102. The print count is the number of pages actually printed by the image forming apparatus 102 according to the print job. The print count may also be the number of pages printed for monochrome / color, paper size, or paper type. The printing date and time is the date and time when the image forming apparatus 102 performed printing according to the print job. The synchronization date and time represents the date and time when the image forming apparatus 102 successfully transmitted print event data to the print information management unit 302. When the image forming apparatus 102 performs printing, it generates print event data according to the result of the performed printing and transmits it to the print information management unit 302 of the subscription management service 104. At this time, the print event data may also be transmitted to the subscription management service 104 via the client terminal 103. For example, the print job ID "AAA002" in Table 4 represents print event data that failed to be transmitted to the print information management unit 302 and is temporarily stored inside the image forming apparatus 102. In cases where transmission to the print information management unit 302 fails in this way, the synchronization date and time is not included, and the data is temporarily stored (held) inside the image forming apparatus 102. In other words, print event data that does not include the synchronization date and time indicates that it was not transmitted to the print information management unit 302.

[0048] <Software configuration of Print Service 105> Figure 3(b) shows an example of the software configuration of the print service 105. Each software module shown in Figure 3(b) is stored in the storage device 226 of the information processing device that constitutes the print service 105 shown in Figure 2(b), and functions when it is loaded into the RAM 222 by the CPU 220 and executed, as described above.

[0049] The data transmission / reception unit 310 is a web server that provides various interfaces for the print service 105 using the HTTP protocol and verifies the validity of the received information. The data transmission / reception unit 310 receives requests for print instructions and print job acquisition from client terminals 103 and image forming apparatus 102.

[0050] The job management unit 311 receives document information to be printed from the client terminal 103 in response to a print command, and generates and manages print jobs based on this document information. The print jobs are stored in storage 312. In addition, in response to a print job retrieval request from the image forming apparatus 102, the job management unit 311 creates a temporary signed URL for the storage 312 where the print jobs are stored and sends it to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0051] The storage device 312 stores data in the storage device 226 of the information processing device that constitutes the print service 105.

[0052] <Software configuration of client terminal 103> Figure 3(c) shows an example of the software configuration of the client terminal 103. Each software module shown in Figure 3(c) is stored in the storage device 226 of the information processing device that constitutes the client terminal 103 shown in Figure 2(b), and functions when it is loaded into the RAM 222 by the CPU 220 and executed, as described above.

[0053] Client application 320 is general-purpose electronic data processing software for creating, displaying, and editing electronic data. Client application 320 also includes a web browser (not shown in the diagram).

[0054] Here, we will describe a use case in which a user displays electronic data stored on client terminal 103 using client application 320 and prints that content. For a user to print electronic data stored on client terminal 103 using print service 105, for example, the user specifies printer driver 321 from client application 320 and performs printing on the electronic data. When authentication with print service 105 is successful, printer driver 321 accesses the data transmission / reception unit 310 of print service 105 and sends the electronic data stored on client terminal 103 to print service 105. Print service 105 converts the electronic data into a print job, places it in storage 312, and notifies image forming apparatus 102 of the print job. Alternatively, image forming apparatus 102 may periodically access print service 105 to obtain print job notifications. Based on the print job notification information, image forming apparatus 102 accesses print service 105, obtains the print job, and performs printing.

[0055] <Software configuration of image forming apparatus 102> Figure 3(d) shows an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. Each software module shown in Figure 3(d) is stored in the ROM 202 of the image forming apparatus 102 shown in Figure 2(a), or in the external memory 206 or storage device 210, and functions when loaded into the RAM 203 by the CPU 201 and executed, as described above.

[0056] 330 is the OS of the image forming apparatus 102. While a real-time OS is generally used for the OS 330 of the image forming apparatus 102, nowadays general-purpose operating systems such as Linux (registered trademark) are sometimes used. A well-known example of a virtual machine 331 is the Java(registered trademark) VM. This virtual machine 331 is a virtual application execution environment that operates as an application controlled by OS330.

[0057] The application management framework 332 provides functions for managing the lifecycle of managed applications running on the application execution environment provided by the virtual machine 331. The application management framework 332 also provides an interface for controlling the application lifecycle and an interface exposure function for mediating processing requests between applications. The lifecycle refers to the state of an application, including installation, startup, shutdown, and uninstallation. In this embodiment, the application management framework 332 is described as OSGi (a registered trademark) as defined by the OSGi (Open Services Gateway initiative) Alliance, but is not limited to this.

[0058] The print application 333 is an application that runs in the application execution environment provided by the virtual machine 331. These applications are identified by an Application ID and their lifecycle is managed by the application management framework 332. Here, the applications that run in the application management framework 332 may be present in the image forming apparatus 102 by default, or they may be installed later via the application management framework 332.

[0059] In the print application 333, the job receiving unit 334 receives print job notifications from the print service 105. Alternatively, the job receiving unit 334 may communicate with the print service 105 periodically instead of receiving notifications from the print service 105, or it may be configured to both receive notifications from the print service 105 and communicate with the print service 105 periodically.

[0060] The event data transmission unit 335 sends event data generated by the printing process to the subscription management service 104. The subscription management service 104 manages the event data received from the event data transmission unit 335 using the print information management unit 302 and saves it to the storage 303.

[0061] The controller 336 is control software that performs functional processing and status management of the image forming apparatus 102, such as printing, copying, and faxing. In the controller 336, the job execution unit 337 executes the printing process of a print job received by the job reception unit 334, for example, and generates event data that occurs due to changes in the status of the printing process or the status of the equipment.

[0062] <Printing flow when signing up for a subscription service> Figure 8 shows an example of the sequence when printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 102 when the user has a subscription service. In Figure 8 and Figure 7 (described later), the processing of the client terminal 103 is achieved by the CPU 220 of the information processing device constituting the client terminal 103 loading a program stored in the storage device 226, etc., into the RAM 222 and executing it. The processing of the image forming apparatus 102 is achieved by the CPU 201 loading a program stored in the external memory 206, etc., into the RAM 203 and executing it. The processing of the subscription management service 104 is achieved by the CPU 220 of the information processing device constituting the subscription management service 104 loading a program stored in the storage device 226, etc., into the RAM 222 and executing it. The processing of the print service 105 is achieved by the CPU 220 of the information processing device constituting the print service 105 loading a program stored in the storage device 226, etc., into the RAM 222 and executing it.

[0063] In S801, the user operates the client terminal 103 to send a command to the client terminal 103 to send the document information to be printed. This command includes specifying the image forming apparatus 102 to perform the printing. If no image forming apparatus is specified, a default image forming apparatus may be used. The command may also include instructions such as color / monochrome and the number of copies to print. When client terminal 103 detects the instruction to send this document information, it proceeds to processing S802.

[0064] In S802, the client terminal 103 establishes a network connection with the image forming apparatus 102 that performs printing. If the network connection fails in step S802, the client terminal 103 terminates the processing of this sequence. A network connection failure occurs, for example, when the image forming apparatus 102 sends a message indicating a connection failure, or when no response is received from the image forming apparatus 102 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0065] On the other hand, if the network connection is successful in S802, in S803 the image forming apparatus 102 returns a message indicating successful connection to the client terminal 103, and the client terminal 103 proceeds to the process in S804.

[0066] In S804, the client application 320 of the client terminal 103 requests the subscription management unit 301 of the subscription management service 104 to confirm the contract status of the subscription service. This request for confirmation of the contract status of the subscription service includes, for example, the device ID (or contract ID) of the image forming apparatus 102 that was successfully connected in S802. The subscription management unit 301 uses the information included in the above request for confirmation of the contract status of the subscription service and the subscription management data shown in Table 1 to confirm the contract status of the subscription service.

[0067] If the contract status check fails in S804, the client application 320 terminates processing of this sequence. Failure to check the contract status occurs, for example, when the subscription management unit 301 sends a message indicating no contract, or when no response is received from the subscription management unit 301 after a certain period of time.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in S804 that a subscription service contract is in effect, in S805 the subscription management unit 301 returns that information to the client application 320, and the client application 320 proceeds to S806. Although not shown in the diagram, it is also possible that the image forming apparatus 102 (the image forming apparatus that successfully connected in S802) requests confirmation of the subscription service contract status and returns the result to the client terminal 103.

[0069] In S806, the client application 320 sends the document information to be printed, as instructed by the user in S801, to the job management unit 311 of the print service 105. The information sent here includes the device ID of the image forming apparatus 102, which was successfully connected in S802, as well as information such as whether it is color or monochrome and the number of copies to print. Upon receiving this document information, the job management unit 311 proceeds to processing in S807.

[0070] In S807, the job management unit 311 converts the received document information into a print job. Next, in S808, the job management unit 311 refers to the device ID of the print job converted in S807 and notifies the job receiving unit 334 of the device specified by the device ID of the print job converted in S807. If there are other print jobs that can be printed on the device in the print service 105 besides the print job converted in S807, the job management unit 311 also notifies those print jobs at the same time. The job receiving unit 334 of the image forming apparatus 102 accesses the print service 105 based on the print job notification information and obtains the print job.

[0071] In S809, the job receiving unit 334 of the image forming apparatus 102 stores the notified print job within the image forming apparatus 102 and returns the print job information to the client terminal 103.

[0072] When the client terminal 103 receives notification of the print job, it displays the print job on its display screen in a format that allows the user to select the print job. In this example, the print job is displayed on the client terminal 103, but it may also be displayed on the operation panel 209 of the image forming apparatus 102, or on both the client terminal 103 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0073] In S810, the user selects the print job they want to print from the print jobs displayed on the client terminal 103 and issues a print command to the image forming apparatus 102. When the client application 320 detects this print command, it proceeds to S811. In S811, the client application 320 instructs the image forming apparatus 102 to send the print settings for the selected print job to the subscription management service 104. Upon receiving this instruction, the image forming apparatus 102 proceeds to S812. Alternatively, the print job information may be displayed on the operation panel 209 of the image forming apparatus 102, and the user may select a print job on the operation panel 209, and the image forming apparatus 102 may receive this selection instruction.

[0074] In S812, the image forming apparatus 102 sends a transmission instruction from the controller 336 to the event data transmission unit 335 for the transmission of the print settings (print settings information) within the specified print job. Upon receiving this transmission instruction, the event data transmission unit 335 proceeds to S813. In S813, the event data transmission unit 335 attempts to transmit the print settings unit to the subscription management service 104. That is, it attempts to transmit the job information of the print job that has been instructed to be executed.

[0075] If the above print settings are successfully transmitted, in S814, the print information management unit 302 of the subscription management service 104, which received the print settings, returns a message indicating successful transmission to the image forming apparatus 102, and the image forming apparatus 102 proceeds to S815 (print execution).

[0076] On the other hand, if the transmission of the print settings unit fails, the image forming apparatus 102 checks whether it is connected to the client terminal 103 via the network (not shown). If it is connected, the image forming apparatus 102 requests the client application 320 to send the print settings unit from the client application 320 to the subscription management service 104. In accordance with this request, the client application 320 sends the print settings unit to the subscription management service 104. If the client application 320 fails to send this, it sends a message indicating transmission failure to the image forming apparatus 102, locks its own functions to prevent printing, and terminates this sequence. Similarly, if communication between the image forming apparatus 102 and the client application 320 fails, the image forming apparatus 102 also locks its own functions to prevent printing and terminates this sequence. On the other hand, if the transmission is successful, the client application 320 sends a message indicating transmission success to the image forming apparatus 102, and the image forming apparatus 102 proceeds to S815 (print execution). In other words, the image forming apparatus 102 can execute printing by sending the print settings to the subscription management service 104 before printing is performed.

[0077] In S815, the image forming apparatus 102 executes printing according to the selected print job. At this time, the image forming apparatus 102 does not need to be connected to the subscription management service 104 or the print service 105 via a network. In other words, if the image forming apparatus 102 successfully transmits the print settings, it can execute the print job corresponding to the print settings regardless of the communication status with the subscription management service 104. Once this printing is complete, the image forming apparatus 102 proceeds to processing in S816.

[0078] In S816, the image forming apparatus 102 generates print event data (printing performance information) according to the results of the printing performed in S815. Next, in S817, the image forming apparatus 102 transmits the print event data generated in S816 to the subscription management service 104.

[0079] Although not shown in the diagram, if the transmission of print event data fails in S817, the image forming apparatus 102 checks whether it is connected to the client terminal 103 via the network. If it is connected to the client terminal 103 via the network, the image forming apparatus 102 sends the print event data to the client terminal 103 and requests the subscription management service 104 to send the print event data. On the other hand, if there is no network connection with the client terminal 103, or if the client terminal 103 also fails to transmit, the image forming apparatus 102 temporarily stores the print event data internally. The stored print event data is then attempted to be transmitted at a time when communication with the subscription management service 104 is possible, such as when it connects to the client terminal 103 again or when printing is performed.

[0080] The subscription management service 104, upon receiving the print event data, stores and manages the print event data in the storage 303. Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 102 is unable to send print event data to the print information management unit 302, it temporarily stores the data internally and attempts to send it again when printing is performed next or when a network connection is established with the client terminal 103. In the example print event data shown in Table 4, print event data with date and time information in the "Synchronization Date and Time" column is stored in the storage 303 of the subscription management service 104. On the other hand, print event data with a blank "Synchronization Date and Time" column is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus 102 and will be attempted to be sent again at a later date.

[0081] Through the above process, the image forming apparatus 102 is authorized to execute a print job by sending the print settings (job information) to the subscription management service 104 before the print job is executed. Although not shown, after the successful transmission of the print settings, the print job may be printed immediately or executed at any time. The example in Figure 8 shows the case of immediate printing. For print jobs for which the transmission of the print settings has been successful, steps S811 to S814 can be skipped to enable execution at any time. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 102 is equipped with an operation panel 209, so operations from S810 onward may be performed using the operation panel 209.

[0082] Figure 7 shows an example of a sequence in which a print job that has been previously sent to the print service 105 is selected and printed by the image forming apparatus 102.

[0083] In S701, the user operates the client terminal 103 to issue a print job acquisition request to the client application 320. This request includes specifying the image forming apparatus 102 that will perform the printing. If no image forming apparatus is specified, a default image forming apparatus may be used. When client terminal 103 detects this print job acquisition request, it proceeds to process S702.

[0084] In S702, the client terminal 103 establishes a network connection with the image forming apparatus 102 that performs printing. If the network connection fails in step S702, the client terminal 103 terminates processing of this sequence. A network connection failure occurs, for example, when the image forming apparatus 102 sends a message indicating a connection failure, or when no response is received from the image forming apparatus 102 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0085] On the other hand, if the network connection is successful in S702, in S703 the image forming apparatus 102 returns a message indicating successful connection to the client terminal 103, and the client terminal 103 proceeds to the process in S704.

[0086] Although not shown in the diagram, the image forming apparatus 102 is equipped with an operation panel 209, so the user may request to acquire a print job (S701) from the operation panel 209. In this case, a network connection between the client terminal 103 and the image forming apparatus 102 is not required.

[0087] In S704, the client application 320 requests the subscription management unit 301 of the subscription management service 104 to confirm the contract status of the subscription service. This request for confirmation of the contract status of the subscription service includes, for example, the device ID or contract ID of the image forming apparatus 102 that was successfully connected in S702. The subscription management unit 301 uses the information included in the above request for confirmation of the contract status of the subscription service and the subscription management data shown in Table 1 to confirm the contract status of the subscription service.

[0088] If the contract status check fails in S704, the client application 320 terminates processing of this sequence. Failure to check the contract status occurs, for example, when the subscription management unit 301 sends a message indicating no contract, or when no response is received from the subscription management unit 301 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in S704 that a subscription service contract is in place, in S705 the subscription management unit 301 returns that information to the client application 320, and the client application 320 proceeds to S706. Although not shown in the diagram, the image forming apparatus 102 (the image forming apparatus that successfully connected in S702 above) may also perform a request to check the contract status of the subscription service and return the result to the client terminal 103. Furthermore, as described above, if the image forming apparatus 102 performs a request to acquire a print job (S701) from the operation panel 209, it is not necessary to send the result of the subscription service contract status check to the client terminal 103, and the process proceeds directly to S707.

[0090] In S706, the client application 320 requests the image forming apparatus 102, which was connected in 702, to acquire a print job. Upon receiving this request, the image forming apparatus 102 proceeds to S707.

[0091] In S707, the image forming apparatus 102 requests the print service 105 to acquire a print job. Upon receiving this print job acquisition request, the print service 105 proceeds to S708. In S708, the print service 105 notifies the image forming apparatus 102 of a list of print jobs available for printing on the image forming apparatus 102 that requested the acquisition of the print job. The job receiving unit 334 of the image forming apparatus 102 accesses the print service 105 based on the print job notification information and acquires the print job.

[0092] In S709, the image forming apparatus 102 stores the notified print job within the image forming apparatus 102. Next, in S710, the image forming apparatus 102 returns the acquired print job list to the client application 320. When the client terminal 103 receives the print job list, it displays the print jobs on its display screen in a format that allows the user to select a print job. In this example, the print jobs are displayed on the client terminal 103, but they may also be displayed on the operation panel 209 of the image forming apparatus 102, or on both the client terminal 103 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0093] In S711, the user selects the print job they want to print from the print jobs displayed on the client terminal 103 and issues a print command to the image forming apparatus 102. When the client application 320 detects this print command, it proceeds to S712. Steps S712 to S718 are the same as steps S811 to S817 in Figure 8, so their explanation is omitted. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 102 is equipped with an operation panel 209, so operations from S706 onward may be performed using the operation panel 209.

[0094] <Subscription Plan Determination Flow> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the subscription management service 104 determines a subscription plan in the first embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is executed at multiple times, such as when event data is received from the image forming apparatus 102 or the client terminal 103, when a query is received from the web browser on the client terminal 103, or periodically. Furthermore, the processing in this flowchart is achieved when the CPU 220 of the information processing device constituting the subscription management service 104 loads a program stored in the storage device 226, etc., into the RAM 222 and executes it.

[0095] In S401, the subscription management unit 301 retrieves subscription management data from the storage 303. This explanation will focus on the subscription management data with device ID "AAA" as exemplified in Table 1. Furthermore, the subscription management unit 301 retrieves subscription plan management data from the storage 303 according to the service ID of the acquired subscription management data. Specifically, the subscription management unit 301 retrieves subscription plan management data from the storage 303 whose service ID matches the acquired subscription management data. In the example above, since the target is the subscription management data for device ID "AAA", the subscription plan management data for service ID "S001" is retrieved.

[0096] Next, in S402, the subscription management unit 301 retrieves print event data synchronized from the image forming apparatus 102 to the print information management unit 302 from the storage 303, according to the data aggregation period of the subscription plan management data acquired in S401. Specifically, it retrieves data from the print event data where the synchronization date and time falls within the data aggregation period, from among the data where the image forming apparatus and device ID match. Here, as an example, the data aggregation period is set to "from the 1st to the last day of each month," and the subscription plan for "October 2023" is determined. In addition, print event data for device ID "AAA" is retrieved from data as shown in Table 4. In the example in Table 4, print event data for print jobs "AAA003" and "AAA001" are retrieved.

[0097] Next, in S403, the subscription management unit 301 retrieves the print settings data for print jobs with the same print job ID as the print event data obtained in S402 from the storage 303. Specifically, it retrieves data where the print job ID matches the print event data from the print settings data of print jobs as shown in Table 3. In the example in Table 3, the print settings data for print job IDs "AAA003" and "AAA001" are retrieved.

[0098] Next, in S404, the subscription management unit 301 refers to the data aggregation period of the subscription plan management data acquired in S401 and retrieves the print settings for print jobs that were ordered to print within the data aggregation period from the storage 303. Specifically, it retrieves data from the print settings of print jobs, as shown in Table 3, where the date and time of the print order is within the data aggregation period and the device ID matches the device ID to be aggregated. In this embodiment, it retrieves the print settings for print orders that were ordered to print with device ID "AAA" between October 1, 2023 and October 31, 2023. In the example in Table 3, it retrieves the print settings for print jobs with print job IDs "AAA001" and "AAA002".

[0099] Next, in S405, the subscription management unit 301 identifies the print jobs whose aggregated flag is "TRUE" from the print settings unit acquired in S403 and S404. If, as a result of this specific process, there is a print job for which the aggregated flag is "TRUE" (Yes in S405), the subscription management unit 301 proceeds to S406. On the other hand, if there are no print jobs with the aggregated flag set to "TRUE" (i.e., No in S405), the subscription management unit 301 proceeds to S408.

[0100] In S406, the subscription management unit 301 excludes print settings with an aggregated flag of "TRUE" from the calculation when determining the subscription plan. This is because the usage of print settings with an aggregated flag of "TRUE" has already been aggregated when determining the subscription plan in the previous month or earlier. In the example above, in S403-S404, the print settings for print jobs IDs "AAA003", "AAA001", and "AAA002" have been acquired as print settings for device ID "AAA" within the current data aggregation period. However, in the example in Table 3, the aggregated flag for the print settings of print job ID "AAA003" is "TRUE", so the print settings for print job ID "AAA003" are excluded from the calculation when determining the current subscription plan. Therefore, in this example, the print settings for print jobs IDs "AAA001" and "AAA002" are the print settings included in the subscription plan calculation.

[0101] Next, in S407, the subscription management unit 301 excludes print event data with the same print job ID as the print settings unit whose aggregated flag is "TRUE" from the calculation when determining the subscription plan. This is because the usage of the print settings unit whose aggregated flag is "TRUE" has already been aggregated when determining the subscription plan prior to the previous data aggregation period. In the example above, in S402, for device ID "AAA", print event data for print jobs ID "AAA003" and "AAA001" have been acquired as print settings within the current data aggregation period. However, since the aggregated flag for the print settings unit of print job ID "AAA003" is "TRUE", the print event data for print job ID "AAA003" is excluded from the calculation when determining the current subscription plan. Therefore, in this example, the print event data for print job ID "AAA001" becomes the print event data included in the subscription plan calculation. After processing S407, the Subscription Management Unit 301 proceeds to processing S408.

[0102] In S408, the subscription management unit 301 calculates the number of printed pages for the print event data that is subject to subscription plan calculation. In this embodiment, the number of printed pages for each print event data is summed up. The calculation method is not limited to a simple sum, but rather the value of the number of printed pages for the print event data is aggregated in a way that is appropriate to the subscription plan. In the example in Table 4, the number of printed pages for the print event data subject to subscription plan calculation is "350 pages", which is the number of printed pages for print job ID "AAA001". In addition, S408 may aggregate the number of printed pages in the print settings unit corresponding to the print event data subject to subscription plan calculation (i.e., the print settings unit that has already received the corresponding print history).

[0103] Next, in S409, the subscription management unit 301 determines the subscription plan based on the number of print event data calculated in S408. In this embodiment, for example, the system determines the subscription plan or combination of plans with the lowest usage fee. If the usage fees are the same, the system determines the plan or combination of plans that allows for more printing within a range where the usage fee does not fluctuate. However, the determination method is not limited to this.

[0104] For example, if the total number of printed pages is 50, the system will determine that the subscription plan should be plan ID "X001". Furthermore, when the total number of printed pages is 100, the subscription plan candidates are plan IDs "X001" and "Y001," but "X001" is selected because it offers a higher number of printed pages per unit of usage fee. Furthermore, when the total number of printed pages is 600, the candidate subscription plans are plan IDs "X002" or "Y002", or a combination of "X001" and "Y002". In this embodiment, the usage fee for plan ID "Y002" is calculated from the number of pages exceeding the maximum print limit for "X001", "X002", and "X003". The maximum print limit is determined to be the plan ID with the closest value to or less than the total number of printed pages. When the total number of printed pages is 600, the usage fee is calculated for up to 500 pages under plan ID "X001" and the remaining 100 pages under "Y002", and the subscription plan is determined to be the combination of "X001" and "Y002". Additionally, if the total number of printed pages is 1100, the first 1000 pages will be subject to plan ID "X002," the remaining 100 pages to "Y002," and "X001" will not be used in the calculation. For example, if the total number of printed pages is 2100, the first 2000 pages will be subject to plan ID "X003," and the remaining 500 pages will be subject to "Y002," while "X001" and "X002" will not be used in the calculation.

[0105] In the example in Table 4 above, the total number of printed pages in the print event data to be aggregated for device ID "AAA" is "350 pages," so the subscription plan is determined to be plan ID "X001." However, this is not the only method for determining the subscription plan.

[0106] Next, in S410, the subscription management unit 301 calculates the number of pages printed by each print setting unit. In this embodiment, the number of pages printed by each print setting unit is summed up. In the example in Table 3 above, the number of pages printed by each print setting unit that is subject to the subscription plan calculation is the number of pages printed for print jobs IDs "AAA001" and "AAA002", so the total number of pages printed is "350 + 100 = 450". Note that, as with S408 above, this calculation method is not limited to a simple sum, and the values ​​of the number of pages printed by each print setting unit may be aggregated in a way that is appropriate to the subscription plan. Furthermore, for print settings units that receive corresponding print event data, the number of printed pages from the print event data may be aggregated instead of the number of printed pages from the print settings unit.

[0107] Next, in S411, the subscription management unit 301 determines the subscription plan based on the number of pages to be printed calculated in S410 by the print settings unit. In this embodiment, similar to S409, the subscription plan is determined to be the plan or combination of plans with the lowest usage fee. If the usage fees are the same, the plan or combination of plans that allows for more printing within the range where the usage fee does not change is determined. In this embodiment, the total number of pages to be printed by the print settings unit is "450 pages", so the plan ID is determined to be "X001". Note that the method of determining the subscription plan is not limited to this.

[0108] Next, in S412, the subscription management unit 301 determines whether the plan IDs determined in S409 and S411 are the same. If the plan IDs determined in S409 and S411 are the same (i.e., if the answer is Yes in S412), the subscription management unit 301 proceeds to S413. In S413, the subscription management unit 301 determines the plan ID determined in S409 and S411 to be the subscription plan to be billed to the subscriber. In the example above, the plan ID is determined to be "X001".

[0109] Next, in S414, the subscription management unit 301 updates the relevant data in storage 303 so as to change the value of the aggregated flag for the print job used to calculate the number of printed pages in S410 from "FALSE" to "TRUE". In the example above, the data in the print settings section for print jobs IDs "AAA001" and "AAA002" is updated. After processing in S414, the subscription management unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0110] On the other hand, if the plan IDs determined in S409 and S411 are different (i.e., if it is No in S412), the subscription management unit 301 proceeds to S415. In S415, the subscription management unit 301 determines the plan ID determined in S409 (i.e., the subscription plan determined from the number of printed pages of the print event data) as the subscription plan to be billed to the customer.

[0111] Next, in S416, the subscription management unit 301 updates the data in storage 303 so as to change the value of the aggregated flag in the print settings section corresponding to the print event data used to calculate the number of printed pages in S408 from "FALSE" to "TRUE". In the example above, the data in the print settings section for print job ID "AAA001" is updated. After processing in S416, the subscription management unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart. The subscription management service 104 then notifies the subscriber of the subscription plan determined in S413 or S415 (i.e., the subscription plan applicable to the image forming apparatus 102 and / or the fee corresponding to said plan) at a predetermined timing.

[0112] <Notification screen> Figure 6 shows an example of a screen provided by the subscription management service 104 in this embodiment when there is a print settings unit that has not received print event data from the print information management unit 302 at the time of determining the subscription plan.

[0113] In this embodiment, the subscription management service 104 displays a message on this screen notifying the client terminal 103 to send print event data temporarily stored inside the image forming apparatus 102 to the print information management unit 302. Note that this embodiment does not limit the notification screen configuration to text only; the screen may also be configured using information media such as images or videos.

[0114] In this embodiment, this screen is displayed when the client terminal 103 accesses the subscription management service 104 from a web browser on the client terminal 103. Furthermore, the subscription management service 104 makes a decision to display this screen at multiple times, such as when the client terminal 103 connects to the subscription management service 104 via the network while unsynchronized print event data exists within the image forming apparatus 102, or when the client terminal 103 periodically queries the print information management unit 302. However, the timing of the decision to display this screen is not limited to these. Furthermore, if this screen is displayed, you may restrict functionality so that client terminal 103 cannot send new print commands to print service 105.

[0115] Furthermore, the print settings section of a print job may include information on the amount of printing materials consumed during printing (the amount of consumables supplied under a subscription plan, such as ink and toner). In that case, the subscription plan may be determined using not only the number of pages printed but also information on the amount of printing materials. Furthermore, among the print settings stored in storage 303, those that have not received corresponding print event data even after a predetermined period (e.g., one month) may be considered as not having been printed and may not be included in the calculation when determining the subscription plan.

[0116] As explained above, according to the first embodiment, even if some printing performance information, such as the number of pages printed during the aggregation period, is not received, the applicable subscription plan can be determined. This makes it possible to provide an appropriate subscription service in accordance with the user's printing performance.

[0117] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, if the plan ID of the subscription plan determined from the print event data and the print settings unit did not match, the plan ID determined from the print event data was used.

[0118] If a subscription plan is determined to allow printing up to a certain limit for a fixed price, the cost per printed page can be reduced by totaling the number of printed pages up to the limit. Specifically, the number of printed pages within the data aggregation period can be maximized by considering print jobs that have not received print event data as having been printed within that period.

[0119] In this second embodiment, for example, if the determined subscription plan is one of the plan IDs "X001", "X002", or "X003" listed in Table 2, print jobs that have not received print event data are also considered to have been printed within the data aggregation period, as long as the usage fee remains unchanged, thereby maximizing the number of printed pages aggregated within that data aggregation period. By considering them to have been printed, if they were actually printed, they can be included in the usage amount. On the other hand, if they were not printed, and the subscriber prints the relevant print job in the following month or later, the print settings for that job have already been aggregated, so the total number of printed pages for the data aggregation period in which print event data was received will be lower. In this way, it can be expected that the price setting for the determined subscription plan during that data aggregation period will be lower.

[0120] The following explains in detail how the Print Information Management Unit 302 determines that the print settings section corresponding to the unreceived print event data has been aggregated when there is a difference between the print event data and the plan ID determined from the print settings section, and the billing method for the plan ID determined from the print event data is a fixed rate.

[0121] <Subscription Plan Determination Flow> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the subscription management service 104 determines a subscription plan in the second embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is executed at multiple times, such as when event data is received from the image forming apparatus 102 or the client terminal 103, when a query is received from the web browser on the client terminal 103, or periodically. Furthermore, the processing in this flowchart is achieved when the CPU 220 of the information processing device constituting the subscription management service 104 loads a program stored in the storage device 226, etc., into the RAM 222 and executes it.

[0122] Since steps S501 to S516 are the same as steps S401 to S416 in Figure 4, their explanation will be omitted. In S517, the subscription management unit 301 recalculates and determines whether it is possible to further aggregate the number of prints from print settings units that have not received print event data, provided that the number of prints does not exceed the upper limit for the plan ID determined in S515. Specifically, it determines whether it is possible to further aggregate the number of prints from print settings units that have not received print event data within the remaining number of prints obtained by subtracting the number of prints aggregated in S508 from the upper limit for the plan ID determined in S515.

[0123] For example, suppose a subscription plan determination is made for device ID "BBB" from Table 1. For device ID "BBB", the print information management unit 302 receives print event data for print jobs ID "BBB001" and "BBB002" from Table 4, and in S515 it is determined to be plan ID "X001". Also, from Table 4, the total number of prints for print jobs ID "BBB001" and "BBB002" is "450 pages", so it is determined in S515 that the print settings can be aggregated so that the total number of prints is within 50 pages, up to the upper limit of "500 pages" for plan ID "X001". In the example in Table 4, the print information management unit 302 has not received print event data corresponding to print jobs IDs "BBB003" and "BBB004". Since the number of pages printed for print job ID "BBB004" is "50", it is determined that this print job can be included in the additional aggregation. Therefore, the number of pages printed within the data aggregation period is maximized by making print jobs IDs "BBB001", "BBB002", and "BBB004" the target of this aggregation.

[0124] If the subscription management unit 301 determines that it is possible to further aggregate the number of prints from the print settings unit that has not received print event data, provided that it does not exceed the maximum number of prints for the plan ID determined in S515 (if the answer is Yes in S517), it proceeds to S518. In S518, the subscription management unit 301 updates the storage 303 by changing the value of the aggregated flag in the print settings unit corresponding to the print event data used to calculate the number of printed pages in S509, and in the print settings unit that was determined to be able to be further aggregated in S517, from "FALSE" to "TRUE".

[0125] On the other hand, if the subscription management unit 301 determines that it cannot further aggregate the number of printed pages from the print settings unit that has not received print event data, provided that it does not exceed the upper limit of the number of printed pages for the plan ID determined in S515 (i.e., if the result is No in S517), it proceeds to S516. After processing S518 or S516 described above, the subscription management unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0126] As explained above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when there is a difference between the subscription plan determined from the print event data and the subscription plan determined from the print settings unit, it becomes possible to determine a subscription plan that will lower the unit price per page printed in the current month as much as possible.

[0127] [Third Embodiment] In the second embodiment described above, if a subscription plan was determined to allow printing up to the maximum number of pages for a fixed price, print jobs that had not received print event data were considered to have been printed within the data aggregation period, and the number of printed pages was aggregated up to the maximum number of pages. However, even if the number of printed pages from any print setting section that had not received print event data was considered to have been printed, it may still exceed the maximum number of printed pages for the subscription plan determined above. Therefore, in this third embodiment, in such cases, the print settings section of a print job that has not received print event data is divided into sections that do not exceed the maximum number of prints of the subscription plan when aggregated, and the number of prints of the divided print settings section of the print job is considered to have been printed within the data aggregation period, thereby maximizing the number of prints within the data aggregation period.

[0128] Table 5 shows an example of the data in the print settings section of a print job used in the description of the third embodiment. [Table 5]

[0129] Table 6 shows an example of print event data used in the description of the third embodiment. [Table 6]

[0130] <Subscription Plan Determination Flow> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the subscription management service 104 determines a subscription plan in the third embodiment. The processing in this flowchart is executed at multiple times, such as when event data is received from the image forming apparatus 102 or the client terminal 103, when a query is received from the web browser on the client terminal 103, or periodically. Furthermore, the processing in this flowchart is achieved when the CPU 220 of the information processing device constituting the subscription management service 104 loads a program stored in the storage device 226, etc., into the RAM 222 and executes it.

[0131] Since steps S601 to S618 are the same as steps S501 to S518 in Figure 5, their explanation will be omitted. In the third embodiment, if the subscription management unit 301 determines that it cannot further aggregate the number of prints from the print settings unit that has not received print event data, within the limits of the upper limit of prints for the plan ID determined in S615 (i.e., if the result is No in S617), it proceeds to S619.

[0132] In S619, the subscription management unit 301 recalculates and determines whether it is possible to further aggregate the number of printed pages in the print settings section of the divided print jobs, within the limits of not exceeding the maximum number of printed pages for the plan ID determined in S615. Specifically, it determines whether it is possible to further aggregate the number of printed pages in the print settings section of the divided print jobs, so as to fall within the remaining number of printed pages obtained by subtracting the number of printed pages aggregated in S608 from the maximum number of printed pages for the plan ID determined in S615.

[0133] For example, suppose we have a device ID "BBB" in the subscription management data shown in Table 1, and we set the data aggregation period to "the 1st to the last day of each month" and determine the subscription plan for "October 2023". In the example in Table 5, we have received print event data for print jobs IDs "BBB001" and "BBB002", and in S615, we determine that the plan ID is "X001". In the example in Table 6, the total number of prints for print jobs ID "BBB001" and "BBB002" is "450 pages". Therefore, the subscription management unit 301 determines that it can aggregate the print job settings so that the total number of prints is within "50 pages", up to the maximum print count of "500 pages" for plan ID "X001" determined in S615.

[0134] Furthermore, in the example in Table 5, the print information management unit 302 has not received the print event data corresponding to print job ID "BBB005". Since the number of pages printed for print job ID "BBB005" is "110", if it is added to the total as is, it will exceed the maximum number of pages printed for plan ID "X001", which is "500 pages". Therefore, by splitting this print job into a print job of "50 pages" "BBB005-1" and a print job of "60 pages" "BBB005-2" as shown in Table 7 (treating them as multiple print jobs), it is determined that the print job of "50 pages" "BBB005-1" can be added to the total. Then, by making print jobs IDs "BBB001", "BBB002", and "BBB005-1" the target of this total, the number of pages printed within the data totaling period is maximized.

[0135] Table 7 shows an example of the data in the print settings section of a divided print job. [Table 7]

[0136] If the subscription management unit 301 determines that the print settings section of a print job that has not received print event data can be split so that the number of printed pages in the print settings section of the print job that has not received print event data can be further aggregated, provided that the number of printed pages does not exceed the upper limit for the plan ID determined in S615 (if the answer is Yes in S619), the unit proceeds to S620.

[0137] In S620, the subscription management unit 301 updates the storage 303 by changing the value of the aggregated flag in the print settings unit corresponding to the print event data used to calculate the number of printed pages in S609, and in the print settings unit of the divided print jobs that were determined to be able to be further aggregated in S619, from "FALSE" to "TRUE", as shown in Table 8.

[0138] Table 8 shows an example of the data in the print settings section of a print job after rewriting the value of the aggregated flag to "TRUE". [Table 8]

[0139] On the other hand, if the subscription management unit 301 determines that it cannot further aggregate the number of printed pages from the print settings unit that has not received print event data, provided that the number of printed pages does not exceed the upper limit for the plan ID determined in S615 (i.e., if the result in S617 is No), it proceeds to S616. S616 is the same step as S516 in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted. Then, after processing S618, S620, or S616 described above, the subscription management unit 301 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0140] Subsequently, when the print information management unit 302 of the subscription management service 104 receives print event data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 102, if the print setting unit corresponding to the received print event data corresponds to a divided print setting unit, the print event data shall also be divided and stored in the same way as the corresponding print setting unit, as shown in Table 9.

[0141] Table 9 shows an example of divided print event data. [Table 9]

[0142] As explained above, according to the third embodiment, when there is a difference between the subscription plan determined from the print event data and the subscription plan determined from the print settings unit, it becomes possible to determine a subscription plan that will lower the unit price per page printed in the current month as much as possible.

[0143] In the above embodiments, the print service 105 was configured to generate the print job, but it is also possible to configure the client terminal 103 or the like to generate the print job and send it to the image forming apparatus 102. In this case as well, before printing is executed, the image forming apparatus 102 or the client terminal 103 will send the print settings for the print job to the subscription management service 104, and if the transmission of the print settings fails, printing will not be executed.

[0144] In each embodiment of the present invention, the subscription plan is determined from two types of information: print event data (printing performance information) generated when printing is performed, and print jobs (job information) generated to perform printing. Based on these two determined subscription plans, the applicable subscription plan is determined. This makes it possible to determine the applicable subscription plan even when some of the printing performance information for the aggregation period has not been received when determining the printing subscription plan.

[0145] With conventional technology, it was impossible to determine a subscription plan for printing if some of the printing performance data for the reporting period was not available. For example, some image forming machines are portable, and the image forming machine and the subscription service are not always connected via a network. Furthermore, by configuring the image forming machine to only allow printing when it is connected to the subscription management service via a network, it is possible to notify the subscription service of the printing history immediately after printing. However, this presented a challenge in terms of inconvenience for users. According to each embodiment of the present invention, the problems of the prior art can be solved, and it is possible to reliably determine the subscription plan without impairing user convenience.

[0146] It should be noted that the structure and content of the various data described above are not limited to those mentioned, and it goes without saying that they can be composed of various structures and contents depending on the use and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device. Furthermore, any configurations combining the above embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0147] [Other Embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the invention. That is, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modified forms are included in the present invention.

[0148] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) A management device for managing subscription services related to printing, A first receiving means that receives job information for a print job from the image forming apparatus or a terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job, before the print job is executed on the image forming apparatus that has contracted the said subscription service, A second receiving means that, after a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus, receives print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job from the image forming apparatus or the terminal, A first determination means for determining a first subscription plan using the printing performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period, A second determination means for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aforementioned aggregation period or the job information corresponding to said print performance information, and the job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received but which was instructed to be executed during the aforementioned aggregation period. A determination means for determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan, A control device characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) The management device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the determination means determines the first subscription plan to be the same subscription plan if the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan are the same, and determines the first subscription plan to be the same subscription plan if the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan are different. (Composition 3) The system includes a management means for managing the job information used in determining the aforementioned subscription plan as aggregated information, The first determination means determines the first subscription plan by excluding the print performance information corresponding to the aggregated job information, The management device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the second determination means determines the second subscription plan by excluding the print performance information corresponding to the aggregated job information or the job information corresponding to the print performance information. (Composition 4) The management device according to configuration 3, characterized in that, when the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan are different and the first subscription is determined, and there is job information for which the corresponding print performance information has not yet been received, if the job information is considered as print performance and added to the print performance information used by the first determination means when determining the first subscription plan, the management means also considers such job information as aggregated and manages it accordingly. (Composition 5) The management means includes, in cases where the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan are different and the first subscription is determined, and there is job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received, and among the information of such existing print jobs, there is no job information that, even if the job information is considered as print performance and added to the print performance information used by the first determination means when determining the first subscription plan, would still fall within the scope of the first subscription plan, the management means has a division means that divides the information of such existing job jobs so that, even if the job information is considered as print performance and added to the print performance information used by the first determination means when determining the first subscription plan, it would still fall within the scope of the first subscription plan. The management device according to configuration 4, characterized in that the management means also manages job information that has been divided to fall within the scope of the first subscription plan, treating it as aggregated. (Composition 6) The aforementioned printing performance information includes the number of pages printed, The first determination means aggregates the number of printed pages included in the printing performance information and uses the results of the aggregation to determine the first subscription plan. The aforementioned job information includes the number of pages to print, The management device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the second determination means aggregates the number of printed pages included in the job information and determines the second subscription plan using the result of the aggregation. (Composition 7) The management device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, when determining the subscription plan, there is job information for which the corresponding print performance information has not yet been received, the device has a notification means for notifying the terminal or the image forming apparatus of information prompting the image forming apparatus to connect to the network. (Composition 8) A system comprising a management device for managing a subscription service related to printing, and an image forming apparatus that has a contract for the said subscription service, The aforementioned control device is A management device for managing subscription services related to printing, A first receiving means that receives job information for a print job from the image forming apparatus or a terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job, before the print job is executed on the image forming apparatus that has contracted the said subscription service, A second receiving means that, after a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus, receives print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job from the image forming apparatus or the terminal, A first determination means for determining a first subscription plan using the printing performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period, A second determination means for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aforementioned aggregation period or the job information corresponding to said print performance information, and the job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received but which was instructed to be executed during the aforementioned aggregation period. The system includes a determination means for determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan, The image forming apparatus is When a print job is instructed to be executed, a first transmission means transmits the job information of the print job to the management device before executing the print job, A control means that enables the execution of a print job corresponding to the job information when the transmission of the job information is successful, A second transmission means that transmits the print performance information of the print job to the management device after the print job has been executed, The system includes a holding means for retaining the printing performance information in the event that the transmission of the aforementioned printing performance information fails, The system is characterized in that the second transmission means transmits the printing performance information held in the holding means to the management device at a timing when it is possible to communicate with the management device. (Composition 9) The system according to configuration 8, characterized in that, if the control means successfully transmits the job information, it enables the execution of a print job corresponding to the job information regardless of the communication status with the management device. (Method 1) A control method for a management device that manages a subscription service related to printing, A first receiving step in which, before a print job is executed on an image forming apparatus that has a contract for the aforementioned subscription service, job information for the print job is received from the image forming apparatus or a terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job, A second receiving step, after a print job has been executed in the image forming apparatus, in which the image forming apparatus or terminal receives print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job, A first determination step in which a first subscription plan is determined using the printing performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period, A second determination step for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aforementioned aggregation period or the job information corresponding to said print performance information, and the job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received but which was instructed to be executed during the aforementioned aggregation period. A determination step of determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan, A control method for a management device, characterized by having the following features. (Method 2) A control method for a system having a management device for managing a subscription service related to printing and an image forming apparatus that has a contract for the said subscription service, The following is performed by the aforementioned management device: A first receiving step in which, before a print job is executed on an image forming apparatus that has a contract for the aforementioned subscription service, job information for the print job is received from the image forming apparatus or a terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job, A second receiving step, after a print job has been executed in the image forming apparatus, in which the image forming apparatus or terminal receives print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job, A first determination step in which a first subscription plan is determined using the printing performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period, A second determination step for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aforementioned aggregation period or the job information corresponding to said print performance information, and the job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received but which was instructed to be executed during the aforementioned aggregation period. The system includes a determination step of determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan, The image forming apparatus performs the following: When a print job is instructed to be executed, a first transmission step is performed to transmit the job information of the print job to the management device before executing the print job. A control step that enables the execution of a print job corresponding to the job information when the transmission of the job information is successful, A second transmission step, after executing the print job, transmits the print performance information of the print job to the management device. If the transmission of the aforementioned printing performance information fails, a storage step is performed to store the printing performance information in the holding means, A third transmission step includes transmitting the printing performance information held in the holding means to the management device at a timing when communication with the management device is possible. A method for controlling a system characterized by the following features. (Program 1) A program to cause a computer to function as one of the means described in any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 102 Image forming apparatus 103 Client terminals 104 Subscription Management Service 105 Print Service

Claims

1. A management device for managing subscription services related to printing, A first receiving means that receives job information for a print job from the image forming apparatus or a terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job, before the print job is executed on the image forming apparatus that has contracted the said subscription service, A second receiving means that, after a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus, receives print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job from the image forming apparatus or the terminal, A first determination means for determining a first subscription plan using the printing performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period, A second determination means for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aforementioned aggregation period or the job information corresponding to said print performance information, and the job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received but which was instructed to be executed during the aforementioned aggregation period. A determination means for determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan, A management device characterized by having the following features.

2. The management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines the first subscription plan to be the same subscription plan if the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan are the same, and determines the first subscription plan to be the same subscription plan if the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan are different.

3. The system includes a management means for managing the job information used in determining the aforementioned subscription plan as aggregated information, The first determination means determines the first subscription plan by excluding the print performance information corresponding to the aggregated job information, The management device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second determination means determines the second subscription plan by excluding the print performance information corresponding to the aggregated job information or the job information corresponding to the print performance information.

4. The management device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan are different and the first subscription is determined, and there is job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received, if the job information is considered as print performance and added to the print performance information used by the first determination means when determining the first subscription plan, the management means also considers such job information as aggregated and manages it accordingly.

5. The management means includes, in cases where the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan are different and the first subscription is determined, and there is job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received, and among the information of the existing print jobs, there is no job information that, even if the job information is considered as print performance and added to the print performance information used by the first determination means when determining the first subscription plan, would still fall within the scope of the first subscription plan, the management means has a division means that divides the existing job information so that, even if the job information is considered as print performance and added to the print performance information used by the first determination means when determining the first subscription plan, it would still fall within the scope of the first subscription plan. The management device according to claim 4, characterized in that the management means also manages job information that has been divided to fall within the scope of the first subscription plan, treating it as aggregated.

6. The aforementioned printing performance information includes the number of pages printed, The first determination means aggregates the number of printed pages included in the printing performance information and uses the results of the aggregation to determine the first subscription plan. The aforementioned job information includes the number of pages to print, The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second determination means aggregates the number of printed pages included in the job information and determines the second subscription plan using the result of the aggregation.

7. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, when determining the subscription plan, there is job information for which the corresponding print performance information has not yet been received, the device has a notification means for notifying the terminal or the image forming apparatus of information prompting the image forming apparatus to connect to the network.

8. A system comprising a management device for managing a subscription service related to printing, and an image forming apparatus that has a contract for the said subscription service, The aforementioned control device is A management device for managing subscription services related to printing, A first receiving means that receives job information for a print job from the image forming apparatus or a terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job, before the print job is executed on the image forming apparatus that has contracted the said subscription service, A second receiving means that, after a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus, receives print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job from the image forming apparatus or the terminal, A first determination means for determining a first subscription plan using the printing performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period, A second determination means for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aforementioned aggregation period or the job information corresponding to said print performance information, and the job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received but which was instructed to be executed during the aforementioned aggregation period. The system includes a determination means for determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan, The image forming apparatus is When an instruction is given to execute a print job, a first transmission means transmits the job information of the print job to the management device before executing the print job, A control means that enables the execution of a print job corresponding to the job information when the transmission of the job information is successful, A second transmission means that transmits the print performance information of the print job to the management device after the print job has been executed, The system includes a holding means for retaining the printing performance information in the event that the transmission of the aforementioned printing performance information fails, The system is characterized in that the second transmission means transmits the printing performance information held in the holding means to the management device at a timing when it is possible to communicate with the management device.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the control means enables the execution of a print job corresponding to the job information, regardless of the communication status with the management device, when the transmission of the job information is successful.

10. A control method for a management device that manages a subscription service related to printing, A first receiving step, in which, before a print job is executed on an image forming apparatus that has a contract for the aforementioned subscription service, the image forming apparatus or the terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job receives job information for the print job, A second receiving step, after a print job has been executed in the image forming apparatus, receives print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job from the image forming apparatus or the terminal, A first determination step in which a first subscription plan is determined using the printing performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period, A second determination step for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aforementioned aggregation period or the job information corresponding to said print performance information, and the job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received but which was instructed to be executed during the aforementioned aggregation period. A determination step of determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan, A control method for a management device, characterized by having the following features.

11. A control method for a system having a management device for managing a subscription service related to printing and an image forming apparatus that has a contract for the said subscription service, The following is performed by the aforementioned management device: A first receiving step, in which, before a print job is executed on an image forming apparatus that has a contract for the aforementioned subscription service, the image forming apparatus or the terminal that instructed the image forming apparatus to execute the print job receives job information for the print job, A second receiving step, after a print job has been executed in the image forming apparatus, receives print performance information of the image forming apparatus related to the print job from the image forming apparatus or the terminal, A first determination step in which a first subscription plan is determined using the printing performance information received during a predetermined aggregation period, A second determination step for determining a second subscription plan using the print performance information received during the aforementioned aggregation period or the job information corresponding to said print performance information, and the job information for which corresponding print performance information has not yet been received but which was instructed to be executed during the aforementioned aggregation period. The system includes a determination step of determining a subscription plan to be applied to the image forming apparatus based on the first subscription plan and the second subscription plan, The image forming apparatus performs the following: When an instruction is given to execute a print job, a first transmission step is performed to transmit the job information of the print job to the management device before executing the print job. A control step that enables the execution of a print job corresponding to the job information when the transmission of the job information is successful, A second transmission step involves transmitting the print performance information of the print job to the management device after the print job has been executed. If the transmission of the aforementioned printing performance information fails, a storage step is performed to store the printing performance information in the holding means, The third transmission step includes transmitting the printing performance information held in the holding means to the management device at a timing when communication with the management device is possible. A method for controlling a system characterized by the following features.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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