Server, computer program for server, system, and control method for system

Abstract

This technology provides a way to adjust billing to users in situations where large volumes of printing occur. [Solution] The server comprises: a first page count identification unit that identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period; a second page count identification unit that identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period which is part of the predetermined period; a first processing execution unit that performs a first process to provide the user with a first plan when the short-term page count does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan has a fixed fee and a usage-based fee; and a second processing execution unit that performs a second process to provide the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the short-term page count exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-fee that applies only to the short-term page count.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification relates to a server and a system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that provides users with services related to printers. The plan provided to users through the service has a fixed fee and a usage-based fee. The basic fee is a fee applied to the number of sheets that does not exceed a predetermined number among the total number of sheets printed by the printer in a predetermined period. The usage-based fee is a fee applied to the number of sheets exceeding the predetermined number among the total number of sheets.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] The usage-based fee is charged according to the number of printed sheets. For example, a situation is assumed where a large amount of printing occurs in a short period that is part of the predetermined period. With the usage-based fee, the fee corresponding to the number of printed sheets in a large volume of printing can be high. The present specification provides a technique for adjusting billing to a user in a situation where a large volume of printing occurs.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0005] The server disclosed herein comprises: a receiving unit that receives the number of printed pages from a printer; a first page count identification unit that identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period based on the number of printed pages received from the printer; a second page count identification unit that identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period which is part of the predetermined period based on the number of printed pages received from the printer; a first processing execution unit that performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user if the short-term page count does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total printed pages; and a second processing execution unit that performs a second process to provide a second plan to the user in addition to the first plan if the short-term page count exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan includes a first sub-fee applied only to the short-term page count.

[0006] In the above configuration, a second plan is offered to the user if the number of pages printed in a short period exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, the first sub-charge is set to a fixed rate rather than a pay-per-use rate. By offering the second plan, billing to the user can be adjusted in situations where a large volume of printing occurs.

[0007] The computer program for the server described above, the computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program, and the control method for the server described above are also novel and useful.

[0008] This specification discloses a system comprising a server and a printer. The printer is configured to transmit the number of printed pages to the server, and the server includes a receiving unit that receives the number of printed pages from the printer, a first page count identification unit that identifies the total number of printed pages, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of printed pages received from the printer, a second page count identification unit that identifies the short-term page count, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period, based on the number of printed pages received from the printer, and a first unit that provides a first plan to the user if the short-term page count does not exceed a predetermined threshold. The system includes: a first processing execution unit that performs processing, wherein the first plan has a fixed fee that applies to a number of the total number of printed pages that does not exceed a predetermined number, and a usage-based fee that applies to a number of the total number of printed pages that exceeds the predetermined number; and a second processing execution unit that performs second processing to provide the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term pages exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-fee that applies only to the number of short-term pages.

[0009] Even with the above configuration, it is possible to adjust billing to users in situations where a large volume of printing occurs. The control method of the system described above is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the communication system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the device management server. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the account management server. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing an example where the number of sheets exceeds the threshold in a short period of time. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing cases where the number of sheets in a short period does not exceed the threshold and cases where the number of sheets in a short period exceeds the threshold. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the screen displayed on the user's terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing a case where the number of sheets exceeds the threshold in a short period of time. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing a case where the number of sheets exceeds the threshold in a short period of time. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing a case where the number of sheets exceeds the threshold in a short period of time. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing a case where the number of sheets exceeds the threshold in a short period of time. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 100; Figure 1) The communication system 100 comprises a device management server 2, an account management server 4, a user terminal 6, and a printer 8. The user terminal 6 is a laptop PC, smartphone, tablet, desktop PC, etc. The printer 8 is a peripheral device for the user terminal 6 and has printing capabilities. In some variations, the printer 8 may be a multi-functional device with multiple functions including printing and scanning. Hereafter, the device management server will be referred to as the "DM server," and the account management server 4 will be referred to as the "AM server."

[0012] User terminal 6 and printer 8 are connected to LAN 10. LAN 10 is a Local Area Network. LAN 10 can be wired or wireless. LAN 10 is connected to the Internet 12. DM server 2 and AM server 4 are connected to the Internet 12. User terminal 6 can communicate with printer 8 via LAN 10. Furthermore, user terminal 6 and printer 8 can communicate with DM server 2 and AM server 4 via LAN 10 and the Internet 12.

[0013] DM Server 2 is a server that manages information related to Printer 8. AM Server 4 is a server that manages information related to the user of Printer 8. DM Server 2 and AM Server 4 provide a subscription service for Printer 8. Hereafter, the subscription service will be referred to as "subscription service".

[0014] In the subscription service, only a fixed fee is charged if the total number of printed pages within a specified period, such as one month, is less than or equal to a maximum number of printed pages, such as 1000 pages. If the total number of printed pages within the specified period exceeds the maximum number of printed pages, the sum of the fixed fee and a usage-based fee corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the maximum is charged. In other words, the subscription service is a service that allows printing within a specified period and up to the maximum number of printed pages for a fixed fee. The subscription service includes an automatic delivery service. The automatic delivery service is a service that automatically delivers a new cartridge when the remaining amount of colorant in the colorant cartridge installed in the printer 8 falls below a specified amount. The colorant is, for example, ink, toner, etc. The cost of the cartridge is included in the fixed fee and usage-based fee of the subscription service. In a modified example, the functions of DM server 2 and AM server 4 may be implemented on a single server.

[0015] In this embodiment of the subscription service, users can optionally subscribe to a short-term plan. The short-term plan is a pricing plan that applies only to the number of pages printed during a short period, which is a portion of a predetermined period. A short period is, for example, one day.

[0016] The pay-per-use fee is charged according to the number of printed sheets. A situation where a large volume of printing occurs in a short period is assumed. FIG. 4 is an example of a graph in which the horizontal axis defines dates and the vertical axis defines the number of printed sheets per day. The example of FIG. 4 shows that a large volume of printing was executed on date D1 as compared with other days. With the pay-per-use fee, the fee can become high due to the large volume of printing executed on date D1. The fee of the above short-term plan is set to be lower than the pay-per-use fee corresponding to a large number of printed sheets. The short-term plan is, for example, a plan that permits unlimited printing at a fixed rate for a short period. In other words, the short-term plan is a plan that provides a fee that does not change according to the number of printed sheets over the short period. In another example, the short-term plan is a plan that discounts the pay-per-use fee at a predetermined ratio for the short period. A user can adjust the bill to the user by applying for the short-term plan.

[0017] (Configuration of DM server 2; FIG. 2) The DM server 2 includes a communication interface 20 and a control unit 22. Hereinafter, the interface is described as "I / F". The communication I / F 20 is an I / F for executing communication via the Internet 12. The communication I / F 20 is connected to the Internet 12.

[0018] The control unit 22 includes a CPU 30 and a memory 32. The memory 32 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. As an example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. As an example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a Solid State Drive (SSD), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. The CPU 30 implements various types of processing in accordance with a program 34 loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0019] Memory 32 further stores a device table 36. The device table 36 stores, for each of one or more printers 8, associated and storing a registration identifier, serial number, total number of printed pages within a predetermined period, print history information, and remaining colorant quantity. The registration identifier is an identifier issued by the DM server 2 to the corresponding printer 8. The serial number is information that identifies the corresponding printer 8 and is obtained from the printer 8. The print history information shows the history of the number of printed pages. The remaining colorant quantity shows the amount of colorant remaining in the colorant cartridge currently installed in the corresponding printer 8. The total number of printed pages, print history information, and remaining colorant quantity are updated based on information received from the printer 8.

[0020] (Configuration of AM Server 4; Figure 3) The AM server 4 comprises a communication interface 40 and a control unit 42. The communication interface 40 is connected to the internet 12. The control unit 42 comprises a CPU 50 and a memory 52. ​​The CPU 50 performs various processes according to the program 54 stored in the memory 52.

[0021] Memory 52 further stores an account table 56. The account table 56 stores, for each of one or more users, associated account information, personal information, plan information, number of applications, application flag, and registration identifier. Account information is the account name and password that identify the corresponding user. The account name can be any information that can identify the user, for example, an email address. Personal information is the corresponding user's name, address, payment information, etc. Payment information is the information that the corresponding user uses to pay for the subscription service. Payment information is, for example, a credit card number. Plan information indicates the subscription service plan that the corresponding user has contracted. The number of applications indicates the number of times a short-term plan has been applied for within a specified period. The application flag indicates either "ON," which indicates that a short-term plan has been applied for within a specified period, or "OFF," which indicates that a short-term plan has not been applied for within a specified period. The number of applications is set to "0" each time a specified period has elapsed. The application flag is set to "OFF" each time a specified period has elapsed.

[0022] (Specific case; Figure 5) Referring to Figure 5, the processes implemented by the communication system 100 are explained. The DM server 2 executes each process in Figure 5 according to program 34, and the AM server 4 executes each process in Figure 5 according to program 54. In the case of Figure 5, no large volume of printing occurs in a short period in January, while a large volume of printing occurs in a short period in February.

[0023] The processes from T10 to T32 are for print jobs performed in January. When printer 8 executes a print job in T10, it proceeds to T12. In T12, printer 8 sends the cumulative number of printed pages to DM server 2 along with the registration identifier RI1 issued to printer 8. The cumulative number of printed pages represents the total number of pages printed by printer 8 from the time of shipment to the present. In a modified example, printer 8 may also send the number of printed pages for each print job to DM server 2.

[0024] When DM Server 2 receives the registered identifier RI1 and the cumulative number of printed pages from Printer 8 in T12, it proceeds to T20. In T20, DM Server 2 calculates a threshold to determine whether or not a large volume of printing has occurred in a short period of time. For example, the threshold is calculated based on the average number of printed pages calculated from the page count history information. Specifically, the threshold is calculated using the formula: threshold = average number of printed pages + standard deviation × constant. The constant is a value of 1 or greater, such as 2 or 3. In a modified example, the threshold may be the average number of printed pages plus a predetermined constant. In another modified example, the threshold may be a fixed value.

[0025] In T22, DM Server 2 calculates the number of pages printed today. Today's number of pages printed is the difference between the cumulative number of pages printed up to yesterday and the cumulative number of pages printed received in T12. DM Server 2 then determines whether today's number of pages printed exceeds the threshold calculated in T20. If today's number of pages printed exceeds the threshold, it means that a large volume of printing has occurred in a short period of time. In January, no large volume of printing occurred in a short period of time, so DM Server 2 determines in T22 that today's number of pages printed does not exceed the threshold and proceeds to T24.

[0026] At T24, DM Server 2 updates the total number of printed pages for January using the number of printed pages for the day calculated at T12. At T30, when January ends, DM Server 2 sends a billing request to AM Server 4 to invoice for the January charges. The billing request includes the registration identifier RI1 and the total number of printed pages for January.

[0027] When AM Server 4 receives a billing request from DM Server 2 in T30, it proceeds to T32. In T32, AM Server 4 calculates a usage-based charge based on the difference between the total number of printed pages and the maximum number of printed pages. Then, AM Server 4 uses the payment information stored in association with the registration identifier RI1 included in the billing request to bill the user for the sum of the fixed charge and the calculated usage-based charge.

[0028] The processing in T40-T82 applies to prints made in February. Processing in T40-T50 is the same as in T10-T20. In February, a large volume of printing occurs in a short period of time, as indicated in T40. Therefore, in T52, DM server 2 determines that the number of prints for the day exceeds the threshold calculated in T50 and proceeds to T54. In T54, DM server 2 sends a confirmation request to AM server 4 to check whether a short-term plan application is possible. The confirmation request includes the registration identifier RI1.

[0029] When AM Server 4 receives a confirmation request from DM Server 2 at T54, it proceeds to T56. At T56, AM Server 4 identifies the number of applications stored in association with the registration identifier RI1 included in the confirmation request from the account table 56. In this case, since no short-term plans were applied for in February, the number of applications is identified as "0". In this embodiment, an upper limit is set on the number of applications for short-term plans. In this case, AM Server 4 determines that the number of applications "0" is less than the upper limit. Then, at T58, AM Server 4 sends a notification to DM Server 2 indicating that it is possible to apply for a short-term plan. The notification includes the email address stored in association with the registration identifier RI1. If it is determined that the number of applications has reached the upper limit, the processing from T58 onwards will not be executed. By setting an upper limit on the number of applications, it is possible to prevent the short-term plan from being used without limit.

[0030] Furthermore, if it is determined that the maximum number of applications has been reached, DM server 2 sends a notification to user terminal 6 indicating that the maximum number of applications has been reached. This allows the user to know that the maximum number of applications has been reached. In this modified version, the above notification does not need to be sent. In this modified version, the "prescribed notification" is omitted.

[0031] When DM server 2 receives a notification of availability from AM server 4 at T58, it is at T60 and uses the email address in the notification to send application screen information to user terminal 6. The application screen information corresponds to application screen SC1, which guides the user through the application process for a short-term plan. Application screen SC1 includes a YES button to obtain the user's consent to use the short-term plan and a NO button to accept instructions not to use the short-term plan.

[0032] When user terminal 6 receives application screen information from DM server 2 at T60, it displays application screen SC1 at T62. In this case, the user selects the YES button on application screen SC1 and agrees to apply for the short-term plan. Displaying application screen SC1 prevents short-term plans from being applied for without the user's consent.

[0033] When user terminal 6 detects the selection of the YES button on application screen SC1 in T64, it proceeds to T66. In T66, user terminal 6 sends an acceptance notification to DM server 2 indicating that the user has accepted the application for the short-term plan. If the NO button on application screen SC1 is selected, the processes from T66 onwards are not executed, and the process shown in Figure 5 ends.

[0034] When DM Server 2 receives an acceptance notification from User Terminal 6 in T66, it proceeds to T68. In T68, DM Server 2 sends an application instruction to AM Server 4 instructing the user to apply for a short-term plan. Here, when DM Server 2 sends the application instruction to AM Server 4, it does not add the number of pages printed today, calculated in T52, to the total number of pages printed for February. In other words, the number of pages printed that exceeds the threshold is excluded from the calculation of the usage-based charges.

[0035] When AM Server 4 receives an application instruction from DM Server 2 at T68, it proceeds to T70. At T70, AM Server 4 increments the application count stored in association with registration identifier RI1 from "0" to "1". Then, at T72, AM Server 4 changes the application flag stored in association with registration identifier RI1 from "OFF" to "ON".

[0036] In T80, at the end of February, DM server 2 sends a billing request to AM server 4, which includes the registration identifier RI1 and the total number of pages for February.

[0037] When AM Server 4 receives a billing request from DM Server 2 in T80, it proceeds to T82. In T82, AM Server 4 bills the user for a total charge that includes a fixed fee, a usage-based fee, and a short-term plan fee. As mentioned above, the short-term plan fee is set lower than the usage-based fee calculated in T52 based on the number of pages printed today. By offering a short-term plan in addition to the fixed and usage-based fees, users can reduce their billing amount for February.

[0038] (Screen displayed on user terminal 6; Figure 6) User terminal 6 logs in to AM server 4 using its account information. User terminal 6 sends a confirmation screen request to AM server 4. The confirmation screen request is a signal requesting confirmation screen information corresponding to confirmation screen SC2, which confirms the current status of the user's contracted subscription plan. Upon receiving the confirmation screen request, AM server 4 uses the account information used to log in with user terminal 6 to collect information from tables 36 and 56. AM server 4 sends confirmation screen information, including the information collected from tables 36 and 56, to user terminal 6.

[0039] When the current application flag is "OFF", confirmation screen SC2 displays message M1, which shows the difference between the maximum number of printable pages and the current total number of printable pages. On the other hand, when the current application flag is "ON", confirmation screen SC2 displays message M2, which shows the status of the short-term plan. Message M2 shows the deadline for which the short-term plan is provided and the contents of the short-term plan. When the current application flag is "ON", confirmation screen SC2 does not display message M1. For example, a comparative example is conceivable in which message M1 is displayed even when the application flag is "ON". In this comparative example, the user may mistakenly believe that they can only print within the range of the difference, even though a short-term plan has been applied for. By displaying message M2 instead of message M1, user misunderstanding can be suppressed.

[0040] Furthermore, if the short-term plan expires, the application flag is automatically changed from "ON" to "OFF". In this case, confirmation screen SC2 displays message M1 instead of message M2. In other words, confirmation screen SC2 changes its display content depending on whether or not a short-term plan has been applied for.

[0041] (Correspondence) DM Server 2 and AM Server 4 are examples of "servers". Printer 8 is an example of a "printer". January and the 1st are examples of "specified period" and "short period", respectively. A plan with a fixed fee and a usage fee is an example of "Plan 1". T30 and T32 in Figure 5 are examples of "Plan 1". A short-term plan is an example of "Plan 2". T80 and T82 in Figure 5 are examples of "Plan 2". Application screen SC1 and confirmation screen SC2 are examples of "acceptance screen" and "confirmation screen", respectively.

[0042] T12, T24, and T22 in Figure 5 are examples of processes implemented by the "receiving unit," the "first sheet count identification unit," and the "second sheet count identification unit," respectively. T30 and T32 are examples of processes implemented by the "first processing execution unit." T80 and T82 are examples of processes implemented by the "second processing execution unit."

[0043] (Second example) This embodiment modifies the content of the short-term plan according to the number of times the short-term plan has been applied for. The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that some processing differs. In this embodiment, the first short-term plan is provided until the number of applications reaches the upper limit. The first short-term plan is the same as the short-term plan in the first embodiment. On the other hand, once the number of applications reaches the upper limit, the second short-term plan is provided. The fee for the second short-term plan is lower than the pay-per-use fee based on the number of printed pages, but higher than the fee for the first short-term plan.

[0044] (Specific case; Figure 7) In this case, the maximum number of applications for a short-term plan is 3. In this case, the first short-term plan has been applied for 3 times at this time. Steps T110 to T122 are the same as steps T10 to T22 in Figure 5. At T126, AM server 4 determines that the application limit of "3" has been reached and proceeds to T128. At T128, AM server 4 sends a limit notification to DM server 2 informing them that the application limit has been reached. The limit notification includes the email address stored in association with the registration identifier RI1.

[0045] When DM server 2 receives a limit notification from AM server 4 at T128, it proceeds to T130. At T130, DM server 2 uses the email address in the limit notification to send the second application screen information to user terminal 6. The second application screen information corresponds to the second application screen SC4, which guides the user to apply for the second short-term plan. The second application screen SC4, like application screen SC1, includes a YES button and a NO button.

[0046] When user terminal 6 receives the second application screen information from DM server 2 at T130, it displays the second application screen SC4 at T132. In this case, the user selects the YES button on the second application screen SC4 and agrees to apply for the second short-term plan.

[0047] If user terminal 6 detects the selection of the YES button on the second application screen SC4 at T134, it proceeds to T136. At T136, user terminal 6 sends a second acceptance notification to DM server 2 indicating that the user has accepted the application for the second short-term plan. If the NO button on the second application screen SC4 is selected, the processes from T136 onwards are not executed, and the process shown in Figure 7 ends.

[0048] When DM server 2 receives a second acceptance notification from user terminal 6 in T136, it proceeds to T138. In T138, DM server 2 sends a second application instruction to AM server 4, instructing the user to apply for a second short-term plan. Here, when DM server 2 sends the second application instruction to AM server 4, it does not add the number of pages printed today, calculated in T122, to the total number of pages printed this month.

[0049] When AM Server 4 receives the second application instruction from DM Server 2 at T138, it proceeds to T140. At T140, AM Server 4 increments the application count stored in association with registration identifier RI1 from "3" to "4".

[0050] In T150, DM server 2 sends a billing request to AM server 4 at the end of the month, including the registration identifier RI1 and the total number of items for the month.

[0051] When AM Server 4 receives a billing request from DM Server 2 at T150, it proceeds to T152. At T152, AM Server 4 bills the user for a total amount that includes a fixed fee, a usage-based fee, the fee for the first short-term plan, and the fee for the second short-term plan. As mentioned above, the fees for the first and second short-term plans are set lower than the usage-based fee, which is based on the number of printed pages. On the other hand, the fee for the second short-term plan is set higher than the fee for the first short-term plan. Even if the number of applications reaches the limit, a method is provided to reduce the billing amount, thereby preventing excessive use of the first short-term plan.

[0052] (Correspondence) The first short-term plan and the second short-term plan are examples of the "second plan" and the "third plan," respectively.

[0053] (Third embodiment) In this embodiment, the account table 56 stores the short-term plan setting in association with the account information. The short-term plan setting indicates either "OFF," which means not using a short-term plan, or "ON," which means using a short-term plan. The short-term plan setting is set by the user, for example, when contracting for a subscription service. Note that the short-term plan setting may be changed by the user at any time.

[0054] (Specific case; Figure 8) T210 to T222 are the same processes as T10 to T22 in Figure 5. At T224, DM server 2 sends a configuration request to AM server 4 requesting short-term plan configuration. The configuration request includes the registration identifier RI1.

[0055] When AM Server 4 receives a configuration request from DM Server 2 at T224, it proceeds to T226. At T226, AM Server 4 identifies the short-term plan setting stored in the account table 56, associated with the registration identifier RI1 included in the configuration request. In this case, the short-term plan setting corresponding to registration identifier RI1 is "ON". AM Server 4 sends the identified short-term plan setting "ON" to DM Server 2.

[0056] When DM Server 2 receives the short-term plan setting "ON" from AM Server 4 at T226, it proceeds to T228. At T228, DM Server 2 determines whether the short-term plan setting received from AM Server 4 indicates "ON" or not. In this case, DM Server 2 determines that the short-term plan setting received from AM Server 4 indicates "ON" and proceeds to T230. On the other hand, if it is determined that the short-term plan setting received from AM Server 4 indicates "OFF", the processing from T230 onwards is not executed, and the process shown in Figure 8 ends.

[0057] T230 to T236 are the same as T56, T68-T72 in Figure 5. In T240, DM server 2 sends an application notification to user terminal 6 using the email address corresponding to the registration identifier RI1. The application notification is a signal that the short-term plan has been automatically applied for by DM server 2.

[0058] When user terminal 6 receives an application notification from DM server 2 at T240, it proceeds to T242. At T242, user terminal 6 displays a screen corresponding to the application notification. This allows the user to know that a short-term plan has been automatically applied for.

[0059] T250 and T252 are the same as T80 and T82 in Figure 5. In this case as well, in addition to the fixed charge and usage charge, the short-term plan charge will be billed.

[0060] In this embodiment, a short-term plan is automatically applied when a large volume of printing occurs in a short period of time. This improves user convenience. Short-term plan setting "OFF" and short-term plan setting "ON" are examples of "first value" and "second value," respectively.

[0061] (Fourth embodiment) As described above, the threshold is calculated using the formula: threshold = average number of printed pages + standard deviation × constant. In this embodiment, the constant increases according to the number of applications. For example, in the specific case shown in Figure 9, the constant increases by "1" for every increase of "1" in the number of applications. Note that the above example is just one example. Generally speaking, the constant increases by M for every increase of N in the number of applications. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and M is a real number greater than or equal to 1. The constant may also increase at a predetermined rate. Furthermore, an upper limit may be set on the increase of the constant.

[0062] (Specific case; Figure 9) T310 and T312 are the same processes as T10 and T12 in Figure 5. When DM Server 2 receives the registration identifier RI1 and the cumulative number of printed pages from Printer 8 at T312, it proceeds to T320. At T320, DM Server 2 sends a request for the number of applications to AM Server 4. The request for the number of applications includes the registration identifier RI1.

[0063] When AM Server 4 receives a request for the number of applications from DM Server 2 in T320, it proceeds to T322. In T322, AM Server 4 identifies the number of applications stored in association with the registration identifier RI1 included in the request from the account table 56. At this point, the number of applications is "0". AM Server 4 sends the identified number of applications "0" to DM Server 2.

[0064] When DM Server 2 receives the application count "0" from AM Server 4 at T322, it proceeds to T324. At T324, DM Server 2 determines the constant to be "3", corresponding to the application count "0". At T350, DM Server 2 calculates the threshold based on the constant "3" determined at T324. T352 is the same process as T52 in Figure 5, except that the threshold calculated at T350 is used. The subsequent T354 to T372 are the same process as T54 to T72 in Figure 5.

[0065] In this case, printing is performed again in T410 after processing in T372. Processing in T412 and T420 is the same as in T312 and T320. Processing in T42 is the same as in T322, except that the application count "1" is received from AM server 4. In T424, DM server 2 determines the constant to the value "4" corresponding to the application count "1". In T450, DM server 2 calculates the threshold based on the constant "4" determined in T424. Here, the constant "4" determined in T424 is greater than the constant "3" determined in T324. Therefore, the threshold calculated in T450 is greater than the threshold calculated in T350.

[0066] In T452, DM Server 2 determines whether the number of pages printed today exceeds the threshold calculated in T450. In this case, a large amount of printing, similar to that in T310, is performed in T410. However, as mentioned above, the threshold calculated in T450 is greater than the threshold calculated in T350. Therefore, DM Server 2 determines that the number of pages printed today does not exceed the threshold calculated in T450 and proceeds to T454. In T454, DM Server 2 updates the total number of pages printed for the month with the number of pages printed today, without sending an application instruction to AM Server 4.

[0067] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the threshold for determining whether or not a print job is large increases with the number of applications. That is, the more applications there are, the stricter the criteria for determining whether or not a print job is large. As a result, the more applications there are, the less likely it is that a short-term plan will be offered. This helps to prevent excessive use of short-term plans.

[0068] (Fifth example) In this example, the fee for the short-term plan increases depending on the number of applications. The fee for the short-term plan increases only to the extent that it does not exceed the usage-based fee for large volumes of printing.

[0069] (Specific case; Figure 10) In this case, a short-term plan has already been applied for once. T510~T524 are the same process as T40~T54 in Figure 5. T526 is the same process as T56 in Figure 5, except that the current number of applications is "1". T528 is the same process as T58 in Figure 5. T530 is the same process as T60 in Figure 5, except that the application screen information includes a fee message. The fee message is a message that notifies the user that the fee for the short-term plan will increase depending on the number of applications. T532 is the same process as T62 in Figure 5, except that the application screen SC5 with the fee message is displayed. T534~T538 are the same process as T64~T68 in Figure 5. T540 is the same process as T70 in Figure 5, except that the number of applications is incremented from "1" to "2".

[0070] T550 is processed similarly to T80 in Figure 5. T552 is processed similarly to T82 in Figure 5, except that the short-term plan fee increases depending on the number of applications.

[0071] Short-term plans reduce the amount billed to users, but decrease the revenue of the subscription service provider. In particular, the more short-term plans are signed up for, the greater the decrease in revenue for the provider. Increasing the price of short-term plans as the number of signing ups increases can mitigate the decrease in revenue for the provider.

[0072] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0073] (Modification 1) In each embodiment, there may be no upper limit on the number of applications.

[0074] (Modification 2) In the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the application screens SC1 and SC5 may be displayed on a device other than the user terminal 6, for example, the printer 8. In this modification, a device other than the user terminal 6 is an example of a "terminal device".

[0075] (Modification 3) The user terminal 6 does not need to display the confirmation screen SC2 shown in Figure 6. In this modification, the "confirmation screen" is omitted.

[0076] (Modification 4) The method for increasing the threshold may be other than that of the fourth embodiment, for example, by adding a predetermined constant to the reference threshold. Generally speaking, the threshold should be increased according to the number of applications.

[0077] (Variation 5) "Short period" is not limited to one day; for example, it could be half a day, one hour, etc.

[0078] (Modification 6) In the above embodiment, each CPU executes each program to realize the processes shown in Figures 5 to 9. Alternatively, any of these processes may be realized by hardware such as logic circuits.

[0079] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0080] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: The following are the features of the technology disclosed herein. (Item 1) It is a server, A receiving unit that receives the number of printed pages from the printer, A first page count identification unit identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer; A second page count identification unit identifies a short-term page count, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A first processing execution unit that performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user when the number of pages printed in the short period does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, A second processing execution unit that performs a second process of providing the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-charge that applies only to the number of short-term sheets, A server equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The aforementioned server further, The system includes a first display control unit that displays a consent screen on the terminal device for obtaining consent from the user to use the second plan, The server described in item 1 executes the second processing unit when the number of sheets in the short period exceeds the predetermined threshold and the user's consent is obtained on the consent screen. (Item 3) The server according to item 2, wherein the first display control unit causes the acceptance screen to be displayed on the terminal device when the number of short-term prints exceeds a predetermined threshold. (Item 4) The aforementioned server further, The system includes a memory that stores a setting value indicating either a first value indicating that the second plan will not be used, or a second value indicating that the second plan will be used. The server according to item 1, wherein the second processing execution unit executes the second processing when the number of sheets for a short period exceeds the predetermined threshold and the setting value in the memory indicates the second value. (Item 5) The aforementioned server further, The system includes a counting unit that counts the number of times the second plan has been provided to the user during the predetermined period, The second processing unit executes the second processing when the number of sheets in the short period exceeds the predetermined threshold and the number of times is less than the upper limit. The server described in item 1, wherein the second process is not performed when the number of sheets in the short period exceeds the predetermined threshold and the number of times reaches the upper limit. (Item 6) The aforementioned server further, The server according to item 5, which includes a transmitting unit that sends a predetermined notification to a terminal device when the number of times reaches the upper limit. (Item 7) The aforementioned server further, A server according to item 5, which performs a third process to provide the user with a third plan in addition to the first plan and the second plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold and the number of times reaches the upper limit, wherein the third plan applies only to the number of short-term sheets and has a second sub-fee that is higher than the first sub-fee. (Item 8) The aforementioned server further, A counting unit that counts the number of times the second plan was provided to the user during the predetermined period, The server according to item 1, comprising a first increasing unit that increases the predetermined threshold according to the number of times. (Item 9) The aforementioned server further, A counting unit that counts the number of times the second plan was provided to the user during the predetermined period, The server according to item 1, further comprising a second increment unit that increases the first sub-charge according to the number of times. (Item 10) The first sub-charge is a charge that does not change depending on the number of pages printed by the printer, as described in any one of items 1 to 9. (Item 11) The aforementioned server further, The system includes a second display control unit that, upon receiving a predetermined request signal from a terminal device, causes the terminal device to display a confirmation screen. The aforementioned confirmation screen is If the first plan is provided to the user and the second plan is not provided to the user, the difference between the predetermined number of pages and the total number of pages printed is displayed. The server described in item 10, which does not display the difference when both the first plan and the second plan are provided to the user. (Item 12) The server according to item 11, wherein the second display control unit causes the terminal device to display the confirmation screen showing the difference when it receives the predetermined request from the terminal device after the period for which the second plan is provided to the user has elapsed. (Item 13) The aforementioned server further, A server according to any one of items 1 to 12, comprising a calculation unit that calculates a predetermined threshold based on the average number of printed pages calculated from the history of the number of printed pages. (Item 14) The server described in item 13 calculates the predetermined threshold by adding the average number of printed pages to a value obtained by multiplying the standard deviation calculated from the history of the number of printed pages by a constant. (Item 15) The server according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the first page count identification unit identifies the total number of printed pages by excluding the short-term page count from the total number of pages printed by the printer during the predetermined period. (Item 16) A computer program for a server, The aforementioned computer program controls the server's computer in the following ways: A receiving unit that receives the number of printed pages from the printer, A first page count identification unit identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer; A second page count identification unit identifies a short-term page count, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A first processing execution unit that performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user when the number of pages printed in the short period does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, A second processing execution unit that performs a second process of providing the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-charge that applies only to the number of short-term sheets, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 17) A method for controlling a system, A first step of determining the total number of printed pages, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of pages printed by the printer, A second step of determining the number of printed pages, based on the number of printed pages, is to determine the short-term number of pages, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period. A first processing execution step which performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user if the number of pages in the short period does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total number of printed pages. A second processing execution step, which performs a second process to provide the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-charge that applies only to the number of short-term sheets, A control method comprising: (Item 18) A system comprising a server and a printer, The printer is configured to send the number of printed pages to the server. The aforementioned server, A receiving unit that receives the number of printed pages from the printer, A first page count identification unit identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer; A second page count identification unit identifies a short-term page count, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A first processing execution unit that performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user when the number of pages printed in the short period does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, A second processing execution unit that performs a second process of providing the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-charge that applies only to the number of short-term sheets, A system that includes these features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 2: DM Server, 4: AM Server, 6: User Terminal, 8: Printer, 10: LAN, 12: Internet, 20: Communication I / F, 22: Control Unit, 30: CPU, 32: Memory, 34: Program, 36: Device Table, 40: Communication I / F, 42: Control Unit, 50: CPU, 52: Memory, 54: Program, 56: Account Table, 100: Communication System, D1: Date, M1, M2: Message, RI1: Registration Identifier, SC1: Application Screen, SC2: Confirmation Screen, SC4: Second Application Screen, SC5: Application Screen

Claims

1. It is a server, A receiving unit that receives the number of printed pages from the printer, A first page count identification unit identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A second page count identification unit identifies a short-term page count, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A first processing execution unit that performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user when the number of pages printed in the short period does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, A second processing execution unit that performs a second process of providing the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-charge that applies only to the number of short-term sheets, A server equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned server further, The system includes a first display control unit that displays a consent screen on the terminal device for obtaining consent from the user to use the second plan, The server according to claim 1, wherein the second processing unit executes the second processing when the number of sheets in the short period exceeds the predetermined threshold and the user's consent is obtained on the consent screen.

3. The server according to claim 2, wherein the first display control unit causes the acceptance screen to be displayed on the terminal device when the number of short-term prints exceeds a predetermined threshold.

4. The aforementioned server further, The system includes a memory that stores a setting value indicating either a first value indicating that the second plan will not be used, or a second value indicating that the second plan will be used. The server according to claim 1, wherein the second processing execution unit executes the second processing when the number of sheets for a short period exceeds a predetermined threshold and the setting value in the memory indicates the second value.

5. The aforementioned server further, The system includes a counting unit that counts the number of times the second plan has been provided to the user during the predetermined period, The second processing unit executes the second processing when the number of sheets in the short period exceeds the predetermined threshold and the number of times is less than the upper limit. The server according to claim 1, wherein the second process is not performed when the number of sheets in the short period exceeds the predetermined threshold and the number of times reaches the upper limit.

6. The aforementioned server further, The server according to claim 5, further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits a predetermined notification to a terminal device when the number of times reaches the upper limit.

7. The aforementioned server further, A server according to claim 5, which performs a third process to provide the user with a third plan in addition to the first plan and the second plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold and the number of times reaches the upper limit, wherein the third plan is applied only to the number of short-term sheets and has a second sub-fee that is higher than the first sub-fee.

8. The aforementioned server further, A counting unit that counts the number of times the second plan was provided to the user during the predetermined period, The server according to claim 1, further comprising a first increasing unit that increases the predetermined threshold according to the number of times.

9. The aforementioned server further, A counting unit that counts the number of times the second plan was provided to the user during the predetermined period, The server according to claim 1, further comprising a second increasing unit that increases the first sub-charge according to the number of times.

10. The server according to claim 1, wherein the first sub-charge is a charge that does not change depending on the number of pages printed by the printer.

11. The aforementioned server further, The system includes a second display control unit that, upon receiving a predetermined request signal from a terminal device, causes the terminal device to display a confirmation screen. The aforementioned confirmation screen is If the first plan is provided to the user and the second plan is not provided to the user, the difference between the predetermined number of pages and the total number of pages printed is displayed. The server according to claim 10, which does not display the difference when both the first plan and the second plan are provided to the user.

12. The server according to claim 11, wherein the second display control unit causes the terminal device to display the confirmation screen showing the difference when it receives the predetermined request from the terminal device after the period for which the second plan is provided to the user has elapsed.

13. The aforementioned server further, The server according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a calculation unit that calculates a predetermined threshold based on the average number of printed pages calculated from the history of the number of printed pages.

14. The server according to claim 13, wherein the calculation unit calculates the predetermined threshold by adding the average number of printed pages to a value obtained by multiplying the standard deviation calculated from the history of the number of printed pages by a constant.

15. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first page count identification unit identifies the total number of printed pages by excluding the short-term page count from the total number of pages printed by the printer during the predetermined period.

16. A computer program for a server, The aforementioned computer program controls the server's computer in the following ways: A receiving unit that receives the number of printed pages from the printer, A first page count identification unit identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A second page count identification unit identifies a short-term page count, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A first processing execution unit that performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user when the number of pages printed in the short period does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, A second processing execution unit that performs a second process of providing the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-charge that applies only to the number of short-term sheets, A computer program that functions as such.

17. A method for controlling a system, A first step of determining the total number of printed pages, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of pages printed by the printer, A second step of determining the number of printed pages, based on the number of printed pages, is to determine the short-term number of pages, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period. A first processing execution step, which performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user when the number of pages printed in the short period does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total number of printed pages. A second processing execution step, which performs a second process to provide the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-charge that applies only to the number of short-term sheets, A control method comprising:

18. A system comprising a server and a printer, The printer is configured to send the number of printed pages to the server. The aforementioned server, A receiving unit that receives the number of printed pages from the printer, A first page count identification unit identifies the total number of pages printed by the printer during a predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A second page count identification unit identifies a short-term page count, which is the total number of pages printed by the printer during a short period that is part of the predetermined period, based on the number of pages received from the printer. A first processing execution unit that performs a first process to provide a first plan to the user when the number of pages printed in the short period does not exceed a predetermined threshold, wherein the first plan includes a fixed fee applied to the number of pages not exceeding a predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, and a usage-based fee applied to the number of pages exceeding the predetermined number of the total number of printed pages, A second processing execution unit that performs a second process of providing the user with a second plan in addition to the first plan when the number of short-term sheets exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the second plan has a first sub-charge that applies only to the number of short-term sheets, A system equipped with these features.

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