JP2004151703A - Information processing apparatus and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a charge for toner supplied from a cartridge, according to the contents of a contract and the number of prints. <P>SOLUTION: When data 8 on the number of prints are transmitted to a service center 101 from the device of a user 102, the service center 101 charges the user based upon a unit price and the number of print according to a contract in which maintenance contents differ depending on each user. The service center then informs the user 102 of the amount of money charged. In addition, when the service center 101 receives toner-low information 1 from the device of the user 102, the time when toner runs out is predicted, and informs the user 102 of cartridge replacement and empty cartridge recovery. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to a consumable billing method and a consumable billing system for a device such as a printer that uses a consumable such as a cartridge filled with toner or the like.

  Conventionally, for recording materials such as printers and facsimile machines, especially for electrophotographic devices that consume toner as a recording material, cartridge-type devices that enclose toner in a cartridge and replace the entire cartridge when the toner is exhausted was there. This method has the advantage that the cartridge can be easily replaced, and if a consumable part such as a transfer member is provided in the cartridge, that part can be replaced together with the replacement of the cartridge, making maintenance very easy. is there. In addition, by giving a part of the configuration of the device to the cartridge, the manufacturing cost of the device main body can be reduced.

  This cartridge (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as CRG) is usually sold to a device user through a sales channel from a device manufacturer that uses the cartridge, and used cartridges are also collected by the device manufacturer. You.

  FIG. 31A is a diagram showing a sales form of the cartridge. The cartridge is sold from the store to the user in exchange for the price, and the user manages the purchased cartridge by himself. Here, the sold-out form is a form in which the user completely purchases the cartridge (CRG).

  FIG. 31B is a diagram showing how a used cartridge is conventionally collected. As shown in this figure, a user generally collects used cartridges by bringing them into a store or by putting them in a collection box and sending them to a collection base.

  FIG. 31 (C) shows a conventional form of maintenance of a device main body. As described above, since both the device itself and the consumables such as cartridges were sold in a sold-out form, unless the maintenance contract is concluded with the dealer, the user can maintain the device by himself or, if necessary, Repair (spot repair).

  On the other hand, there is also a billing system called a click charge separately from such a sold-out form. This is a method used in copying machines and the like. In this system, a counter is provided for counting the number of copies made on the copier, a technician goes to the user's site periodically or at the request of the user, and the technician performs maintenance on the copier and checks the counter. The value is read, and the difference between the value and the previously checked counter value is recorded as the number of copies. Then, the user is charged via mail or the like with the total value of the amount of money corresponding to the number of copies and the cost of maintenance.

  However, in a cartridge sold-out system such as a printer, the time when toner runs out (toner out) cannot be predicted and the time for replacement is not constant, so that the budget required for maintenance of equipment and purchase of consumables is reduced. Difficult to manage. For example, it is necessary to pay a cost for each repair or replacement of the cartridge. Further, the number of prints and the operation status of the printer cannot be grasped, and it is difficult to estimate the cost accurately.

  Further, since a printer or the like must be always available during business hours, a spare cartridge must be always reserved so that it can be replaced immediately when toner runs out. If a storage location for cartridges is provided and inventory is kept at all times, the cost for that will be incurred.

  On the other hand, the click charge method used in copying machines and the like has the advantage that the user can know the number of copies and it is easy to make a budget, but because technicians must visit the user site regularly or irregularly, There was a problem that maintenance costs were high. In addition, in order to immediately respond to the occurrence of toner shortage, etc., the user must replenish the toner himself, and the necessity of always preparing spare toner for that purpose is that the cartridge is sold out. It was similar to the method.

  Furthermore, in a copier, etc., since the toner is replenished, the toner is not wasted and the click charge method was realized. However, if the click charge method is applied to a cartridge type device as it is, the toner remains in the cartridge. Discarded toner is wasted, raising costs. Therefore, the click charge method cannot be applied to general devices such as a printer.

  Also, in a copying machine that does not employ the cartridge system, parts deteriorate in accordance with the number of copies, and periodic maintenance work such as replacement of parts is necessary, and therefore the click charge system may be applied. There were many. However, in a printer using a process cartridge (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “cartridge”) that stores a toner and a developing device, many of consumables and parts that are likely to fail due to deterioration are stored in the cartridge. When the forming apparatus body has not been used for a long time, it is rare to ask a service person or the like for repair, and regular maintenance and inspection are not usually performed. Moreover, even if the number of prints is large, the cost required for maintenance is not always large. Therefore, when a maintenance contract is concluded for a cartridge-type printer, the maintenance service fee is generally constant regardless of the number of output sheets.

  On the other hand, the cartridge system of printers is excellent in terms of maintenance and inspection because replenishment of consumables and replacement of parts can be performed easily and at once, but from the viewpoint of environmental issues, used cartridges are It becomes a problem. Manufacturers endeavor to collect, disassemble and reuse used cartridges, and it is essential to improve the collection rate of used cartridges in order to solve environmental problems.

  In addition, many printers issue a warning about running out of toner before printing becomes impossible, but even if such a warning is issued, it is possible to print tens to hundreds of sheets, and immediately replace the cartridge after the warning. There are few users. Therefore, there is a problem that when the remaining amount of toner is low, the user is forced to reprint due to fading of the print, or to remove the cartridge, shake right and left, and reattach the cartridge.

  In recent years, MFPs having a copier function, a scanner function, and a printer function at the same time have become widespread. However, there is no distinction between such machines as copiers and printers. Also, those employing the cartridge system have come to be sold. In the case of such an apparatus, although a cartridge system is adopted, maintenance and maintenance are no longer unnecessary as in a printer apparatus used in a general home due to an increase in the number of parts accompanying multifunctionalization. Regardless of the multifunction peripheral, high-speed output image forming apparatuses require maintenance even if the cartridge system is used, especially if they have been used for a certain period of time. Requires maintenance. Under such circumstances, there has been a problem that the conventional maintenance contract form cannot be used. For example, the maintenance service may be contracted by a fee system (click charge) according to the number of prints, and a system for separately paying for the cartridge may be considered. However, the payment is very complicated, which is inconvenient for the user and the service person receiving the payment. It is something.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example. By performing billing according to the amount of consumables used in the device, it is possible to more accurately grasp the cost of the consumables, and the entire device existing on the user site. It is an object of the present invention to provide a consumable billing system and a method capable of grasping the consumption of the consumables and performing charging according to the consumption.

  Further, a further object of the present invention is to improve the convenience when the remaining amount of toner is reduced and to improve the collection rate of the cartridge while maintaining the convenience in the printer by using the cartridge. It is to provide a system and a method.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a user with a more flexible and convenient maintenance contract according to the use state of the image forming apparatus used by the user or the model of the image forming apparatus. It is to provide such a mechanism.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that allows the user to select a more appropriate maintenance contract from a plurality of contracts even when the user changes the contract contents.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

In an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
Acquiring means for acquiring information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus via a network,
Storage means for storing different amounts of charge per print output in accordance with a contract in which maintenance contents by a service person of the image forming apparatus are different;
Calculating means for calculating a billing amount based on the acquired number of printed sheets and a billing amount per print output of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage means according to a contract in the image forming apparatus; Having.

  Preferably, the storage unit stores a first charge amount and a second charge amount per print output sheet corresponding to each of the first type contract and the second type contract having different maintenance contents by a serviceman. The second charge amount is stored, and a predetermined charge is added to the first charge amount.

  Further preferably, for instructing the contract, further comprising a supply means for supplying contract instruction screen information readable by a browser to an external device, wherein the calculating means, in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information The billing amount is calculated based on the billing amount per print output according to the contract specified through the screen and the print output number.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an instruction via a screen based on contract instruction screen information for designating the contract, wherein the calculating means includes a charge per print output sheet according to the received contract. The charge amount is calculated based on the amount and the number of printouts.

  Preferably, further comprising: means for receiving a type of contract input via a screen based on contract instruction screen information for instructing the contract and an instruction for a period corresponding to the type of contract, wherein the calculating means Calculates a billing amount in the period based on the number of printouts acquired corresponding to the accepted period and a billing amount per printout corresponding to the type of contract corresponding to the period.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a transmission unit for transmitting an identifier for identifying the printer and a screen for confirming a contract corresponding to the identifier to the external device.

  Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a notification unit that searches for and notifies optimum contract information based on the operation information of the image forming apparatus.

  Also preferably, the operation information includes a use state and a failure state.

  Alternatively, the present invention has the following configuration.

In an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
Management means for managing whether the contract in the image forming apparatus is a type 1 contract with maintenance content by a serviceman of a first type or a type 2 contract with maintenance content of a second type;
Acquiring means for acquiring information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus via a network,
Storage means for storing a different amount of charge per print output corresponding to the image forming apparatus depending on whether the contract of the image forming apparatus is a first type contract or a second type contract;
Calculating means for calculating a billing amount based on the acquired number of prints of the image forming apparatus and a billing amount per print output stored in the storage means corresponding to the image forming apparatus; .

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a providing unit for providing contract instruction screen information for instructing the contract to an external device, wherein the calculation unit is instructed via a screen in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information. The billing amount is calculated based on the billing amount per printout sheet according to the contract and the number of printout sheets.

  Alternatively, the present invention has the following configuration.

In an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
Supply means for supplying contract instruction screen information for instructing a contract in the image forming apparatus to an external device;
Management means for managing the type of contract instructed via a screen in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information in association with the image forming apparatus;
Storage means for storing the charge amount per print output corresponding to the designated contract type in association with the image forming apparatus,
Acquiring means for acquiring the number of printouts of the image forming apparatus via a communication line,
Calculating means for calculating a charge based on the number of printouts acquired by the acquisition means and a charge amount per printout of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage means;

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Expenditure of consumables is predicted, and consumables are replaced at that time, so that consumables can be used up, which contributes to resource saving and cost reduction.
(2) Even if a user uses a plurality of devices, it is possible to collectively charge for consumables used in those devices. Therefore, billing and maintenance can be performed for each user.
(3) Since the maintenance and maintenance fee is included in the billing amount per sheet printed out by the device, a system that can flexibly cope with a change in the maintenance contract content from the user can be provided. . By providing a billing table at the service center, it is possible to set a print output fee per sheet corresponding to each device device, each consumable item, and each user, and provide a maintenance contract that meets the needs of the user. Has become possible.
(4) Through the user interface, the user can arbitrarily select a plurality of contract conditions such as a spot maintenance contract, a basic maintenance contract, a comprehensive maintenance contract, and the like according to a desired maintenance mode. Can be selected and changed in any period.

  Before describing the details of a cartridge management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, its features will be described.

(1) An accounting system according to the number of prints (print number accounting system) has been realized for a cartridge type printer. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.
In the sold-out form, the user pays for the printing at a time, while the user can diversify the payment of the printing cost.
-The number of sheets used for each printer and the amount required for maintenance can be ascertained. For this reason, if printers are grouped by department, it is easy to grasp the amount of money required for maintenance in each department.
-In addition to the printer, batch management including all of a plurality of devices incorporated in the cartridge management system becomes possible. This enables services for each user, such as discounting (volume discount) for users who consume a large amount of consumables.
・ The system is automated using a network. This saves labor costs for managing the system. In the conventional click charge method, since it requires labor, going to check the counter itself has been a factor of cost increase.
-The status of the printer can be grasped on the network, and the number of visits by service personnel to the user can be minimized.
Since the user can use the printer as long as the user uses the printer, the seller can stabilize the profit. This also has the effect of improving serviceability for the user.

(2) Delivery and collection of cartridges are systematized using a network. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.
・ By arranging the delivery and collection on the network, the labor involved in the arrangement can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.
-A high value-added system can be achieved by combining with maintenance.
-Since all management is performed at the service center, the user only needs to print.
・ Used cartridges can be more reliably collected.
Since the status of the printer is grasped by the service center, it is possible to quickly respond to running out of consumables or a repair request, thereby reducing downtime.

(3) The cartridge is provided with a non-volatile storage medium so that arbitrary data can be stored. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.
-More accurate data can be collected for each cartridge.
-For this reason, delivery and collection schedules can be created more accurately.
Since the running out of toner can be predicted more accurately, the toner can be used as much as possible without running out of toner. This contributes to resource savings and cost savings.

  Hereinafter, a cartridge management system having the above characteristics will be described.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the cartridge management system. This system has a service center of a device maker and a user site connected via a telephone line such as a public line or a dedicated line or a remote communication network 205 such as the Internet. Usually, a plurality of user sites are connected to one service center, and there may be a plurality of service centers. However, here, only one service center and one user site will be described. Note that the user site of the present embodiment is a user who has made a contract with a device maker or a store to perform service and charging by the print number charging method of the present system. The service center is provided by a device maker or a store that has contracted with the user, and performs maintenance, provision of a cartridge delivery and collection service, charging of the user, and the like.

  In the service center 101, a gateway 202 is connected to a remote communication network 205. A database server 201 for managing a database, a personal computer (PC) 203, and a network server 204 for managing a LAN are connected to the gateway 202 via a LAN. The gateway here includes a router. In the database server 201, a database 1999 described later is constructed. In addition, the PC 203 is used as a contact terminal for performing processing in the service center 101. In the PC 203, which is a window terminal, a service module 210 for performing processing on the service center side in FIGS. 10 to 12 described later and an analysis system (analysis module) 220 for predicting running out of toner are executed. The counter terminal 203 also displays a user interface screen and the like. Note that the configuration of the service center is an example, and it is sufficient to have a mechanism for taking in data from the remote communication network 205 into the PC 203 and a mechanism for accessing the database 1999 from the PC 203.

  In the user site 102, a gateway 207 is connected to a remote communication network 205. The PC 208 and the printer 100b are connected to the gateway 207 via a LAN. The PC 208 has a local printer 100a. The printer 100b and the PC 208 can access the remote communication network 205 via the LAN. Further, the user site has a facsimile 206 connected to the remote communication network 205 via a line different from the gateway 207. The PC 208 is used as a contact terminal that performs processing at the user site. In the PC 208 as the window terminal, a user module 250 for performing processing on the user site side in FIGS. 11 and 12 described below is executed. Devices such as the facsimile 206 and the printer 100b that can directly access the remote communication network 205 include a device module 240 for transmitting device-originated data such as a toner low signal and the number of prints in FIG. 10 and FIG. Is included. The device module 240 has the same function as the device module 230 described later. A device such as the printer 100a connected to the remote communication network 205 via the host includes a device module 230 for transmitting data from the device such as the toner low signal and the number of prints in FIGS. 10 and 12 to the host. In this case, a transfer module for transmitting a signal received from the device to the service site 100 is included in the host.

  As described above, the devices at the user site 102 and the service center 101 are connected at all times or as needed, and can communicate with each other.

  In the following, when simply referred to as a user site or a service center, it indicates each window terminal. In this example, the window terminals are computers connected to the LAN of each site, but a network in which the window terminals are directly connected to each other by the remote communication network 205 may be formed. Further, it is assumed that all printers and facsimile machines at the user site 102 are charged by the print number charging method.

(Computer)
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a personal computer. The PC realizes various controls and procedures (for example, a service module and a user module) to be described later by causing the CPU 301 to execute a program written in the ROM 307 or an OS or an application program written in the RAM 302. An HD 303 and an FD / CD (floppy (registered trademark) disk drive or CD drive) 308 are file storage media for storing program files and data files. In particular, the storage medium of the FD / CD 308 is exchangeable, and data and programs can be supplied to the PC from the medium. The keyboard and the pointing device 309 are input devices for the user to make an input, and together with the display 304, realize a user interface described later. The LAN interface 306 is an interface circuit for connecting to a LAN. A printer interface 305 is an interface for locally connecting a printer to a PC. In the example of FIG. 2, only the PC 208 is used. The remote interface 310 is a device for connecting to the remote communication network 205, such as a modem or a router, and is used by the gateway 202 and the gateway 207 in FIG. Since the telecommunications network is not limited to a telephone line, if it is not a telephone line (for example, a cable TV line or a wireless communication line), an interface suitable for the communication network is used. With such a configuration, the service center and the computer at the user site are connected to each other.

(facsimile)
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the facsimile 206. In FIG. 2, a document feeder 4101 of the reader unit 1 feeds a document one by one sequentially from a last page onto a platen glass 4102, and discharges the document on the platen glass 4102 after the reading operation of the document is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 4102, the lamp 4103 is turned on, the movement of the scanner unit 4104 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned. The light reflected from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 4109 by mirrors 4105, 4106, 4107, and a lens 4108. The image of the scanned document is read by the CCD 4109. The image data output from the CCD 4109 is transferred to the image input / output control unit 4110, encoded, and connected to the image input / output control unit 4110. Is transmitted to a destination on the telecommunication network via the line.

  On the other hand, when a facsimile signal is received from the telecommunication network, it is decoded, and the laser driver 4221 of the printer unit 2 drives the laser light emitting unit 4201 according to the decoded image data. Then, the laser light emitting section 4201 emits laser light corresponding to the image data. The laser beam is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 4202, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 4202. A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 4202 by a developing device included in the toner cartridge 4203. Then, at a timing synchronized with the start of the laser beam irradiation, the recording paper is fed from one of the cassettes 4204 and 4205 and transported to the transfer unit 4206, and the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 4202 is transferred to the recording paper. I do. The recording paper on which the developer is loaded is conveyed to the fixing unit 4207, and the developer is fixed to the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 4207. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 4207 is discharged by a discharge roller 4208, and the sorter 4220 stores the discharged recording paper in each pin and sorts the recording paper. Note that the sorter 4220 stores the recording paper at the uppermost pin when the sorting is not set. If double-sided printing is set, the recording sheet is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 4208 is reversed, and the recording sheet is guided by the flapper 4209 to the re-feed conveyance path. When multiple recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path by the flapper 4209 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 4208. The recording sheet guided to the re-feeding conveyance path is fed to the transfer unit 4206 at the timing described above. In this manner, the facsimile 206 realizes image transmission and reception.

  FIG. 7 shows a control configuration of the facsimile 206. 7, a control program, font data, and the like for driving a printer are stored in a ROM 706. By executing the program including a device module by the CPU 701, facsimile reception and printing operation are realized. The external memory 705 stores data supplied from the outside. The operation unit 707 is a panel integrated with the display unit. The operation unit 707 displays a state and allows a user to perform an operation input. The remote interface 703 is one of interfaces for connecting to the remote communication network 205 such as a modem.

  The scanner unit 704 corresponds to the scanner unit 1 in FIG. 4, and the printing unit 708 corresponds to the printer unit 2 illustrated in FIG. A cartridge 4203 is mounted on the printing unit 708. The cartridge 4203 is provided with a non-volatile writable memory 4203a. When the cartridge 4203 is mounted, the memory 4203a is electrically connected to the control unit of the facsimile 206, and the CPU 701 or the printing unit 708 is locally connected. Writing and reading can be performed from a CPU (not shown). Data read from the memory 4203a can be sent to the LAN or the host via the LAN interface 704 or the host interface 703. Note that the memory and the control unit are not always connected by electrical contacts, and may be connected in a non-contact form such as a radio wave or an optical signal. Is simply called electrical connection.

(Printer)
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the printers 100a and 100b. In FIG. 5, a sheet to be printed is supplied from one of the sheet cassettes 802 or 805 by paper feed rollers 803 and 806 and transport rollers 804 and 807. Which paper cassette to use is specified at the time of printing from a host computer or the like using this printer. The sheet passes under the toner cartridge 810 via the registration roller 808, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 811 is transferred to the sheet by the charge of the transfer roller 15. The toner image on the photosensitive drum is developed by attaching toner to an electrostatic latent image formed by a laser beam modulated by an image signal and emitted from a laser scanner unit 809 and reflected by a reflecting mirror 817. Things.

  The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is heated by the fixing drum 812, and the fused toner is fixed on the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the fixing roller is directed by a double-sided deflector 813 into or out of the double-sided unit 820. When the paper is discharged upward, the discharge path is further switched by the face-up / face-down selector 814. In the case of face-down discharge, the sheet is turned to the right in the drawing, and is discharged by the face-down discharge roller 815 on the face-down discharge tray 816 with the surface printed immediately before down. When the face-up discharge is selected, the paper is discharged from a face-up discharge port 819 onto a tray (not shown) with the printed surface facing up. The position of the face-up / face-down selector is detected by a sensor and output as a signal.

  On the other hand, when double-sided printing is selected, the sheet entering the double-sided unit 820 is transported by the transport roller 821 and is temporarily placed on the double-sided tray 826. The paper on which printing on one side has been completed is conveyed by a feed roller 822 from a double-sided tray. The conveyed sheet is once sent to a two-sided path 824, and when the trailing end of the sheet almost reaches the two-sided conveying roller 823, the reversing deflector 825 whose center of rotation substantially coincides with the two-sided conveying roller 823, Rotate until path 828 is reached. When the sheet is conveyed in the opposite direction (left side in the figure) in this state, the left end of the sheet is lifted by the deflector and is conveyed as it is by the two-sided path pickup roller 828 to reach the registration roller 808. Thereafter, an image is formed in the same path and procedure as in normal printing.

  At the time of double-sided printing, the printing is controlled by an instruction from the host computer. For example, in order to print efficiently, instead of printing and discharging sheets one by one on both sides, paper is alternately supplied from a paper feed tray and a double-sided tray to a developing unit and printed alternately. There is a way. That is, the printing order is “first sheet” → “second sheet” → “first sheet” → “third sheet” → “second sheet” → “fourth sheet” → The first and last, like "3rd back" → ... "3rd last back" → "1st last page" → "2nd last back" → "1st last back" Printing on the front and back sides is performed alternately, except that printing on the front and back sides is continuous. The sheet on which the front side is printed is sent to the duplex unit, and the sheet on which the back side is printed is directly discharged onto a discharge tray. That is, the paper on which the image is formed on the paper supplied from the paper feed tray is sent to the double-sided tray, and when the image is formed on the paper sent from the double-sided tray, the paper is discharged to the paper output tray. You.

  The control at the time of double-sided printing is not limited to this, and printing can be advanced such as printing on both sides one by one and printing both sides on the next sheet in the same manner. Such control can be switched by an instruction from the host computer.

  Also, if a plurality of sheets can be placed on the double-sided tray, one-sided printing can be performed for the number of sheets that can be placed on the double-sided tray, and then the sheets can be sequentially taken out from the double-sided tray and printed on the other side. . In this case, if the host computer can know the capacity on the double-sided tray, the control method can be switched from the host computer.

  The control unit 801 controls the entire printer according to a command from the host computer. Further, the duplex unit 810 is detachable, and information indicating whether the duplex unit 810 is attached or detached is detected by a sensor and passed to the host computer.

  Here, the housing is a cover that can be opened and closed on the cartridge 810, and the opening and closing of the cover can be detected by a sensor. When a memory is provided in the cartridge, means for reading and writing data from and to the memory is provided.

  A sensor indicating that the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge has decreased to a predetermined amount is built in the cartridge. A printer or a device such as a facsimile described later receives a detection signal from the sensor and outputs a toner low signal. Is output. That is, the toner low signal is a signal indicating that the remaining amount of toner has reached a predetermined amount. This toner low signal is generated in response to a detection signal from the cartridge when the cartridge has a remaining amount sensor. However, a device using a cartridge having no remaining amount sensor estimates the approximate remaining amount by updating the number of prints and the printing rate each time printing is performed with the cartridge replacement as an initial state, and generates a toner low signal. be able to.

  FIG. 6 shows a control configuration of the printers 100a and 100b. In FIG. 6, a control program and font data for driving a printer are stored in a ROM 606, and a printing operation is realized by executing the program by the CPU 601. The external memory 605 stores data supplied from the outside. The operation unit 607 is a panel integrated with the display unit. The operation unit 607 displays a state and allows the user to perform a simple operation input. A host interface 603 is an interface for connecting a printer as a local printer such as a personal computer. In FIG. 2, the printer 100a uses this. A LAN interface 604 is an interface for connecting to a LAN. In FIG. 2, the printer 100b is connected to the LAN via this.

  The printing unit 608 is the mechanism itself shown in FIG. The cartridge 810 includes a nonvolatile rewritable memory 810a. When the cartridge 810 is mounted, the memory 810a is electrically connected to the control unit of the printer 100a or 100b, so that writing and reading can be performed by the CPU 601 or a CPU (not shown) locally provided in the printing unit 608. Data read from the memory 810a can be sent to a LAN or a host via the LAN interface 604 or the host interface 603.

(Structure of cartridge)
FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the cartridge 810 or 4203 (hereinafter simply referred to as the cartridge 810). The cartridge 810 is mounted on the printer 100a, 100b or the facsimile 206 as shown. A semiconductor memory 810a (4203a for the cartridge 4203) is attached to the cartridge 810, and the cartridge 810 is electrically connected to the printer main body when the cartridge is attached, so that reading and writing can be performed. Although not shown in FIG. 8, a display panel for displaying the data shown in FIG. 9, especially the cartridge type ID / serial number, the total number of printed sheets, the remaining amount of toner, and the like may be provided. Since the cartridge type ID / serial number is determined at the time of manufacture and is not changed, the cartridge type ID / serial number may be recorded on the housing of the cartridge by printing it or attaching it as a sticker. Since the total number of printed sheets and the remaining amount of toner are values that change according to the use of the cartridge, a display panel is required to display these values. As the display panel, a small liquid crystal display panel including the control circuit and a backup power supply can be used. Further, if a display device such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal, which can maintain the display state even when the power is shut off, is used, the power can be supplied from the apparatus main body and the display panel can be simply attached to the cartridge. When a display panel is provided, the display is updated by a device using a cartridge in accordance with the transmission timing of the remaining toner amount, which will be described later, or periodically.

  In this way, by displaying the identifier such as the cartridge type ID / serial number and the information on the state of the cartridge such as the remaining amount of toner and the number of prints on the cartridge itself, the unused cartridge and the used cartridge can be distinguished from each other. It can be determined by the appearance. Therefore, for example, when replacing the cartridge, it is possible to prevent the operator (user or serviceman) from erroneously recognizing the used cartridge as a new cartridge and mounting the used cartridge.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the memory 810a. The memory 810a stores the total number of sheets printed using the cartridge and the total count / total jam count indicating the total number of jams, the number of prints for each size, and the number of jams 902 and 903. These counters are incremented each time one page is printed by the device in which the cassette is mounted. A value indicating the remaining amount of toner itself may be stored in the remaining toner amount 904, but an output of a sensor (not shown) that detects that the amount of toner has decreased to a predetermined amount (that is, a toner low output) is stored as a flag. May be.

  Further, the memory 810a stores a cartridge ID / serial number 907 for identifying each cartridge. The cartridge ID / serial number 907 is written in advance at the time of manufacture or shipping. Further, the memory 810a may store data such as a service center destination, which is a destination for an out-of-toner notification or the like.

  The use start date / end date 905 stores the date when use is started and the date when use is ended. For this purpose, for example, when it is detected that the cover is opened or closed by an open / close sensor of the cover of the cartridge, the cartridge ID / serial number in use stored in advance and the cartridge ID / serial number read from the cartridge are used. The numbers are compared, and if they do not match, it is considered that the cartridge has been replaced, and the date at that time may be written as the use start date. If the date is always written as a use end date every 24 hours, the use end date can be recorded. In the use period 906, the period from the use start date to the use end date may be written at the same time as the use end date.

  In the system of the present embodiment, the above data is held in the cartridge. In the following, simply referring to the number of prints includes all data relating to the number of prints, such as the number of prints for each size and the total number of prints.

<Cartridge management and charging procedure>
Next, a cartridge replacement management procedure in the system will be described. The user site particularly refers to a user who has made a contract with a device maker or a dealer to execute service and charging in the cartridge management system. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the management procedure.

  In the printer 100a or 100b or the facsimile 206 at the user site 102, when the toner is reduced to a predetermined amount or less, that is, when a toner low occurs, the sensor built in the toner cartridge detects the toner low. This state is reported from the user site 102 to the service center 101 as a toner low signal (1). Although this is simply called a service center, specifically, this notification is transmitted to the PC 203 in which the service module functions in the service center 101.

  The service center 101 receiving the notification by the PC 203 issues a request (2) to the delivery company 103 for delivery of a new toner cartridge to the user site 102 and collection of the used cartridge, and the delivery schedule from the delivery company 103 (3) is obtained.

  The service center 102 transmits a notification (4) of the delivery and collection of the cartridge to the user site 102 based on the answer obtained from the delivery company. However, as will be described later, this notification is not simply transmitted, but includes a sequence of schedule adjustment with the user. Further, the notification in the present invention refers to information transmission processing. When data is transmitted from the service center 101 to the user site 192, specifically, the data is transmitted from the PC 203 of the service center to the PC 208 in which the user module functions at the user site. .

  On the other hand, the delivery company 103 receives the schedule determined in the notification (4) of the delivery and collection of the cartridge from the service center 101, and according to the schedule, delivers the new cartridge to the user site 102 (5), and Carry out recovery (6). The delivery company 103 further carries the collected cartridge to the collection base 104.

  The collection base 104 reads necessary data from the memory of the collected used cartridge, and stores the read data in a database managed by the service center 101.

  Asynchronously with such delivery of the cartridge, the print number data (8) based on the print number count read from the memory 820a of the cartridge is transmitted from the user site 102 to the service center 101.

  The service center 101 calculates a fee according to the received print number data, and transmits a fee request (9) to the user site 102. The user is paid the billed amount to the service center by a separately agreed payment method. In addition, the payee at this time may be a payee separately arranged other than the service center.

  As described above, the service center 101 triggers the event notification (toner low notification) from the user site 102 to collect necessary data from the user site, arrange the delivery and collection of cartridges, generate the billing information, and schedule the order. Notification of the billing information and the billing information to the user site 102 is all realized via the remote communication network 205.

  Although the relationship between the delivery company 103 and the user site 102 involves movement of people and goods, the relationship between the delivery company 103 and the service center 102 is only data exchange. Therefore, when the delivery company 103 has a PC connected to a network such as a telephone line, the exchange of information between the service center and the delivery company should be automated by executing a program using the PC. Is also possible.

  In this case, when the PC 203 receives the toner low signal (1), a program step for realizing a function of transmitting the cartridge collection request (2) as an electronic message to the delivery company 103 is incorporated in the service module. deep. Also, when the PC 203 receives the reply (3) as an electronic message from the delivery company, a program step for realizing a function of transmitting the notification (4) to the user's PC 208 is also incorporated in the service module.

  With such a configuration, information exchange not only between the user site 102 and the service center 101 but also for the delivery company 103 can be computerized.

  Next, the details of the procedure of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Sequence of notification and adjustment of cartridge replacement schedule>
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show a procedure for adjusting the schedule for cartridge replacement between the service center 101 and the user site 102. In FIG. 10, the part described as the user site is performed by the user site 102 in FIG. Further, in the processing of the user site 102, the step described as a device is executed by the device modules 230 and 240 of each device such as a printer or a copying machine in which the toner cartridge is mounted. The device module is realized as a program module executed by a processor for controlling each device. Steps described as a host are executed by a host computer such as a PC to which a device is connected. The part described as a service center is a process performed by the service module 210 executed by the PC 203 of the service center 101.

  FIG. 10 shows a procedure from the transmission of the toner low notification (1) from the user site 102 to the reception by the service center 101. First, in step 1001, toner low is detected in a device owned by the user, for example, the printer 100a or 100b or the facsimile 206 in FIG. 2, and the information is output as a toner low signal by the device modules 230 and 240. Here, if the device is the facsimile 206 or the printer 100b, the toner low signal is transmitted to the service center 101 as the toner low signal (1) in FIG. A cartridge ID / serial number read from the cartridge is attached to the toner low signal together with information indicating that the toner is low. Further, information such as the remaining amount of toner and the number of prints may be attached to the toner low signal as needed. If the cartridge has memories 810a and 4203a for storing information as shown in FIG. 9, such information is obtained from the memories and transmitted to the service center via the remote communication network 205. If the memory is not provided, as described above, the remaining amount of toner estimated from the cumulative number of printed sheets and the printing rate since the cartridge was started to be used is a toner low notification (1) as information to be attached. Used. This information is stored in a non-volatile memory provided in the main body of the device, and the non-volatile memory also stores the ID / serial number of the main body. For example, in step 1001, the cumulative number of printed sheets and the remaining toner amount information are transmitted together with the ID / serial number information of the main body.

  If the device is directly connected to the computer network like the printer 100b or the facsimile 206, the toner low notification (1) is transmitted directly to the PC 203 of the service center as shown by an arrow 1001a in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the device is a printer locally connected to the host like the printer 100a, or if communication with the service center is possible via the host, a toner low signal is issued to the host. In this case, the host receives the toner low signal in step 1002. Thereafter, according to the connection form of the host to the remote communication network 205 (remote communication means), if the host can access the remote communication network 205, the host notifies the service center 101 of the toner low signal in step 1004. Is done.

  If the host cannot access or is prohibited from accessing the remote communication network 205, in step 1003, the administrator manually inputs data indicating toner low from the personal computer 208 of FIG. It is transmitted to the service center 101 as a signal.

  The service center 101 receives the toner low signal transmitted by any of the methods in step 1005. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the steps in FIG.

  The processing in FIG. 11 is performed in the service module 210 and the analysis module 220 on the PC 203 of the service center 101. In the case of transmitting data from the service center 101 to the user site 102 in FIG. 11, the transmission destination is the counter terminal 208, and processing such as display of a user interface screen there is performed by the user module 250.

  In FIG. 11, first, in step 1101, the processing is divided depending on whether the data input method to the analysis system in the service center 101 is automatic or manual. Step 1101 need not necessarily be performed at the service center. This is a pseudo step for expressing a processing procedure according to the configuration of the service center, and the actual processing in the service center starts from step 1102 or 1103 according to the configuration.

  In the case of manual input, in step 1102, a screen display for notifying the operator of the reception of the toner low signal is performed, and the operator inputs information to the analysis system for managing the delivery schedule. .

  On the other hand, in the case of automatic input, the received toner low signal and the data read from the cartridge are directly input to the analysis system 220 (step 1103). If the input toner low information includes toner remaining amount information and print number information, the information is also received by the PC 203 of the service center together with the cartridge ID / serial number and input to the analysis system 220. You.

  When the data is input to the analysis system 220, the analysis system predicts the date of running out of toner, and determines a delivery date candidate based on the date (step 1104). This prediction procedure will be described later. Subsequent steps may be performed manually, but are assumed to be fully automated here.

  When the delivery date candidate is determined, the PC 203 notifies the delivery company 103 of the determined date (step 1105).

  In steps 1106 and 1107, the delivery company 103 adjusts the schedule and sends it to the service center. That is, a schedule such as stock, an appropriate delivery vehicle or a delivery vehicle candidate and delivery time is determined by the delivery company, and the schedule is notified to the PC 203 of the service center. If a non-delivery date is included, the notification is sent including that date.

  The PC 203 of the service center that has received the schedule transmits the expected exchange time to the counter terminal 208 of the user site (step 1108). At this time, the transmission data also includes delivery schedule information.

  At the user site 102 receiving this, the user module 250 of the PC 208 displays the user interface (UI) screen of FIG. When the operator inputs (OK) to perform cartridge replacement on this screen, the screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed based on the delivery date and time received in step 1108. On this screen, the operator inputs a desired date and time from the expected exchange period.

  The input designated date is transmitted to the PC 203 of the service center 101. The service center 101 notifies the user (the PC 208 at the user site or a device such as a printer) of the scheduled date of delivery / collection determined based on the designated date (step 1109), and requests final confirmation. FIG. 15 shows a screen displayed on the user side at this time.

  The date and time determined by the above procedure is also notified to the delivery company, and the delivery company carries out delivery and collection of the cartridge at the designated date and time.

  In FIG. 11, steps 1103, 1104, 1105, 1108, and 1109 are executed by the PC 103 of the service center, and steps 1106 and 1107 are executed by the PC of the delivery company. That is, the PC 203 waits for a response from the delivery company after step 1105, and upon receiving the response, restarts the process from step 1108 based on the response. In step 1108, information such as the designated date is transmitted from the user's PC 203 to the service PC.

<Prediction of running out of toner>
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a procedure executed by the analysis system 220 in step 1104 for estimating the time at which the toner runs out, which is a reference for determining the delivery / collection date schedule. The toner out timing is predicted based on the toner low signal received from the device and the database 1999.

  The database 1999 is built in the database server 201. The database 1999 includes, for each user / device / consumable item, a change in the number of printed sheets 1915, an average printing rate per cartridge 1916, a cartridge delivery date 1917, a toner low signal occurrence date 1918, a cumulative number of days used 1906, and a cumulative number of printed sheets 1907. Has been accumulated. The data recorded in the memory of the cartridge is transmitted from a PC installed at a collection base or the like to the service center, so that the toner out signal generation date 1908 for each cartridge, the toner low signal generation date 1909 for each cartridge, , The number of used sheets 1911 for each cartridge, and the number of printed sheets data 1912 for each cartridge are also stored.

  The average print rate per cartridge 1916 stores the average print rate 1913 per cartridge calculated from the number of used cartridges 1903, the collection date 1904, and the number of printed sheets per cartridge data 1905. In addition, the print number transition 1915 is obtained by accumulating print number data 1905 for each month and transitioning for each month.

  Further, from the collected cartridges, an average printing rate 1919 of the cartridge that is more accurate than the average printing rate 1913 (this is obtained for each type of cartridge, etc.) and an average period 1920 from the toner low to the actual running out of the toner are obtained. This is also stored in the database 1999.

  In the prediction, first, the remaining printable number 1921 is predicted from the average print rate 1919 of the cartridge, and the period 1922 from when the remaining printable number runs out of toner is predicted. At this time, the prediction value can be corrected using data such as the number of prints transition 1915. From the obtained period 1922 until the toner runs out and the date 1901 when the toner low signal is generated, an appropriate delivery date 1923 is obtained to output the expected replacement time. For the user site, the date from the date when delivery becomes possible with reference to the inventory and the delivery schedule to the predicted toner out date is output as a replacement date candidate.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the contents of a correction process for more accurately predicting the toner out timing. For example, it is assumed that a toner low signal is received by the PC 203 of the service center on August 31. Since the toner low signal includes the cartridge ID / serial number, it can be determined from the average printing rate of the same type of cartridge that the remaining printable number is 1,000. If the number of prints immediately before is 1,000 per month, the remaining toner runs out after one month, and it is understood that the cartridge needs to be replaced by that time.

  Here, the correction value is referred to. From the change in the number of prints by month 1915, it can be seen that the number of prints per month is 2,000 from September to December, and that the print amount has increased twice this year last year. From the values, it is also understood that there is a possibility that 4000 sheets will be printed per month in September.

  If the number of printable sheets of 1000 with the remaining toner is converted into a period based on the estimated print amount, it can be understood that the remaining toner may be kept for only one-quarter of a month or almost one week. Thus, the expected exchange time is September 7, one week after August 31. The period from the date when the cartridge can be delivered to September 7 is presented (transmitted) to the user as a delivery and collection date candidate.

  As described above, based on the data accumulated in the database, the expected exchange time was first determined from the average value, and this was also determined from the periodic fluctuations and recent trends that could be obtained from the database. The expected replacement time has been corrected. In this way, it is possible to more accurately predict the toner expiration date and indicate the predicted date to the user so that the cartridge can be replaced by that date. In the case where it is expected that the period in which printing can be performed with the remaining toner is extremely long, in order to use the toner as much as possible, the period of the delivery and collection of the cartridge is set to a predetermined period including the expected day when the toner runs out. The number of days may be limited to one week, for example. In this case, for example, if it is predicted that the remaining toner can be printed in one month, the last one week is presented to the user as a delivery and collection date candidate.

  When the PC 203 of the service center 101 receives the cartridge ID / serial number and the remaining amount of toner together with the toner low signal, the date when the toner runs out can be more accurately predicted from the cartridge ID / serial number and the remaining amount of toner. For example, if the cartridge ID / serial number is known, the model of the device in which the cartridge is used can be limited. Therefore, based on the cartridge ID / serial number obtained from the cartridge and the information on the remaining amount of toner, the average print rate and the number of prints can be obtained only for the device using the cartridge. By correcting this with information such as periodic fluctuations and trends managed by the database 1999, it is possible to more accurately predict that the toner has run out.

  Further, if the cartridges delivered to each user are managed by the PC 203 of the service center, it can be determined to which user the cartridge is used in which device. If the database 1999 manages the toner consumption, the printing rate, the number of prints, and the like for each user and further for each model of each user, the average printing rate and the periodic fluctuations for each device installed in the user. Information such as trends can be stored. By using the information accumulated for each user and each device in the same manner as the above-described database, it is possible to predict running out of toner.

  As described above, the delivery and collection schedule of the cartridge can be determined by accurately predicting the time at which the toner runs out, so that the toner in the cartridge is used up as much as possible by adjusting the cartridge replacement time to the time at which the toner runs out. Can be. This contributes to resource savings. Further, in the print number billing method, billing is performed according to the number of prints. Therefore, if the amount of toner discarded without being used can be reduced, the cost can be reduced accordingly, contributing to a reduction in fee and an increase in margin.

<Charging sequence>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a procedure for charging the user according to the number of prints at the user site. Here, it is assumed that the charging sequence is triggered by the print number data periodically transmitted from the user site. However, it may be started in response to a request from the service center, or may be started in response to a toner low signal. Further, the billing operation such as the issuance of a bill by the service center may be performed asynchronously with the transmission of the number-of-prints data from the user site to the service center.

  In FIG. 12, a portion described as a user site is performed at the user site 102, and a portion described as a service center is a process performed by the PC 208 of the service center. In the processing of the user site 102, steps described as a device are executed by a device to which a toner cartridge is attached, and steps described as a host are performed by a PC or the like to which the device is connected via a cable or a network. Executed by the host computer. Further, once the number-of-prints data is transmitted to the PC 203 of the service center 101, communication between the service center and the user site is communication between the counter terminals.

  First, in FIG. 12, data on the number of prints generated since the previous charging sequence is read by a device module from a device included in the user site 102 and contracted for the print number charging method and transmitted to the service center 101. (Steps 1201, 1202, 1202a). Since the exchange of the cartridge and the charging are performed asynchronously, the data of the number of prints to be transmitted is obtained by the procedure described later.

  If the device is connected to the remote communication network 205 via the host, the host computer once receives the print number data (step 1203). Automatically transmits the received data to the service center (steps 1204 and 1205). In the present invention, as a form of connection to the remote communication network 205 via the host, a device is connected to the host via a cable, or a device is connected to the host via a network such as a LAN. Is assumed. The host also has a server-like function, and another host (a host without a server function) may be connected to the host having the server function.

  The PC 203 of the service center 101 receives the print number data (step 1206), and the data is passed to the service module 210 of the PC 203. Then, the service module 210 totals the number of prints of each device for each user (step 1207), calculates a billing amount based on the value (step 1208), and uses the amount as the number of contracts or the number of prints. The detailed information is transmitted to the user module 250 of the PC 208 (step 1209).

  The screen displayed at this time is the screen of FIG. The details are displayed on the screen together with the billed amount. The user presses the YES button when accepting this request, and presses the No button when in doubt, to separately inquire and negotiate. Finally, settlement is performed by a predetermined method (step 1210). This step 1210 can be executed as a part of a series of processing if the settlement is through a computer network. However, if the predetermined method is not an electronic settlement method, for example, if the payment is to a bank account, The processing in the service module 210 ends without performing step 1210.

  FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an example of details of steps 1201 and 1202 in FIG. 12 performed by the device modules 230 and 240 for transmitting the number of prints from the user's device. FIG. 17A shows a storage area of the number of prints that the device has in its RAM. The storage areas include the uncharged print number 1711 indicating the number of prints for which the charge has not been settled for the toner cartridges used so far, and the charge amount already charged for the currently installed toner cartridge. The number of billed prints 1712 and the number of prints 1713 read from the used cartridge immediately before replacement of the cartridge are included.

  When transmitting the number-of-prints data from the device, first, the number of prints is read from the memory of the cartridge, the value of the charged number of prints 1712 is subtracted from the read number of prints, and the value is stored as the uncharged number of prints 1711 ( Step 1701). The number of uncharged prints is transmitted to the service center or the host (step 1702). Finally, when it is confirmed that the unbilled print number has been transmitted, 0 is set to the unbilled print number 1711 and the number of prints read from the cartridge is set to the billed print number. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 17 is executed every predetermined period, such as every month, by a clock function provided in the device. Also, although not shown in FIG. 12, a command to transmit the uncharged output number information of the device stored in the PC 208 is transmitted from the PC 203 to the PC 208 every predetermined period, and the It is assumed in the present invention that the billing information is acquired by the PC 203. Furthermore, the present invention also assumes that uncharged information, such as the number of output devices, stored in its own device is transmitted to P203 by the clock function provided in the PC 208 every predetermined period.

  On the other hand, when the cartridge is replaced, devices such as the printer 100 and the facsimile 206 perform the procedure shown in FIG. The procedure of FIG. 18 is performed assuming that the cartridge may have been replaced when the cover of the cartridge accommodating section provided on the device body is opened and then closed again, or when the power is turned on. . Whether or not the cover of the cartridge storage unit is open is detected by a sensor. The device reads out the print number data from the memory of the currently mounted cartridge immediately after the cover of the cartridge is opened or in a processing sequence after the power is turned off, and stores the read data as the print number 1713 of the cartridge.

  Thereafter, when the cover of the cartridge is closed or the power is turned on, the cartridge ID / serial number is read from the currently mounted cartridge, and is compared with the cartridge ID / serial number read and stored after the replacement of the cartridge. (Step 1801). The result is determined in step 1802, and if they are the same, the cartridge has not been replaced, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if they are not the same, the cartridge has been replaced, and the read cartridge ID / serial number is stored as the current cartridge ID / serial number (step 1803).

  Then, the stored number of prints is read from the number of prints 1713 of the cartridge (step 1804), and the value obtained by subtracting the value of the already-printed number of prints 1712 from the read number of prints is added to the number of uncharged prints (step 1804). 1805).

  Then, 0 is set to the already-printed print number 1712 (step 1806).

  In this way, of the number of prints recorded on the cartridge, it is possible to discriminate between a portion for which the charge has already been charged and a portion for which the charge has not yet been charged. For this reason, in the charging process, the user can be charged an accurate fee based on the number of unprinted prints.

  It should be noted that a new cartridge delivered to the user is supplied without substantially collecting a fee.

  As described above, it is possible to apply the print number charging method for charging a device according to the number of prints to a device such as a printer that supplies toner by a toner cartridge. By applying the print number billing method, it is possible to settle the bill asynchronously with operations such as replacement and collection of cartridges, and to realize a fee system according to the amount of printing. As a result, a service side such as a maker or a seller can expect continuous and stable profits, so that the service can be expanded. In addition, since the data collection for the print number billing method is performed via the network, the number of manual steps can be reduced, and highly accurate data can be obtained quickly.

  In addition, by linking with a management system that more accurately predicts when a cartridge will run out of toner, it is possible to prevent a rise in cost due to the disposal of unused toner, and to set a print number billing system for cartridges on a commercial basis. Becomes possible.

  On the user side, on the other hand, fluctuations in the cost of printing are reduced, and since the fee can be simply confirmed or estimated from the number of prints, it is easy to confirm the payment amount and budget the printing cost, This contributes to improving the productivity of these operations.

  When the device transmits the number of prints, the cartridge ID / serial number may be transmitted at the same time. In this case, the service center receives this and stores the data in the database of FIG.

<Device maintenance>
FIG. 21 shows a procedure when a failure occurs in a device held by the user. In the present embodiment, since the user site and the service center are connected via a network, a report of the occurrence of a failure and a request for repair can be made via the network.

  When the user's device generates trouble information by detecting a failure or the like, if the device is connected to the telecommunication network 205, the device is directly connected to the service center via the telecommunication network 205 or the telecommunication network via the host. If it is connected to the host 205, it sends defect information to the host (step 2101).

  If the device does not maintain a fault sensor, cannot detect the fault that has occurred, or if the device is not connected to the telecommunications network, the operator manually sends the fault information to the telecommunications network. An input is made directly to the host 205 or to a host connected to the remote communication network 205 (step 2102).

  When the defect information is transmitted to the host, the host receives the defect information (step 2103) and transmits the defect information via the operator's hand (step 2104) or automatically (step 2105). Sent to the service center.

  In the service center, when the PC 203 receives the defect information (step 2106), the necessary information is notified automatically or manually to the service department or the repair company of the equipment maker. The schedule is adjusted (step 2107). The adjusted schedule is transmitted to the contact terminal 208 of the user site, and when the schedule is further adjusted and confirmed (step 2108), the repair is performed according to the determined schedule. In order to adjust the schedule, data may be exchanged between the service department in step 2107 and the user site in step 2108.

  FIG. 22A is a screen displayed when the schedule is notified from the service center to the user site in step 2108. The user selects a schedule on this screen and returns it to the service center.

  FIG. 22B shows a display state of screen information transmitted from the service center to the user site for confirming the content of the defect in advance. The user selects the corresponding failure content from the displayed candidates and sends it to the service center. FIG. 22B may be displayed when the schedule is adjusted, or may be displayed before the schedule is adjusted. If the user is notified of the content of the defect before the schedule adjustment, the degree of the failure can be reflected in the schedule.

  As described above, it is also possible to notify a malfunction and adjust a repair schedule via the network. A service technician who inspects and repairs the printer is dispatched from the service center to the user according to the schedule adjusted in this manner, but at this time, fees other than the fees according to the data on the number of prints are collected. Not done.

  As described above, in the print number billing system billing system according to the present embodiment for use of a printer in which a cartridge accommodating at least the toner and the developing device is detachable, a print is output from the printer in which the cartridge is mounted. The data relating to the number of printed sheets and the data relating to the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge are supplied to the service center via remote communication means, and the service center responds to the data relating to the number of print sheets supplied via the remote communication means. Collected from the user of the printer, and based on the data on the remaining amount of toner, a new cartridge to be installed in place of the cartridge in the printer without substantially collecting the fee. Supplying.

  Further, the fee corresponding to the data on the number of prints is included in the maintenance service fee for the printer, and further, the data on the failure of the printer, which is output from the printer in which the cartridge is mounted, is transmitted via the remote communication unit. Along with supplying the service center, the service center does not substantially charge a fee other than the fee corresponding to the data on the number of prints based on the data on the printer failure supplied via the remote communication means. , And dispatches servicemen who check and repair the printer.

  Further, the function of the service center includes a delivery function such as a cartridge delivery company, and collects used cartridges when supplying new cartridges.

<Effects in First Embodiment>
According to the cartridge management system of the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) When the toner low signal is issued, the toner expiration time is predicted, and the cartridge is replaced at that time, so that the toner in the cartridge can be used up, which contributes to resource saving and cost reduction. .

  (2) Since the cartridge can be replaced immediately before the cartridge runs out of toner, downtime of a device such as a printer due to running out of toner is eliminated.

  (3) Since the cartridge is delivered to the user immediately before the toner in the cartridge runs out, it is not necessary to stock up or store a replacement cartridge and store the used cartridge.

  (4) The combination of delivery and collection of the cartridge eliminates the need for the user to bring the used cartridge to the maker or the store, and replaces the used cartridge immediately with the used one immediately after delivery of the new cartridge. The cartridge can be reliably collected.

  (5) It is possible to collectively charge a plurality of devices held in the user site. For this reason, billing and maintenance can be performed for each user.

  (6) Since the cartridge itself has a memory in which print record data such as the number of prints is recorded, the data can be stored in a database and used to accurately run out of toner. Can be predicted.

  (7) Since the cartridge itself has identification data such as an ID indicating the type of the cartridge and a serial number for uniquely identifying the cartridge, the replacement of the cartridge can be confirmed. Also, by using these identification data, it is possible to confirm whether the cartridge has been delivered in accordance with the contract for charging the number of prints, and to prevent unauthorized use of the cartridge. In addition, the cycle of reuse and recycling can be managed.

  (8) Since data is stored in the cartridge itself, the number of prints and the like can be ascertained from the data of the cartridge even when the cartridge is detached from the device.

  (9) Since the data is centrally managed at the service center, more accurate printing ratios and replacement times can be calculated.

[Second embodiment]
As a second embodiment, a system using a cartridge having no memory will be described. This system will be described based on the first embodiment, focusing only on differences. Therefore, the overall configuration is as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the configuration of the device is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the cartridge has no memory.

<Charging sequence>
FIG. 23 is an example of a data area prepared in the memory of the device charged by the print number charging method of the present embodiment. Basically, it is the same as the data held in the memory of the cartridge, except for data unique to the cartridge. The total number of prints / the number of jams 2300 indicates the number of prints and the total number of print failures. The number of printed sheets of A3 / number of jams 2301, the number of printed sheets of A4 / number of jams 2302 indicate the number of sheets for each size. These values are incremented by one each time the device prints one page of paper of a corresponding size.

  The service center destination 2303 is a destination for transmitting the number of prints and the toner low signal. This field is used when the device is directly connected to the telecommunications network 205. The cartridge type ID is used by the device to notify the service center of the cartridge type. Since the contents of these fields 2303 and 2304 are considered to be rarely changed, they may be recorded in the ROM. In the present invention, it is also conceivable to apply the ID of the device main body (stored in the main body memory) instead of the cartridge ID (2304).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a charging procedure executed in the present embodiment instead of FIG. 12 of the first embodiment.

  The device module reads out the print number data 2300 to 2302 of FIG. 23 periodically or in response to a request from the service site, and transmits it to the remote communication network 205 or the host to which the device is connected, depending on the connection destination (step 2401). ). If the transmission is confirmed, 0 is set to the read print number data 2300 to 2302.

  Steps 2403 to 2410 are the same as steps 1203 to 1210 in FIG.

  As described above, even when the cartridge is not provided with a memory, the service center can perform charging according to the number of prints for each device. Since this sequence is also effective for a device using a cartridge having a memory, the procedure of FIG. 24 of the present embodiment can be used instead of the procedure of FIG. 12 of the first embodiment. . Since the only difference between FIG. 12 and FIG. 24 is the processing on the device side, the procedure of FIG. 12 is applied to a device using a cartridge having a memory, and a process using a cartridge without a memory is performed. By applying the procedure shown in FIG. 24 to a device that performs such processing, it is possible to cope with a user site in which those devices are mixed.

<Prediction of running out of toner>
In the present embodiment, the sequence of notification and adjustment of the cartridge replacement schedule, which is triggered by transmission of the toner low signal from the device, is substantially the same as that in FIGS. 10 and 11 in the first embodiment. However, since there is no data for each cartridge, the serial number of the cartridge is not transmitted together with the toner low signal. The data reflected in the database is different from that of the first embodiment, and the prediction method is also different.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a procedure executed by the analysis system 210 in step 1104 of FIG. 11 for estimating the time at which the toner runs out, which is a reference for determining the delivery and collection dates.

  A database 2599 is built in the analysis system. The database 2599 stores, for each user, the transition 1915 of the number of printed sheets, the average printing rate 1916 per cartridge, the date of delivery 1917 of the cartridge, the date of occurrence of the toner low signal 1918, the cumulative number of days of use 191906, and the cumulative number of printed sheets 1907.

  The average print rate 1913 per cartridge stores the average print rate 1913 calculated from the number of used cartridges 1903, the collection date 1904, and the number of printed sheets data 1905 per cartridge. In addition, the print number transition 1915 is obtained by accumulating print number data 1905 for each month and transitioning for each month.

  In the prediction, first, the remaining printable number 2501 is predicted from the average printing rate 1913, and the period 2502 from the time until the toner runs out is predicted. At this time, the prediction value can be corrected using data such as the past average print ratio 1916 and the number of printed sheets transition 1915. An appropriate delivery date 2503 is obtained from the obtained period 2502 until the toner runs out and the date 1901 when the toner low signal is generated, and the expected replacement time is output. For the user site, the date from the date when delivery becomes possible with reference to the inventory and the delivery schedule to the predicted toner out date is output as a replacement date candidate.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the details of correction for more accurately predicting the toner out timing. For example, assume that the service center receives a toner low signal on August 31. The number of printable sheets determined from the average printing rate of the immediately preceding cartridge indicates that the remaining toner runs out after one month, and that the cartridge needs to be replaced by that time.

  Here, the correction value is referred to. If it is found from the past average printing rate per cartridge 1916 and the change in the number of printed sheets per month 1915 that the printing rate rises to 10% from September to November, the average printing rate from September to November is Is almost three times the average printing rate. In other words, it can be seen that there are only 10 days from the toner low signal to the running out of toner. Thus, September 10 which is 10 days after August 31, which is the toner low signal generation date, is set as the deadline for the delivery date of the refill cartridge. Then, the period from the date when the cartridge can be delivered to September 10 is presented to the user as a delivery and collection date candidate.

  As described above, it is possible to accurately predict the toner expiration date and indicate the predicted date to the user so that the cartridge can be replaced by that time. In the case where it is expected that the period in which printing can be performed with the remaining toner is extremely long, in order to use the toner as much as possible, the period of the delivery and collection of the cartridge is set to a predetermined period including the expected day when the toner runs out. The number of days may be limited to one week, for example. In this case, for example, if the printable period is one month, the last one week is presented to the user as a delivery and collection date candidate.

  In this way, the delivery / collection schedule of the cartridge can be determined by predicting the time of toner exhaustion with high accuracy, so that the toner in the cartridge can be used up as much as possible. In the print number charging method, charging is performed according to the number of prints. Therefore, if the amount of toner discarded without being used can be reduced, the cost can be reduced accordingly, contributing to a reduction in fee and an increase in margin.

  Note that an analysis system in which the prediction method in FIG. 19 and the prediction method in FIG. 25 coexist can be constructed. In this case, the cartridge without memory is predicted to run out of toner by the method of FIGS. 25 and 26, and the cartridge with memory is predicted to run out of toner by the method of FIGS. 19 and 20.

<Effects in Second Embodiment>
According to the cartridge management system of the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) When the toner low signal is issued, the toner expiration time is predicted, and the cartridge is replaced at that time, so that the toner in the cartridge can be used up, which contributes to resource saving and cost reduction. .

  (2) Since the cartridge can be replaced immediately before the cartridge runs out of toner, downtime of a device such as a printer due to running out of toner is eliminated.

  (3) Since the cartridge is delivered to the user immediately before the toner in the cartridge runs out, it is not necessary to stock up or store a replacement cartridge and store the used cartridge.

  (4) The combination of delivery and collection of cartridges eliminates the need for a user to bring a used cartridge to a maker or a store, and replaces a used cartridge immediately with a used cartridge immediately after delivery of a new cartridge. Can be more reliably recovered.

  (5) It is possible to collectively charge a plurality of devices held in the user site. For this reason, billing and maintenance can be performed for each user.

  (6) Compared to the first embodiment, a billing system and a delivery and collection system of a print number billing system can be constructed using a conventional device using a cartridge having no memory.

  (7) Since data is centrally managed at the service center, more accurate printing ratios and replacement times can be calculated.

[Third Embodiment]
As a third embodiment, a description will be given of a system in which a delivery company that outsources delivery business on a network is excluded from the system of the first embodiment. The configuration of this system and the configuration of each device are the same as those in FIGS. 2 to 9 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 27 shows an outline of a management procedure according to the third embodiment. The same messages as those in FIG. 1 are given the same numbers.

  In the printers 100a and 100b or the facsimile 206 at the user site 102, when toner is reduced to a predetermined amount or less, that is, when toner low (Toner Low) occurs, it is detected by a sensor built in the cartridge. This state is reported to the service center 101 as a toner low signal (1) from the PC 208 of the user site 102 or directly from the device. Although the service center is simply called here, the PC 203 or the like included in the service center is the report destination.

  Upon receiving this, the service center 101 transmits a notification (4) of cartridge delivery and collection to the user site 102. However, as will be described later, this notification is not simply transmitted, but includes a sequence of schedule adjustment with the user.

  The service center 101 delivers the new cartridge (10) to the user site 102 according to the schedule determined in the notification (4) of the delivery and collection of the cartridge, and at the same time, performs the collection (11) of the used cartridge. Then, the collected cartridge is transported to the collection base 104.

  The collection base 104 reads necessary data from the memory of the collected used cartridge, and stores the read data in a database managed by the service center 101. The read data is transmitted to the service center 101 as cartridge data (12).

  The print number data (8) based on the print number count read from the memory 820a of the cartridge is transmitted from the user site 102 to the service center 101 asynchronously with the delivery of the cartridge.

  The service center 101 calculates a fee according to the received print number data, and transmits a fee request (9) to the user site 102. The user is paid the billed amount to the service center by a separately agreed payment method. Further, the payee at this time may be a payee determined separately from the service center.

  As described above, the service center 101 triggers the event notification (toner low notification) from the user site 102 to collect necessary data from the user site, arrange the delivery and collection of cartridges, generate the billing information, and schedule the order. Notification of the billing information and the billing information to the user site 102 is all realized via the remote communication network 205.

<Sequence of notification and adjustment of cartridge replacement schedule>
In the configuration of FIG. 27, the procedure of transmitting a toner low signal from the user site 102 to the service center 101 and receiving the signal by the service center 101 is as shown in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment. However, the processing in the service center that has received the toner low signal is as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 28, first, in step 1101, the processing is divided depending on whether the data input method to the analysis system in the service center 101 is automatic or manual. Step 1101 need not necessarily be performed at the service center. This is a pseudo step for expressing a processing procedure according to the configuration of the service center, and the actual processing in the service center starts from step 1102 or 1103 according to the configuration. In this embodiment, the analysis system is realized on the PC 203 by executing an analysis program of a procedure described later with reference to a database constructed in the database server 201.

  In the case of manual input, in step 1102, a screen display for notifying the operator of the reception of the toner low signal is performed, and the operator inputs information to the analysis system for managing the delivery schedule. .

  On the other hand, in the case of automatic input, the received toner low signal and the data read from the cartridge are directly input to the analysis system (step 1103).

  When the data is input to the analysis system, the analysis system predicts the date when the toner runs out, and determines a delivery date candidate based on the date (step 1104). This prediction procedure will be described later. Subsequent steps may be performed manually, but are assumed to be fully automated here.

  When the delivery date candidate is determined, the date is notified to the user as an expected replacement time (step 1108).

  At the user site 102 receiving this, the user interface (UI) screen of FIG. 13 is displayed by the PC 208 as the window terminal. When the operator inputs (OK) to perform cartridge replacement on this screen, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, the operator inputs a desired date and time from the expected exchange period.

  The input designated date is transmitted to the service center 101. The service center 101 notifies the user of the scheduled delivery and collection date and time determined based on the specified date, and requests final confirmation (step 1109). FIG. 15 shows a screen displayed on the user side at this time.

  According to the date and time determined by the above procedure, a service person and IT staff for maintenance and the like, and a delivery for merely performing delivery, etc. are dispatched to the user site from the service center 101, and delivery and collection of cartridges and, if necessary, equipment for delivery. Perform maintenance. The dispatched personnel and the contents of work depend on a contract or the like concluded between the user and the dealer or maker operating the service center.

  In addition, since the charging system based on the charging method (printing number charging method) depending on the number of prints is asynchronous with the delivery and collection of the cartridge, it functions in exactly the same manner as the first or second embodiment.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to construct a system that does not outsource delivery business on a network. The effect in this case is the same as the effect of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The system of the fourth embodiment has the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment, but differs from the system of the first embodiment in that a user site includes an inventory management system. As shown in FIG. 29, the inventory management system 260 is realized by executing a predetermined program on the PC 4 or the like in the user site 102. This inventory management system 260 also manages the in-stock inventory of toner cartridges, and works in conjunction with the cartridge management system. Also, the computer on which the inventory management system operates needs to be able to access the remote communication network 205 either directly or indirectly.

  FIG. 30 shows a procedure from the transmission of the toner low notification from the user site 102 to the reception by the service center 101 in the fourth embodiment. First, in step 2901, a toner low is detected in a device owned by the user, for example, the printer 100a, 100b or the facsimile 206 in FIG. 2, and the information is output as a toner low signal by the device module. Here, if the device is the facsimile 206 or the printer 100b, the toner low signal is transmitted to the PC 208 on which the in-house inventory management system operates, and becomes an input signal to the inventory management system 260.

  If the device is a printer locally connected to the host such as the printer 100a, a toner low signal is issued to the host. In this case, the host receives the toner low signal in step 2902. Thereafter, a toner low signal is transmitted from the host to the in-house inventory management system 260.

  Upon receiving the toner low signal, the inventory management system 260 determines the cartridge used by the device from the information of the source of the toner low signal or from the main body ID / serial number or the cartridge type ID / serial number information transmitted together with the toner low signal. The type is determined, and it is determined whether the stock is available (step 2903). If there is stock, the fact is displayed on the display or the like of the PC 208 to alert the user (step 2904).

  If it is determined that there is no stock, a toner low signal is transmitted from the inventory management system 260 to the service center 101 according to the connection between the device that has transmitted the toner low signal and the remote communication network 205. If the device can directly access the remote communication network 205, a toner low signal is transmitted directly to the service center (step 2907). If it is connected via a host computer, the host sends a toner low signal to the service center 101 (step 2906). If the remote communication network cannot be accessed online, a toner low signal is transmitted to the service center 101 by manual input by the operator (step 2905).

  The service center 101 receives the thus generated toner low signal (step 2908), and the service module 210 and the user module 250 proceed with the process in the same manner as in FIG.

  As described above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the user performs inventory management, a cartridge management system using the user's inventory can be constructed. .

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the description of FIG. 12 of the first embodiment, in the process of charging according to the number of output printed at the user site, and in the description of FIG. Has been described, including the maintenance service fee for the printer, and dispatching a service person to inspect and repair the printer without collecting a fee other than the fee substantially corresponding to the data on the number of prints. Was.

  In the fifth embodiment, a charging system capable of providing a more convenient maintenance service for a user will be described.

  FIG. 32 shows an outline of transmission and reception of data related to contract processing between the user site and the service center. The user site and the service center correspond to the user site and the service center in FIG. 1, respectively. In the processing of each step in FIG. 32, it is assumed that processing on the user site side is performed by the PC 208 and processing on the service center side is performed by the PC 203. Here, the functions of the PC 208 and the PC 203 are the same as those described in the first to fourth embodiments, and the block configuration diagram corresponds to that shown in FIG. Each process in the PC 208 and the PC 203 is realized by the CPU 301 controlling a process based on a program code stored in any of the ROM 307, the RAM 302, and the HD 303. The PC 203 is linked to the database server 201, and is managed by the CPU 301 based on data content stored in the database server 201 and providing data (transmitting data to a user site). Of course, the functions of the present invention can be realized even if the PC 203 and the database server 201 are physically separate or the same, and the PC 203 and the database 201 can work together to achieve the functions of the present invention. Just fine.

  Further, the processing at the user site is not limited to the PC 208, but is performed by a device such as the printer 100a, the printer 100b, or the facsimile 206 in the same function as the PC 208 (for example, both externally and externally via the remote communication network 205). In the present invention, it is also assumed that the processing is performed by a device device by providing a function capable of performing communication in one direction. The block diagram of each device at this time is the same as that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the processing based on the program code stored in the storage unit provided in the device is performed by the CPUs 601 and 701. It is realized by control.

  In step S3201, an ID is transmitted from the user site. The ID corresponds to a user ID or a contract ID associated with a specific user, and is an ID for specifying contract information for a certain user. In the following, description will be given using a user ID as an example.

  The ID transmitted in S3201 is information input to the PC 208 or each device via the display screen. In the present invention, it is preferable that the PC 208, the PC 203, and each device have a browser function capable of processing languages such as HTML and XML. The screen for inputting the ID is generated and transmitted by the PC 203 when the user specifies the URL and the file specifying information. Then, it is displayed on a display unit such as the PC 208 and a device. Further, if a screen that prompts the user to input login information is displayed before the screen for inputting the ID is displayed, unauthorized access can be prevented. Note that the functions of the present invention are not limited to those having a browser function, but may be any as long as they support functions capable of communicating with each other.

  Here, the transmission of the ID information from the user site to the service center is performed by the device module 240, the device module 230, the host computer user module 250, and the inventory management system for transmitting the data from the device described above to the service center. 260.

  In step S3202, a search for contract information according to the ID transmitted from the user site is performed. In step S3203, the information searched in step S3202 is transmitted from the service center to the user site.

  In step S3204, display processing of the information transmitted in step S3203 is performed by the device on the user site side. The display processing is displayed on a display unit provided in the PC 208, the printer 100a, or the like at the user site. Here, the display unit corresponds to the display 304 in FIG. 3, the operation unit 607 in FIG. 6, the operation unit 707 in FIG. 7, and the like.

  The display examples (display information) shown in FIGS. 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41, which will be described later, are all stored in the storage unit of the database server 201, PC 203, or the like on the service center side. These are managed data, which are transmitted to the user site side and displayed on a display unit such as the printer 100a, the printer 100b, the facsimile 206, and the PC 208. 13 to 16 and FIGS. 22A and 22B have the same structure.

  FIG. 33 shows a display example in step S3204, which shows the contract contents (3306) for each device model (3305). In the following description, a change in the contract content for each device will be described. Also, the type of device shown in 3305 in FIG. 33 is not limited to a printer, but may be a device such as a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction peripheral, or a personal computer. 34 to 41 are not limited to the printer.

  FIG. 34 is also a display example in step S3204. The display information includes the device (3401) owned by the user, the ID (3402) corresponding to the device, the contract status (3403), and the number of outputs per device (3404). , An output unit price per sheet (3405) corresponding to the contract status, a billing amount based on the output unit price per sheet (3406), and a contract period (3407) corresponding to each device are displayed. The number of output sheets per device (3404) corresponds to the number of uncharged sheets. In addition, the total number of printed sheets during the contract period and the total number of printed sheets for each predetermined period such as a month or week are displayed. It is also assumed in the present application. Further, the number of output sheets (3404) is counted at predetermined intervals by the service center based on the mechanism of the first to third embodiments, and the service center executes a billing calculation process according to the counted number. Since the display information as shown in FIG. 34 can be browsed on the user site, the user can clearly know to which device the contract renewal should be performed when renewing the contract. The acquisition of the number of output sheets 3404 for each device and each consumable item at the service center is the same as the mechanism described in the first, second, and third embodiments, and therefore, detailed description is omitted here.

  In step S3205, input of information for specifying a device to be subjected to contract processing is performed in response to an instruction input in check box 3304 in FIG.

  In step S3206, the information of the contract target device input in step S3205 is transmitted from the user site to the service center together with the ID (the ID in step S3201).

  In the service center, in step S3206, a search for detailed information based on the information identifying the contracted device and the ID transmitted from the user site is executed, and the search result is transmitted to the user site (S3207).

  FIG. 35 shows a display example on the user site of the information transmitted in step S3207. In the display example of FIG. 35, LBP-A2 (meaning the second LBP) is the result of the selection in FIG. 3503 indicates that “a spot maintenance contract has been concluded with LBP-A2 until December 31, 2001”. Reference numeral 3505 denotes a check box for selecting a contract content that the user wants to change. When an input is made in the check box, a mark that can be identified by the user is added to the screen. Reference numeral 3507 denotes an instruction button for displaying detailed information of each contract content. When the instruction button is input, details of each contract content are displayed on a screen. The instruction button for displaying the detailed contents is also displayed as 3307 in FIG. 33, so that the user can confirm the contract contents in advance.

  FIGS. 36 and 37 show data stored and managed in the database server 201 of the service center, according to the instruction information and ID of the detail buttons 3307 and 3507 of the detailed diagrams 33 and 35 described above, and the ID (S3209). Is transmitted to the user side (S3210) and browsed. Here, the details of each contract content shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B will be described.

(Spot maintenance contract)
In the spot maintenance contract, the fee includes only the usage fee of the CRG (cartridge), and the travel fee, the repair fee, the parts fee, and the like are paid each time.

(Basic maintenance contract)
The basic maintenance contract includes CRG usage fees, periodic on-site maintenance, and, if the amount of repairs does not exceed the upper limit within the contract period, expenses associated with repairs such as travel charges, repair charges, parts charges, etc. All can be repaired free of charge regardless of the number of repairs. Exceeding the upper limit will be charged as actual expenses. FIG. 36B shows an example in which the upper limit amount of each model is stored and managed, and is stored and managed in the database server 201 as in FIG.

(Comprehensive maintenance contract)
Comprehensive maintenance contracts include, in addition to the CRG usage fee, the costs incurred in repairs, such as periodic visit maintenance during the contract period, business trip fees, repair fees, parts fees, etc. All are free.

  Users can select and change these terms and conditions at any time. For example, assuming that the frequency of failure is low in the first year after purchasing a printer, a spot maintenance contract can be selected, a basic maintenance contract can be selected in the second year, and a comprehensive maintenance contract can be selected in the third and subsequent years. It is.

  The type and content of the contract are not limited to these three types. For example, an instruction to select whether or not to use an option related to an image forming apparatus such as a scanner, an HD used for reserved printing, a sorter, etc. It is also possible to consider a contract in which a button is provided on the display of FIG. 33 and the like, and the charge for using the option is included in the charge for the number of output sheets. In this case, it is assumed that a charging table in which data such that an optional fee is associated with the amount per one sheet is stored in a charging table shown in FIG. 37 described later.

  FIG. 37 is data showing the charge amount per print output print according to the contract contents, and shows the charge amount per print output of various maintenance contracts corresponding to LBP-A, B, C and D. ing. As described above, the amount of money in the billing table includes a case where the billing amount per sheet includes the maintenance fee and a case where the billing amount does not include the maintenance fee. Also, when the information for specifying the device is transmitted to the service center in S3206, only the charging table display information corresponding to the device specified as the information to be browsed by the user is transmitted from the service center to the user site. Then, it becomes more convenient for the user.

  Further, in the present invention, the amount charged to the user is calculated by the service center in accordance with the number of printouts of the image forming apparatus and the amount of the number of printouts per sheet obtained from the charging tables shown in FIGS. You. Note that the service center obtains the printout number information of the image forming apparatus at the user site as described in FIGS. 12, 17 (b), 24, and 27 in the first to third embodiments. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

  36 and 37 may be displayed simultaneously or may be switched. Although not shown, if an instruction button such as "return" is provided to return to the screen that was viewed immediately before, the screens shown in FIGS. 33 and 35 can be returned.

  On the other hand, when the input of the detail button is not performed in step S3208 (No in S3208), or after the processing of S3209 and S3210 is performed, in S3211, in response to an instruction from the user via the screen in FIG. In S3212 where contract information for specifying the maintenance mode is input, transmission of contract update information (corresponding to the input of 3509 in FIG. 35) is performed from the user site to the service center. This contract update information includes at least information for specifying a maintenance mode for a certain device generated through the screen of FIG. 35 and an ID. The service center that has received the information transmitted in step S3212 transmits information for designating a contract period to the user site (not shown). FIG. 38 shows an example of the display.

  In step S3213, the contract period is further input via 3804 in FIG. 38, and when the “OK button” in 3806 is input, transmission of the period designation information for the new contract specifies the ID, device, and maintenance mode. This is performed from the user site to the service center together with the information.

  In S3214, the service center transmits contract confirmation screen information corresponding to S3213 to the user site. FIG. 39 shows a display example on the user site. When the user agrees with this (input of the approval button 3905 in FIG. 39), information indicating the approval is transmitted from the user site to the service center.

  The service center that has received the acknowledgment information transmits information as shown in FIG. 40 to the user site (not shown in the flow). The display information includes instruction button information (4005) for executing printing, and when the button is input, a print output corresponding to the displayed information is executed. If the device displaying the information in FIG. 40 is a personal computer (PC), the printout is output from a printer or the like connected to the PC, or if the device displaying FIG. 40 is a printer device or the like. In the case of the device device, the output processing is performed in the own device.

  The following describes the contract information management in the server after the processing shown in FIG. 40 is completed. In FIG. 40, when the contract contents of the user are finally changed, or when the contract contents are scheduled to be changed in a designated period, the screen as shown in FIG. The content is changed, and the content of the corresponding data is also changed. The changed data is stored in a storage unit such as the database server 201 and the PC 203 on the service center side, and can be browsed by the user.

  Referring to FIG. 35, as the contract information for LBP-A2, a “spot maintenance contract” has been concluded until December 31, 2001. However, through the user interface shown in FIG. 35, FIG. When the user instructs to conclude a "basic maintenance contract" from January 01, 2002 to June 30, 2002, the display in FIG. 34 is changed as shown in FIG. In addition, information stored in a storage unit such as the database server 201 and the PC 203 is also changed from the information illustrated in FIG. 34 to the information illustrated in FIG. When the database server 201 and the PC 203 recognize that the model has been changed from “spot contract” to “basic maintenance contract” in LBPA, the storage table of FIG. 37 is referred to, and the unit price per card is changed from 10 yen to 13 yen. The data is changed to a circle, and data as shown in FIG. 41 is generated and managed. In FIG. 41, the model under contract (4108) and the model under contract (4109) are displayed so as to be identifiable, and data corresponding to these are stored in the database server 201 and the PC 203. . In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a model whose contract period has expired is displayed so as to be identifiable.

  By storing and managing the management tables shown in FIGS. 34 and 41 as described above in the database server 201 and the PC 203, usage status information such as the number of prints transmitted from the user site along with the ID is transmitted from the user site side. Is received, and the charge amount information is transmitted to the user at predetermined intervals based on the number of prints corresponding to the received ID and the tables shown in FIGS. Note that the display example indicating the billing amount information displayed on the user side corresponds to the display example shown in FIG.

  At this time, the ID transmitted from the user site together with the usage status information may be a user ID, a model ID (machine number ID), a contract ID, and the like. These ID information is a non-volatile ID provided in the cartridge. This information is stored in a non-volatile memory, a non-volatile memory provided in the image forming apparatus, or a storage unit of the PC 208, and is information for specifying which device is used status information.

  Further, a mechanism in which usage status information such as the number of output sheets for each image forming apparatus (the printer 100a, the printer 100b, the facsimile 206, etc.) or each consumable item is transmitted from the user site to the service center along with the ID is described in the following. This is the same as that described in FIGS. 12, 17 (b), 24, 27, etc. of the first to third embodiments. That is, in the present invention, a mode in which the usage status information is transmitted together with the ID from the PC 208 and a mode in which the usage status information is transmitted together with the ID from the device main body are assumed. It is desirable that the ID transmitted with the use status information of the image forming apparatus or the consumables is the same ID as the ID (user ID) for specifying the contract information of the specific user in S3201 in FIG. However, it is of course possible to achieve the object of the present invention even with a different ID.

  A further application example of the fifth embodiment described above will be described below.

  (1) In the description of S3201 to S3204 in FIG. 32, the user ID has been described as an ID for specifying the contract information of the user, but the present invention is not limited to only the user ID. The present invention is also applicable to an "ID of a device main body", a "consumable item ID" such as a toner cartridge, a "contract ID corresponding to a specific device or consumable item", and the like. In other words, the object of the present invention is achieved if the ID can identify the contents of the contract and the device to be contracted. For example, the ID transmitted from the user site to the service center in step S3201 of FIG. 32 may be any of the ID of the device body, the consumable item ID, the contract ID corresponding to a specific device or consumable item, or the like. Each of the step processes is performed on a specific device or consumable. This is useful when contract change target models are narrowed down in advance.

  (2) In the display example in step 3204, the form in which the contract content corresponding to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus is displayed has been described, but the consumable ID is related to the ID (user ID) transmitted in S3201. In the present invention, it is also assumed that the contract contents for each consumable item (for example, a cartridge) are displayed. Here, the ID of each consumable is managed in the database server 201 in association with the user ID, and the consumables used by the user can be searched from the user ID by the CPU 301. Is performed. Here, by combining the mechanism described in the first to third embodiments, in which the service center acquires the usage information such as the number of printouts for each consumable, the charge per print is determined by a specific consumable. Will be done according to the contract details. Further, when the consumable is provided with a storage unit for storing an ID, even if the consumable is used by moving between a plurality of devices within the contracted range, the consumable is attached depending on the device to which the consumable is attached. In the present invention, it is possible to manage contracts and usage status of consumables that span a plurality of devices. In the form of managing the ID of each consumable in this manner, the ID in each step in FIG. 32 corresponds to the consumable ID, and each display screen is not displayed for each device but for each consumable. Will be performed.

  (3) The database server 201 installed at the service center manages information such as the usage status, failure status, and usage period of the image forming apparatus for a specific user, and performs maintenance shown in FIG. 36 in accordance with the managed information. By generating or retrieving appropriate maintenance contract information from the contract and notifying the user site of the information, it is possible to easily provide the user with a maintenance service according to the wear condition of the image forming apparatus. For example, failure information of a device (such as a printer) owned by the user as described with reference to FIG. 21 of the first embodiment is stored in the database server 201, and appropriate information is set in advance according to the model and the failure status. The user can be notified of the contract details.

  Further, as a form of service, the present invention can automatically switch a plurality of contracts such as a “general maintenance contract”, a “basic maintenance contract”, and a “spot maintenance contract” shown in FIG. is there. For example, the database server 201 stores in advance appropriate contract information corresponding to the usage status (total number of printouts, various failure statuses) for each device model, and the user's device failure as illustrated in FIG. By receiving the information, it is also possible to automatically provide the user with an appropriate maintenance contract. Further, when the contents of the maintenance contract are automatically changed and the contents of the contract information stored in the database server 201 are updated, an e-mail or the like for notifying the user is transmitted and confirmed. Then, the maintenance contract can be automatically changed.

<Effects in Fifth Embodiment>
According to the cartridge management system of the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) Since the maintenance and maintenance fee is included in the billing amount per sheet printed and output by the device, a system that can flexibly cope with a change in the maintenance contract content from the user can be provided. . By providing a charging table as shown in FIG. 37 in the service center, it is possible to set a print output fee per sheet corresponding to each device, each consumable item, and each user, which meets user needs. It is now possible to build a system that provides maintenance contracts.

  (2) The user can arbitrarily select a plurality of contract conditions such as a spot maintenance contract, a basic maintenance contract, and a comprehensive maintenance contract according to a desired maintenance mode through the user interfaces shown in FIGS. 33, 35, and 38. It becomes possible, and the user can select and change these contract terms at any time. For example, assuming that the frequency of failure is low in the first year after purchasing a printer, a spot maintenance contract can be selected, a basic maintenance contract can be selected in the second year, and a comprehensive maintenance contract can be selected in the third and subsequent years. It is.

  The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but may be a device including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.). May be applied.

  Further, the object of the present invention is to realize the functions of the above-described first to fifth embodiments by using FIGS. 10 to 12, FIGS. 17 to 18, FIGS. 21, 24, 28, 30, and 32. The program code of the procedure shown is classified into device modules, user modules, and service modules according to the execution subject and recorded on a storage medium, and the storage medium (or the recording medium) is stored in the device or the execution subject. This can also be achieved by supplying the program code stored in a storage medium to a personal computer and executing the program code stored in a storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  In addition, the computer executes the readout program code, so that not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. This also includes a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. This includes the case where the CPU provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

  The present invention is not limited to toner, and can be applied to all consumables such as a photosensitive drum, a fixing member, and a cleaning member.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cartridge management system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure showing composition of a user site and a service center in a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram of a personal computer. It is sectional drawing of a facsimile. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the printer. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printer. It is a block diagram of a facsimile. FIG. 3 is an external view of a toner cartridge including a memory. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a memory included in a cartridge. 5 is a system flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting and receiving a toner low signal according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a service center that has received a toner low signal according to the first embodiment. It is a system flow chart which shows transmission and processing of billing information in a 1st embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for prompting cartridge replacement. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for adjusting a cartridge replacement date and time. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for prompting confirmation of a delivery and collection schedule of a cartridge. It is a figure showing an example of the UI screen which notifies a billing amount. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting the number of prints in the device. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for replacing a cartridge in the device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an analysis system for predicting a cartridge running out of toner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an analysis system for predicting a cartridge running out of toner according to the first embodiment. 6 is a system flowchart from transmission of defect information from a user to repair. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for adjusting a repair date and time and a UI screen for notifying the contents of a defect. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of data held by each device in the second embodiment. It is a system flow chart which shows transmission and processing of billing information in a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an analysis system for predicting a cartridge running out of toner according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an analysis system for predicting a cartridge running out of toner according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a cartridge management system according to a third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a service center that has received a toner low signal according to the third embodiment. It is a figure showing composition of a user site and a service center in a 3rd embodiment. 13 is a system flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting and receiving a toner low signal according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of selling, collecting, and maintaining a conventional toner cartridge. It is a flow chart of an example of contract processing between a user site and a service center in a 5th embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the UI screen which shows the contract situation for every user in a 5th embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of the UI screen which shows the contract situation for every user in a 5th embodiment, or the storage contents of the database server. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for changing a contract or a storage content of a database server in the fifth embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the UI screen for confirming the contract contents in a 5th embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the UI screen for confirming the contract contents in a 5th embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the UI screen for designating a contract period in a 5th embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the UI screen for performing contract change confirmation in a 5th embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the UI screen for performing confirmation of contract change confirmation in a 5th embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of the UI screen which shows the contract situation for every user in a 5th embodiment, or the storage contents of the database server.

Claims (25)

In an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
Acquiring means for acquiring information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus via a network,
Storage means for storing different amounts of charge per print output in accordance with a contract in which maintenance contents by a service person of the image forming apparatus are different;
Calculating means for calculating a billing amount based on the acquired number of printed sheets and a billing amount per print output of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage means according to a contract in the image forming apparatus; An information processing apparatus comprising:   The storage unit stores a first billing amount and a second billing amount per print output corresponding to each of the first type contract and the second type contract having different maintenance contents by the serviceman. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined charge is added to the first charge amount for the second charge amount.   For instructing the contract, further comprising a supply unit for supplying contract instruction screen information that can be read by a browser to an external device, wherein the calculation unit is configured to perform the operation via a screen in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a billing amount is calculated based on a billing amount per print output according to the designated contract and the print output number.   The apparatus further includes means for receiving an instruction via a screen based on contract instruction screen information for designating the contract, wherein the calculating means includes a charge amount per print output sheet according to the received contract, 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a billing amount is calculated based on the number of print output sheets.   Further comprising: a unit for receiving a contract type input through a screen based on contract instruction screen information for instructing the contract, and a period instruction corresponding to the type of contract, wherein the calculating unit includes: Calculating a billing amount in the period based on the number of printouts acquired corresponding to the period and a charge amount per printout corresponding to the type of contract corresponding to the period. The information processing device according to claim 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit an identifier for identifying the printer and a screen for confirming a contract corresponding to the identifier to an external device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that searches for and notifies optimum contract information based on operation information of the image forming apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation information includes a use state and a failure state. In an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
Management means for managing whether the contract in the image forming apparatus is a type 1 contract with maintenance content by a serviceman of a first type or a type 2 contract with maintenance content of a second type;
Acquiring means for acquiring information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus via a network,
Storage means for storing a different amount of charge per print output corresponding to the image forming apparatus depending on whether the contract of the image forming apparatus is a first type contract or a second type contract;
Calculating means for calculating a billing amount based on the acquired number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus and a billing amount per print output stored in the storage unit in association with the image forming apparatus; An information processing apparatus comprising:   The apparatus further includes a providing unit that provides contract instruction screen information for instructing the contract to an external device, wherein the calculation unit responds to a contract instructed via a screen on the external device based on the contract instruction screen information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the charge amount is calculated based on the charged amount per print output and the print output number. In an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
Supply means for supplying contract instruction screen information for instructing a contract in the image forming apparatus to an external device;
Management means for managing the type of contract instructed via a screen in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information in association with the image forming apparatus;
Storage means for storing the charge amount per print output corresponding to the designated contract type in association with the image forming apparatus,
Acquiring means for acquiring the number of printouts of the image forming apparatus via a communication line,
Calculating means for calculating a billing amount based on the number of printouts obtained by the obtaining unit and a charge amount per printout sheet of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit. Information processing device. An information processing method for managing a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
An acquisition step of acquiring information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus via a network,
A control step of causing the storage unit to store a different amount of charge per print output in accordance with a contract in which maintenance contents by the service person of the image forming apparatus are different;
A calculating step of calculating a billing amount based on the acquired number of printed sheets and a billing amount per print output of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit according to a contract in the image forming apparatus; An information processing method, comprising:   The storage unit stores a first billing amount and a second billing amount per print output sheet corresponding to each of the first type contract and the second type contract having different maintenance contents by the serviceman. 13. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein a predetermined charge is added to the first charge amount for the second charge amount.   For instructing the contract, further comprising a supply step of supplying contract instruction screen information readable by a browser to an external device, wherein the calculating step is performed via a screen in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information. 14. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein the billing amount is calculated based on a billing amount per print output sheet according to the designated contract and the print output sheet number.   The method further includes a step of receiving an instruction via a screen based on contract instruction screen information for designating the contract, wherein the calculating step includes: a charge amount per print output sheet according to the received contract; 14. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein a billing amount is calculated based on the number of printouts.   Receiving a type of contract input through a screen based on contract instruction screen information for instructing the contract and an instruction for a period corresponding to the type of contract, wherein the calculating step comprises: Calculating a billing amount in the period based on the number of printouts acquired corresponding to the period and a charge amount per printout corresponding to the type of contract corresponding to the period. An information processing method according to claim 12.   17. The information processing method according to claim 12, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting an identifier for identifying the printer and a screen for confirming a contract corresponding to the identifier to an external device.   18. The information processing method according to claim 12, further comprising a notifying step of searching for and notifying optimum contract information based on operation information of the image forming apparatus.   19. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein the operation information includes a use state and a failure state. An information processing method for managing a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
A management step of managing whether the contract in the image forming apparatus is a type 1 contract with maintenance contents by a serviceman of a first type or a type 2 contract with maintenance contents of a second type;
An acquisition step of acquiring information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus via a network,
A control step of causing the storage unit to store a different charge amount per print output corresponding to the image forming apparatus depending on whether the contract of the image forming apparatus is a first type contract or a second type contract;
A calculating step of calculating a billing amount based on the acquired number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus and a billing amount per print output sheet stored in the storage unit in association with the image forming apparatus. An information processing method comprising:   A providing step of providing contract instruction screen information for instructing the contract to an external device, wherein the calculating step is performed in accordance with a contract instructed via a screen in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information. 21. The information processing method according to claim 20, wherein a billing amount is calculated based on the charged amount per printed output sheet and the number of printed output sheets. An information processing method for managing a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
A supply step of supplying contract instruction screen information for instructing a contract in the image forming apparatus to an external device;
A management step of managing the type of contract instructed via the screen in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information in association with the image forming apparatus;
A control step of storing a charge amount per print output corresponding to the designated contract type in a storage unit in association with the image forming apparatus;
An acquisition step of acquiring the number of printouts of the image forming apparatus via a communication line,
A calculating step of calculating a billing amount based on the number of printouts obtained in the obtaining step and a billing amount per printout of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit. Information processing method. A computer program executed in an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
An acquisition step of acquiring information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus via a network,
A control step of causing the storage unit to store a different amount of charge per print output in accordance with a contract in which maintenance contents by the service person of the image forming apparatus are different;
A calculating step of calculating a billing amount based on the acquired number of printed sheets and a billing amount per print output of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit according to a contract in the image forming apparatus; A computer program for causing a computer to execute. A computer program executed in an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
A management step of managing whether the contract in the image forming apparatus is a type 1 contract with maintenance contents by a serviceman of a first type or a type 2 contract with maintenance contents of a second type;
An acquisition step of acquiring information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus via a network,
A control step of causing the storage unit to store a different charge amount per print output corresponding to the image forming apparatus depending on whether the contract of the image forming apparatus is a first type contract or a second type contract;
Calculating, based on the acquired number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus and the billing amount per print output stored in the storage unit in association with the image forming apparatus, a calculating step for calculating a billing amount; Computer program to be executed. A computer program executed in an information processing apparatus that manages a plurality of types of contracts related to an image forming apparatus,
A supply step of supplying contract instruction screen information for instructing a contract in the image forming apparatus to an external device;
A management step of managing the type of contract instructed via the screen in the external device based on the contract instruction screen information in association with the image forming apparatus;
A control step of storing a charge amount per print output corresponding to the designated contract type in a storage unit in association with the image forming apparatus;
An acquisition step of acquiring the number of printouts of the image forming apparatus via a communication line,
And causing the computer to execute a calculation step of calculating a billing amount based on the number of printouts obtained in the obtaining step and a charge amount per printout sheet of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit. Computer program for.

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