JP2014010508A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system configured to notify a user of an estimated amount of money to be charged for a print job, when the user of a computer is generating the print job by means of a printer driver.SOLUTION: In a printing system, a computer executing a printer driver for generating a print job to be executed by an MFP requests a management server for managing a user of the MFP to authenticate the user (S101), the management server transmits printing unit information showing a printing unit price to be charged for printing one sheet to the computer when the authentication is successful, the computer executing the printer driver calculates an estimated amount to be charged (S107) on the basis of the printing unit price based on the printing unit price information (YES in S102) transmitted by the management server and the number of sheets for the print job, to display the calculated estimated amount to be charged on a display part (S110).

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system that includes a management server that manages users of an image forming apparatus and a computer that executes a printer driver for generating a print job to be executed by the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, as a computer that executes a printer driver for generating a print job to be executed by the image forming apparatus, the cost of ink and paper to be consumed when the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus is displayed. Computers are known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  These conventional computers provide the user with the cost of ink and paper that will be consumed when the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus in the process in which the user generates the print job by the printer driver. Can be recognized.

JP 2001-293855 A JP 2010-157071 A

  In a printing system that includes a management server that manages users of the image forming apparatus and a computer that executes a printer driver for generating a print job to be executed by the image forming apparatus, the printing system is actually consumed. In some cases, a user is charged for a print job based on a print unit price, which is a charge amount for printing per sheet, instead of the cost of ink and paper.

  In such a printing system, the user may be interested in the scheduled charge amount of the print job, not the cost of the ink and paper that are scheduled to be consumed when the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus. It is thought that there are many.

  However, the computer described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 has a problem that the user cannot recognize the scheduled charge amount of the print job.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing system that allows a user of a computer to recognize a scheduled charge amount for a print job in the process of generating the print job by a printer driver. .

  The printing system of the present invention includes a management server that manages users of the image forming apparatus, and a computer that executes a printer driver for generating a print job to be executed by the image forming apparatus. The management server includes an authentication execution unit that performs authentication of the user, an information transmission unit that transmits information to the computer, and a printing unit price management unit that manages a printing unit price that is a charge amount of printing per sheet. The computer includes a display unit for displaying information, and the computer executes display processing means for controlling display by the display unit by executing the printer driver, and authentication of the user. Authentication request means for requesting execution to the management server, and a plan charge amount for the print job. When the authentication execution unit succeeds in authenticating the printing unit price information indicating the printing unit price managed by the printing unit price management unit, the information transmission unit functions as a scheduled charging amount calculation unit that calculates a charging amount. The scheduled charge amount calculation means calculates the scheduled charge amount based on the print unit price based on the print unit price information transmitted by the information transmission unit and the number of print jobs. The display control means causes the display unit to display the scheduled charge amount calculated by the scheduled charge amount calculation means.

  With this configuration, the printing system of the present invention displays the estimated charge amount of the print job on the display unit of the computer by the printer driver when authentication by the management server based on the request from the printer driver of the computer is successful. In the process in which the computer user generates a print job using the printer driver, the user can be made to recognize the scheduled charge amount for the print job.

  In the printing system of the present invention, the management server subtracts a total confirmed amount that is a sum of the charged amount of the user from an allocated amount that is an amount allocated for each user. A current balance management means for managing a current balance which is a balance and is the current balance by at least one of the current balance itself and a combination of the allocated amount and the current total finalized amount, The information transmission means determines the current remaining amount managed by the current remaining amount managing means for the user who has been successfully authenticated by the authentication executing means, the current remaining amount itself, the allocated amount, and the current total confirmation. The present remaining amount information indicated by at least one of the combination of completed amounts is transmitted, and the display control unit is transmitted by the information transmitting unit. The current balance on the basis of the current balance information came, the current and balance itself, by at least one of a combination of the total vested amount of the assigned amount and the current may be displayed on the display unit.

  With this configuration, the printing system of the present invention displays the scheduled charge amount of the print job and the current remaining amount of the allocated amount on the display unit of the computer by the printer driver, so that the image forming apparatus allocates the user. It is possible to make the user recognize whether or not the print job can be executed within the amount.

  Further, in the printing system of the present invention, the computer executes the printer driver to calculate a planned remaining amount that is a planned remaining amount when the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus. The planned remaining amount calculating means is based on the current remaining amount based on the current remaining amount information transmitted by the information transmitting unit and the scheduled charged amount calculated by the scheduled charged amount calculating unit. The planned remaining amount is calculated, and the display control means calculates the planned remaining amount calculated by the planned remaining amount calculating means by combining the scheduled remaining amount itself with a combination of the allocated amount and the scheduled total confirmed amount. You may display on the said display part by at least one.

  With this configuration, the printing system of the present invention causes the printer driver to display the planned remaining amount when the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus, so that the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus. The remaining amount can be easily recognized by the user.

  In the printing system of the present invention, the printing unit price management unit manages the printing unit price for each printing condition, and the scheduled charging amount calculation unit transmits the printing unit price information transmitted by the information transmission unit. The scheduled charge amount may be calculated based on the print unit price based on the number, the number of print jobs, and the print conditions.

  With this configuration, the printing system of the present invention can allow the user to recognize the scheduled charging amount of the print job even in a complicated charging system configured with a printing unit price corresponding to the printing conditions.

  The printing system of the present invention further includes a spool server that transmits the stored print job to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus, and the computer executes the printer driver. By doing so, it may function as a print job transmission unit that transmits the print job, and the print job transmission unit may be capable of transmitting the print job to the spool server.

  In the printing system of the present invention, when a print job is transmitted from a computer to a spool server by a printer driver, unlike when a print job is directly transmitted from a computer to the image forming apparatus by a printer driver, the printing system executes the print job by the image forming apparatus. The user is in front of the image forming apparatus, not in front of the computer. Furthermore, in the printing system of the present invention, when the print job is transmitted from the computer to the spool server by the printer driver, the print data is transmitted by the computer as compared with the case where the print job is directly transmitted from the computer to the image forming apparatus by the printer driver. The period from when the image is transmitted to when the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus is long. Therefore, in the printing system of the present invention, when a print job is transmitted from the computer to the spool server by the printer driver, compared to a case where the print job is directly transmitted from the computer to the image forming apparatus by the printer driver, the printer driver from the computer. The operation of retransmitting a print job is complicated for the user. For this reason, the printing system of the present invention uses a printer driver from a computer when a print job is transmitted from a computer to a spool server by a printer driver, compared to a case where a print job is directly transmitted from a computer to an image forming apparatus by a printer driver. In order to eliminate the need to retransmit the print job, it is highly necessary that the image forming apparatus can execute the print job within the user's allocated amount. In other words, the printing system according to the present invention is more effective when a print job is transmitted from a computer to a spool server by a printer driver than when a print job is directly transmitted from a computer to an image forming apparatus by a printer driver. It is highly beneficial to display the billing amount on the computer display using a printer driver.

  The printing system of the present invention can make the user recognize the scheduled charge amount of the print job in the process in which the computer user generates the print job by the printer driver.

1 is a block diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram of the management server shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of department determination information illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows an example of the information for authority judgment shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing unit price information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the allocation amount list information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the total fixed amount list information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the present balance list information shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the spool server shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the computer shown in FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the operation of the computer shown in FIG. 11 when the printer driver is executed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the management server shown in FIG. 3 when execution of user authentication is requested from a computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing instruction | indication screen displayed on the display part of the computer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing instruction | indication screen shown in FIG. 14 in the case of displaying charging information. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the management server shown in FIG. 3 when an inquiry as to whether a print job can be executed is received from the MFP. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP shown in FIG. 2 when receiving an instruction to display a list of print jobs stored in a spool server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list screen displayed on a display unit of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of print unit price information illustrated in FIG. 3 when configured with different print unit prices for each MFP or for each MFP model.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes a large number of MFPs including an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 20, a management server 30 that manages users of the MFP, and a print job stored in response to a request from the MFP. A spool server 40 that transmits to the MFP and a computer 50 that executes a printer driver 54a to be described later for generating a print job to be executed by the MFP are provided. A number of MFPs, the management server 30, the spool server 40, and the computer 50 are connected to be communicable with each other via a network 11 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. Here, a large number of MFPs respectively constitute the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  Note that the configuration of each of a large number of MFPs included in the printing system 10 is the same as that of the MFP 20. Therefore, in the following, the MFP 20 will be described on behalf of a large number of MFPs included in the printing system 10.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the MFP 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 20 is a display device such as an operation unit 21 that is an input device such as buttons for inputting various operations by the user and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information. Via a display unit 22, a printer 23 that is a printing device that performs printing on paper, a scanner 24 that is a reading device that reads an image from a document, an external facsimile apparatus (not shown), and a communication line such as a public telephone line A fax communication unit 25 that is a fax device that performs fax communication, a network communication unit 26 that is a network communication device that communicates with an external apparatus via the network 11, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Program) that stores various data. And mmable Read Only Memory) storing unit 27 is a storage device such as, and a control unit 28 which controls the entire MFP 20.

  The control unit 28 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area of the CPU. ing. The CPU is configured to execute a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 27.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the management server 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 30 includes an operation unit 31 that is an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard for inputting various operations, and a display unit 32 that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information. A network communication unit 33 that is a network communication device that communicates with an external device via the network 11, and a storage unit 34 that is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores programs and various types of data. And a control unit 35 that controls the entire management server 30. The management server 30 is configured by a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer).

  The storage unit 34 includes a management server program 34a, which is a program for the management server 30, authentication information 34b for authenticating the user, and department determination information 34c for determining the department to which the user belongs. Authority determination information 34d for determining authority for various functions of the MFP, print unit price information 34e indicating a print unit price that is a charge amount for printing per sheet, and an amount allocated to each user The assigned amount list information 34f indicating the assigned amount, the total confirmed amount list information 34g indicating the total confirmed amount that is the sum of the user's confirmed charges, and the total confirmed amount is subtracted from the assigned amount. Current remaining amount list information 34h indicating the current remaining amount that is the remaining amount, and the operation of the MFP when the total confirmed amount reaches the allocated amount (hereinafter referred to as “upper limit operation”) ) It is information stores and upper operation information 34i. The authentication information 34b is information that stores a combination of a user ID, which is user identification information, and a password. The upper limit operation is, for example, an operation for forcibly canceling printing even when a print job is being executed when the total finalized amount reaches the allocated amount (hereinafter referred to as “print forcible stop operation”). In the case where the print job is in the middle of execution when the total determined amount reaches the allocated amount, an operation for permitting the execution of the print job to the end (hereinafter referred to as “intermediate job execution permission operation”). )and so on.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the department determination information 34c.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the department determination information 34c is information that stores a combination of a user ID and a department ID that is identification information of a department to which the user belongs. For example, in FIG. 4, the department ID of the department to which the user whose user ID is “USER001” belongs is “GROUP002”.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the authority determination information 34d.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the authority determination information 34d is information that stores permission or non-permission for combinations of various functions of the MFP and department IDs or user IDs. For example, in FIG. 5, a user whose user ID is “USER001” is permitted to perform monochrome printing, but is not permitted to perform color printing. In addition, the department whose department ID is “GROUP001” is permitted to execute monochrome printing and color printing.

  Note that the management server 30 does not allow the MFP functions to the user beyond the authority of the department to which the user belongs. That is, the management server 30 is a case where a function that is not permitted in the authority determination information 34d for the department to which the user belongs is permitted in the authority determination information 34d for the user. However, this function is not allowed for this user. On the other hand, if the function permitted in the authority determination information 34d for the department to which the user belongs is not permitted in the authority determination information 34d for the user, the management server 30 uses this function. This function is not allowed for the user.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printing unit price information 34e.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the print unit price information 34e is information that stores a combination of a print condition and a print unit price. Here, the printing conditions include the size of the recording medium on which printing is performed and the printing color. For example, in FIG. 6, the printing unit price is 10 yen when monochrome printing is performed on an A4 size recording medium, and 50 yen when color printing is performed on an A3 size recording medium.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the allocated amount list information 34f.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the allocated amount list information 34f is information that stores a combination of a department ID or user ID and an allocated amount. For example, in FIG. 7, the allocated amount of the user whose user ID is “USER001” is 4,000 yen. The allocated amount of the department whose department ID is “GROUP001” is 100,000 yen.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the total confirmed amount list information 34g.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the total confirmed amount list information 34g is information storing a combination of a department ID or user ID and a total confirmed amount. For example, in FIG. 8, the total confirmed amount of the user whose user ID is “USER001” is 2500 yen. The total confirmed amount of the department whose department ID is “GROUP001” is 54,320 yen.

  In addition, when the total fixed amount of the department to which the user belongs has reached the allotted amount, the management server 30 can recognize the user even if the total confirmed amount of the user has not reached the allotted amount. Is not permitted to use the MFP.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the current remaining amount list information 34h.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the current remaining amount list information 34h is information that stores a combination of a department ID or user ID and the current remaining amount. For example, in FIG. 9, the current remaining amount of the user whose user ID is “USER001” is 1,500 yen. The current remaining amount of the department with the department ID “GROUP001” is 45,680 yen.

  The management server program 34 a shown in FIG. 3 may be installed in the management server 30 at the manufacturing stage of the management server 30, or may be transferred from the storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) to the management server 30. It may be additionally installed, or may be additionally installed on the management server 30 from the network 11.

  The control unit 35 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM that is used as a work area for the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 34.

  The control unit 35 executes the management server program 34a stored in the storage unit 34, thereby executing an authentication execution unit 35a that performs user authentication, an information transmission unit 35b that transmits information to the computer 50, and print unit price information. 34e functions as a printing unit price management unit 35c that manages the printing unit price and a current remaining amount management unit 35d that manages the current remaining amount.

  The printing unit price management unit 35c can revise the printing unit price information 34e on the storage unit 34 in accordance with, for example, an instruction from the administrator of the printing system 10.

  The current remaining amount management unit 35d manages the current remaining amount by managing the allocated amount list information 34f, the total confirmed amount list information 34g, and the current remaining amount list information 34h.

  The current remaining amount management means 35d does not manage the allocated amount list information 34f and the total confirmed amount list information 34g, but manages the current remaining amount itself, that is, the current remaining amount list information 34h. Can be managed. Here, the current remaining amount is an amount obtained by subtracting the current total confirmed amount from the allocated amount. Therefore, even if the current remaining amount management means 35d does not manage the current remaining amount list information 34h, the combination of the allocated amount and the current total confirmed amount, that is, the allocated amount list information 34f and the total confirmed amount list information 34g. If you manage both, you can manage the current balance indirectly.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the spool server 40.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the spool server 40 includes an operation unit 41 that is an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard for inputting various operations, and a display unit 42 that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information. A network communication unit 43 that is a network communication device that communicates with an external device via the network 11, a storage unit 44 that is a storage device such as an HDD that stores programs and various data, and the spool server 40 as a whole. And a control unit 45 for controlling. The spool server 40 is configured by a computer such as a PC.

  The storage unit 44 stores the print job transmitted from the computer 50.

  The control unit 45 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various types of data in advance, and a RAM that is used as a work area for the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 44.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the computer 50.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a computer 50 includes an operation unit 51 that is an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard for inputting various operations by a user, and a display unit that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information. 52, a network communication unit 53 that is a network communication device that communicates with an external device via the network 11, a storage unit 54 that is a storage device such as an HDD that stores programs and various data, and the entire computer 50 And a control unit 55 for controlling the above. The computer 50 is configured by a PC, for example.

  The storage unit 54 stores a printer driver 54a and billing information display setting information 54b for setting whether to display information related to billing (hereinafter referred to as “billing information”).

  The printer driver 54 a may be installed in the computer 50 at the manufacturing stage of the computer 50, may be additionally installed in the computer 50 from a storage medium such as a CD or a DVD, or added to the computer 50 from the network 11. May be installed with. The printer driver 54a can also be configured by adding a module for executing a function related to the display of charging information to a printer driver that does not have a function related to the display of charging information.

  The billing information display setting information 54b is set to either “ON” that is a value that indicates that billing information is displayed or “OFF” that is a value that indicates that billing information is not displayed. Can do. The value of the billing information display setting information 54 b can be changed according to the operation through the operation unit 51.

  The control unit 55 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM that is used as a work area of the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 54.

  The control unit 55 executes the printer driver 54a stored in the storage unit 54, thereby controlling the display by the display unit 52. The authentication request for requesting the management server 30 to execute user authentication. Means 55b, a scheduled charge amount calculating means 55c for calculating a scheduled charge amount that is a scheduled charge amount of the print job, and a scheduled remaining amount calculating means 55d for calculating a scheduled remaining amount that is a planned remaining amount when the print job is executed by the MFP. , And the print job transmission means 55e for transmitting the print job.

  Next, the operation of the printing system 10 will be described.

  First, the operation of the printing system 10 when a print job is transmitted from the computer 50 will be described.

  A user of the computer 50 can instruct the computer 50 to print via the operation unit 51 in an application such as document creation software.

  When printing is instructed, the control unit 55 of the computer 50 executes the operation shown in FIG. 12 by activating the printer driver 54a.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the operation of the computer 50 when the printer driver 54a is being executed.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the authentication request means 55 b of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 transmits the current user ID and password to the management server 30 via the network communication unit 53, so that the current usage is performed. The management server 30 is requested to execute authentication of the user (S101).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the operation of the management server 30 when the computer 50 requests execution of user authentication.

  When the control unit 35 of the management server 30 receives a request for execution of user authentication from the computer 50 via the network communication unit 33, the control unit 35 executes the operation shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the authentication execution means 35a of the control unit 35 executes authentication of the requested user (S131). Here, when the combination of the user ID and password received from the computer 50 is stored in the authentication information 34b, the authentication execution unit 35a determines that the authentication has been successful. On the other hand, if the combination of the user ID and password received from the computer 50 is not stored in the authentication information 34b, the authentication execution unit 35a determines that the authentication has failed.

  Next, the authentication execution unit 35a determines whether the authentication in S131 is successful (S132).

  When it is determined in S132 that the authentication has been successful, the information transmission unit 35b of the control unit 35 is assigned to the user based on the user ID of the user who has been successfully authenticated in S131 and the department determination information 34c. The department ID of the department in charge is acquired (S133).

  Next, the information transmission unit 35b determines the user's authority for various functions of the MFP based on the user ID of the user who has been successfully authenticated in S131, the department ID acquired in S133, and the authority determination information 34d. Is acquired (S134). Here, as described above, the authentication execution unit 35a does not permit the MFP functions to the user beyond the authority with respect to the department to which the user belongs.

  Next, the information transmitting unit 35b includes the user ID of the user who has been successfully authenticated in S131, the department ID acquired in S133, the allocated amount list information 34f, the total confirmed amount list information 34g, and the current remaining amount list information 34h. Based on the above, the allocated amount, the total fixed amount, and the current remaining amount of the user and the department to which the user belongs are acquired (S135).

  Next, the information transmission unit 35b confirms that the user has been successfully authenticated, the authority acquired in S134, the print unit price information 34e, the allocated amount acquired in S135, the total fixed amount and the current remaining amount, and the upper limit operation. The information 34i is transmitted to the computer 50 via the network communication unit 33 (S136).

  Here, the current remaining amount is an amount obtained by subtracting the current total confirmed amount from the allocated amount. Therefore, even if the information transmitting unit 35b does not transmit the current remaining amount itself to the computer 50 in S136, if the information transmitting unit 35b transmits the combination of the allocated amount and the current total fixed amount to the computer 50 in S136, the information transmitting unit 35b presents the current amount to the computer 50 in S136. The remaining amount will be sent indirectly. That is, at least one of the current remaining amount itself and the combination of the allocated amount and the current total finalized amount constitutes the current remaining amount information of the present invention indicating the current remaining amount.

  When it is determined in S132 that the authentication has failed, the information transmitting unit 35b transmits that the user authentication has failed to the computer 50 via the network communication unit 33 (S137).

  When the process of S136 or S137 ends, the control unit 35 of the management server 30 ends the operation illustrated in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the authentication request unit 55 b of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 finishes the process of S <b> 101, the management server 30 continues to determine that information has been received from the management server 30 via the network communication unit 53. It is determined whether information has been received from (S102).

  If it is determined in S102 that the information has been received from the management server 30, the authentication request unit 55b determines whether or not the user has been successfully authenticated based on the information received from the management server 30 in S102 (S103).

  If it is determined in S103 that the user authentication has failed, the authentication request unit 55b ends the process shown in FIG.

  When it is determined in S103 that the user authentication is successful, the display control means 55a of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 displays the print instruction screen 60 shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit 52 (S104).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print instruction screen 60 displayed on the display unit 52 of the computer 50.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the print instruction screen 60 has a drop-down list 61 for allowing the user to select a transmission destination of the print job, and a user for selecting the size of the recording medium on which printing is to be performed. A drop-down list 62; a radio button 63a for allowing the user to select “color” of the print colors; a radio button 63b for allowing the user to select “monochrome” of the print colors; A spin button 64 for allowing the user to select the number of copies, a print button 65 for transmitting a print job, and a cancel button 66 for canceling a print instruction are provided.

  In the drop-down list 61, the spool server 40 can be selected in addition to the MFP.

  Only one of the radio button 63a and the radio button 63b is always selected.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the processing of S104 ends, the display control means 55a of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 sets the printing conditions based on the authority of the user among the information received from the management server 30 in S102. (S105). For example, the display control unit 55a disables the selection of the radio button 63a when the user is not permitted to perform color printing, and the radio button 63a when the user is not permitted to perform monochrome printing. The button 63b is disabled. The display control means 55a disables the print button 65 when the user is not permitted to perform color printing and monochrome printing.

  Next, the display control unit 55a determines whether or not the value of the billing information display setting information 54b is “ON” (S106).

  When it is determined in S106 that the value of the charging information display setting information 54b is “ON”, the scheduled charging amount calculation unit 55c of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 calculates the scheduled charging amount of the print job (S107). That is, the scheduled billing amount calculation means 55c is designated by the print unit price information 34e among the information received from the management server 30 in S102, and the drop-down list 62, the radio button 63a, and the radio button 63b in the print instruction screen 60. Based on the print conditions, the number of pages of print data that is the basis of the print job, and the number of print jobs based on the number of copies specified by the spin button 64 in the print instruction screen 60, the scheduled assignment of the print job is performed. Calculate the amount. For example, when printing 5 pages of print data in color on an A3 size recording medium, the print unit price for executing color printing on an A3 size recording medium is 50 yen, and the number of print jobs is 5 pages. Since the number of 3 copies is 15 sheets, the scheduled charge amount calculation means 55c calculates the estimated charge amount of the print job as 50 yen x 15 sheets as 750 yen.

  When the processing of S107 is completed, the scheduled remaining amount calculation means 55d of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 is based on the total confirmed amount of information received from the management server 30 in S102 and the scheduled charging amount calculated in S107. Then, the scheduled total fixed amount is calculated (S108). For example, when the total confirmed amount of the user received from the management server 30 in S102 is 1,230 yen, and the scheduled charge amount calculated in S107 is 750 yen, the planned remaining amount calculation means 55d displays the total confirmed amount By adding 750 yen as the scheduled charge amount to 1,230 yen as the amount, the total finalized amount of the user's schedule is calculated as 1,980 yen. Here, the planned remaining amount calculation means 55d calculates the total fixed amount of the schedule of the department to which the user belongs as well as the total fixed amount of the user's schedule.

  Note that the planned remaining amount calculation means 55d does not include the total fixed amount itself in the information received from the management server 30 in S102, and does not include the combination of the allocated amount and the current remaining amount. The current total finalized amount can be calculated by subtracting the current remaining amount from the amount. Therefore, the scheduled remaining amount calculation means 55d received from the management server 30 in S102, not based on the total confirmed amount itself in the information received from the management server 30 in S102 and the scheduled charge amount calculated in S107. Based on the combination of the allocated amount and the current remaining amount in the information, and the scheduled charge amount calculated in S107, the planned total confirmed amount can be calculated.

  When the process of S108 is completed, the scheduled remaining amount calculating unit 55d calculates the planned remaining amount based on the current remaining amount of the information received from the management server 30 in S102 and the scheduled charging amount calculated in S107 (S109). . For example, when the current remaining amount of the user received from the management server 30 in S102 is 3,770 yen, and the scheduled billing amount calculated in S107 is 750 yen, the scheduled remaining amount calculation means 55d is the current remaining amount 3 , 770 yen is subtracted 750 yen, which is the scheduled charge amount, to calculate the user's expected balance as 3,020 yen. Here, the planned remaining amount calculation means 55d calculates the planned remaining amount of the department to which the user belongs as well as the planned remaining amount of the user.

  Note that the planned remaining amount calculation means 55d does not include the current remaining amount itself in the information received from the management server 30 in S102, and includes a combination of the allocated amount and the current total confirmed amount. The current remaining amount can be calculated by subtracting the current total confirmed amount from the allocated amount. Therefore, the planned remaining amount calculation means 55d does not use the current remaining amount itself of the information received from the management server 30 in S102 and the scheduled charge amount calculated in S107, but the information received from the management server 30 in S102. The planned remaining amount can also be calculated based on the combination of the allocated amount and the current total finalized amount and the scheduled charging amount calculated in S107.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print instruction screen 60 when the billing information is displayed.

  When the processing of S109 ends, the display control means 55a of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 displays the billing information on the print instruction screen 60 on the display unit 52 as shown in FIG. 15 (S110). Here, the billing information includes the scheduled billing amount calculated in S107. The billing information includes the allocated amount, the total confirmed amount and the current remaining amount received from the management server 30 in S102, the planned total confirmed amount calculated in S108, and the planned remaining amount calculated in S109. It includes both for the user and for the department to which the user belongs. The billing information includes the upper limit operation information 34i received from the management server 30 in S102.

  Here, the current remaining amount is an amount obtained by subtracting the current total confirmed amount from the allocated amount. Therefore, even if the display control means 55a does not display the current remaining amount itself on the print instruction screen 60 in S110, if the combination of the allocated amount and the current total confirmed amount is displayed on the print instruction screen 60 in S110, the display control unit 55a in S110 The current remaining amount is indirectly displayed on the print instruction screen 60.

  The planned remaining amount is an amount obtained by subtracting the planned total fixed amount from the allocated amount. Therefore, even if the display control unit 55a does not display the planned remaining amount itself on the print instruction screen 60 in S110, if the combination of the allocated amount and the scheduled total fixed amount is displayed on the print instruction screen 60 in S110, the display control unit 55a in S110 The planned remaining amount is indirectly displayed on the print instruction screen 60.

  The display control unit 55a determines in S106 that the value of the billing information display setting information 54b is not “ON”, or determines whether or not the print button 65 has been pressed when the process of S110 is terminated (S111).

  If the display control means 55a determines in S111 that the print button 65 has not been pressed, it determines whether or not the cancel button 66 has been pressed (S112).

  If it is determined in S112 that the cancel button 66 has not been pressed, the display control means 55a determines whether or not the printing conditions have been changed by the drop-down list 62, the radio button 63a, the radio button 63b, or the spin button 64 (S113). ).

  If the display control means 55a determines in S113 that the printing conditions have been changed, it executes the process of S106 again.

  On the other hand, if the display control unit 55a determines in S113 that the printing condition has not been changed, the display control unit 55a executes the process of S111 again.

  When the print job transmission unit 55e of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 determines in S111 that the print button 65 has been pressed, the print conditions specified by the drop-down list 62, the radio button 63a, the radio button 63b, and the spin button 64 are used. Then, the print job is transmitted to the transmission destination specified in the drop-down list 61 via the network communication unit 53 (S114). If the destination specified in the drop-down list 61 is the spool server 40, the print job transmission unit 55 e transmits the print job to the spool server 40. When the control unit 45 of the spool server 40 receives the print job transmitted from the computer 50 via the network communication unit 43, the control unit 45 stores the received print job in the storage unit 44.

  The display control means 55a of the control unit 55 of the computer 50 determines in S112 that the cancel button 66 has been pressed or ends the process of S114, and ends the display of the print instruction screen 60 by the display unit 52 (S115). Then, the process shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the printing system 10 when a print job directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP 20 is executed in the MFP 20 will be described.

  When the control unit 28 of the MFP 20 receives the print job transmitted from the computer 50 in S <b> 114 via the network communication unit 26, the network communication unit 26 determines whether the print job received from the computer 50 can be executed. The management server 30 is inquired via At this time, the control unit 28 transmits the user ID of the user who transmitted the print job from the computer 50, the number of print jobs, and the print conditions to the management server 30.

  When the control unit 35 of the management server 30 receives an inquiry from the MFP 20 via the network communication unit 33, the control unit 35 executes the processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the operation of the management server 30 when an inquiry about whether or not a print job can be executed is received from the MFP 20.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 35 of the management server 30 acquires the department ID of the department to which the user belongs based on the user ID received together with the inquiry from the MFP 20 and the department determination information 34c. (S151).

  Next, the control unit 35 determines the user and the department to which the user belongs based on the user ID received from the MFP 20 together with the inquiry, the department ID acquired in S151, and the current balance list information 34h. Each current remaining amount is acquired (S152).

  Next, the control unit 35 acquires the print unit price for the print job based on the print condition of the print job received together with the inquiry from the MFP 20 and the print unit price information 34e (S153).

  Next, the control unit 35 acquires the maximum number of prints in the current remaining amount based on the smaller of the current remaining amount of the user and department acquired in S152 and the printing unit price acquired in S153 (S154). For example, if the lesser of the current balance of the user and department acquired in S152 is 2,000 yen and the printing unit price acquired in S153 is 30 yen, the control unit 35 divides 2,000 by 30. 66 is obtained as the maximum number of prints in the current remaining amount.

  Next, the control unit 35 determines, based on the number of print jobs received together with the inquiry from the MFP 20, the number of prints acquired in S154, and the upper limit operation set in advance in the upper limit operation information 34i. The permitted number of sheets, which is the number of sheets permitted to be printed by the MFP 20, is acquired (S155). That is, when the number of printed sheets acquired in S154 is zero, the control unit 35 acquires the permitted number of sheets as zero. If the number of prints acquired in S154 is one or more and the number of print jobs received together with the inquiry from the MFP 20 is equal to or less than the number of prints acquired in S154, the control unit 35 makes an inquiry from the MFP 20. At the same time, the number of print jobs received is acquired as the permitted number. If the number of prints acquired in S154 is one or more and the number of print jobs received together with the inquiry from the MFP 20 is greater than the number of prints acquired in S154, the control unit 35 operates at the upper limit. When the operation is the forced print cancel operation, the number of prints acquired in S154 is acquired as the permitted number. If the number of prints acquired in S154 is one or more and the number of print jobs received together with the inquiry from the MFP 20 is greater than the number of prints acquired in S154, the control unit 35 operates at the upper limit. When the job execution permission operation is in progress, the number of print jobs received together with the inquiry from the MFP 20 is acquired as the permitted number.

  Next, the control unit 35 transmits the permitted number acquired in S155 to the MFP 20 via the network communication unit 33 (S156).

  Accordingly, the control unit 28 of the MFP 20 can execute a print job by the printer 23 within the range of the permitted number of sheets received from the management server 30 via the network communication unit 26. The control unit 28 transmits information indicating that one print has been executed to the management server 30 via the network communication unit 26 every time one print of the print job is executed. In addition, when the printing of the print job is completed, the control unit 28 transmits information indicating the completion of printing to the management server 30 via the network communication unit 26.

  When the control unit 35 of the management server 30 finishes the process of S156, it determines whether or not the permitted number of sheets acquired in S155 is zero (S157).

  If the control unit 35 determines in S157 that the permitted number is 0, the operation illustrated in FIG.

  On the other hand, when determining in S157 that the permitted number is not 0, the control unit 35 determines whether information indicating that one printing has been executed is received from the MFP 20 via the network communication unit 33 ( S158).

  If the control unit 35 determines in S158 that information indicating that one sheet of printing has been executed has been received, the user ID received from the MFP 20 together with the inquiry, the department ID acquired in S151, and the printing unit price acquired in S153. Based on the total fixed amount list information 34g, the total fixed amount of the user and the department to which the user belongs are changed in the total fixed amount list information 34g (S159). . That is, the control unit 35 increases the total fixed amount of the user and the department to which the user belongs in the total fixed amount list information 34g by the print unit price acquired in S153. .

  Next, the control unit 35 stores the current remaining amount list information 34h based on the user ID received from the MFP 20 together with the inquiry, the department ID acquired in S151, the printing unit price acquired in S153, and the current remaining amount list information 34h. Among them, the current remaining amounts of the user and the department to which the user belongs are changed (S160). That is, the control unit 35 decreases the current remaining amount of the user and the department to which the user belongs in the current remaining amount list information 34h by the printing unit price acquired in S153.

  When the process of S160 ends, the control unit 35 returns to the process of S158 again.

  If the control unit 35 determines in S158 that the information indicating that printing of one sheet has not been received is received in S158, whether or not the information indicating completion of printing has been received from the MFP 20 via the network communication unit 33 is determined. Is determined (S161).

  If the control unit 35 determines in S161 that information indicating that printing has been completed has not been received, the control unit 35 returns to the processing of S158 again.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 35 determines in S161 that information indicating that printing has been completed is received, the operation illustrated in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the printing system 10 when a print job transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 is executed in the MFP 20, that is, when pull printing is executed will be described.

  As described above, the print job transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 is stored in the storage unit 44 of the spool server 40.

  The user can instruct the MFP 20 to display a list of print jobs stored in the spool server 40 via the operation unit 21 of the MFP 20.

  Upon receiving an instruction to display a list of print jobs stored in the spool server 40, the control unit 28 of the MFP 20 executes the process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the operation of the MFP 20 when receiving an instruction to display a list of print jobs stored in the spool server 40.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 28 of the MFP 20 acquires a list of print jobs stored in the spool server 40 from the spool server 40 via the network communication unit 26 (S171).

  Next, the control unit 28 acquires the print unit price information 34e from the management server 30 via the network communication unit 26 (S172).

  Next, the control unit 28, based on the printing conditions and the number of sheets included in the list of print jobs acquired in S171, and the print unit price information 34e acquired in S172, similarly to S107, The amount is calculated (S173).

  Next, the control unit 28 causes the display unit 22 to display the print job list screen 70 shown in FIG. 18, which is a screen including the scheduled charge amount calculated in S173 in the print job list acquired in S171 (S174). Then, the process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job list screen 70 displayed on the display unit 22 of the MFP 20.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the print job list screen 70 includes a print job stored in the spool server 40 and a scheduled charge amount for this print job.

  Note that the MFP 20 calculates the scheduled charge amount by itself in the process shown in FIG. 17, but transmits a list of print jobs to the management server 30 to cause the management server 30 to calculate the scheduled charge amount. Also good. In the process shown in FIG. 17, the MFP 20 obtains necessary information from the management server 30 in the same manner as the process shown in FIG. The print job list screen 70 may include the amount of money, the current remaining amount, the planned total confirmed amount, and the planned remaining amount.

  The user can select a print job via the operation unit 21 from the print job list screen 70 displayed on the display unit 22 of the MFP 20 as shown in FIG. 18, and instruct the MFP 20 to print the print job. it can.

  When the control unit 28 of the MFP 20 is instructed to print the print job on the print job list screen 70, the control unit 28 acquires the print job from the spool server 40 via the network communication unit 26, and executes the acquired print job. The management server 30 is inquired through the network communication unit 26 whether or not the communication can be performed. At this time, the control unit 28 transmits to the management server 30 the user ID of the user who transmitted this print job from the computer 50 to the spool server 40, the number of print jobs, and the printing conditions.

  The subsequent operation of the printing system 10 is the same as the operation of the printing system 10 when a print job directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP 20 is executed in the MFP 20, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In the above description, the case where the print job transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 is executed in the MFP 20 has been described. However, the user can execute the print job transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 with the print system. 10 can be executed in the same manner as the MFP 20 for any MFP included in the MFP 10.

  As described above, when the authentication (S131) by the management server 30 based on the request (S101) from the printer driver 54a of the computer 50 is successful (YES in S103, YES in S132), the printing system 10 The scheduled charge amount of the print job (S107) is displayed on the display unit 52 of the computer 50 by the printer driver 54a (S110), so that the user of the computer 50 generates the print job by the printer driver 54a (S101 to S101). In S114), the user can be made to recognize the scheduled charge amount of the print job. That is, the printing system 10 can make the user recognize the scheduled charge amount of the print job before executing printing. Therefore, the printing system 10 can improve the cost awareness of the user.

  The printing system 10 causes the printer driver 54a to display the scheduled charge amount (S107) of the print job and the current remaining amount (S102) of the allocated amount on the display unit 52 of the computer 50 (S110). It is possible to make the user recognize whether or not the print job can be executed within the user's allocated amount. For example, when the user sees the display on the display unit 52 of the computer 50 and recognizes that the scheduled charge amount of the print job is larger than the current remaining amount, the user presses the cancel button 66 via the operation unit 51 of the computer 50. The user in the allocation amount list information 34f on the management server 30 so that the transmission of the print job to the MFP or the spool server 40 is stopped by pressing or the scheduled charge amount of the print job is less than the current remaining amount. An operation of increasing the allocated amount of the user or the allocated amount of the department to which the user belongs can be executed via the operation unit 51.

  Since the printing system 10 can display the current remaining amount of the allocated amount on the display unit 52 of the computer 50 by the printer driver 54a, the allocation can be performed unless dedicated utility software different from the printer driver 54a is used. Compared with a configuration in which the current remaining amount of the amount cannot be displayed on the display unit 52, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user who generates the print job by the printer driver 54a.

  The printing system 10 causes the display unit 52 of the computer 50 to display the planned remaining amount (S109) when the print job is executed by the MFP by the printer driver 54a (S110), so that after the print job is executed by the MFP The remaining amount can be easily recognized by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the management server 30 manages the printing unit price for each printing condition. Then, the computer 50 calculates the scheduled charge amount for the print job based on the print unit price based on the print unit price information 34e transmitted by the management server 30, the number of print jobs, and the print conditions (S107). Therefore, the printing system 10 can allow the user to recognize the scheduled charge amount of the print job even in a complicated charge system configured by the print unit price corresponding to the print conditions.

  Note that the printing system 10 is a system that supports a complicated billing system configured by the printing unit price according to the printing conditions in the present embodiment, but is configured by a constant printing unit price regardless of the printing conditions. It is also possible to use a system that supports only the billing system.

  In addition, the printing system 10 is a system that supports a charging system configured by a printing unit price that is common to all MFPs in the present embodiment. A system corresponding to a billing system configured with a different printing unit price for each model may be used.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print unit price information 34e in the case where the MFP is configured with a different print unit price for each MFP or for each MFP model.

  In the print unit price information 34e shown in FIG. 19, the print condition affecting the print unit price includes the MFP in addition to the recording medium on which printing is performed and the printing color.

  In the printing system 10, when the printing unit price information 34e shown in FIG. 19 is stored in the storage unit 34 of the management server 30, the entire printing unit price information 34e is transferred from the management server 30 to the computer 50 in S102 in the same manner as described above. The print unit price information 34e stored in the storage unit 34 of the management server 30 is designated as a print job print condition by the drop-down list 61 on the print instruction screen 60. The unit price information corresponding to the transmission destination of the print job may be transmitted from the management server 30 to the computer 50 each time.

  An individual MFP can be identified by the IP (Internet Protocol) address of each MFP in the printing system 10.

  The print system 10 is used when a print job is transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 by the printer driver 54a, unlike when a print job is directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP by the printer driver 54a. The person is not in front of the computer 50 but in front of the MFP. Furthermore, in the printing system 10, when a print job is transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 by the printer driver 54a, printing is performed by the computer 50 as compared with a case where the print job is directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP by the printer driver 54a. The period from when the data is transmitted to when the print job is executed by the MFP is long. Accordingly, in the printing system 10, when a print job is transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 by the printer driver 54 a, compared with a case where the print job is directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP by the printer driver 54 a, the printer 50 The operation of retransmitting the print job by the driver 54a is complicated for the user. Therefore, in the printing system 10, when a print job is transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 by the printer driver 54 a, compared with a case where the print job is directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP by the printer driver 54 a, the printer 50 prints the printer. In order to eliminate the need to retransmit the print job by the driver 54a, it is highly necessary that the MFP can execute the print job within the user's allocated amount.

  In other words, the printing system 10 schedules a print job when a print job is transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 by the printer driver 54a, compared with a case where the print job is directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP by the printer driver 54a. It is highly useful that the printer driver 54a displays the charged amount on the display unit 52 of the computer 50. In addition, the printing system 10 is configured to schedule a print job when a print job is transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 by the printer driver 54a, compared to when a print job is directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP by the printer driver 54a. And the current remaining amount of the allocated amount are displayed on the display unit 52 of the computer 50 by the printer driver 54a. In addition, when the print system 10 transmits a print job from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 by the printer driver 54a, the print job is performed by the MFP as compared with a case in which the print job is directly transmitted from the computer 50 to the MFP by the printer driver 54a. This is highly beneficial in that the printer driver 54a displays the planned remaining amount when the above is executed.

  In the printing system 10, since the upper limit operation information 34i is included in the charging information displayed on the print instruction screen 60 on the display unit 52 of the computer 50 in S110, the MFP can execute the print job within the allocated amount. In addition to allowing the user to recognize whether or not the MFP is not capable of executing the print job within the allocated amount, the user can also recognize the upper limit operation.

  When the print job transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40 is executed in the MFP 20, the print system 10 displays the print job list screen 70 on the display unit 22 of the MFP 20 (S174). Therefore, even if the print unit price information 34e is revised from when the print job is transmitted from the computer 50 to the spool server 40, the latest print unit price information 34e is calculated (S173). It is possible to make the user recognize the scheduled charge amount based on the above.

  The printing system 10 includes the spool server 40 separately from the management server 30 in the present embodiment, but the management server 30 may also function as a spool server.

  Although the printing system 10 includes an MFP as the image forming apparatus of the present invention in the present embodiment, the printing system 10 may include an image forming apparatus other than the MFP, such as a dedicated printer.

10 Printing System 20 MFP (Image Forming Apparatus)
30 management server 34e printing unit price information 35a authentication execution unit 35b information transmission unit 35c printing unit price management unit 35d current remaining amount management unit 40 spool server 50 computer 52 display unit 54a printer driver 55a display control unit 55b authentication request unit 55c scheduled charging amount calculation unit 55d Planned remaining amount calculation means 55e Print job transmission means

Claims (5)

A management server that manages users of the image forming apparatus, and a computer that executes a printer driver for generating a print job to be executed by the image forming apparatus,
The management server includes: an authentication execution unit that performs authentication of the user; an information transmission unit that transmits information to the computer; a print unit price management unit that manages a print unit price that is a charge amount for printing per sheet; With
The computer includes a display unit for displaying information,
The computer, by executing the printer driver, display control means for controlling display by the display unit, authentication request means for requesting the management server to execute authentication of the user, and schedule of the print job Functions as a scheduled billing amount calculation means for calculating the scheduled billing amount that is
The information transmission unit transmits the printing unit price information indicating the printing unit price managed by the printing unit price management unit when authentication by the authentication execution unit is successful,
The scheduled charging amount calculation means calculates the scheduled charging amount based on the printing unit price based on the printing unit price information transmitted by the information transmission unit and the number of print jobs.
The display control unit causes the display unit to display the scheduled charging amount calculated by the scheduled charging amount calculation unit. The management server is a remaining amount obtained by subtracting a total fixed amount that is a total of the charged amount for the user from an allocated amount that is an amount allocated for each user, and the current remaining amount. A current remaining amount managing means for managing a current remaining amount by at least one of the present remaining amount itself and a combination of the allocated amount and the current total finalized amount;
The information transmitting means includes the current remaining amount managed by the current remaining amount managing unit for the user who has been successfully authenticated by the authentication executing unit, the current remaining amount itself, the allocated amount, and the current total. Sends the current balance information indicated by at least one of the confirmed amount combinations,
The display control means determines the current remaining amount based on the current remaining amount information transmitted by the information transmitting unit, at least one of the current remaining amount itself and a combination of the allocated amount and the current total confirmed amount. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the display is displayed on the display unit. The computer functions as a planned remaining amount calculation unit that calculates a planned remaining amount that is the remaining amount when the print job is executed by the image forming apparatus by executing the printer driver.
The planned remaining amount calculating means is configured to determine the planned remaining amount based on the current remaining amount based on the current remaining amount information transmitted by the information transmitting unit and the scheduled charged amount calculated by the scheduled charged amount calculating unit. To calculate
The display control unit causes the display unit to display the scheduled remaining amount calculated by the scheduled remaining amount calculating unit by at least one of the scheduled remaining amount itself and a combination of the allocated amount and the scheduled total confirmed amount. The printing system according to claim 2. The printing unit price management means manages the printing unit price for each printing condition,
The scheduled charging amount calculation means calculates the scheduled charging amount based on the printing unit price based on the printing unit price information transmitted by the information transmission unit, the number of print jobs, and printing conditions. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A spool server that transmits the stored print job to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus;
The computer functions as a print job transmission unit that transmits the print job by executing the printer driver;
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print job transmission unit is capable of transmitting the print job to the spool server.

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