JP5223648B2 - Charge calculation system, charge calculation method and charge calculation program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a charge calculation system, a charge calculation method, and a charge calculation program that calculate charges according to the number of output sheets of an image forming apparatus.

  When charging a fee, there may be a charge according to the usage amount. For example, a maintenance service for maintaining an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral or a facsimile machine in a favorable state is performed and a maintenance fee is charged. In this case, the number of output sheets is counted by a counter, and a usage fee including maintenance management is charged every predetermined unit period.

  A charge calculation processing system that efficiently calculates a charge when a charge is made according to such a usage amount has been considered (see Patent Document 1). In this patent document 1, the counter report input system provided with the counter report process part and the charge calculation data generation part is used. When the model, machine number, and number of registrations are input, the counter report processing unit searches the contract master recorded in the contract database and acquires the price code. The charge calculation data generation unit that has acquired the input data and price code generates charge calculation target data and supplies it to the charge calculation system. The charge calculation processing unit of the charge calculation system receives charge calculation target data and executes charge calculation processing.

On the other hand, due to the development of the Internet, a system for acquiring contents via a network and printing a catalog or the like in an image forming apparatus at hand is also being studied (for example, see Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 2, a customized catalog is printed by a printing company's printing apparatus based on a Web order from a distributor terminal to a manufacturer's server. When the business negotiation with the customer proceeds to the purchase contract, the sales agent reports the sales process (inputs progress information) to the manufacturer's server. The server reads a billing tag corresponding to the catalog number in the sales process report from the billing information database, and bills the sales agent for the amount corresponding to the billing tag as the catalog price of the customized catalog that has been sold. For this reason, it is not necessary for the sales agent to prepare catalogs for the assumed number in advance, and the catalog cost can be greatly reduced.
JP 2007-94516 A (first page and FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-6523 (first page, FIGS. 1 and 2)

  By the way, in order not to prepare an extra catalog as in Patent Document 2, a catalog acquired via a network may be printed in an image forming apparatus installed at a general insurance company agency or the like. In this case, as in Patent Document 1, when an image forming apparatus to be used is charged according to the amount of use, the agency of the non-life insurance company that uses the image forming apparatus pays for the catalog production. Will pay.

  Conventionally, catalogs are prepared by non-life insurance companies, and agents do not pay for catalogs. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus in the agency is used for printing contents such as a catalog used in a non-life insurance company. Therefore, it is convenient if there is a mechanism that can be distributed and billed separately from the user of the image forming apparatus (here, the agent) for printing contents that the insurance company has conventionally paid for. In this case, it is efficient if a mechanism can be constructed by using data having a configuration that has been used for fee calculation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to calculate a charge for content provided by a content management server in an image forming apparatus that charges according to the usage amount, separately from the charge of the image forming apparatus itself. An object of the present invention is to provide a charge calculation system, a charge calculation method, and a charge calculation program.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 includes an image forming apparatus to be maintained, a control unit connected to a content management server that provides content to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. Counter value data storage means for recording a counter value related to the number of output sheets in association with the device identifier to be specified or the device identifier of the virtual device, and charge table data for recording charge table data for calculating a charge according to the number of output devices a price calculation system comprising a memory means, said virtual device, wherein a is in the image forming apparatus which is made to function as a device for outputting a content provided from the content management server, wherein, receiving a counter value related to the number of output sheets in the image forming apparatus associated with the device identifier of the image forming apparatus, wherein An output counter value acquisition means for recording the counter value data storage means receives the counter value regarding the number of output sheets in the virtual device associated with the device identifier of the virtual machine, providing counter value recorded in the counter value data storage means An acquisition unit, a target specifying unit that specifies a device identifier of a charge calculation target, a device identifier of a virtual device of the image forming device from a device identifier of the image forming device of a charge calculation target, and a counter value of the virtual device The virtual device counter value acquisition unit acquired from the counter value data storage unit, the counter value of the image forming apparatus is acquired from the counter value data storage unit, and the counter value of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus is subtracted. The first charge calculation that calculates the number of output sheets and calculates the first charge according to the number of output sheets using the charge table. And means, the second charge corresponding to the number of output sheets corresponding to the counter value of the virtual machine, and summarized in that with a, a second charge calculation means for calculating using the tariff.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fee calculation system according to the first aspect, the device further includes a device attribute data storage unit that records a fee billing destination identifier for identifying one fee billing destination for one device identifier. The control unit charges the first fee with respect to the fee billing destination identifier associated with the device identifier of the image forming apparatus, and is associated with the device identifier of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus. The gist of the invention is that it further comprises billing processing means for executing a process of billing the second fee for the billing destination identifier.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the charge calculation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein conversion table data storing data relating to a conversion table for identifying a device identifier of a virtual device from a device identifier of an image forming apparatus. The gist of the invention is that the content management server further includes a storage unit, and the conversion table recorded in the conversion table data storage unit is also recorded in the content management server.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus to be maintained, a control unit connected to a content management server that provides content to the image forming apparatus, and a device identifier or virtual device that identifies the image forming apparatus. charge calculating system comprising a counter value data storage means for recording the counter value regarding the number of output sheets in association with the identifier, and a tariff data memory circuit storing tariff data for calculating charges based on the number of output sheets of the device The virtual device is a function for outputting the content provided from the content management server in the image forming apparatus, and the control means includes the image forming apparatus. receiving a counter value related to the number of output sheets in the image forming apparatus associated with the device identifier of the counter An output counter value acquisition step of recording the data storage means receives the counter value regarding the number of output sheets in the virtual device associated with the device identifier of the virtual machine, providing the counter value acquisition step of recording the counter value data storage means A target identification stage for identifying a device identifier of a charge calculation target, a device identifier of a virtual device of the image forming device from a device identifier of the image forming device of a charge calculation target, and a counter value of the virtual device as the counter value A virtual device counter value acquisition stage acquired from the value data storage means, and a counter value of the image forming apparatus which has acquired the counter value of the image forming apparatus from the counter value data storage means and subtracted the counter value of the virtual equipment corresponding to the image forming apparatus And calculating a first fee according to the number of output sheets using the fee table, Wherein the second charge corresponding to the number of output sheets corresponding to the counter value of the virtual machine, and summarized in that to perform a second charge calculation step of calculating using said tariff.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus to be maintained, a control unit connected to a content management server that provides content to the image forming apparatus, and a device identifier or virtual device that identifies the image forming apparatus. charge calculating system comprising a counter value data storage means for recording the counter value regarding the number of output sheets in association with the identifier, and a tariff data memory circuit storing tariff data for calculating charges based on the number of output sheets of the device The virtual device functions as a device that outputs content provided from the content management server in the image forming apparatus, and the control unit is configured to calculate an image using the image processing apparatus. receiving a counter value related to the number of output sheets in the image forming apparatus associated with the device identifier of the forming device, Output counter value acquisition means for recording the serial counter value data storage means receives the counter value regarding the number of output sheets in the virtual device associated with the device identifier of the virtual machine, providing counter value recorded in the counter value data storage means An acquisition unit, a target specifying unit for specifying a device identifier of a charge calculation target, a device identifier of a virtual device of the image forming device from a device identifier of the image forming device of a charge calculation target, and a counter value of the virtual device A virtual device counter value acquisition unit that acquires from the value data storage unit, the counter value of the image forming apparatus is acquired from the counter value data storage unit, and the number of output sheets is obtained by subtracting the counter value of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus. A first fee calculation unit that calculates and calculates a first fee according to the number of output sheets using the fee table. And a second charge corresponding to the number of output sheets corresponding to the counter value of the virtual machine, and summarized in that function as a second charge calculation means for calculating using the tariff.

(Function)
According to the present invention, the control means receives the device identifier of the image forming apparatus and the counter value related to the number of output sheets in the image forming apparatus, and records it in the counter value data storage means. The control means receives the device identifier of the virtual device and the counter value related to the number of sheets output by printing the content provided from the content management server by the image forming apparatus associated with the virtual device, and the counter value data Record in storage means. The control means specifies a device identifier for which charges are to be calculated. The control means specifies the device identifier of the virtual device of the image forming apparatus from the device identifier of the image forming apparatus that is the fee calculation target, and acquires the counter value of the virtual device from the counter value data storage means. The control means obtains the counter value of the image forming apparatus from the counter value data storage means, calculates the number of output sheets obtained by subtracting the counter value of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus, and the first number corresponding to the output number of sheets is calculated. Charges are calculated using a charge table. The control means calculates a second fee according to the number of output sheets corresponding to the counter value of the virtual device using the fee table. That is, the number of contents provided by the content management server printed by the image forming apparatus is managed as the output number of the virtual device. In the fee calculation, an amount corresponding to the number of output sheets obtained by subtracting the output number of the virtual device from the normal fee of the image forming apparatus is calculated as the first fee, and the amount corresponding to the output number of the virtual device is calculated as the second amount. Calculate as a fee. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the charge for the content provided by the content management server in the image forming apparatus that charges according to the usage amount, separately from the charge of the image forming apparatus itself.

According to the present invention, the control unit charges the first fee for the fee billing destination identifier associated with the device identifier of the image forming apparatus, and associates with the device identifier of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus. A process of charging a second charge for the charged charge identifier is executed. In the conventional charge billing system, data in which one charge billing destination is associated with one device is used. For this reason, even if this data is used, the charge billing destination associated with the image forming apparatus can be associated with the charge billing destination associated with the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus. A plurality of billing destinations can be set. Therefore, even if the data structure used in the conventional fee billing system is used, different fees can be charged to a plurality of billing destinations for one image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a conversion table data storage unit that stores data related to a conversion table for specifying the device identifier of the virtual device from the device identifier of the image forming apparatus. The conversion table recorded in the conversion table data storage means is also recorded in the content management server. For this reason, when an image forming apparatus that charges a plurality of billing destinations is newly registered, the content management server does not need to acquire the device identifier of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus from the fee calculation system. Therefore, when the content management server provides content from the image forming apparatus, the device identifier of the virtual device corresponding to the device identifier of the image forming device can be specified using the conversion table, so that the content is quickly provided. can do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to calculate the charge for the content provided by the content management server in the image forming apparatus that charges according to the usage amount, separately from the charge of the image forming apparatus itself.

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a charge calculation system in the case where charging is performed according to the number of output sheets of a multi function peripheral (MFP) 10 will be described. In the present embodiment, the multifunction machine 10 is used as a user by a staff member or agency of a branch / sales office of a non-life insurance company, and the device maintenance management company of the multifunction machine 10 charges the user. In addition, a content management company manages contents (catalogs, forms, etc.) prepared by a non-life insurance company and provides them to branches, sales offices, and agents. Such content is printed by the multifunction peripheral 10 installed in a branch / sales office or agency. Here, the device maintenance management company of the multifunction device 10 charges the content management company for the number of sheets printed in each multifunction device 10. In this case, in the present embodiment, the number of sheets printed by the multifunction device 10 by providing the content is managed as the number of output sheets of the virtual device corresponding to each multifunction device 10.

  The multifunction machine 10 of this embodiment functions as an image forming apparatus, and executes image forming processes such as a printing process and a copying process. Furthermore, the multifunction machine 10 is connected to a content management server 20 of a content management company via a network.

  The multifunction machine 10 includes an operation unit (not shown) for acquiring various instructions, a display unit (not shown) for displaying a content list, and a built-in clock. Further, the multifunction machine 10 includes a control unit 11 and an output counter data storage unit 12.

  The control unit 11 has a memory such as a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (not shown), and performs processing described later (processing including a print data acquisition step, a print control step, an output sheet count step, a counter report step, and the like). The control unit 11 functions as a content acquisition unit 110, a print control unit 111, an output sheet count unit 112, and a counter report unit 115. Further, the control unit 11 stores a device identifier of the multifunction machine 10.

The content acquisition unit 110 executes processing for acquiring content data to be printed from the content management server 20.
The print control unit 111 executes processing for controlling a print execution unit (not shown) based on the print data.

  The output sheet count unit 112 counts the number of sheets output each time the MFP 10 performs the image forming process, and executes a process of recording a total count value in the output counter data storage unit 12. In this embodiment, the number of output sheets for each of monochrome image formation processing, full color image formation processing, and full color printing processing is counted. Here, the output number counting unit 112 counts the number of output sheets in all image forming processes of the printing process and the copying process for each of monochrome and full color, and individually counts only the number of output sheets of the full color printing process.

  The counter reporting unit 115 periodically executes a process of transmitting the count value in the multifunction machine 10 to the device management host server 40 described later. For this purpose, the counter reporting means 115 stores a predetermined transmission time.

  Output counter data 120 is recorded in the output counter data storage unit 12 as shown in FIG. The output counter data 120 is updated every time an image forming process is performed. In the present embodiment, the output counter data 120 includes data relating to a monochrome counter value, a full color counter value, and a full color print counter value.

  In the monochrome counter value data area, data relating to the cumulative value (monochrome counter value) from the initial value of the number of sheets output when monochrome image forming processing is executed in the multifunction machine 10 is recorded.

  In the full color counter value data area, data relating to the cumulative value (full color counter value) from the initial value of the number of sheets output when the image forming process is executed in color in the multifunction machine 10 is recorded. The full color counter value includes the number of sheets output by the printing process (counter value) and the number of sheets output by the copying process (counter value).

  In the full-color print counter value data area, data relating to the cumulative value (full-color print counter value) from the initial value of the number of sheets output when printing processing in color is executed in the multifunction machine 10 is recorded.

  On the other hand, the multifunction machine 10 is connected to the content management server 20 via a network. The content management server 20 provides various content data such as a catalog and a form to the multifunction device 10. The content management server 20 includes a control unit 21, a provided content data storage unit 22, and a provided counter data storage unit 23.

  The control unit 21 has a memory such as a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (not shown), and performs processing described later (processing including a print data providing step, a provided number counting step, a counter reporting step, and the like). The control unit 21 functions as the content providing unit 211, the provided number counting unit 212, and the counter reporting unit 215.

The content providing unit 211 executes processing for transmitting content data in response to a request from the multifunction machine 10.
The provided number counting means 212 executes a process of acquiring the number of sheets for each output to be printed by the multifunction machine 10 according to the content data, and recording the total counter value in the provided counter data storage unit 23. In this case, the provided number counting means 212 identifies the device identifier of the virtual device based on the device identifier of the multifunction machine 10 that provided the content, and records the counter value in association with this. For this reason, the provided number counting means 212 stores a conversion table for converting the device identifier of the virtual device from the device identifier of the main device (multifunction device 10). Specifically, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the table is a table for converting the first codes 600 of “0 to 9” into the second codes 700 of “A to J”. With this conversion table, the device identifier composed of the first code is converted into the device identifier composed of the second code having the same number of digits. Furthermore, the device identifier of the virtual device is converted to a value that does not overlap with other device identifiers by this conversion table.

  The counter reporting unit 215 periodically executes processing for transmitting the counter value of the content provided to the multifunction machine 10 in the content management server 20 to the charge calculation management server 50 described later. For this reason, the counter reporting means 215 stores a predetermined scheduled transmission time. The counter reporting unit 115 transmits later-described data recorded in the provided counter data storage unit 23 to the charge calculation management server 50 every time the scheduled transmission time comes.

  Provided content data storage unit 22 records content data that can be provided. This content data is recorded when content data such as a catalog or a form is input. The content data includes data relating to a content identifier, a content title, and content details.

  In the content identifier data area, the content title data area, and the content content data area, an identifier for specifying each content, the title of the content, and data related to the content are recorded. In the present embodiment, the data relating to the content content includes the content output type (monochrome or full color), the number of output sheets, and the content print data.

  In the provided counter data storage unit 23, as shown in FIG. 2B, a provided counter record 230 is recorded. The provision counter record 230 is updated each time content is provided. In the present embodiment, the provided counter record 230 includes a device identifier of a virtual device, a monochrome counter value, and a full color print counter value.

In the device identifier data area of the virtual device, data relating to an identifier (device identifier) for specifying the virtual device corresponding to the multifunction machine 10 that provided the content is recorded.
In the monochrome counter value data area, data relating to the cumulative value (monochrome counter value) from the initial value of the number of sheets output from the multifunction device 10 corresponding to the virtual device is recorded by the content provided in black and white.

  In the full-color print counter value data area, data relating to the cumulative value (full-color print counter value) from the initial value of the number of sheets printed by the multifunction device 10 corresponding to the virtual device is recorded according to the content provided in color.

  1 is connected to a device management host server 40 via a network. The device management host server 40 performs maintenance monitoring for a plurality of multifunction devices 10 and periodically acquires data relating to counter values from each multifunction device 10. In this embodiment, the device management host server 40 and a charge calculation management server 50 described later function as a charge calculation system.

  The device management host server 40 includes a control unit 41, a device attribute data storage unit 42, a device correspondence data storage unit 43, a billing destination data storage unit 44, and a counter value data storage unit 45. Here, the device attribute data storage unit 42 functions as a device attribute data storage unit. Further, the device management host server 40 is connected to an input terminal (not shown) for inputting various data.

  The control means 41 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like (not shown), and performs processing described later (a billing management stage including a billing process stage and a process including a counter value management stage). The control unit 41 functions as a billing management unit 410 and a counter value management unit 411.

  The billing management unit 410 functions as a billing processing unit and performs management processing of data related to billing from a maintenance contract. Specifically, the billing management unit 410 executes data registration processing related to the maintenance service contract. Further, the billing management unit 410 executes billing processing according to the received fee calculation result.

  The counter value management unit 411 performs a counter value management process in each multifunction machine 10. Specifically, the counter value management unit 411 executes a process of recording the counter value acquired from each multifunction device 10 in the counter value data storage unit 45. Further, the counter value management unit 411 stores a predetermined transmission time. In this embodiment, a transmission schedule to be transmitted for each count value type (monochrome counter value, full color counter value, and full color print counter value) is stored. Then, the counter value management unit 411 executes processing for transmitting the counter value recorded in the counter value data storage unit 45 to the charge calculation management server 50 in accordance with this transmission schedule. Further, the claim management unit 410 functions as a conversion table data storage unit, and stores a conversion table for specifying the device identifier of the virtual device from the device identifier of the main device.

  In the device attribute data storage unit 42, as shown in FIG. 2C, a device attribute record 420 is recorded. The device attribute record 420 is recorded when a maintenance contract is registered for the multifunction machine 10. The device attribute record 420 includes data related to a device identifier, a billing destination identifier, and a billing type flag. In this embodiment, one billing destination identifier is associated with one device identifier in this device attribute record 420.

  In the device identifier data area, data relating to an identifier (device identifier) for identifying each device is recorded. In this embodiment, the device identifier of each multifunction device 10 (main device) or the device identifier of a virtual device corresponding to the device identifier is recorded.

In the billing destination identifier data area, data related to the billing destination for this device is recorded.
In the billing type flag data area, data relating to a flag for specifying a billing type for this device is recorded. In the present embodiment, in the case of a type in which the virtual device is set and billed to a plurality of billing destinations, a “multiple billing flag” for specifying this is recorded. Since the device attribute record 420 of the virtual device is recorded when there are a plurality of billing destinations of the multifunction device 10, “multiple billing flag” is recorded in the billing type flag data area of the virtual device.

  In the device correspondence data storage unit 43, as shown in FIG. 3A, a device correspondence record 430 is recorded. This device correspondence record 430 is recorded when a device attribute record 420 including a bill identification flag of “multiple billing flag” is newly recorded. The device correspondence record 430 includes a device identifier of the main device and a device identifier of the virtual device.

In the device identifier data area of the main device, data relating to an identifier (device identifier) for specifying the MFP 10 to be maintained is recorded.
In the device identifier data area of the virtual device, data relating to an identifier (device identifier) for specifying the virtual device corresponding to the multifunction machine 10 is recorded. The device correspondence record 430 and the device attribute record 420 of the virtual device are associated with each other through the device identifier of the virtual device. Accordingly, the first billing destination identifier of the multifunction device 10 is associated in the device attribute record 420 of the main device, and the second billing destination identifier of the multifunction device 10 is set in the virtual device device attribute record 420 of the device correspondence record 430. Can be associated.

  The billing destination data storage unit 44 stores data relating to the billing destination. This billing destination record is recorded when a new billing destination is registered. This billing destination record includes data regarding a billing destination identifier and billing destination information.

  In the billing destination identifier data area, data relating to an identifier for specifying a billing destination for which a fee is charged is recorded. In the billing destination information data area, data relating to information (billing method, destination, contact address, etc.) when billing the billing destination is recorded.

  In the counter value data storage unit 45, as shown in FIG. 3B, a counter value record 450 of each multifunction machine 10 is recorded. This counter value record 450 is set when each device attribute record 420 is recorded. The counter value record 450 records data relating to a device identifier, a report date and time, a monochrome counter value, a full color counter value, and a full color print counter value.

In the device identifier data area, data relating to an identifier (device identifier) for specifying each multifunction device 10 is recorded.
In the report date and time data area, data related to the date and time when the counter value is acquired from the multifunction machine 10 is recorded.

  In the monochrome counter value data area, data relating to the cumulative value (monochrome counter value) from the initial value of the number of sheets output when monochrome image forming processing is executed in the multifunction machine 10 is recorded.

  In the full color counter value data area, data relating to the cumulative value (full color counter value) from the initial value of the number of sheets output when the image forming process is executed in color in the multifunction machine 10 is recorded.

  In the full-color print counter value data area, data relating to the cumulative value (full-color print counter value) from the initial value of the number of sheets output when printing processing in color is executed in the multifunction machine 10 is recorded.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a charge calculation management server 50 is connected to the above-described device management host server 40 via a network. The fee calculation management server 50 is a server that performs processing for calculating a fee for maintenance of each multifunction device 10. The fee calculation management server 50 is also connected to the content management server 20 via a network.

  The charge calculation management server 50 includes a control means 51, a billing counter value data storage unit 52, a device correspondence data storage unit 53, and a charge table data storage unit 54. The billing counter value data storage unit 52 functions as a counter value data storage unit, and the fee table data storage unit 54 functions as a fee table data storage unit.

The control means 51 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like (not shown), and performs processing described later (processing including a counter value recording stage, a calculation object extraction stage, a billing charge calculation stage, a charge calculation result transmission stage, and the like). Here, the counter value recording stage includes an output counter value acquisition stage and a provided counter value acquisition stage, the calculation object extraction stage includes an object specifying stage, the billing charge calculation stage includes a virtual device counter value acquisition stage, and a first charge calculation stage And a second charge calculation stage. Then, by executing the charge calculation program for this purpose, the control means 51 functions as a counter value recording means 510, a calculation object extraction means 511, a charge charge calculation means 512, a charge calculation result transmission means 513, and the like.

  The counter value recording unit 510 functions as an output counter value acquisition unit and a provided counter value acquisition unit. The counter value recording unit 510 records the counter value acquired from the device management host server 40 and the content management server 20 in the billing counter value data storage unit 52. Specifically, the counter value recording unit 510 acquires and records the counter value of each main device (multifunction device 10) from the device management host server 40. Further, the counter value recording unit 510 acquires and records the counter value of each virtual device from the content management server 20. In the present embodiment, the counter value of the virtual device represents the amount of content provided to the multifunction device 10.

  The calculation target extraction unit 511 functions as a target identification unit, and executes a process of extracting a target device that performs charge calculation. The calculation object extraction unit 511 stores a predetermined calculation schedule (calculation start time). When the calculation start time comes, the calculation object extraction means 511 determines whether or not the counter value of the type necessary for charge calculation is available in the billing counter value data storage unit 52. Further, the calculation target extraction unit 511 specifies the multifunction machine 10 having all necessary counter values as a calculation target.

The billing fee calculation unit 512 functions as a virtual device counter value acquisition unit, a first fee calculation unit, and a second fee calculation unit, and executes a process of calculating a billing fee for the MFP 10 from the counter value. Specifically, the billing fee calculation means 512 subtracts the counter value used for the previous billing fee calculation from the latest counter value to calculate the counter volume of each device.
The charge calculation result transmission unit 513 executes processing for transmitting the charge calculation result to the device management host server 40.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, a billing counter value record 520 used for billing is recorded in the billing counter value data storage unit 52. The billing counter value record 520 is recorded when a counter value is acquired from the device management host server 40 or the content management server 20 of the virtual device. The billing counter value record 520 includes data relating to a device identifier, a report date / time, a billing process date / time, an output type identifier, and a counter value.

In the device identifier data area, data relating to an identifier (device identifier) for identifying each device is recorded.
In the report date / time data area, data related to the date and time when the counter value of the device is acquired is recorded.

  In the billing processing date / time data area, data related to the date and time when billing processing is performed using the billing counter value record 520 is recorded. Before the billing process date / time is recorded, no data is recorded in the billing process date / time data area.

In the output type identifier data area, identifier data for specifying the type of the counter value is recorded. In the present embodiment, the billing counter value record 520 for the main device (multifunction device 10) includes an identifier (monochrome output identifier, monochromatic counter value, full color counter value, and one counter value for specifying the full color print counter value). Full color output identifier and full color print output identifier) are set. In addition, an identifier for specifying a monochrome counter value or a full-color print counter value is set in the billing counter value record 520 for the virtual device.
In the counter value data area, data relating to the counter value corresponding to each output type identifier is recorded.

  A device correspondence record 530 is recorded in the device correspondence data storage unit 53. The device correspondence record 530 is recorded when a new device correspondence record 430 is acquired from the device correspondence data storage unit 43. The device correspondence record 530 has the same data configuration as the device correspondence record 430 shown in FIG.

  In the fee table data storage unit 54, data relating to a fee table in which a fee corresponding to the counter volume is recorded is recorded. In this embodiment, the charge is calculated using the monochrome counter volume, the full color counter volume, and the full color print counter volume as parameters.

  Next, processing in the content output system having the above-described configuration will be described. In the present embodiment, a maintenance contract registration process, a content acquisition process, a counter value transmission process, and a charge calculation process will be described.

(Maintenance contract registration process)
First, the maintenance contract registration process will be described. When a maintenance contract for the multifunction machine 10 is made, a maintenance contract registration process for registering the contents of the contract is performed.

  Here, the administrator inputs the contents of the maintenance contract to the device management host server 40 using the input terminal. Specifically, the device management host server 40 displays a registration processing screen when receiving an administrator registration instruction from the input terminal. This registration screen includes an input field for inputting a device identifier of the MFP 10 to be maintained, an input field for inputting a billing destination identifier, a selection field for selecting a billing type flag, and a registration button.

  Here, the administrator inputs the device identifier, the billing type flag, and the billing destination identifier of the multifunction device 10 on the registration processing screen. Here, when there are a plurality of billing destinations of the multifunction machine 10, “multiple billing flag” is input as a billing type flag. In this case, a billing destination identifier that specifies an agent that uses the multifunction machine 10 is input as the first billing destination, and a billing destination identifier that specifies the content management company is input as the second billing destination. When the registration button is selected, the control means 41 of the device management host server 40 executes a registration process.

  In this registration process, the control means 41 executes a registration process for the main device. Specifically, the billing management unit 410 of the control unit 41 generates a device attribute record 420 including the device identifier, billing destination billing identifier, and billing type flag of the MFP 10 input on the registration screen. Recorded in the attribute data storage unit 42. In this case, when “multiple billing flag” is recorded as the billing type flag, the first billing destination is recorded in the device attribute record 420.

  When the “multiple billing flag” is recorded as the billing type flag, the control unit 41 executes a device identifier determination process for the virtual device. Specifically, the claim management unit 410 of the control unit 41 converts the device identifier of the main device using the conversion table shown in FIG. For example, when the device identifier of the main device is “310772”, when this device identifier is converted according to the conversion table, it becomes “DBBAHC”, which becomes the device identifier of the virtual device. Then, the control unit 41 generates a device attribute record 420 including the device identifier of the virtual device, the second billing destination, and the billing type flag of “multiple billing flag”, and stores it in the device attribute data storage unit 42. Record.

Further, the control unit 41 generates a device correspondence record 430 in which the generated device identifier of the virtual device and the device identifier of the main device are associated with each other, and records the device correspondence record 430 in the device correspondence data storage unit 43. The control means 41 transmits this device correspondence record 430 to the charge calculation management server 50. The fee calculation management server 50 newly adds the device correspondence record 430 newly received from the device management host server 40 to the device correspondence data storage unit 53. Thus, the maintenance contract registration process ends.

(Content output processing)
Next, content output processing will be described with reference to FIG. This content output processing is started by an instruction from a user using the multifunction machine 10.

  When printing content such as a catalog or a form, the user issues a content request instruction via the operation unit of the multifunction machine 10. In this case, the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10 makes a content selection screen request to the content management server 20 (step S1-1).

  Upon receiving the content selection screen request, the control unit 21 of the content management server 20 executes a content list screen transmission process (step S1-2). Specifically, the content providing unit 211 of the control unit 21 extracts the content identifier and the content title from the provided content data storage unit 22. And the content provision means 211 produces | generates the content selection screen data on which these content titles are displayed as a list. In this case, the content providing unit 211 associates a content identifier corresponding to the content title and includes it in the content selection screen data. Then, the content providing unit 211 transmits the content selection screen data to the multifunction device 10.

  The control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10 executes display processing for the content list screen (step S1-3). Specifically, the content acquisition unit 110 of the control unit 11 displays a list of content titles on the display unit of the multifunction machine 10 based on the received content selection screen data. Further, this content selection screen includes an input field for inputting the number of copies to be printed.

  Here, the user selects the title of the content to be printed via the operation unit, and inputs the number of copies to be entered in the input field. In this case, the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 executes content data request processing (step S1-4). Specifically, the content acquisition unit 110 of the control unit 11 transmits a content data request including a content identifier associated with the selected title to the content management server 20. In this case, the multifunction device 10 includes data regarding the device identifier of the multifunction device 10 and the number of prints input in the input field in the content data request.

  The control unit 21 of the content management server 20 executes content data transmission processing (step S1-5). Specifically, the content providing unit 211 of the control unit 21 extracts content data including the acquired content identifier from the provided content data storage unit 22. Then, the content providing unit 211 transmits the print data of the extracted content data to the multifunction machine 10. In this case, the content providing unit 211 calculates the provided number by multiplying the output type (monochrome or full color) and the output number of the content data by the number of copies included in the content data request, and temporarily stores it in the memory. Record.

  Further, the control unit 21 of the content management server 20 executes a device identifier specifying process for the virtual device (step S1-6). Specifically, the content providing unit 211 of the control unit 21 converts the device identifier of the multifunction device 10 included in the content data request using the conversion table, and specifies the device identifier of the virtual device.

And the control part 21 of the content management server 20 performs the recording process of the output number of virtual devices (step S1-7). Specifically, the content providing unit 211 of the control unit 21 searches the provided counter record 230 including the device identifier of the identified virtual device. In this case, when the corresponding provision counter record 230 cannot be extracted, the content provision unit 211 generates a provision counter record 230 including the device identifier of the virtual device and the number of provisions temporarily recorded in the memory. Record.

  On the other hand, when the corresponding providing counter record 230 is extracted, the content providing unit 211 obtains a counter value corresponding to the output type of the transmitted content from the extracted providing counter record 230 and temporarily records it in the memory. A new counter value is calculated by adding the number of sheets. Then, the content providing unit 211 records this counter value in the counter value data area of the provided counter record 230 extracted.

  On the other hand, the control unit 11 of the MFP 10 that has received the content data executes content printing processing (step S1-8). Specifically, the content acquisition unit 110 of the control unit 11 acquires print data of content data from the content management server 20 and provides it to the print control unit 111. The print control unit 111 controls the print execution unit (not shown) based on the print data to print the content. In this case, the output number counting means 112 of the control unit 11 counts up the counter value of the output counter data 120 corresponding to the output type of printing each time one sheet is printed.

  Then, the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10 executes a process for recording the number of output sheets by printing (step S1-9). Specifically, the output sheet count unit 112 of the control unit 11 acquires the counter value for each output type output by this printing from the output counter data 120 of the output counter data storage unit 12. The output number counting means 112 calculates a total counter value obtained by adding the counter value recorded in the memory to these counter values. Then, the output sheet count unit 112 records the calculated total counter value as a new counter value (monochrome counter value or full color print counter value) of the output counter data 120.

(Counter value transmission processing from the multifunction machine 10)
The control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10 executes a counter value transmission process when a predetermined transmission time is reached using the built-in clock. Specifically, the counter reporting unit 115 of the control unit 11 extracts the output counter data 120 from the output counter data storage unit 12. The counter reporting unit 115 transmits each counter value to the device management host server 40 together with the corresponding output type identifier. In this case, the counter reporting unit 115 also transmits its own device identifier.

  Then, the control means 41 of the device management host server 40 executes processing for recording the received counter value. Specifically, the counter value management unit 411 of the control unit 41 extracts a counter value record 450 including the received device identifier. The counter value management unit 411 records the received counter value in the counter value data area of the extracted counter value record 450. Further, the counter value management unit 411 records the date and time at this time in the counter value record 450 as the report date and time.

  Thereafter, the control means 41 of the device management host server 40 executes a counter value transmission process according to the transmission schedule. Specifically, the counter value management unit 411 of the control unit 41 outputs the counter value of the output type corresponding to the scheduled transmission time to each counter recorded in the counter value data storage unit 45 when the scheduled transmission time is reached. It is extracted from the value record 450 and transmitted to the charge calculation management server 50. In this case, the counter value management unit 411 transmits the counter value (monochrome counter value, full color counter value, or full color print counter value), the device identifier, and the report date / time of each counter value record 450 to the charge calculation management server 50.

  The control means 51 of the fee calculation management server 50 executes a counter value recording process. Specifically, the counter value recording unit 510 of the control unit 51 stores the billing counter value record 520 in which the device identifier of the received counter value record 450 is recorded and the billing processing date / time is not recorded. Search from 52.

  Here, when the corresponding billing counter value record 520 is not extracted, the counter value recording unit 510 includes a billing counter including the received device identifier, the report date and time, the received counter value, and the output type identifier corresponding thereto. A value record 520 is generated and recorded in the billing counter value data storage unit 52.

  On the other hand, when the corresponding billing counter value record 520 is extracted, the counter value recording unit 510 records the received counter value record 450 in the counter value data area of the extracted billing counter value record 520. .

(Counter value transmission processing from the content management server 20)
The control unit 21 of the content management server 20 executes a counter value transmission process using a built-in clock when a predetermined transmission time is reached. Specifically, the counter reporting unit 215 of the control unit 21 extracts each provided counter record 230 from the provided counter data storage unit 23. Then, the counter reporting unit 215 transmits the extracted provided counter record 230 to the fee calculation management server 50.

  The control means 51 of the fee calculation management server 50 executes a counter value recording process. Specifically, the counter value recording unit 510 of the control unit 51 stores the billing counter value record 520 in which the device identifier of the received provision counter record 230 is recorded and the billing processing date / time is not recorded. Search from 52.

  Here, when the corresponding billing counter value record 520 is not extracted, the counter value recording unit 510 receives the device identifier, the report date and time, the counter value, and the output type corresponding to the counter value of the received provision counter record 230. A billing counter value record 520 including the identifier is generated and recorded in the billing counter value data storage unit 52. In the present embodiment, the counter value recording unit 510 receives the monochrome counter value and the full color print counter value from the content management server 20, so that each billing counter value record 520 is recorded.

  On the other hand, when the corresponding billing counter value record 520 is extracted, the counter value recording means 510 stores the output type identifier of the received provisioning counter record 230 in the counter value data area of the extracted billing counter value record 520. Record the corresponding counter value.

(Charge calculation processing)
Next, fee calculation processing performed by the fee calculation management server 50 will be described.
In this embodiment, the control means 51 of the charge calculation management server 50 starts the charge calculation process when the calculation start time comes. In this case, the control means 51 sequentially specifies device identifiers to be determined in the order of device identifiers, and repeatedly executes steps S2-1 to S2-7 described later.

The control means 51 of the charge calculation management server 50 determines whether or not the calculation is for a device having a plurality of billing destinations (step S2-1). Specifically, the calculation target extraction unit 511 of the control unit 51 extracts a device attribute record 420 including a determination target device identifier. When the “multiple billing flag” is recorded in the billing identification flag data area of the device attribute record 420, the calculation target extraction unit 511 specifies that the calculation is for a device having a plurality of billing destinations.

  Here, in the case of charge calculation for a device whose billing destination is 1 (in the case of “NO” in step S2-1), the control means 51 determines whether or not counter values of main devices necessary for charge calculation are available. A determination process is executed (step S2-2). Here, it is determined whether or not three types of counter values (monochrome counter value, full color counter value, and full color print counter value) are available for the multifunction machine 10. Specifically, the calculation target extraction unit 511 of the control unit 51 extracts the device correspondence record 430 including the device identifier from the device correspondence data storage unit 43. Then, the calculation target extraction unit 511 searches for the billing counter value record 520 that includes the device identifier of the main device of the extracted device correspondence record 430 and does not record the billing process date and time. In this case, if the three types of billing counter value records 520 that include the device identifier of the main device and the billing processing date / time is not recorded cannot be extracted, the calculation target extraction unit 511 has insufficient counter values necessary for charge calculation. It is determined that the process has been performed, and the process ends (“NO” in step S2-2).

  On the other hand, when all the billing counter value records 520 of the main device necessary for the charge calculation have been extracted (in the case of “YES” in step S2-2), the control means 51 executes a counter volume calculation process (step S2). -3). Specifically, the billing fee calculation unit 512 of the control unit 51 uses the billing counter value record 520 in which the billing processing date / time is not recorded among the billing counter value records 520 including the device identifier as the current billing counter value record. Extract. Further, the billing fee calculation means 512 searches the billing counter value record 520 in which the latest billing processing date / time is recorded among the billing counter value records 520 including the device identifier as the previous billing counter value record. When the billing counter value record 520 in which the past date and time is recorded cannot be extracted, the billing fee calculation unit 512 sets each counter value of the previous billing counter record as a predetermined initial value.

  Then, the billing charge calculating means 512 calculates the counter volume CV by subtracting the counter value Cp corresponding to the previous billing counter value record 520 from each counter value Ct of the current billing counter value record 520. Specifically, the billing charge calculating means 512 calculates the counter volume by subtracting the monochrome counter value of the previous billing counter value record 520 from the monochrome counter value of the current billing counter value record 520. The billing fee calculation means 512 calculates the counter volume by subtracting the full color counter value of the previous billing counter value record 520 from the full color counter value of the current billing counter value record 520. The calculation object extraction unit 511 calculates the counter volume by subtracting the full color print counter value of the previous billing counter value record 520 from the full color print counter value of the current billing counter value record 520. For example, when the counter value of the main device is as shown in the table 800 of FIG. 7A, the counter volume as shown in the table 810 of FIG. 7B is calculated.

  On the other hand, in the case of charge calculation for a device with a plurality of billing destinations (in the case of “YES” in step S2-1), the control means 51 has all the counter values of the main device and the virtual device necessary for charge calculation prepared. A determination process of whether or not is executed (step S2-4). Here, all counter values (monochrome counter value, full color counter value, and full color print counter value) of the multifunction device 10 and all counter values (monochrome counter value and full color print counter value of the virtual device corresponding to the multifunction device 10). ) Are determined.

Specifically, the calculation target extraction unit 511 of the control unit 51 extracts the device correspondence record 430 including the device identifier from the device correspondence data storage unit 43. Then, the calculation target extraction unit 511 searches for the billing counter value record 520 that includes the device identifier of the main device of the extracted device correspondence record 430 and does not record the billing process date and time. If the billing counter value record 520 that includes the device identifier of the main device and for which the billing process date / time is not recorded is not extracted, the calculation target extraction unit 511 ends the charge calculation process (in step S2-4). "NO").

  Further, when the corresponding billing counter value record 520 is extracted, the calculation target extraction unit 511 includes the billing counter value record 520 that includes the device identifier of the virtual device of the extracted device correspondence record 430 and does not record the billing processing date and time. Search for. In this case, when the billing counter value record 520 including the device identifier of the virtual device and not recorded with the billing process date / time is not extracted, the calculation target extracting unit 511 ends the charge calculation process (in step S2-4). "NO").

  On the other hand, if all the counter values of the main device and the virtual device necessary for the charge calculation are available (“YES” in step S2-4), the control means 51 executes a counter volume calculation process (step S2). -5). Here, the control means 51 calculates the temporary counter volume of the main device and the counter volume of the virtual device. Specifically, as in step S2-3, the billing fee calculation unit 512 sets the billing counter value record 520 in which the billing processing date / time is not recorded among the billing counter value records 520 including the device identifier of the main device this time. As a billing counter value record. Further, the billing charge calculation means 512 searches the billing counter value record 520 having the latest billing processing date / time among the billing counter value records 520 including the device identifier of the main device as the previous billing counter value record.

  Then, the billing fee calculation means 512 extracts the billing counter value record 520 in which the billing processing date / time is not recorded from the billing counter value record 520 including the device identifier of the virtual device as the current billing counter value record. Further, the billing fee calculation means 512 searches the billing counter value record 520 in which the latest billing processing date / time is recorded among the billing counter value records 520 including the device identifier of the virtual device as the previous billing counter value record. If the previous billing counter value record could not be extracted, billing fee calculation means 512 uses each counter value of the previous billing counter record as a predetermined initial value as in step S2-3. Set.

  Then, the billing charge calculation means 512 subtracts the counter value Cp corresponding to the previous billing counter value record 520 for the main device from each counter value Ct of the current billing counter value record 520 for the main device. The temporary counter volume (CV) of the device is calculated.

  Further, the counter value Cp of the previous billing counter value record 520 for the virtual device is subtracted from each counter value Ct of the current billing counter value record 520 for the virtual device to calculate the counter volume CV of the virtual device. To do. For example, when the counter value is as shown in the table 800 of FIG. 7A, the counter volume as shown in the table 820 of FIG. 7C is calculated. Then, the calculated counter volume is temporarily recorded in the memory.

Next, the control means 51 executes a counter volume calculation process of the main device (step S2-6). Here, the control means 51 subtracts the counter volume of the virtual device from the temporary counter volume of the main device. Specifically, the billing charge calculation unit 512 of the control unit 51 calculates the monochrome counter volume of the main device by subtracting the monochrome counter volume of the virtual device from the monochrome temporary counter volume of the main device. Further, the billing fee calculation means 512 subtracts the full color print counter volume of the main device from the full color temporary counter volume of the main device to calculate the full color counter volume of the main device. Then, the billing fee calculation means 512 subtracts the counter volume of the full color print of the virtual device from the temporary counter volume of the full color print of the main device, and calculates the counter volume of the full color print of the main device. For example, when the counter values of the main device and the virtual device are as shown in the table 800 of FIG. 7A, the counter volume as shown in the table 820 of FIG. 7C is calculated. Then, the billing fee calculation means 512 temporarily records the calculated counter volume in the memory.

  When the counter volume calculation process is completed (steps S2-3 and S2-6), the control unit 51 executes the charge calculation process (step S2-7). Specifically, the billing fee calculation unit 512 of the control unit 51 records the fee corresponding to the calculated monochrome counter volume, full color counter volume, and full color print counter volume in the fee table data storage unit 54. Calculate using tabular data.

  The billing fee calculation means 512 temporarily records the calculated fee together with each device identifier in the memory. When there are a plurality of billing destinations, a fee associated with the device identifier of the main device and a fee associated with the device identifier of the virtual device are recorded. Further, the billing fee calculation means 512 records the current date and time in the billing processing date / time data area of the billing counter value record 520 used for calculating the fee.

  And when the process of step S2-1 to S2-7 is performed about all the apparatus identifiers, the control means 51 performs the transmission process of a charge calculation result (step S2-8). Specifically, the charge calculation result transmission means 513 of the control means 51 transmits charge calculation result data to the device management host server 40. The fee calculation result transmission means 513 includes the calculated fee and each device identifier associated with the calculated fee in the fee calculation result data. Thus, the charge calculation process is completed.

  The control means 41 of the device management host server 40 that has received the charge calculation result executes a billing process. Specifically, when the charge management unit 410 of the control unit 41 acquires the charge calculation result data from the charge calculation management server 50, the device attribute record 420 including the device identifiers of the main device and the virtual device is stored in the device attribute data storage. Extracted from the unit 42. Then, the billing management unit 410 extracts a billing destination record including the billing destination identifier of the extracted device attribute record 420 from the billing destination data storage unit 44. Then, the billing management unit 410 performs billing processing for the calculated fee using the billing destination record.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
In the present embodiment, when the content management server 20 executes content data transmission processing in response to a request from the multifunction device 10 (step S1-5), the content management server 20 associates the device with the device identifier of the virtual device corresponding to the multifunction device 10. The number of output sheets is recorded (step S1-7). The control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10 that has acquired the content data executes a process for recording the number of output sheets by printing (step S1-9). The fee calculation management server 50 acquires the device identifier and counter value of the multifunction machine 10 and records them in the billing counter value data storage unit 52, acquires the device identifier and counter value of the virtual device from the content management server 20, and charges them. Recorded in the counter value data storage unit 52. When the calculation start time comes, the control means 51 of the fee calculation management server 50 executes a determination process for determining whether or not all the counter values of the main device and the counter values of the virtual device are present (step S2-4). When all the counter values used for the charge calculation are present (in the case of “YES” in step S2-4), the control means 51 executes a counter volume calculation process for the main device and the virtual device (step S2-5, step S2). -6). The control means 51 calculates a fee from the calculated counter volume using the fee table data (Step S2-7), and transmits the fee calculation result to the device management host server 40 (Step S2).
2-8). Upon receiving the charge calculation result, the control means 41 of the device management host server 40 identifies each billing destination identifier of the device attribute record 420 including the device identifiers of the main device and the virtual device, and billing destination of each billing destination identifier The billing process for the calculated fee is performed using the record. That is, the charge when the MFP 10 prints the content provided by the content management server 20 is managed as the number of output virtual devices. In charge calculation, a charge obtained by subtracting the number of output virtual machines from the normal charge of the multifunction machine 10 and a charge corresponding to the number of output virtual machines are calculated separately. For this reason, charging for the content provided by the content management server 20 in the MFP 10 that charges according to the usage amount is calculated separately from the charging of the image forming apparatus itself, and each fee is charged to different billing destinations. can do.

  In the present embodiment, in the device attribute record 420, one billing destination identifier is associated with one device identifier. Even in this case, since the billing destination identifier associated with the device identifier of the multifunction device 10 and the billing destination identifier associated with the device identifier of the virtual device corresponding to the multifunction device 10 can be associated, one image A plurality of billing destinations can be set for the forming apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, in the device identifier identification process of the virtual device in the content output process, the content management server 20 converts the device identifier of the multifunction machine 10 included in the content data request using the conversion table. The device identifier of the virtual device is specified. For this reason, the content management server 20 does not need to acquire the device identifier of the virtual device of the multifunction device 10 from the fee calculation management server 50 when the multifunction device 10 that charges a plurality of billing destinations is newly registered. . Therefore, when the content management server 20 receives a content request from the multi-function device 10, the content management server 20 can accurately specify the device identifier of the virtual device used in the fee calculation management server 50, and can provide the content quickly. it can.

  In the present embodiment, in the charge calculation process, the control means 51 of the charge calculation management server 50 specifies whether or not the calculation is for a device having a plurality of billing destinations when the calculation start time is reached (step S2-1). ). In the case of charge calculation for a device whose billing destination is 1 (in the case of “NO” in step S2-1), the control means 51 determines all counter values (monochrome counter value, full color counter value, and full color print counter) of the multifunction machine 10. It is determined whether or not (value) is complete (step S2-2). If the counter values are complete, the control means 51 executes a counter volume calculation process (step S2-3), and executes a charge calculation process (step S2-7). On the other hand, in the case of charge calculation for a device having a plurality of billing destinations (in the case of “YES” in step S2-1), the control means 51 determines all counter values of the multifunction device 10 and the virtual machine corresponding to the multifunction device 10. It is determined whether or not all the counter values of the device are available (step S2-4). If the counter values are complete, the control means 51 executes a counter volume calculation process (step S2-3) and a charge calculation process (step S2-7). For this reason, the charges can be calculated sequentially on the day when all the counter values used for calculating the charges are prepared.

Moreover, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the above embodiment, the content management server 20 specifies the number of output sheets to be printed by the multifunction device 10 from the content data transmitted to the multifunction device 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the content management server 20 may use such a method as long as the number of sheets printed by the multifunction device 10 can be acquired by the provided content. For example, when the multifunction device 10 receives content data from the content management server 20, data related to the number of output sheets printed based on the content data may be transmitted to the content management server 20. In this case, the number of sheets actually printed by the multifunction machine 10 can be acquired more accurately.

  In the above embodiment, the fee calculation management server 50 uses the device correspondence record 530 to identify the device identifier of the virtual device from the device identifier of the multifunction machine 10. Instead of the device correspondence record 530, the charge calculation management server 50 may specify the device identifier of the virtual device from the device identifier of the multifunction device 10 using a conversion table. In addition, the content management server 20 identifies the device identifier of the virtual device from the device identifier of the multifunction machine 10 (main device) using the conversion table. Instead of this conversion table, a device-corresponding data storage unit that associates the device identifier of the multifunction device 10 with the device identifier of the virtual device may be provided in the content management server 20 and the virtual device may be specified from this device-corresponding record. In this case, the device management host server 40 assigns the device identifier of the virtual device to the device identifier of the main device newly registered by the maintenance contract registration process, and records it in the device correspondence data storage unit 43. Then, the device management host server 40 transmits the device correspondence record 430 in the device correspondence data storage unit 43 to the content management server 20. When acquiring the device identifier from the multifunction device 10, the control unit 21 of the content management server 20 extracts and specifies the device identifier of the virtual device corresponding to the device identifier from the device correspondence data storage unit. In this case, an arbitrary device identifier can be assigned as the device identifier of the virtual device.

  In the charge calculation process of the above embodiment, the control means 51 of the charge calculation management server 50 starts the charge calculation process when the calculation start time comes. The timing of charge calculation is not limited to this. For example, the charge calculation process may be performed every predetermined day (for example, every 10 days). In addition, when the control unit 51 receives counter values from the content management server 20 and the device management host server 40, the control unit 51 determines whether all counter values necessary for charge calculation are prepared. Charge calculation may begin.

  In the above embodiment, the content management server 20 records the number of output sheets provided to the multifunction device 10 in association with the device identifier of the virtual device. In this case, there may be a plurality of content management servers 20 that provide content to the multifunction machine 10. For example, a first content management server that manages catalog output and a second content management server that manages output of forms may be provided. In this case, the first and second content management servers set device identifiers of different virtual devices for the multifunction device 10, and the output number provided to the multifunction device 10 by each content management server in association with the device identifiers. Record. As a result, when there are a plurality of content management servers that manage the content to be provided to the multifunction peripheral 10, it is possible to charge a fee separately for each content management server.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the multi-function peripheral 10 counts the number of output sheets for monochrome image formation processing, full color image formation processing, and full color printing processing. However, the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10 may count only monochrome image formation processing and full color image formation processing. In this case, the control means 51 of the fee calculation management server 50 subtracts the counter volume of the virtual device from the full color temporary counter volume of the main device to calculate the full color counter volume of the main device. Thereby, the charge calculation of both the multifunction machine 10 that counts full-color prints and the multifunction machine 10 that does not count full-color prints can be performed with the same mechanism.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system in an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the data recorded on the data storage part, (a) is an output counter data storage part, (b) is a provision counter data storage part, (c) is an apparatus attribute data storage part. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the data recorded on the data storage part, (a) is an apparatus corresponding | compatible data storage part, (b) is a counter value data storage part, (c) is a billing counter value data storage part. The flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence of a content output process. The flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence of a charge calculation process. Explanatory drawing of the conversion data for specifying the apparatus identifier of a virtual apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the counter volume used for a charge calculation, (a) is a counter value, (b) is a counter volume when the charge billing destination is 1, (c) Counter volume in case.

Explanation of symbols

  Cp, Ct ... counter value, 10 ... multifunction peripheral as image forming apparatus, 11 ... control unit, 12 ... output counter data storage unit, 20 ... content management server, 21 ... control unit, 22 ... provided content data storage unit, 23 ... providing counter data storage unit, 40 ... device management host server, 41 ... control means, 42 ... device attribute data storage unit, 43 ... device-compatible data storage unit, 44 ... billing address data storage unit, 45 ... counter value data storage unit , 50 ... charge calculation management server, 51 ... control means, 52 ... billing counter value data storage section, 53 ... device-compatible data storage section, 54 ... charge table data storage section, 110 ... content acquisition means, 111 ... print control means, 112 ... Output number counting means, 115 ... Counter reporting means, 211 ... Content providing means, 212 ... Provided number counting means, 21 ... counter reporting means, 410 ... billing section, 411 ... counter value management unit, 510 ... counter value recording means 511 ... calculating target extraction unit, 512 ... billed calculating means, 513 ... transmission means.

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus to be maintained and a control unit connected to a content management server for providing content to the image forming apparatus;
Counter value data storage means for recording a counter value relating to the number of output sheets in association with a device identifier for specifying the image forming apparatus or a device identifier of a virtual device ;
A price calculation system comprising a recording and tariff data storage means tariff data for calculating charges based on the number of output sheets of the device,
The virtual device functions as a device that outputs content provided from the content management server in the image forming apparatus,
The control means includes
An output counter value acquisition means for receiving a counter value relating to the number of output sheets in the image forming apparatus associated with the device identifier of the image forming apparatus and recording it in the counter value data storage means;
Provided counter value acquisition means for receiving a counter value relating to the number of output sheets in the virtual device associated with the device identifier of the virtual device and recording it in the counter value data storage means;
A target identification means for identifying a device identifier for charge calculation;
A virtual device counter value acquisition unit that identifies a device identifier of a virtual device of the image forming apparatus from the device identifier of the image forming apparatus to be calculated, and acquires a counter value of the virtual device from the counter value data storage unit;
The counter value of the image forming apparatus is acquired from the counter value data storage unit, the number of output sheets is calculated by subtracting the counter value of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus, and a first fee corresponding to the output number is calculated. First charge calculation means for calculating using the charge table;
Second fee calculation means for calculating a second fee according to the number of output sheets corresponding to the counter value of the virtual device using the fee table;
A charge calculation system characterized by comprising: A device attribute data storage unit that records a billing destination identifier that identifies one billing destination for one device identifier;
The control unit charges the first fee with respect to a fee billing destination identifier associated with the device identifier of the image forming apparatus, and charges associated with the device identifier of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus. The fee calculation system according to claim 1, further comprising billing processing means for executing processing for billing the second fee with respect to the billing destination identifier. A conversion table data storage means for storing data relating to a conversion table for identifying the device identifier of the virtual device from the device identifier of the image forming apparatus;
The fee calculation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conversion table recorded in the conversion table data storage means is also recorded in the content management server. An image forming apparatus to be maintained and a control unit connected to a content management server for providing content to the image forming apparatus;
Counter value data storage means for recording a counter value relating to the number of output sheets in association with a device identifier for specifying the image forming apparatus or a device identifier of a virtual device ;
A price calculation method using the charge calculation system comprising a recording and tariff data storage means tariff data for calculating charges based on the number of output sheets of the device,
The virtual device functions as a device that outputs content provided from the content management server in the image forming apparatus,
The control means includes
An output counter value obtaining step of receiving a counter value relating to the number of output sheets in the image forming apparatus associated with the device identifier of the image forming apparatus and recording it in the counter value data storage means;
A provision counter value acquisition step of receiving a counter value related to the number of output sheets in the virtual device associated with the device identifier of the virtual device and recording it in the counter value data storage means;
A target identification stage for identifying a device identifier for charge calculation;
A virtual device counter value acquisition step of identifying the device identifier of the virtual device of the image forming apparatus from the device identifier of the image forming apparatus to be charged, and acquiring the counter value of the virtual device from the counter value data storage unit;
The counter value of the image forming apparatus is acquired from the counter value data storage unit, the number of output sheets is calculated by subtracting the counter value of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus, and a first fee corresponding to the output number is calculated. A first fee calculation stage calculated using the fee table;
A second fee calculation step of calculating a second fee corresponding to the number of output sheets corresponding to the counter value of the virtual device using the fee table;
The charge calculation method characterized by performing. An image forming apparatus to be maintained and a control unit connected to a content management server for providing content to the image forming apparatus;
Counter value data storage means for recording a counter value relating to the number of output sheets in association with a device identifier for specifying the image forming apparatus or a device identifier of a virtual device ;
A program for calculating the price using the price calculation system comprising a recording and tariff data storage means tariff data for calculating charges based on the number of output sheets of the device,
The virtual device functions as a device that outputs content provided from the content management server in the image forming apparatus,
The control means;
An output counter value acquisition means for receiving a counter value relating to the number of output sheets in the image forming apparatus associated with the device identifier of the image forming apparatus and recording it in the counter value data storage means;
Provision counter value acquisition means for receiving a counter value relating to the number of outputs in the virtual device associated with the device identifier of the virtual device and recording it in the counter value data storage means;
Target identification means for identifying the device identifier for charge calculation,
A virtual device counter value acquisition unit that identifies a device identifier of a virtual device of the image forming apparatus from the device identifier of the image forming apparatus to be calculated, and acquires a counter value of the virtual device from the counter value data storage unit;
The counter value of the image forming apparatus is acquired from the counter value data storage unit, the number of output sheets is calculated by subtracting the counter value of the virtual device corresponding to the image forming apparatus, and a first fee corresponding to the output number is calculated. First charge calculation means for calculating using the charge table, and second charge calculation means for calculating a second charge corresponding to the number of output sheets corresponding to the counter value of the virtual device using the charge table Charge calculation program characterized by functioning.

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