WO2023162236A1

WO2023162236A1 - Billing management method, billing management system, and billing management program

Info

Publication number: WO2023162236A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/008327
Authority: WO
Inventors: 直樹小林; 浩史岡; 茂樹高谷; 伸悟伊東
Original assignee: 京セラ株式会社
Priority date: 2022-02-28
Filing date: 2022-02-28
Publication date: 2023-08-31

Abstract

A billing management method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method whereby a billing management system charges a printer usage fee to a registered user. This billing management method includes: a step for identifying, via a network, the user using a printer among a plurality of printers belonging to a plurality of managers; a step for receiving, via the network, information about a printing quantity when the user has used the printer; and a step for determining the printer usage fee for the plurality of printers on the basis of the total printing quantity for the user during a prescribed period.

Description

Billing management method, billing management system, and billing management program

The present disclosure relates to a billing management method, a billing management system, and a billing management program for billing printer usage fees.

Conventionally, billing management methods have been proposed in which a printer usage fee, which is a fee associated with the use of a printer, is charged based on the amount of printing (that is, the amount of consumable material used) when the user prints using the printer. there is

In Patent Document 1, a printer detects the amount of ink used for a head assembly (cartridge) to be billed, a server acquires the amount of ink used and a head assembly ID from the printer side, and sends the head assembly ID to the user of the printer. It describes a method of collating with an ID and determining a billing amount for the user according to the amount of ink used.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200000 discloses that when a plurality of users share a single printer, the printer notifies a server of the amount of ink used when printing by a print job, and the server calculates a billing amount based on the amount of ink used. is determined, and the charge amount for each print job is notified to the user by displaying the charge amount on the operation panel of the printer triggered by the end of printing.

In Patent Document 3, a printer maker (ink cartridge supplier) supplies ink in cartridges to an administrator (cartridge user) who manages a plurality of printers, and the printer administrator instructs each printer to perform printing. A method of paying the printer maker for ink according to the amount of ink used is described.

JP-A-2002-36582 JP 2017-102704 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-118490

The billing management method according to the first aspect is a method for the billing management system to bill a printer usage fee to a registered user. The billing management method comprises the steps of: identifying, via a network, the user who uses one of a plurality of printers belonging to a plurality of administrators; receiving information over the network; and determining the printer usage fee for the plurality of printers based on the total print volume of the user within a predetermined period of time.

A billing management system according to the second aspect is a system for billing printer usage fees to registered users. The billing management system includes a process of identifying, via a network, the user who uses one of a plurality of printers belonging to a plurality of administrators, and a process of determining the amount of printing when the user uses the printer. Accounting management for executing a process of receiving information via the network, and a process of determining the printer usage fee for the plurality of printers based on the total print volume of the user within a predetermined period. Have a server.

A billing management program according to a third aspect uses one of a plurality of printers belonging to a plurality of administrators in a computer for billing printer usage fees to registered users. a process of identifying the user via a network, a process of receiving information on the print volume when the user uses the printer via the network, and calculating the printer usage fee for the plurality of printers. , and a process of determining based on the total print amount of the user within a predetermined period.

It is a figure showing the whole charge management system composition concerning an embodiment. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional block configuration of the printer according to the embodiment; FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an external configuration of a printer according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the terminal which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the charge management server which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a billing database according to the embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of a billing database according to the embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing operations on the side of a billing management server according to the embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the operation of the printer according to the embodiment, specifically, step S3 of FIG. 8; It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information for accounting which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st operation example of the charge management system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second operation example of the billing management system according to the embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of transition of screens displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of transition of screens displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a third operation example of the billing management system according to the embodiment; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a fourth operation example of the billing management system according to the embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a fifth operation example of the billing management system according to the embodiment; It is a figure which shows an example of the charging data display screen displayed on the display part of the terminal which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the billing data display screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the embodiment;

An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

(1) Overview of the Embodiments A billing management method that presents the billing amount for using the printer to the user who has used the printer is desired to be more convenient for the user.

The methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 charge the user according to the amount of ink used for one printer, on the premise that the correspondence between printers and users is fixed. Therefore, when one user uses a plurality of printers, it is not possible to appropriately charge the user.

The method described in Patent Document 3 charges an administrator who manages multiple printers according to the amount of ink used by the administrator. Therefore, appropriate billing cannot be performed for users other than the administrator.

Therefore, the billing management methods that have been proposed in the past have room for improvement in terms of realizing a billing management method that is more convenient for users.

In the following embodiments, a billing management method, a billing management system, and a billing management program that are more convenient for users will be described.

The billing management method according to the embodiment is a method for the billing management system to bill a printer usage fee to a registered user. The billing management method comprises the steps of: identifying, via a network, the user who uses one of a plurality of printers belonging to a plurality of administrators; receiving information over the network; and determining the printer usage fee for the plurality of printers based on the total print volume of the user within a predetermined period of time.

According to this billing management method, users can use multiple printers managed by multiple administrators. While a plurality of printers can be used, the printer usage fee is billed as the sum of the printing amounts of the plurality of printers. Therefore, the user does not have to make payments each time they use a plurality of printers managed by a plurality of administrators, or to make individual payments to each administrator. done. Therefore, a billing management method that is more convenient for the user is realized.

"User registration" means being registered as a user of the billing management service using the billing management method according to the embodiment. The billing service may be a dedicated service for billing the printer usage fee, or may be a service incorporated in another billing service.

"Printer" refers to a device that has at least a printing function. Therefore, the term “printer” also includes devices that have facsimile (FAX) and scanning functions (so-called multifunction devices) in addition to printing functions. Here, "printing" may be printing on paper, or may be 3D printing that forms a three-dimensional object. "Printing" may include "copying".

"Administrator" refers to the entity that manages the printer, and may be a natural person or a legal entity (business operator, etc.). For example, the manager of a shop (for example, a convenience store or a camera shop) where the printer is installed, a mail-order business, or a home delivery company for printed matter corresponds to the "manager." However, the “administrator” may also include the user who owns the home printer used at home. Therefore, "a plurality of administrators" may include a business operator different from the user and the user himself/herself.

"Printing volume" refers to the amount of consumable materials used for printing. For example, "printing number", "ink amount", and "toner amount" correspond to "printing amount". In the case of a 3D printing service, "resin", "metal powder", etc. correspond to "print amount".

(2) Configuration of Billing Management System First, the configuration of the billing management system according to the embodiment will be described.

(2.1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a billing management system 10 according to an embodiment.

The billing management system 10 includes a plurality of printers 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, . 400b, . . . ). Hereinafter, the

printers

1a, 1b, 1c, . The printer 1, terminal 200, billing management server 300, and service providing server 400 are connected via a network 500 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The network 500 includes at least one of a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet.

Each printer 1 belongs to an administrator and is a device having at least a printing function. The correspondence between the printer 1 and the administrator need not be one-to-one. For example, one administrator may manage two or more printers 1 . The printer 1 may be a multifunction machine or a 3D printer. The printer 1 has a function of communicating via the network 500 . A gateway device may be provided between the printer 1 and the network 500 .

The printer 1 is installed in a facility 100 (100a, 100b, 100c...). Specifically, the printer 1a is installed in the facility 100a, the printer 1b is installed in the facility 100b, and the printer 1c is installed in the facility 100c. Hereinafter, the

facilities

100a, 100b, 100c, . The facility 100 is, for example, a store (convenience store, camera store, etc.), a residence, a building, a hospital, a town hall, or the like. A plurality of printers 1 may be installed in one facility 100 . Some of the multiple printers 1 may be installed in the user U's home. Details of the configuration of the printer 1 will be described later.

The terminal 200 is a device belonging to the user U and having a communication function. The terminal 200 may be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer (PC), or a wearable terminal. In this case, the terminal 200 may move as the user U moves. In the embodiment, an example in which terminal 200 is a smartphone will be mainly described. However, the terminal 200 may be a stationary terminal such as a desktop PC. In this case, the terminal 200 may be installed at the user U's home. The details of the configuration of terminal 200 will be described later.

The billing management server 300 belongs to a billing management service provider and is a server for billing printer usage fees to registered users. The service provider may be the manufacturer of the printer 1, or may be another business operator. The billing management server 300 identifies, via the network 500, a user U who uses any printer 1 among a plurality of printers 1 belonging to a plurality of administrators. The billing management server 300 also receives information on the amount of printing when the user U uses the printer 1 via the network 500 . Further, the billing management server 300 determines printer usage fees for the plurality of printers 1 based on the total print volume of the user U within a predetermined period. The user U pays the printer usage fee (that is, the billing amount) determined by the billing management server 300 by, for example, automatic withdrawal from a pre-registered bank account or credit card settlement using a pre-registered credit card number. good too. The details of the configuration of billing management server 300 will be described later.

Each of the service providing servers 400 is a server that belongs to a print service provider and provides the user U with a print service. Types of printing services include, for example, photo printing, New Year's card printing, musical score printing, mail-order printing, 3D printing, and administrative printing services. At least part of the service providing server 400 may be integrated with the billing management server 300 .

(2.2) Configuration Example of Printer FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional block configuration example of the printer 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the printer 1 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes an image processing unit 5, a print amount detection unit 7, an operation panel 9, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a camera 13, and a short-range wireless communication unit 14. have The image processing section 5 has a printer section 2 . The image processing section 5 may further have a scanner section 3 and/or a network communication section 4 .

The image processing unit 5 performs image processing using at least one of printing, scanning, and image data communication. For example, image processing types include "print", "copy", "scan", and "facsimile (FAX)". “Copy” is a function of printing an image read by the scanner unit 3 on paper with the printer unit 2 . "Print" is an image based on data received from the outside by the network communication unit 4 or the short-range wireless communication unit 14 or an image based on data stored in a recording medium (not shown) connected to the printer 1. This is a function for printing in the second unit. “Scan” is a function of saving an image read by the scanner unit 3 as data. The storage destination is, for example, an auxiliary storage device (non-volatile memory from another point of view) included in the storage unit 12, a storage medium connected to the printer 1, or another device that communicates with the printer 1 via the network communication unit 4. Equipment. "FAX" is a function for the printer unit 2 to print data received from the outside via a telephone line to the network communication unit 4, and for the image data read by the scanner unit 3 to be sent to the outside by the network communication unit 4 via a telephone line. It is a function to send via.

The image processing unit 5 does not necessarily have to support all functions (image processing) of printing, copying, scanning, and FAX. The image processing unit 5 may, for example, support only one or two of printing, copying, scanning, and facsimile. The image processing unit 5 may be compatible with functions other than printing, copying, scanning, and facsimile, such as "mail". "Mail" is a function for setting and/or executing e-mail. With this function, for example, part or all of the content of an email received by the network communication unit 4 may be printed by the printer unit 2, or the image data read by the scanner unit 3 may be sent to the network communication unit 4 by email. may be sent by

It should be noted that the "image" may contain only characters. The "image data" may be in various formats, such as a vector format or a raster format. In the description of the embodiments, for the sake of convenience, "image" and "image data" may not be strictly distinguished. The "image data" may be appropriately converted in format in the course of image processing. For example, image data may be different when stored in printer 1 and when image processing (eg, printing or faxing) is performed.

The printer unit 2 performs printing (image printing) under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the printer unit 2 prints on paper placed in the paper feed tray 31 shown in FIG. 3 and discharges the printed paper to the paper discharge tray 32 . The printer section 2 may have only one paper feed tray 31 or may have a plurality of paper feed trays 31 . A plurality of paper feed trays 31 contributes, for example, to accommodating paper of different sizes. From another point of view, the printer section 2 may have a function of selecting the paper size. The printer unit 2 may be configured to perform color (and monochrome and grayscale) printing, may be configured to perform only grayscale (and monochrome) printing, or may be configured to perform only monochrome printing. may be possible. Further, for example, the printer unit 2 may be an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, or a thermal printer that prints by heating thermal paper or an ink ribbon. It may also be an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser printer) that transfers toner adhered to a photoreceptor. The inkjet printer may be of the piezo type in which pressure is applied to the ink by a piezoelectric body, or may be of the thermal type in which pressure is applied to the ink by air bubbles generated in the ink to which heat is applied. Further, for example, the printer unit 2 may be a line printer having a head that spans the width of the paper (a direction crossing the paper transport direction), or a serial printer in which the head moves in the width direction of the paper. may be The printer unit 2 may be a 3D printer that forms a three-dimensional object using resin and/or metal powder.

The scanner unit 3 performs scanning (image scanning) under the control of the control unit 11. The scanner unit 3 captures (scans) an original set on the original platen 33 or ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 34 shown in FIG. 3 by an imaging device that moves along the original glass to generate image data. do.

The network communication unit 4 performs image data communication under the control of the control unit 11. Specifically, the network communication unit 4 realizes communication between the printer 1 and other devices. Other devices include, for example, PCs, mobile terminals (smartphones, etc.), other image processing devices, and servers. Examples of servers include a file server, a mail server, and a web server, in addition to the billing management server 300 and service providing server 400 described above. Communication by the network communication unit 4 is performed indirectly via the network 500 . Networks 500 include, for example, telephone networks, the Internet, private networks, and LANs. Also, the communication may be wired communication or may include wireless communication. The printer 1 may be configured to allow any one or more of the various types of communication described above. Although not shown, the network communication unit 4 includes various components for realizing various communications as described above. The network communication unit 4 may be regarded as including only hardware configuration (for example, connector, antenna, amplifier, filter, RF (Radio Frequency) circuit), or in addition to the hardware configuration, software may be regarded as including a configuration.

The print amount detection unit 7 detects the print amount when the user U uses the printer 1 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 11 . The "printing amount" refers to the amount of consumable material used for printing, and for example, the "printing amount", the "ink amount", and the "toner amount" correspond to the "printing amount". In the case of a 3D printing service, "resin", "metal powder", etc. correspond to "print amount". The “number of prints” may include the “number of FAX communication”. Hereinafter, the number of printed sheets detected by the print amount detection unit 7 may be referred to as "paper usage amount", and the amount of ink and/or toner detected by the print amount detection unit 7 may be referred to as "ink/toner usage amount". . As a method for detecting the used amount of ink/toner, a known method can be applied, and for example, the methods described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 may be applied.

The operation panel 9 has an operation unit 91 that receives user operations (user inputs) and a display unit 92 that displays images. At least part of the operation unit 91 may be integrated with the display unit 92 to form a touch panel display. At least part of the operation unit 91 may be configured as one or more physical buttons 91a as shown in FIG. The operation unit 91 constituting the touch panel display will be mainly described below.

The display unit 92 is configured by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. These displays have a relatively large number of regularly arranged pixels and are capable of displaying an image containing arbitrary shapes based on image data. The display unit 92 may be capable of displaying color images, may be capable of displaying only grayscale images (and monochrome images), or may be capable of displaying only monochrome images (binary images). may

The operation unit 91 detects the position of the touch operation on the display unit 92 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 11 . The operation unit 91 may include a touch panel that overlaps the display unit 92 and an A/D converter that performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion of the output of the touch panel. The operation unit 91 may be of an electrostatic type or of a pressure-sensitive type. Capacitive ones detect changes in capacitance in and/or near the screen that accompany finger or pen contact or proximity. The pressure sensitive ones detect the pressure applied to the screen. In addition, the operation unit 91 may use surface acoustic waves, infrared light, or electromagnetic induction.

The control unit 11 includes one or more processors and controls the printer 1 as a whole. The control unit 11 executes various processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 12 . The control unit 11 controls operations of the printer unit 2 , the scanner unit 3 , the network communication unit 4 and the operation panel 9 . For example, when receiving an operation (instruction) from a user via the operation panel 9, the control unit 11 executes processing according to the operation content. The operation panel 9 displays various screens on the display section 92 according to instructions from the control section 11 . Note that the control unit 11 may include a logic circuit or the like that is configured to perform only certain operations.

The storage unit 12 includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and various memories such as auxiliary storage devices. A combination of the control unit 11 and the storage unit 12 may be regarded as a computer. Programs executed by the control unit 11 are stored in the ROM and/or the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 12, for example. In the embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores printer information for identifying the printer 1 . The printer information may be any information that can identify the printer 1 , such as the serial number of the printer 1 and/or the IP address fixedly assigned to the printer 1 .

Under the control of the control unit 11, the camera 13 electronically takes an image using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and outputs the image data to the control unit 11. .

Under the control of the control unit 11, the short-range wireless communication unit 14 directly communicates with other devices, such as the terminal 200, by short-range wireless communication. Examples of short-range wireless systems include IEEE802.11 (that is, wireless LAN), Bluetooth (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), and the like. . WPAN systems include, for example, ZigBee (registered trademark).

The image processing unit 5, the print amount detection unit 7, the operation panel 9, the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the camera 13, and the short-range wireless communication unit 14 are connected by a bus 20, for example. Although all components are schematically connected to one bus 20 in FIG. 2, a plurality of buses may exist. For example, an address bus, a data bus and a control bus may be provided. Also, an interface may be interposed between the bus 20 and each unit.

Figure 2 is only a schematic diagram. For example, the control unit 11 and the storage unit 12 may be provided separately. For example, a processor included in each unit (from another point of view, a control unit that controls each unit) and a higher processor (a higher control unit that controls the control unit of each unit) may be provided. In such a case, the control unit 11 may be regarded as a high-level control unit, or may be regarded as a combination of the control unit of each unit and a high-level control unit.

In addition, FIG. 3 exemplifies the appearance of a multi-function machine for business use as the appearance of the printer 1 . However, the operation method of the printer 1 is arbitrary. For example, the printer 1 may be placed at home for home or personal use, may be placed at a company for use by a specific number of users, or may be installed at a store such as a convenience store. It may be placed and used by an unspecified number of users.

(2.3) Configuration Example of Terminal FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal 200 according to the embodiment. Here, descriptions of the same configurations as those described above are omitted as appropriate.

The terminal 200 has a network communication unit 201 , a display unit 202 , an operation unit 203 , a control unit 204 , a storage unit 205 , a camera 206 and a short-range wireless communication unit 207 .

The network communication unit 201 performs data communication under the control of the control unit 204. Specifically, the network communication unit 201 realizes communication between the terminal 200 and other devices. Other devices include, for example, a file server, a mail server, and a web server, in addition to the billing management server 300 and service providing server 400 described above. Communication by the network communication unit 201 is performed indirectly via the network 500 . Also, the communication may be wired communication or may include wireless communication. Terminal 200 may be configured to be capable of any one or more of the various communications described above.

The display unit 202 displays images under the control of the control unit 204 . The operation unit 203 receives user operations (user inputs). At least part of the operation unit 203 may be integrated with the display unit 202 to form a touch panel display. At least part of the operation unit 203 may be configured as one or more physical buttons. The operation unit 203 constituting the touch panel display will be mainly described below. The display unit 202 is composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 203 detects the position of the touch operation on the display unit 202 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 204 .

The control unit 204 includes one or more processors and controls the terminal 200 as a whole. The control unit 204 executes various processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 205 . The control unit 204 controls operations of the network communication unit 201 , the display unit 202 , the operation unit 203 , the storage unit 205 , the camera 206 and the short-range wireless communication unit 207 . For example, when receiving an operation (instruction) from the user via the operation unit 203, the control unit 204 executes processing according to the content of the operation. The display unit 202 displays various screens on the display unit 202 according to instructions from the control unit 204 . Note that the control unit 204 may include a logic circuit or the like that is configured to perform only certain operations.

The storage unit 205 includes, for example, various memories such as ROM, RAM, and auxiliary storage. A combination of the control unit 204 and the storage unit 205 may be regarded as a computer. Programs executed by the control unit 204 are stored in the ROM and/or the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 205, for example. In an embodiment, the storage unit 205 may store identification information for identifying the terminal 200 . The identification information may be any information that can identify the terminal 200 , such as a serial number of the terminal 200 and/or an IP address fixedly assigned to the terminal 200 . The identification information may be used as user information for identifying the user U.

Under the control of the control unit 204 , the camera 206 electronically captures an image using an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, and outputs image data to the control unit 204 .

Under the control of the control unit 204, the short-range wireless communication unit 207 directly communicates with another device such as the printer 1 by short-range wireless communication.

The network communication unit 201, the display unit 202, the operation unit 203, the control unit 204, the storage unit 205, the camera 206, and the short-range wireless communication unit 207 are connected by a bus 208, for example.

(2.4) Configuration Example of Billing Management Server FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the billing management server 300 according to the embodiment. Here, descriptions of the same configurations as those described above are omitted as appropriate.

The billing management server 300 has a network communication section 301 , a control section 302 and a storage section 303 .

The network communication unit 301 performs data communication under the control of the control unit 302. Specifically, network communication unit 301 realizes communication between accounting management server 300 and other devices. Other devices include, for example, the printer 1, the terminal 200, and the service providing server 400 described above. Communication by the network communication unit 301 is performed indirectly via the network 500 . Also, the communication may be wired communication or may include wireless communication. Billing management server 300 may be configured to enable any one or more of the various types of communication described above.

The control unit 302 includes one or more processors and controls the billing management server 300 as a whole. The control unit 302 executes various processes by executing programs stored in the storage unit 303 . The control unit 302 controls operations of the network communication unit 301 and the storage unit 303 . Note that the control unit 302 may include a logic circuit or the like that is configured to perform only certain operations.

The storage unit 303 includes, for example, various memories such as ROM, RAM, and auxiliary storage. A combination of the control unit 302 and the storage unit 303 may be regarded as a computer. Programs executed by the control unit 302 are stored in the ROM and/or the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 303, for example.

The network communication unit 301 and the storage unit 303 are connected by a bus 304, for example.

In the embodiment, the storage unit 303 is provided with a billing database 303a that stores billing data. The control unit 302 manages a billing database 303a. The billing database 303 a is a database containing information on printing performed by each user U using each printer 1 under the billing management server 300 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the billing database 303a according to the embodiment. In this configuration example, the configuration of the database is based on the assumption that billing is performed based on the amount of printing.

In this configuration example, the billing database 303a stores “date and time,” “facility information,” “printer information,” “user information,” and “ink/ It includes information that associates "toner usage", "paper usage", "printing service type", "rate system", "charging amount", and "billing month".

"Date and time" is information indicating the date and time when printing was performed.

"Facility information" is information indicating the facility 100 where the printer 1 used for the printing is installed. The “facility information” may be derived from the “printer information” based on the correspondence between the printer 1 and the facility 100 . The facilities 100 indicated by the "facility information" include each store and each user's home. As an exception, mail-order printing, in which printing is ordered and printed materials are delivered to home, may also be included in the "facility information."

"Printer information" is information indicating the printer 1 used for the printing. The “printer information” may be any information that can identify the printer 1 , such as the serial number of the printer 1 and/or the IP address fixedly assigned to the printer 1 .

"User information" is information indicating the user U who is registered as a user and who performed the printing. The "user information" may be any information that can identify the user U. For example, the user ID (member ID) in the billing management service corresponds to the "user information". The user ID may be User U's email address. A user ID may be derived from the identification information of the terminal 200 based on the correspondence relationship between the terminal 200 and the user U. The “user information” may include a password used when logging into the service.

"Ink/toner usage amount" is information indicating the usage amount of ink and/or toner used in the printing, and the unit is [ml], for example. The "ink/toner usage amount" can be obtained by the billing management server 300 from the printer 1 indicated by the "printer information".

"Paper usage" is information indicating the amount of paper used in the printing, and the unit is [sheets], for example. The “paper usage amount” can be obtained by the billing management server 300 from the printer 1 indicated by the “printer information”.

"Print service type" is information indicating the service type of the printing. In the example of FIG. 6, document printing, photo printing, and New Year's card printing are exemplified as the "printing service type". For example, the billing management server 300 can identify the “print service type” based on information from the printer 1 or terminal 200 .

"Charge system" is information indicating the charge system for the "printing service type". In the example of FIG. 6, as the "charge system", a charge system according to the "paper usage amount" (the number of prints) and a charge system according to the "ink/toner usage amount" are exemplified.

The "charging amount" is information indicating the charging amount determined from the "paper usage amount", "ink/toner usage amount", and "fee system".

"Billing month" is information indicating the month in which the "charging amount" is billed. For example, the "billing month" is determined according to the "date and time".

Assuming a 3D printer, the amount of consumables used in the 3D printer 1, such as the amount of resin used and/or the amount of metal powder used, is replaced with the amount of ink and toner used and the amount of paper used. quantity.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the billing database 303a according to the embodiment.

In this configuration example, the configuration of the database is based on the assumption that charging is performed based on the price of the content in the content service using the printer 1. Such databases may be used in conjunction with the database of FIG. For example, the accounting database 303a may be composed of the database in FIG. 6 and the database in FIG.

This configuration example differs from FIG. 6 in that the "charge system" in the charge database 303a is charge based on the price of the content. In the example of FIG. 7, for "musical score printing" as the "printing service type", it is assumed that charging is performed according to the number of musical scores to be printed. Also, for the "administrative printing service" as the "printing service type", it is assumed that charging is performed according to the number of times of printing. Note that, when a 3D printer is assumed, the price for the content can be the price for the 3D model.

(3) Operation of Billing Management System Next, the operation of the billing management system 10 according to the embodiment will be described.

(3.1.1) Operations on Accounting Management Server Side FIG. 8 is a diagram showing operations on the side of accounting management server 300 according to the embodiment.

In step S1, the billing management server 300 identifies, via the network 500, a user U who uses any printer 1 among a plurality of printers 1 belonging to a plurality of administrators. For example, billing management server 300 may identify user U when user U accesses billing management server 300 via terminal 200 .

In step S1 , the billing management server 300 may receive user information for identifying the user U from the printer 1 via the network 500 . Under the premise that the user U can use a plurality of printers 1 , the user U can be specified by acquiring the user information of the user U who actually uses the printer 1 from the printer 1 .

As a first method for acquiring user information from the printer 1, when the operation unit 91 receives an input operation of user information (for example, a user ID and password) from the user U, the printer 1 sends the billing management server 300 You may send user information to. As a result, the billing management server 300 can appropriately identify the user U who actually uses the printer 1 .

As a second method for acquiring the user information from the printer 1, the printer 1 transmits the user information from the terminal 200 to the terminal 200 of the user U through the short-range wireless communication with the terminal 200 of the user U through the short-range wireless communication unit 14 (for example, NFC). is obtained, the user information may be transmitted from the printer 1 to the accounting management server 300 . This eliminates the need for the user U to perform an operation of inputting user information to the printer 1, thereby improving convenience for the user U. FIG.

As a third method for acquiring user information from the printer 1, the printer 1 acquires user information from the terminal 200 by reading a code displayed on the terminal 200 of the user U with its own camera 13. User information may be transmitted to the billing management server 300 . This eliminates the need for the user U to perform an operation of inputting user information to the printer 1, thereby improving convenience for the user U. FIG. The code displayed by the terminal 200 is assumed to be a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), but may be a one-dimensional code (bar code).

Alternatively, in step S1 , the billing management server 300 may receive user information for identifying the user U and printer information for identifying the printer 1 from the user U's terminal 200 via the network 500 . Under the premise that the user U can use a plurality of printers 1, the user U who actually uses the printer 1 can be specified by acquiring the printer information of the printer 1 actually used together with the user information from the terminal 200. Become.

As a first method for acquiring printer information and user information from the terminal 200, the terminal 200 acquires printer information from the printer 1 through short-range wireless communication with the short-range wireless communication unit 207 of the terminal 200. User information and printer information may be transmitted from the terminal 200 to the billing management server 300 .

As a second method for acquiring printer information and user information from the terminal 200, the terminal 200 acquires the printer information from the printer 1 by reading the code displayed on the printer 1 by the camera 206 of the terminal 200. User information and printer information may be transmitted to the billing management server 300 .

In step S2, the billing management server 300 authenticates (confirms) whether or not the user U indicated by the user information is registered as a user based on the user information acquired in step S1. For example, the billing management server 300 may perform the authentication by comparing the user information acquired in step S1 with a list of registered users.

If the authentication is successful (step S2: YES), the billing management server 300 permits the user U to use the printer 1 in step S3. As a result, the printing process is performed on the printer 1 side. Details of such print processing will be described later. On the other hand, if the authentication fails (step S2: NO), the billing management server 300 does not permit the user U to use the printer 1, and returns the process to step S1.

Note that the data to be printed (photographs, text, etc.) may be stored (uploaded) in the billing management server 300 or the service providing server 400 on the network 500 . In this case, the billing management server 300 may acquire the data to be printed from the service providing server 400 as necessary, and transmit the data to be printed to the printer 1 in response to successful authentication in step S2. This enables the printer 1 to print the uploaded print target data. Further, when the user U specifies the print service type of the data to be printed, the billing management server 300 selects a specific printer 1 corresponding to the specified print service type among the plurality of printers 1 under its control. Information may be presented to the user U in advance. For example, the billing management server 300 may present the user U with location information indicating the geographical location of the specific printer 1 in advance.

In step S4 , the billing management server 300 receives information on the amount of printing when the user U uses the printer 1 from the printer 1 via the network 500 .

In step S5, the billing management server 300 updates the billing database 303a based on the user information of the user U identified in step S1 and the information on the amount of printing received in step S4. For example, the billing management server 300 stores "date and time", "facility information", "printer information", "user information", "ink/toner usage", The charging database 303a is updated so as to add information that associates "paper usage", "printing service type", "charge system", "charging amount", and "billing month".

In step S6, the billing management server 300 determines whether or not a billing data inquiry request has been received from the terminal 200. If the billing data inquiry request is not received from terminal 200 (step S5: NO), billing management server 300 returns the process to step S1.

If the billing data inquiry request is received from the terminal 200 (step S6: YES), in step S7, the billing management server 300 collects printer usage fees (billing amounts) for the plurality of printers 1 under its control within a predetermined period of time. is determined based on the total print amount of the user U in . The predetermined period may be a period specified by the user U, or may be a predetermined aggregation period. For example, the predetermined period can be set in units of one day, one week, or one month.

Specifically, in step S7, billing management server 300 extracts from billing database 303a the information corresponding to user U who made the billing data inquiry request and whose "date and time" is within a predetermined period. , the printer usage fee for the user U within a predetermined period is determined by aggregating the "billing amount" determined from the "ink/toner usage amount" and/or the "paper usage amount" in the extracted information.

As described above, when billing is performed based on the price of content printed using the printer 1, the billing management server 300 specifies the price of the content. The billing management server 300 may determine the printer usage fee within a predetermined period based on the total amount of printing by the user U and the price for the content within the predetermined period. As a result, even when charging is performed based on the price of content, the billing amount including the price of content can be determined appropriately.

Also, multiple administrators who manage multiple printers 1 may include users U as well as businesses that provide printing-related services. Specifically, the user U is the administrator of the printer 1 installed at the user U's home. Therefore, the plurality of printers 1 may include a first printer managed by the business operator and a second printer owned by the user U. The printer usage fee (charged amount) within a predetermined period may include the charged amount for the printer 1 installed in the user U's home. That is, the accounting management server 300 may determine the printer usage fee based on the amount of printing when the user U uses the first printer and the amount of printing when the user U uses the second printer. As a result, the user U can pay the printer usage fee for the printer 1 installed at home as well, which improves convenience for the user U.

In step S8, the billing management server 300 presents the billing data to the user U by transmitting the billing data to the terminal 200 that has sent the billing data inquiry request.

In step S8, the billing management server 300 may present to the user U information indicating the total amount of printing for a predetermined period or information indicating the billing amount determined based on the total amount of printing. As a result, the user U can grasp the total amount of printing or the total billing amount for a plurality of printers 1 managed by a plurality of administrators within a predetermined period.

In step S8, the billing management server 300 may present the user U with history information indicating the history of the amount of printing or history information indicating the history of the billing amount determined based on the amount of printing. Thereby, the user U can grasp in detail each print amount or each billing amount within a predetermined period for a plurality of printers 1 managed by a plurality of administrators.

The history information may include information that associates information about the printer 1 used by the user U with the amount of printing when the printer is used and/or the billing amount determined based on the amount of printing. Thereby, the user U can grasp which printer 1 corresponds to each print amount and/or each billing amount within the predetermined period.

The history information includes information on the facility 100 where the printer 1 used by the user U is installed and/or the service (printing service type) using the printer 1, the amount of printing when the printer 1 is used, and/or the amount of printing. It may also include information associated with the billing amount determined based on. Thereby, the user U can grasp which facility 100 and/or which print service type each print amount and/or each billing amount within a predetermined period corresponds to.

(3.1.2) Operation on the Printer Side FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the operation on the printer 1 side according to the embodiment, specifically, step S3 in FIG.

In step S31, the printer 1 receives from the user U an operation to select a print service type and an operation to instruct printing. Note that the print service types include, for example, photo printing, document printing, and print service. Photo printing includes a service type of printing a photo stored in terminal 200 and a service type of printing a photo stored in accounting management server 300 or service providing server 400 . Document printing includes a service type for printing a document stored in the terminal 200 and a service type for printing a document stored in the service providing server 400 . Printing services include general services and administrative services.

In step S32, the printer 1 prints according to the operation accepted in step S31.

In step S33, the printer 1 detects (knows) the amount of ink/toner used and the amount of paper used in the printing performed in step S32.

In step S34, the printer 1 transmits billing information including the amount of ink/toner used and the amount of paper used ascertained in step S33 to the billing management server 300.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of billing information according to the embodiment.

Billing information includes "facility information", "printer information", "user information", "ink/toner usage", "paper usage", and "service charge". However, according to the type of printing service, billing information includes "facility information," "printer information," "user information," "ink/toner usage," "paper usage," and "service charges." Some information may not be included.

"Facility information", "printer information", "user information", "ink/toner usage", and "paper usage" are the information described above. "Service charge" is information indicating the price of content.

(3.2) Operation Example of Billing Management System Next, first to fifth operation examples will be described as operation examples of the billing management system 10 according to the embodiment. It should be noted that each operation example below is merely an example of operation, and can be changed as appropriate.

(3.2.1) First Operation Example FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first operation example of the charge management system 10 according to the embodiment. This operation example is an operation example in which the print target data saved in the terminal 200 is printed by the printer 1 installed in the store as the facility 100 .

In step S101, a wireless connection is established between the terminal 200 and the printer 1 by short-range wireless communication. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 202 of the terminal 200. As shown in FIG. This operation is started when the operation unit 203 receives a tap operation on the “start” button shown in FIG. 12 .

In step S102, the terminal 200 transmits the user information and password to the printer 1.

In step S103, the printer 1 transfers the user information and password received from the terminal 200 in step S102 to the accounting management server 300. The billing management server 300 identifies and authenticates the user U based on the user information and password. Here, it is assumed that user U has been successfully authenticated.

In step S104, the billing management server 300 notifies the printer 1 that the user U has been successfully authenticated, that is, that the use of the printer 1 is permitted.

In step S105, the printer 1 notifies the terminal 200 that the user U has been successfully authenticated, that is, that the use of the printer 1 is permitted. The terminal 200 displays a message to that effect, and receives an operation from the user U to select data to be printed.

In step S106, the terminal 200 transmits the selected print target data to the printer 1.

In step S107 , the printer 1 prints the print target data received from the terminal 200 .

In step S108, the printer 1 transmits billing information to the billing management server 300. Here, the billing information includes "facility information" indicating the store that is the facility 100 in which the printer 1 is installed, "printer information" indicating the printer 1, "ink/toner usage" in printing in step S107, and Includes "paper usage". The billing management server 300 updates the billing database 303 a according to the billing information received from the printer 1 .

After that, in step S109, the terminal 200 inquires the billing management server 300 about the billing data. For example, the terminal 200 logs into the billing management server 300 (billing management service) using user information and a password, and the user U performs an operation to inquire about billing data.

In step S110, the billing management server 300 transmits to the terminal 200 billing data in response to the billing data inquiry in step S9. Terminal 200 displays billing data. Billing data is thereby presented to the user U. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 202 of the terminal 200. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, the billing amount for the user U for the current month and the billing amount for each month for the past four months are displayed in a bar graph. By displaying the billing amount history, the user U can grasp the billing amount as well as his own printer usage status (tendency). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the screen displayed on the display unit 202 of the terminal 200. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 14, the date and time, facility information, print service type, number of prints, and billing amount are displayed for each of the last several prints including the current print. By displaying such a history, the user U can grasp the details of each printing in the past.

(3.2.2) Second Operation Example FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a second operation example of the charge management system 10 according to the embodiment. This operation example is an operation example in which print data uploaded from the terminal 200 to the billing management server 300 is printed by the printer 1 installed in the store as the facility 100 . Here, it is assumed that the user U owns two terminals 200, a mobile terminal 200a and a home PC 200b, and uploads data to be printed from the home PC 200b.

In step S201, the terminal 200 (home PC 200b) logs into the billing management server 300 using user information (and password), and transmits (uploads) data to be printed to the billing management server 300. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a transition example of screens displayed on the display unit 202 of the terminal 200 (home PC 200b). In STEP 1, the terminal 200 (home PC 200b) displays buttons indicating options of "print at store" and "order by mail order printing". When "print at store" is selected by the user U, in STEP 2, the terminal 200 (home PC 200b) displays a screen for allowing the user U to select data to be printed. display. When the data to be printed is selected by the user U, in STEP 3, the terminal 200 (home PC 200b) displays buttons indicating options of "text printing" and "photo printing" and a "register" button. Here, it is assumed that the user U has selected "photo printing". When the “registration” button is operated after “photo printing” is selected, terminal 200 (home PC 200 b ) uploads data to be printed to charge management server 300 .

In step S202, the billing management server 300 sends a message (e.g., e-mail) to the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) indicating that printing preparations have been completed. The message includes a two-dimensional code in which information necessary for printing the data to be printed is encoded. Information necessary for printing the data to be printed includes, for example, user information and a password. The information necessary for printing the print target data may include information indicating the location of the print target data on the network 500 (URI: Uniform Resource Identifier).

In step S203, the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) displays the message received from the billing management server 300. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a transition example of screens displayed on the display unit 202 of the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a). In STEP 1 , terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200 a ) displays the message received from billing management server 300 . The message includes information indicating that the registration of the data to be printed has been completed, information indicating the file name of the data to be printed, information indicating the specified print service type, and a two-dimensional code. The user U arriving at the store causes the camera 13 of the printer 1 to read the two-dimensional code. In the example of FIG. 17, a "display available stores" button is displayed for displaying facilities 100 (stores) that are compatible with the specified print service type (here, "photo printing"). When the user U operates the "display available shops" button, in STEP 2, the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) displays information indicating the geographical locations of shops that can handle "photo printing". . For example, the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) displays a map of the vicinity of the current position, and displays information indicating the locations of shops that can handle "photo printing" on the map. Thereby, the user U can grasp available shops.

The printer 1 acquires user information and a password by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) using the camera 13.

In step S204, the printer 1 transmits the user information and password obtained from the two-dimensional code to the billing management server 300. The printer 1 may transmit the URI obtained from the two-dimensional code to the billing management server 300 . The billing management server 300 identifies and authenticates the user U based on the user information and password. Here, it is assumed that user U has been successfully authenticated.

In step S205, the billing management server 300 notifies the printer 1 that the user U has been successfully authenticated, that is, that the use of the printer 1 is permitted. The billing management server 300 also sends the print target data uploaded in step S201 to the printer 1 .

In step S206, the printer 1 prints the data to be printed received from the billing management server 300.

In step S207, the printer 1 transmits billing information to the billing management server 300. Here, the billing information includes "facility information" indicating the store that is the facility 100 where the printer 1 is installed, "printer information" indicating the printer 1, "ink/toner usage" in printing in step S207, and Includes "paper usage". The billing management server 300 updates the billing database 303 a according to the billing information received from the printer 1 .

After that, in step S208, the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) inquires the billing management server 300 about the billing data.

In step S209, the billing management server 300 transmits to the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) billing data in response to the billing data inquiry in step S9. The terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) displays billing data. Billing data is thereby presented to the user U. FIG.

(3.2.3) Third Operation Example FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a third operation example of the charge management system 10 according to the embodiment. This operation example is an operation example in the case of printing with content costs by the printer 1 installed in the store.

In step S301, a wireless connection is established between the terminal 200 and the printer 1 by short-range wireless communication.

In step S302, the terminal 200 transmits the user information and password to the printer 1. The user information and password used here may be user information and password for logging into the service providing server 400 .

In step S303, the printer 1 connects to the service providing server 400.

In step S304, communication for starting use of the print service and communication for selecting content to be printed are performed between the terminal 200 and the service providing server 400 .

In step S305, the service providing server 400 transmits the data of the content selected in step S304 (data to be printed) to the printer 1.

In step S306 , the printer 1 prints the print target data received from the service providing server 400 .

In step S307, the service providing server 400 notifies the printer 1 of the service charge associated with the content. The printer 1 may display the notified service charge.

In step S308 , the printer 1 transmits billing information to the billing management server 300 . Here, the billing information includes "facility information" indicating the store that is the facility 100 where the printer 1 is installed, "printer information" indicating the printer 1, "ink/toner usage" in printing in step S306, and Includes "paper usage" and "service fee" associated with the content. The billing management server 300 updates the billing database 303 a according to the billing information received from the printer 1 .

After that, in step S309, the terminal 200 inquires the billing management server 300 about the billing data.

In step S310, the billing management server 300 transmits to the terminal 200 billing data in response to the billing data inquiry in step S9. Terminal 200 displays billing data. Billing data is thereby presented to the user U. FIG.

(3.2.4) Fourth Operation Example FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a fourth operation example of the charge management system 10 according to the embodiment. This operation example is an operation example when printing is performed by the printer 1 installed in the user's home as the facility 100 .

In step S401 , the printer 1 transmits pre-registered user information and password to the billing management server 300 . The billing management server 300 identifies and authenticates the user U based on the user information and password. Here, it is assumed that user U has been successfully authenticated.

In step S402, the billing management server 300 notifies the printer 1 that the user U has been successfully authenticated, that is, that the use of the printer 1 is permitted.

In step S403, the printer 1 prints.

In step S404, the printer 1 transmits billing information to the billing management server 300. Here, the billing information includes "facility information" indicating the home, which is the facility 100 where the printer 1 is installed, "printer information" indicating the printer 1, "ink/toner usage amount" in printing in step S407, and Includes "paper usage". The billing management server 300 updates the billing database 303 a according to the billing information received from the printer 1 .

After that, in step S405, the terminal 200 makes a charge data inquiry to the charge management server 300.

In step S406, the billing management server 300 transmits to the terminal 200 billing data in response to the billing data inquiry in step S9. Terminal 200 displays billing data. Billing data is thereby presented to the user U. FIG.

(3.2.5) Fifth Operation Example FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a fifth operation example of the charge management system 10 according to the embodiment. This operation example is an operation example when mail-order printing or 3D printing printed matter is delivered by home delivery. Here, it is assumed that the user U owns two terminals 200, a mobile terminal 200a and a home PC 200b, and uploads data to be printed from the home PC 200b.

In step S501, the terminal 200 (home PC 200b) logs into the billing management server 300 using the user information (and password), and transmits (uploads) data to be printed to the billing management server 300. The data to be printed may be photographic data or 3D model data.

In step S502, the billing management server 300 transmits the uploaded data to be printed to the printer 1. The printer 1 may be a printer belonging to a 3D printer or a mail order printer.

In step S503, the printer 1 prints using the data to be printed.

In step S504, the printer 1 transmits billing information to the billing management server 300. Here, the billing information includes "facility information" indicating the facility 100 in which the printer 1 is installed, "printer information" indicating the printer 1, and "ink/toner usage" and "paper usage" in printing in step S407. "amount". The billing management server 300 updates the billing database 303 a according to the billing information received from the printer 1 .

In step S505, the billing management server 300 transmits the completion of printing and the billing data to the terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a). The terminal 200 (mobile terminal 200a) displays billing data. Billing data is thereby presented to the user U. FIG.

In step S506, the printed matter is delivered to the user U from the 3D printing company or the mail-order printing company.

(3.3) Another Display Example of Billing Data FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a billing data display screen displayed on the display unit 202 of the terminal 200. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 21, the billing amount for the user U for the current month and the billing amount for each month for the past four months are displayed in a bar graph. Further, the bar graph for each month shows the breakdown of the charges for "store printer", "various services", and "home printer". As for the billing amount for the current month, specific billing amounts for "store printer", "various services", and "home printer" are displayed. Thereby, the user U can grasp the detailed history of the billing amount. "Various services" are, for example, printing with the above content costs. In this case, the "store printer" is, for example, printing that does not belong to printing involving content costs, and that the above "facility information" does not belong to home. The method of showing the breakdown of the billing amount is not limited to this, and for example, it may be divided into a plurality of categories based on the "facility information" and the breakdown of the billing amount may be displayed for each category. Further, for example, it may be divided into a plurality of categories based on the above-mentioned "printing service type", and the breakdown of the billing amount may be displayed for each category.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of the billing data display screen displayed on the display unit 202 of the terminal 200. FIG. In the example of FIG. 22, the date and time, facility information, print service type, number of prints, and billing amount are displayed for each printing of the user U in the current month. By displaying such a history, the user U can grasp the details of each printing in the past.

(4) Other Embodiments The operation sequences and operation flows in the above-described embodiments do not necessarily have to be executed in chronological order according to the order described in the flow diagrams or sequence diagrams. For example, the steps in the operations may be performed out of order or in parallel with the order illustrated in the flow diagrams or sequence diagrams. Also, some steps in the operation may be omitted and additional steps may be added to the process. Further, the operation sequences and operation flows in the above-described embodiments may be implemented independently, or two or more operation sequences and operation flows may be combined and implemented. For example, some steps of one operation flow may be added to another operation flow, or some steps of one operation flow may be replaced with some steps of another operation flow.

A billing management program may be provided that causes a computer to execute the operations according to the above-described embodiments. The billing management program may be recorded on a computer readable medium. A computer readable medium can be used to install the billing management program on the computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the billing management program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a recording medium such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Further, circuits for executing each process performed in the above-described embodiments may be integrated, and at least part of the billing management system and server may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chipset, SoC).

The terms "based on" and "in accordance with" used in this disclosure do not mean "based only on" or "in accordance with" unless otherwise specified. The phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on." Similarly, the phrase "depending on" means both "only depending on" and "at least partially depending on." Also, the terms "include," "comprise," and variations thereof are not meant to include only the listed items, but may include only the listed items or may include the listed items. In addition, it means that further items may be included. Also, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive OR. Furthermore, any references to elements using the "first," "second," etc. designations used in this disclosure do not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, reference to a first and second element does not imply that only two elements can be employed therein or that the first element must precede the second element in any way. In this disclosure, when articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles are used in plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. shall include things.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 : Printer 2 : Printer section 3 : Scanner section 4 : Network communication section 5 : Image processing section 7 : Print amount detection section 9 : Operation panel 10 : Billing management system 11 : Control section 12 : Storage section 13 : Camera 14 : Near Distance wireless communication unit 20 : Bus 31 : Paper feed tray 32 : Paper discharge tray 33 : Manuscript table 91 : Operation unit 91a : Physical button 92 : Display unit 100 : Facility 200 : Terminal 201 : Network communication unit 202 : Display unit 203 : Operation unit 204 : Control unit 205 : Storage unit 206 : Camera 207 : Near field wireless communication unit 208 : Bus 300 : Billing management server 301 : Network communication unit 302 : Control unit 303 : Storage unit 303a : Billing database 304 : Bus 400 : Service providing server 500: network

Claims

A billing management method for billing a printer usage fee by a billing management system to a registered user, comprising:
identifying, via a network, the user using any one of a plurality of printers belonging to a plurality of administrators;
a step of receiving, via the network, information on the print volume when the user uses the printer;
and determining the printer usage fee for the plurality of printers based on the total print volume of the user within a predetermined period of time.
The charging management method according to control unit 1, wherein the step of identifying the user includes a step of receiving user information for identifying the user from the printer via the network.
further comprising transmitting the user information from the printer when the printer receives an input operation of the user information from the user;
3. The charge management method according to claim 2, wherein the step of receiving the user information includes the step of receiving the user information transmitted from the printer.
further comprising transmitting the user information from the printer when the printer acquires the user information by wireless communication with the user's terminal or by reading a code displayed by the terminal;
3. The charge management method according to claim 2, wherein the step of receiving the user information includes the step of receiving the user information transmitted from the printer.
The step of identifying the user includes a step of receiving user information for identifying the user and printer information for identifying the printer from the terminal of the user via the network. Billing management method.
further comprising transmitting the user information and the printer information from the terminal when the terminal acquires the printer information by wireless communication with the printer or by reading a code displayed by the printer;
The charging management method according to claim 5, wherein the step of receiving the user information includes a step of receiving the user information transmitted from the terminal.
a step of authenticating whether or not the user is registered as a user based on the user information;
7. The charge management method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising: permitting the user to use the printer if the authentication is successful.
8. The charge management method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of transmitting the print target data to the printer in response to success of the authentication when print target data is stored in a server on the network.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising, when a print service type of said print target data is specified, presenting information of a specific printer among said plurality of printers corresponding to said specified print service type to said user. Billing management method as described.
10. The billing management method according to claim 9, wherein the step of presenting information of the specific printer includes presenting location information indicating the geographical location of the specific printer to the user.
2. The billing management method according to claim 1, further comprising presenting to the user information indicating the total amount of printing in the predetermined period and/or information indicating a billing amount determined based on the total amount of printing. .
2. The accounting management method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of presenting history information indicating the history of the print amount and/or history information indicating the history of the billing amount determined based on the print amount to the user.
further comprising identifying, via the network, the printer used by the user;
12. The history information includes information that associates information about the printer used by the user with the print amount when the printer is used and/or a billing amount determined based on the print amount. Billing management method described in .
a step of identifying, via the network, a facility where the printer used by the user or a service using the printer is installed;
The history information includes information that associates the information of the identified facility and/or service with the amount of printing and/or the billing amount determined based on the amount of printing when the facility and/or service are used. Item 13. A billing management method according to Item 12.
further comprising identifying a price for content to be printed using the printer;
2. The billing according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the printer usage fee includes determining the printer usage fee based on the total print volume of the user within the predetermined time period and the consideration for the content. Management method.
the plurality of administrators includes a business operator that provides printing-related services and the user;
the plurality of printers includes a first printer managed by the operator and a second printer owned by the user;
In the step of determining the printer usage fee, the printer usage fee is calculated based on the amount of printing when the user uses the first printer and the amount of printing when the user uses the second printer. 2. The billing management method of claim 1, comprising the step of determining .
the plurality of printers includes a 3D printer;
The billing management method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of printing when the user uses the 3D printer includes the amount of consumables used in the 3D printer.
A charging management system for charging a printer usage fee to a registered user,
a process of identifying, via a network, the user using one of a plurality of printers belonging to a plurality of administrators;
a process of receiving, via the network, information about the amount of printing when the user uses the printer;
A billing management system, comprising: a billing management server for determining the printer usage fee for the plurality of printers based on the total print volume of the user within a predetermined period.
A computer for charging a printer usage fee to a user registered as a user,
a process of identifying, via a network, the user using one of a plurality of printers belonging to a plurality of administrators;
a process of receiving, via the network, information about the amount of printing when the user uses the printer;
an accounting management program for executing a process of determining the printer usage fee for the plurality of printers based on the total print volume of the user within a predetermined period.