JP2016164720A - Management system, management device, image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily manage a used amount even when a failure or the like occurs in an input device.SOLUTION: A management system which includes a first image forming apparatus or a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus, and one or more management devices connected to the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus via the network performs notification to the effect that the first image forming apparatus is replaced with the second image forming apparatus, acquires used amount data indicating the used amount based on the number of times of image formation by the first image forming apparatus and first identification data for identifying the first image forming apparatus from the first image forming apparatus when performing the notification, generates transfer data for transferring the used amount data, acquires second identification data for identifying the second image forming apparatus and specification data for specifying the transfer data, and transmits the used amount data indicated by the transfer data specified by the specification data to the second image forming apparatus identified by the second identification data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system, a management apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a system having a plurality of information processing devices such as game devices, a method for transmitting and receiving data between a plurality of game devices by short-range wireless communication and network communication is known.

  In a system having a plurality of game devices, first, data is transferred from one game device to the other game device using two types of communication, local communication and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication. Next, a method of deleting the transferred data from the game device that is the transmission source is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in the conventional method, if the user cannot operate the device due to a failure of the input device or the like, data may not be transmitted from the transmission source device to the transmission destination device. In this case, the apparatus includes the number of times the apparatus as the transmission source has been used, the time, the amount of processing performed by the apparatus, the number of sheets on which image formation has been performed, the number of times the apparatus can be used, or a combination of these (hereinafter referred to as the number of sheets) In some cases, data indicating “use amount” is stored. For this reason, if the data is not transmitted, the data cannot be transferred to the transmission destination device. Therefore, the usage amount may not be managed due to a failure of the input device or the like.

  An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a management system that can easily manage the amount of use even if the input device has a failure or the like.

  In one aspect, the first image forming apparatus or a second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus, and one or more connected to the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus via a network A management system including a management device includes a notification unit that performs a notification for exchanging the first image forming device for the second image forming device, and the first image forming device receives the notification when the notification is performed. A first acquisition unit for acquiring usage amount data indicating a usage amount based on the number of times of image formation by the image forming apparatus; first identification data for identifying the first image forming apparatus; and takeover data for taking over the usage amount data. Determined by the generation unit, the second identification data for identifying the second image forming apparatus, the second acquisition unit for acquiring the specific data for specifying the takeover data, and the second identification data The serial second image forming apparatus, and a transmission unit configured to transmit the usage data indicated by the takeover data specified by the specific data.

  Even if there is a failure in the input device, the amount used can be easily managed.

It is a whole lineblock diagram showing an example of the whole management system composition concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the whole process by the management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of acquisition of the notification data by the management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, 1st identification data, and usage-amount data. It is a flowchart which shows another example of acquisition of the notification data by the management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, 1st identification data, and usage-amount data. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of generation of data for the second image forming apparatus by the management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of generation of data for the second image forming apparatus by the management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of association of the second image forming apparatus and transmission of usage data by the management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of association of the second image forming apparatus and transmission of usage data by the management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

(Overall configuration example)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the management system 1 includes a printer 10 as an example of the first image forming apparatus and a server 2 as an example of the management apparatus. In the management system 1, the printer 10 and the server 2 are connected via a network 3. Further, an information processing apparatus such as a PC 4 is connected via the network 3. Further, when image data or the like is transmitted from the PC 4 or the like to the printer 10 through the network 3 by the operation of the user USER, the printer 10 forms an image based on the image data or the like.

  The printer 10 may be a FAX, a digital copying machine, a scanner device, a digital multifunction machine, or the like. The server 2 may be an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer), and the server 2 may be a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

  For example, the user USER performs a procedure such as a contract and payment of a usage fee at a so-called EC (Electronic Commerce) site. Next, when the procedure is performed by the user USER, for example, a registration ID (Identification) or the like is issued to the user USER. Hereinafter, an example in which a registration ID is issued will be described.

  When the registration ID is issued, the management system 1 inputs the registration ID and the frequency such as the number of times the printer 10 can be used determined by the procedure to the server 2. The frequency is, for example, a so-called prepaid frequency. Next, in the management system 1, a device ID that can identify the printer 10 is transmitted from the printer 10 to the server 2. When the device ID or the like is transmitted to the server 2, the server 2 associates the device ID with the registration ID. As a result, the contract of the user USER and the printer 10 are associated with each other, so that the user USER can use the printer 10.

  Therefore, the user USER uses the printer 10 by transmitting image data to the printer 10 or operating an operation button or the like included in the printer 10 to cause the printer 10 to form an image.

  Further, when the printer 10 cannot be used due to a failure or the like, for example, in the management system 1, the printer 10 is replaced with a printer 11 which is an example of the second image forming apparatus. Further, in the management system 1, when the printer 10 or the printer 11 is used by the user USER, data indicating the usage amount is transmitted to the server 2.

(Hardware configuration example)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the server 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2H1, an I / F (interface) 2H2, an output device 2H3, an input device 2H4, an HD (Hard Disk) 2H5, and a storage device 2H6. Have. Each hardware included in the server 2 is connected to each other via a bus 2H7.

  The CPU 2 </ b> H <b> 1 is a control device that controls various kinds of processing performed by the server 2 and processing of various data, and hardware and the like included in the server 2. The server 2 may further include an arithmetic device or a control device that assists the CPU 2H1.

  The I / F 2H2 is, for example, a connector and a processing IC (Integrated Circuit). The I / F 2H2 transmits / receives data to / from an external device such as the printer 10 (FIG. 1) via a network or the like.

  The output device 2H3 is a display that displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like.

  The input device 2H4 is a touch panel for inputting operations and the like, a keyboard, a mouse, or a combination thereof.

  HD2H5 is an example of an auxiliary storage device. That is, the HD 2H 5 stores data such as programs, files, or various settings used by the server 2.

  The storage device 2H6 is a so-called memory or the like. That is, the program or data stored in the HD 2H 5 is read out to the storage device 2H6.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the printer 10 and the printer 11 have the same hardware configuration. Hereinafter, the printer 10 will be described as an example. Specifically, the printer 10 includes a CPU 10H1, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 10H2, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 10H3, an H10 memory, an H10 memory, an H10 memory, an H10 memory, an H10 memory. / F10H7, operation unit 10H8, FCU (FAX Control Unit) 10H9, USB (Universal Serial Bus) 10H10, IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics 10H11, and Engine 11H11 Pro) And 12, and a peripheral 10H13.

  The CPU 10H1 is a control device that controls various types of processing performed by the printer 10 and processing of various types of data, and hardware and the like included in the printer 10. The printer 10 may further include an arithmetic device or a control device that assists the CPU 10H1.

  The ASIC 10H2 is a multi-function device such as a CPU I / F, SDRAM I / F, local bus I / F, PCI II / F, MAC (Media Access Controller), and HDI / F. Further, the ASIC 10H2 shares a device to be controlled with the CPU 10H1, and supports high efficiency of development of applications (application software) and the like from the viewpoint of architecture.

  The SDRAM 10H3 is a main memory used as a program memory for storing various programs including an OS (Operating System) and a work memory used when the CPU 10H1 performs data processing. The SDRAM 10H3 may be a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or the like.

  The flash memory 10H4 stores programs such as a boot loader (boot program) for starting up the printer 10 and an OS. The flash memory 10H4 stores programs such as application software, service software, and firmware, and data such as data indicating network addresses, device IDs, and counter values. The flash memory 10H4 may be a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Further, the flash memory 10H4 may be a non-volatile memory in which a backup circuit using a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a battery is integrated.

  The HD 10H5 is a nonvolatile storage medium. That is, the HD 10H5 stores data such as programs, files, or various settings used by the printer 10. The HD 10H5 may be used as a farm memory.

  The memory 10H6 is a non-volatile memory that stores NRS (Naming and Reconciliation Service) and the like.

  The I / F 10H7 is an I / F that communicates with an external device via a network or the like.

  The operation unit 10H8 includes an input device such as an operation key or an operation button, and an output device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube).

  The FCU 10H9 communicates with an image forming apparatus having a FAX or a modem or an external apparatus such as the server 2 (FIG. 1). The FCU 10H9 demodulates the modulated data transmitted from the external device.

  USB 10H10 and IEEE139410H11 are I / Fs for connecting external devices and peripheral devices to the printer 10.

  The plotter / scanner engine 10H12 includes a sensor that detects a hardware abnormality of the printer 10, and detects a failure of the printer 10.

  The peripheral machine 10H13 is a stapler that staples paper or the like, or a punch that punches paper or the like. Further, the peripheral machine 10H13 may be a finisher that performs bookbinding processing, folding, or sorting of paper or the like.

  When the power of the printer 10 is turned on, the CPU 10H1 activates the boot loader via the ASIC 10H2, and expands the OS program stored in the flash memory 10H4 according to the boot loader. Next, the CPU 10H1 reads the application, service, NRS program, and the like stored in the flash memory 10H4 as necessary, and loads them into the SDRAM 10H3. Thereby, the printer 10 can implement each function.

(Example of overall processing)
FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of overall processing by the management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Example of acquisition of notification data, first identification data, and usage data (step S01))
In step S 01, the server 2 acquires notification data, first identification data, and usage data from the printer 10. Specifically, when detecting a hardware abnormality, the printer 10 transmits notification data for notifying the server 2 that the printer 10 is to be replaced with the printer 11.

  Further, the printer 10 transmits, for example, device ID data that can identify the printer 10 to the server 2 as an example of the first identification data. Further, the printer 10 determines, as an example of usage data, a value obtained by reducing the frequency value every time an image is formed on a sheet or the like from a predetermined frequency input in advance to the printer 10 as an example of usage data, so-called remaining data. Data indicating frequency etc. is transmitted. That is, the user can use the printer 10 as many times as the number of remaining times. Hereinafter, an example in which the usage amount is the remaining frequency will be described.

  Note that the replacement may be performed for reasons other than a failure, such as a contract change, a user's request, or a periodic replacement. That is, when the user inputs an operation to press the “exchange button” or the like to the printer 10, the printer 10 may transmit notification data.

  Furthermore, the device ID data may be data indicating, for example, a management number, a manufacturing number, a printer name, or a combination thereof. The usage data includes, for example, the number of sheets on which the printer 10 has formed an image, the counter value of the counter that the printer 10 has, the number of times the printer 10 has formed an image, the usage time of the printer 10, or a combination thereof. Etc.

  Note that the notification data, the first identification data, and the usage amount data may be transmitted at different timings.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of acquisition of notification data, first identification data, and usage data by the management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in step S01 (FIG. 4), for example, the process shown in FIG. 5 is performed by the printer 10 (FIG. 1).

(Judgment example of whether or not a failure has been detected (step S11))
In step S11, the printer 10 determines whether a failure has been detected. Next, when a failure is detected (YES in step S11), the printer 10 proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if no failure is detected (NO in step S11), the printer 10 repeats step S11.

(Example of transmission of notification data, first identification data, and usage data (step S12))
In step S12, the printer 10 transmits notification data, first identification data, and usage data to the server 2 (FIG. 1). Each data may be further transmitted to the PC 4 (FIG. 1) or the like.

  In step S01, for example, the process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of acquisition of notification data, first identification data, and usage data by the management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 differs from FIG. 5 in that step S13 is added. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

(Example of Deleting Usage Data (Step S13))
In step S13, the printer 10 (FIG. 1) deletes the usage amount data.

  When the usage data of the printer 10 is deleted, the printer 10 does not transmit the usage data and the user cannot use the printer 10, so that the printer 10 is less likely to be used accidentally after the notification data is transmitted. it can.

(Storage example of usage data (step S02))
Returning to FIG. 4, in step S02, the server 2 stores the usage data. For example, in step S02, the server 2 stores the usage data and the device ID data in association with each other as shown below (Table 1).

  Hereinafter, an example in which the data in the row where “device ID” in “Table 1” is “Z1234-98765” is data relating to the printer 10 will be described. For example, it is assumed that device ID data and usage data relating to the printer 10 are transmitted to the server 2 in step S01. Next, in step S02, the server 2 searches for data relating to the printer 10 based on the device ID data, and stores the value indicated by the usage amount data in “Usage amount” in the following (Table 1).

「機器ＩＤ」は、各画像形成装置を識別できるＩＤを示す。

The “device ID” indicates an ID that can identify each image forming apparatus.

  “Registration ID” indicates an ID that associates a device used by the user with a contract made by the user. For example, when the user performs a procedure, a registration ID is issued. Next, when the user inputs a registration ID to the printer 10, the printer 10 transmits data indicating the registration ID and device ID data to the server 2. Subsequently, the server 2 stores the received registration ID and device ID in association with each other as described above (Table 1). On the other hand, when the printer 10 is replaced with the printer 11, a new registration ID is issued to the printer 11.

  “Use amount” indicates the use amount such as the remaining frequency. The value of “use amount” is indicated by the use amount data.

  Further, the server 2 may store data indicating settings, contract contents, statuses, and the like related to each image forming apparatus in association with the “device ID”. For example, in the above (Table 1), the server 2 stores data such as “model name”, “contract form”, “apparatus installation status”, “contract period”, “charging form”, and “apparatus state”. .

  “Model name” indicates the model of the image forming apparatus. The “contract form” indicates the type of contract that the user has processed. Further, “equipment installation status” indicates whether or not each image forming apparatus is installed in a place where it is used by a user. Furthermore, the “contract period” indicates a period during which the user can use each image forming apparatus by contract. “Billing mode” indicates the type of billing performed on the user. Further, “device status” indicates the status of the corresponding device. For example, in the above (Table 1), the “apparatus state” is an example indicating whether or not each image forming apparatus is restricted from performing image formation.

(Example of generating data for second image forming apparatus (step S03))
In step S03, the server 2 generates data for the printer 11. For example, in step S03, the server 2 changes the data shown in (Table 1) as shown in (Table 2) below, for example.

上記（表２）は、上記（表１）と比較して、「登録ＩＤ」が「ＸＹＺ１２３１２６」である行のデータが引き継ぎデータの例として生成され、加わる点が異なる。また、上記（表２）は、上記（表１）と比較して、「機器ＩＤ」が「Ｚ１２３４−９８７６５」である行のデータが有する「使用量」をさらに取得するのが制限される点が異なる。なお、「登録ＩＤ」が「ＸＹＺ１２３１２６」である行のデータは、プリンタ１１に係るデータであるとする。

The above (Table 2) is different from the above (Table 1) in that the data of the row whose “registration ID” is “XYZ123126” is generated as an example of the inherited data and added. Further, in the above (Table 2), it is limited to further obtain the “usage amount” included in the data of the row whose “device ID” is “Z1234-98765”, compared with the above (Table 1). Is different. It is assumed that the data in the row whose “registration ID” is “XYZ123126” is data relating to the printer 11.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of generation of data for the second image forming apparatus by the management apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in step S03 (FIG. 4), for example, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is performed by the server 2 (FIG. 1).

(Example of searching for device ID (step S21))
In step S21, the server 2 searches for a device ID. Specifically, the server 2 searches for data related to the printer 10 based on the device ID data acquired in step S01 (FIG. 4). That is, in the above (Table 2), the server 2 searches for data in a row where “device ID” is “Z1234-98765” based on the device ID data.

(Judgment example of whether usage is stored (step S22))
In step S22, the server 2 determines whether or not the usage amount is stored. For example, when the usage amount is stored (YES in step S22), the server 2 ends the process. On the other hand, if the usage amount is not stored (NO in step S22), the server 2 proceeds to step S23.

  If the usage amount is stored (YES in step S22), the process is terminated as an example of a method for restricting further acquisition of usage amount data. Further, the restriction may be such that usage data is not received.

(Example of Generation of Second Image Forming Apparatus Data (Step S23))
In step S23, the server 2 generates second image forming apparatus data. Specifically, as shown in the above (Table 2), the server 2 generates data of a row whose “registration ID” is “XYZ123126”.

  That is, the data in the row where the “registration ID” is “XYZ123126” is generated by taking over the usage amount from the data in the row where the “device ID” is “Z1234-98765”.

  In step S03, for example, the server 2 may perform the process illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of generation of data for the second image forming apparatus by the management apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8 differs from FIG. 7 in that step S24 is added. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

(Example of requesting deletion of usage data (step S24))
In step S24, the server 2 (FIG. 1) requests the printer 10 (FIG. 1) to delete the usage data. For example, the server 2 transmits data instructing the printer 10 to delete the usage data.

  When the usage data of the printer 10 is deleted, the printer 10 does not transmit the usage data, so that the printer 10 can be less used erroneously after the notification data is transmitted.

  Returning to FIG. 4, in step S03, the server 2 issues “XYZ123126”, which is a newly generated registration ID, to the user. For example, the server 2 sends a mail to the PC 4 (FIG. 1) and issues a registration ID to the user. The server 2 may issue a registration ID to the user by other methods.

(Example of Acquisition of Second Identification Data and Specific Data (Step S04))
In step S04, the server 2 acquires the second identification data and the specific data from the printer 11. Specifically, first, the user inputs “XYZ123126”, which is a registration ID, as an example of specific data, to the printer 11. Next, the printer 11 transmits registration ID data indicating the input registration ID and device ID data that can identify the printer 11 as an example of the second identification data to the server 2.

(Example of associating the second image forming apparatus (step S05))
In step S05, the server 2 associates the printer 11 with the registration ID. Specifically, in step S05, the server 2 changes the data shown in (Table 2) as shown below (Table 3) based on the registration ID data and device ID data acquired in step S04.

上記（表３）は、上記（表２）と比較して、「登録ＩＤ」が「ＸＹＺ１２３１２６」である行のデータが異なる。具体的には、「登録ＩＤ」が「ＸＹＺ１２３１２６」である行のデータでは、上記（表２）と比較して、「機器ＩＤ」に「Ｚ１２３４−９８７６６」が加わる点が異なる。また、「登録ＩＤ」が「ＸＹＺ１２３１２６」である行のデータでは、上記（表２）と比較して、「モデル名」に「ＭＰＣ５０００」が加わる点が異なる。

The above (Table 3) differs from the above (Table 2) in the data of the row where the “registration ID” is “XYZ123126”. Specifically, the data in the row where the “registration ID” is “XYZ123126” is different from the above (Table 2) in that “Z1234-98766” is added to the “device ID”. Also, the data in the row where the “registration ID” is “XYZ123126” is different from the above (Table 2) in that “MPC5000” is added to the “model name”.

  Further, when the device ID data and the registration ID data are acquired, as shown in the above (Table 3), the server 2 indicates that the data in the row where the “registration ID” is “XYZ123126” is data related to the printer 11. Can be identified.

(Transmission data transmission example (step S06))
In step S06, the server 2 transmits data indicating the usage amount to the printer 11 as transmission data. Specifically, in step S06, the server 2 indicates, for example, “560”, which is the “usage amount” of the row where “device ID” in the above (Table 3) is “Z1234-98766” as the transmission data. Data is transmitted to the printer 11.

  When the transmission data is transmitted to the printer 11 in step S06, the printer 11 performs various settings based on the transmission data, so that the user can use the printer 11. For example, when the usage amount indicated by the transmission data is the remaining frequency, the user can take over the remaining frequency set in the printer 10 and use the printer 11. That is, in the example of the remaining frequency shown in (Table 3) above, since the printer 11 takes over the remaining frequency that the user can use the printer 10 “560” times, the user can use the printer 11 “560” times.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of association of the second image forming apparatus and transmission of usage data by the management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in step S05 (FIG. 4) and step S06 (FIG. 4), for example, the process shown in FIG. 9 is performed by the server 2 (FIG. 1).

(Registration ID search example (step S31))
In step S31, the server 2 searches for a registration ID. Specifically, based on the registration ID data acquired in step S04 (FIG. 4), the server 2 stores data in a row where “registration ID” is “XYZ123126” among the data included in (Table 2). Search for.

(Example of input of device ID (step S32))
In step S32, the server 2 inputs the device ID into the data searched in step S31. Specifically, the server 2 inputs “Z1234-98766” as the “device ID” in the data in the row where the “registration ID” is “XYZ123126” among the data included in the above (Table 2). That is, when the device ID is input, the printer 11 (FIG. 1) identified by the device ID and the usage amount are associated with each other.

(Use amount data transmission example (step S33))
In step S <b> 33, the server 2 transmits usage data to the printer 11.

  In step S05 (FIG. 4) and step S06 (FIG. 4), for example, the processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of association of the second image forming apparatus and transmission of usage data by the management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 10 differs from FIG. 9 in that step S34 is added. Hereinafter, different points will be mainly described.

(Usage data limit example (step S34))
In step S34, the server 2 (FIG. 1) limits the usage data. Specifically, the server 2 invalidates the data in the row where the “device ID” is “Z1234-98766” among the data included in the above (Table 3). For example, the restriction is processing that prevents the server 2 from further transmitting data in a row whose “device ID” is “Z1234-98766” to the printer 11 or another image forming apparatus.

(Function configuration example)
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the management system 1 includes a notification unit 1F1, a first acquisition unit 1F2, a generation unit 1F3, a second acquisition unit 1F4, and a transmission unit 1F5.

  The notification unit 1F1 performs notification to replace the printer 10 with the printer 11, for example, when the printer 10 transmits notification data when a failure of the printer 10 is detected. The notification unit 1F1 is realized by the plotter / scanner engine 10H12 (FIG. 3), the I / F 10H7 (FIG. 3), and the like.

  When the notification by the notification unit 1F1 is performed, the first acquisition unit 1F2 receives from the printer 10 usage amount data D1 indicating the usage amount such as the remaining number based on the number of image formations by the printer 10, and examples of the first identification data. Device ID data D2 related to the printer 10 for identifying the printer 10 is acquired. The first acquisition unit 1F2 is realized by I / F2H2 (FIG. 2) or the like.

  The generation unit 1F3 generates the data shown in the above (Table 2) including the transfer data D5 that allows the printer 11 to transfer the usage amount such as the remaining frequency indicated by the usage amount data D1. The generation unit 1F3 is realized by the CPU 2H1 (FIG. 2) or the like.

  The second acquisition unit 1F4 specifies identification data to be taken over from the printer 11 based on the device ID data D3 related to the printer 11 that identifies the printer 11 as an example of the second identification data, and the data shown in Table 2 above. Registration ID data D4 is acquired as data. The second acquisition unit 1F4 is realized by I / F2H2 or the like.

  The transmission unit 1F5 determines the printer 11 as a transmission destination by the device ID data D3 related to the printer 11 acquired by the second acquisition unit 1F4, and uses the usage data D1 indicated by the takeover data D5 specified by the registration ID data D4. 11 to send. The transmission unit 1F5 is realized by I / F2H2 or the like.

  In the management system 1, when a failure or the like of the printer 10 is detected, notification is performed by the notification unit 1F1. When the notification is made, the first acquisition unit 1F2 acquires the usage data D1 and the device ID data D2 related to the printer 10. When the device ID data D2 related to the printer 10 is acquired, the printer 10 is identified. Therefore, the generation data 1F3 that inherits the usage amount of the printer 10 can be generated by the generation unit 1F3.

  Further, the device ID data D3 and the registration ID data D4 related to the printer 11 are acquired by the second acquisition unit 1F4. When the device ID data D3 related to the printer 11 is acquired, the printer 11 that is the takeover destination for taking over the usage amount of the printer 10 can be identified. Further, the takeover data D5 indicating the usage amount to be taken over by the printer 11 can be specified from the above (Table 3) or the like by the registration ID data D4.

  Therefore, the transmission unit 1F5 can transmit the usage amount indicated by the takeover data D5 specified by the registration ID data D4 to the printer 11 by the usage amount data D1, with the printer 11 determined by the device ID data D3 related to the printer 11 as a transmission destination. . For this reason, even if the input device of the printer 10 has a failure or the like, the amount used by the printer 10 is taken over by the printer 11. As a result, even if the printer 10 is replaced with the printer 11 and the like, the usage amount is taken over, so that the administrator or the like can reduce work such as associating the usage amount before and after the replacement.

  For example, in a billing system that charges the user a usage fee based on the usage amount, a so-called metered system, the usage fee can be easily calculated.

  Therefore, the management system can easily manage the usage amount even if the input device has a failure or the like.

  Note that all or part of each processing according to the present invention is executed by a computer described in a legacy programming language or an object-oriented programming language such as an assembler, C, C ++, C #, and Java (registered trademark). It may be realized by the program. That is, the program is a computer program for causing a computer such as a management system, a PC, and an information processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus or a management system having one or more information processing apparatuses to execute each process.

  The program can be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as ROM or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). Furthermore, the recording medium is EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, flexible disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, Blu-ray disc, SD (registered trademark) card, or MO etc. may be sufficient. Furthermore, the program can be distributed through a telecommunication line.

  Furthermore, the management system may include one or more information processing apparatuses connected to each other via a network or the like. That is, all or a part of various processes may be distributed by the management system, processed in parallel as in a duplex system, or redundantly as in a dual system.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Or it can be changed.

1 management system 2 server 10, 11 printer

JP 2012-55535 A

Claims (11)

A second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus or the first image forming apparatus, and one or more management apparatuses connected to the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus via a network. A management system comprising:
A notification unit for performing a notification of replacing the first image forming apparatus with the second image forming apparatus;
When the notification is made, the first image forming apparatus receives usage amount data indicating a usage amount based on the number of times of image formation by the first image forming apparatus, and first identification data for identifying the first image forming apparatus. A first acquisition unit for acquiring
A generation unit that generates takeover data to take over the usage data;
A second acquisition unit for acquiring second identification data for identifying the second image forming apparatus and specific data for specifying the handover data;
A management system including: a transmission unit configured to transmit transmission data indicating the usage amount taken over by the takeover data specified by the specific data to the second image forming apparatus determined by the second identification data.   The management system according to claim 1, wherein when the usage amount data and the first identification data are acquired, the usage amount indicated by the usage amount data and the first identification data are stored in association with each other.   The management system according to claim 2, wherein when the second identification data and the specific data are acquired, the usage amount corresponding to the first identification data is associated with the second identification data based on the specific data.   The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the first acquisition unit acquires the usage amount data, the first acquisition unit restricts further acquisition of the usage amount data.   The management system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit performs the notification when detecting a failure of the first image forming apparatus.   The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the notification is performed, the usage amount data of the first image forming apparatus is deleted or invalidated.   The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the transmission unit transmits the transmission data, the transmission unit further restricts transmission of the transmission data.   The usage amount is a counter value indicating the number of times that the first image forming apparatus has formed an image, the number of sheets on which an image has been formed by the first image forming apparatus, the number of times the first image forming apparatus has been used, or The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is a frequency at which the first image forming apparatus can be used. A second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus or the first image forming apparatus, and a management apparatus connected to the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus via a network,
A notification unit for performing notification for exchanging the first image forming apparatus for the second image forming apparatus;
When the notification is made, the first image forming apparatus receives usage amount data indicating a usage amount based on the number of times of image formation by the first image forming apparatus, and first identification data for identifying the first image forming apparatus. A first acquisition unit for acquiring
A generation unit that generates takeover data to take over the usage data;
A second acquisition unit for acquiring second identification data for identifying the second image forming apparatus and specific data for specifying the handover data;
A management apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit transmission data indicating the usage amount taken over by the takeover data specified by the specific data to the second image forming apparatus determined by the second identification data. A second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus or the first image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus connected to the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus via a network,
A notification unit for performing notification for exchanging the first image forming apparatus for the second image forming apparatus;
When the notification is made, the first image forming apparatus receives usage amount data indicating a usage amount based on the number of times of image formation by the first image forming apparatus, and first identification data for identifying the first image forming apparatus. A first acquisition unit for acquiring
A generation unit that generates takeover data to take over the usage data;
A second acquisition unit for acquiring second identification data for identifying the second image forming apparatus and specific data for specifying the handover data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit transmission data indicating the usage amount taken over by the takeover data specified by the specific data to the second image forming apparatus determined by the second identification data. A second image forming apparatus different from the first image forming apparatus or the first image forming apparatus, and one or more management apparatuses connected to the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus via a network. A program for causing a computer to have
A notification procedure in which the computer issues a notification to replace the first image forming apparatus with the second image forming apparatus;
When the notification is made, the computer identifies, from the first image forming apparatus, usage amount data indicating a usage amount based on the number of times of image formation by the first image forming apparatus, and the first image forming apparatus. A first acquisition procedure for acquiring one identification data;
A generation procedure in which the computer generates takeover data to take over the usage data;
A second acquisition procedure in which the computer acquires second identification data for identifying the second image forming apparatus and specific data for specifying the handover data;
The computer causes the second image forming apparatus, which is determined by the second identification data, to execute a transmission procedure for transmitting transmission data indicating the usage amount inherited by the handover data specified by the specific data. Program for.

Images