JP2018201144A - Device control system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device control system that can achieve a reduction in labor costs and safe reception of fees.SOLUTION: A device control computer 70 acquires and manages the usage of an MFP 30 from the MFP 30, executes instructions for a transition to a lock state to achieve invalidation of specific operation to the MFP 30 on the basis of the managed usage and the state of payment of fees for the MFP 30 via an on-line settlement service (S461 to S462), and executes instructions for a transition to an unlock state to achieve validation of the specific operation to the MFP 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus control system for controlling an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, there has been known a system that includes a coin vendor capable of paying a fee by cash and a copying machine, and executes the payment of the fee by the coin vendor in real time when executing a copying job by the copying machine. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-351167 A

  However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, since the fee stored in cash in the coin vendor needs to be collected periodically by a person on the copier administrator side, it costs labor. There is.

  In the system described in Patent Document 1, since the fee is stored in the coin vendor in cash, the cash stored in the coin vendor may be stolen and the administrator of the copier cannot receive the fee. There is a problem of having sex.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus control system that can realize reduction of labor costs and safe reception of charges.

  An apparatus control system according to the present invention includes a usage amount management unit that acquires and manages a usage amount of an image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus, and an apparatus control unit that controls the image forming apparatus. , Invalidating and validating a specific operation on the image forming apparatus based on the usage amount managed by the usage amount management means and the usage fee payment status of the image forming apparatus via an online payment service It is characterized in that at least one of the conversion is executed.

  With this configuration, the apparatus control system of the present invention uses an online payment service instead of a coin vendor for payment of the usage fee of the image forming apparatus, so that it is not necessary to acquire a fee from the coin vendor and reduce labor costs And safe receipt of charges. The apparatus control system according to the present invention automatically invalidates and enables at least one of specific operations on the image forming apparatus based on the usage amount of the image forming apparatus and the payment status of the usage fee of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the convenience can be improved.

  In the device control system of the present invention, the device control means invalidates the usage amount managed by the usage amount management means when the usage amount is equal to or more than the usage fee paid via the online payment service. May be executed.

  With this configuration, the apparatus control system of the present invention automatically executes invalidation of a specific operation on the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is used for the paid usage fee. Can be improved.

  In the device control system of the present invention, the device control means may execute the validation when the usage fee is newly paid via the online payment service.

  With this configuration, the apparatus control system of the present invention automatically executes the validation of a specific operation for the image forming apparatus when the usage fee for the image forming apparatus is newly paid via the online payment service. Can be improved.

  The apparatus control system according to the present invention further includes a state notification unit that notifies whether the state of the image forming apparatus is an invalid state or a valid state of the specific operation, and the apparatus control unit responds to the received instruction. Then, at least one of the invalidation and the validation may be executed.

  With this configuration, the apparatus control system of the present invention notifies whether the state of the image forming apparatus is an invalid state or a valid state of a specific operation for the image forming apparatus, and invalidates the specific operation for the image forming apparatus. Since at least one of activation and validation is executed in accordance with an instruction received from the user, convenience can be improved.

  The apparatus control system of the present invention can realize reduction of labor costs and safe receipt of charges.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the user terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows an example of the information which the online payment service shown in FIG. 1 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the payment code management information shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the apparatus control computer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus management information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the payment code management information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user usage-amount information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the usage-amount management information shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the information which the apparatus control service shown in FIG. 1 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus management information shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when the operation mode of the MFP is switched. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit illustrated in FIG. 3 when the MFP operates in a “Public” mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit illustrated in FIG. 3 when the MFP operates in a “School” mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit illustrated in FIG. 3 when the MFP operates in an “Office” mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit illustrated in FIG. 3 when the MFP operates in a “Public + Office” mode. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 until the MFP displays a two-dimensional code. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of an operation of the apparatus control system shown in FIG. 1 from when a user terminal reads a two-dimensional code to when an MFP ends job execution. It is a figure which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the display part of a user terminal in the operation | movement shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram of operation | movement of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 in case a function is performed by the lump sum payment method. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when the state of the MFP is confirmed. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when the actual usage amount of the MFP is changed. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of an operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when an MFP is automatically locked. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when the MFP is locked in response to an instruction via an apparatus control service. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when the MFP is locked according to an instruction via the operation unit of the MFP. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of an operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when an MFP is automatically unlocked. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when an MFP is unlocked in response to an instruction via an apparatus control service. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 when the MFP is unlocked in response to an instruction via the operation unit of the MFP.

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

  First, the configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes a user terminal 20 used by a user, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 30 as an image forming apparatus, and an online cloud service that performs online payment. A settlement service 40, a bank account management system 50 that manages bank accounts, a device control system 60 that controls the MFP 30 by communicating with the MFP 30, and a PC (Personal Computer) that can access the device control system 60 And a computer 90.

  The device control system 60 includes a device control computer 70 that controls the MFP 30 and a device control service 80 that is a cloud service that controls the MFP 30.

  The MFP 30 can be installed in various facilities such as a commercial facility such as a convenience store and a public facility such as a university. The MFP 30 is rented to the administrator of the MFP 30 by the MFP 30 dealer.

  The device control computer 70 may control not only the MFP 30 but also at least one MFP similar to the MFP 30.

  The device control service 80 may control not only the device control computer 70 but also control at least one device control computer similar to the device control computer 70.

  Each of the online payment service 40, the bank account management system 50, and the device control service 80 is a cloud service and is a system realized by a server such as a cloud server.

  The user terminal 20 and the online payment service 40 can communicate via a network such as the Internet.

  The MFP 30 and the device control computer 70 can communicate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, or directly by wire or wireless without going through the network.

  The online payment service 40 and the bank account management system 50 can communicate via a network such as the Internet.

  The online payment service 40 and the device control computer 70 can communicate via a network such as the Internet.

  The device control computer 70 and the device control service 80 can communicate via a network such as the Internet.

  The device control service 80 and the computer 90 can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the user terminal 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 20 is a display device such as an operation unit 21 that is an input device such as buttons for inputting various operations and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information. A display unit 22; a shooting unit 23 that is a shooting device such as a camera; and a communication unit 24 that is a communication device that communicates with an external apparatus directly via a network or via a network without being connected via a network. A storage unit 25 that is a nonvolatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory that stores various types of information, and a control unit 26 that controls the entire user terminal 20 are provided. The user terminal 20 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, for example.

  The storage unit 25 stores a payment program 25a for payment by the online payment service 40 (see FIG. 1). The settlement program 25a may be installed in the user terminal 20 at the manufacturing stage of the user terminal 20, or additionally installed in the user terminal 20 from an external storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Alternatively, it may be additionally installed on the user terminal 20 from the network.

  The control unit 26 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program and various data, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area of the CPU. Yes. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 25.

  The control unit 26 implements a settlement instruction unit 26a that instructs the online settlement service 40 to perform settlement by executing the settlement program 25a.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the MFP 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 30 includes an operation unit 31 that is an input device such as buttons for inputting various operations, a display unit 32 that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information, and an image from a document. Fax communication is performed via a communication line such as a public telephone line such as a scanner 33 which is a reading device, a printer 34 which is a printing device which prints an image on a recording medium such as paper, and an external facsimile apparatus (not shown). Various types of information are stored, such as a fax communication unit 35 that is a fax device, a communication unit 36 that is a communication device that communicates with an external device directly via a wired or wireless connection via a network or not via a network. Non-volatile storage devices such as semiconductor memory and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) A storage unit 37 and a control unit 38 that controls the entire MFP 30 are provided.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of the MFP 30.

  The operation mode of the MFP 30 shown in FIG. 4 includes a “Public” mode suitable for installation in a public place such as a court, and a “public” mode suitable for installation in an educational facility such as a school. Compared to “School” mode and “Office” mode suitable for installation in relatively small offices such as SOHO (Small Office Home Office), rental offices, coworking spaces, shared offices, etc. A “Public + Office” mode suitable for being installed in a place that is a small office is also included.

  The functions of the MFP 30 in the “Public” mode include a “Copy” function for printing an image read by the scanner 33 on a recording medium by the printer 34, and a scanner 33 for reading images on both sides of a small document such as an ID card. “ID Copy” function for printing on one side of the recording medium by the printer 34 without changing the size, “USB Print” function for printing the document stored in the USB memory on the recording medium by the printer 34, and cloud service A “Cloud Print” function for printing a stored document on a recording medium by the printer 34 is included.

  The functions of the MFP 30 in the “School” mode include a “Copy” function, an “ID Copy” function, and “Scan To Email” that transmits an image read by the scanner 33 to an e-mail address input from the operation unit 31. ”Function and“ Scan To USB ”function for storing an image read by the scanner 33 in a USB memory, and“ Scan ”for storing an image read by the scanner 33 in a pre-registered SMB (Server Message Block) folder After storing the document from the computer such as the user terminal 20 to the MFP 30 or the device control computer 70 in association with the user ID that is the user identification information, the “To Me” function, the “USB Print” function, and the like. When the user logs in to the MFP 30 via the operation unit 31, a document stored in the MFP 30 or the device control computer 70 in association with the user ID of the user is read from the MFP 30 or the device control computer 70, and is recorded on a recording medium by the printer 34. A “Follow Me Print” function for printing, a “Cloud Print” function, and an “Authentication” function for performing authentication for user login are included.

  The functions of the MFP 30 in the “Office” mode include a “Copy” function, an “ID Copy” function, a “Scan To Me” function, a “Follow Me Print” function, a “Cloud Print” function, and an “Authentication” function. Features and are included. Note that since there are many cases where an e-mail server is not provided in a relatively small office, the function of the MFP 30 in the “Office” mode does not include the “Scan To Email” function. In offices, the use of USB memory is often prohibited from the viewpoint of security, so the functions of the MFP 30 in the “Office” mode include the “Scan To USB” function and the “USB Print” function. Absent.

  The functions of the MFP 30 in the “Public + Office” mode include a “Copy” function, an “ID Copy” function, a “Scan To Me” function, a “USB Print” function, a “Follow Me Print” function, and a “Cloud Print” function. ”Function and“ Authentication ”function.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 37 stores a device control program 37 a for controlling the operation of the MFP 30. The device control program 37a may be installed in the MFP 30 at the manufacturing stage of the MFP 30, or may be additionally installed in the MFP 30 from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may be additionally installed in the MFP 30 from the network. May be.

  The control unit 38 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data, and a RAM that is used as a work area of the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 37.

  The control unit 38 executes a device switching program 37a to switch the mode of operation of the MFP 30, a mode switching unit 38a, a "Copy" function, an "ID Copy" function, a "Scan To Email" function, and a "Scan To USB" function. ”Function,“ Scan To Me ”function,“ USB Print ”function,“ Follow Me Print ”function, and“ Cloud Print ”function job execution means 38b that executes a job, and calculates the usage charge of the MFP 30 The usage fee calculation means 38c, the payment code notification means 38d for notifying the payment code issued by the online settlement service 40 (see FIG. 1) for the usage fee calculated by the usage fee calculation means 38c, Notify status A status notification unit 38e and a status switching unit 38f for switching the status of the MFP 30 are realized.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the online payment service 40.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the online payment service 40 includes user bank account information 40 a that shows user bank account information for each user ID that is user identification information, and account information of the administrator of the MFP 30. Is stored for each administrator ID which is identification information of the administrator.

  The user bank account information 40a includes information related to the user's bank account, such as the name of the bank that manages the user's bank account and the account number of the bank account. The user, for example, the user bank of the online payment service 40 via the operation unit 21 (see FIG. 2) of the user terminal 20 (see FIG. 2) via the payment program 25a (see FIG. 2). It is possible to register the user's bank account information in the account information 40a.

  For example, the administrator can register the account information of the administrator in the administrator account information 40b of the online payment service 40 via the Internet via an arbitrary PC. The administrator's account is an account managed by the online payment service 40, not a bank account.

  The online payment service 40 can store payment code management information 40c for managing payment codes.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the payment code management information 40c.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the payment code management information 40c is information in which a payment code, an administrator ID, a usage fee, and a computer ID that is computer identification information are associated with each other.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the device control computer 70.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the device control computer 70 includes a communication unit 71 that is a communication device that communicates with an external device directly via a network or via a wired or wireless connection without using the network, and various types of information. A storage unit 72 that is a non-volatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory that stores the data, and a control unit 73 that controls the entire apparatus control computer 70.

  The storage unit 72 stores a device control program 72a for controlling the MFP. The device control program 72a may be installed in the device control computer 70 at the manufacturing stage of the device control computer 70, or the device control program 72a may be installed from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or the like. It may be additionally installed in the control computer 70 or may be additionally installed in the device control computer 70 from the network.

  The storage unit 72 stores device management information 72b for managing the MFP.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device management information 72b.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the device management information 72b is information in which a device ID, which is MFP identification information, is associated with an administrator ID of the administrator of the MFP.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 72 can store payment code management information 72c for managing a payment code issued by the online payment service 40 (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the payment code management information 72c.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the payment code management information 72c is information in which a payment code, a device ID, and a job ID that is identification information of a job for executing a function are associated with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 72 stores user usage information 72d for managing the usage of the MFP for each user.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user usage information 72d.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the user usage amount information 72d includes the user ID, the usage amount of the MFP permitted by the user (hereinafter referred to as “user permitted amount”), and the actual usage amount of the user. (Hereinafter referred to as “user actual amount”). The user permission amount can be specified by the administrator of the MFP.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 72 stores usage amount management information 72e for managing the usage amount for each MFP.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the usage management information 72e.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the usage amount management information 72e includes a device ID, a usage amount permitted for the device (hereinafter referred to as “permitted usage amount”), and an actual usage amount of the device (hereinafter referred to as “actual usage amount”). Is associated information.

  The control unit 73 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various data, and a RAM that is used as a work area of the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 72.

  The control unit 73 executes a device control program 72a to switch a device control unit 73a that switches the operation mode of the MFP, a payment communication unit 73b that performs communication for payment by the online payment service 40, and the MFP. A usage amount managing unit 73c that acquires and manages the usage amount from the MFP and a state notification unit 73d that notifies the state of the MFP are realized.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the device control service 80.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the device control service 80 can store device management information 80a for managing the MFP.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device management information 80a.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the device management information 80a is information in which a device ID that is identification information of an MFP is associated with a computer ID that is identification information of a device control computer that manages the MFP.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 will be described.

  First, the operation of the image forming system 10 when switching the operation mode of the MFP 30 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the operation mode of the MFP 30 is switched.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the dealer of the MFP 30 operates the computer 90 to transmit an instruction to start the process of switching the operation mode of the MFP 30 from the computer 90 to the device control service 80 (S 101). Here, the dealer informs the apparatus control service 80 of the apparatus ID of the MFP 30 from the computer 90 in the process of S101, thereby causing the apparatus control service 80 to identify the MFP 30 that is the object of the operation mode switching process. .

  When an instruction to start the process for switching the operation mode of the MFP 30 is transmitted from the computer 90, the device control service 80 is a candidate for the operation mode of the MFP 30, that is, the “Public” mode, the “School” mode, “ The “Office” mode and the “Public + Office” mode are notified to the computer 90 (S102).

  When the operation mode candidate of the MFP 30 is notified from the device control service 80, the computer 90 displays the candidate notified from the device control service 80 on the display unit of the computer 90 (S103). Therefore, the dealer can specify the mode to be switched to the MFP 30 from the candidates displayed on the display unit of the computer 90 via the operation unit of the computer 90. When the mode to be switched to the MFP 30 is designated via the operation unit, the computer 90 notifies the device control service 80 of the designated mode (S104).

  When the mode is notified from the computer 90, the device control service 80 transmits an instruction to switch the MFP 30 to the mode notified from the computer 90 to the device control computer 70 that manages the MFP 30 (S105). Here, the device control service 80 can specify the computer ID of the device control computer 70 that manages the MFP 30 based on the device ID of the MFP 30 and the device management information 80a, and an IP (Internet Protocol) is assigned to the computer ID. ) It is possible to communicate with the device control computer 70 associated with information such as an address. Further, the apparatus control service 80 causes the apparatus control computer 70 to identify the MFP 30 that is the object of the operation mode switching process by notifying the apparatus control computer 70 of the apparatus ID of the MFP 30 in the process of S105.

  When an instruction for switching the operation mode of the MFP 30 is transmitted from the apparatus control service 80, the apparatus control unit 73a of the apparatus control computer 70 transmits an instruction to switch to the instructed mode to the MFP 30 (S106).

  When an instruction for switching the operation mode is transmitted from the apparatus control computer 70, the mode switching unit 38a of the MFP 30 switches to the designated mode (S107).

  When operating in the “Public” mode, the job execution unit 38b of the MFP 30 displays, for example, a screen 130 illustrated in FIG. 15 on the display unit 32 as a home screen. The screen 130 includes a “Copy” button 131 that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute the “Copy” function, and an “ID Copy” that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute the “ID Copy” function. ”Button 132, a“ USB Print ”button 133 that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute the“ USB Print ”function, and a“ USB Print ”button 133 that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute the“ Cloud Print ”function. A “Cloud Print” button 134 is included. When executing any one of the “Copy” function, the “ID Copy” function, the “USB Print” function, and the “Cloud Print” function in the “Public” mode, the job execution unit 38 b determines the usage fee of the MFP 30. The function is executed by a method of paying each time of execution (hereinafter referred to as “payment method of every time”).

  When operating in the “School” mode, the job execution unit 38 b displays, for example, a screen 140 illustrated in FIG. 16 on the display unit 32 as a home screen. The screen 140 includes a “Copy” button 141 that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute the “Copy” function, and an “ID Copy” that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute the “ID Copy” function. ”Button 142, the scanner 33 is used, the“ Scan ”button 143 that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute a function that is neither the“ Copy ”function nor the“ ID Copy ”function, and the printer 34 is used. And a “Print” button 144 that is pressed via the operation unit 31 to execute a function that is neither the “Copy” function nor the “ID Copy” function. When the “Scan” button 143 is pressed, the job execution unit 38b executes a screen for designating any one of the “Scan To Email” function, the “Scan To USB” function, and the “Scan To Me” function. Is displayed on the display unit 32. When the “Print” button 144 is pressed, the job execution unit 38b displays a screen for designating any one of the “USB Print” function, the “Follow Me Print” function, and the “Cloud Print” function as the function to be executed. This is displayed on the part 32. In the “School” mode, the job execution unit 38b has a “Copy” function, an “ID Copy” function, a “Scan To Email” function, a “Scan To USB” function, a “Scan To Me” function, a “USB Print” function, a “USB Print” function, When executing any one of the “Follow Me Print” function and the “Cloud Print” function, a method capable of collectively paying the usage fee of the MFP 30 for the execution of a plurality of functions (hereinafter referred to as “collective payment method”). And the function is executed by the one designated via the operation unit 31 among the payment methods every time.

  When operating in the “Office” mode, the job execution unit 38 b displays, for example, a screen 150 illustrated in FIG. 17 on the display unit 32 as a home screen. The screen 150 includes a “Copy” button 151 that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute the “Copy” function, and an “ID Copy” that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to execute the “ID Copy” function. ”Button 152, the“ Scan To Me ”button 153 that is pressed via the operation unit 31 to execute the“ Scan To Me ”function, and the“ Copy ”function and the“ ID Copy ”function using the printer 34. A “Print” button 154 that is pressed via the operation unit 31 to execute a function that is not any of them is included. When the “Print” button 154 is pressed, the job execution unit 38 b displays a screen for designating one of the “Follow Me Print” function and the “Cloud Print” function as the function to be executed. When the job execution unit 38b executes any one of the functions “Copy” function, “ID Copy” function, “Scan To Me” function, “Follow Me Print” function, and “Cloud Print” function in the “Office” mode. Of the batch payment method and the payment method every time, the function is executed by the one designated via the operation unit 31.

  When operating in the “Public + Office” mode, the job execution unit 38 b displays, for example, a screen 160 illustrated in FIG. 18 on the display unit 32 as a home screen. On the screen 160, a “Public” button 161 that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to display a screen similar to the screen 130, and a button that is pressed through the operation unit 31 to display a screen similar to the screen 150. An “Office” button 162 is included.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the function is executed by the payment method every time will be described.

  First, the operation of the image forming system 10 until the MFP 30 displays a two-dimensional code will be described.

  The job execution unit 38b of the MFP 30 includes a “Copy” function, an “ID Copy” function, a “Scan To Email” function, a “Scan To USB” function, a “Scan To Me” function, a “USB Print” function, a “Follow Me Print” function. After the usage fee of the MFP 30 for executing any one of the functions “Cloud Print” and the “Cloud Print” function is paid via the online payment service 40, when the execution of the function is terminated, the job of the function is temporarily The operation is stopped and the operation shown in FIG. 19 is executed.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 until the MFP 30 displays the two-dimensional code.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, the usage fee calculation unit 38 c of the MFP 30 executes the current function based on the usage amount of the MFP 30 scheduled for execution of the current function and a specific calculation criterion. The usage fee for the MFP 30 is calculated (S201). The usage amount of the MFP 30 scheduled for execution of the current function is, for example, when the current function is the “Follow Me Print” function, for example, color printing and monochrome printing by the printer 34 executed by the current function Is the number of each page.

  The payment code notifying unit 38d of the MFP 30 notifies the apparatus control computer 70 of the apparatus ID of the MFP 30, the job ID of the job for executing the current function, and the usage fee calculated in S201 after the process of S201. Thus, a two-dimensional code is requested from the apparatus control computer 70 (S202).

  When the two-dimensional code is requested from the MFP 30, the payment communication means 73 b of the device control computer 70 requests the online payment service 40 for the payment code at the usage fee notified from the MFP 30 together with the request for the two-dimensional code (S <b> 203). ). Here, the settlement communication unit 73b sets the administrator ID associated in the device management information 72b with the device ID transmitted from the MFP 30 together with the request for the two-dimensional code, and the computer ID of the device control computer 70 in S203. Include in the request.

  When a payment code is requested from the device control computer 70, the online payment service 40 issues a payment code in response to the request in S203 (S204), and the payment code issued in S204 was included in the request in S203. It is stored in the payment code management information 40c in association with the administrator ID, usage fee and computer ID (S205). Next, the online payment service 40 returns the payment code issued in S204 to the device control computer 70 (S206).

  When the payment code is returned from the online payment service 40, the payment communication means 73b of the device control computer 70 is notified of the payment code returned from the online payment service 40 from the MFP 30 together with the request for the two-dimensional code. The payment code management information 72c is stored in association with the device ID and the job ID (S207).

  Next, the settlement communication unit 73b generates a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) indicating the payment code stored in S207 (S208), and transmits the two-dimensional code generated in S208 to the MFP 30 (S209). .

  When the two-dimensional code is transmitted from the apparatus control computer 70, the payment code notifying unit 38d of the MFP 30 displays the two-dimensional code transmitted from the apparatus control computer 70 on the display unit 32 (S210).

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 from when the user terminal 20 reads the two-dimensional code until the MFP 30 finishes executing the job will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 from when the user terminal 20 reads the two-dimensional code until the MFP 30 finishes executing the job.

  The user can operate the user terminal 20 so that the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 32 of the MFP 30 in S210 is read by the photographing unit 23 of the user terminal 20. When the user terminal 20 is operated so that the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 32 is read by the photographing unit 23, the settlement instruction unit 26a of the user terminal 20 displays the display unit 32 as shown in FIG. Is read by the photographing unit 23 (S231).

  Next, the settlement instruction unit 26a interprets the two-dimensional code read in S231 and transmits the payment code indicated by the two-dimensional code and the user ID to the online settlement service 40 (S232).

  Therefore, the online payment service 40 uses the payment fee and the user ID associated with the payment code in the payment code management information 40c based on the payment code and the user ID transmitted from the user terminal 20 in S232, and the user bank. The bank account information associated with the user ID in the account information 40a is returned to the user terminal 20 (S233).

  When the usage fee and the bank account information are transmitted from the online payment service 40, the payment instruction means 26a of the user terminal 20 displays a payment screen 260 (see FIG. 21) for payment of the usage fee. It is displayed on the part 22 (S234).

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the payment screen 260.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the payment screen 260 includes a text 261 indicating bank account information transmitted from the online payment service 40, a text 262 indicating usage charges transmitted from the online payment service 40, and a bank account. , That is, a text box 263 for inputting a password for allowing the bank account management system 50 to debit the bank account.

  In FIG. 21, the name of the bank is shown as the bank account information displayed on the payment screen 260. However, information other than the bank name may be displayed on the payment screen 260 as the bank account information in addition to the bank name or instead of the bank name. In S233, only the information displayed on the payment screen 260 among the bank account information may be returned.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when the bank account password is entered in the text box 263, the settlement instructing means 26a transmits the entered password to the online settlement service 40 (S235).

  Therefore, the online payment service 40 is transmitted from the user terminal 20 in S232 out of the bank accounts managed by the bank account management system 50 only when the password transmitted from the user terminal 20 in S235 is correct. The usage fee associated with the payment code transmitted from the user terminal 20 at S232 is deducted from the bank account associated with the user ID in the user bank account information 40a with the payment code management information 40c. (S236).

  Next, the online payment service 40 converts the usage fee withdrawn in S236 into the administrator account information 40b to the administrator ID associated in the payment code management information 40c with the payment code transmitted from the user terminal 20 in S232. (S237).

  Next, the online payment service 40 corresponds the payment completion notification indicating that the payment of the usage fee has been completed and the payment code transmitted from the user terminal 20 in S232 to the payment code in the payment code management information 40c. The information is transmitted to the device control computer 70 of the attached computer ID (S238).

  When the payment completion notification is transmitted from the online payment service 40 in S238, the payment communication means 73b of the apparatus control computer 70 manages the payment code in the payment code transmitted together with the payment completion notification from the online payment service 40 in S238. The job ID associated with the information 72c is transmitted to the MFP 30 having the device ID associated with the payment code in the payment code management information 72c (S239).

  When the job execution unit 38b of the MFP 30 receives a job ID from the device control computer 70 in S239, the job execution unit 38b temporarily stops the job associated with the job ID transmitted from the device control computer 70 in S239. The execution of the job that has been resumed is resumed (S240).

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the function is executed by the batch payment method will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the function is executed by the batch payment method.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the job execution unit 38b of the MFP 30 accepts a user login by the “Authentication” function (S301), and is scheduled to execute the user ID of the logged-in user and the target function. By transmitting the usage amount of the MFP to the apparatus control computer 70, an instruction to determine whether to permit execution of the target function is transmitted to the apparatus control computer 70 (S302).

  When an instruction for determining whether to permit execution of the target function is transmitted from the MFP 30, the usage amount management unit 73 c of the device control computer 70 receives the user ID transmitted from the MFP 30 in S 302 and the usage. Based on the user usage amount information 72d, the permitted user amount and the actual user amount are acquired (S303).

  Next, the usage amount management unit 73c determines whether or not to permit execution of the target function based on the usage amount transmitted from the MFP 30 in S302 and the user permission amount and the user actual amount acquired in S303. Is determined (S304). Here, the usage amount management unit 73c applies the target when the sum of the usage amount transmitted from the MFP 30 in S302 and the actual user amount acquired in S303 is equal to or less than the permitted user amount acquired in S303. It is determined that the execution of the function is permitted. On the other hand, when the total of the usage amount transmitted from the MFP 30 in S302 and the actual user amount acquired in S303 is larger than the permitted user amount acquired in S303, the usage amount management unit 73c Is determined not to be allowed to execute.

  When the usage amount management unit 73c determines in S304 that execution of the target function is not permitted, the usage amount management unit 73c notifies the MFP 30 that execution of the target function is not permitted (S305). Accordingly, the job execution unit 38b of the MFP 30 displays on the display unit 32 that the execution of the target function is not permitted (S306).

  On the other hand, when the usage amount management unit 73c determines in S304 that the execution of the target function is permitted, the usage amount management unit 73c notifies the MFP 30 that the execution of the target function is permitted (S307). When the job execution unit 38b of the MFP 30 is notified from the device control computer 70 that the execution of the target function is permitted, the job execution unit 38b executes the target function (S308). The user ID of the user is notified to the device control computer 70 (S309). Therefore, the usage amount managing unit 73c of the device control computer 70 uses the usage amount associated with the user ID notified from the MFP 30 in the user usage amount information 72d based on the usage amount notified from the MFP 30. The actual amount is updated (S310).

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the state of the MFP 30 is confirmed will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the state of the MFP 30 is confirmed.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the dealer of the MFP 30 operates the computer 90 to transmit an instruction to notify the state of the MFP 30 from the computer 90 to the device control service 80 (S401). Here, the dealer causes the device control service 80 to identify the target MFP 30 by notifying the device control service 80 of the device ID of the MFP 30 from the computer 90 in the process of S401.

  When an instruction to notify the state of the MFP 30 is received from the computer 90, the apparatus control service 80 transmits an instruction to notify the state of the MFP 30 to the apparatus control computer 70 that manages the MFP 30 (S402). Here, the device control service 80 can specify the computer ID of the device control computer 70 that manages the MFP 30 based on the device ID of the MFP 30 and the device management information 80a. It communicates with the device control computer 70 associated with the information. Further, the device control service 80 causes the device control computer 70 to identify the target MFP 30 by notifying the device control computer 70 of the device ID of the MFP 30 during the process of S402.

  When an instruction to notify the state of the MFP 30 is transmitted from the apparatus control service 80, the state notifying unit 73d of the apparatus control computer 70 transmits an instruction to notify the state of the MFP 30 to the MFP 30 (S403).

  When an instruction to notify the state of the MFP 30 is transmitted from the device control computer 70, the state notification unit 38e of the MFP 30 notifies the device control computer 70 of the state of the MFP 30 (S404). Here, the state notified in S404 includes information indicating whether the MFP 30 is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The locked state is a state in which a specific operation on the MFP is invalid, for example, a state in which a general user cannot use most functions of the MFP. The unlocked state is a state that is not a locked state, and is a state in which a specific operation on the MFP is valid.

  When the state of the MFP 30 is notified from the MFP 30, the state notification unit 73 d of the device control computer 70 notifies the device control service 80 of the state of the MFP 30 notified from the MFP 30 (S 405). Here, the state notification unit 73d may include the permitted usage amount and the actual usage amount of the MFP 30 in the state notified in S405.

  When the status of the MFP 30 is notified from the device control computer 70, the device control service 80 notifies the computer 90 of the status of the MFP 30 notified from the device control computer 70 (S406).

  When the status of the MFP 30 is notified from the device control service 80, the computer 90 displays the status of the MFP 30 notified from the device control service 80 on the display unit of the computer 90 (S407). Therefore, the dealer of the MFP 30 can determine the necessity of setting the MFP 30 to the locked state or the unlocked state by checking the state of the MFP 30 displayed on the display unit of the computer 90.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the actual usage amount of the MFP 30 is changed will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the actual usage amount of the MFP 30 is changed.

  When the actual usage amount of the MFP 30 increases by executing the function, the job execution unit 38b of the MFP 30 notifies the device control computer 70 of the increased usage amount as shown in FIG. 24 (S431). Here, the job execution unit 38b also notifies the apparatus control computer 70 of the apparatus ID of the MFP 30 at the time of notification in S431. Accordingly, the usage amount management unit 73c of the device control computer 70, based on the usage amount notified from the MFP 30, the actual usage amount associated with the device ID notified from the MFP 30 in the usage amount management information 72e. Is updated (S432).

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is automatically locked will be described.

  FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is automatically locked.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the device control means 73a of the device control computer 70 determines whether or not the actual usage amount of the MFP 30 is less than the permitted usage amount in the usage amount management information 72e (S461). Here, the apparatus control unit 73a executes the process of S461 only when it is set in advance that the MFP 30 is automatically locked. In addition, when it is set in advance that the MFP 30 is automatically locked, the apparatus control unit 73a executes the process of S461 every time either the actual usage amount or the permitted usage amount of the MFP 30 is changed. To do.

  If the apparatus control means 73a determines in S461 that the actual usage amount of the MFP 30 is not less than the permitted usage amount in the usage amount management information 72e, that is, the actual usage amount of the MFP 30 is greater than or equal to the permitted usage amount, the device control means 73a shifts to the locked state. Is sent to the MFP 30 (S462).

  When the instruction to shift to the locked state is transmitted from the apparatus control computer 70, the state switching unit 38f of the MFP 30 shifts the MFP 30 to the locked state when the MFP 30 is in the unlocked state (S463). The process for shifting the MFP 30 to the locked state includes, for example, a process for terminating the execution of the function when the MFP 30 is executing a function, a process for invalidating a specific operation on the MFP 30, and a process for locking the MFP 30. And a process for displaying a message to be displayed on the display unit 32.

  Next, an operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is locked according to an instruction via the device control service 80 will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is locked in response to an instruction via the device control service 80.

  As illustrated in FIG. 26, the dealer of the MFP 30 operates the computer 90 to transmit an instruction to set the MFP 30 to the device control service 80 from the computer 90 (S471). Here, the dealer causes the device control service 80 to identify the target MFP 30 by notifying the device control service 80 of the device ID of the MFP 30 from the computer 90 in the process of S471.

  Upon receiving an instruction from the computer 90 to place the MFP 30 in the locked state, the device control service 80 transmits an instruction to place the MFP 30 in the locked state to the device control computer 70 that manages the MFP 30 (S472). Here, the device control service 80 can specify the computer ID of the device control computer 70 that manages the MFP 30 based on the device ID of the MFP 30 and the device management information 80a. It communicates with the device control computer 70 associated with the information. Further, the device control service 80 causes the device control computer 70 to identify the target MFP 30 by notifying the device control computer 70 of the device ID of the MFP 30 during the process of S472.

  When an instruction to set the MFP 30 to the locked state is transmitted from the device control service 80, the device control unit 73a of the device control computer 70 transmits an instruction to shift to the locked state to the MFP 30 (S473).

  When the instruction to shift to the locked state is transmitted from the apparatus control computer 70, the state switching unit 38f of the MFP 30 shifts the MFP 30 to the locked state in the same manner as the process of S463 when the MFP 30 is in the unlocked state. (S474).

  Next, an operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is locked according to an instruction via the operation unit 31 will be described.

  FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is locked in response to an instruction via the operation unit 31.

  The dealer of the MFP 30 can operate the MFP 30 in a special management mode by inputting a special operation through the operation unit 31. The state switching unit 38f of the MFP 30 causes the display unit 32 to display a lock button for shifting the MFP 30 to the locked state when the MFP 30 is operating in a special management mode. Therefore, the dealer can press the lock button displayed on the display unit 32 via the operation unit 31. When the lock button is pressed, the state switching unit 38f of the MFP 30 shifts the MFP 30 to the locked state as in the process of S463 as shown in FIG. 27 (S481).

  Next, the status notification unit 38e of the MFP 30 notifies the device control computer 70 that the MFP 30 is locked (S482). Therefore, in the device control computer 70, for example, the MFP 30 is locked to a destination such as an e-mail address registered in advance via the device control service 80 or directly without using the device control service 80. You can be notified.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the permitted usage amount of the MFP 30 is changed will be described.

  The administrator of the MFP 30 can transfer the usage fee of the MFP 30 designated by the dealer of the MFP 30 from the manager's account to the dealer's account via the online payment service 40. When the online payment service 40 notifies the usage amount management means 73c of the device control computer 70 that the usage fee for the MFP 30 has been transferred from the administrator to the dealer's account, the usage fee is transferred to the dealer's account. Correspondingly, the permitted usage amount associated with the device ID of the MFP 30 in the usage amount management information 72e is increased by a numerical value set in advance by the dealer. That is, the permitted usage amount of the MFP 30 in the usage amount management information 72e indicates the payment status of the usage fee of the MFP 30 via the online payment service 40.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is automatically unlocked will be described.

  FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is automatically unlocked.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the device control means 73a of the device control computer 70 determines whether or not the permitted usage amount of the MFP 30 has increased in the usage amount management information 72e (S561). Here, the apparatus control unit 73a executes the process of S561 only when the MFP 30 is automatically set to be unlocked in advance. In addition, when it is set in advance that the MFP 30 is automatically unlocked, the apparatus control unit 73a executes the process of S561 every time the permitted usage amount of the MFP 30 is changed.

  If the device control means 73a determines in S561 that the permitted usage amount of the MFP 30 has increased in the usage amount management information 72e, the device control means 73a transmits an instruction to shift to the unlock state to the MFP 30 (S562).

  When the instruction to shift to the unlocked state is transmitted from the apparatus control computer 70, the state switching unit 38f of the MFP 30 shifts the MFP 30 to the unlocked state when the MFP 30 is in the locked state (S563). The process for shifting the MFP 30 to the unlocked state includes, for example, a process for enabling a specific operation on the MFP 30 and a process for displaying the home screen on the display unit 32.

  Next, an operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is unlocked according to an instruction via the device control service 80 will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is unlocked in response to an instruction via the device control service 80.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the dealer of the MFP 30 operates the computer 90 to transmit an instruction to set the MFP 30 to the unlocked state from the computer 90 to the device control service 80 (S571). Here, the dealer causes the device control service 80 to identify the target MFP 30 by notifying the device control service 80 of the device ID of the MFP 30 from the computer 90 in the process of S571.

  Upon receiving an instruction from the computer 90 to place the MFP 30 in the unlocked state, the device control service 80 transmits an instruction to place the MFP 30 in the unlocked state to the device control computer 70 that manages the MFP 30 (S572). Here, the device control service 80 can specify the computer ID of the device control computer 70 that manages the MFP 30 based on the device ID of the MFP 30 and the device management information 80a. It communicates with the device control computer 70 associated with the information. Further, the device control service 80 causes the device control computer 70 to identify the target MFP 30 by notifying the device control computer 70 of the device ID of the MFP 30 during the process of S572.

  When an instruction to set the MFP 30 to the unlocked state is transmitted from the device control service 80, the device control means 73a of the device control computer 70 transmits an instruction to shift to the unlocked state to the MFP 30 (S573).

  When the instruction to shift to the unlocked state is transmitted from the apparatus control computer 70, the state switching unit 38f of the MFP 30 sets the MFP 30 to the unlocked state in the same manner as the process of S563 when the MFP 30 is in the locked state. Transition (S574).

  Next, an operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is unlocked according to an instruction via the operation unit 31 will be described.

  FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the image forming system 10 when the MFP 30 is unlocked in response to an instruction via the operation unit 31.

  Even if the MFP 30 is in a locked state, the dealer of the MFP 30 can operate the MFP 30 in a special management mode by inputting a special operation via the operation unit 31. The state switching unit 38f of the MFP 30 causes the display unit 32 to display an unlock button for shifting the MFP 30 to the unlocked state when the MFP 30 is operating in a special management mode. Therefore, the dealer can press the unlock button displayed on the display unit 32 via the operation unit 31. When the unlock button is pressed, the state switching unit 38f of the MFP 30 shifts the MFP 30 to the unlocked state as in the process of S563 as shown in FIG. 30 (S581).

  Next, the status notification unit 38e of the MFP 30 notifies the device control computer 70 that the MFP 30 is unlocked (S582). Therefore, the device control computer 70 can be used, for example, when the MFP 30 is unlocked to a destination such as an e-mail address registered in advance via the device control service 80 or directly without using the device control service 80. You can be notified.

  As described above, since the image forming system 10 uses the online payment service 40 instead of the coin vendor for payment of the usage fee of the MFP 30, the usage fee is changed from the bank account of the user of the MFP 30 to the account of the administrator of the MFP 30. Therefore, it is not necessary to acquire a fee from a coin vendor, and it is possible to reduce labor costs and receive the fee safely.

  Since the image forming system 10 uses the online payment service 40 instead of the coin vendor for payment of the fee, it can be easily introduced even in a country where the coin vendor is not used much.

  In the image forming system 10, since the MFP 30 notifies the payment code by displaying on the display unit 32 (S210), the user terminal for paying the fee via the online payment service 40 using the payment code notified by the MFP 30 Even when the MFP 20 and the MFP 30 cannot communicate with each other, the user terminal 20 can pay the fee via the online payment service 40 using the payment code displayed on the display unit 32 of the MFP 30.

  In the image forming system 10, since the payment code is compactly displayed on the display unit 32 of the MFP 30 as a two-dimensional code, it is easy to shoot by the shooting unit 23 of the user terminal 20, and convenience can be improved. In the image forming system 10, the payment code may be displayed on the display unit 32 in such a way that it is difficult for the image capturing unit 23 of the user terminal 20 to capture an image such as a character string or a one-dimensional code.

  Since the image forming system 10 obtains the payment code displayed on the display unit 32 by photographing with the photographing unit 23, the user of the user terminal 20 uses the payment code displayed on the display unit 32 of the MFP 30 as a user. There is no need to manually enter the terminal 20. Therefore, the image forming system 10 can improve convenience. In the image forming system 10, when the payment code is displayed on the display unit 32 by a method understandable by the user of the user terminal 20, such as a character string, instead of the two-dimensional code, it is displayed on the display unit 32 of the MFP 30. The payment code may be manually input to the user terminal 20 by the user of the user terminal 20.

  Based on the usage amount of the MFP 30 and the payment status of the usage fee of the MFP 30, the device control system 60 disables the specific operation on the MFP 30, that is, locks it, and enables the specific operation on the MFP 30, that is, Since unlocking is automatically executed (S461 to S462 and S561 to S562), the convenience can be improved.

  Since the apparatus control system 60 automatically locks the MFP 30 when the MFP 30 is used for the paid usage fee (S461 to S462), the convenience can be improved.

  Since the device control system 60 automatically executes the unlocking of the MFP 30 when the usage fee of the MFP 30 is newly paid via the online payment service 40 (S561 to S562), the convenience can be improved. .

  The apparatus control system 60 notifies whether the MFP 30 is in the locked state or the unlocked state (S407), and executes locking and unlocking of the MFP 30 in accordance with an instruction received from the dealer (S471). -S474, S481, S571-S574, and S581), the convenience can be improved.

  Since the apparatus control system 60 can lock and unlock the MFP 30, the dealer of the MFP 30 can reduce the possibility that the monthly rental fee for the MFP 30 cannot be collected from the administrator of the MFP 30.

  In the rental business of the MFP 30, for example, there are business models such as a “monthly” model, a “monthly + buffer” model, and a “pay-as-you-go” model.

  The “monthly” model is a business model in which a fixed usage fee is paid every month and the MFP 30 can be used for the amount of usage fee paid. In the “monthly” model, the MFP 30 is preferably locked when the MFP 30 is used for the paid usage fee.

  The “Monthly + Buffer” model pays a fixed usage fee every month, and the MFP 30 can be used for the amount of the usage fee paid, but even after using the amount of the usage fee paid, a predetermined buffer period This is a business model in which the MFP 30 can be used and the MFP 30 can be continuously used when an additional usage fee is paid during the buffer period. In the “monthly + buffer” model, the MFP 30 is preferably locked when no additional usage fee is paid during the buffer period.

  The “pay-as-you-go” model is a business model that pays a usage fee according to the monthly usage. In the “pay-as-you-go” model, the MFP 30 is preferably locked when there is an unpaid usage fee.

  In the present embodiment, apparatus control system 60 executes a process corresponding to the “monthly” model as the process of automatically locking MFP 30 and the process of automatically unlocking MFP 30. However, the device control system 60 does not provide a business other than the “monthly” model, such as the “monthly + buffer” model, the “usage” model, etc., as the automatic locking process of the MFP 30 and the automatic unlocking process of the MFP 30. The one corresponding to the model may be executed.

  In this embodiment, the image forming system 10 uses an account managed by the online payment service 40 as an account of the administrator of the MFP 30. However, the image forming system 10 may be configured to use a bank account instead of the account managed by the online payment service 40 as the account of the administrator of the MFP 30.

  In the present embodiment, image forming system 10 uses a bank account as the account of the user of MFP 30. However, the image forming system 10 may be configured to use an account managed by the online payment service 40 instead of a bank account as an account of the user of the MFP 30.

  The image forming system 10 may be configured such that at least a part of the above-described functions of the MFP 30 is realized by the apparatus control computer 70 by executing the apparatus control program 72a. For example, the image forming system 10 may be configured such that the device control computer 70 calculates the usage fee for the MFP 30.

  The apparatus control system 60 can switch the functions executable by the MFP 30 by switching the operation mode of the MFP 30 in accordance with an instruction from the computer 90 in the present embodiment. Note that the device control system 60 may further limit the functions that can be executed in the switched mode in accordance with an instruction from the computer 90. For example, the device control system 60 may disable the “Scan To Email” function in the “School” mode.

  The device control computer 70 may execute at least a part of the above-described functions of the device control service 80 instead of the device control service 80. Similarly, the device control service 80 may execute at least a part of the above-described functions of the device control computer 70 instead of the device control computer 70.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an MFP in the present embodiment, but may be an image forming apparatus other than an MFP, such as a printer dedicated machine, a copy dedicated machine, or a scanner dedicated machine.

30 MFP (image forming apparatus)
40 Online payment service 60 Device control system 73a Device control means 73c Usage amount management means 73d Status notification means

Claims (4)

Usage amount management means for acquiring and managing the usage amount of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus;
An apparatus control means for controlling the image forming apparatus,
The apparatus control means performs a specific operation on the image forming apparatus based on the usage amount managed by the usage amount management means and the payment status of the usage fee of the image forming apparatus via an online payment service. An apparatus control system that executes at least one of invalidation and validation.   The apparatus control means performs the invalidation when the usage amount managed by the usage amount management means is equal to or more than the amount of the usage fee paid via the online payment service. The apparatus control system according to claim 1.   The apparatus control system according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus control unit executes the validation when the usage fee is newly paid via the online payment service. A state notifying unit for notifying whether the state of the image forming apparatus is an invalid state or a valid state of the specific operation;
The apparatus control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus control means executes at least one of the invalidation and the validation according to an accepted instruction.

Images