WO2016158393A1

WO2016158393A1 - Device, communication system, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2016158393A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/058194
Authority: WO
Inventors: 相原　勝治; 沙央里峰岸
Original assignee: 株式会社リコー; 相原　勝治; 沙央里峰岸
Priority date: 2015-03-27
Filing date: 2016-03-15
Publication date: 2016-10-06
Also published as: CN107409163A; JPWO2016158393A1; JP6447714B2; CN107409163B

Abstract

Provided is a device that sends a usage state to an information processing apparatus with which the device can communicate via a network. The device includes: a function providing means for providing predetermined functions; a communication means for sending the usage state to the information processing apparatus; a determining means for determining whether the communication means has successfully sent the usage state to the information processing apparatus; and a function restricting means for restricting, at least partially, the functions provided by the function providing means in a case where the determining means has determined that the communication means cannot send the usage state to the information processing apparatus.

Description

Equipment, communication system, program

The present invention includes a device, a communication system, and a program.

With the spread of networks such as the Internet and wireless communication networks, the number of forms used by users while the image forming apparatus is connected to the network has increased. If the image forming apparatus is connected to a network, a server communicating with the image forming apparatus can provide various services to the user.

For example, a technique has been devised for confirming the usage state by utilizing the fact that the image forming apparatus is connected to a server (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151820 discloses a system in which the function of the image forming apparatus is stopped when the image forming apparatus transmits the usage frequency to the server and charging based on the usage frequency cannot be performed with the balance of the advance payment.

Further, as an example of the above service, the server can provide a maintenance service to the image forming apparatus connected via the network. Since an image forming apparatus such as a printer is a precision device, not only simple maintenance such as toner replacement but also regular maintenance by an expert is preferable. For this reason, the customer does not purchase the image forming apparatus from the sales company, but the customer may rent or lease the image forming apparatus with the sales company and enter into a maintenance contract. As a result, the user can receive a regular maintenance service by a customer engineer who is a maintenance specialist, or can receive a maintenance service whenever a problem occurs.

In maintenance via the network, the image forming apparatus periodically transmits its own diagnostic information (cumulative print number, remaining toner amount, error information, etc.) to the server. The server compares the diagnostic information with the failure information of various past models, detects a failure sign, and determines necessary maintenance. As a result, if necessary, a customer engineer will be dispatched to perform appropriate maintenance, and inspections will be performed to prevent failure.

JP 2008-305186 A

However, if the image forming apparatus cannot communicate with the server, diagnostic information cannot be transmitted to the server, which makes it difficult to maintain over the network. For example, depending on the customer, the image forming apparatus may be used in an area where the communication status is poor, or the user may be disconnected from the network without being aware of it. If the state where communication with the server cannot be continued continues, the server cannot grasp the state of the image forming apparatus and cannot provide preferable maintenance.
In view of the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a device that performs an appropriate response when communication with the outside is not possible.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a device that transmits a usage status to an information processing apparatus that can communicate via a network. The device determines whether a function providing unit that provides a predetermined function, a communication unit that transmits the usage status to the information processing device, and whether the communication unit has transmitted the usage status to the information processing device. A determination unit; and a function restriction unit that restricts at least a part of the function provided by the function providing unit when the determination unit determines that the communication unit cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a device that performs an appropriate response when communication with the outside is not possible.

FIG. 3 is an example of a diagram illustrating restrictions on the use of the own apparatus by the image forming apparatus. 1 is an example of a configuration diagram of a print management system. It is an example of the hardware block diagram of a management apparatus. 1 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of a management device, a sales server, and an image forming device included in a print management system. FIG. FIG. 3 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure of a print management system that accompanies purchase of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for an image forming apparatus to notify a management apparatus of a usage status. It is an example of the flowchart figure which shows the procedure of transmission of the use condition of FIG.7 S8. It is a figure which shows an example of the message displayed on an operation part. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting usage status in step S8 in FIG. 7 (second embodiment). It is a figure which shows an example of the message displayed on an operation part. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting usage status in step S8 in FIG. 7 (third embodiment). FIG. 10 is an example of a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus (Example 4). FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting usage status in step S8 in FIG. 7 (Example 4). It is an example of the functional block diagram of a management apparatus (Example 5). FIG. 3 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure in which an image forming apparatus notifies a management apparatus of a usage status and determines a rank. FIG. 10 is an example of a functional block diagram of a management apparatus and an image forming apparatus (Example 6). FIG. 20 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure in which an image forming apparatus notifies a management apparatus of a usage status (Sixth Embodiment). FIG. 16 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the image forming apparatus updates the upper limit number of prints (Example 6). FIG. 16 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the image forming apparatus checks the upper limit number of prints during printing and updates the upper limit number of prints (Example 6). FIG. 20 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure performed by the management apparatus when use is restricted because the upper limit printing number of the image forming apparatus has become zero (Example 6);

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Regarding Restriction of Use of Image Forming Apparatus in This Embodiment>
The use restriction of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram illustrating restrictions on use of the own apparatus by the image forming apparatus 20. When the image forming apparatus 20 is properly installed, the image forming apparatus 20 and the management apparatus 40 are communicably connected via a network.

(1) In order to notify the management apparatus 40 of the usage status of the image forming apparatus 20, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40 together with a registration number (to be described later) via the network. The usage status Ud is counter information of a printed page, for example.

(2) For example, when the image forming apparatus 20 is disconnected from the network, the image forming apparatus 20 cannot transmit the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40.

(3) When it is detected that the image forming apparatus 20 cannot communicate with the management apparatus 40, the image forming apparatus 20 tries to transmit the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40 for a predetermined number of times or time.

(4) If transmission of the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40 fails for a predetermined number of times or time, the image forming apparatus 20 restricts the use of its own function.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment can restrict the use of the own apparatus when the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted to the management apparatus 40. Therefore, it is possible to take an appropriate action when communication with the outside is not possible. Further, when the image forming apparatus 20 cannot communicate with the management apparatus 40, the management apparatus 40 cannot charge, so that the image forming apparatus 20 can be prevented from being used in a state where charging is not possible.

<Terminology>
Terms used in this embodiment will be described.
User: A person who operates the image forming apparatus 20 or an information terminal (described later).
Operator: A person who operates the management device 40.
Usage status Ud is information serving as an index of the usage amount of the image forming apparatus. For example, the cumulative number of pages printed in the past (hereinafter referred to as counter information), coverage (the cumulative amount of toner used [%] per A4 size sheet), and the like can be cited. Information necessary for maintenance (error information such as the remaining amount of toner and paper jam) may be transmitted together with the usage status Ud. In the following description, the usage status Ud will be mainly described using counter information.
Usage permission: Since the usage status Ud has been transmitted to the management apparatus 40, the use of the image forming apparatus 20 is permitted.
Usage restriction: Usage status Ud cannot be transmitted to the management apparatus 40, and use of at least some of the functions of the image forming apparatus 20 is restricted.
Unusable: The management apparatus 40 does not allow the user to use the image forming apparatus 20 because payment of the usage fee is delayed due to insufficient balance.

<Configuration example>
FIG. 2 shows an example of a configuration diagram of the print management system 100. The print management system 100 includes a management device 40, a sales server 60, an image forming device 20, an information terminal 10, and a settlement organization 80 that can communicate with each other via a network N. The print management system 100 is an example of a communication system.

The network N is constructed by a LAN in a facility such as an in-house where the image forming apparatus 20 is arranged, a provider network of a provider that connects the LAN to the Internet, a line provided by a line operator, and the like. The network N may include the Internet. The network N may be constructed by either wired or wireless, and wired and wireless may be combined. When the image forming apparatus 20 is directly connected to a line telephone network or a mobile telephone network, it can be connected to a provider network without going through a LAN. Further, the network N may include communication according to a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ZigBee (registered trademark) in a route to connect to the LAN.

The management device 40 is a device that manages the image forming apparatus 20. The management refers to grasping the image forming apparatus 20 used by each customer, performing maintenance, and performing a charging process based on counter information included in the usage status Ud. For example, the usage status Ud of the image forming apparatus 20 is acquired and diagnosed, and a failure or a sign of failure of the image forming apparatus 20 is detected. Depending on the detection result, further diagnosis is performed from a remote location, and a customer engineer is dispatched if necessary. Further, when an automatic notification of failure is received from the image forming apparatus 20, a customer engineer is dispatched. Further, the remaining amount of toner is acquired from the image forming apparatus 20, and the toner is shipped as necessary. With regard to billing, for example, a monthly fee is charged by multiplying the increment of the counter information by the unit price.

In the present embodiment, the management apparatus 40 only needs to exist as a target for the image forming apparatus 20 to transmit the usage status Ud, and may not have all of the above functions.

The management apparatus 40 is operated by a sales company that provides the image forming apparatus 20 to customers, a manufacturing company of the image forming apparatus 20, or a sales company or an affiliated company of the manufacturing company. That is, it is the same as the operating source of the sales server 60 described below.

The sales server 60 sells various products and services. The sales server 60 provides a Web page that displays various products and services in a selectable manner, and requests the settlement organization 80 to settle the products and services selected by the customer. When payment is completed, various products and services are delivered to the customer. That is, the sales server 60 provides a Web site where electronic commerce is possible. Note that the sales server 60 transmits to the management device 40 contract information (to be described later) with the customer that is concluded along with the sales of the image forming apparatus 20.

The settlement organization 80 is, for example, a financial institution or a credit card company, and settles various products and services purchased by customers. For example, in a settlement using a credit card, the settlement organization 80 pays for a product or service to the sales company and charges the customer a fee. If it is a financial institution, the customer pays for the various products and services from the customer's account and pays them to the sales side. In the settlement using transfer paper, the transfer paper for requesting the price from the customer is mailed to the customer, and the payment paid by the customer at the convenience store or the like is paid to the sales side during the settlement period.

The image forming apparatus 20 performs printing of a document input as electronic data, copying of a document, scanning (reading) of a document, FAX transmission of a document or a document, FAX reception from a partner, and the like. The image forming apparatus 20 may have at least a print function. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 having two or more functions among document printing, document copying, document scanning, and FAX transmission / reception may be called an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral / Printer / Product).

The information terminal 10 is a general-purpose information processing device or a device called a terminal. The customer operates the information terminal 10 to apply for purchases of various products and apply for rental or lease of various services. Hereinafter, rental or lease is simply referred to as rental. In the information terminal 10, browser software for accessing an electronic commerce website provided by the sales server 60 or application software having an equivalent function operates.

Specifically, the information terminal 10 includes, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a wearable computer (such as a wristwatch, sunglasses, a head-mounted display), an electronic blackboard, and a video conference. A terminal, a projector, or the like.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 20 and the information terminal 10 are installed in a customer environment 9 where the image forming apparatus 20 is purchased or rented and are operated by the customer.

≪Hardware configuration≫
Next, the hardware configuration of the management device 40, the sales server 60, the image forming device 20, and the like will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the management device 40. The management device 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and an auxiliary storage device 204. Furthermore, the management device 40 includes an input unit 205, a display unit 206, and a communication unit 207. Note that the units of the management device 40 are connected to each other via the bus 208. Therefore, the management device 40 has a function as an information processing device.

The CPU 201 executes various programs (for example, a management program, OS (Operating System)) stored in the auxiliary storage device 204. The ROM 202 is a nonvolatile memory. The ROM 202 stores programs, data, and the like necessary for the CPU 201 to execute various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 204.

The RAM 203 is a main storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The RAM 203 serves as a work area that is expanded when various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 204 are executed by the CPU 201.

The auxiliary storage device 204 stores various programs executed by the CPU 201 and various databases used when the various programs are executed by the CPU 201. The auxiliary storage device 204 is a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Various databases will be described later.

The input unit 205 is an interface for an operator to input various instructions to the management device 40. For example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a voice input device, and the like.

The display unit 206 displays various information included in the management device 40 on the display 210 in the form of a cursor, menu, window, character, image, or the like in response to a request from the CPU 201. The display unit 206 is, for example, a graphic chip or a display I / F.

The communication unit 207 is a network I / F that communicates with the sales server 60 and the image forming apparatus 20 via the network N.

It is assumed that the sales server 60 and the information terminal 10 have the same hardware configuration as that of the management device 40. Although it is not necessary to be completely the same, even if there is a difference, it is assumed that there is no problem in the description of this embodiment.

The hardware configuration of the illustrated management device 40 or the like does not need to be housed in a single housing or provided as a single device, and is preferably a hardware element that the management device 40 or the like has. Indicates. In addition, in order to support cloud computing, the physical configuration of the management device 40 and the like of this embodiment may not be fixed, and hardware resources may be dynamically connected / disconnected according to the load. May be configured.

FIG. 4 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 20. The image forming apparatus 20 includes a controller 320. The controller 320 includes a CPU 301, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 305, an SDRAM 302, a flash memory 303, an HDD 304, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 306.

The ASIC 305 is a multifunction device board including a CPU interface, an SDRAM interface, a local bus interface, a PCI bus interface, a MAC (Media Access Controller), an HDD interface, and the like.

The CPU 301 reads various programs (for example, usage management programs) from the HDD 304 via the ASIC 305 and executes them.

The SDRAM 302 functions as a program memory that stores various programs, a work memory that is used when the CPU 301 executes various programs, and the like. Note that a DRAM or SRAM may be used instead of the SDRAM 302.

The flash memory 303 is a non-volatile memory, and stores a boot loader (boot program) for starting up the image forming apparatus 20 and an OS. Moreover, it functions as an application memory for storing each application software (for example, including a usage management program). The flash memory 303 functions as a service memory that stores software for each service (copy service, print service, facsimile service). Further, the flash memory 303 functions as a firmware memory that stores firmware, and a data memory that stores point setting information in which a network address, a device number, and a point number are set.

In place of the flash memory 303, a non-volatile RAM in which a backup circuit using RAM and a battery is integrated, or other non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable-Programmable-Read-Only Memory) may be used.

The HDD 304 is a non-volatile recording medium that stores data regardless of whether the image forming apparatus 20 is powered on or off. The HDD 304 records programs and data other than the programs and data stored in the flash memory 303. The HDD 304 may be used as a farm memory.

The NIC 306 is an interface for communicating with the management apparatus 40 via the network N (for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) card). Communication with the management apparatus 40 is performed via the NIC 306.

The operation unit 307 is connected to the controller 320. The operation unit 307 includes various operation keys, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or CRT character display as a display device, and a touch panel, and is used when a user inputs various instructions to the image forming apparatus 20.

Further, a fax control unit 308, USB 309, IEEE 1394 (310), plotter engine 311, and scanner engine 312 are connected to the controller 320 via the PCI bus 330. As a result, the image forming apparatus 20 can provide services such as a copy service, a print service, and a facsimile service. The plotter engine 311 may employ either an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system.

Note that the illustrated configuration is merely an example, and the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 is not limited to the configuration in FIG. For example, the NIC 306 may be connected to the PCI bus 330. Further, the NIC 306 may be connected to the network N by wire, or may be connected wirelessly such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

Further, instead of the NIC 306 or together with the NIC 306, a DSU (Digital Service Unit) or modem connected to the telephone line network may be included. You may have a communication apparatus connected to a mobile telephone network. Further, for example, the image forming apparatus 20 may include a device that communicates with a communication standard called Bluetooth (registered trademark), and may be connected to the network N by the device.

<About print management system functions>
Next, functional configurations of the management apparatus 40, the sales server 60, and the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an example of a functional block diagram of the management apparatus 40, the sales server 60, and the image forming apparatus 20 included in the print management system 100. Note that since a known institution 80 is used, it is omitted in FIG.

≪Sales server 60≫
The sales server 60 includes a transmission / reception unit 61, an application reception unit 62, a settlement request unit 63, a contract information transmission unit 64, and a storage / reading unit 69. Each of these units included in the sales server 60 is operated by any one of the components illustrated in FIG. 3 according to a command from the CPU 201 according to a sales program expanded from the auxiliary storage device 204 onto the RAM 203. A function to be realized or a means to be functioned.

Moreover, the sales server 60 has a storage unit 6000 constructed by the auxiliary storage device 204 and the RAM 203 shown in FIG. The storage unit 6000 stores a sales program 6100, a customer management DB 6001, and a contract information DB 6002.

In the storage unit 6000, a customer management DB 6001 that stores the customer management table of Table 1 is constructed. In the customer management table, a customer ID, a customer name, an address, a contact (telephone number / e-mail address), a representative, and a cumulative payment record are registered in association with each other. Each piece of information in the customer management table is customer information related to the customer, for example, input by the user via the information terminal 10 when the customer makes various applications. The cumulative payment performance is the cumulative total of the amount paid by the customer in the past (a past fixed period or all of the past).

In the storage unit 6000, a contract information management DB that stores the contract information table of Table 2 is constructed. In the contract information table, a sales code, a customer ID, a device number of the sold image forming apparatus 20, a sales date, a settlement state, presence / absence of contract information transmission, and a contract period are registered in association with each other. The sales code is unique identification information for identifying a record in the contract information table. The customer ID is non-overlapping identification information for identifying the customer assigned to the customer by the sales server 60. The device number is information indicating the model and model number of the image forming apparatus 20. The sale date is the date when the customer purchased the image forming apparatus 20 or the like (the date of purchase procedure from the Web page, the date of completion of payment, etc.). Sales include rental. The settlement status indicates whether settlement has been completed (completed or not). Whether or not the contract information is transmitted indicates whether or not the sales server 60 has transmitted the contract information to the management apparatus 40. The contract period is a rental period when the sales form is rental.

Next, each functional configuration of the sales server 60 will be described. The transmission / reception unit 61 is realized by the command from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the communication unit 207 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the management device 40, the image forming device 20, and the information terminal via the network N 10 transmits and receives various data.

The application receiving unit 62 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3 and transmits a Web page for receiving an order for a product or service to the information terminal 10. Accept the application. In addition, the application reception unit 62 provides payment information necessary for payment (credit card number / name for credit card payment, account information / address / name for bank account withdrawal, address / name for transfer form) and customer information. get. The customer information includes the customer name, address, contact information, representative, etc. as described above, but the customer ID may be input when the sales are for the second time or later.

The settlement request unit 63 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3 and requests settlement from the settlement organization 80. Further, information indicating that the payment is completed is acquired from the payment organization 80.

The contract information transmission unit 64 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3 and transmits contract information to the management apparatus 40 when the settlement by the settlement organization 80 is completed.

The storage / reading unit 69 is realized by a command from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3 and the auxiliary storage device 204 shown in FIG. 3. The storage / reading unit 69 stores various data in the storage unit 2000, The process which reads the various data memorize | stored in is performed.

≪Information terminal 10≫
The information terminal 10 includes a transmission / reception unit 11, an operation reception unit 12, and a storage / reading unit 19. Each of these units included in the information terminal 10 operates according to a command from the CPU 201 according to the browser software 1100 expanded from the auxiliary storage device 204 onto the RAM 103. A function realized by or a means to be functioned.

Further, the information terminal 10 has a storage unit 1000 constructed by the auxiliary storage device 204 and the RAM 203 shown in FIG. The storage unit 1000 stores browser software 1100.

Each functional configuration of the information terminal 10 will be described. The transmission / reception unit 11 is realized by a command from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the communication unit 207 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the sales server 60 and the image forming apparatus 20 and various data are transmitted via the network N. Send and receive.

The operation accepting unit 12 is realized by a command from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3 and an input unit 205 shown in FIG. 3, and accepts input of various operations to the information terminal 10 by the user of the information terminal 10. .

The storage / reading unit 19 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the auxiliary storage device 204 illustrated in FIG. 3. The storage / reading unit 19 stores various data in the storage unit 1000 or the storage unit 1000. The process which reads the various data memorize | stored in is performed.

<< Management Device 40 >>
The management device 40 includes a transmission / reception unit 41, a usage frequency management unit 42, a device management unit 43, an operation reception unit 44, and a storage / reading unit 49. Each of these components included in the management device 40 operates according to a command from the CPU 201 according to the management program 4100 expanded from the auxiliary storage device 204 to the RAM 203. A function realized by or a means to be functioned.

Further, the management device 40 has a storage unit 4000 constructed by the auxiliary storage device 204 and the RAM 203 shown in FIG. In the storage unit 4000, a management program 4100, a device registration information DB 4001, and a usage frequency management DB 4002 are constructed.

In the storage unit 4000, a device registration information DB 4001 configured by a device management table as shown in Table 3 is constructed. In the device management table, a registration number, an installation state of the image forming apparatus 20, a device number, and a customer ID are registered in association with each other. The registration number is a non-overlapping number assigned in the order in which the image forming apparatuses 20 are registered in the device registration information DB 4001 (identifier in the management apparatus 40 given when the image forming apparatus 20 is registered). The installation state of the image forming apparatus 20 is registered as to whether the image forming apparatus 20 installed in the customer environment 9 can be used based on whether or not it has communicated with the management apparatus 40 even once. “Set” indicates that the image forming apparatus 20 is available, and “Not set” indicates that the image forming apparatus 20 is not available.

In the storage unit 4000, a usage frequency management DB 4002 configured by a usage frequency management table as shown in Table 4 is constructed. In the usage frequency management table, a registration number, availability, reception time, and counter information are registered in association with each other. The registration number is the same as in Table 3. In the availability, it is registered whether or not the usage status Ud is periodically received from the image forming apparatus 20. Note that the term “periodic” does not need to be a fixed period, and means that the data can be received with a frequency that can be charged (for example, if the monthly fee is charged, the fee can be charged even once or more a month). For example, if the usage status Ud can be received, the usage permission is set, and if not, the usage limit is set. The reception time is the date and time when the usage status Ud was last received from the image forming apparatus 20. The counter information is the cumulative print frequency (number of pages) received last from the image forming apparatus 20. In addition, in addition to use permission and use restrictions, you may register unusable in usability.

Subsequently, the functional configuration of the management device 40 will be described. The transmission / reception unit 41 is realized by a command from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the communication unit 207 illustrated in FIG. 3. The transmission / reception unit 41 is connected to the sales server 60, the image forming apparatus 20, and various data via the network N. Send and receive.

The device management unit 43 is realized by a command or the like from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3, and registers and updates a record in the device management table. Specifically, the contract information is received from the sales server, or the record is registered in the device management table in accordance with the operation of the operator of the management apparatus. At this time, a registration number is assigned. Further, when a registration status confirmation request is received from the image forming apparatus 20, “already set in the image forming apparatus” is set.

The usage frequency management unit 42 is realized by a command from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3 and updates the usage frequency management table record based on the usage status Ud received from the image forming apparatus 20.

The operation accepting unit 44 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 201 and the input unit 205 shown in FIG. 3 and accepts input of various operations of an operator who operates the management device 40. For example, when contract information is received from the sales server 60, the operator creates a record in the device management table based on the contract information (when the operator registers).

≪Image forming device≫
The image forming apparatus 20 includes a transmission / reception unit 21, a registration status confirmation unit 22, a usage frequency recording unit 23, a communication availability determination unit 24, a usage status transmission unit 25, a usage restriction unit 26, and a storage / reading unit 29. Yes. Each of these units included in the image forming apparatus 20 operates according to a command from the CPU 301 according to the usage management program 2100 expanded from the flash memory 303 onto the SDRAM 302. It is a function realized by this, or a means to be functioned.

Further, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a storage unit 2000 constructed by the flash memory 303 and the HDD 304 shown in FIG. In the storage unit 2000, a usage management program 2100, a registration status confirmation response 2002, a usage permission 2003 or usage limit 2004, and a usage frequency information DB 2001 are constructed. The registration status confirmation response 2002 is stored when the image forming apparatus 20 receives the registration status confirmation response 2002 from the management device 40. The use permission 2003 is stored when the image forming apparatus 20 receives a use status response from the management apparatus 40. The use restriction 2004 is stored when the communication availability determination unit 24 determines that communication with the management apparatus 40 is not possible.

In the storage unit 2000, a usage frequency information DB 2001 configured by a usage frequency information table as shown in Table 5 is constructed. In the usage frequency information table, the cumulative number of printed sheets (counter information) is recorded for each set of paper size and printing color in association with the transmission date and time. The transmission date / time is the date / time when the image forming apparatus 20 transmitted the counter information to the management apparatus 40 (actually, the counter information could be transmitted to the management apparatus 40). As described above, the usage situation Ud is not limited to the contents of Table 5.

Subsequently, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described. The transmission / reception unit 21 is realized by a command from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the NIC 306 illustrated in FIG. 4, and transmits / receives various data to / from the management device 40 and the information terminal 10 via the network N. .

The registration status confirmation unit 22 is realized by a command from the CPU 301 and the operation unit 307 shown in FIG. 4, and transmits a registration status confirmation request to the management apparatus 40. When a registration status confirmation response indicating that the registration is received from the management apparatus 40 in response to the transmission of the registration status confirmation request, the confirmation result is displayed on the operation unit 307. Also, a registration status confirmation response 2002 is stored in the storage unit 2000.

The usage frequency recording unit 23 is realized by the command from the CPU 301 and the plotter engine 311 shown in FIG. 4. The usage frequency recording unit 23 counts the number of pages printed and displays the accumulated counter information up to the present as a set of paper size and print color. Record each in the usage frequency information table.

The usage status transmission unit 25 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 4 and transmits the usage status Ud to the management device 40 via the transmission / reception unit 21 periodically or at a fixed timing. The usage status Ud is transmitted when the registration status confirmation response 2002 is stored in the storage unit 2000. As the usage status Ud, the counter information stored in the usage frequency information DB 2001 is transmitted together with, for example, a registration number for identifying the own device.

The communication availability determination unit 24 is realized by a command or the like from the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 4, and determines whether the usage status transmission unit 25 has transmitted the usage status Ud to the management device 40.

The use restriction unit 26 is realized by a command from the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. 4, the operation unit 307, the NIC 306, and the like. When the use restriction 2004 is stored in the storage unit 2000, the function of the image forming apparatus 20 is used. At least a part of the image forming apparatus is locked so that the user cannot use the image forming apparatus. Note that even when there is an unusable response from the management device 40 (for example, due to insufficient balance), at least a part of the functions of the image forming device 20 is locked. When the image forming apparatus 20 has functions of printing, FAX transmission, FAX reception, copying, and scanning, one or more users among these cannot be used. As a method of restricting use, for example, the operation unit 307 may not accept an operation. In this case, the operation unit 307 does not accept hard key input. Further, even if the operation unit 307 does not display the menu on the touch panel or displays the menu, no input is accepted (when the copy function is limited, the copy menu is not displayed or the selection is not accepted). Thereby, the use of the image forming apparatus 20 from the operation unit 307 can be restricted. Note that operations other than using the functions of the image forming apparatus 20 such as printing, FAX transmission, FAX reception, copying, and scanning may be accepted. Thereby, when the use is restricted, it is possible to display the use restriction on the operation unit 307, the reason, and the solution method.

Also, as a method of restricting use, there is a method in which the image forming apparatus 20 does not print print data that is created by a PC or the like with a printer driver and transmitted via the network N. The usage restriction unit 26 discards the print data received by the NIC 306 or rejects the reception before the NIC 306 receives the print data. Alternatively, it may be handled as a print job that has received print data but ended without printing.

<Operation procedure>
Next, an operation procedure of the print management system 100 will be described.

≪Registration of customer information≫
FIG. 6 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating an operation procedure of the print management system 100 when the image forming apparatus 20 is purchased.

S1: For example, the information terminal 10 accesses the Web page of the sales server 60 by the user's operation, and the operation receiving unit 12 receives the user's operation. Thereby, the input of payment information and customer information is received. The transmission / reception unit 11 of the information terminal 10 transmits settlement information and customer information to the sales server 60 together with an application for purchase or rental of a product.

S2: The transmission / reception unit 61 of the sales server 60 receives the purchase application, and the application reception unit 62 registers the customer information in the record of the customer management DB 6001 and the contract information in the record of the contract information DB 6002. That is, a customer ID that is not duplicated is assigned to the customer management DB 6001 if necessary, and the customer name, address, contact information, and representative are registered. Further, a sales code that does not overlap is assigned to the contract information DB 6002, and a customer ID, a device number purchased by the user, a sales date, and a contract period (in the case of rental) are registered. It should be noted that the settlement state is not yet established and the contract information is not transmitted or not.

S3: The settlement request unit 63 of the sales server 60 requests the settlement organization 80 for settlement.

S4: The settlement institution 80 performs settlement and transmits settlement completion to the sales server 60.

S5: Thereby, the sales server 60 transmits the payment completion to the information terminal 10. Payment completion may be sent by e-mail or via a web page.

S6: The application reception unit 62 of the sales server 60 registers “completed” in the settlement state of the contract information DB 6002.

S7: Since the contract is completed, the contract information transmission unit 64 of the sales server 60 transmits the contract information to the management apparatus 40.

S8: The application reception unit 62 of the sales server 60 registers transmission in the contract information DB 6002 for the presence / absence of contract information transmission.

<< Notification of Usage Status from Image Forming Apparatus 20 to Management Apparatus 40 >>
FIG. 7 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for the image forming apparatus 20 to notify the management apparatus 40 of the usage status Ud.

S1: First, the transmission / reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 receives the contract information.

S2: The device management unit 43 of the management device 40 issues a registration number. The device management unit 43 registers the registration number, device number, and customer ID in the device registration information DB 4001. “Installation state of image forming apparatus” in the device management table is not set. A terminal such as a PC operated by the operator of the management apparatus 40 may receive the contract information. In this case, the operator may input the device number and customer ID into the device registration information DB 4001. Similarly, when the management device 40 receives the contract information, the operator may register the device number and the customer ID. The device management unit 43 issues a registration number by registering the device number and customer ID.

The registration number is notified to the image forming apparatus 20. Specifically, for example, the operator of the management apparatus 40 transmits the information to the user of the image forming apparatus 20 by e-mail, telephone, or FAX. Alternatively, the person in charge of the shipping source may set a registration number in the image forming apparatus 20 before delivery of the image forming apparatus 20. Alternatively, the delivery number may be held by the delivery person assigned by the management apparatus 40 and set in the image forming apparatus 20 at the time of installation to the customer.

S3: When the payment is completed (or may be before the payment is completed), the image forming apparatus 20 is delivered to the customer and installed.

S4: The image forming apparatus 20 cannot be used by the user until a registration status confirmation response is received from the management apparatus 40. For this reason, the registration status confirmation unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a registration status confirmation request to the management device 40 together with the registration number of the own apparatus and the usage status Ud. If the device number has an identification capability for identifying the image forming apparatus 20, the device number may be transmitted to the management device 40. Alternatively, both the device number and the registration number may be transmitted. The registration status confirmation request may be transmitted when the user operates, or may be transmitted when it is detected that the registration status confirmation response 2002 is not stored in the storage unit 2000.

S5: When the transmission / reception unit 41 of the management device 40 receives the registration status confirmation request, the device management unit 43 refers to the device registration information DB 4001 and determines whether or not the registration number received from the image forming apparatus 20 is registered. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a registration number is registered. At this time, “installation state of image forming apparatus” in the device management table is not set. If the registration number is registered in the device registration information DB 4001, since the contract is complete, the device management unit 43 updates the “image forming apparatus installation state” in the device management table to “set”.

S6: The transmission / reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 transmits a registration status confirmation response to the image forming apparatus 20.

S7: The storage / reading unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 records the registration status confirmation response 2002 in the storage unit 2000. As a result, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20.

S8: When the image forming apparatus 20 registers itself in the management apparatus 40 (when a registration status confirmation response is received), the usage status transmission unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 20 periodically updates the usage status Ud together with the registration number. Send to. This regular transmission is performed, for example, at a predetermined time of the day (after the power is turned on if the power of the image forming apparatus 20 is not turned on at this time) or at regular intervals. The transmission interval may be once every two days, once a week, once a month, or the like. Moreover, you may transmit twice a day.

S9: When the transmission / reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 receives the usage status Ud, the usage frequency management unit 42 registers the reception time and usage status (counter information) Ud in association with the registration number of the usage frequency management DB 4002.

S10: The transmission / reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 transmits a usage status response to the image forming apparatus 20. The usage status response is a response notifying that usage is permitted or not. For example, when the balance of the management device 40 is insufficient, there may be a case where it is notified that the use is not possible. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the use permission is notified.

S11: The transmission / reception unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the use status response (use permission). As a result, the storage / reading unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 stores the use permission 2003 in the storage unit 2000.

≪Usage notification process≫
Next, the periodic transmission of the usage status Ud to the management device 40 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 shows an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for transmitting the usage status Ud in step S8 of FIG. The process of FIG. 8 is repeatedly executed periodically.

First, the usage status transmission unit 25 determines whether or not a time interval for performing usage status notification has passed. For example, when transmitting once a day, it is determined whether or not 24 hours have elapsed since the last transmission time (S10).

If the determination in step S10 is Yes, the usage status transmission unit 25 transmits the usage status Ud (S20).

The communication availability determination unit 24 determines whether or not the usage status Ud has been transmitted to the management device 40 (S30). For example, in response to transmission of the usage status Ud, when a usage status response indicating permission for use is received from the management device 40, it is determined that the usage status Ud has been transmitted to the management device 40. Although it is determined that transmission is possible even when an unusable usage status response is received, this is similar to the usage restriction in that the user cannot use the image forming apparatus 20 due to the unusable state. Accordingly, it is determined No in step S30, except that the image forming apparatus 20 receives a use status response indicating that use is permitted or unusable. Note that the situations determined as No include the case where the image forming apparatus 20 is not connected to the network N, and the case where the image forming apparatus 20 is connected to the network N but the communication status is congested. There is. That the image forming apparatus 20 is not connected to the network N can be detected by the OS of the image forming apparatus 20. The congestion of the communication status can be detected by, for example, a ping command or a traceroute command.

If the determination in step S30 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S60, and the storage / reading unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 stores the use permission 2003 (or unusable) in the storage unit 2000 (S60). At this time, the number of retries described below is cleared.

If the determination in step S30 is No, the process proceeds to step S40, and the communication availability determination unit 24 determines whether the number of transmissions of the usage status Ud exceeds the number of retries (S40). The number of retries is an upper limit number of times for retransmitting the usage status Ud, and is determined in advance.

If the determination in step S40 is No, the usage status transmission unit 25 increases the number of retries by one and tries to retransmit the usage status notification (S30). Note that the retransmission timing may be periodically performed, for example, every few minutes.

If the determination in step S40 is Yes, since it can be confirmed that the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted to the management apparatus 40, the communication availability determination unit 24 determines to limit the use of the image forming apparatus 20 (S50). Therefore, the storage / reading unit 29 stores the use restriction 2004 in the storage unit 2000. If the use permission 2003 is already stored, the use permission 2003 is overwritten. As a result, the use restriction unit 26 restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 20, so that the user cannot use it.

When the use is restricted, the use restriction unit 26 may display on the operation unit 307 that the use is restricted. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the operation unit 307. For example, a message such as “Currently use is restricted. To cancel, let the image forming apparatus 20 send the usage status” is displayed. Further, the message may be changed according to the reason why the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted. When not connected to the network N, a message such as “Please connect the image forming apparatus to the network” is displayed. When connected to the network N but the communication status is congested, a message such as “Check network communication status” is displayed. These messages are examples of functions being limited, and the operation unit 307 is an example of a display device.

Thus, the user can grasp the reason for the use restriction and take measures such as connecting the image forming apparatus 20 to the network N.

Note that time may be used instead of the number of retries as an index for the communication availability determination unit 24 to cancel retransmission of the usage status Ud. For example, if it is set as 30 minutes in advance, the usage status transmission unit 25 attempts to transmit the usage status Ud periodically or irregularly for 30 minutes. In this case, since it can be confirmed that transmission is not possible for a certain period of time, the communication availability determination unit 24 can reliably determine that transmission has failed.

On the other hand, the communication availability determination unit 24 may restrict the use without retrying. When it is not connected to the network N, it is not necessary to retry. Further, when the communication status is congested, it does not always recover during the retry, and as described below, the communication status recovers and the usage status Ud can be transmitted at the next transmission timing.

Even in a state where the usage restriction 2004 is stored in the storage unit 2000, the usage status transmission unit 25 tries to transmit the usage status Ud again at the next transmission timing. Thus, if the usage status Ud can be transmitted to the management apparatus 40, the image forming apparatus 20 can be used. Further, when the usage restriction 2004 is stored in the storage unit 2000, the usage status transmission unit 25 may attempt to transmit the usage status Ud without waiting for the next transmission timing. Thereby, when the usage status Ud can be transmitted, the downtime can be shortened. Further, the usage status Ud can be transmitted by a user operation. Thereby, when the usage status Ud can be transmitted, the use can be resumed at a timing when the user wants to use it.

If the usage status transmission unit 25 can transmit the usage status Ud to the management device 40 after the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted, the management device 40 can charge the customer based on the received usage status Ud.

As described above, the print management system 100 according to the present embodiment can restrict the user from using the image forming apparatus 20 when the image forming apparatus 20 cannot communicate with the management apparatus 40.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 that can give a grace period when the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted will be described. In the present embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the configuration of the print management system 100 is the same as or different from that of the first embodiment, and there is no problem in the description.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the transmission processing in step S8 of FIG. In the description of FIG. 10, steps different from those in FIG. 8 will be mainly described. The processing in steps S10 to S40 is the same as that in FIG.

If the determination in step S40 is Yes, the communication availability determination unit 24 determines whether or not the first usage status Ud is transmitted after the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries (S42). In addition to transmitting the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40, it may be detected that the image forming apparatus 20 transmits some information to the management apparatus 40.

If the determination in step S42 is Yes, the communication availability determination unit 24 sets a timer (S44). That is, when the number of retries exceeds the number of transmissions, a timer for a certain time is started from that time.

As shown in FIG. 11, the use restriction unit 26 may display the remaining time of the predetermined time on the operation unit 307 from this time point. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message displayed on the operation unit 307. For example, a message such as “The image forming apparatus cannot transmit the usage status. For this reason, use of the image forming apparatus is restricted after another 60 minutes have elapsed” is displayed. The displayed time decreases with the timer count. As a result, the user can grasp how long the image forming apparatus 20 can be used.

Returning to FIG. 10, the communication availability determination unit 24 determines whether or not the timer has timed out (S46).

If the determination in step S46 is No, the process returns to step S20. Therefore, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20 until the timer counts a certain time (until time out). Further, it is possible to attempt to transmit the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40 until the time-out occurs.

If the time-out has occurred (Yes in S46), the communication availability determination unit 24 determines that the use of the image forming apparatus 20 is restricted (S50). Therefore, the storage / reading unit 29 stores the use restriction 2004 in the storage unit 2000.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20 for a certain period of time. If the image forming apparatus 20 cannot communicate with the management apparatus 40 and the image forming apparatus 20 cannot be used immediately, there is a risk that the user may have trouble with the business. On the other hand, sudden unavailability can be avoided by providing a grace period as in this embodiment.

When the image forming apparatus 20 prints during a certain time, the latest usage status (counter information) Ud is not transmitted to the management apparatus 40. However, when the usage status transmission unit 25 can transmit the usage status Ud to the management device 40 after the usage status Ud can no longer be transmitted, the management device 40 responds to the customer based on the usage status Ud increased over a certain period of time. You can charge.

The fixed time may be determined by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 20 or the operator of the management apparatus 40 as a general time (for example, 12 hours or 24 hours) until communication is restored. The predetermined time may be stored in advance in the image forming apparatus 20 or may be transmitted from the management apparatus 40.

Further, the fixed time may not be fixed in the same image forming apparatus 20 and the same customer. For example, the image forming apparatus 20 may randomly determine when the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries. This is because it may not be a fixed time as long as printing can be permitted for a certain period of time.

Further, this time may be different depending on the model of the image forming apparatus 20, or may be different depending on the customer.

In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus 20 that can give a delay until a certain number of prints are performed when the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted will be described. In the present embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the configuration of the print management system 100 is the same as or different from that of the first embodiment, and there is no problem in the description.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the transmission processing in step S8 of FIG. In the description of FIG. 12, steps different from those in FIG. 10 are mainly described. The processing in steps S10 to S40 is the same as that in FIG.

If the determination in step S40 is Yes, the communication availability determination unit 24 determines whether the image forming apparatus 20 has output a certain number of pages after the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries (S43). When the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries, the communication availability determination unit 24 counts up the number of pages printed by the image forming apparatus 20 from that time. For example, when one side is printed on one sheet, one page is the amount of output, and when two sides are printed, two pages (one printed matter) are the amount of output. It is determined that the use of the image forming apparatus 20 is permitted until the count reaches a predetermined number, and when the predetermined number is reached, the use of the image forming apparatus 20 is restricted.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20 until a certain page is output after the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries. If the grace period is given for a certain time, the user cannot use the image forming apparatus 20 after a certain time without using the image forming apparatus 20. On the other hand, when a grace period up to the use limit is given by a fixed number, the user can surely output until the fixed number is output.

Also in the present embodiment, a message may be displayed on the operation unit 307 when a certain number of output delays are given. For example, a message such as “The image forming apparatus cannot transmit the usage status. Therefore, if another 300 sheets are printed, the use of the image forming apparatus is restricted.” Is displayed. The user can effectively use a certain number of sheets.

It is assumed that the fixed number is determined in advance by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 20 or the operator of the management apparatus 40. Further, the fixed number may be stored in advance in the image forming apparatus 20 or may be transmitted from the management apparatus 40.

Further, the fixed number may not be constant in the same image forming apparatus 20 and the same customer. For example, the image forming apparatus 20 may randomly determine when the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries. This is because it may not be constant as long as a certain number of pages and printing can be permitted. Further, the fixed number may differ depending on the model of the image forming apparatus 20 or may differ depending on the customer.

Also, combining the second embodiment and the present embodiment, the longer period until a certain time or a certain number of sheets are output may be set as the grace period. In this way, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20 to the maximum extent after the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries. Moreover, it is good also considering a shorter one until output of a fixed time or a fixed number of sheets is complete as a grace period. In this way, the grace period during which the user can use the image forming apparatus 20 can be limited to a minimum while giving the grace period.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 that can give a grace period according to the processing capability of the image forming apparatus 20 when the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted will be described.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 20 of the present embodiment. The functional block diagrams of the management device 40, the sales server 60, and the information terminal 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Moreover, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in FIG. 5 fulfill | performs the same function, only the main components of a present Example may be mainly demonstrated.

In the storage unit 2000 of the image forming apparatus 20 in FIG. 13, an outputable number management DB 2005 configured by an outputable number table as shown in Table 6 is constructed. In the outputtable number table, the continuous output speed and the number of outputtable sheets are registered in association with each model. The model is identification information indicating the type of the image forming apparatus 20. The continuous output number means the output capability of each image forming apparatus and is the printing speed when printing is performed continuously. The outputtable number is the number of pages that can be output by each image forming apparatus 20 after the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries. The number of outputtable sheets increases as the continuous output speed increases. Thereby, even if the continuous output speed of the image forming apparatus 20 is high, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20 with a certain period of time as a grace period.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the transmission processing in step S8 of FIG. In the description of FIG. 14, steps different from those in FIG. 12 are mainly described. The processing in steps S10 to S40 is the same as that in FIG.

When the determination in step S40 is Yes, the communication availability determination unit 24 reads the outputable number table from the storage unit 2000 (S41). The communication enable / disable determining unit 24 reads out its own model from the flash memory 303 and the HDD 304, and reads out the outputtable number corresponding to its model from the outputable number table. The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG.
As in the third embodiment, when a certain number of outputs are allowed regardless of the model of the image forming apparatus 20, the grace period is substantially changed between a model with a large continuous output speed and a model with a small continuous output speed. In the present embodiment, the larger the number of sheets that can be output, the larger the number of sheets that can be output, is set in the outputable sheet number table, so that any user of the image forming apparatus 20 can be given a certain grace period.

In Table 6, “outputtable sheet number ÷ continuous output speed” is not constant, but the outputable sheet number may be set so as to be substantially constant. That is, the number of outputtable sheets is set so that the ratio between the number of outputtable sheets and the continuous output speed is substantially constant.

Note that the outputable number management DB 2005 may be held by the image forming apparatus 20 at the time of shipment of the image forming apparatus 20, or may be downloaded from the management apparatus 40 at a predetermined timing. As this timing, for example, when the image forming apparatus 20 receives a registration status response confirmation from the management apparatus 40, the outputable number management DB 2005 can be downloaded. Or you may download when receiving a use condition response.

In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus 20 that determines the number of sheets that can be output after the number of transmissions exceeds the number of retries according to the rank of the customer will be described. The customer rank (class) is a relative evaluation between the customer and the customer, which is determined from the customer's creditworthiness, sales to the sales company, and ease of charge collection.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the management apparatus 40 of the present embodiment. Note that the functional block diagrams of the image forming apparatus 20, the sales server 60, and the information terminal 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Moreover, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in FIG. 5 fulfill | performs the same function, only the main components of a present Example may be mainly demonstrated.

The management device 40 of this embodiment has a rank determination unit 45. The rank determination unit 45 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3 and determines the rank of the customer. An example of the rank determination method will be described later.

In the storage unit 4000 of the management device 40 of FIG. 15, a rank outputable number DB 4003 configured by a rank outputable number table as shown in Table 7 is constructed. In the rank outputtable number table, the number of outputtable sheets is registered in association with each rank. In Table 7, the rank is divided into five ranks A to E, but this is only an example, and the rank may be divided into 4 or less ranks or 6 or more ranks.

FIG. 16 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure in which the image forming apparatus 20 notifies the management apparatus 40 of the usage status Ud and determines the rank. In FIG. 16, steps different from those in FIG. 7 will be mainly described.

S5.1: When the image forming apparatus 20 is installed, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a registration confirmation request to the management apparatus 40. On the other hand, the rank determination unit 45 of the management device 40 reads the customer ID associated with the registration number from the device registration information DB 4001. And a customer information request | requirement is transmitted to the sales server 60 with customer ID.

S5.2: The storage / reading unit 69 of the sales server 60 reads the customer information corresponding to the customer ID from the customer management DB 6001. Also, the number of records associated with the customer ID from the contract information DB 6002 is counted. Hereinafter, this count number is referred to as the number of customer contracts. Therefore, the number of contracts is the number of image forming apparatuses 20 for which the customer is currently contracting for rental or the like.

S5.3: The transmission / reception unit 61 of the sales server 60 transmits the customer information, the contract information, and the number of contracts to the management device 40.

S5.4: The rank determination unit 45 of the management device 40 determines the rank of the customer based on the customer information, the contract information, and the number of contracts. The rank determination unit 45 calculates the following total weight by weighting the cumulative payment results of customer information, the contract period of contract information, and the number of contracts.

Total weight = α × cumulative payment record + β × contract period + γ × contracted quantity For example, the median and standard values of the accumulated payment record, the contract period, and the contracted number are determined by the operator of the management apparatus 40 and the weight sum is Α, β, and γ are determined so as to be 50 points. Of course, the weight of the important index may be increased. The total weight of the customer is calculated with the determined α, β, γ.

Note that the cumulative payment record and the number of contracts are information related to customer credit quality and serve as an index of customer credit quality. The accumulated payment result is information related to sales to the sales company and serves as an index of sales to the sales company. The accumulated payment record and the contract period are information related to the ease of collecting the usage fee and serve as an index of the ease of collecting the usage fee.

Then, customers are ranked by referring to the following table.
100 or more: A rank 80 or more to less than 100: B rank 60 or more to less than 80: C rank 40 or more to less than 60: D rank 40 or less: E rank The rank determining unit 45 is associated with a rank from the rank outputable number table. Read the number of printable images.

S6: Then, the transmission / reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 transmits the number of outputtable sheets to the image forming apparatus 20 together with the registration status response confirmation. The storage / reading unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 stores the registration status response confirmation and the number of outputtable sheets in the storage unit 2000. The subsequent processing may be the same as in the first embodiment.

Processing when the image forming apparatus 20 cannot transmit the usage status Ud is the same as that in FIG. 14 of the fourth embodiment. That is, in step S41, the number of outputtable sheets may be read from the storage unit 2000 instead of the outputtable table.

In addition, since the rank of the customer can vary depending on the cumulative payment performance, contract period, and number of contracts of each customer, the management apparatus 40 may re-determine the rank once a year, for example.

In addition, the method for determining the rank of the customer is merely an example. The rank may be determined using only one of the customer's cumulative payment record, the contract period, and the number of contracts, or an index other than these may be used.

In this embodiment, the management apparatus 40 determines the rank, but the sales server 60 or the image forming apparatus 20 may determine the rank.

In the present embodiment, a print management system 100 in which the management apparatus 40 transmits the upper limit number of prints to the image forming apparatus 20 as a response to the usage status notification process by the image forming apparatus 20 will be described.

In this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40, the management apparatus 40 updates the upper limit number of prints held by the image forming apparatus 20. The upper limit number of prints is the upper limit of the number of pages that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 20 after the upper limit number of prints is updated. Accordingly, the customer can perform printing using the image forming apparatus 20 until the number of printed pages reaches the upper limit number of prints after the image forming apparatus 20 finally transmits the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the management apparatus 40 and the image forming apparatus 20 of the present embodiment. The functional block diagrams of the sales server 60 and the information terminal 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, since components having the same reference numerals in FIG. 5 perform the same function, only the main components of the present embodiment may be mainly described in FIG.

The management device 40 of this embodiment has a printing upper limit sheet number updating unit 46. The printing upper limit sheet number update unit 46 is realized by a command from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 3 and transmits the upper printing limit sheet number to the image forming apparatus 20 when the usage status Ud is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20. The maximum number of prints will be described later.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes the upper limit print number DB 2006 in the storage unit 2000.

Table 8 schematically shows a print upper limit sheet number table stored in the print upper limit sheet number DB 2006. The maximum number of prints is registered for each of A4 color, A4 mono, A3 color, and A3 mono. Note that the upper limit number of prints may be registered without distinguishing between paper sizes such as A4 and A3 and print colors such as color and mono.

As an example, the maximum number of A4 color prints is 86. A value of 100 in parentheses is a value immediately after the upper limit number of prints is updated by the management apparatus 40. The values in parentheses are values for explanation, and may not be registered in the print upper limit sheet number table. Taking A4 color as an example, the customer can print the remaining 86 sheets. Another form of the upper limit printing number table will be described later.

The maximum number of prints may be constant regardless of the customer, or may be different for each customer. When different for each customer, it may be determined at the time of purchasing or renting a product. Alternatively, when different for each customer, the printing upper limit sheet number updating unit 46 determines the number of printing sheets for each customer in consideration. For example, the average, median, mode, maximum, etc. of the difference between the previous usage status Ud and the current usage status Ud are calculated, and for example, the average, median, mode, maximum value, etc. The maximum number of prints is determined to be 2 to 3 times.

Further, the printing upper limit sheet number updating unit 46 transmits the difference between the previous usage situation Ud and the current usage situation Ud to the image forming apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 20 adds this difference to the remaining printing upper limit sheet number. Good. Therefore, the upper limit number of prints of the image forming apparatus 20 is kept constant as in the case where the entire upper limit number of prints is transmitted.

Returning to FIG. 17, the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an upper limit printing number acquisition unit 27 and a remaining number determination unit 28. The printing upper limit number acquisition unit 27 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 4 and acquires the printing upper limit number transmitted from the management apparatus 40 and stores it in the printing upper limit number DB 2006. As a result, the values in parentheses in Table 8 are obtained. The updated maximum number of prints in the maximum print number table is reduced by the amount printed each time one page is printed or each time one job is completed.

The remaining number determination unit 28 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 301 or the like, and confirms whether the upper limit number of prints is equal to or greater than the total number of pages of the job, or whether the upper limit number of prints is not zero. When the upper limit number of prints is zero, the use restriction unit 26 is notified that use restriction is requested.

FIG. 18 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure for the image forming apparatus 20 to notify the management apparatus 40 of the usage status. Note that FIG. 18 mainly describes the differences (steps S6, S7, S10, and S11) from FIG.

S6: The transmission / reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 transmits a registration status confirmation response to the image forming apparatus 20. In this embodiment, the use upper limit number is transmitted together with the registration status confirmation response.

S7: The storage / reading unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 records the registration status confirmation response 2002 in the storage unit 2000. Further, the printing upper limit number acquisition unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 20 registers the upper limit number of use in the printing upper limit number DB 2006 via the storage / reading unit 29. As a result, the user can use the image forming apparatus 20.

S10: The transmission / reception unit 41 of the management apparatus 40 transmits a usage status response to the image forming apparatus 20. At least when the use permission 2003 is transmitted, the printing upper limit sheet number updating unit 46 transmits the printing upper limit sheet number to the image forming apparatus 20.

S11: The transmission / reception unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the use status response (use permission 2003) and the upper limit number of prints. As a result, the storage / reading unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 20 stores the use permission 2003 in the storage unit 2000. Further, the printing upper limit number acquisition unit 27 of the image forming apparatus 20 registers the upper limit number of use in the printing upper limit number DB 2006 via the storage / reading unit 29. Therefore, when the usage status Ud is periodically transmitted to the management device 40, the upper limit number of usage is also periodically updated.

FIG. 19 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the image forming apparatus 20 updates the upper limit number of prints. The process of FIG. 19 starts when, for example, it is time to execute the usage status notification process.

First, the usage status transmission unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the usage status Ud to the management device 40 (S10).

The transmission / reception unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 receives the usage status response and the upper limit number of prints (S20). The upper limit number of prints may be transmitted only when the use permission 2003 is transmitted. This is because, when “unusable” is transmitted, the customer cannot print even if the upper limit number of prints is updated. However, since the customer cannot print when unavailable is transmitted, the upper limit number of prints may be transmitted when unavailable is transmitted.

The use restriction unit 26 determines whether or not printing is disabled (S30).

If the determination in step S30 is Yes, the use restriction unit 26 restricts the use of the image forming apparatus 20 (S50).

If the determination in step S30 is No, since the upper limit number of prints has been received, the upper limit print number acquisition unit 27 updates the upper limit number of prints in the print upper limit number DB 2006 (S40).

As described above, when the use is not restricted, the maximum number of prints is updated, so the customer can print within the range of the maximum number of prints.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for the image forming apparatus 20 to check the upper limit number of prints during printing and update the upper limit number of prints. The processing in FIG. 20 is started, for example, when the user performs an operation for executing a job (print or copy) for printing.

First, the remaining number determination unit 28 refers to the print upper limit sheet number DB 2006 to determine whether the print upper limit sheet number is equal to or greater than the total number of pages (S10). In the case of a print job, since the total number of pages to be printed is known in advance, it can be easily determined whether the upper limit number of prints is equal to or greater than the total number of pages. In the case of a copy job, the total number of pages to be printed cannot be determined unless the number of documents is known. Therefore, the remaining number determination unit 28 calculates the total number of pages using the number of documents counted by scanning the document with a scanner device or the like, and determines whether the upper limit number of printing is equal to or more than the total number of pages. * Even if the maximum number of prints is less than the total number of pages, printing may be permitted until the maximum number of prints reaches zero. In this case, since a part of the job may be sufficient, it is preferable that the user inputs to the image forming apparatus 20 that printing is to be performed. This is because the user wants to print the entire job, and printing a part of the job may be meaningless. Also in this case, the image forming apparatus 20 can execute a job within the range of the current upper limit number of prints.

Further, instead of comparing the total number of pages of the job and the upper limit number of prints, the remaining number determination unit 28 may determine whether or not the upper limit number of prints is zero every time one page is printed. In this case, the image forming apparatus 20 executes the job until the upper limit number of prints becomes zero.

When the upper limit number of prints is registered in the upper limit print number DB 2006 according to the paper size or print color, the upper limit number of prints and the total number of pages of the job that meet the print conditions (paper size or print color) set by the user. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the upper limit number of prints that meets the printing conditions is zero.

If the determination in step S10 is Yes, the use restriction unit 26 does not restrict use, and the image forming apparatus 20 executes the job (S20).

Next, the usage frequency recording unit 23 updates the upper limit number of prints (S30). As described above, it may be updated when one job is completed, or may be updated for each page.

If the determination in step S10 is No, the use restriction unit 26 cancels the job (S40). As described above, a job is canceled in a case where the job is canceled without being executed at all, or a case where a part of the job is executed but the rest is canceled.

When the job is canceled, the image forming apparatus 20 preferably displays an error message on the operation unit 307 or the like. For example, if a job is canceled without being executed, “Job canceled” is displayed. If a part of the job is executed, “Job canceled. Page not printed” Is displayed. " Thereby, the user can grasp the reason why the job is canceled and the number of pages not printed.

As described above, according to the print management system 100 of the present embodiment, the user of the customer can use the image forming apparatus 20 until the upper limit number of prints is exceeded. If the usage status notification is made periodically (for example, once a day), the upper limit number of prints is also periodically updated. Therefore, it is unlikely that the upper limit number of prints becomes zero and the use of the image forming apparatus 20 is restricted. When the user prints a large amount in a short time, the use of the image forming apparatus 20 may be restricted. In such a case, the user can operate the image forming apparatus 20 to transmit the usage status Ud to the management apparatus 40, whereby the upper limit number of prints can be updated.

FIG. 21 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure performed by the management device 40 when use is restricted because the upper limit number of prints of the image forming apparatus 20 has become zero.

The use restriction unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 20 transmits use restriction occurrence information via the transmission / reception unit 21 (S10). The use restriction occurrence information is information indicating that the use restriction has occurred because the upper limit number of printing sheets has become zero. The usage restriction occurrence information may be transmitted together with the usage status Ud, or may be transmitted alone.

For example, when the management device 40 receives the usage status Ud (No in S10), the printing upper limit number update unit 46 calculates the average, median, mode, and maximum of the difference between the previous usage status Ud and the current usage status Ud. A value or the like is calculated using the past N times (N is a natural number of 2 or more) (S40). Then, an average, median value, mode value, maximum value, etc. are determined as 2 to 3 times the maximum number of prints. Therefore, the upper limit number of prints may be increased or may be passed, and is always kept at an appropriate value.

When the management apparatus 40 receives only the usage status Ud (No in S10), the printing upper limit sheet number updating unit 46 determines that it is preferable to increase the printing upper limit sheet number because the use is restricted, and the use restriction occurs. The upper limit number of prints is calculated using the current printing speed (S20). When the usage restriction occurrence information is transmitted, since the printing can be performed only up to the upper limit number of prints, the appropriate upper limit number of prints for this customer is not clear. Therefore, an appropriate upper limit number of prints is estimated using the printing speed. For example, when use restriction occurrence information is received within 12 hours from the update of the upper limit number of prints, “upper limit number of prints at update time / 12” is the printing speed per hour. If the update interval of the upper limit number of prints is 24 hours, “upper limit number of prints at update time / 12” × 24 is the estimated upper limit number of prints.

Further, even if usage restriction occurrence information is transmitted, the upper limit number of prints is not changed immediately, and printing is performed when the number of times that usage restriction occurrence information is transmitted in a unit period (for example, one week or January) is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The upper limit number of sheets may be increased.

As described above, by setting the upper limit number of prints with less excess or deficiency, it is possible to prevent the customer from continuing to use the image forming apparatus 20 that does not transmit the usage status Ud.

Note that the use restriction occurrence information may be transmitted to the management apparatus 40 before the upper limit number of prints becomes zero. For example, when 80% to 90% of the upper limit number of prints is consumed, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits use restriction occurrence information to the management apparatus 40. In this case, the period during which the customer cannot use the image forming apparatus 20 can be eliminated or shortened by calculating the upper limit number of prints as in step S20 of FIG.

<Another example of the upper limit printing number table>
Table 8 shows the upper limit number of prints table in which the upper limit number of prints is reduced, but the upper limit number of prints immediately after the update and the count value of the printed pages counted from the previous update are registered in the upper limit number of prints table. May be. In this case, since the count value increases due to the execution of the job, the remaining number determination unit 28 executes the job in a range where the count value is equal to or less than the upper limit number of prints.

<Other application examples of this embodiment>
The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. And substitutions can be added.

For example, the configuration example in FIG. 5 shown in the embodiment is divided according to main functions in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the management apparatus 40, the sales server 60, and the image forming apparatus 20. . Therefore, for example, the management device 40 and the sales server 60 may be integrated, and the management device 40 includes a part of the function of the sales server 60, or the sales server 60 includes a part of the function of the management device 40. May be.

Further, the present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the management device 40, the sales server 60, and the image forming device 20 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

In this embodiment, the use is limited when the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted to the management apparatus 40. However, when the usage status Ud cannot be transmitted, other information (for example, information for maintenance) cannot be transmitted. For this reason, you may restrict | limit use when information other than the use condition Ud cannot be transmitted.

For example, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 will be described as an example of an apparatus that is sold (rented) and then charged according to usage. However, such an apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus 20. For example, agricultural equipment such as PCs, wearable computers, application software, video conference terminals, electronic blackboards, projectors, car navigation terminals, cameras, game machines, medical equipment, tillage machines that are charged according to the time used, It can also be applied to automobiles.

The fax control unit 308, the plotter engine 311 and the scanner engine 312 are examples of function providing means, the transmission /

reception units

21 and 41 are examples of communication means, and the communication availability determination unit 24 is an example of determination means. The restriction unit 26 is an example of a function restriction unit. The storage / reading unit 29 is an example of a reading unit.

The output possible number of sheets shown in Table 6 is an example of a predetermined amount, the continuous output speed is an example of output capability, and the continuous output speed is an example of the output possible amount of output per unit time. is there. The outputable number management DB 2005 is an example of a storage unit. The rank outputable number DB 4003 is an example of a second storage unit. The rank determining unit 45 is an example of a class determining unit.

This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-0666614 filed on March 27, 2015 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-234624 filed on December 1, 2015. The entire contents of Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2015-0666614 and 2015-234624 are incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information terminal 20 Image forming apparatus 22 Registration status confirmation part 23 Usage frequency recording part 24 Communication availability judgment part 25 Usage condition transmission part 26 Use restriction part 40 Management apparatus 45 Rank determination part 60 Sales server 80 Settlement organization 100 Print management system

Claims

A device that transmits a usage status to an information processing apparatus that can communicate via a network,
A function providing means for providing a predetermined function;
Communication means for transmitting the usage status to the information processing apparatus;
Determining means for determining whether the communication means has transmitted the usage status to the information processing apparatus;
A function limiting unit configured to limit at least a part of the function provided by the function providing unit when the determining unit determines that the communication unit cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus;
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the communication unit is not connected to the network, the determination unit determines that the communication unit cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus.
When the communication unit receives a response from the information processing device with respect to the usage status transmitted to the information processing device, the determination unit determines that the communication unit has transmitted the usage status to the information processing device. And
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the communication unit cannot receive the response, the determination unit determines that the communication unit cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus.
The function restricting means includes at least a part of the function provided by the function providing means after a grace period is given from the time when the determining means determines that the communication means cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is restricted.
The grace is given as time,
When the determining means determines that the communication means cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus, the function restricting means is configured so that the function providing means can be used after the time has elapsed since the determination means determines. The device according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the provided function is limited.
The function providing means outputs an output product obtained using the function,
If the determining means determines that the communication means cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus, the function restricting means outputs the output product of a predetermined amount after the function providing means outputs the output product. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the function provided by the function providing unit is limited.
Read means for reading out the amount associated with the output capability of the device from storage means for storing the amount of the device associated with the device with a larger value as the device has a higher output capability;
When the determining means determines that the communication means cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus, the function restricting means is configured to output the output product of the amount after the function providing means outputs the output product. The device according to claim 6, wherein at least a part of the functions provided by the device is restricted.
The output capability is the output possible amount of the output product per unit time,
The device according to claim 7, wherein the storage unit stores the amount corresponding to the device so that a ratio between the outputable amount and the amount associated with the outputable amount is substantially constant.
The function providing means outputs an output product obtained using the function,
The communication means acquires the amount of the output product provided by the function providing means from the information processing apparatus,
When the determining means determines that the communication means cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus, the function restricting means is configured to output the output product of the amount after the function providing means outputs the output product. The device according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the function provided by the device is restricted.
The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the function restriction unit restricts at least a part of the function provided by the function provision unit, the display device displays that the function is restricted. .
The device according to claim 5, wherein when the grace is given as the time, the remaining time until the time elapses is displayed on a display device.
10. The remaining amount until the amount is reached is displayed on a display device when the grace is given as the amount of the output matter output by the function providing means. machine.
A communication system in which a device transmits a usage status to an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a network,
A function providing means for providing a predetermined function;
Communication means for transmitting the usage status to the information processing apparatus;
Determining means for determining whether the communication means has transmitted the usage status to the information processing apparatus;
A function restriction unit that restricts at least a part of the function provided by the function providing unit when the determination unit determines that the communication unit cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus.
Class determining means for determining the class of the user based on one or more of the indicators relating to the user's creditworthiness, past sales, and fee collection of the device;
Reading means for reading out the amount associated with the class determined by the class determining unit from a second storage unit that stores the class in association with the amount of output output by the function providing unit; The communication means transmits the amount to the device,
When the determining means determines that the communication means cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus, the function restricting means is configured to output the output product of the amount after the function providing means outputs the output product. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein at least a part of the function provided by is limited.
An information processing apparatus that transmits a usage status to an information processing apparatus that can communicate via a network.
A function providing means for providing a predetermined function;
Communication means for transmitting the usage status to the information processing apparatus;
Determining means for determining whether or not the communication means has transmitted the usage status to the information processing apparatus;
A program for causing a function limiting unit to limit at least a part of the function provided by the function providing unit when the determining unit determines that the communication unit cannot transmit the usage status to the information processing apparatus. .