WO2021251177A1

WO2021251177A1 - Image forming device, image forming system, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2021251177A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/020372
Authority: WO
Inventors: 光田村; 宏隆青木; 進吾小泉; 陽雅石部; 秀晃吉宗
Original assignee: ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority date: 2020-06-08
Filing date: 2021-05-28
Publication date: 2021-12-16
Also published as: JP7524619B2; JP2021193487A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, and a program which make it possible to execute setting processing corresponding to mounting of a storage medium. The number of printable sheets that can be printed by a printer 20 is stored on an IC card 41 to be mounted in the printer 20. The printer 20 executes setting of communication with a portable terminal device 10 (S29) when detecting that the IC card 41 has been mounted in a mounting part 28 (S15). The printer 20 executes a printing instruction acquired from the portable terminal device 10 in a printing part 23 according to the number of printable sheets stored on the IC card 41.

Description

Image forming equipment, image forming system, and program

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a program to which a storage medium can be attached.

Conventionally, various image forming devices to which a storage medium can be attached have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a technique relating to a printer provided with a card interface means capable of mounting a memory card. The printer described in Patent Document 1 allows the user to print only the number of printable sheets written on the memory card.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-137501

In the printer of Patent Document 1 described above, the number of printable sheets is managed by a memory card. With a printer having such a configuration, when a new printer is purchased or a printer in use is replaced, it is necessary to attach a memory card to the new printer to recognize it.

On the other hand, in recent years, information processing devices such as smartphones have been used to make settings and print instructions for printers, for example. Therefore, when managing the number of printable sheets on a storage medium such as a memory card, it is necessary for the printer or the information processing device to execute the setting process according to the attachment of the storage medium to the printer.

Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a program capable of executing a setting process according to the attachment of the storage medium in an image forming apparatus to which a storage medium can be attached.

The image forming apparatus disclosed by the present specification is equipped with a communication unit, an image forming unit that forms an image, and a storage medium that stores an image forming permission amount that allows the image forming unit to form an image. A unit and a control unit are provided, and when the control unit detects that the storage medium is mounted on the mounting unit, the control unit sets communication with the information processing device via the communication unit. The communication setting process to be executed and the image formation process for permitting the image formation unit to form an image according to the image formation permission amount stored in the storage medium are executed.

Further, the contents disclosed in the present specification can communicate not only as an image forming apparatus but also with an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus, a program for causing a computer to control the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. It can also be implemented as a program that causes a computer to control the information processing device.

According to the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, image forming system, and program, it is possible to execute the setting process according to the attachment of the storage medium.

It is a block diagram of the printing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of card information. It is a schematic diagram of a printer. It is a figure which shows the cable connection part of the apparatus main body part. It is a figure which shows the tip of the power cable. It is a figure which shows the cable connection part of the apparatus main body part of another example. It is a figure which shows the tip of the power cable of another example. It is explanatory drawing of the management DB. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the first setup. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a print process. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of charge processing. It is a charge screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal device. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the charge processing of another example. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of exchange request processing. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of exchange processing. It is a figure which shows the card information of the IC card mounted on the printer before replacement, and the card information of the IC card mounted on the replacement printer after replacement. It is the information registered in the management DB, and is the figure which shows the information of the printer before exchange, and the information of the exchange printer after exchange.

(Configuration of printing system 1)
Hereinafter, a printing system according to an embodiment embodying the image forming system of the present application will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a mobile terminal device 10, a printer 20, and a server 30. The printing system 1 provides a printing service to the user. The printing service referred to here is, for example, printing desired by the user by paying a purchase fee for the printer 20 or a fee for the number of printable sheets (paper, OHP, etc.) that can be printed by the printer 20. It is a service that enables printing of only the number of sheets.

For example, when the vendor of the printer 20 receives an application for purchasing the printer 20 from the user, the printer 20 and the IC card 41 described later are shipped to the user. The number of printable sheets is stored in the IC card 41. The user can use the printer 20 by mounting the IC card 41 on the printer 20. At the time of purchase, for example, 0 (zero) sheets are stored in the IC card 41 as the number of printable sheets. When the printer 20 is started with the IC card 41 attached for the first time, a predetermined number of printable sheets (for example, 2000 sheets) is stored in the IC card 41. In the following description, increasing the number of printable sheets of the IC card 41 may be referred to as charging.

The printer 20 of this embodiment is, for example, an inkjet printer that performs color printing by an inkjet method. The printer 20 may be an inkjet printer that performs monochrome printing. The printer 20 is an example of the image forming apparatus of the present application. The image forming apparatus in the present application is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may be, for example, a laser printer that performs printing by an electrophotographic method or a thermal printer that performs printing by a thermal transfer method. Further, the image forming apparatus in the present application may have a FAX function in addition to or in place of the printing function. In this case, the image forming apparatus may limit the number of fax transmissions and the number of faxes received according to the number of permitted faxes stored in the IC card 41.

The ink storage unit 23A (see FIG. 1) of the printer 20 sent from the vendor to the user has an ink amount (for example, one) capable of printing more than a predetermined number of printable sheets (for example, 2000 sheets) given at the time of purchase. The amount of ink for 10,000 sheets) is filled. Therefore, in the present printing service, after the user purchases the printer 20, the printer 20 may be filled with ink or the printer 20 may be filled with ink before printing the number of printable sheets given by mounting the IC card 41. There is no need to replace the ink accommodating portion 23A. As a result, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to replenish the printer 20 with ink, and it is possible to provide a service highly convenient for the user.

Further, if the user continues to use the printer 20 and the predetermined number of printable sheets (for example, 2000 sheets) given when the IC card 41 is attached is insufficient, the user pays an additional fee to increase the number of printable sheets. It is possible to increase the number of printable sheets purchased and stored in the IC card 41. Then, by charging an additional printable number of sheets, the user can continue to use the printer 20.

Further, the user can apply for replacement of the printer 20 when the ink remaining amount of the printer 20 becomes low or runs out as a result of repeatedly charging the additional printable number of sheets. The vendor ships the replacement printer 20 in response to the replacement request from the user. The user can continue to use the printing service by replacing the IC card 41 from the old printer 20 to the new printer 20.

(Network configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal device 10 and the printer 20 are connected to each other via a router 2 so as to be communicable with each other. The user can give a printing instruction to the printer 20 or the like by operating the mobile terminal device 10. The communication for connecting the mobile terminal device 10 and the printer 20 may be wireless communication according to a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or wired communication such as LAN. Further, the mobile terminal device 10 and the printer 20 may be connected without going through the router 2. For example, the mobile terminal device 10 and the printer 20 may be connected by short-range wireless communication conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be connected by wired communication using a USB cable.

Further, the mobile terminal device 10 and the server 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the router 2 and the wide area network 3. The wide area network 3 is, for example, the Internet. The server 30 is, for example, a server used by the vendor of the printer 20. By operating the mobile terminal device 10, the user can apply to the server 30 to purchase the number of printable sheets or replace the printer 20.

(Configuration of mobile terminal device 10)
The mobile terminal device 10 is an information processing device operated by a user, for example, a smartphone. The mobile terminal device 10 is not limited to a smartphone, but may be another information processing device such as a tablet terminal or a PC. The mobile terminal device 10 can accept an operation by the user and instruct the printer 20 to print an image on the sheet. The mobile terminal device 10 includes a terminal CPU 11, a terminal storage unit 12, a short-range communication unit 13, a display 14, a terminal operation unit 15, a camera 16, and an external communication unit 17. These components are made communicable with each other via the bus 18.

The terminal storage unit 12 is configured by combining a RAM (abbreviation of Random Access Memory), a ROM (abbreviation of Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an HDD (abbreviation of Hard Disk Drive), a buffer, and the like. The terminal storage unit 12 stores the terminal program 12A and the application program (hereinafter, may be referred to as an application) 12B. The terminal program 12A is a program that comprehensively controls the mobile terminal device 10, and provides basic functions and services to the application 12B. The terminal program 12A is, for example, Android (registered trademark) OS or iOS (registered trademark). Further, when the mobile terminal device 10 is, for example, a PC, the terminal program 12A is a Windows (registered trademark) OS or the like. The application 12B is, for example, a program provided by the vendor of the printer 20, and uses the functions of the terminal program 12A to execute various processes such as setting processing and printing instructions for the printer 20 and notification processing for the server 30. It is a program. The terminal CPU 11 executes the terminal program 12A and the application 12B, controls the mobile terminal device 10, and executes notification processing to the server 30.

In the following description, the terminal CPU 11 that executes the terminal program 12A and the application 12B may be simply described by the device name. For example, the description "the terminal CPU 11 is" may mean "the terminal CPU 11 that executes the terminal program 12A or the application 12B". The same applies to the printer CPU 26 that executes the printer program 27A described later and the server CPU 32 that executes the server program 33A.

Further, the terminal storage unit 12 may be a storage medium that can be read by a computer. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitional medium. In addition to the above examples, the non-transitory medium also includes a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electric signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a signal medium that can be read by a computer, which is a kind of medium that can be read by a computer, but is a storage that can be read by a non-transitory computer. Not included in the medium. The same applies to the printer storage unit 27 of the printer 20 and the server storage unit 33 of the server 30, which will be described later.

Further, the print data 12C and the printer information 12D are stored in the terminal storage unit 12. The print data 12C is image data to be printed. The printer information 12D is information on the printer 20 that has executed the initial setup of FIG. 9 and the replacement process of FIG. 15, which will be described later.

The short-range communication unit 13 performs short-range wireless communication with the printer 20. The short-range communication unit 13 executes short-range wireless communication according to communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and NFC (abbreviation of Near Field Communication). The display 14 displays various screens, and is, for example, an LCD (abbreviation of Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (abbreviation of Electroluminescence) display, or the like. The terminal operation unit 15 is, for example, a touch panel, and receives a user's operation input via an icon or the like displayed on the display 14. The mobile terminal device 10 does not have to include the short-range communication unit 13. Further, the terminal operation unit 15 is an example of the operation unit of the present application. The operation unit of the present application is not limited to the touch panel, and may be, for example, an operation button, a slide switch, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

The camera 16 includes an image pickup device such as a CCD (abbreviation of Charge Coupled Device), and executes image pickup in response to an operation input to the terminal operation unit 15. For example, the terminal CPU 11 stores the captured image captured by the camera 16 in the terminal storage unit 12 and processes it as print data 12C. The print data 12C is not limited to the captured image captured by the camera 16. For example, the print data 12C may be text data created by the mobile terminal device 10. Further, the mobile terminal device 10 may acquire the print data 12C from an external device (server, memory card, etc.). Further, the acquisition in the present application includes not only a process of notifying another device and actively fetching information, but also a passive process of receiving information based on receiving a notification from another device. It is a concept.

The external communication unit 17 transmits / receives data to / from the router 2 by, for example, wireless communication conforming to the communication standard of Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The mobile terminal device 10 executes communication with the printer 20 and the server 30 via the external communication unit 17. The mobile terminal device 10 may execute communication with the printer 20 via the short-range communication unit 13.

(Configuration of printer 20)
The printer 20 includes a short-range communication unit 21, an external communication unit 22, a printing unit 23, a printer operation unit 24, a printer CPU 26, a printer storage unit 27, and a mounting unit 28. The short-range communication unit 21 executes data transmission / reception with the short-range communication unit 13 of the mobile terminal device 10, for example, by short-range wireless communication conforming to the communication standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). The external communication unit 22 transmits / receives data to / from the router 2 by, for example, wireless communication conforming to the communication standard of Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

The printing unit 23 includes an ink accommodating unit 23A, an inkjet head 23C, and the like, and executes color printing by an inkjet method. The ink accommodating portion 23A stores, for example, a plurality of types of ink (magenta, cyan, yellow, black, etc.). The ink accommodating portion 23A of the present embodiment is filled with an amount of ink capable of printing, for example, 10,000 sheets at the time of being sent from the vendor to the user. The amount of ink that can be printed for 10,000 sheets is set based on, for example, the sheet size most used by the printer 20, the average amount of ink used per sheet of the sheet size, and the like.

Further, the ink accommodating portion 23A has a structure that cannot be replaced or filled with ink by the user who uses the printer 20. For example, the ink accommodating portion 23A is arranged at a position that cannot be touched by a normal user operation. Further, the ink accommodating portion 23A is fixed to the printer 20 so that the user cannot attach / detach it to / from the printer 20. The ink accommodating portion 23A may be configured to be replaceable by the user.

The inkjet head 23C is provided with a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink to the sheet. The printing unit 23 ejects the ink stored in the ink accommodating unit 23A onto the sheet from the inkjet head 23C, and prints on the sheet.

The printer operation unit 24 is a touch panel or a switch that receives a user's operation input to the printer 20. The printer operation unit 24 may not be provided with an output device such as a touch panel, and may be configured only with an input device such as a switch or a button. The printer CPU 26 controls the printer 20 in an integrated manner. The printer storage unit 27 is configured by combining, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, a buffer, and the like. The printer program 27A is stored in the printer storage unit 27. The printer CPU 26 controls each part of the printer 20 by executing the printer program 27A. For example, the printer CPU 26 executes the printer program 27A to print the print data 12C acquired from the mobile terminal device 10 by the printing unit 23.

Further, the printer CPU 26 can detect the remaining amount of ink, which is the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink storage unit 23A of the printing unit 23. The method for detecting the remaining amount of ink is not particularly limited. For example, the printer CPU 26 may detect the remaining amount of ink based on the number of times (the number of dots, etc.) the ink is ejected from the ink accommodating portion 23A of each color when printing is executed. Alternatively, the printer CPU 26 detects the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink accommodating portion 23A of each color by the detection signal of the optical sensor or the like provided in the ink accommodating portion 23A, and detects the remaining amount of ink. May be. The printer CPU 26 stores the ink remaining amount 27B of the ink accommodating unit 23A of each color in the printer storage unit 27, and manages the ink remaining amount 27B of each color individually. The printer CPU 26 may manage only the ink remaining amount 27B of at least one color of the ink accommodating portion 23A. Further, a device other than the printer CPU 26, for example, the ink accommodating unit 23A may execute the detection and storage processing of the ink remaining amount 27B.

Further, the printer storage unit 27 stores device identification information 27C that can identify the printer 20. The device identification information 27C is, for example, a serial number set by the vendor of the printer 20, and is unique information that can identify any printer 20 from other printers 20. The device identification information 27C is not limited to the serial number, and may be, for example, a wired MAC address of the short-range communication unit 21 or the external communication unit 22, or a wireless MAC address.

The mounting unit 28 is an interface capable of reading data from the IC card 41 and writing data to the IC card 41. The IC card 41 is, for example, an IC card that performs contact-type reading and writing. The IC card 41 is an example of the storage medium of the present application. The storage medium of the present application is not limited to the contact type IC card, but may be a non-contact type IC card or a memory card such as an SD card.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the card information 41A stored in the IC card 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the card information 41A includes a card ID, a printable number of sheets, and activation information. The card ID is information that can individually identify the IC card 41. As the card ID, the value of "CID1" is stored as an example in FIG. As described above, the printable number of sheets is information indicating the number of sheets permitted to be printed by the printer 20. As the number of printable sheets, the value of "pr1" is stored as an example in FIG. The printer CPU 26 subtracts the number of printable sheets each time the printing unit 23 performs printing. When the number of printable sheets becomes zero, the printer CPU 26 prohibits printing by the printing unit 23. The number of printable sheets is an example of the image formation permission amount in the present application. The image formation permission amount in the present application is not limited to the number of images. For example, the image formation permission amount may be the amount of data of the image to be printed (the amount of data to be transmitted / received in the case of the FAX function), or may be the amount of ink used for printing.

Activation information is information indicating whether or not execution of each function such as printing is permitted. The activation information indicates, for example, that the printing operation of the printing unit 23 is permitted when it is set to the on state, and the printing operation of the printing unit 23 is restricted when it is set to the off state. For example, when the IC card 41 is shipped from the vendor to the user, the activation information in the off state is stored. When the activation information is in the off state, even if the number of printable sheets is one or more, the printing operation is prohibited. In the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the activation information is set so that the number of printers 20 in which the activation information is turned on is one for one IC card 41 (card ID). In this case, the activation information is exclusively set so that there are not a plurality of printers 20 that can print at the same time with one card ID.

Note that a plurality of printers 20 may be in a state where they can be printed with one card ID. For example, a plurality of IC cards 41 having the same card ID may be issued, and the printing system 1 may provide a service in which each of the printers 20 equipped with each IC card 41 can print at the same time. Further, "◯" shown in FIG. 2 indicates that it is set to the on state, and "x" indicates that it is set to the off state. Further, the card information 41A shown in FIG. 2 is an example. For example, the IC card 41 may store the ink remaining amount 27B detected by the printer CPU 26 as the card information 41A.

Here, the contact-type IC card 41 can enhance security as compared with a memory card such as an SD card, and can suppress the occurrence of fraudulent acts by the user such as rewriting the number of printable sheets. On the other hand, if the contact-type IC card 41 is attached or detached while the printer 20 is turned on or the IC card 41 is energized, data loss or failure may occur. Therefore, the printer 20 of the present embodiment has a structure in which the IC card 41 cannot be attached to or detached from the mounting portion 28 while the power is turned on.

Specifically, FIG. 3 schematically shows a state in which the printer 20 is viewed in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 20 includes a device main body 20A and a power cable 20B. The above-mentioned printing unit 23, printer operation unit 24, mounting unit 28, and the like are attached to the device main body unit 20A. The mounting portion 28 is mounted on the back side of the printer 20. Further, the power cable 20B is connected to, for example, an outlet of a commercial power source, and supplies AC power to the device main body 20A. The power cable 20B is connected to the back side of the printer 20 like the mounting portion 28. The mounting positions of the mounting portion 28 and the power cable 20B shown in FIG. 3 are examples. For example, the mounting portion 28 and the power cable 20B may be mounted on the side surface of the printer 20. Further, the mounting portion 28 and the power cable 20B may be mounted at different positions. For example, the power cable 20B may be provided on the back surface and the mounting portion 28 may be provided on the side surface. In this case, the mounting portion 28 does not have to include the closing portion 28B described later.

FIG. 4 shows the cable connection portion 20C of the device main body portion 20A to which the power cable 20B is connected. FIG. 5 shows the tip portion 20D of the power cable 20B. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cable connection portion 20C is provided on the back surface 20E of the printer 20. The cable connection portion 20C has, for example, a recess for inserting a part of the tip portion 20D of the power cable 20B, and the power terminal is provided in the recess.

Further, the mounting portion 28 includes an insertion portion 28A and a closing portion 28B. The insertion portion 28A is attached to the lower surface of the cable connection portion 20C, for example, and has a mounting hole 28C into which the IC card 41 can be inserted. The insertion portion 28A has a terminal in the mounting hole 28C that comes into contact with the IC card 41 inserted from the mounting hole 28C, and writes data to the IC card 41 and reads data from the IC card 41 via the terminal. do.

Further, the closing portion 28B is attached to the lower surface of the tip portion 20D of the power cable 20B. The closed portion 28B is formed in a plate shape, for example, protruding downward from the lower surface of the tip portion 20D. The closing portion 28B is preferably formed of, for example, a member having high flame retardancy and high insulating property. Further, the closing portion 28B is configured to be detachably attached to, for example, the power cable 20B, and can be attached to the tip portion 20D of another power cable 20B. The closed portion 28B may be a member fixed to the power cable 20B.

The broken line in FIG. 4 shows the position of the tip portion 20D and the position of the closed portion 28B when the power cable 20B is attached to the cable connection portion 20C. As shown in FIG. 4, when the power cable 20B is attached to the cable connection portion 20C, the mounting hole 28C of the insertion portion 28A is closed by the closing portion 28B. For example, the closed portion 28B is in a state of contacting a flat surface with the mounting hole 28C from the rear side of the printer 20 to close the closed portion 28B. The mounting hole 28C is in a state where the IC card 41 cannot be inserted. Further, when the power cable 20B is removed from the cable connection portion 20C, the closed portion 28B is removed together with the power cable 20B and is separated from the mounting hole 28C. The mounting hole 28C is opened so that the IC card 41 can be inserted. In other words, the closed portion 28B closes the mounting hole 28C when the power cable 20B is connected to the device main body 20A, and opens the mounting hole 28C when the power cable 20B is removed from the device main body 20A. As a result, the IC card 41 cannot be removed from the mounting portion 28 when the power is turned on, and the occurrence of failure of the IC card 41 can be suppressed.

The configuration of the mounting portion 28 is not limited to the above configuration. 6 and 7 show another example of the mounting portion 28. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the insertion portion 28A is provided on the device main body portion 20A side, and the closing portion 28B is provided on the power cable 20B side, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the closing portion 28B may be provided on the device main body portion 20A side, and the insertion portion 28A may be provided on the tip portion 20D of the power cable 20B. As shown in FIG. 7, the insertion portion 28A of another example is provided with an extension terminal 28D extending from a terminal electrically connected to the IC card 41 inserted into the mounting hole 28C. Each of the plurality of extension terminals 28D projects from the tip surface of the insertion portion 28A toward the device main body portion 20A side (printer 20 side). Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the closed portion 28B of another example is provided with a contact 28E which is in contact with the extension terminal 28D and is electrically connected.

The extension terminal 28D and the contact 28E are electrically connected to each other when the power cable 20B is attached to the device main body 20A, and transmit signals of data to be written to the IC card 41 and data read from the IC card 41. As a result, the printer 20 can write to the IC card 41 or the like via the extension terminal 28D and the contact 28E. Further, the closed portion 28B closes the mounting hole 28C on the power cable 20B side when the power cable 20B is connected to the device main body 20A, and the mounting hole 28C when the power cable 20B is removed from the device main body 20A. Let it open. Therefore, even with the configuration of another example, the IC card 41 cannot be removed from the mounting portion 28 when the power is turned on, and the occurrence of failure of the IC card 41 can be suppressed.

(Configuration of server 30)
Next, the configuration of the server 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 30 includes an external communication unit 31, a server CPU 32, and a server storage unit 33. The server 30 is, for example, a server managed by the vendor of the printer 20. The external communication unit 31 is connected to the router 2 via the wide area network 3 and transmits / receives data to / from the router 2. The server CPU 32 controls the server 30 in an integrated manner. The server storage unit 33 is configured by combining a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, a buffer, and the like. The server program 33A and the management DB 33B are stored in the server storage unit 33. By executing the server program 33A of the server storage unit 33, the server CPU 32 executes the update process of the management DB 33B, the communication process with the mobile terminal device 10 via the router 2, and the like.

Further, the management DB 33B stores information and the like of the printer 20 that uses the printing service. As shown in FIG. 8, the management DB 33B stores the device identification information 27C, the card ID, the activation information, the ink remaining amount 27B, the number of printable sheets, and the user information in association with each other. The device identification information 27C is the identification information of the printer 20 described above. In FIG. 8, the device identification information 27C stores the values of “dv1, dv2, dv3, ...” As an example. The card ID is the card ID of the IC card 41 mounted on the printer 20 specified by the device identification information 27C. As the card ID, the values of "CID1, CID2, ..." Are stored as an example in FIG. Similarly, the activation information and the ink remaining amount 27B are the activation information and the ink remaining amount 27B of the printer 20 specified by the device identification information 27C. As the ink remaining amount 27B, the values of "ink1, ink2, ink3, ..." Are stored as an example in FIG. The number of printable sheets is the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41 mounted on the printer 20. As the number of printable sheets, the values of "pr1, pr2, pr3, ..." Are stored as an example in FIG. As will be described later, the user information is information on the user of the printer 20 registered at the start of use of the printer 20 or the like. As the user information, the values of "User1, User2, ..." Are stored as an example in FIG.

(Initial setup)
Next, the user's work in the initial setup of the printer 20 and the contents of the processing of each device will be described. The user purchases the printer 20 for the first time, and when the printer 20 arrives from the vendor, the setup work shown in FIG. 9 is performed. Each device of the mobile terminal device 10, the printer 20, and the server 30 executes each process according to the work of the user. In the sequence diagram after FIG. 9, the work by the user (person) is indicated by an arrow pointing diagonally downward to the left. Further, the processes, the contents and order of the operations shown in FIGS. 9 and 9 are examples.

First, in step 11 of FIG. 9 (hereinafter, simply referred to as S) 11, the user mounts the IC card 41 on the mounting portion 28 of the printer 20 sent from the vendor. As described above, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the printer 20 of the present embodiment has a structure in which the IC card 41 cannot be mounted on the mounting portion 28 unless the power cable 20B is removed from the device main body portion 20A. It has become. Therefore, the user attaches the IC card 41 to the mounting portion 28, mounts the IC card 41, and then connects the power cable 20B to the device main body portion 20A.

After connecting the power cable 20B, the user operates the power button of the printer operation unit 24 to turn on the power of the printer 20 (S13). When the power of the printer 20 is turned on and the power is supplied, the printer CPU 26 of the printer 20 executes the printer program 27A and starts the system of the printer 20. The printer CPU 26 determines whether or not the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 (S15). The printer CPU 26 determines whether or not the IC card 41 is correctly mounted on the mounting unit 28, for example, based on the content of the signal energized via the terminal of the mounting unit 28. Correctly mounted here means, for example, that the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 in the correct orientation, the IC card 41 can be read and written, and the card information 41A required for the IC card 41 is written. It means the state where it is confirmed that it is.

The printer CPU 26 notifies a warning when the IC card 41 is not correctly mounted on the mounting unit 28 (S15: NO). The printer CPU 26 executes a warning such as turning on an error lamp provided in the apparatus main body 20A or displaying an error character on the touch panel of the printer operation unit 24, for example. The printer CPU 26 does not have to give a warning when the IC card 41 is not correctly mounted. Further, when the IC card 41 is not correctly mounted on the mounting unit 28 (S15: NO), the printer CPU 26 does not execute the processes after S17, which will be described later. As a result, when the IC card 41 is not installed, the printer CPU 26 does not charge the number of printable sheets, perform initial introduction, communicate with the mobile terminal device 10, and the like. That is, the printer 20 is in a state where it cannot be used normally.

On the other hand, when the IC card 41 is correctly mounted on the mounting unit 28 (S15: YES), the printer CPU 26 determines whether or not the IC card 41 is mounted for the first time (S17). The term "first mounting" as used herein means, for example, a state in which the printer 20 is sent from the vendor to the user, the IC card 41 is correctly mounted first, and the power is turned on. The method of determining whether or not it is first installed is not particularly limited. For example, a registry value indicating whether or not the printer is first installed may be stored in the printer storage unit 27. Then, for example, the printer CPU 26 sets the registry value to zero until it detects that the IC card 41 is correctly mounted, and sets the registry value to 1 when it detects that the IC card 41 is correctly mounted. You may decide to install it for the first time.

When the printer CPU 26 determines that it is installed for the first time (S17: YES), it charges a predetermined number of printable sheets (for example, 2000 sheets) (S19). As a result, the number of printable sheets can be provided as a service to the user who uses the IC card 41 or the printer 20 for the first time, and the active use of the printer 20 can be encouraged. The printer CPU 26 writes a predetermined number of printable sheets to the IC card 41 via the mounting unit 28 (S19). If the number of printable sheets of the IC card 41 is zero at the time of shipping from the vendor, 2000 sheets are stored as the number of printable sheets (printable number pr1 in FIG. 2) at this point. Further, when it is determined in S17 that the printer CPU 26 is not mounted for the first time (S17: NO), the printer CPU 26 does not execute S19 and does not charge the number of printable sheets. Therefore, even if the same IC card 41 is mounted a plurality of times, a predetermined number of printable sheets is charged only when the same IC card 41 is mounted for the first time. Unauthorized use of the IC card 41 can be suppressed. The printer CPU 26 is not limited to the case where the IC card 41 is mounted on the printer 20 for the first time. For example, the printer CPU 26 may charge the number of printable sheets when any IC card 41 is mounted on the printer 20 for the first time. The printer CPU 26 manages, for example, the history information of the IC card 41 previously mounted in the printer storage unit 27. Then, the printer CPU 26 may charge a predetermined number of printable sheets when the IC card 41 which has not been installed in the past is installed in the printer 20 for the first time based on the history information.

The printer CPU 26 executes the initial introduction after executing S19 (S21). For example, when the printer CPU 26 makes an affirmative determination in S17 (S17: YES), that is, in the case of the first mounting, the printer CPU 26 executes the initial introduction (S21). The initial introduction referred to here is, for example, a preparatory process for executing printing by the printing unit 23. More specifically, the initial introduction is, for example, an ink filling process from the ink accommodating portion 23A to the inkjet head 23C, a check process for checking the nozzle of the inkjet head 23C, and the like. Further, when the printing unit 23 is configured to print by an electrophotographic method, the initial introduction is, for example, an operation of rotating the toner stirring member in the toner accommodating unit for a certain period of time, so-called rattling of the toner cartridge to transfer the toner. This is a process of stirring and supplying toner to the developing roller. If it is determined in S17 that the printer CPU 26 is not installed for the first time (S17: NO), the printer CPU 26 does not execute the initial introduction. As a result, for example, when the IC card 41 mounted once is mounted again and the power is turned on, or when the power is turned on again with the same IC card 41 mounted, the initial introduction is not executed. As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive initial introduction from being repeatedly executed. The printer CPU 26 may always perform the initial introduction of the S21 at the time of turning on the power, or may execute the printer CPU 26 periodically, regardless of whether or not the printer CPU 26 is installed for the first time.

Further, in S21, for example, when the initial introduction is completed, the printer CPU 26 detects the ink remaining amount 27B of the ink accommodating unit 23A and stores it in the printer storage unit 27. At this point, the remaining amount of ink 27B is almost full (for example, the remaining amount of 10,000 sheets that can be printed).

After executing S21, the printer CPU 26 shifts the printer 20 to a communicable state (S23). For example, the printer CPU 26 executes S23 when the IC card 41 is correctly mounted on the mounting unit 28 (S15: YES) regardless of whether or not the printer CPU 26 is mounted for the first time at the discretion of S17. As a result, the printer 20 is in a state of being able to communicate only when the IC card 41 is correctly attached. As will be described later, when the printer 20 before replacement and the printer 20 after replacement coexist, the printer 20 before replacement with the IC card 41 removed becomes incommunicable, and after replacement with the IC card 41 attached. Only the printer 20 of the above can be made communicable with the portable terminal device 10. The printer CPU 26 may execute S23 in response to the power being turned on, regardless of whether or not the IC card 41 is attached, to shift the printer 20 to a communicable state.

The printer CPU 26, for example, stops the power supply to the short-range communication unit 21 and the external communication unit 22 from the time when the power is turned on in S13 until the execution of S23. Then, the printer CPU 26 supplies electric power to the short-range communication unit 21 and the external communication unit 22 in S23 to bring the printer 20 into a state in which it can communicate with the external device. As a result, the mobile terminal device 10 can set communication with the printer 20. After executing S23, the printer CPU 26 executes a process of accepting communication settings (S25).

On the other hand, the terminal CPU 11 of the mobile terminal device 10 executes the terminal program 12A to start the system, for example, when the power of the mobile terminal device 10 is turned on. After starting the system, the terminal CPU 11 executes the application 12B in response to an operation input or the like to the terminal operation unit 15 and starts the application program (S27). Then, the printer 20 and the mobile terminal device 10 execute the communication setting process (S29), and are in a state where they can communicate with each other.

For example, when connecting the printer 20 and the mobile terminal device 10 by wireless communication according to the communication standard of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the printer CPU 26 uses, for example, the touch panel of the printer operation unit 24 to perform SSID or encryption of the router 2. Accepts key input (S25). The printer CPU 26 makes a wireless communication connection with the router 2 based on the received SSID and encryption key. Similarly, the terminal CPU 11 connects to the router 2 by wireless communication based on the operation input to the terminal operation unit 15. Then, the terminal CPU 11 detects the printer 20 (MAC address of the external communication unit 22, etc.) on the LAN based on the activation of the application 12B and the predetermined operation input after the activation (S27), and Wi-Fi (registration). Make it possible to communicate with the printer 20 by wireless communication according to the communication standard of the trademark) (S29).

The method of connecting the printer 20 and the mobile terminal device 10 is not limited to the above method. For example, when connecting by short-range wireless communication conforming to the communication standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark), the printer CPU 26 is close to each other based on a specific button operation (such as a long press operation of an arbitrary button) of the printer operation unit 24. The distance communication unit 21 shifts to the pairing mode in which pairing is executed (S25). Further, the terminal CPU 11 is used for the OS function of the terminal program 12A based on a predetermined operation input to the terminal operation unit 15, for example, and the short-range communication unit 13 executes a connection with the printer 20 by short-range wireless communication. (S29). The predetermined operation input here is, for example, an operation of selecting the printer 20 searched by communication of Bluetooth (registered trademark). As described above, the mobile terminal device 10 may be connected to the printer 20 not only by communication via the router 2 by the external communication unit 17 but also by short-range wireless communication via the short-range communication unit 13.

Alternatively, the terminal CPU 11 uses the printer 20 as the SSID and encryption key of the router 2 necessary for connecting the wireless communication of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) in response to the connection of short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The printer 20 and the portable terminal device 10 may be connected via the router 2 by exchanging between them by short-range wireless communication.

When the printer CPU 26 executes S29 and becomes in a state where it can communicate with the mobile terminal device 10, the card information 41A (card ID, printable number of sheets) of the IC card 41 and the information of the printer storage unit 27 (ink remaining amount 27B, device). The identification information 27C) is transmitted to the mobile terminal device 10 (S31). Further, when the terminal CPU 11 acquires the card information 41A of the new card ID from the printer 20 in S31, the terminal CPU 11 receives the user information via the terminal operation unit 15 (S33). This user information is, for example, information about a user who uses the printer 20, such as a user's name, address, age, gender, occupation, contact e-mail address, and payment method. The process of accepting user information is not limited to the initial setup. For example, the user information may be registered when the charge process or exchange process described later is executed for the first time. Further, the mobile terminal device 10 may accept an operation of omitting (skipping) the input of user information in the user information acceptance process of S33. As a result, the user can register the user information later as necessary during the charge process and the exchange process, which will be described later, without registering the user information at the time of the initial setup.

When the terminal CPU 11 receives the user information in S33, the terminal CPU 11 transmits the received user information to the server 30 (S35). When the server CPU 32 of the server 30 acquires the user information from the mobile terminal device 10, the server CPU 32 stores the acquired user information in the management DB 33B (see S37, FIG. 8). As a result, the information of the user who uses the printer 20 is registered in the server 30.

When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the new card ID from the printer 20 in S31, the terminal CPU 11 accepts the user information (S33) and registers it in the server 30 (S35). In S55, which will be described later, the terminal CPU 11 stores the device identification information 27C of the printer 20 for which the initial setup is completed and the card ID of the IC card 41 mounted on the printer 20 in the terminal storage unit 12 as printer information 12D. do. For example, in S31, when the terminal CPU 11 acquires a card ID that is not stored in the printer information 12D, that is, is not registered in the server 30, the terminal CPU 11 executes the reception of the user information in S33. As a result, the terminal CPU 11 can associate one user information with one card ID and register it in the server 30, as will be described later. Further, as will be described later, when the terminal CPU 11 acquires the card ID stored in the printer information 12D, that is, the card ID registered in the server 30 in the past in S31, the terminal CPU 11 executes the confirmation process of replacement of S161 in FIG. do. In this case, the terminal CPU 11 omits the acceptance of user information and the registration to the server 30. This is because when the same IC card 41 is used, it is not necessary to re-register the user information.

Alternatively, the terminal CPU 11 may accept user information, for example, when the application 12B is started for the first time after being installed in the mobile terminal device 10. In this case, the terminal CPU 11 may use the user information received in advance at the time of installation in the registration of the user information after S35 without executing S33. In this case, a user who uses the same application 12B can be treated as the same user and registered in the server 30.

When the server CPU 32 of the server 30 registers the user information in S37, the server CPU 32 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 of the completion of the registration (S39). When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the registration completion notification (S39), the terminal CPU 11 transmits the ink remaining amount 27B and the device identification information 27C to the server 30 (S41) when the card information 41A (card ID, printable number of sheets) acquired in S31 is acquired (S39). When the server CPU 32 acquires the card information 41A or the like from the mobile terminal device 10, the server CPU 32 associates the acquired information with the user information registered in S37 and registers the acquired information in the management DB 33B (S43). As a result, the device identification information 27C, the card ID, the ink remaining amount 27B, the number of printable sheets, and the user information shown in FIG. 8 are associated with each other and registered in the management DB 33B.

When the server CPU 32 registers the card information 41A or the like (S43), the server CPU 32 executes the activation information determination process (S45). Here, as described above, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, activation is performed so that one printer 20 has activation information turned on for one IC card 41 (card ID). Information is set. The server CPU 32 is registered in S45 with device identification information 27C different from the device identification information 27C registered in S43, with the same card ID, and the activation information is in the ON state (“◯” in FIG. 8). Determine if there is information. That is, the server CPU 32 determines whether or not there is another printer 20 whose activation information is turned on in the IC card 41 of the card ID registered in S43.

When there is no registration information in which the activation information is turned on in the IC card 41 registered in S43, the server CPU 32 makes an affirmative judgment in S45 (S45: YES) and is associated with the device identification information 27C registered in S43. Turn on the activation information. The server CPU 32 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 of information that the activation information may be turned on (S47). The server CPU 32 may notify the mobile terminal device 10 of an error when there is registration information in which the activation information is turned on in the IC card 41 registered in S43 (S45: NO). .. The server CPU 32 notifies an error such as "The IC card attached to the printer is already used by another printer". This makes it possible to notify the user of the unauthorized use of the IC card 41.

When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the activation information from the server 30 in S47, the terminal CPU 11 notifies the printer 20 of the information that the activation information may be turned on (S49). As described above, the IC card 41 stores, for example, activation information in the off state when it is shipped from the vendor to the user. When the printer CPU 26 obtains the notification in S49, the printer CPU 26 changes the activation information of the IC card 41 to the off state or the on state and activates the IC card 41. As a result, the printer 20 is in a state where the printing operation by the printing unit 23 is permitted.

When the activation information of the IC card 41 is turned on (S51), the printer CPU 26 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 that printing preparation is completed (S53). As a result, the initial setup of the printer 20 is completed, and the mobile terminal device 10 can instruct the printer 20 to print and execute printing.

When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the notification of S53 from the printer 20, the information of the printer 20 for which the initial setup is completed is stored in the terminal storage unit 12 as the printer information 12D (S55). For example, the terminal CPU 11 associates the device identification information 27C of the printer 20 whose initial setup is completed by the process of FIG. 9 with the card information 41A of the IC card 41 mounted on the printer 20 as the printer information 12D as the terminal storage unit. Store in 12 (S55).

(Printing process)
Next, the contents of the printing process by the printer 20 will be described. After completing the initial setup shown in FIG. 9, the user can operate the mobile terminal device 10 to cause the printer 20 to print the print data 12C. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the printing process.

First, in S61 of FIG. 10, the terminal CPU 11 of the mobile terminal device 10 executes acceptance of a print instruction. For example, the terminal CPU 11 executes the application 12B to start the application program, and then receives a print instruction in the application 12B by a predetermined operation input to the terminal operation unit 15 (S61). The terminal CPU 11 receives the print execution instruction after receiving the print setting such as the designation of the print data 12C, the sheet size, the number of prints, the color tone, and the print magnification.

When the terminal CPU 11 receives the print execution instruction in S61, the terminal CPU 11 requests the printer 20 for the number of printable sheets and the activation information (S63). When the printer CPU 26 of the printer 20 acquires a request from the mobile terminal device 10, it transmits the printable number of sheets and activation information stored in the IC card 41 to the mobile terminal device 10 (S65).

When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the number of printable sheets or the like in S65, the terminal CPU 11 acquires the information of the management DB 33B of the server 30 (S67). The terminal CPU 11 acquires the printable number of sheets and the activation information associated with the device identification information 27C of the printer 20 that has received the print execution instruction in S61 from the management DB 33B. When the terminal CPU 11 executes S67, it executes a printability determination (S69).

Here, for example, when the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41 of the printer 20 is larger than the number of printable sheets stored in the server 30, there is a possibility that the printable number of the IC card 41 has been illegally rewritten. be. Therefore, when the printable number of the IC card 41 is larger than the printable number of the server 30 in S69, the terminal CPU 11 prohibits the execution of printing and notifies an error (S69: NO).

Further, for example, when the activation information of the management DB 33B is in the off state even though the activation information of the IC card 41 is in the on state, the activation information of the management DB 33B is turned off by the exchange process described later. It is possible that the IC card 41 was reattached to the old (pre-replacement) printer 20. In this case, in S69, the terminal CPU 11 causes an error such as "trying to execute printing on the printer 20 for which printing is not permitted" or "did you install the IC card 41 in the old printer 20?" Notify (S69: NO). The terminal CPU 11 may prohibit the execution of printing, or may accept the user's selection regarding whether or not printing is possible.

Further, for example, when the activation information of the management DB 33B is in the off state even though the activation information of the IC card 41 is in the on state, the activation information of the IC card 41 may have been illegally rewritten. be. Also in this case, the mobile terminal device 10 may prohibit the execution of printing and notify the error (S69: NO).

Further, for example, when the number of prints received in S61 is larger than the number of printable sheets of the IC card 41, all the received prints cannot be printed. Therefore, when the number of prints received in S61 is larger than the printable number of the IC card 41, the terminal CPU 11 interrupts the print execution, displays the printable number, and determines whether or not the print is executed. You may execute the process of confirming with the user (S69: NO). As a result, it is possible to encourage the user to take appropriate measures such as reducing the number of printed sheets and charging the number of printable sheets. Alternatively, the terminal CPU 11 may instruct the printer 20 to print only the remaining number of printable sheets, that is, the number of printable sheets. Therefore, when the terminal CPU 11 detects some trouble in S69 based on the information acquired in S61, S65, and S67, the terminal CPU 11 prohibits the execution of printing.

On the other hand, in the terminal CPU 11, for example, the number of printable sheets and the activation information acquired from the IC card 41 of the printer 20 match the information of the management DB 33B, and the number of prints received in S61 is the number of printable sheets of the IC card 41. If less than, print execution is permitted (S69: YES). When the terminal CPU 11 permits the execution of printing in S69 (S69: YES), the terminal CPU 11 notifies the printer 20 of an instruction to print the specified print data 12C in the print settings such as the sheet size and the number of prints accepted in S61. (S71).

Note that the terminal CPU 11 does not have to execute the printability determination of S69. For example, when the terminal CPU 11 receives the print instruction in S61, the terminal CPU 11 may immediately execute the print instruction in S71 without determining whether or not printing is possible. In this case, the terminal CPU 11 does not have to execute the processes of S63, S65, S67, and S69. Further, the printer 20 may execute the printability determination based on the information of the IC card 41 and the server 30. For example, when the number of print instructions acquired from the mobile terminal device 10 is larger than the printable number of the IC card 41, the printer CPU 26 executes printing for the remaining printable number, and then stops the print process to make an error. May be notified.

When the printer CPU 26 of the printer 20 acquires a print instruction from the mobile terminal device 10 (S71), the printer CPU 26 executes printing of the acquired instruction content (S73). As a result, the user can operate the mobile terminal device 10 to cause the printer 20 to perform printing. When the printing is completed, the printer CPU 26 updates the information on the number of printable sheets of the IC card 41 and the ink remaining amount 27B of the printer storage unit 27 (S75). For example, the printer CPU 26 subtracts the number of sheets printed in S73 from the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41, and stores the subtracted result in the IC card 41 as a new printable number (S75). Further, the printer CPU 26 detects the ink remaining amount of each color of the ink accommodating unit 23A, and updates the information of the ink remaining amount 27B of the printer storage unit 27 (S75).

When the printer CPU 26 updates the information such as the printable number of sheets, the printer CPU 26 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 of the updated printable number of sheets and the ink remaining amount 27B information (S77). The terminal CPU 11 notifies the server 30 of the updated printable number of sheets acquired from the printer 20 (S79). The server CPU 32 updates the information of the management DB 33B based on the number of printable sheets and the ink remaining amount 27B acquired from the mobile terminal device 10 (S81). When the management DB 33B is updated, the server CPU 32 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 that the registration is completed (S83). As a result, the information on the printer 20 side and the server 30 side can be updated according to the execution of printing.

The terminal CPU 11 of the mobile terminal device 10 does not have to update the information of the management DB 33B every time printing is executed. For example, when the terminal CPU 11 receives a plurality of print instructions before a predetermined time elapses, the terminal CPU 11 may update the management DB 33B after the execution of all the print instructions is completed. Further, when the terminal CPU 11 receives the second and subsequent print instructions in the continuous print instruction, the terminal CPU 11 determines only the size of the number of sheets to be printed and the number of printable sheets without checking the information of the server 30. You may decide whether or not to print. That is, when a plurality of prints are continuously executed, the terminal CPU 11 does not have to confirm or update the information of the server 30 while the number of printable sheets is sufficient.

(Charge processing)
Next, the charging process for charging the number of printable sheets will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The charge process is a process of adding the number of printable sheets in response to the acceptance of the addition of the number of printable sheets on the charge screen described later.

First, in S91 of FIG. 11, the terminal CPU 11 of the mobile terminal device 10 receives an instruction to display a charge screen. For example, when the terminal CPU 11 receives a predetermined operation input to the terminal operation unit 15 after executing the application 12B, the terminal CPU 11 receives an instruction to display a charge screen (S91).

When the terminal CPU 11 receives the instruction to display the charge screen in S91, the terminal CPU 11 requests the server 30 for the number of printable sheets stored in the management DB 33B (S93). When the server CPU 32 of the server 30 acquires the request of S93, the server CPU 32 transmits the corresponding printable number of sheets to the printer 20 (S95). The corresponding printable number referred to here is the printable number stored in the IC card 41 scheduled to be charged with the printable number received in S91.

The method of specifying the corresponding printable number is not particularly limited. For example, the terminal CPU 11 may accept a user's selection as to which printer 20 to charge when receiving an instruction to display the charge screen in S91. Then, the mobile terminal device 10 may notify the card ID of the IC card 41 mounted on the received printer 20 by S93 and request the corresponding number of printable sheets. In this case, the user can individually select and charge a plurality of printers 20 with one mobile terminal device 10.

Alternatively, the identification information of the application 12B or the mobile terminal device 10 is registered in the user information of the management DB 33B, and the server 30 uses the identification information (user information) of the mobile terminal device 10 or the application 12B that has notified the request of S93. The associated printable number of sheets may be transmitted by S95. That is, even if the IC card 41 and the mobile terminal device 10 (application 12B) are associated one-to-one and managed by the management DB 33B, only one IC card 41 can be charged from one mobile terminal device 10. good.

When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the number of printable sheets in S95, the terminal CPU 11 displays the charge screen on the display 14 (S97). FIG. 12 shows an example of the charge screen 51 displayed on the display 14 of the mobile terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the terminal CPU 11 displays the printable number display unit 53 and the charge number display unit 55 on the charge screen 51. The printable number display unit 53 is arranged on the upper side of the charge screen 51, and is a display field for displaying the printable number (remaining number). The terminal CPU 11 displays the printable number of sheets acquired in S95 on the printable number of sheets display unit 53. The number of printable sheets to be displayed on the printable number display unit 53 may be information acquired from the IC card 41 of the printer 20 or information stored in the terminal storage unit 12 of the portable terminal device 10. In this case, the terminal CPU 11 does not have to inquire the server 30 about the number of printable sheets.

Further, the charge number display unit 55 is arranged below the charge screen 51, and is a display column for displaying a plurality of charge icons 57. Each charge icon 57 displays the number of printable sheets to be charged (hereinafter, may be referred to as the number of charge sheets) and the charge when the number of printable sheets is charged.

When the terminal CPU 11 displays the charge screen 51 in S97, the terminal CPU 11 accepts the number of charges (S99). When the terminal operation unit 15 accepts the operation of selecting one of the plurality of charge icons 57 displayed on the charge screen 51 (S99), the terminal CPU 11 notifies the server 30 of the number of charges of the selected charge icon 57 (S99). S101).

When the server CPU 32 acquires the number of charge sheets from the mobile terminal device 10, it executes a determination process of the ink remaining amount 27B (S103). Here, as described above, the printer 20 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the user cannot replace the ink accommodating portion 23A in order to reduce the load of maintenance work by the user. Therefore, when the number of printable sheets is charged and the number of printable sheets is more than the number of printable sheets with the current remaining ink amount of 27B, an ink shortage occurs before all the printable sheets are used. there is a possibility. As will be described later, if the ink is insufficient, the printer 20 can be replaced, but some users may wish to stop using the printing service with the current printer 20 without replacing the printer 20. be.

As described above, the server CPU 32 executes S43 in FIG. 9 and S81 in FIG. 10 to match the printable number of the management DB 33B with the printable number of the IC card 41 (the printable number at that time). There is. Therefore, when the server CPU 32 prints in S103 by adding the number of charge sheets acquired in S101 of FIG. 11 to the current number of printable sheets stored in the management DB 33B, the current remaining amount of ink is 27B. Determine if is sufficient. The server CPU 32 calculates, for example, the expected amount of ink consumed by multiplying the preset amount of ink consumed per sheet by the total number of sheets. Then, when the calculated ink consumption amount is larger than the ink remaining amount 27B, the server CPU 32 determines that the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient (S103: NO), and determines that the ink remaining amount 27B becomes insufficient when charging. Notify 10 (S105). For example, the server CPU 32 executes the notification of S105 when at least one ink remaining amount 27B among a plurality of colors (magenta or the like) is insufficient.

The method for determining the ink remaining amount 27B is not limited to the method using the preset ink consumption amount described above. For example, the server CPU 32 may calculate the average ink consumption based on the usage record of the printer 20. For example, the server CPU 32 calculates an average ink consumption amount based on the amount of reduction in the number of printable sheets notified from the printer 20 (the number of prints) according to the execution of printing and the reduction amount of the ink remaining amount 27B. However, the ink consumption may be calculated based on the calculated ink consumption.

When the terminal CPU 11 obtains the shortage notification of S105, for example, "When charging the selected number of sheets, there is a possibility that ink shortage may occur before all printing is completed. Do you charge?" Is displayed on the display 14. As a result, the user can perform appropriate measures such as charging when the printer 20 is replaced and the printing service is to be continued to be used, and the number of charged sheets is reduced when the printer 20 is not desired to be replaced. .. Alternatively, when the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient, the server CPU 32 may calculate the maximum number of charges that can be printed with the current ink remaining amount 27B and notify the mobile terminal device 10. As a result, the user can select an appropriate number of charges with reference to the maximum number of charges.

On the other hand, in S103, when the calculated ink consumption amount is less than the ink remaining amount 27B, the server CPU 32 determines that the ink is sufficient (S103: YES), and notifies the mobile terminal device 10 of the request for payment of the charge (S107). ). As described above, since S105 or S107 is executed according to the determination result of S103, S105 is shown by a broken line in FIG. Further, the processing after S109 is executed when S107 is executed.

When the terminal CPU 11 obtains the notification of S107, the terminal CPU 11 confirms the payment of the charge to the user (S109). The terminal CPU 11 displays a message on the display 14 for final confirmation of the user's intention, such as "Are you sure you want to pay an additional charge of 1000 yen?". When the terminal operation unit 15 receives an operation indicating an instruction to pay the charge, the terminal CPU 11 notifies the server 30 of the payment of the charge (S111).

The method of paying the charge number is not particularly limited. For example, the payment process of the charge may be executed between the mobile terminal device 10 and the server 30 by using the credit card information and the electronic money information registered in the application 12B. Alternatively, the fee may be paid by the method of transferring money at a convenience store or a bank counter.

When the server CPU 32 confirms the payment of the charge of S111, the server CPU 32 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 of the charge instruction (S113). When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the instruction of S113, the terminal CPU 11 instructs the printer 20 to charge the number of charges received in S99 (S115). The printer CPU 26 adds the number of charges instructed by the terminal CPU 11 to the number of printable sheets of the IC card 41 (S117). As a result, the number of chargeable sheets corresponding to the payment of the fee is charged to the printable number of sheets of the IC card 41.

The printer CPU 26 notifies the server 30 via the mobile terminal device 10 that the charging is completed (S119, S121). When the server CPU 32 receives the charge completion notification, the server CPU 32 adds the number of charge sheets to the number of printable sheets of the management DB 33B and updates the information on the number of printable sheets (S123). When the update of the management DB 33B is completed, the server CPU 32 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 that the update is completed (S125). As a result, the management DB 33B of the server 30 can be updated according to the charge of the IC card 41.

(Another example of charge processing)
In the charge process of FIG. 11 described above, the server 30 determines whether or not the ink remaining amount 27B in S103 is insufficient, but another device may execute the determination process of S103. FIG. 13 shows the content of the charge process of another example. In another example of FIG. 13, the ink remaining amount 27B is determined by the mobile terminal device 10. In the following description of FIG. 13, the same contents as the above description of FIG. 11 will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the terminal CPU 11 attaches a charge screen display request in S91, the terminal CPU 11 requests information on the number of printable sheets and the ink remaining amount 27B to the printer 20 (S131). The printer CPU 26 transmits information on the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41 and the ink remaining amount 27B of the printer storage unit 27 to the portable terminal device 10 (S132). When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the number of printable sheets from the printer 20, the terminal CPU 11 displays the charge screen 51 and accepts the number of charge sheets (S97, S99).

Then, based on the number of printable sheets acquired from the printer 20 and the number of charged sheets received in S99, the terminal CPU 11 causes an ink shortage in the ink remaining amount 27B acquired in S132, as in S103 of FIG. It is determined whether or not (S135). Therefore, in another example shown in FIG. 13, the mobile terminal device 10 acquires the number of printable sheets and the ink remaining amount 27B from the printer 20 and determines the ink remaining amount 27B, that is, without connecting to the server 30. The determination of the ink remaining amount 27B is executed in the local network.

When the terminal CPU 11 determines that the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient (S135: NO), the terminal CPU 11 executes a warning display of ink shortage by the display 14 (S137). Further, when the terminal CPU 11 determines that the ink remaining amount 27B is sufficient (S135: YES), the terminal CPU 11 confirms the payment of the charge with the user (S109), and pays the charge, charges the number of printable sheets, and the like as in FIG. Execute (S111 to S125). Even in the configuration shown in FIG. 13, a warning can be executed to the user when the ink remaining amount 27B is expected to be insufficient. The printer 20 may execute the determination process of the ink remaining amount 27B in S103 of FIG. 11 and S135 of FIG.

(Exchange request processing)
Next, a replacement request process for requesting the vendor to replace the printer 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The replacement request process is a process of notifying the user of the replacement of the printer 20 according to the decrease in the ink remaining amount 27B of the printer 20, and accepting the replacement of the printer 20 based on the user's operation. The printer CPU 26 executes the replacement request process of FIG. 14, for example, when the printer 20 is turned on or when printing is completed. As a result, the printer CPU 26 can periodically determine the ink remaining amount 27B.

First, in S141 of FIG. 14, the printer CPU 26 of the printer 20 executes a process of determining the ink remaining amount 27B. Here, as described above, in the printer 20 of the present embodiment, it is difficult for the user to replace the ink accommodating portion 23A. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the printer 20 as the ink becomes low. In S141, the printer CPU 26 determines, for example, whether or not the remaining amount of ink 27B stored in the printer storage unit 27 is equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount. In S141, when at least one of the plurality of inks (magenta, etc.) becomes less than the predetermined remaining amount (S141: YES), the printer CPU 26 sends information to the mobile terminal device 10 that the remaining amount of ink 27B is insufficient. Notify (S143). The predetermined remaining amount of S141 is, for example, 20% of the remaining amount of ink filled when the printer 20 is sent from the vendor.

When the terminal CPU 11 of the mobile terminal device 10 obtains the shortage notification of the ink remaining amount 27B in S143, it determines whether or not the replacement of the printer 20 has been applied for (S145). The terminal CPU 11 stores, for example, a flag value indicating whether or not a replacement application for each printer 20 has been executed in the terminal storage unit 12. When the terminal CPU 11 notifies the server 30 of the exchange application described later and receives the application completion notification, the terminal CPU 11 changes the flag value corresponding to the printer 20 for which the exchange is applied to a value indicating that the application has been completed. The terminal CPU 11 can execute the determination process of S145 by using this flag value. The method for determining whether or not the printer 20 has been replaced is not limited to the method using the above-mentioned flag value. For example, the terminal CPU 11 may inquire to the server 30 whether or not the replacement has been applied for. Alternatively, as will be described later, the terminal CPU 11 notifies the printer 20 that the application for replacement has been completed. When the printer CPU 26 acquires the information that the exchange application has been completed, the printer CPU 26 does not have to execute the exchange request process of FIG. 14 after that. In this case, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the application has been completed.

When the exchange has been applied for in S145 (S145: YES), the terminal CPU 11 ends the process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the exchange has not been applied for (S145: NO), the terminal CPU 11 notifies the information prompting the exchange (S147). In S147, the terminal CPU 11 displays, for example, the message "The printer 20 needs to be replaced because the ink level is low. Do you want to apply for replacement?" And the icon for selecting YES / NO on the display 14. indicate. When the terminal operation unit 15 receives the operation input for which the NO icon is selected (S147: NO), the terminal CPU 11 ends the process of FIG. 14 without executing the exchange application to the server 30. In this case, the terminal CPU 11 may periodically confirm the exchange application with the user. Further, the terminal CPU 11 may accept a replacement application at a timing desired by the user in response to a predetermined operation input to the terminal operation unit 15.

On the other hand, when the YES icon is selected (S147: YES), the terminal CPU 11 notifies the server 30 of the exchange application (S149). For example, the terminal CPU 11 receives application information such as a destination for a new printer in the terminal operation unit 15, and notifies the server 30 of the received information together with the device identification information 27C and the like. In addition, for example, when the automatic application is set, the terminal CPU 11 may execute the exchange application for S149 without executing the process of S147, that is, without confirming the user's intention for the exchange. ..

When the server CPU 32 acquires the application for replacement of S149 from the mobile terminal device 10, it responds with the information that the application is completed (S151). Further, the server CPU 32 may store in the management DB 33B the information of the printer 20 for which the replacement application has been made in association with the information indicating that the application has been made. When the vendor worker confirms the exchange application, he / she performs the work of shipping the new printer 20 to the received destination.

When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the application completion notification from the server 30 (S151), the terminal CPU 11 transmits the completion notification to the printer 20 (S153). Further, the terminal CPU 11 may store and manage the completion of the application in the terminal storage unit 12. Further, the printer CPU 26 may store in the printer storage unit 27 that the replacement application for its own device has been completed and manage it. Then, in the subsequent processing, the printer CPU 26 does not have to execute the processing of FIG. 14 at the time of starting up or at the completion of printing. Further, the printer CPU 26 does not have to detect the ink remaining amount 27B and update the information. In this way, the vendor can be requested to replace the printer 20 in response to the decrease in the remaining amount of ink 27B.

Further, the server 30 may accept the registration of user information when the application for replacement of the printer 20 is obtained. As described above, in S33 of the initial setup of FIG. 9, the mobile terminal device 10 may accept an operation of omitting (skipping) the input of user information. For example, the user may not want to register the user information because it is unknown whether the printer 20 will be used continuously at the time of introducing the printer 20. On the other hand, when the printer 20 is continuously used by charging or exchanging the printer 20, usability such as improvement of service can be improved by registering user information. Further, for example, even if the user information is registered at the time of the initial setup, the address (user information) may be changed due to moving or the like.

Therefore, the server 30 executes user information registration and confirmation processing in, for example, the exchange request processing of FIG. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, after the server CPU 32 responds in S151 with the information that the application has been completed (S151), it determines whether or not the user information is registered for the printer 20 for which the replacement application has been made. (S154). The server CPU 32 searches the management DB 33B for the user information of the printer 20 for which the replacement application has been made, and if, for example, valid information is not registered, it is determined that there is no registration (S154: NO). Further, for example, when at least one user information among a plurality of registerable user information (name, address, etc.) is registered, the server CPU 32 determines that there is registration (S154: YES). The criteria for determining whether or not to register are not limited to the above criteria. When specific user information such as an address is registered, the server CPU 32 may determine that there is registration.

As shown by the solid line in FIG. 14, if the user information is not registered (S154: NO), the server CPU 32 transmits a notification requesting input of the user information to the mobile terminal device 10 (S155). When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the notification of S155, for example, a screen prompting the registration of user information is displayed on the display 14, and the input of the user information is accepted via the terminal operation unit 15 (S156).

When the terminal CPU 11 receives the user information in S156, the terminal CPU 11 transmits the received user information to the server 30 and registers the user information in the same manner as in S35 of FIG. 9 (S157). When the server CPU 32 acquires the user information from the mobile terminal device 10, the server CPU 32 stores the acquired user information in the management DB 33B (not shown). As a result, the information of the user who uses the printer 20 is registered in the server 30.

On the other hand, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 14, if the user information is registered (S154: YES), the server CPU 32 transmits a notification requesting confirmation of the user information to the mobile terminal device 10 (S158). The server CPU 32, for example, transmits the already registered user information to the mobile terminal device 10. Upon receiving the notification of S158, the terminal CPU 11 displays the acquired user information and a message requesting confirmation on the display 14 (S159). As a result, if the user information has been changed due to a move or the like when the printer 20 is replaced, the latest registration of the user information can be accepted. When the server CPU 32 transmits the user information to the mobile terminal device 10, the server CPU 32 may transmit the user information after performing user authentication. Further, the server CPU 32 may execute the above-mentioned registration and confirmation process of user information at the time of the charge process of FIG. Further, the server CPU 32 does not have to execute the registration and confirmation of the user information at the time of the charge process of FIG. 11 and the exchange request process of FIG.

(Exchange process)
Next, the exchange process after receiving the new printer 20 by the exchange application will be described with reference to FIG. Upon receiving the replacement printer 20 from the vendor, the user performs the operation shown in FIG. 15 in the same manner as in the initial setup described above. In the following description, the same contents as those of the initial setup shown in FIG. 9 will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the new replacement printer 20 will be referred to as a replacement printer 200 in order to distinguish it from the printer 20 before the replacement.

First, as shown in FIG. 15, when the user receives the new replacement printer 200 from the vendor, the user attaches the IC card 41 removed from the old printer 20 to the replacement printer 200 (S11). Also in this case, as described above, in the printer 20 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the IC card 41 is attached to the mounting portion 28 unless the power cable 20B is removed from the apparatus main body portion 20A. It is configured so that it cannot be attached to. Therefore, in the replacement work, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of failure of the IC card 41 and loss of the card information 41A.

Further, as described above, the printer 20 of the present embodiment does not transition to the communicable state unless the IC card 41 is attached (see S23 in FIG. 9). Therefore, the old printer 20 from which the IC card 41 has been removed cannot communicate with the external device via the short-range communication unit 21 and the external communication unit 22. As a result, on the mobile terminal device 10 side, as will be described later, communication with the old printer 20 cannot be established, and communication with the replacement printer 200 can be established, so that the IC card 41 is attached to the replacement printer 200. Can be detected.

The user turns on the power of the replacement printer 200 after installing the IC card 41 in S11 (S13). When the printer CPU 26 of the replacement printer 200 determines that the IC card 41 is correctly mounted on the mounting unit 28 (S15: YES), it determines whether or not the IC card 41 is mounted for the first time (S17), as in the case of the initial setup. When the printer CPU 26 determines that the printer is installed for the first time (S17: YES), the printer CPU 26 charges a predetermined number of printable sheets (for example, 2000 sheets) (S19).

FIG. 16 shows the card information 41A of the IC card 41 mounted on the printer 20 before the replacement and the card information 41A of the IC card 41 mounted on the replacement printer 200 after the replacement. As shown in FIG. 16, the card ID of the IC card 41 is the same card ID (for example, CID1) before and after the exchange. The printable number pr1 is stored in the IC card 41 removed from the printer 20 before replacement. The printable number pr1 is the remaining number of sheets that could not be used by the printer 20.

In S19, the printer CPU 26 adds 2000 sheets to, for example, the printable number pr1 (remaining number of sheets) stored in the IC card 41. The IC card 41 mounted on the replacement printer 200 stores, for example, the remaining number + 2000 sheets as the printable number pr2. As a result, the user who replaces the printer 20, that is, the user who can continue to use the printing service, can be provided with the printable number of sheets as a service and can be encouraged to actively use the printer 20. If the IC card 41 is not installed for the replacement printer 200 for the first time (S17: NO), the printer CPU 26 does not charge a predetermined number of printable sheets. Therefore, even if the same IC card 41 is mounted a plurality of times, a predetermined number of printable sheets is charged only when the same IC card 41 is mounted for the first time. Unauthorized use of the IC card 41 can be suppressed. Further, in S19, the printer CPU 26 may charge 2000 sheets as the printable number pr2 without adding 2000 sheets to the printable number pr1. That is, regardless of the amount of the remaining number of sheets (printable number of sheets pr1), the printable number of sheets pr2 may be charged up to a certain number of sheets (2000 sheets).

After executing S19, the printer CPU 26 executes initial installation (S21), for example, when it is first installed (S17: YES). As a result, the preparatory process for executing printing by the printing unit 23 is completed. Further, in S21, for example, when the initial introduction is completed, the printer CPU 26 detects the ink remaining amount 27B of the ink accommodating unit 23A and stores it in the printer storage unit 27. At this point, the remaining amount of ink 27B is almost full (for example, the remaining amount of 10,000 sheets that can be printed).

After executing S21, the printer CPU 26 shifts the replacement printer 200 to a communicable state (S23). For example, when the IC card 41 arrives correctly at the mounting unit 28 (S15: YES), the printer CPU 26 supplies power to the short-range communication unit 21 and the external communication unit 22 to enable communication with the external device (S15: YES). S23).

On the other hand, the terminal CPU 11 of the mobile terminal device 10 executes the application 12B (S27), executes a communication setting process with the printer 20 (S29), and is in a state of being able to communicate with each other. When the printer CPU 26 executes S29 and becomes in a state where it can communicate with the mobile terminal device 10, the card information 41A (card ID, printable number of sheets) of the IC card 41 and the information of the printer storage unit 27 (ink remaining amount 27B, device). The identification information 27C) is transmitted to the mobile terminal device 10 (S31).

When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the card information 41A or the like from the replacement printer 200, the terminal CPU 11 executes the replacement confirmation process (S161). Here, when the printer 20 is replaced, the terminal CPU 11 acquires a combination of different device identification information 27Cs with the same card ID in S31. As described above, the printer CPU 26 executes the same processing as the initial setup shown in FIG. 9 from S11 to S31. Further, as described above, in the initial setup S55 shown in FIG. 9, the terminal CPU 11 associates the device identification information 27C of the printer 20 for which the initial setup has been completed with the card ID of the IC card 41 mounted on the printer 20. The printer information 12D is stored in the terminal storage unit 12.

In S31 of FIGS. 9 and 15, when the terminal CPU 11 acquires a card ID that is not stored in the printer information 12D, that is, that the initial setup has not been executed in the past, the terminal CPU 11 accepts the user information of S33 of FIG. do. In this case, the terminal CPU 11 executes the processes after S33 in FIG. On the other hand, when the terminal CPU 11 acquires the card ID stored in the printer information 12D in S31, that is, the card ID registered in the server 30 in the past in S31, the terminal CPU 11 executes the exchange confirmation process of S161 in FIG. In this case, the terminal CPU 11 omits the process of accepting the user information in S33 of FIG. 9 and the process of registering the user information in the server 30.

In S31 of FIG. 15, the terminal CPU 11 has a card ID stored in the printer information 12D and a device identification information 27C different from the device identification information 27C associated with the card ID (here, device identification of the replacement printer 200). Information 27C) is acquired. Therefore, the terminal CPU 11 executes the confirmation process of S161. This makes it possible for the user to confirm the presence or absence of replacement when the printer 20 is replaced.

As described above, the old printer 20 from which the IC card 41 has been removed cannot communicate. Therefore, in S161, the terminal CPU 11 has not been able to establish wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication standard with the printer 20 of the device identification information 27C stored in the printer information 12D. You may check. This makes it possible to confirm that the old printer 20 has not transitioned to the communicable state, that is, the IC card 41 of the old printer 20 has been removed and communication is not possible.

For example, in S161, the terminal CPU 11 displays a message such as "Did you replace the printer with the IC card?" And an icon for selecting YES / NO on the display 14. At this time, the terminal CPU 11 may display the printer name on the display 14 as reference information. For example, the terminal CPU 11 may gray out the printer name of the old printer 20, normally display the printer name of the replacement printer 200, and display the old and new printers 20 on the display 14 in an identifiable state. When the terminal operation unit 15 accepts the selection of the YES icon, the terminal CPU 11 executes S41. The terminal CPU 11 registers the card information 41A, the device identification information 27C of the replacement printer 200, and the like in the server 30 by executing S41 or later.

If NO is selected, the terminal CPU 11 displays an error message such as "Please check the printer equipped with the IC card 41." In this case, since there is a possibility that the replacement work was not intended by the user, it is preferable to prompt the user to confirm the printer 20 and the IC card 41.

It is not necessary to confirm the user's intention when replacing the printer 20. For example, the terminal CPU 11 receives the device identification information 27C (serial number, etc.) of the replacement printer 200 in advance by the terminal operation unit 15. When the device identification information 27C received in advance in S31 and the card ID registered in the printer information 12D are acquired from the replacement printer 200, the terminal CPU 11 may execute the processing after S41. That is, the information of the device identification information 27C of the replacement printer 200 may be received in advance, the replacement confirmation process of S161 may be omitted, and the setup of the replacement printer 200 may be completed.

In S41 of FIG. 15, the terminal CPU 11 transmits the card information 41A (card ID, printable number of sheets) acquired in S31, the ink remaining amount 27B, and the device identification information 27C to the server 30. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing information registered in the management DB 33B of the server 30 and showing information on the printer 20 before replacement and information on the replacement printer 200 after replacement. As shown in FIG. 17, the information of the printer 20 before replacement is already registered in the management DB 33B. The server CPU 32 is a device of the replacement printer 200 that has the same card ID (for example, CD1) as the already registered card ID in S41 and is different from the device identification information 27C (dv1 in FIG. 17) of the registered printer 20. The identification information 27C (dv2 in FIG. 17) is acquired. In this case, the server CPU 32 changes the activation information of the old printer 20 from the on state to the off state, and sets the activation information of the replacement printer 200 to the on state (S43). As a result, the activation information of the old printer 20 is turned off, and even if a printing instruction is given to the old printer 20 in the printing process shown in FIG. 10, the printing is prohibited (S69). : NO).

The server CPU 32 has the device identification information 27C (dv2 in the figure), the card ID (CD1 in the figure), the ink remaining amount 27B (ink2 in the figure), and the number of printable sheets (pr2 in the figure) of the new replacement printer 200. ), The activation information (on state) is associated with the user information of the old printer 20 (User1 in the figure) and registered in the management DB 33B (S43). As a result, the device identification information 27C of the replacement printer 200 after replacement can be associated with the registered user information and registered in the management DB 33B.

When the server CPU 32 registers the card information 41A or the like (S43), the server CPU 32 executes the activation information determination process (S163). Here, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, the activation information is set so that the number of printers 20 in which the activation information is turned on is one for one IC card 41 (card ID). .. Therefore, it is necessary to prohibit the existence of the printer 20 having the same card ID and the activation information turned on in the printer 20 other than the replacement printer 200. Therefore, in S163, the server CPU 32 has the device identification information 27C different from the device identification information 27C of the replacement printer 200 registered in S43, the same card ID, and the registration information in which the activation information is turned on. Determine if there is.

When the server CPU 32 is a printer 20 other than the replacement printer 200 and has the same IC card 41 and there is no registration information in which the activation information is turned on (S163: YES), the device identification of the replacement printer 200 is performed. Keeps the activation information associated with information 27C on. The server CPU 32 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 of information that the activation information may be turned on (S47). The server CPU 32 is a printer 20 other than the replacement printer 200, and when there is registration information in the same IC card 41 and the activation information is turned on (S163: NO), for example, a mobile terminal device. An error may be notified to 10. Then, the mobile terminal device 10 may turn off the activation information of the IC card 41 mounted on the replacement printer 200. Further, the server CPU 32 may delete the information of the old printer 20 from the management DB 33B after executing S47.

When the terminal CPU 11 acquires the notification of S47 from the server 30, it notifies the replacement printer 200 of the information that the activation information may be turned on (S49). When the printer CPU 26 acquires the notification in S49, the printer CPU 26 maintains the ON state of the activation information of the IC card 41 (S165). When the printer 20 is replaced, the activation information of the IC card 41 is turned on in advance. Therefore, when the terminal CPU 11 receives the notification of S47 from the server 30, it is not necessary to execute S49. This is because it is not necessary to activate the activation information of the IC card 41 of the replacement printer 200. Alternatively, the printer CPU 26 may turn off the activation information of the IC card 41 when the IC card 41 in which the activation information is on is first attached to the printer 20 or the replacement printer 200 (S17: YES). .. That is, when a new IC card 41 is attached to the printer 20 or the replacement printer 200, the activation information of the IC card 41 may be initialized to the off state. In this case, in S165, the printer CPU 26 changes the activation information of the IC card 41 initialized in the off state in S17 to the on state.

When the printer CPU 26 executes S165, it notifies the mobile terminal device 10 that printing preparation is completed (S53). As a result, the initial setup of the replacement printer 200 after replacement is completed, and the mobile terminal device 10 can instruct the replacement printer 200 to print and execute printing. Further, the printer CPU 26 obtains the device identification information 27C (information of the printer 20) associated with the card ID stored in the printer information 12D based on the device identification information 27C of the replacement printer 200 acquired in S31 in S55. Update (S55). As a result, the printer information 12D can be updated with the information of the replacement printer 200 after the replacement.

Incidentally, in the above embodiment, the printing system 1 is an example of the image forming system of the present application. The mobile terminal device 10 is an example of an information processing device. Application 12B and printer program 27A are examples of programs. The terminal operation unit 15 is an example of the operation unit. The printer 20 and the replacement printer 200 are examples of an image forming apparatus. The short-range communication unit 21 and the external communication unit 22 are examples of the communication unit. The printing unit 23 is an example of an image forming unit. The printer CPU 26 is an example of a control unit. The remaining amount of ink 27B is an example of the remaining amount of colorant. The IC card 41 is an example of a storage medium. The card ID is an example of medium identification information. The process of S19 is an example of an increase process. The process of S21 is an example of the initial introduction process. The process of S29 is an example of the communication setting process. The processing of S31 and S41 is an example of the identification information notification processing. The processing of S31, S41, S77, and S79 is an example of the current amount notification processing. The process of S35 is an example of the user information notification process. The process of S37 is an example of the second storage process. S41 in FIG. 15 is an example of the update process. The process of S43 is an example of the first storage process. S55 is an example of device-side storage processing. S55 in FIG. 15 is an example of the device update process. The process of S71 is an example of an image forming process. The process of S101 is an example of the additional amount notification process. The process of S103 is an example of the colorant remaining amount determination process. The process of S105 is an example of the shortage notification process. The treatment of S132 is an example of the colorant remaining amount acquisition processing. The process of S135 is an example of the device-side colorant remaining amount determination process. The process of S137 is an example of the notification process.

(Effect) As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(1) The printer 20 of the present embodiment includes an external communication unit 22, a printing unit 23, and a mounting unit 28 to which an IC card 41 that stores the number of printable sheets permitted to be printed by the printing unit 23 can be mounted. .. When the printer CPU 26 detects that the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 (S15: YES), the printer CPU 26 executes a communication setting with the mobile terminal device 10 via the external communication unit 22 (S29). ), And printing is executed by the printing unit 23 according to the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41 (S71).

According to this, when the printer CPU 26 detects that the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28, it executes the setting of communication with the mobile terminal device 10 via the external communication unit 22. Then, the printer CPU 26 executes printing according to the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41. As a result, the printer CPU 26 can set the communication between the mobile terminal device 10 and the printer 20 by using the IC card 41 as a trigger. Therefore, when a new printer 20 is introduced or when the printer is replaced with a replacement printer 200, the IC card 41 is attached to the printer 20 or the replacement printer 200, and the IC card 41 is recognized by the printer 20 or the like. , Communication settings with the mobile terminal device 10 can be efficiently performed. As a result, the setting process according to the mounting of the IC card 41 can be appropriately executed.

(2) Further, when the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 for the first time (S17: YES), the printer CPU 26 provides the printing unit 23 with initial introduction, which is a preparatory process for executing printing by the printing unit 23. It is executed (S21).

According to this, when the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 for the first time, the printer CPU 26 causes the printing unit 23 to execute the initial introduction. As a result, when the printer 20 is newly introduced or replaced with a replacement printer 200, the printer can perform the preparatory process for executing printing by the printing unit 23 by mounting the IC card 41 on the printer 20 or the like. It can be executed at 20 mag.

(3) Further, when the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 for the first time (S17: YES), the printer CPU 26 increases the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41 by a predetermined number (S19).

According to this, when the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 for the first time, the printer CPU 26 charges a predetermined number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41. As a result, when a printer 20 is newly introduced, the number of printable sheets can be charged simply by installing the IC card 41, and the printer 20 can be used immediately.

(4) Further, the printing system 1 of the present embodiment includes a printer 20, a mobile terminal device 10, and a server 30. The mobile terminal device 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 30. After executing the communication setting with the mobile terminal device 10 in S29, the printer CPU 26 obtains the card ID for identifying the IC card 41 mounted on the mounting unit 28 and the device identification information 27C for identifying the printer 20. Notify the server 30 via the mobile terminal device 10 (S31, S41). The server CPU 32 associates and stores the card ID acquired in S41 with the device identification information 27C (S43).

According to this, when the printer 20 is newly introduced, the printer CPU 26 can notify the server 30 of the card ID of the mounted IC card 41 and the device identification information 27C of the own device and store them. The server 30 can manage each printer 20 in association with the IC card 41.

(5) Further, the server 30 stores the activation information in association with the card ID (see FIG. 8). This activation information is information for managing whether the printer 20 equipped with the IC card 41 is permitted to print by the printing unit 23 or prohibited from printing. After executing S31, the printer CPU 26 executes printing when the activation information indicating that printing is permitted by the printing unit 23 is acquired from the server 30 (S49).

The printer 20 and the replacement printer 200 are prohibited from printing by the printing unit 23 until the activation by the server 30 is executed, such as when the printer 20 is newly introduced. In other words, when the printer 20 is newly introduced, the printer 20 or the like executes activation with the server 30 via the mobile terminal device 10 triggered by the installation of the IC card 41 as a trigger. , Prepare for printing. It is possible to reduce the labor of the user for the preparation work of the printer 20 and the like.

(6) Further, the printer CPU 26 determines the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41 and the ink remaining amount 27B of the printing unit 23 after executing the communication setting with the mobile terminal device 10 by the process of S29. , Notify the server 30 via the mobile terminal device 10 (S31, S41, S77, S79).

According to this, when the printer 20 is newly introduced, the printer CPU 26 notifies the server 30 of the number of printable sheets of the mounted IC card 41 and the ink remaining amount 27B of the printing unit 23 and stores them. can. The server 30 can manage how many sheets each printer 20 is permitted to print and how much ink remaining amount 27B can be used for printing.

(7) Further, when the mobile terminal device 10 includes a terminal operation unit 15 that accepts operation input, and the terminal operation unit 15 receives an instruction to increase the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41 by the number of charge sheets (S99). ), Notify the server 30 of the number of charges (S101). When the printing unit 23 prints the amount obtained by adding the charge number notified in S101 to the printable number acquired by the processing of S41 of FIG. 9 and S79 of FIG. 10, the server CPU 32 is acquired by the processing of S41 and S79. It is determined whether or not the remaining amount of ink 27B is sufficient (S103). When the server CPU 32 determines that the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient (S103: NO), the server CPU 32 notifies the mobile terminal device 10 that the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient (S105).

According to this, when the number of printable sheets is added using the terminal operation unit 15 of the mobile terminal device 10, the server CPU 32 determines the number of printable sheets and the ink remaining amount 27B after the addition. do. When the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient to print the number of printable sheets after the addition, the server CPU 32 notifies that the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient. This makes it possible to encourage the user who operates the mobile terminal device 10 to take appropriate measures such as reducing the number of charged sheets.

(8) Further, the terminal CPU 11 receives the user information by the terminal operation unit 15 (S33) after executing the communication setting with the printer 20 by the process of S29, and notifies the received user information to the server 30. (S35). The server CPU 32 stores the user information acquired by the process of S35 in association with the card ID (S37).

According to this, the user information of the user who uses the printer 20 or the mobile terminal device 10 can be managed by the server 30 in association with the card ID. When an error occurs in the printer 20, an inquiry can be made based on the user information. Further, what kind of user is using the printer 20 and how can be analyzed on the server 30 side. The printing service can be improved based on the analysis result.

(9) Further, the terminal CPU 11 uses the same card ID as the card ID acquired in the process of S31 and the device identification information 27C different from the device identification information 27C acquired in the process of S31 with the printer 20 that executed S29. When acquired from a different replacement printer 200 (S31 in FIG. 15), the device identification information 27C associated with the card ID stored in the server 30 is updated based on the acquired device identification information 27C (S41 in FIG. 15). ).

According to this, after the terminal CPU 11 notifies the server 30 of the card ID and the device identification information 27C, when the notified card ID is combined with the different device identification information 27C and acquired from the replacement printer 200, the terminal CPU 11 is a new device. The device identification information 27C of the server 30 is updated based on the identification information 27C. As a result, when the IC card 41 is attached to the replacement printer 200 after replacement, the terminal CPU 11 updates the old device identification information 27C stored in the server 30 with the new device identification information 27C after replacement. The burden of installation work by the user can be reduced.

(10) Further, the printer 20 has a power cable 20B and an IC card that connect a power supply to the device main body 20A provided with the printing unit 23, the device main body 20A, and supply power from the power supply to the device main body 20A. It is provided with a closing portion 28B for closing the mounting hole 28C for mounting the 41 to the mounting portion 28 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 5). The closed portion 28B closes the mounting hole 28C when the power cable 20B is connected to the device main body 20A, and opens the mounting hole 28C when the power cable 20B is removed from the device main body 20A.

If the IC card 41 is attached / detached while the printer 20 is turned on, data loss or failure may occur. Therefore, the printer 20 of the present embodiment includes a closing portion 28B that closes the mounting hole 28C for mounting the IC card 41 in the mounting portion 28. Then, the closing portion 28B closes the mounting hole 28C when the power cable 20B is mounted, and opens the mounting hole 28C when the power cable 20B is removed. As a result, the IC card 41 cannot be removed from the mounting portion 28 when the power is turned on, and the occurrence of failure of the IC card 41 can be suppressed.

(11) Further, when the power of the printer 20 is turned on, the printer CPU 26 determines whether or not the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 for the first time (S17), and determines that the IC card 41 is mounted for the first time (S17:). YES), execute the initial introduction of S21.

According to this, the printer CPU 26 executes the initial introduction when the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28 for the first time and the power is turned on. As a result, the initial introduction can be started more quickly, such as when the printer is introduced into the printer 20.

(12) Further, when the printer CPU 26 detects that the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28, the card ID for identifying the IC card 41 and the device identification information 27C for identifying the printer 20 are externally obtained. Notify the mobile terminal device 10 via the communication unit 22 (S31). The terminal CPU 11 executes the application 12B and stores the card ID acquired from the printer 20 and the device identification information 27C in association with each other (S55). Further, the terminal CPU 11 has the same card ID as the card ID stored in the process of S55, and the device identification information 27C different from the device identification information 27C stored in the process of S55 is different from the printer 20 that executed the process of S55. When acquired from the replacement printer 200 (S31 in FIG. 15), the device identification information 27C associated with the stored card ID is updated based on the acquired device identification information 27C (S55 in FIG. 15).

According to this, when the same IC card 41 is mounted on another replacement printer 200, the device identification information 27C is acquired from the newly mounted replacement printer 200 and the stored information (printer information 12D) is stored. Can be updated. By detecting that the printer 20 has been replaced, the terminal CPU 11 can perform initial settings (activation, etc.) for the printer 20. Therefore, the setting process according to the mounting of the IC card 41 can be appropriately executed.

(13) Further, when the terminal operation unit 15 receives an instruction to increase the number of printable sheets stored in the IC card 41 by the number of charge sheets, the terminal CPU 11 acquires the ink remaining amount 27B of the print unit 23 from the printer 20. (S132 in FIG. 13). When the printing unit 23 prints only the number of printable sheets plus the charged number of sheets, the terminal CPU 11 determines whether or not the ink remaining amount 27B acquired in S132 is sufficient (S135). When the terminal CPU 11 determines that the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient (S135: NO), the terminal CPU 11 notifies that the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient (S137).

According to this, when the number of printable sheets is added using the terminal operation unit 15, the terminal CPU 11 determines the number of printable sheets and the ink remaining amount 27B after the addition. When the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient to print the number of printable sheets after the addition, the terminal CPU 11 notifies that the ink remaining amount 27B is insufficient. This makes it possible to encourage the user who operates the mobile terminal device 10 to take appropriate measures such as reducing the number of charged sheets.

(Modification example)
The content of the present application is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments with various changes and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
In the above embodiment, the mobile terminal device 10 which is a smartphone is adopted as the information processing device of the present application, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information processing device of the present application may be another information processing device such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC.
Further, in the above embodiment, the printer CPU 26 detects that the IC card 41 is mounted on the mounting unit 28, but another device may detect it. For example, the mounting unit 28 may detect the mounting of the IC card 41 and notify the printer CPU 26.
The image forming apparatus in the present application is not limited to the printing apparatus, and may be a FAX apparatus. Therefore, the printing system 1 may be a fax system that limits the number of faxes transmitted and received according to the number of permitted faxes stored in the IC card 41.

In the above embodiment, the printer CPU 26 performs the initial introduction when the IC card 41 is first attached to the printer 20 or the replacement printer 200, but performs the initial introduction at another timing (every predetermined number of startups, etc.). May be.
Further, the printer CPU 26 may not execute the initial introduction when the IC card 41 is attached, but may execute the initial introduction when the print instruction is received for the first time.
Further, the initial introduction in the present application is a preparatory process for image formation, and for example, if it is a fax function, it may be a preparatory process for transmitting or receiving a fax.
Further, when the printer CPU 26 is first mounted (S17: YES), the number of printable sheets is charged (S19), but it is not necessary to charge the printer CPU 26.
Further, the printer CPU 26 may confirm with the user an additional charge according to the remaining number of printable sheets of the IC card 41.

Further, in the above embodiment, the printer 20 executes various processes (such as transmission / reception of activation information) with the server 30 via the mobile terminal device 10, but directly communicates with the server 30 without going through the mobile terminal device 10. May be executed to execute various processes.
Further, the printer CPU 26 does not have to notify the server 30 of the ink remaining amount 27B. For example, when the portable terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 13 determines the ink remaining amount 27B, it is not necessary to notify the server 30 of the ink remaining amount 27B.
Further, the server 30 does not have to accept the user information, register the accepted user information in the management DB 33B, and the like.
Further, in the above embodiment, in S161 of FIG. 15, the terminal CPU 11 determines the replacement of the printer 20 based on the information acquired from the replacement printer 200, notifies the device identification information 27C to the server 30, and executes the update. did. However, for example, the terminal CPU 11 may notify the server 30 of the device identification information 27C of the replacement printer 200 and execute the update based on the operation input to the terminal operation unit 15 of the user.

In the above embodiment, the printer 20 was replaced based on the ink remaining amount 27B. However, for example, the replacement of the printer 20 may be performed when a failure of the printer 20 occurs or when the user desires a printer 20 different from the printer 20 currently in use.
In the above embodiment, the user has obtained the printer 20 sent from the vendor, but the method of obtaining the printer 20 is not limited to this. For example, the user may obtain the printer 20 from a physical store such as a retail store or a virtual store such as an EC site opened on the wide area network 3.
In the above embodiment, the user selects a desired charge icon 57 from the charge screen 51 displayed on the display 14, and charges (adds) the number of charges corresponding to the selected charge icon 57 to the printable number. Was made. However, for example, it is configured so that the user can input a desired number of charges, the number of charges input by the user is charged to the number of printable sheets, and the vendor charges the user a fee according to the input number of charges. You may do so. Further, the configuration is not limited to the configuration of charging the sheet, and the printing system 1 may be used to charge points or ink. In this case, for example, depending on whether it is single-sided printing or double-sided printing, or the amount of ink used in the print data, the points and the amount of ink per printing are calculated, and the points and the amount of ink charged are counted. Just do it.

Further, the printer 20 may be configured not to include the power cable 20B. For example, the printer 20 may be configured to be driven by a battery or driven by wireless power supply.
Further, the printer 20 does not have to include the closing portion 28B.
Further, the printer CPU 26 has executed the first mounting determination process of S17 on condition that the power of the printer 20 is turned on, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printer CPU 26 may execute the determination of initial mounting based on the operation input to the user's printer operation unit 24 after the power is turned on and the system is started.
Further, the terminal CPU 11 does not have to store the printer information 12D in the terminal storage unit 12. In this case, the terminal CPU 11 does not have to execute the process of S55.

Further, the technical elements described in the present application exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims. In addition, the techniques exemplified in the present application achieve a plurality of purposes at the same time, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical usefulness.

1 printing system (image forming system), 10 mobile terminal device (information processing device), 12B application (program), 15 terminal operation unit (operation unit), 20 printer (image forming device), 20A device main unit, 20B power cable , 21 Short-range communication unit (communication unit), 22 External communication unit (communication unit), 23 Printing unit (image forming unit), 26 Printer CPU (control unit), 27A Printer program (program), 27B Ink remaining amount (coloring) Agent remaining amount), 27C device identification information, 28 mounting part, 28C mounting hole, 30 server, 41 IC card (storage medium), 200 replacement printer (image forming device).

Claims

Communication department and
The image forming part that forms the image and the image forming part
A mounting portion to which a storage medium for storing an image forming permission amount that allows the image forming portion to form an image can be mounted, and a mounting portion.
Control unit and
Equipped with
The control unit
When it is detected that the storage medium is mounted on the mounting unit, the communication setting process for executing the communication setting with the information processing device via the communication unit and the communication setting process.
An image forming process for executing image formation by the image forming unit according to the image forming permission amount stored in the storage medium, and an image forming process.
An image forming device that performs.
The control unit
When the storage medium is mounted on the mounting section for the first time, an initial introduction process for causing the image forming section to perform initial introduction, which is a preparatory process for executing image formation by the image forming section, is claimed. Item 1. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.
The control unit
The image formation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the storage medium is mounted on the mounting portion for the first time, an increase process for increasing the image formation permission amount stored in the storage medium by a predetermined amount is executed. Device.
An image forming system including the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the information processing apparatus, and a server.
The information processing device is
It is configured to be able to communicate with the server
The control unit
After executing the communication setting with the information processing device by the communication setting process, the storage medium identification information for identifying the storage medium mounted on the mounting portion and the device identification information for identifying the image forming device. Is executed to notify the server via the information processing device, and the identification information notification process is executed.
The server
An image forming system that executes a first storage process of associating and storing the storage medium identification information acquired in the identification information notification process with the device identification information.
The server
The activation information is associated with the storage medium identification information and stored.
The activation information is
Information for managing whether to allow or prohibit image formation by the image forming unit for the image forming apparatus to which the storage medium is attached.
The control unit
The image according to claim 4, wherein after executing the identification information notification process, when the activation information indicating that the image formation by the image forming unit is permitted is acquired from the server, the image forming process is executed. Formation system.
The image forming part is
It is a printing unit that prints on a sheet using a colorant.
The control unit
After executing the communication setting with the information processing apparatus by the communication setting process, the image formation permitted amount stored in the storage medium and the colorant residue which is the remaining amount of the colorant in the printing unit. The image forming system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the current amount notification process for notifying the amount to the server via the information processing device is executed.
The information processing device is
When the operation unit receives an instruction to increase the image formation permission amount stored in the storage medium by an additional amount, the operation unit is provided with an operation unit for receiving the operation input, and the additional amount notification process for notifying the server of the additional amount. And run
The server
When the printing unit prints only the amount obtained by adding the additional amount to the image formation permitted amount acquired by the current amount notification process, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the colorant acquired by the current amount notification process is sufficient. Colorant remaining amount judgment processing and
As a result of the colorant remaining amount determination process, when it is determined that the colorant remaining amount is insufficient, the shortage notification process for notifying the information processing apparatus that the colorant remaining amount is insufficient, and the shortage notification process.
The image forming system according to claim 6.
The information processing device is
It is provided with an operation unit that accepts operation inputs, and after executing communication settings with the image forming apparatus by the communication setting process, the operation unit accepts user information and notifies the received user information to the server. Execute user information notification processing and
The server
The image forming system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second storage process of storing the user information acquired by the user information notification process in association with the storage medium identification information is executed.
The information processing device is
The communication setting process was executed for the storage medium identification information that is the same as the storage medium identification information acquired in the identification information notification process and the device identification information that is different from the device identification information acquired in the identification information notification process. When acquired from an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus, an update process for updating the apparatus identification information associated with the storage medium identification information stored in the server is performed based on the acquired apparatus identification information. The image forming system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, which is executed.
The device main body portion provided with the image forming portion and the device main body portion.
A power cable that connects the device body to the power supply and supplies power from the power source to the device body.
A closed portion that closes a mounting hole for mounting the storage medium in the mounting portion, and a closed portion.
Equipped with
The closed part is
Any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounting hole is closed when the power cable is connected to the main body of the device, and the mounting hole is opened when the power cable is removed from the main body of the device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The control unit
2. The image forming apparatus according to the description.
A computer controls an image forming apparatus including a communication unit, an image forming unit that forms an image, and a mounting unit that can mount a storage medium that stores an image forming permission amount that allows the image forming unit to form an image. Is a program to be executed by
To the computer
When it is detected that the storage medium is mounted on the mounting unit, the communication setting process for executing the communication setting with the information processing device via the communication unit and the communication setting process.
An image forming process for executing image formation by the image forming unit according to the image forming permission amount stored in the storage medium, and an image forming process.
A program to execute.
A program that causes a computer to control an information processing device that can communicate with an image forming device.
The image forming apparatus is
Communication department and
The image forming part that forms the image and the image forming part
A mounting portion to which a storage medium for storing an image forming permission amount that allows the image forming portion to form an image can be mounted, and a mounting portion.
Equipped with
The image forming apparatus is
When it is detected that the storage medium is mounted on the mounting portion, the storage medium identification information for identifying the storage medium and the device identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus are transmitted via the communication unit. Notify the information processing device
To the computer
A device-side storage process for associating and storing the storage medium identification information acquired from the image forming apparatus and the device identification information, and
After executing the device-side storage process, the device identification information that is the same as the storage medium identification information stored in the device-side storage process and the device identification information that is different from the device identification information stored in the device-side storage process. When the information is acquired from an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus that has executed the apparatus-side storage process, the apparatus associated with the stored storage medium identification information based on the acquired apparatus identification information. Device update process to update the identification information,
A program to execute.
The image forming part is
It is a printing unit that prints on a sheet using a colorant.
The information processing device is
Equipped with an operation unit that accepts operation input
To the computer
When the operation unit receives an instruction to increase the image formation permission amount stored in the storage medium by an additional amount, the image forming apparatus determines the remaining amount of the colorant, which is the remaining amount of the colorant in the printing unit. Colorant remaining amount acquisition processing to be acquired from
When the printing unit prints by the amount obtained by adding the additional amount to the image formation permitted amount, the device-side colorant residue for determining whether or not the remaining amount of the colorant acquired by the colorant remaining amount acquisition process is sufficient. Quantity judgment processing and
As a result of the device-side colorant remaining amount determination process, when it is determined that the colorant remaining amount is insufficient, the notification process for notifying that the colorant remaining amount is insufficient and the notification process.
13. The program according to claim 13.