Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that allows using an image forming apparatus introduced in a sell-out sales form and already used while changing the form to a flat-rate service.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 200 executes processing for providing a flat-rate service in the image forming apparatus 200 (S217), according to the conclusion of a contract of the service after the image forming apparatus 200 is purchased by a user, on the basis of information on the contract of the service received from a management server 500 that manages the service (flat-rate service contract information notification in S216).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are several types of flat-rate services for using an image forming apparatus at a fixed rate. Well-known examples include a flat-rate service that includes the device itself and a flat-rate service for consumables. The flat-rate service including the device is a flat-rate service that allows a user to use the device itself and consumables used for printing at a fixed price.The flat-rate service for consumables is a flat-rate service that allows a user who already owns an image forming device to use only consumables used for printing at a fixed price.

[0003] In such flat-rate services, a user generally begins using the service after completing a service contract and receiving the product that is the subject of the service from the contracting party.

[0004] When the contracting party starts the service, the contracting party registers an additional management account for the image forming device on the management server side, and registers and initializes consumables that will be used at the same time. After that, the contracting party manages the flat-rate service and delivers new consumables by sequentially communicating with the management server and the image forming device.

[0005] Patent document 1 proposes a technology that enables accurate detection of the timing to ship consumables by establishing communication with a management server in advance and sending the status of consumables along with identification information of the image forming device to the management server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-54155 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, the introduction of a flat-rate service for a product, such as an image forming apparatus or consumables, purchased by a user after the product has been installed and started to be used, is not taken into consideration.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a mechanism that enables an image forming apparatus that has been introduced and is already being used in a one-time sales format to be switched to a flat-rate service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention is an image forming device that can be the subject of a service that allows a user to use the image forming device's main body and consumables used for printing for a fixed price up to a specified number of prints, and is characterized in that the image forming device has an execution means that executes processing to provide the service in the image forming device based on contract information for the service received from a management server that manages the service, following the conclusion of a contract for the service after the image forming device is purchased by the user. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to switch an image forming apparatus that has been introduced in a one-time sale format and is already in use to a flat-rate service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 5 is a diagram showing a sequence up to a flat-rate service contract in the image processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 6 is a flowchart of a request determination process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]11 is a flowchart showing flat-rate service suitability determination processing executed by the management server of the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen that displays that subscription to the flat-rate service of the embodiment is possible. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an input screen image for inputting information required for flat-rate service introduction estimate according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a screen image displaying the flat-rate service quotation results and a screen image displaying a code for directing a user to a website for signing up for the flat-rate service. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing flat-rate service estimate determination processing executed by the management server of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a host terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that the components described in the embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these. In addition, the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding components and processes in each embodiment, and duplicated descriptions of corresponding components and processes in each embodiment will be omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 200, a management server 500, and a host terminal 600, which are capable of communicating with each other via a network 100. In this embodiment, the control of the management server 500 that manages the image forming apparatus 200 and the flat-rate service when the image forming apparatus 200, which was initially introduced as a one-time sale, is switched to a flat-rate service midway through will be described.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the flat-rate service allows a user to print a predetermined number of sheets by paying a fixed amount. The ink or other recording agent is automatically delivered to the user. A plurality of plans may be prepared for one flat-rate service, and a predetermined number of sheets and a fixed amount may be set for each plan. For example, a plan that allows printing up to 100 sheets per month for 1000 yen per month and a plan that allows printing up to 300 sheets per month for 2000 yen per month are prepared, and the user can select one of the plans. In addition, when the monthly print limit of the contracted plan is reached, printing may be disabled. Alternatively, when the monthly print limit is exceeded, a predetermined amount may be charged for each sheet. Alternatively, when the monthly print limit is exceeded, the plan may be automatically changed. For example, when the number of prints exceeds 100 sheets in the above-mentioned 1000 yen per month plan, the plan is changed to a 2000 yen per month plan. Also, instead of a monthly contract, a system may be adopted in which the user pays a fixed amount for a specified number of prints when they wish to increase the number of prints, allowing them to print additional copies of the specified number of prints. The flat-rate service in this embodiment includes a flat-rate service including the device and a flat-rate service for consumables. The flat-rate service including the device is a service that allows the device body of the image forming device and the recording agent used for printing to be used by paying a fixed amount. The flat-rate service for consumables is a service that allows only the recording agent used for printing to be used by paying a fixed amount. The image forming device used is one that has been purchased by the user, i.e., one that the user owns.

[0015] First, the image forming apparatus 200 will be described. The image forming apparatus 200 has an image forming apparatus main body 300 that performs a printing operation using a recording agent, and a cartridge 400 that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 300 and is filled with ink used as a recording agent. Here, an example is shown in which ink is used as a recording agent, but the recording agent may be toner or the like. In addition, in this embodiment, the recording agent is described as being filled in a cartridge, but this is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus main body 300 may have an ink tank, and a user may manually inject ink from an ink bottle filled with ink into the ink tank to replenish it. In this case, an ink bottle is delivered to the user instead of a cartridge.

[0016] The image forming apparatus main body 300 has a CPU 310, a program memory 320, a data memory 330, a communication control unit 340, a print control unit 350, a print unit 360, a connection unit 370, a display unit 380, an operation unit 390, a CPU bus 410, and the like.

[0017] The CPU 310 is a system control unit and controls the entire image forming apparatus 200 . The program memory 320 stores the control program executed by the CPU 310, the program of the embedded operating system (OS), and the like. The data memory 330 includes an image memory 331, a flat-rate service management memory unit 332, and a contract information memory unit 333, and also stores program control variables, etc., and is provided with a buffer area for various tasks used during processing by the print control unit 350.

[0018] The image memory 331 accumulates image data that has been processed by an image processing unit (not shown). The flat-rate service management storage unit 332 stores, as management information related to the flat-rate service, for example, a URL to the management server 500, a flat-rate service suitability determination request execution flag, the date and time of the most recent flat-rate service suitability determination, cartridge information, and printing information. Here, the cartridge information includes information such as the serial number of the cartridge for each installed color, and information such as the expiration date or the date two years have passed since the start date and time of use. In addition, the printing information includes a counter for accumulating the number of pages printed by the image forming device 200 by month.

[0019] The contract information storage unit 333 holds the contract information of the flat-rate service received by the image forming apparatus main body 300 through the communication control unit 340. In this embodiment, the state held by the contract information storage unit 333 is any one of the following states: flat-rate service uncontracted state, flat-rate service including the main body contracted and standby state, consumable flat-rate service contracted and standby state, flat-rate service including the main body contracted state, and consumable flat-rate service contracted state. When the image forming apparatus is introduced in a one-time sale format, the flat-rate service uncontracted state is stored in the contract information storage unit 333. In the flat-rate service uncontracted state, commercially available cartridges can be used. Cartridges exclusively for the all-inclusive flat-rate service and cartridges exclusively for the consumable flat-rate service are controlled to be unusable. Specifically, when a cartridge exclusively for the all-inclusive flat-rate service or cartridge exclusively for the consumable flat-rate service is installed, the image forming apparatus 200 controls the printing unit 360 so as not to perform a printing operation. The "standby state with flat-rate service contracted for main unit included" and "standby state with flat-rate service contracted for consumables included" indicate a state in which the flat-rate service has been contracted but the service has not yet started. In the state of the flat-rate service contract including the main body and the flat-rate service contract including the consumables, cartridges dedicated to the respective services can be used. In the state of the flat-rate service contract including the main body, commercially available cartridges are controlled to be unusable. Specifically, when a commercially available cartridge is installed, the image forming apparatus 200 controls the printing unit 360 so as not to perform a printing operation. Similarly, in the state of the flat-rate service contract including the consumables, commercially available cartridges may be controlled to be unusable. In addition, in the state of the flat-rate service contract including the main body, the image forming apparatus 200 is allowed to be used for printing operations and the like only when the image forming apparatus 200 is connected to the network 100. When the image forming apparatus 200 is not connected to the network 100, the image forming apparatus 200 controls the printing unit 360 so as not to perform printing operations. In addition, the image forming apparatus 200 controls the printing unit 360 so as not to perform operations other than printing operations, such as scanning, faxing, and displaying a UI. In the state of the consumable flat-rate service contract, when the image forming apparatus 200 is not connected to the network 100, the printing unit 360 is controlled so as not to perform printing operations. Note that even when the image forming apparatus 200 is not connected to the network 100, the printing unit 360 may be controlled so as to perform printing operations within a predetermined time after the connection to the network 100 is cut off. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 200 is not connected to the network 100, the printing unit 360 may be controlled so as to restrict printing operations when a cartridge dedicated to the consumable flat-rate service is installed, and to allow printing operations when a commercially available cartridge is installed.

[0020] The communication control unit 340 controls data transmission and reception with the outside via the communication line 420 and various interfaces. The print control unit 350 obtains print data from the image memory 331 and controls the print process via the print unit 360. The print unit 360 performs print processing upon receiving a print command from the print control unit 350. At this time, a counter for accumulating the number of sheets among the print information stored in the flat-rate service management storage unit 332 in the data memory 330 is updated. The print information is a log (hereinafter referred to as a "print performance log") that summarizes the job mode such as copy and print, the number of printed sheets, and the print results, and corresponds to information indicating the usage amount of the image forming device 200 (also referred to as operation information). Instead of the number of printed sheets, other information such as the print area, the number of print discharges, the number of rotations of the conveying roller, etc. may be used, or the print time, the operation time, etc. may be used. The print performance log is updated by the print control unit 350 for each job that involves a print operation. The print unit 360 determines whether a cartridge dedicated to the flat-rate service is being used, and the determination is transmitted to the print control unit 350.

[0021] The connection unit 370 connects the image forming apparatus main body 300 and the cartridge 400. The connection unit 370 also reads information about the cartridge 400 from a memory 401 provided in the cartridge 400, and provides the information about the cartridge 400 in response to a request from the printing unit 360 to obtain information.

[0022] The display unit 380 is configured from an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), and the like, and is configured to present various information to the user. The operation unit 390 is configured with a display having a touch panel function and various hardware keys, and the display of the operation unit 390 displays various operation screens. A user can input instructions and information to the image forming apparatus main body 300 via the operation unit 390. In this embodiment, the display unit 380 is configured with an LCD display and is integrated with the operation unit 390.

[0023] The CPU 310 , program memory 320 , data memory 330 , communication control unit 340 , print control unit 350 , printing unit 360 , connection unit 370 , display unit 380 , and operation unit 390 are interconnected via a CPU bus 410 managed by the CPU 310 .

[0024] The cartridge 400 has a memory 401. The memory 401 records cartridge information 1 for identifying the cartridge 400, cartridge information 2 indicating remaining ink amount information, cartridge information 3 for determining whether the cartridge 400 is for use exclusively with a flat-rate service, and the like.

[0025] Cartridge information 1 is a serial number that is assigned to the cartridge when it is manufactured. The cartridge information 2 is information relating to the remaining amount of ink contained in the cartridge, and may be expressed using a unit of volume, or may be expressed as a remaining amount level divided by a predetermined threshold value. The cartridge information 3 is information for determining whether the cartridge is a commercially purchased cartridge (hereinafter referred to as "normal cartridge") or a cartridge exclusively for the flat-rate service. The cartridge information 3 may be different parameters for the cartridge exclusively for the all-in-one flat-rate service and the cartridge exclusively for the consumable flat-rate service, or may be the same parameters.

[0026] The cartridge 400 may be any cartridge that is filled with the recording agent used for printing and is replaceable by removing it from the connection portion 370. Therefore, the cartridge 400 is not limited to an ink cartridge, and may be, for example, a toner cartridge.

[0027] Next, the management server 500 will be described. The management server 500 is an information processing device having a CPU 510, a program memory 520, a service information storage unit 530, a communication control unit 540, a CPU bus 550, and the like. The CPU 510 is a system control unit and controls the entire management server 500 . The program memory 520 stores the control program executed by the CPU 510, the program of the embedded operating system (OS), and the like.

[0028] The service information storage unit 530 stores a list of products that are subject to the flat-rate service, information on cartridges that can guarantee the quality of each product, and a threshold number of prints per month for each product. The service information storage unit 530 also stores information on users who have signed up for the flat-rate service, identification information (such as a serial number) of image forming devices used in the flat-rate service, printing information collected from a print performance log sent from the image forming device 200, and the like.

[0029] The communication control unit 540 controls data transmission and reception with the outside via the communication line 560 . The above components 510 to 540 are connected to each other via a CPU bus 550 managed by a CPU 510 .

[0030] The management server 500 may be realized by one computer or by multiple computers. For example, the management server 500 may be configured to be realized by utilizing cloud computing technology.

[0031] Next, the host terminal 600 will be described. The host terminal 600 is a communication device that can connect to a network and communicate with the management server 500. The communication device here is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer (PC), etc. An example of the configuration in which the host terminal 600 is a smartphone is shown in FIG.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the host terminal 600 of this embodiment. In the host terminal 600, a display unit 601 displays and outputs information to the user. The operation unit 602 is a portion where a user inputs operation information to the host terminal 600. The operation unit 602 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, hard keys, and the like.

[0033] The camera unit 603 captures an image of a subject and generates image data. The image data captured by the camera unit 603 is stored in an external medium such as a flash ROM or an SD card that the control unit 608 has. An external I / F (interface) 604 provides an interface with an external device, and is composed of a communication interface circuit, a Micro USB terminal, and the like.

[0034] The network I / F 606 includes an antenna 605 for communicating with a wireless LAN. The network I / F 606 is configured to be able to connect to a network by wireless communication via a router, for example. A power supply unit 607 generates and supplies the power required by each block based on a battery power supply.

[0035] The control unit 608 is a main unit for realizing the functions of the host terminal 600, and is composed of a CPU, EEPROM, flash ROM, SRAM, etc., which are not shown. The CPU of the control unit 608 reads and executes programs stored in the flash ROM or the like to realize various controls. For example, the control unit 608 can analyze image data of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) photographed by the camera unit 603 to obtain information. The control unit 608 can also execute a Web browser program to access the management server 500, etc.

[0036] The audio input unit 609 converts an analog audio signal input from a microphone 610 into a digital signal. The audio output unit 612 converts the received digital audio signal into an analog audio signal to be output from a speaker 611. The RF input / output unit 613 performs high-frequency transmission and reception via an antenna 614. The digital signal processing unit 615 is connected to the audio input unit 609 to which the microphone 610 is connected, the audio output unit 612 to which the speaker 611 is connected, and the RF input / output unit 613 to which the antenna 614 is connected. The digital signal processing unit 615 performs encoding of the digital audio signal, decoding to a digital audio signal, and the like.

[0037] Next, a sequence leading up to a contract for using the flat-rate service in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence up to a flat-rate service contract in the image processing system of this embodiment. Note that the processing of management server 500 in this diagram is realized by CPU 510 reading and executing a program stored in program memory 520. Also, the processing of image forming apparatus 200 is realized by CPU 310 reading and executing a program stored in program memory 320. Also, the processing of host terminal 600 is realized by a CPU (not shown) of control unit 608 of host terminal 600 reading and executing a program stored in a flash ROM or the like. Note that "S" in the diagram indicates each step.

[0038] In S201, the image forming apparatus 200 judges whether or not to request the flat-rate service suitability judgment from the management server 500, which is a flat-rate service management server, at the following triggers that occur in the image forming apparatus 200. In this embodiment, the triggers for this step include a trigger when the image forming apparatus is started by pressing the power button, a trigger when any cartridge is replaced, a trigger when the number of printed sheets reaches a threshold (e.g., 300 sheets), and a trigger when a firmware update is completed. However, the triggers are not limited to these. In addition, the process for making the judgment is not executed immediately after these triggers, but is executed, for example, after a predetermined period (e.g., about 30 to 60 minutes) after these triggers. This means that immediately after any of the triggers, many of the hardware and software resources, such as the CPU 310, the program memory 320, and the communication control unit 340, are in use. In this state, it is generally necessary to execute processing to give priority to responding to requests from users, and so to avoid interfering with these, processing is executed by timer monitoring or when the CPU 310 processes an event in which the device continues to be in a no-operation state. However, the above-mentioned predetermined period is not limited to approximately 30 to 60 minutes later. The process of determining whether or not to request flat-rate service suitability determination in S201 above (request determination process) will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0039] When it is determined in the above S201 that the flat-rate service suitability determination is not to be requested from the management server 500, the image forming apparatus 200 waits for the next opportunity. On the other hand, if it is determined that the flat-rate service eligibility determination should be requested from the management server 500, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits a message to the management server 500 requesting the flat-rate service eligibility determination in S202.

[0040] When the management server 500 receives a message from the image forming apparatus 200 requesting a flat-rate service suitability determination, in S203, the management server 500 performs flat-rate service suitability determination. The flat-rate service suitability determination will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. When the user installs an image forming apparatus in a one-time sale format, a notification that the image forming apparatus can be switched to a flat-rate service (flat-rate service including the image forming apparatus or flat-rate service for consumables) may be displayed on the display unit 380 as a notice at the final stage of installation, or the notice may be made on paper together with an operation manual, to encourage the user to connect to the network at an early stage. This notice may be periodically displayed on the display unit 380. Furthermore, the user may be prompted to input the price (such as the price on the receipt) when the image forming apparatus was purchased from the screen of this notice.

[0041] By connecting the image forming device 200 to a network and communicating with the management server 500 via the Internet, the product serial number of the image forming device 200 (information that can identify the model and device), the state of the image forming device 200, and the operating status such as the number of printed sheets can be accumulated and managed in the management server 500. This enables the management server 500 to make an appropriate judgment when judging suitability for the flat-rate service.

[0042] If the flat-rate service suitability determination in S203 results in non-suitability, the management server 500 transmits a response message indicating "non-suitability" to the image forming apparatus 200 (not shown). If a response message indicating that the flat-rate service suitability determination result is non-suitable is received, the image forming apparatus 200 ends the process without displaying anything (not shown).

[0043] On the other hand, if the flat-rate service suitability determination in S203 determines that the image forming apparatus 200 is suitable, the management server 500 returns a response message indicating "suitable" to the image forming apparatus 200 in S204. When the image forming apparatus 200 receives the response message indicating that the flat-rate service suitability determination result is suitable, in S205, the image forming apparatus 200 displays on the display unit 380 a notice indicating that the flat-rate service can be switched to, and proceeds to the subsequent processing. Here, the display indicating that the flat-rate service can be switched to will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0044] 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image of a notification screen that displays that subscription to a flat-rate service is possible. This notification screen includes a message 504 and buttons B501, B502, and B503. A message 504 corresponds to a message notifying the user that a transition to a flat-rate service including the device can be made depending on the usage situation.

[0045] When the user presses the button B501 for viewing details of the flat-rate service, the image forming apparatus 200 displays, in S206, an input screen for inputting information required for calculating the flat-rate service usage fee on the display unit 380. The input screen displayed here is, for example, a screen for inputting the number of unused cartridges as shown in FIG.

[0046] Furthermore, when the user presses the close this time button B502, the image forming apparatus 200 closes the screen of FIG. 5 and returns to the previous screen. Furthermore, when the user presses the Do not display again button B503, the image forming apparatus 200 disables the flat-rate service suitability determination request execution flag stored in the flat-rate service management storage unit 332 in the program memory 320 so that the screen of Fig. 5 will not be displayed thereafter. In the case of an image forming apparatus introduced in a one-time sale format, this flag is set as valid from the time of installation, and when this flag is set, that is, valid, a flat-rate service suitability determination request is made to the management server 500. Note that, in the case of an image forming apparatus rented from a service provider after a flat-rate service usage contract has been concluded in advance, this flag is set as invalid from the time of installation. This flag is one of the items to be determined in the flowchart shown in Fig. 3.

[0047] Here, the screen for inputting the number of unused cartridges displayed in S206 above will be described. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for inputting information required for a flat-rate service introduction estimate. This input screen includes an input section I601 and buttons B602 and B603. The input unit I601 is an input unit for presenting the fact that unused cartridges can be transferred to the usage period of the flat-rate service and for inputting the number of unused cartridges. Note that this input unit I601 may also accept input of serial numbers of unused cartridges. Furthermore, this input unit I601 may also accept input of the price on the receipt when the user purchases the above-mentioned unused cartridges or the image forming apparatus main body 300.

[0048] When the user presses the button B602 for starting the estimate, the image forming apparatus 200 advances the process to S207. Moreover, when the user presses the cancel button B603, the image forming apparatus 200 ends the process (not shown).

[0049] In S207, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits a message requesting an estimate together with the information input in S206 to the management server 500 in order to obtain information regarding flat-rate service usage fees.

[0050] When the management server 500 receives the flat-rate service estimate request, it performs flat-rate service estimate determination processing in S208. In this flat-rate service estimate determination processing, the management server 500 determines the price at which the service provider will purchase the image forming device 200 and consumables from the user if the flat-rate service includes the image forming device 200, or the consumables if the flat-rate service includes consumables. The management server 500 calculates these prices from the information input by the user in S206 and the accumulated operation information. Furthermore, the management server 500 calculates the result when the calculated price (purchase price) is applied to the number of days for which the flat-rate service is provided, that is, how long the period (e.g., how many months) is equivalent to the price of the flat-rate service.

[0051] Next, in S209, the management server 500 transmits the result calculated in S208 to the image forming apparatus 200 as an estimate result for the flat-rate service.

[0052] When the image forming apparatus 200 receives the flat-rate service quotation result, in S210, the image forming apparatus 200 displays the received flat-rate service quotation result to the user, for example, by displaying a screen as shown in Fig. 7(a). Here, the screen displaying the flat-rate service quotation result will be described with reference to Fig. 7(a).

[0053] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of an image of a screen displaying the flat-rate service estimate result. This screen includes a message 701, buttons B702 and B703, which indicate the result of allocating (transferring) the purchase price of the image forming apparatus 200 to the number of days for which the flat-rate service is provided as an estimate result. Note that the message 701 may display the price borne by the user, such as "Month X of 2023: 0 yen, Month Y of 2023: 0 yen, Month Z of 2023 and after: x yen."

[0054] If the user agrees with the estimate result, he / she presses the "Proceed to contract site (QR code)" button B702. On the other hand, if the user does not agree with the estimate result, he / she presses the "Cancel" button B703. Here, if the user presses the button B702 to move to the contract site (QR code), the image forming apparatus 200 advances the process to S211. If the user presses the cancel button B703, the image forming apparatus 200 ends the process (not shown).

[0055] In S211, the image forming apparatus 200 displays a code such as a QR code for guiding the user to a website for making a contract, as shown in Fig. 7(b), on the display unit 380. Note that, although a two-dimensional code such as a QR code is used here, the code is not limited to this, and a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or other type of code may also be used.

[0056] FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of an image of a screen displaying a QR code for leading to a website for signing up for a flat-rate service. This screen includes a QR code 704 and a close button B705. This QR code 704 includes information necessary for the flat-rate service contract, specifically, a URL for connecting to a web page for making a contract for the flat-rate service (the contract URL of the management server 500), and an identifier indicating a relationship with the estimate calculated in S208 above.

[0057] When the user performs an operation to photograph a QR code, in S212, the host terminal 600 uses the camera unit 603 to photograph the QR code displayed on the display unit 380 of the image forming apparatus 200 in S211, and obtains the information required for the flat-rate service contract. Next, in S213, the host terminal 600 uses the information acquired from the QR code in S212 above to access the contract URL of the management server 500 from the web browser of the host terminal 600 or the like.

[0058] When the contract URL is accessed, the management server 500 accepts flat-rate service registration in S214. When the user inputs information required for the flat-rate service contract, such as the subscriber's name, consumable delivery address, and payment method, from the web browser of the host terminal 600, the management server 500 proceeds to S215 if it confirms that the information has been input correctly. In S215, the management server 500 notifies the host terminal 600 of the completion of the contract for the flat-rate service.

[0059] After that, upon conclusion of the contract, the management server 500 transmits the flat-rate service contract information to the image forming apparatus 200 in S216. In addition, in 218, the management server 500 executes a process for making arrangements for delivery of a cartridge for the flat-rate service to the contractor.

[0060] When the image forming apparatus 200 receives the contract information for the flat-rate service, in S217, the image forming apparatus 200 writes the received contract information for the flat-rate service to the contract information storage unit 333. The contract information for the flat-rate service at this time is a state in which the main body-included flat-rate service contract has been made and is on standby, or a state in which the consumables flat-rate service contract has been made and is on standby. In the case of a state in which the main body-included flat-rate service contract has been made and is on standby, or a state in which the consumables flat-rate service contract has been made and is on standby, the use of a normal cartridge may be permitted.

[0061] When the user installs the flat-rate service cartridge delivered from the service provider in the process of S218 as cartridge 400 in image forming apparatus 200, image forming apparatus 200 updates the flat-rate service contract information in contract information storage unit 333 via connection unit 370. At this time, the flat-rate service contract information stored in contract information storage unit 333 is changed from a standby state in which the main unit-included flat-rate service is contracted and a standby state in which the consumables flat-rate service is contracted and a standby state in which the consumables flat-rate service is contracted and a contract state in which the main unit-included flat-rate service is contracted or a consumables flat-rate service is contracted, and provision of various services in the flat-rate service begins. In this embodiment, in S217, contract information indicating a flat-rate service contracted and standby state is recorded in the contract information storage unit 333. Then, when the delivered flat-rate service cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus 200 in S218, the contract information in the contract information storage unit 333 is updated to a flat-rate service contract state, and provision of the flat-rate service is started. However, the method of updating the contract information is not limited to this. For example, in S217, contract information indicating the flat-rate service contract state may be recorded in the contract information storage unit 333. In this case, provision of the flat-rate service is started immediately upon receiving the contract information from the management server 500. When the image forming apparatus 200 changes the contract information in the contract information storage unit 333 to a flat-rate service contracted standby state or a flat-rate service contract state, the image forming apparatus 200 also changes the control of the image forming apparatus 200 accordingly. For example, the image forming apparatus 200 is controlled to permit the use of a cartridge for the flat-rate service, which was restricted in the uncontracted state. The image forming apparatus 200 is also controlled to restrict the use of a commercially available cartridge, which was permitted in the uncontracted state. The image forming apparatus 200 is also controlled to restrict a printing operation when not connected to the network 100. Furthermore, in the case of a flat-rate service that includes the main body, the image forming apparatus 200 is controlled to restrict operations other than the printing operation. For example, scanning, FAX, and UI display are restricted. In addition, a notification regarding the change in these controls may be displayed on the display unit 380 of the image forming apparatus 200. For example, a display is made to the effect that the use of a cartridge for the flat-rate service is permitted. In addition, the contract information recorded in the contract information storage unit 333 may be displayed on the display unit 380 of the image forming apparatus 200. For example, it may display that the flat-rate service contract has been concluded and the image forming apparatus 200 is in a standby state or in a flat-rate service contract state. Also, information indicating that the flat-rate service will be started may be displayed on the display unit 380. Also, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the operation status of the image forming apparatus 200 is transmitted to the management server 500 before the flat-rate service is concluded has been described, but this is not limiting. When the image forming apparatus 200 changes the contract information in the contract information storage unit 333 to a flat-rate service contracted and standby state or a flat-rate service contract state, the image forming apparatus 200 may be set to transmit the operation status of the image forming apparatus 200 to the management server 500 thereafter. Specifically, information on the number of prints in the image forming apparatus 200, the consumption amount of consumables such as a recording agent, or the remaining amount of consumables may be transmitted to the management server 500.

[0062] Here, the request determination process for determining suitability for flat-rate services shown in S201 of FIG. 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a request determination process executed by the image forming apparatus 200 of this embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 310 of the image forming apparatus 200 reading and executing a program stored in the program memory 320. When an event such as that described above occurs in the image forming apparatus 200, the CPU 310 of the image forming apparatus 200 starts the process of this flowchart.

[0063] First, in S301, the CPU 310 of the image forming apparatus 200 queries the communication control unit 340 to determine whether the network connection to the management server 500 is operating normally. This determination is made to confirm whether a connection to the management server 500 can be established and, at the same time, to confirm that a determination result can be received from the management server 500. The communication control unit 340 provides an API for checking the connection with the management server 500. This API is configured, for example, by a PING response using a host name or an IP address, or an individually created program for checking communication between hosts via IP communication.

[0064] Here, if communication with the management server 500 fails (No in S301), the CPU 310 ends this flat-rate service compatibility request determination process. On the other hand, if communication between the management servers 500 is successful (Yes in S301), the CPU 310 advances the process to S302.

[0065] In S302, the CPU 310 judges whether a certain period of time has passed since the last flat-rate service compatibility request judgment. In this embodiment, the certain period of time is set to 30 days, and the date and time of the last process execution is recorded in the flat-rate service management storage unit 332 in the data memory 330, and a value equivalent to the elapsed time is calculated by subtracting the current time from the acquired value to judge whether it is 30 days or more. The purpose of this judgment is to prevent frequent communication with the management server 500, reduce the load on the management server 500, and suppress network traffic.

[0066] If the certain period of time has not elapsed (No in S302), the CPU 310 ends the flat-rate service compatibility request determination process. On the other hand, if the certain period of time has passed (Yes in S302), the CPU 310 advances the process to S303. At this time, the CPU 310 updates the date and time data recorded in the flat-rate service management storage unit 332 in the data memory 330 with the current date and time.

[0067] In S303, the CPU 310 judges whether the flat-rate service suitability determination request execution flag to the management server 500 is in an active state. This flag is in an active state at the time of installation after introduction in a one-time sales form, but there are two triggers for it to become inactive in this embodiment. One trigger is when the user presses a button B503 indicating that the screen in FIG. 5 was displayed on the display unit 380 but will not be displayed again after the flat-rate service suitability request process to the management server 500 executed previously was finally determined to be suitable. When this button is pressed, the process of requesting the management server 500 to determine suitability for the flat-rate service is not executed unless the image forming apparatus 200 is initialized or the settings are reset. Another trigger is when the flat-rate service is started to be used. This flag is held in the flat-rate service management storage unit 332 in the data memory 330 and is referenced by various programs.

[0068] Here, if it is determined that the flat-rate service suitability determination request execution flag is invalid (No in S303), the CPU 310 ends the process of this flowchart. On the other hand, when it is determined that the flat-rate service suitability determination request execution flag is valid (Yes in S303), the CPU 310 advances the process to S304. Note that at the time of proceeding to S304, the image forming apparatus 200 is in a state where the conditions for executing the flat-rate service suitability determination request to the management server 500 are met.

[0069] In S304, the CPU 310 generates and transmits a message for requesting the management server 500 to determine suitability for the flat-rate service (corresponding to S202 in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, a connection is established with the management server 500 by HTTPS communication using the TCP communication protocol, and data in XML format is transmitted using the Post method. This XML data includes information indicating the status of the image forming device 200, such as identification information, information regarding the installation date and time, information regarding the cartridges installed, and information indicating the status of the image forming device, such as the number of printed sheets counted. Here, the cartridge information includes the cartridge information 1 for identifying the cartridge 400 described above, and information such as the expiration date of each cartridge. Here, the communication protocol and message data format used are HTTPS and XML, respectively, but other communication protocols, and instead of the XML format, JSON format or comma-separated CSV format may also be used.

[0070] Next, the flat-rate service suitability determination process shown in S203 of FIG. 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of flat-rate service suitability determination processing executed by management server 500 of the present embodiment. This processing is realized by CPU 510 of management server 500 reading and executing a program stored in program memory 520. CPU 510 of management server 500 starts the processing of this flowchart when a message for requesting flat-rate service suitability determination is received from image forming apparatus 200. For example, an HTTP message received by management server 500 via the network is generated as an event in communication control unit 540 that a WEB service has received a Post method, and is notified to a program task that executes flat-rate service reception that is running.

[0071] First, in S401, CPU 510 of management server 500 determines whether the product is eligible for flat-rate service. In this determination, CPU 510 searches or inquires about a target product list table stored in service information storage unit 530 to determine whether the product is currently eligible for flat-rate service, based on the product serial number, which is one piece of information received from image forming apparatus 200. Alternatively, instead of the above-mentioned method, CPU 510 may make a determination by inquiring of another server that collects product information for determining whether the product is eligible for flat-rate service.

[0072] If the product is not eligible for the flat-rate service (No in S401), the CPU 510 advances the process to S405. In S405, the CPU 510 executes a process of notifying the image forming apparatus 200 of a message indicating that the flat-rate service cannot be applied, and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0073] On the other hand, if the product is eligible for the flat-rate service (Yes in S401), the CPU 510 advances the process to S402. In S402, the CPU 510 judges whether a cartridge capable of guaranteeing print quality is used. This judgment is for maintaining print quality, which is important when using the flat-rate service, and is intended to lead to continuous benefits for users who use the service. As described above, the service information storage unit 530 holds a list of products that are subject to the flat-rate service, and also holds cartridge information that guarantees quality as information related to these subject products. One or more pieces of cartridge information associated with one product represent serial numbers assigned when the cartridges are manufactured, and in this embodiment, this information corresponds to the cartridge information 1 described above. The judgment is made based on the cartridge information related to the subject products held in the service information storage unit 530 and the cartridge information in use, which is one piece of information received from the image forming device 200. In addition, information regarding the expiration date of each installed cartridge may be referred to, and whether any cartridge has exceeded its expiration date may be used as one of the judgments.

[0074] Here, if the current cartridge information is not included in the cartridge information stored in the service information storage unit 530, that is, if a cartridge that can ensure print quality is not being used (No in S402), the CPU 510 proceeds to S405.

[0075] On the other hand, if the current cartridge information is included in the cartridge information stored in the service information storage unit 530, that is, if a cartridge capable of ensuring print quality is being used (Yes in S402), the CPU 510 advances the process to S403.

[0076] In S403, the CPU 510 judges whether the usage amount, that is, the number of printed sheets, exceeds a threshold value. This judgment is for ensuring print quality, similar to the judgment for maintaining print quality performed in S402 described above. In this judgment, it is confirmed whether the number of printed sheets expected by the flat-rate service provider is exceeded so that the quality of the image forming device itself does not affect the print quality. As described above, the service information storage unit 530 holds a list of products that are subject to the flat-rate service, and holds a threshold value of the number of printed sheets expected as information related to these target products. Note that this threshold value is a value determined by the flat-rate service provider based on the expected wear of durable parts such as the tip application parts for printing mounted on each product and the dedicated cartridge used for maintenance, and is not a value that will suddenly affect the print quality when the threshold value is exceeded. In this embodiment, the number is converted to A4 size and is 300 sheets per month, but it may be expressed, for example, by the printed area instead of the number of sheets, or may be a score calculated by multiplying them by an index. The management server 500 makes the above judgment based on the number of printed sheets among the information received from the image forming device 200. In this embodiment, the number of printed sheets in the past six months in the image forming apparatus 200 is stored in the flat-rate service management storage unit 332 in the data memory 330, and it is determined whether the average value exceeds a threshold value.

[0077] If the usage amount exceeds the threshold value (No in S403), the CPU 510 advances the process to S404. On the other hand, if the usage amount does not exceed the threshold (Yes in S403), the CPU 510 advances the process to S404. In S404, the CPU 510 notifies the image forming apparatus 200 of a response message indicating that the flat-rate service is applicable, and ends the process of this flowchart.

[0078] In response to the message sent from the image forming apparatus 200 requesting flat-rate service suitability determination, the management server 500 generates an HTTP response to the Post and sets, in the response message, the status code 200 indicating that the process was executed normally. The result of the flat-rate service suitability determination is set in the body of the response message; in this embodiment, for example, the character string "VALID" is set if the result is "suitable" and "INVALID" is set if the result is "unsuitable."

[0079] 5 on the display unit 380 as described in step S205 above, and waits for the user to select one of buttons B501 to B503. If the user then presses button B501, the image forming apparatus 200 transmits a message requesting an estimate to the management server 500. The message transmission here is the same as the method described in step S304 above, where a connection is established with the management server 500 via HTTPS communication using the TCP communication protocol, and data in XML format is then transmitted using the Post method.

[0080] Next, the flat-rate service estimate determination process shown in S208 of FIG. 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of flat-rate service estimate determination processing executed by management server 500. This processing is realized by CPU 510 of management server 500 reading and executing a program stored in program memory 520. CPU 510 of management server 500 starts the processing of this flowchart when a message for requesting a flat-rate service estimate is received from image forming apparatus 200.

[0081] First, in S801, the CPU 510 of the management server 500 sets the price of the image forming apparatus 200. The price of the image forming apparatus 200 may be the list price, the average selling price in the area where the user lives, or the price on the receipt when the user purchased the image forming apparatus 200.

[0082] Next, in S802, CPU 510 subtracts from the price set in S801 above based on the usage status of image forming apparatus 200. The price to be subtracted here is determined using one or more elements such as the period since image forming apparatus 200 started operating, the number of printed sheets, the amount of cartridge 400 used, etc., based on the operation information accumulated in management server 500 from the start of sales of image forming apparatus 200 to this timing.

[0083] Next, in S803, the CPU 510 adds the price according to the number of consumables purchased (such as the number of unused ink cartridges) input by the user in S206 described above. In this embodiment, the price to be added here is determined from the number of unused cartridges. The price of the cartridge may be the list price, or the average selling price in the user's area or the price on the receipt when the user purchased it. Note that if the user does not input the number of consumables purchased in S206 described above, no addition is made. Also, the price here may be provisional, and the price may be finalized when the unused cartridges are sent. Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 8 etc., a coupon may be issued to promote the use of the flat-rate service when adding to the price, and the user may be prompted to input it at the timing of S206.

[0084] Finally, in S804, the CPU 510 divides the purchase price of the image forming apparatus 200 and consumables by the monthly fee for the flat-rate service to determine the period during which the flat-rate service is not charged when the flat-rate service is used. In other words, if the flat-rate service is changed to immediately after the purchase of the image forming apparatus 200 when the image forming apparatus 200 is not used much, the fee will not be charged for a long period of time even if the flat-rate service is switched to, but if a considerable amount of time has passed since the purchase or if the flat-rate service is changed while a large amount of printing is being performed, the period during which the fee is not charged will be short. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 8, etc., if there are multiple flat-rate service plans, the user may be prompted to input a plan at the timing of S206 described above, and the plan may be used to calculate the period during which the flat-rate service is available.

[0085] In this embodiment, the flat-rate service is described, which allows the use of the main body product and consumables such as cartridges and printing paper for the main body product at a fixed price, but it is also possible to apply the flat-rate service to the main body product only. In this case, the input of unused cartridges and the addition of the price of unused cartridges are omitted. It is also possible to apply this to a flat-rate service for consumables used in the main body product. In this case, the estimate of the purchase price of the image forming device is omitted, and only the price of unused cartridges is transferred to the usage period of the flat-rate service.

[0086] According to the embodiment described above, by controlling each device constituting the image processing system, it is possible to switch to a flat-rate service for devices that have been purchased as products and are already in use, even after purchase. By introducing the flat-rate service, users can enjoy additional benefits such as automatic delivery of consumables, quick and accurate response in the event of a problem, and lower total costs than the current situation. In particular, with the flat-rate service including the main body, users can have the image forming device main body 300 replaced free of charge in the event of a breakdown, and the image forming device main body 300 taken away after the contract expires. Therefore, it is considered that even users who have once purchased the image forming device main body 300 would like to switch to the flat-rate service including the main body. In addition to the flat-rate service including the main body and the flat-rate service for consumables, the user can also sign a contract for a compensation service that allows the main body of the image forming device to be replaced free of charge in the event of a breakdown. When a compensation service is signed, contract information is sent to the image forming device 200 from a management server that manages the compensation service. The image forming device 200 receives contract information indicating that the compensation service has been signed via the communication control unit 340. After receiving the contract information, if a specific fault is detected in the image forming device, the image forming device 200 sends information about the specific fault to the management server via the communication control unit 340. The management server that has received the information about the specific fault executes a process for providing compensation according to the type of fault. If the flat-rate service including the device and the flat-rate service for consumables are not contracted and only the compensation service is contracted, the recording material will not be delivered. The compensation service can be contracted in combination with the flat-rate service for consumables. By contracting for the compensation service and the flat-rate service for consumables in combination, the user can enjoy the same services as the flat-rate service including the device, that is, the compensation service and the delivery service of the recording material, while still owning the image forming device.

[0087] In addition, image forming devices that have been introduced in a one-time sale format and are already in use are in various states, and some are not in a certain state or higher. According to this embodiment, when an image forming device that has been introduced in a one-time sale format and is already in use is switched to a flat-rate service, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the image forming device is not in a certain state or higher and the satisfaction of the user who uses the flat-rate service cannot be met. In addition, when an image forming apparatus that has already been introduced in a one-time sales format and is already in use is switched to a flat-rate service that includes the apparatus after purchase, the flat-rate service provider will purchase the image forming apparatus. In the past, there was no technology to automatically and appropriately estimate the purchase price in such a case, which was an issue. In this embodiment, the purchase price can be appropriately estimated according to the amount of use of the image forming apparatus, and it is possible to switch to the flat-rate service taking the estimated price into consideration. As described above, it is possible to appropriately switch an image forming apparatus that has been introduced in a one-time sale format and is already in use to a flat-rate service.

[0088] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and the data may have various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied, for example, as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described embodiments is also included in the present invention.

[0089] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes all configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications.

[0090] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus that can be a target of a service that allows a user to use the image forming apparatus main body and consumables used for printing for a certain amount of money within a predetermined number of prints, an execution means for executing a process for providing the service in the image forming apparatus based on contract information of the service received from a management server that manages the service, in accordance with the conclusion of a contract for the service made after the image forming apparatus is purchased by the user; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) the process for providing the service is a process for recording the received contract information in the image forming apparatus; The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the contract information recorded in the image forming apparatus is displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the process for providing the service is a process for controlling the image forming apparatus so as to notify a server managing the service of the number of prints or the remaining amount of recording agent. (Configuration 4) The image forming device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the process for providing the service is a process for controlling the image forming device to restrict use of the image forming device when the image forming device is not able to communicate with a server that manages the service. (Configuration 5) The image forming device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that when it is determined that the service can be provided in the image forming device based on the operating status of the image forming device, information indicating that the service can be provided is displayed on a display unit of the image forming device. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that information regarding the purchase price of the image forming apparatus calculated based on the operating status of the image forming apparatus is displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. (Method 1) A method for controlling an image forming device that can be a target of a service that allows a user to use the image forming device and consumables used for printing for a certain amount of money within a certain number of prints, comprising: an execution step of executing a process for providing the service in the image forming apparatus based on contract information of the service received from a management server that manages the service, in accordance with the conclusion of a contract for the service made after the image forming apparatus is purchased by the user; The control method includes: (Program 1) An image forming apparatus that can be a target of a service that allows a user to use the main body of the image forming apparatus and consumables used for printing for a certain amount of money within a certain number of prints is an execution means for executing a process for providing the service in the image forming apparatus based on contract information of the service received from a management server that manages the service, in accordance with the conclusion of a contract for the service made after the image forming apparatus is purchased by the user; A program to function as a (Configuration 7) An image forming apparatus that can be a target of a service for replacing an apparatus body when the image forming apparatus breaks down, a receiving unit for receiving contract information of the service from a management server that manages the service in accordance with the conclusion of a contract for the service after the user purchases the image forming apparatus; a transmission means for transmitting information on a predetermined fault to the management server when a predetermined fault is detected in the image forming apparatus; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that can be a target of a service that allows a user to use the image forming apparatus main body and consumables used for printing for a certain amount of money within a predetermined number of prints, an execution means for executing a process for providing the service in the image forming apparatus based on contract information of the service received from a management server that manages the service, in accordance with the conclusion of a contract for the service made after the image forming apparatus is purchased by the user; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the process for providing the service is a process for recording the received contract information in the image forming apparatus; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contract information recorded in the image forming apparatus is displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process for providing the service is a process for controlling the image forming apparatus so as to notify a server managing the service of the number of printed sheets or the remaining amount of recording agent.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the process for providing the service is a process for controlling the image forming apparatus so as to restrict use of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is unable to communicate with a server that manages the service.

5. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that when it is determined that the service can be provided in the image forming device based on the operating status of the image forming device, information indicating that the service can be provided is displayed on a display unit of the image forming device.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information regarding the purchase price of the image forming apparatus calculated based on the operating status of the image forming apparatus is displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus.

7. A method for controlling an image forming device that can be a target of a service that allows a user to use the image forming device and consumables used for printing for a certain amount of money within a certain number of prints, comprising: an execution step of executing a process for providing the service in the image forming apparatus based on contract information of the service received from a management server that manages the service, in accordance with the conclusion of a contract for the service made after the image forming apparatus is purchased by the user; The control method includes:

8. An image forming apparatus that can be a target of a service that allows a user to use the main body of the image forming apparatus and consumables used for printing for a certain amount of money within a certain number of prints is an execution means for executing a process for providing the service in the image forming apparatus based on contract information of the service received from a management server that manages the service, in accordance with the conclusion of a contract for the service made after the image forming apparatus is purchased by the user; A program to function as a

9. An image forming apparatus that can be a target of a service for replacing an apparatus body when the image forming apparatus breaks down, a receiving unit for receiving contract information of the service from a management server that manages the service in accordance with the conclusion of a contract for the service after the user purchases the image forming apparatus; a transmission means for transmitting information on a predetermined fault to the management server when a predetermined fault is detected in the image forming apparatus; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images