Image forming system, server, image forming apparatus, and management method

Abstract

Provided is a technique for controlling the operation of an image forming apparatus that manages printing by a server. An image forming system (100) includes an image forming apparatus (1) and a server (4). The image forming apparatus (1) includes a main body control unit (29) that operates according to either a normal mode or a contract mode. The server (4) executes a contract operation mode setting command transmission process (S13) for transmitting a contract mode setting command (C1) to the image forming apparatus (1) according to an operation mode change request (R1) for changing the main body control unit (29) of the image forming apparatus (1) to the contract mode. The image forming apparatus (1) that has received the contract mode setting command (C1) sets the operation mode to the contract mode according to the contract mode setting command (C1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, a server, an image forming apparatus, and a management method. Background Art

[0002] In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, as consumables, in addition to ordinary consumables, consumables for registering permission information and special consumables are prepared. The consumables for registering permission information have a memory in which permission information indicating one or more identification information is prestored. The special consumables have a memory in which one identification information is prestored. When the consumables for registering permission information are installed in the apparatus main body, the apparatus main body acquires the permission information from the installed consumables and stores it in the main body memory. Further, when the special consumables are installed in the apparatus main body, the apparatus main body acquires the identification information from the installed consumables, and determines whether the acquired identification information matches any one of the one or more identification information indicated by the permission information stored in the main body memory. Then, when the apparatus main body determines that the identification information does not match, it performs a prescribed function restriction, and when it determines that the identification information matches, it does not perform the prescribed function restriction.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-267601

[0006] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the above prior art, only the apparatus main body controls the operation of the apparatus main body such as performing or not performing function restriction based on the information stored in the consumables. In recent years, for the purpose of providing various services to users, etc., it is considered to manage printing of an image forming apparatus by a server, and in this case, a technique for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus by the server is required. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for controlling the operation of an image forming apparatus whose printing is managed by a server.

[0009] Technical Means for Solving the Technical Problem

[0010] To solve the above technical problems, the image forming system of the first mode includes: an image forming apparatus and a server. The image forming apparatus can communicate with the server via a network. The server can communicate with the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus has: a device main body; a consumable cartridge that can be installed in the device main body and has a consumable memory for storing category information indicating a specific operation mode. The operation modes include a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the server does not manage the printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. In the second mode, the server manages the printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. The main body control unit executes processing corresponding to any one of the first mode and the second mode. And a printing mechanism that executes a printing process based on the control of the main body control unit. The server executes the following processing: an operation mode change request acquisition process for acquiring an operation mode change request that changes the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode; and an operation mode setting command sending process for sending an operation mode setting command that sets the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode change request acquired by the operation mode change request acquisition process. The main body control unit executes an operation mode setting process in which the operation mode is set according to the operation mode setting command sent by the operation mode setting command sending process.

[0011] In the second mode, in the image forming system of the first mode, the main body control unit executes a consumable information sending process. In the consumable information sending process, when the operation mode is set to the second mode by the operation mode setting process, the category information is read from the consumable memory and sent to the server.

[0012] In the third mode, in the image forming system of the second mode, the main body control unit executes a replacement determination process. In the replacement determination process, it is determined whether the consumable cartridge has been replaced. When it is determined by the replacement determination process that the consumable cartridge has been replaced, the main body control unit executes the consumable information sending process.

[0013] The fourth method is that in the image forming system of the third method, the server performs the following processes: a first category determination process for determining the category indicated by the category information transmitted from the main body control unit through the consumable information transmission process; and a management start process for starting the management of printing using the consumable cartridge in the image forming apparatus when it is determined by the first category determination process that the category information indicates the second mode.

[0014] The fifth method is that in the image forming system of the fourth method, the management start process includes a process of starting the counting of the number of printed sheets printed by the image forming apparatus.

[0015] The sixth method is that in the image forming system of the fourth or fifth method, the server performs the following processes: a management stop process for stopping the management of the image forming apparatus when it is determined by the first category determination process executed after the management start process that the category information indicates the first mode; and a management restart process for restarting the management of the image forming apparatus when it is determined by the first category determination process executed after the management stop process that the category information indicates the second mode.

[0016] The seventh method is that in any one of the image forming systems from the second to the sixth method, the main body control unit performs a printed sheet number transmission process in which, when the operation mode is set to the second mode by the operation mode setting process, the number of printed sheets printed using the consumable cartridge is transmitted to the server, and the server performs a printed sheet number counting process in which the number of printed sheets transmitted by the printed sheet number transmission process is counted.

[0017] The eighth method is that in the image forming system of the seventh method, the server performs the following processes: an upper limit number setting process for setting, for the image forming apparatus corresponding to the operation mode change request, an upper limit number which is the upper limit of the number of printed sheets; and a charging process for charging the image forming apparatus when the number of printed sheets obtained by the printed sheet number counting process exceeds the upper limit number set by the upper limit number setting process.

[0018] The ninth method is that in the image forming system of the seventh or eighth method, the server performs a second category determination process in which the category indicated by the category information transmitted from the main body control unit through the consumable information transmission process is determined, and when it is determined by the second category determination process that the category information indicates the first mode, the server stops the printed sheet number counting process.

[0019] The tenth mode is that in any one of the image forming systems from the first mode to the ninth mode, the main body control unit performs the following processes: a communication determination process for determining whether communication with the server is possible when the operation mode is set to the second mode through the operation mode setting process; a printed sheet number determination process for determining whether the cumulative number of printed sheets of the consumable cartridge indicating the second mode using the category information exceeds a preset allowable number when it is determined through the communication determination process that communication with the server is not possible; and a first error process for setting an error state when it is determined through the printed sheet number determination process that the cumulative number of printed sheets exceeds the allowable number.

[0020] The eleventh mode is that in the image forming system of the tenth mode, the server performs the following processes: an upper limit sheet number setting process for setting an upper limit sheet number of printed sheets in the image forming apparatus based on the operation mode change request; and an allowable number sending process for determining the allowable number based on the upper limit sheet number set through the upper limit sheet number setting process and sending the allowable number to the main body control unit.

[0021] The twelfth mode is that in any one of the image forming systems from the fourth mode to the eleventh mode, the server performs the following processes: a registration process for registering the validity of the contract for the image forming apparatus managed through the management start process; a first validity determination process for determining the validity of the contract registered through the registration process for the image forming apparatus managed through the management start process; a restriction command sending process for sending a restriction command for restricting printing processing to the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus when it is determined through the first validity determination process that the contract is invalid; a second validity determination process for determining the validity of the contract for the image forming apparatus to which the restriction command has been sent through the restriction command sending process; and a release command sending process for sending a release command for releasing the restriction on printing processing to the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus when it is determined through the second validity determination process that the contract is valid.

[0022] The thirteenth method is that in any one of the image forming systems from the second method to the twelfth method, the main body control unit performs the following processes: a communication determination process for determining whether communication with the server is possible when the second mode is set by the operation mode setting process; a third category determination process for determining the category information stored in the consumable memory when it is determined by the communication determination process that communication with the server is not possible; and a second error process for setting an error state when it is determined by the third category determination process that the category information indicates the second mode.

[0023] The fourteenth method is that in any one of the image forming systems from the fourth method to the ninth method, the main body control unit performs a life information transmission process in which, when the second mode is set by the operation mode setting process, life information indicating the life of the consumable cartridge is transmitted to the server at a specified time.

[0024] The fifteenth method is that in the image forming system of the fourteenth method, the server performs the following processes: a life determination process for determining whether the life information transmitted from the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus managed by the management start process to the server through the life information transmission process exceeds a threshold value; and a delivery preparation process for preparing the delivery of a new consumable cartridge whose category information indicates the second mode when it is determined by the life determination process that the life information exceeds the threshold value.

[0025] The sixteenth method is that in the image forming system of the fifteenth method, when it is determined by the first category determination process that the category information indicates the first mode, the server stops the delivery preparation process.

[0026] The seventeenth mode is in the image forming system of the fifteenth mode or the sixteenth mode. The consumable information sending process includes a process of sending consumable identification information for identifying the consumable cartridge to the server. The delivery preparation process includes the following processes: a consumable identification information recording process, in which when the server determines through the life determination process that the life information exceeds a threshold, the server records the consumable identification information sent through the consumable information sending process; and a consumable identification information determination process, in which when the server determines through the life determination process that the life information exceeds a threshold, the server determines whether the consumable identification information sent from the main body control unit is consistent with the consumable identification information recorded through the consumable identification information recording process. When it is determined through the consumable identification information determination process that the consumable identification information is inconsistent, the server prepares for the delivery of the consumable cartridge.

[0027] The eighteenth mode is in any one of the image forming systems from the fifteenth mode to the seventeenth mode. The consumable cartridge has a housing that houses the printing material. The life information includes remaining amount information that indicates the remaining amount of the printing material housed in the housing. The life determination process includes a process in which the server determines whether the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is lower than a specified threshold. The delivery preparation process includes the following process: when the server determines through the life determination process that the remaining amount is lower than the specified threshold, the server prepares for the delivery of a new consumable cartridge whose category information indicates the second mode.

[0028] The server of the nineteenth mode can communicate with an image forming apparatus via a network. The image forming apparatus includes: a device main body; a consumable cartridge that can be installed in the device main body and has a consumable memory storing category information indicating a specific operation mode; and a main body control unit. The operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the server does not manage printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. In the second mode, the server manages printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. The main body control unit executes processing corresponding to either the first mode or the second mode. The server executes the following processing: an operation mode change request acquisition process for acquiring an operation mode change request that changes the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode; and an operation mode setting command transmission process for transmitting an operation mode setting command that sets the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode change request acquired by the operation mode change request acquisition process.

[0029] The image forming apparatus of the twentieth mode can communicate with a server via a network and includes: a device main body; a consumable cartridge that can be installed in the device main body and has a consumable memory storing category information indicating a specific operation mode; a main body control unit. The operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the server does not manage printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. In the second mode, the server manages printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. The main body control unit executes processing corresponding to either the first mode or the second mode; and a printing mechanism that executes a printing process based on the control of the main body control unit. The main body control unit executes an operation mode setting process in which the operation mode is set according to an operation mode setting command that sets the operation mode to the first mode or the second mode and is transmitted from the server.

[0030] The management method of the twenty-first mode is a management method in which a server capable of communicating data with an image forming apparatus manages the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: a device main body; a consumable cartridge that can be installed in the device main body and has a consumable memory for storing category information indicating a specific operation mode; and a main body control unit. The operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the server does not manage printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. In the second mode, the server manages printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. The main body control unit executes processing corresponding to either the first mode or the second mode. The management method includes the following steps: an operation mode change request acquisition step in which the server acquires an operation mode change request that changes the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode; an operation mode setting command step in which the server sends an operation mode setting command that sets the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode change request; and an operation mode setting step in which the main body control unit sets the operation mode according to the operation mode setting command.

[0031] Effect of the Invention

[0032] In the image forming system according to the first mode, the server sends an operation mode setting command that sets the operation mode to the first mode or the second mode to the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the operation mode change request. Further, the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus sets the operation mode to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode setting command from the server. Accordingly, the server can control the operation mode of the image forming apparatus.

[0033] In the image forming system according to the second mode, it is possible to send the category information of the consumable cartridge used in the image forming apparatus to the server.

[0034] In the image forming system according to the third mode, when the consumable cartridge is replaced in the image forming apparatus, the main body control unit can acquire the category information of the replaced consumable cartridge.

[0035] In the image forming system according to the fourth mode, it is possible to start managing printing using the consumable cartridge starting from when the consumable cartridge of the second mode is used by the image forming apparatus.

[0036] In the image forming system according to the fifth mode, in the image forming apparatus set to the second mode, it is possible to start managing the number of printed sheets starting from when the use of the consumable cartridge corresponding to the second mode is started.

[0037] According to the image forming system of the sixth aspect, the server manages printing using the consumable cartridge corresponding to the first mode and printing using the consumable cartridge corresponding to the second mode in the image forming apparatus by distinction.

[0038] According to the image forming system of the seventh aspect, the server can count the number of printed sheets that have been printed by the image forming apparatus in the second mode.

[0039] According to the image forming system of the eighth aspect, when the cumulative number of prints in the second mode exceeds the upper limit of the number of prints registered in advance, the user can be charged.

[0040] According to the image forming system of the ninth aspect, the number of printed sheets when the consumable cartridge of the first mode is used can be excluded from the count.

[0041] According to the image forming system of the tenth aspect, when the number of prints using the consumable cartridge of the second mode cannot be accumulated in the server due to communication failure, the image forming apparatus can suppress printing exceeding the permissible number of prints using the consumable cartridge of the second mode.

[0042] According to the image forming system of the eleventh aspect, the server determines the permissible number of sheets based on the upper limit number of sheets registered in advance and transmits the permissible number of sheets to the image forming apparatus, so that the permissible number of sheets can be appropriately set.

[0043] According to the image forming system of the twelfth aspect, the server can restrict the printing process in each imaging device or release the restriction on the printing process according to the validity of the registration.

[0044] According to the image forming system of the thirteenth aspect, the server can restrict the printing process in each image forming apparatus or remove the restriction on the printing process, depending on whether the server and the image forming apparatus can communicate with each other.

[0045] According to the image forming system of the fourteenth aspect, the server can periodically receive the type information of the used printing material box. Thus, the server can appropriately manage the consumables box used in the image forming apparatus.

[0046] According to the image forming system of the fifteenth aspect, a new consumable cartridge of the second mode can be delivered to the user based on the life information of the printing material.

[0047] According to the image forming system of the sixteenth aspect, when the consumable cartridge is replaced with the consumable cartridge of the first mode, it is possible to suppress the sending of a new consumable cartridge of the second mode to the user.

[0048] According to the image forming system of the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to suppress the delivery of a new consumable supply cartridge from being executed multiple times for the same consumable supply cartridge.

[0049] The image forming system according to the eighteenth aspect is capable of delivering a new consumable cartridge in the second mode to the user based on the remaining amount of the printing material.

[0050] According to the nineteenth aspect, the server sends an operation mode setting command for setting the operation mode to the first mode or the second mode to the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus according to an operation mode change request. Thus, the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus can set the operation mode to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode setting command from the server. Therefore, the server can control the operation mode of the image forming apparatus.

[0051] In the image forming apparatus according to the twentieth aspect, the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus sets the operation mode to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode setting command from the server. Therefore, the server can control the operation mode of the image forming apparatus.

[0052] According to the twenty - first aspect of the management method, the server sends an operation mode setting command for setting the operation mode to the first mode or the second mode to the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus according to an operation mode change request. And, the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus sets the operation mode to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode setting command from the server. Thus, the server can control the operation mode of the image forming apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 is an overall view of the image forming system according to the embodiment.

[0054] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the flow of the operation mode change process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment.

[0055] Figure 3 is a diagram showing registration information.

[0056] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of the management state change process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment.

[0057] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the printing process executed by the contract image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0058] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the flow of the periodic transmission and reception process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment.

[0059] Figure 7 is the flow of the charging process executed by the server according to the embodiment.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the process of the allowable number of sheets setting process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment.

[0061] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the process of the printing control process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0062] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In the drawings, for ease of understanding, the dimensions and quantities of each part may be schematically illustrated as needed.

[0063] <1. Embodiment>

[0064] Figure 1 This is an overall diagram showing the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment. The image forming system 100 includes: an image forming apparatus 1, a server 4, and a registration terminal 5. The image forming apparatus 1 and the server 4 are connected via the Internet so as to be able to communicate. The server 4 and the registration terminal 5 are connected via the Internet so as to be able to communicate. In Figure 1 the figure, a state where one image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the Internet is shown, but there may also be a case where a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 are connected to the Internet.

[0065] The user of the image forming apparatus 1 signs an order contract with the supplier of the consumable cartridge (specifically, the toner cartridge 3) used in the image forming apparatus 1. Then, the supplier manages the printing in the image forming apparatus 1 that has signed the contract via the server 4. Hereinafter, the structure of each element of the image forming system 100 will be described.

[0066] <1.1. Structure of the Image Forming Apparatus>

[0067] The image forming apparatus 1 can execute a printing process. The image forming apparatus 1 is a device connected to, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network: local area network) not shown, and is a peripheral device of a computer connected to the LAN. As Figure 1 shown, the image forming apparatus 1 has: a device main body 2 that executes a printing process, and a toner cartridge 3 that is mounted on the device main body and supplies toner as a printing material.

[0068] <Structure of the Device Main Body>

[0069] As Figure 1As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 includes: an operation unit 21, a display 23, a printing mechanism 25, a network I / F 27, and a main body control unit 29. The operation unit 21 is a button that accepts operations performed by the user. The display 23 displays various information. The display 23 may be a so-called touch panel. In this case, the touch panel may also function as the operation unit 21.

[0070] The printing mechanism 25 receives the supply of toner from the toner cartridge 3 and performs printing processing by an electrophotographic method (laser method or LED method). The printing mechanism 25 includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, an exposure unit, a transfer unit, and a heat fixing unit. The charging unit charges the photosensitive drum. The exposure unit irradiates the charged photosensitive drum with laser light or LED light corresponding to an image to be printed. The transfer unit transfers the toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum to a printing substrate such as printing paper. The heat fixing unit fixes the toner transferred to the printing substrate by heating. The toner cartridge 3 is a toner cartridge having a housing 33 capable of accommodating toner. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the Internet via the network I / F 27.

[0071] The toner cartridge 3 is an example of a consumable cartridge that is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body 2. The consumable cartridge may be any component that is detachably mounted on the apparatus main body 2. For example, the consumable cartridge may be a drum cartridge equipped with a photosensitive drum. The drum cartridge may also have a frame on which the toner cartridge 3 can be detachably mounted. In addition, the toner cartridge 3 may be integrally provided with a photosensitive drum. In addition, the printing mechanism 25 may perform printing processing by an inkjet method. In this case, the consumable cartridge may be an ink cartridge having a housing capable of accommodating ink. In addition, the consumable cartridge may be a tape cassette that supplies a tape as a printing substrate, or a fixing liquid cartridge for fixing ink to the printing substrate.

[0072] The main body control unit 29 includes a CPU 291 and a main body memory 293. The main body memory 293 stores a program P1. The CPU 291 executes various processes according to the program P1 stored in the main body memory 293. The main body control unit 29 may also include a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC (application-specific semiconductor integrated circuit).

[0073] The main body control unit 29 executes processing corresponding to any one of the operation modes of the normal mode (first mode) and the contract mode (second mode). The normal mode is a mode in which the server 4 does not manage the printing using the toner cartridge 3 in the image forming apparatus 1 based on the toner management information 310. The contract mode is a mode in which the server 4 manages the printing using the toner cartridge 3 in the image forming apparatus 1 based on the toner management information 310. The program P1 defines the processing contents corresponding to the normal mode and the contract mode, respectively.

[0074] The main memory 293 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM. The main memory 293 stores the printed page count information 295. The printed page count information 295 is information indicating the number of pages (printed sheets) printed using the toner cartridge 3. The printed page count information 295 can be generated for each toner cartridge 3 installed in the image forming apparatus 1. The main control unit 29 performs a process of sending the printed page count information 295 to the server 4.

[0075] The main memory 293 stores the device ID. The device ID is identification information for identifying the apparatus main body 2, specifically, a serial number.

[0076] <Structure of Toner Cartridge>

[0077] The toner cartridge 3 includes a toner memory 31 and a housing 33. The toner memory 31 is, for example, a flash ROM or an EEPROM. The toner memory 31 stores toner management information 310 (consumable management information). The toner management information 310 includes: a toner ID 311, category information 313, and remaining amount information 315. The toner ID 311 is information for identifying each toner cartridge 3, specifically, a serial number. The category information 313 is information indicating a specific operation mode, specifically, either a normal mode or a subscription mode. The remaining amount information 315 is information indicating the remaining amount of toner accommodated in the housing 33. The remaining amount information 315 is information that increases or decreases each time the toner is used. The remaining amount information 315 is an example of life information indicating the life of the toner cartridge 3.

[0078] <Structure of Server>

[0079] The server 4 is a management server for managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1. The server 4 includes: a network I / F 41, a control unit 43, and a storage unit 45. The server 4 is connected to the Internet via the network I / F 41. The control unit 43 includes a CPU 431 and a memory 433. The memory 433 stores a program P2. The CPU 431 executes various processes according to the program P2. The processes executed by the server 4 will be described later.

[0080] The storage unit 45 is, for example, a storage drive that permanently stores data, specifically, a hard disk drive or the like. The storage unit 45 stores registration information 451. The registration information 451 is a database that aggregates information related to each image forming apparatus 1. The registration information 451 will be described in detail later.

[0081] <Structure of Registration Terminal>

[0082] The registration terminal 5 includes a network I / F 51 and a control unit 53. The registration terminal 5 is connected to the Internet via the network I / F 51. The control unit 53 includes a CPU 531 and a memory 533. The memory 533 stores a program P3. The CPU 531 executes various processes according to the program P3. For example, the CPU 531 executes a process of requesting the server 4 to change the operation mode of the main body control unit 29 included in the specific image forming apparatus 1 (operation mode change request transmission processes S11 and S21 described later).

[0083] The registration terminal 5 is preferably a communication device (such as a smart phone, a personal computer connected to a network, etc.) that can be operated by a user of the image forming apparatus 1, for example. In this case, a supplier of the toner cartridge 3 or the like can also provide the program P3 to the user as an application. In addition, the registration terminal 5 is not limited to a device operated by a user. For example, it may be a supplier of the toner cartridge 3 or a manager of the server 4 who operates the registration terminal 5 according to a request from a user of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0084] <Operation example of image forming system>

[0085] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the flow of the operation mode change process executed in the image forming system 100 of the embodiment. The operation mode change process is a process of changing the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1. As Figure 2 shown, the operation mode change process includes a contract process S1 and a contract cancellation process S2. The contract process S1 is a process of changing the operation mode of the target image forming apparatus 1 from the normal mode to the contract mode. The contract cancellation process S2 is a process of changing the operation mode of the target image forming apparatus 1 from the contract mode to the normal mode.

[0086] <Contract process S1>

[0087] In the contract process S1, first, the registration terminal 5 executes the operation mode change request transmission process S11. The operation mode change request transmission process S11 is a process in which the registration terminal 5 transmits an operation mode change request R1 to the server 4. The operation mode change request R1 is information indicating a request to change the operation mode of the specific image forming apparatus 1 from the normal mode to the contract mode. The operation mode change request R1 can include identification information (for example, device serial number) of the image forming apparatus 1 changed to the contract mode, the address of the user, payment information, and the like.

[0088] After the action mode change request sending process S11, the server 4 executes an action mode change request acquisition process S12. The action mode change request acquisition process S12 is a process of acquiring the action mode change request R1 sent from the registration terminal 5 through the action mode change request sending process S11. The action mode change request acquisition process S12 includes a process in which the server 4 temporarily stores the identification information of the image forming apparatus 1, the user's address, and the payment information included in the action mode change request R1 in the storage unit 45.

[0089] After the action mode change request acquisition process S12, the server 4 executes an action mode setting command sending process S13. The action mode setting command sending process S13 is a process of sending a subscription mode setting command C1 to the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the action mode change request R1. The subscription mode setting command C1 is a command for setting the action mode to the subscription mode for the main body control unit 29 of the target image forming apparatus 1.

[0090] After the action mode setting command sending process S13, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the subscription mode setting command C1, it executes a subscription mode setting process S14. The subscription mode setting process S14 is a process in which the main body control unit 29 of the image forming apparatus 1 sets the action mode to the subscription mode according to the subscription mode setting command C1. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 in which the main body control unit 29 may operate in the subscription mode is called the subscribed image forming apparatus 1.

[0091] When the subscription mode setting process S14 is completed, the main body control unit 29 executes a notification process S15. The notification process S15 is a process of notifying the server 4 that the action mode has been set to the subscription mode.

[0092] When the server 4 receives the notification based on the notification process S15, the server 4 executes a registration process S16. The registration process S16 is a process of storing the information included in the action mode change request R1 acquired through the action mode change request sending process S11 as registration information 451 in the storage unit.

[0093] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the registration information 451. As Figure 3As shown, in the registration information 451, for each "user ID" used to identify a user, "device ID", "payment information", "address information", "management status", "validity", "number of printed sheets at the beginning of the month", "current number of printed sheets", "upper limit number of sheets", etc. are registered. The device ID is the identification information of the image forming apparatus 1 that the user wishes to contract. The payment information is information indicating the payment method of the fee charged by the supplier to the user. The "address information" is information indicating the destination for sending the new toner cartridge 3. The "management status" is information indicating the management status of the server 4 for managing the contracted image forming apparatus 1. The "validity" is information indicating the validity of the contract of the contracted image forming apparatus 1. The "number of printed sheets at the beginning of the month" and the "current number of printed sheets" are information indicating the counted number of printed sheets. The "upper limit number of sheets" is information indicating the upper limit of the number of printed sheets allowed within a certain period specified by the contract. For example, in the contract processing S1, the server 4 executes the process of setting the "upper limit number of sheets" (upper limit number of sheets setting process) based on the information included in the operation mode change request R1.

[0094] <Contract cancellation process S2>

[0095] In the contract cancellation process S2, first, the registration terminal 5 executes the operation mode change request sending process S21. The operation mode change request sending process S21 is a process in which the registration terminal 5 sends an operation mode change request R2 to the server 4. The operation mode change request R2 is information indicating a request to change the operation mode of a specific image forming apparatus 1 from the contract mode to the normal mode. The operation mode change request R2 includes the identification information of the image forming apparatus 1 to be changed to the normal mode, etc.

[0096] After the operation mode change request sending process S21, the server 4 executes the operation mode change request acquisition process S22. The operation mode change request acquisition process S22 is a process of acquiring the operation mode change request R2 sent from the registration terminal 5.

[0097] After the operation mode change request acquisition process S22, the server 4 executes the operation mode setting command sending process S23. The operation mode setting command sending process S23 sends a normal mode setting command C2 to the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the operation mode change request R2. The normal mode setting command C2 is command information for setting the operation mode of the main body control unit 29 in the target image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode.

[0098] After the operation mode setting command transmission process S23, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a normal mode setting command C2, the image forming apparatus 1 executes a normal mode setting process S24. The normal mode setting process S24 is a process of setting the operation mode of the main body control unit 29 provided in the apparatus main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode according to the normal mode setting command C2. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 in which the main body control unit 29 operates in the normal mode may be referred to as a normal image forming apparatus 1.

[0099] When the normal mode setting process S24 is completed, the main body control unit 29 executes a notification process S25. The notification process S25 is a process of notifying the server 4 that the operation mode has been set to the normal mode.

[0100] When the server 4 receives the notification based on the notification process S25, the server 4 executes a registration information change process S26. The registration information change process S26 includes, for example, a process of deleting the information of the image forming apparatus 1 registered in the registration information 451 in the registration process S16.

[0101] <Management status change process>

[0102] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the flow of the management status change process executed in the image forming system 100 of the embodiment. In the image forming system 100, the server 4 manages printing using the subscribed toner cartridge 3 in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1. Here, "managing" specifically means including counting the number of printed sheets printed in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1. Figure 4 The management status change process shown is a process of changing the management status of the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 that is the object of change by the server 4.

[0103] <Processing of subscribed image forming apparatus>

[0104] The main body control unit 29 of the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 executes a replacement determination process S30. The replacement determination process S30 is a process of determining whether the toner cartridge 3 has been replaced. When it is determined by the replacement determination process S30 that replacement has been performed, the main body control unit 29 executes a transmission process S31 at the time of replacement. Specifically, when the power is switched from on to off, or when the locking of the cover opened and closed for replacing the toner cartridge 3 of the apparatus main body 2 is detected by a sensor or the like, the main body control unit 29 determines that the toner cartridge 3 has been replaced.

[0105] In addition, the replacement determination process S30 may also include a process of determining replacement of the toner cartridge 3 based on the toner ID 311. In this case, the control unit 29 stores the toner ID of the toner cartridge 3 installed in the apparatus main body 2 in the main body memory 293. And, when the power is switched from on to off, or when the locking of the cover is detected, the control unit 29 reads the toner ID 311 of the toner cartridge 3 installed in the apparatus main body 2 from the toner memory 31. The control unit 29 determines whether the read toner ID 311 matches the toner ID 311 previously stored in the main body memory 293. And, the control unit 29 determines that the toner cartridge 3 has been replaced when the toner ID 311 does not match, and determines that the toner cartridge 3 has not been replaced when the toner ID 311 matches. Through this replacement determination process S30, in the contract image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to detect that the toner cartridge 3 has been replaced.

[0106] The replacement-time transmission process S31 includes a process of transmitting the toner management information 310 stored in the toner memory 31 of the toner cartridge 3 installed in the apparatus main body 2 to the server 4. The replacement-time transmission process is an example of the consumable information transmission process. In addition, the replacement-time transmission process S31 includes a process of transmitting user information to the server 4. When the replacement-time transmission process S31 is completed, the main body control unit 29 returns to the replacement determination process S30 again.

[0107] <Processing of Server>

[0108] The server 4 executes a reception determination process S32 for determining whether the toner management information 310 has been received. When it is determined by the reception determination process S32 that the toner management information 310 has been received, the server 4 executes a category determination process S33.

[0109] The category determination process S33 is a process of determining whether the category information 313 included in the toner management information 310 is the contract mode. When it is determined by the category determination process S33 that the category information 313 is the contract mode, the server 4 executes a management status determination process S34. When it is determined by the category determination process S33 that the category information 313 is not the contract mode, that is, when it is determined that it is the normal mode, the server 4 executes a management status determination process S36.

[0110] The management status determination process S34 is a process for determining the management status of the target contract image forming apparatus 1. In the image forming system 100, the management status includes "before management", "during management", and "management stopped". "Before management" is the state before the server 4 starts managing printing in the target contract image forming apparatus 1. "During management" is the state where the server 4 is managing printing in the target contract image forming apparatus 1. "Management stopped" is the state where the server 4 temporarily stops managing printing in the target contract image forming apparatus 1.

[0111] "Before management" indicates the state before starting to use the contract toner cartridge 3 in the contract image forming apparatus 1. That is, in the contract image forming apparatus 1 in the "before management" state, the normal toner cartridge 3 is used instead of the contract toner cartridge 3. As will be described later, in the server 4, the number of printed sheets printed by the contract image forming apparatus 1 in the "before management" state is not counted. Thus, even for the contract image forming apparatus 1, the number of printed sheets using the normal toner cartridge 3 is not counted.

[0112] "During management" is the state after starting to use the contract toner cartridge 3 in the contract image forming apparatus 1. The number of printed sheets using the contract toner cartridge 3 in the contract image forming apparatus 1 in the "during management" state is counted by the server 4.

[0113] In the management status determination process S34, when the management status of the contract image forming apparatus 1 is "before management" (yes in the management status determination process S34), the server 4 executes the management start process S35. When the management status of the contract image forming apparatus 1 is not "before management", the main control unit 29 does not execute the management status determination process S38.

[0114] The management start process S35 is a process for changing the management status of the target contract image forming apparatus 1 from "before management" to "during management". Thus, in the image forming system 100, in the management start process S35, starting from the start of using the contract toner cartridge 3, the management (specifically, the counting of the number of printed sheets) of the contract image forming apparatus 1 is started. When the management start process S35 is completed, the server 4 returns to the reception determination process S32.

[0115] The management status determination process S36 is a process for determining whether the management status of the target contract image forming apparatus 1 is "under management". When it is determined by the management status determination process S36 that it is "under management" (Yes in the management status determination process S36), the contract image forming apparatus 1 executes the management stop process S37. When it is determined by the management status determination process S36 that it is not "under management", the main control unit 29 returns to the reception determination process S32. The management stop process S37 is a process for changing the management status of the target contract image forming apparatus 1 from "under management" to "management stopped".

[0116] In the image forming system 100, in the contract image forming apparatus 1 in the "under management" state, when it is detected that the normal toner cartridge 3 is used, the management status of the target contract image forming apparatus 1 is changed to "management stopped" through the management status determination process S36 and the management stop process S37. Therefore, in the image forming system 100, the state is set such that the server 4 does not manage printing in the target contract image forming apparatus 1, that is, the state where the server 4 does not count the number of printed sheets.

[0117] The management status determination process S38 is a process for determining whether the management status of the target contract image forming apparatus 1 is "management stopped". When it is determined by the management status determination process S38 that it is "management stopped" (Yes in the management status determination process S38), the contract image forming apparatus 1 executes the management restart process S39. When it is determined by the management status determination process S38 that it is not "management stopped", the main control unit 29 returns to the reception determination process S32. The management restart process S39 is a process for changing the management status of the target contract image forming apparatus 1 from "management stopped" to "under management".

[0118] In the image forming system 100, in the contract image forming apparatus 1 in the "management stopped" state, when the contract toner cartridge 3 is used, the management status of the contract image forming apparatus 1 is changed to "under management" through the management status determination process S38 and the management restart process S39. Therefore, the state is set such that the server 4 manages printing in the target contract image forming apparatus 1, that is, the state where the number of printed sheets is counted.

[0119] The server 4 records the date and time set to "under management" through the management start process S35, the date and time set to "management stopped" through the management stop process S37, and the date and time set to "under management" through the management restart process S39 in the registration information 451 for the target contract image forming apparatus 1 respectively. The server 4 has a clock for recording information on the date and time.

[0120] <Printing Process>

[0121] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the process of the printing process executed by the contract image forming apparatus 1 representing the embodiment. In the printing process, the main body control unit 29 in the contract mode executes an acceptance determination process S41. The acceptance determination process S41 is a process of determining whether a printing request has been accepted via a communication path or via the operation unit 21.

[0122] When it is determined by the acceptance determination process S41 that a printing request has been accepted, the main body control unit 29 executes a printing start process S42. The printing start process S42 includes, for example, a warm-up operation required for the printing mechanism 25 to start printing. When the printing start process S42 is completed, the main body control unit 29 executes a communication determination process S43.

[0123] The communication determination process S43 is a process of determining whether communication with the server 4 is impossible. When it is determined by the communication determination process S43 that communication is impossible, the main body control unit 29 executes a category determination process S431. When it is determined by the communication determination process S43 that communication is possible, the main body control unit 29 skips the print count determination process S44 and executes a completion determination process S45.

[0124] The category determination process S431 is a process of determining the category of the toner cartridge 3 installed in the apparatus main body 2 based on the category information 313. The category information 313 is read from the toner memory 31 when the toner cartridge 3 is installed in the apparatus main body 2. When it is determined by the category determination process S431 that the toner cartridge 3 is a contract toner cartridge, the main body control unit 29 executes a print count determination process S44. When it is determined by the category determination process S431 that the toner cartridge 3 is a normal toner cartridge, the main body control unit 29 skips the print count determination process S44 and executes a completion determination process S45.

[0125] The print count determination process S44 is a process of determining whether the cumulative number of printed sheets using the contract toner cartridge 3 in the contract image forming apparatus 1 is less than the allowable number of sheets. The allowable number of sheets will be described later. When it is determined by the print count determination process S44 that the number is less than the allowable number of sheets, the main body control unit 29 executes a completion determination process S45, which determines whether the printing related to the printing request has been completed in its entirety. When it is determined by the print count determination process S44 that the number exceeds the allowable number of sheets, the main body control unit 29 executes an error process S46.

[0126] The error handling S46 is a process of setting the image forming apparatus 1 to an error state. The error handling includes, for example, a process of displaying a predetermined error screen on the display 23 or a process of prohibiting printing in the image forming apparatus 1. By the error handling S46, the printing process using the subscribed toner cartridge 3 in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 is restricted.

[0127] When it is determined by the completion determination process S45 that the printing process has been completed, the main body control unit 29 executes the printing end process S47. The printing end process S47 includes a process of returning the positions of the respective elements of the printing mechanism 25 to their original positions, a process of recovering or discarding unnecessary toner, and the like. In addition, the printing end process S47 includes a process of updating the remaining amount information 315 of the toner cartridge 3 used in the printing process. When the printing end process S47 is completed, the main body control unit 29 returns to the acceptance determination process S41.

[0128] When it is determined by the completion determination process S45 that the printing is not completed, the main body control unit 29 executes the printing process S48 for printing one page. Then, when the printing process S48 for printing one page is completed, the main body control unit 29 executes the increment counting process S49. The increment counting process S49 is a process of incrementing the count value represented by the printed page number information 295 stored in the main body memory 293 by one page. When the increment counting process S49 is completed, the main body control unit 29 returns to the completion determination process S45. Therefore, depending on the number of pages required for printing, the printing process S48 and the increment counting process S49 are repeatedly executed.

[0129] In the increment counting process S49, the printed page number information 295 corresponding to the toner cartridge 3 used in the printing process S48 is incremented. In addition, whenever one page of printing is completed, the printed page number information 295 is updated. Thus, the main body memory 293 can store the number of printed pages using the toner cartridge 3 determined by the toner ID 311.

[0130] In the image forming system 100, in the communication determination process S43, when it is determined that the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 cannot communicate with the server 4, by executing the printed page number determination process S44 and the error handling S46, printing exceeding the allowable number of pages in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 is restricted. In addition, when the main body control unit 29 determines by the category determination process S431 that it is a normal toner cartridge 3, the main body control unit 29 skips the printed page number determination process S44. Therefore, in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1, when using the normal toner cartridge 3, normal printing processing can be executed.

[0131] <Periodic transmission process>

[0132] Figure 6This is a diagram showing the process of the periodic transmission and reception process executed in the image forming system 100 of the embodiment. The periodic transmission and reception process is a process of periodically transmitting and receiving information indicating the usage status of the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as "usage information") between the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 and the server 4. The usage information includes, for example, toner management information 310 and printed sheet number information 295.

[0133] <Processing of Subscribed Image Forming Apparatus>

[0134] The main control unit 29 of the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 executes a time determination process S50. The time determination process S50 is a process of determining whether it is the time to transmit usage information to the server 4. For example, in order to transmit usage information at a certain cycle, the time after a certain cycle has elapsed can be set as the transmission time. Alternatively, it can be determined that the main control unit 29 has reached the transmission time when a specified condition is satisfied. Specifically, in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1, the time of printing completion (when it is determined to be completed by the completion determination process S45) can be set as the transmission time. Alternatively, the time when the cumulative number of printed sheets in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 exceeds a specified number of printed sheets can be set as the transmission time.

[0135] When it is determined by the time determination process S50 that it is the time to transmit, the main control unit 29 executes a usage information transmission process S51. The usage information transmission process S51 is a process of transmitting the usage status including the toner management information 310 and the printed sheet number information 295 to the server 4. The usage information transmission process S51 is an example of a consumable information transmission process. In addition, it is an example of a life information transmission process for transmitting the remaining amount information 315 included in the usage information to the server 4. Moreover, the usage information transmission process S51 is an example of a printed sheet number transmission process for transmitting the number of printed sheets to the server 4.

[0136] <Processing of Server>

[0137] The server 4 executes a reception determination process S52. The reception determination process S52 is a process of determining whether the usage information transmitted by the main control unit 29 through the usage information transmission process S51 has been received. When it is determined by the reception determination process S52 that the usage information has been received, the server 4 executes a management state determination process S53.

[0138] The management status determination process S53 is a process for determining whether the management status of the target contract image forming apparatus 1 is "under management" based on the registration information 451. When it is determined by the management status determination process S53 that it is "under management", the main body control unit 29 executes the print count update process S55 (print count processing). In the print count update process S55, the server 4 may also record the date and time when the print count is performed in the registration information 451. When it is determined by the management status determination process S53 that it is not "under management" (i.e., in the case of "before management" or "management stopped"), the server 4 returns to the reception determination process S52.

[0139] The print count update process S55 includes a process of updating the "current print count" based on the print count information 295. By executing the print count update process S55, the server 4 manages the printing of the contract image forming apparatus 1 by counting the number of prints made in the contract image forming apparatus 1 that is "under management". In addition, for the contract image forming apparatus 1 in the "before management" or "management stopped" state, the print count update process S55 is not executed. That is, in the contract image forming apparatus 1, when using the normal toner cartridge 3, the print count based on the server 4 is not performed. Thus, the print count processing related to the target image forming apparatus 1 is stopped.

[0140] When the server 4 completes the print count update process S55, the server 4 executes the life determination process S56. The life determination process S56 is a process in which the server 4 determines whether the life information sent from the contract image forming apparatus 1 exceeds a preset threshold. Specifically, it is a process of determining whether the toner remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information 315 of the usage information is lower than a preset threshold. When it is determined that the toner remaining amount is lower than the threshold (in the life determination process S56, it is "yes"), the server 4 executes the toner ID determination process S57. When it is determined that the toner remaining amount is not lower than the threshold (in the life determination process S56, it is "no"), the server 4 returns to the reception determination process S52.

[0141] The toner ID determination process S57 is a process of determining whether the toner ID 311 included in the usage information is not registered in the registration information 451. When it is determined by the toner ID determination process S57 that the toner ID 311 is not registered, the server 4 executes the delivery preparation process S58. When it is determined by the toner ID determination process S57 that the toner ID 311 is registered in the registration information 451, the server 4 returns to the reception determination process S52.

[0142] The delivery preparation process S58 is a process of commissioning a deliverer to deliver a new subscribed toner cartridge 3 to a user whose remaining toner in the subscribed toner cartridge 3 is less than the threshold value. The delivery destination of the new subscribed toner cartridge 3 is set to the address of the user registered in the registration information 451. In the image forming system 100, it is possible to deliver a new subscribed toner cartridge 3 to a user whose remaining toner in the subscribed toner cartridge 3 is less than the threshold value. Therefore, the user can receive a new toner cartridge 3 before using up the toner cartridge 3.

[0143] When the delivery preparation process S58 is completed, the server 4 executes the toner ID recording process S59. The toner ID recording process S59 is a process of recording the toner ID 311 contained in the usage information into the registration information 451. The toner ID 311 of the subscribed toner cartridge 3 determined to have a remaining toner amount less than the threshold value through the toner ID recording process S59 is recorded in the registration information 451. Therefore, for the same subscribed toner cartridge 3, it is possible to effectively suppress the delivery of two or more new subscribed toner cartridges 3.

[0144] <Charge processing>

[0145] Figure 7 This is the flow of the charge processing executed by the server of the embodiment. The server 4 executes the charge timing determination S61. The charge timing determination S61 is a process of determining whether the charge timing for determining the charge amount corresponding to each user has arrived. The charge timing is, for example, a specific day of each month such as the end of the month or a date corresponding to the start period of the toner cartridge 3, and can be set arbitrarily. When it is determined in the charge timing determination S61 that the charge timing has arrived, the server 4 executes the charge amount determination process S62. The determination of the arrival of the charge timing is based on the clock provided in the server 4.

[0146] The charge amount determination process S62 is a process of determining the charge amount for each user. For example, when determining the charge amount based on the counted number of printed sheets, first, the number of printed sheets printed during the charge target period is obtained. Specifically, in the Figure 3 shown registration information 451, "current printed sheets" represents the current total number of printed sheets, and "beginning-of-month printed sheets" represents the number of printed sheets at the time of determining the previous charge. Therefore, the value obtained by subtracting the "beginning-of-month printed sheets" from the "current printed sheets" is the number of printed sheets subject to charge.

[0147] Alternatively, when the number of printed sheets calculated in the charge amount determination process S62 is less than the upper limit number of sheets, a fixed amount is set regardless of the number of printed sheets, and when it exceeds the upper limit number of sheets, a charging process of additionally charging for the amount exceeding the upper limit number of sheets is performed.

[0148] When the charging amount is determined, the server 4 executes a charging process S63. The charging process S63 is a process for charging the determined charging amount to the account of the user registered in the registration information 451. By appropriately executing the charging process S63, the charging is performed from the user's account, and the money is remitted to the designated account of the collector, etc.

[0149] When the charging process S63 is completed, the server 4 executes a print count update process S64. The print count update process S64 is a process for updating the "beginning-of-month print count" in the registration information 451 to the "current print count" for the user who has undergone the charging process S63. Thereby, until the next charging period arrives, the counting can be started from the print count for which the charging has been determined.

[0150] <Allowable Print Count Setting Process>

[0151] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the flow of the allowable print count setting process executed in the image forming system 100 of the embodiment. The allowable print count setting process is a process for setting the allowable print count in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 in the case where communication with the server 4 cannot be performed. The allowable print count setting process may be executed after the subscription process S1, but preferably, the allowable print count setting process is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 before the start of the print process using the subscribed toner cartridge 3.

[0152] <Server Processing>

[0153] In the allowable print count setting process, first, the server 4 executes an allowable print count determination process S71. The allowable print count determination process S71 is a process for determining the allowable print count based on the upper limit print count of the print count. The allowable print count may be the same size as the upper limit print count of the print count, or may be different.

[0154] When the allowable print count determination process S71 is completed, the server 4 executes a transmission process S72. The transmission process S72 is a process for transmitting the allowable print count determined by the allowable print count determination process S71 to the corresponding subscribed image forming apparatus 1.

[0155] <Subscribed Image Forming Apparatus Processing>

[0156] The main body control unit 29 of the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 executes a reception process S73. The reception process S73 is a process for receiving the allowable print count transmitted by the server 4. When the allowable print count is received, the main body control unit 29 executes an allowable print count setting process S74 for setting the allowable print count. The allowable print count setting process S74 includes a process of storing the received allowable print count in the main body memory 293.

[0157] Figure 9This is a diagram showing the flow of the printing control process executed in the image forming system 100 of the embodiment. The printing control process is a process in which the server 4 controls the printing in the contract image forming apparatus 1 of the contract mode. Specifically, the server 4 can execute control to permit or restrict printing using the contract toner cartridge 3 in the contract image forming apparatus 1.

[0158] <Server Processing>

[0159] In the printing control process, the server 4 executes a contract change detection process S81 for detecting a change in the "contract status" in the registration information 451. When a contract breach occurs due to a user's payment delay, rule violation, etc., an administrator or the like of the server 4 performs a process of changing the "contract status" in the registration information 451 from "valid" to "invalid". In addition, when the contract breach is eliminated, the administrator or the like changes the "contract status" from "invalid" to "valid". The server 4 detects whether there is such a change in the "contract status" in the contract change detection process S81. When a change is detected through the contract change detection process S81, the server 4 executes a validity determination process S82.

[0160] The validity determination process S82 is a process for determining whether the "contract status" is invalid. When it is determined through the validity determination process S82 that the "contract status" is invalid, the server 4 executes a restriction command sending process S83. The restriction command sending process S83 is a process of sending a restriction command to the contract image forming apparatus 1 whose "contract status" has changed from valid to invalid. The restriction command is one of the control commands and is a command for restricting printing using the contract toner cartridge 3 in the contract image forming apparatus 1.

[0161] When it is determined through the validity determination process S82 that the "contract status" is not invalid (i.e., valid), the server 4 executes a release command sending process S84. The release command sending process S84 is a process of sending a release command to the contract image forming apparatus 1 whose "contract status" has changed from invalid to valid. The release command is one of the control commands and is a command for releasing the restriction on printing using the contract toner cartridge 3 in the contract image forming apparatus 1.

[0162] <Contract Image Forming Apparatus Processing>

[0163] The main body control unit 29 executes a command reception process S85 for receiving the control command sent by the server 4. The control command received by the main body control unit 29 is either the restriction command sent through the restriction command sending process S83 or the release command sent through the release command sending process S84.

[0164] When the reception of the control command is completed, the main body control unit 29 executes the printing control process S86 corresponding to the received control command. Specifically, when a restriction command is received through the command reception process S85, the main body control unit 29 executes a printing control process that restricts printing using the subscribed toner cartridge 3. As a result, the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 enters an error state in which printing using the subscribed toner cartridge 3 is restricted. Alternatively, the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 may prohibit printing using the subscribed toner cartridge 3 in the error state. Additionally, the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 may display a prescribed error screen on the display 23 in the error state. Further, the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 may be able to perform printing using the normal toner cartridge 3 even in the error state.

[0165] When a release command is received through the command reception process S85, the main body control unit 29 executes the printing control process S86 that releases the restriction on printing using the subscribed toner cartridge 3. As a result, the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 enters a state in which the error state is released and printing using the subscribed toner cartridge 3 is permitted. In this way, in the image forming system 100, it is possible to control the availability of printing using the subscribed toner cartridge 3 in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 according to the validity of the subscription managed by the registration information 451.

[0166] <2. Modified Example>

[0167] The above describes the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment as described above and can be variously modified.

[0168] In the image forming system 100 of the above embodiment, the server 4 counts the number of printed sheets of printing performed by the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 using the subscribed toner cartridge 3, thereby managing the printing in the target subscribed image forming apparatus 1. However, the method by which the server 4 manages the printing of the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to this. For example, in the server 4, the toner remaining amount of the subscribed toner cartridge 3 used in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1 may be registered in the registration information 451. Then, in the printing sheet number update process S55 (refer to Figure 6 ), the toner remaining amount regarding the target subscribed image forming apparatus 1 may be updated based on the remaining amount information 315. In this way, by the server 4 managing the toner remaining amount of the subscribed toner cartridge 3 used in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to manage the printing in the subscribed image forming apparatus 1.

[0169] In the above-described embodiment, the operation modes of the main body control unit 29 are two types, namely the normal mode and the contract mode, but three or more types of operation modes may be provided. In this case, the category information 313 may also be information indicating any one of three or more types of operation modes.

[0170] In the above-described embodiment, the server 4 counts the number of printed sheets using the contract toner cartridge 3 in the object contract image forming apparatus 1. However, the contract image forming apparatus 1 may count the number of printed sheets of the contract toner cartridge 3. Alternatively, the number of printed sheets within a fixed period set in the contract process S1 may be transmitted to the server 4.

[0171] The life information of the toner cartridge 3 is not limited to the remaining amount information 315, and may also be the page count (number of printed sheets) counted according to the use of the toner cartridge 3, or the dot count indicating the usage amount of the toner counted in the printing process or the like using the toner cartridge 3. Additionally, in the use information transmission process S51 ( Figure 6 ), the contract image forming apparatus 1 may transmit the "page count" or "dot count" as the use information to the server 4. Further, the server 4 may determine in the life determination process S56 whether the "page count" or "dot count" exceeds a prescribed threshold value.

[0172] The present invention has been described in detail. The above description is illustrative in all parts and does not limit the present invention. It can be understood that countless variations not illustrated are included in the scope of the present invention. The respective structures described in the above embodiments and respective variations can be appropriately combined or omitted as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0173] Reference Signs

[0174] 1 Image Forming Apparatus

[0175] 100 Image Forming System

[0176] 2 Apparatus Main Body

[0177] 25 Printing Mechanism

[0178] 29 Main Body Control Unit

[0179] 295 Printed Sheet Number Information

[0180] 3 Toner Cartridge

[0181] 31 Toner Storage

[0182] 310 Toner Management Information

[0183] 313 Category Information

[0184] 315 Remaining Amount Information

[0185] 33 Housing

[0186] 4 Server

[0187] 43 Control Unit

[0188] 433 Memory

[0189] 45 Storage Unit

[0190] 451 Registration Information

[0191] 5 Registration Terminal

[0192] 53 Control Unit

[0193] 533 Memory

[0194] C1 Subscription Mode Setting Command

[0195] C2 Normal Mode Setting Command

[0196] 311 Toner ID (Consumable Identification Information)

[0197] R1, R2 Action Mode Change Request

[0198] S1 Subscription Processing

[0199] S2 Subscription Cancellation Processing

[0200] S11, S21 Action Mode Change Request Sending Processing

[0201] S12, S22 Action Mode Change Request Obtaining Processing

[0202] S13, S32 Action Mode Setting Command Sending Processing

[0203] S14 Subscription Mode Setting Processing

[0204] S16 Registration Processing

[0205] S24 Normal Mode Setting Processing

[0206] S26 Registration Information Change Processing

[0207] S30 Replacement Judgment Processing

[0208] S31 Sending Processing (Consumable Information Sending Processing)

[0209] S33 Category Judgment Processing (First Category Judgment Processing, Second Category Judgment Processing)

[0210] S35 Management Start Processing

[0211] S37 Management Stop Processing

[0212] S39 Management Restart Processing

[0213] S43 Communication Judgment Processing

[0214] S431 Category Judgment Processing (Third Category Judgment Processing)

[0215] S44 Printed Sheet Quantity Judgment Processing

[0216] S46 Error Processing (First Error Processing)

[0217] S51 Usage Information Sending Processing

[0218] S55 Printed Sheet Quantity Update Processing (Printed Sheet Quantity Counting Processing)

[0219] S56 Life Judgment Processing

[0220] S57 Toner ID Judgment Processing (Consumable Identification Information Judgment Processing)

[0221] S58 Delivery Preparation Processing

[0222] S59 Toner ID Recording Processing (Consumable Identification Information Recording Processing)

[0223] S62 Charging Amount Determination Processing (Billing Processing)

[0224] S71 Allowable Sheet Quantity Determination Processing

[0225] S74 Allowable Sheet Quantity Setting Processing

[0226] S82 Validity Judgment Processing

[0227] S83 Restriction Command Sending Processing

[0228] S84 Release Command Sending Processing

[0229] S86 Printing Control Processing

Claims

1. An image forming system, characterized in that, Comprising: An image forming apparatus and a server, the image forming apparatus being capable of communicating with the server via a network, The image forming apparatus having: A device main body; A consumable cartridge that can be installed in the device main body and has a consumable memory for storing category information indicating a specific operation mode; A main body control unit, the operation mode including a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the server does not manage printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. In the second mode, the server manages printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. The main body control unit executes processing corresponding to either the first mode or the second mode; And A printing mechanism that executes a printing process based on the control of the main body control unit, The server executes the following processing: An operation mode change request acquisition process for acquiring an operation mode change request that changes the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode; And An operation mode setting command sending process for sending an operation mode setting command that sets the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode change request acquired by the operation mode change request acquisition process, The main body control unit executes an operation mode setting process in which the operation mode is set according to the operation mode setting command sent by the operation mode setting command sending process, The server counts the number of printed sheets printed using the consumable cartridge by the image forming apparatus or manages the consumable remaining amount of the consumable cartridge used in the image forming apparatus, and manages printing using the consumable cartridge in the second mode.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein The main body control unit executes a consumable information sending process in which, when the operation mode is set to the second mode by the operation mode setting process, the category information is read from the consumable memory and sent to the server.

3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein The main body control unit executes a replacement determination process in which it is determined whether the consumable cartridge has been replaced, When it is determined by the replacement determination process that the consumable cartridge has been replaced, the main body control unit executes the consumable information sending process.

4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein The server executes the following processing: A first category determination process for determining the category indicated by the category information sent from the main body control unit by the consumable information sending process; and Start the management process. When it is determined by the first category determination process that the category information indicates the second mode, start the management of printing using the consumable cartridge in the image forming apparatus.

5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein: The management start process includes a process of starting to count the number of printed sheets printed by the image forming apparatus.

6. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein: The server performs the following processes: A management stop process. When it is determined by the first category determination process executed after the management start process that the category information indicates the first mode, stop the management of the image forming apparatus; And A management restart process. When it is determined by the first category determination process executed after the management stop process that the category information indicates the second mode, restart the management of the image forming apparatus.

7. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: The main body control unit performs a printed sheet number sending process. In this printed sheet number sending process, when the operation mode is set to the second mode by the operation mode setting process, send the number of printed sheets printed using the consumable cartridge to the server. The server performs a printed sheet number counting process. In this printed sheet number counting process, count the number of printed sheets sent by the printed sheet number sending process.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein: The server performs the following processes: An upper limit number of sheets setting process. For the image forming apparatus corresponding to the operation mode change request, set an upper limit number of sheets, which is the upper limit of the number of printed sheets. And A billing process. When the number of printed sheets obtained by the printed sheet number counting process exceeds the upper limit number of sheets set by the upper limit number of sheets setting process, bill the image forming apparatus.

9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein: The server performs a second category determination process. In this second category determination process, determine the category indicated by the category information sent from the main body control unit through the consumable information sending process. When it is determined by the second category determination process that the category information indicates the first mode, the server stops the printed sheet number counting process.

10. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The main body control unit performs the following processes: A communication determination process. When the operation mode is set to the second mode by the operation mode setting process, determine whether communication with the server is possible. A printed sheet number determination process. When it is determined by the communication determination process that communication with the server is not possible, determine whether the number of printed sheets printed using the consumable cartridge indicating the second mode exceeds a preset allowable number of sheets. And First error handling: When it is determined by the printed sheet number determination process that the cumulative number of printed sheets exceeds the allowable number of sheets, it is set to an error state.

11. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein: The server performs the following processes: Upper limit sheet number setting process: Based on the operation mode change request, set the upper limit sheet number of the printed sheet number in the image forming apparatus; And Allowable sheet number sending process: Based on the upper limit sheet number set by the upper limit sheet number setting process, determine the allowable sheet number, and send the allowable sheet number to the main body control unit.

12. The image forming system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The server performs the following processes: Registration process: For the image forming apparatus managed by the management start process, register the validity of the contract; First validity determination process: For the image forming apparatus managed by the management start process, determine the validity of the contract registered by the registration process; Restriction command sending process: When it is determined by the first validity determination process that the contract is invalid, send a restriction command for restricting the printing process to the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus; Second validity determination process: For the image forming apparatus to which the restriction command has been sent by the restriction command sending process, determine the validity of the contract; And Release command sending process: When it is determined by the second validity determination process that the contract is valid, send a release command for releasing the restriction of the printing process to the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus.

13. The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: The main body control unit performs the following processes: Communication determination process: When it is set to the second mode by the operation mode setting process, determine whether communication with the server is possible; Third category determination process: When it is determined by the communication determination process that communication with the server is not possible, determine the category information stored in the consumable memory; And Second error handling: When it is determined by the third category determination process that the category information indicates the second mode, it is set to an error state.

14. The image forming system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The main body control unit performs a life information sending process, in which, when it is set to the second mode by the operation mode setting process, at a specified time, send life information indicating the life of the consumable cartridge to the server.

15. The image forming system according to claim 14, wherein: The server performs the following processes: Life determination process: Determine whether the life information sent from the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus managed by the management start process to the server through the life information sending process exceeds a threshold value; And Delivery preparation process: When it is determined by the above-mentioned lifespan determination process that the lifespan information exceeds the threshold, prepare the delivery of a new consumable cartridge whose category information indicates the second mode.

16. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein: When it is determined by the first category determination process that the category information indicates the first mode, the server stops the delivery preparation process.

17. The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein: The consumable information sending process includes the process of sending consumable identification information for identifying the consumable cartridge to the server. The delivery preparation process includes the following processes: Consumable identification information recording process: When the server determines by the lifespan determination process that the lifespan information exceeds the threshold, the server records the consumable identification information sent by the consumable information sending process. And Consumable identification information determination process: When the server determines by the lifespan determination process that the lifespan information exceeds the threshold, the server determines whether the consumable identification information sent from the main body control unit is consistent with the consumable identification information recorded by the consumable identification information recording process. When it is determined by the consumable identification information determination process that the consumable identification information is inconsistent, the server prepares the delivery of the consumable cartridge.

18. The image forming system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The consumable cartridge has a housing that houses printing materials. The lifespan information includes remaining amount information that indicates the remaining amount of the printing materials housed in the housing. The lifespan determination process includes the process in which the server determines whether the remaining amount indicated by the remaining amount information is lower than a specified threshold. The delivery preparation process includes the following process: When the server determines by the lifespan determination process that the remaining amount is lower than the specified threshold, the server prepares the delivery of a new consumable cartridge whose category information indicates the second mode.

19. A server capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus via a network, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes: A device main body; A consumable cartridge that can be installed on the device main body and has a consumable memory that stores category information indicating a specific operation mode. And A main body control unit, the operation modes include a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the server does not manage the printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. In the second mode, the server manages the printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. The main body control unit executes a process corresponding to any one of the first mode and the second mode. The server executes the following processes: Action mode change request acquisition process, which acquires an action mode change request for changing the action mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode; And Action mode setting command sending process, which sends an action mode setting command for setting the action mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode according to the action mode change request acquired by the action mode change request acquisition process; The server counts the number of printed sheets using the consumable cartridge by the image forming apparatus or manages the remaining amount of the consumable cartridge used in the image forming apparatus, and manages the printing using the consumable cartridge in the second mode.

20. An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server via a network, characterized in that, Comprising: A device main body; A consumable cartridge that can be installed in the device main body and has a consumable memory for storing category information indicating a specific action mode; A main body control unit, wherein the action mode includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the server does not manage the printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. In the second mode, the server manages the printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information, and the main body control unit executes processing corresponding to either the first mode or the second mode; And A printing mechanism that executes a printing process based on the control of the main body control unit; The main body control unit executes an action mode setting process, in which the action mode is set according to an action mode setting command for setting the action mode to the first mode or the second mode sent from the server; The server counts the number of printed sheets using the consumable cartridge by the image forming apparatus or manages the remaining amount of the consumable cartridge used in the image forming apparatus, and manages the printing using the consumable cartridge in the second mode.

21. A management method, which is a management method for a server capable of data communication with an image forming apparatus to manage the image forming apparatus, characterized in that The image forming apparatus comprises: A device main body; A consumable cartridge that can be installed in the device main body and has a consumable memory for storing category information indicating a specific action mode; And A main body control unit, wherein the action mode includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the server does not manage the printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information. In the second mode, the server manages the printing using the consumable cartridge according to the category information, and the main body control unit executes processing corresponding to either the first mode or the second mode. Counting the number of printed sheets by the image forming apparatus using the consumable cartridge through the server or managing the remaining amount of the consumable of the consumable cartridge used in the image forming apparatus, and managing the printing using the consumable cartridge in the second mode. The management method includes the following steps: An operation mode change request acquisition step, in which the server acquires an operation mode change request that changes the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode. An operation mode setting command step, in which the server sends an operation mode setting command that sets the operation mode of the main body control unit to the first mode or the second mode according to the operation mode change request. And An operation mode setting step, in which the main body control unit sets the operation mode according to the operation mode setting command.

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