Printing apparatus, control method thereof, storage medium, program product, and renting system

Abstract

The invention discloses a printing apparatus, a control method thereof, a storage medium, a program product, and a renting system. The present invention relates to a printing device for renting managed over a blockchain network, the printing device obtaining an irreplaceable token (NFT) via a smart contract, the irreplaceable token comprising a right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; enabling a printing function of the printing device; determining, via the smart contract, whether a number of sheets to be printed obtained from a print setting of the received print job is within a range of a number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; and if the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, performing printing in the rented printing device using the obtained NFT.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a printing device and a control method thereof, a storage medium, a computer program product and a rental system. Background Art

[0002] There are some services that rent printing devices with restrictions on the number of sheets to be printed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2022-123070 proposes a technology for controlling rental equipment using non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Specifically, the rental equipment is controlled by sending a message for device control from an information processing device to the rental equipment and decrypting the message using a public key stored in the NFT.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. In the access control of the rental equipment using the message for equipment control as in the above-mentioned prior art, the access control at the beginning and end of the rental is left to the user. That is, it is difficult to prevent the continued use beyond the limit on the rental equipment. For example, when a printing device (MFP) having a limit on the number of sheets to be printed is rented, it is difficult to stop access to the MFP even if the number of sheets printed on the MFP reaches the limit on the number of sheets. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention enables realization of a mechanism for appropriately managing the use of printing devices on a blockchain network in a printing device rental system.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a printing device for leasing that is managed on a blockchain network, the printing device comprising: one or more memory devices storing an instruction set; and one or more processors that execute the instruction set to: obtain a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, the non-fungible token including the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; enable a printing function of the printing device; determine via the smart contract whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of an accepted print job is within the range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; and if the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, use the obtained NFT to perform printing in the already leased printing device.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a printing device for rental that is managed on a blockchain network, the method comprising: obtaining a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, the non-fungible token including the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; enabling a printing function of the printing device; determining via the smart contract whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of an accepted print job is within the range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; and, if the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, performing printing in the rental printing device using the obtained NFT.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is used to cause a computer to execute each step of a method for controlling a printing device for rental managed on a blockchain network, the method comprising: obtaining a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, the non-fungible token including the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; enabling a printing function of the printing device; determining via the smart contract whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within the range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; and in the case where the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, using the obtained NFT to perform printing in the already leased printing device.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute each step of a method for controlling a printing device for rental managed on a blockchain network, the method comprising: obtaining a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, the non-fungible token including the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; enabling a printing function of the printing device; determining via the smart contract whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within the range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; and, if the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, performing printing in the rental printing device using the obtained NFT.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a rental system operable to provide a printing device for rental to be managed on a blockchain network, the rental system comprising: one or more memory devices storing an instruction set; and one or more processors executing the instruction set to: issue a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, the non-fungible token including the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; obtain the issued NFT through the smart contract; enable the printing function of the printing device; determine via the smart contract whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within the range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; and in the case where the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, use the obtained NFT to perform printing in the already leased printing device.

[0010] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system.

[0012] Figure 2 This is Example 1 of the display of the rental MFP screen.

[0013] Figure 3 This is Example 2 of the display of the rental MFP screen.

[0014] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an MFP.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart related to the printing process in the MFP.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart related to the change of the owner of the NFT in the MFP.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart related to additional purchases of NFTs in MFP.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the processing of smart contracts.

[0019] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart related to the NFT issuance process of the smart contract.

[0020] Fig.10 This is a flowchart related to the NFT purchase / owner change processing of the smart contract.

[0021] Fig.11 This is a flowchart related to the NFT print count notification processing of the smart contract.

[0022] Fig.12 It is a sequence diagram of the leasing company, information processing device, MFP, and smart contract. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but the invention requiring all of these features is not limited, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0024] <First Embodiment>

[0025] <System Configuration>

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Figure 1 An example of the configuration of a rental system according to the present embodiment is described. The rental system provides rental of a printing device managed on a blockchain network. The rental system is configured to include a rental company 100 that sells and manages equipment, a printing device (multifunction printer (MFP)) 131 as a rental device, and a blockchain 120. The rental company 100 includes an information processing device, and the information processing device implements processing and control to be performed by the rental company 100, which will be described below.

[0027] The online marketplace 110 is a website for selling non-fungible tokens (NFTs) provided by the rental company 100, wherein the NFTs are non-fungible tokens containing MFP rental information. The online marketplace 110 is provided by an information processing device such as a server device. The information processing device of the rental company 100 and the information processing device providing the online marketplace 110 can be provided in an integrated manner. The online marketplace 110 is composed of a front-end network service that executes instructions for issuing and purchasing NFTs, sets a rentable MFP model, etc., and a back-end that sends transaction blocks to the blockchain 120.

[0028] The blockchain 120 is a system composed of peer-to-peer (P2P) communication between multiple information communication devices arranged as nodes 121, and is also called a distributed ledger. In addition, the blockchain 120 uses blockchain technology in which the history of multiple transaction data in blocks (transaction blocks) is shared in a chain structure. The transaction blocks that have been recorded in the blockchain 120 are characterized in that they are immutable, have no loss, and the owner can be reliably identified. An overview of the operations performed by the system will be described below.

[0029] (Issuance of NFT)

[0030] The online market 110 includes an NFT issuance network service, and the NFT name (e.g., NFT 111), the number of printable sheets (e.g., 1000 color sheets), the model information of the MFP to be rented (e.g., MFP 131), etc. can be input. The NFT name is the name of the NFT displayed on the online market 110. The number of printable sheets represents the setting of the number of sheets that can be printed by the MFP to be rented (predetermined number of sheets), and the rental of the MFP is terminated when the MFP being rented reaches the number of printable sheets. That is, in the NFT, the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the MFP is set. The model information of MFP 131 includes the model name of MFP131, printing capability (color or monochrome), etc.

[0031] The NFT issuance network service uses the wallet of the leasing company 100 and accepts the issuance request for the NFT 111 based on the input information. The wallet is a wallet that can be used on the blockchain 120, and is used as a tool for transmitting transaction blocks to the blockchain 120, storing NFTs and virtual currencies to be used when selling and purchasing, and displaying NFTs that have been issued and owned. When accepting the issuance request for NFT 111, the NFT issuance network service sends the transaction block as issuance 801 to the smart contract 122.

[0032] Upon receiving issuance 801, the smart contract 122 generates a block for NFT 111, adds it to the blockchain 120, and returns an issuance success response to the online marketplace 110 (step S912). The wallet address of the rental company 100 is set for the owner of the NFT 111 that has just been issued. Regarding the owner information, "the wallet address of the rental company 100" is abbreviated as "the rental company 100" hereinafter. The issued NFT 111 is displayed as an NFT sold on the online marketplace 110. In addition, the rental company 100 issues NFT 112 (set to 2,000 color sheets and 4,000 monochrome sheets) and NFT 113 (4,000 color sheets and 10,000 monochrome sheets) in a manner similar to NFT 111, and sells them on the online marketplace 110. As described above, by preparing an MFP to be rented and an NFT in which the number of sheets that can be printed in the MFP (a predetermined number of sheets) has been set, the rental company 100 can provide a rental service for which various conditions have been set.

[0033] (Settings for rental mode)

[0034] The rental company 100 issues a model setting request 810 to the online marketplace 110 regarding the inventory status of the rental MFP, the addition of the rental MFP model, and the like. The model name of the rental MFP, the number of rentable units, the maximum value of the number of printable sheets, the setting unit of the number of printable sheets (1000 sheets), and the like can be specified in the model setting request 810. The online marketplace 110 sets the rentable model information of the smart contract 122 by sending a transaction block as the model setting 811 to the smart contract 122. When the inventory of the rental MFP reaches 0, the rentable model information can be deleted from the smart contract 122 using the transaction block as the model setting 811. Then, the NFT related to the rentable MFP is set not to be sold from the online marketplace 110. In addition, when a new model is added, the rental company 100 makes a setting request for adding the model to the smart contract 122 using the model setting 811, and adds the new rental MFP to the rentable models of the smart contract.

[0035] (Purchase of NFT)

[0036] When purchasing NFT 111, user 130 purchases NFT 111 from online market 110 using the wallet of information processing device 132 they own. Information processing device 132 accesses the NFT purchase network service of online market 110 and sets the sending destination of user 130 as the rental destination and the wallet address of user 130. Online market 110 stores the information input as metadata of NFT 111 in IPFS (distributed file system) to be referenced from the URI of NFT. After storing the input information, online market 110 generates a block as purchase 802 and sends the block to smart contract 122. Smart contract 122 changes the owner information of NFT 111 to user 130, and sends the owner change of NFT 111 to online market 110 as response 802 to the purchase. After receiving a response that the change of owner of the NFT 111 has been successful, the online market 110 sends an instruction (including the address of the user 130) to lend the MFP 131 to the rental company 100, and delivers the MFP 131 to the delivery destination (the address of the user 130) based on the input information. In addition, the online market 110 sets the NFT 111 not to be sold on the online market 110 (not displayed).

[0037] (Start leasing MFP)

[0038] After the NFT 111 is purchased, when the MFP 131 is delivered to the destination of the user 130, the owner is changed from the user 130 who purchased the NFT 111 to the MFP 131. In response to the instruction of the user 130, the wallet of the information processing device 132 is used to send the transaction block (owner change 803) for the owner change of the NFT 111 to the smart contract 122. After receiving the owner change 803, the smart contract 122 performs confirmation that the owner information of the NFT 111 is changed to the MFP 131, generates a block 823 after the owner change, and adds the block 823 to the blockchain 120. When the block 823 is generated, the smart contract 122 stores the date that the owner of the NFT 111 has been changed to the MFP 131 in the block 823 as the date on which the MFP 131 has started to be rented. The rental company 100 can confirm the date on which the user 130 starts to use the MFP 131 by confirming the block generated by the smart contract 122.

[0039] (Notification of the number of printed sheets)

[0040] When the rental of the MFP 131 starts by the change of the owner of the NFT 111, the MFP 131 enables the print function. In addition, when the print function is executed, the MFP 131 sends a print count notification to the smart contract 122. When the number of sheets printed using the print function reaches the number of printable sheets of the NFT 111, assuming that the number of printable sheets is 0, the MFP 131 disables the print function (stops the function).

[0041] The above is an overview of the rental system using NFT. As described above, in the present invention, NFT 111 and smart contract 122 can be used to build a system for managing the number of print sheets of the leased MFP 131, wherein the printing function of MFP 131 can be used for the number of printable sheets when purchasing NFT. In addition, by issuing NFT, the rental company 100 can manage a series of operations from the start of the lease to the monitoring of the number of print sheets of the user and the end of the lease on the blockchain network. Such a configuration can be adopted: MFP 131 is leased without purchasing NFT, NFT is purchased in MFP 131, and the lease is started using the NFT purchased in MFP. In addition, in the case where a lease contract has been signed, NFTs sold in the secondary market can be used. Similarly, in that case, the lease starts when the owner of the NFT is changed to MFP 131, and MFP 131 can be used for the number of printable sheets of the purchased NFT. As described above, in the present invention, various usage modes can be achieved by using NFT and smart contracts. The present invention can utilize the characteristics of blockchain to provide an immutable leasing system, facilitate confirmation of history (traceability), and ensure authenticity (identification of owners).

[0042] <Screen Transition of MFP>

[0043] The following will refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 to describe the transition of the display screen to be shown on the operation panel 409 of the MFP 131 according to this embodiment. First, the display screen of Figure 2 will be described.

[0044] The main screen 201 indicates the main screen to be shown on the operation panel 409 when the MFP 131 delivered from the rental company 100 is started for the first time. When the MFP 131 is started for the first time, the owner of the NFT 111 is not the MFP 131. Therefore, the main screen 201 is shown to include the message "Not the owner of NFT" (No NFT display 210). In addition, for each function button, a display indicating that the function is disabled is shown (e.g., Copy 211). When the button Copy 211 is operated in this state, the main screen 204 is switched, and the message "Copy function is disabled" (Copy function disabled 240) is shown.

[0045] When the Change NFT Owner 212 on the main screen 201 is operated, it is switched to the NFT Owner Change Screen 202. In the NFT Owner Change Screen 202, the source and destination of the NFT owner are specified in the setting area, the NFT owner is changed 220, and the owner of the NFT can be changed. Regarding this operation, the NFT owner change operation (not shown) can be performed from the wallet on the information processing device 132. The button "Purchase NFT 213" on the main screen 201 is a button for purchasing a new NFT to add the number of printable sheets when, for example, the number of printable sheets is insufficient. When "Purchase NFT 213" is operated, it is switched to the NFT Purchase Screen 207.

[0046] When changing the owner of the NFT from the user 130 to the MFP 131, specify a check box 221 for changing the NFT owner 220. When changing the owner of the NFT from the MFP 131 to the user 130, specify a check box 222 for changing the NFT owner 220. When purchasing an NFT from the online market 110 and changing the owner to the MFP 131, specify a check box 223 for changing the NFT owner 220. After specifying the corresponding check box, you can transition to the next screen by operating the button OK 224. When the button OK 224 is operated after specifying the check box 221 or 222, transition to the screen 206 for connecting to the information processing device. When the button OK 224 is operated after specifying the check box 223, transition to the NFT online market screen 205. At the same time, when the button "Cancel 225" is operated, return to the screen before the transition to change the NFT owner is made. Screens 205 and 206 will be referred to later Figure 3 Give a description.

[0047] When a connection with the information processing device 132 is established in the screen 206 and the owner of the NFT 111 is changed to the MFP 131, it is switched to the main screen 203 and includes a message 230, "Own NFT 111". The function buttons of the main screen 203 are different from the function buttons of the main screen 201, and, for example, the disabled display of the copy 211 is switched to the enabled display of the copy 231 (× not shown), and a transition to the operation screen (not shown) of each function can be made. That is, each function button is displayed as selectable. When the change NFT owner button 232 is operated while owning the NFT, it is switched to the NFT owner change screen 202. The NFT 111 can be sold from the MFP 131 on the online market 110, the NFT can be transferred to another MFP, and the ownership of the NFT can be returned to the information processing device. This is a useful function when the lease ends, the NFT is purchased additionally but not used, etc.

[0048] Next, we will describe Figure 3 The NFT online market screen 205 is a screen on which the online market 110 is displayed by the MFP 131. NFTs sold on the online market 110 are displayed, and by switching to display NFTs that do not fit on the screen by scrolling or the like, all NFTs in the online market 110 can be displayed. Regarding the NFTs to be displayed, it is possible to configure so that, among the NFTs for sale, only NFTs that can be used in the MFP 131 are displayed by obtaining the model information of the MFP 131.

[0049] The online market screen 205 displays NFTs 111 to 113 for sale on the online market 110, and an NFT can be selected by operating the corresponding buttons 251 to 253, and the NFT can be purchased on the NFT online market 110 by operating the OK button 244. In this case, it is necessary to send a transaction block for transfer payment from the information processing device 132 to the wallet of the MFP 131 in advance. When the NFT 111 is purchased, the owner of the NFT 111 is set to the MFP 131, and the NFT 111 is transferred to the MFP 131. Figure 2 The main screen 203 is shown. The button “Cancel 245” returns to the NFT owner change screen 202 before switching to the NFT online market screen 205.

[0050] Regarding screen 206, a connection is established with the information processing device 132 that purchased the NFT 111, the wallet information of the MFP 131 is obtained, and the owner of the NFT 111 is changed by sending the NFT owner change 803 from the information processing device 132 to the smart contract 122. When the owner of the NFT 111 is changed to the MFP 131, the transition to Figure 2 The main screen 203 is shown. Screen 206 displays an IP address input 261 and a QR code 262 for connecting to the information processing device 132, and after the input, a connection with the information processing device 132 is established. By photographing the QR code by the information processing device 132, a network connection process is automatically performed from the information processing device. Regarding the IP address input 261, communication is performed from the MFP 131 to the information processing device 132, information for changing the owner of the NFT is obtained, and the owner of the NFT 111 is changed.

[0051] The NFT purchase screen 207 is a screen for the user 130 to purchase or add an NFT. The check box 271 from the information processing device to the MFP is a check box for allowing the information processing device 132 to use the purchased NFT in the MFP 131. By operating the OK button 273, the owner of the NFT can be changed to the MFP 131, and the number of printable sheets can be increased according to the NFT whose owner has been changed. In addition, when the NFT is added directly to the MFP 131 from the online market 110, by selecting the check box 272 and operating the OK button 273, it is converted to the NFT online market screen 205.

[0052] As reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As described above, in the MFP 131 assigned for rental, the owner of the NFT 111 can be set to the MFP 131 from the NFT owner change screen 202. By owning the NFT 111, the MFP 131 can perform functions such as copying, scanning, address book, fax, and ID card copying. In addition, by changing the owner of the NFT in a state where the function is enabled, the main screen 201 where the function is disabled can be switched to.

[0053] <Hardware Configuration of MFP>

[0054] Next, the hardware configuration of the MFP according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4 The MFP 131 includes a controller unit 400, an operation panel 409, a print engine 413, and a scanner. The controller unit 400 includes a CPU 402, a RAM 403, a ROM 404, a storage device 405, a network I / F 406, a wireless LAN I / F 416, and an operation I / F 408. The controller unit 400 includes a display controller 407, a print controller 412, and a scan controller 414.

[0055] Regarding the controller unit 400, the CPU 402, the RAM 403, the ROM 404, and the storage device 405 are directly connected to the system bus 401. The controller unit 400 is connected to external devices through the network I / F 406, the display controller 407, the operation I / F 408, the print controller 412, and the scan controller 414. These components are connected to the system bus 401 and can communicate with each other.

[0056] The CPU 402 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the controller unit 400. The RAM 403 is a volatile memory. The ROM 404 is a non-volatile memory and stores a boot program for the CPU 402. The storage device 405 is a storage device with a larger capacity than the RAM 403 (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD)). The storage device 405 stores the MFP control program to be executed by the CPU 402. The storage device 405 can be replaced by another storage device having a function similar to that of a hard disk drive, such as a solid state drive (SSD). In addition, the storage device 405 stores the wallet of the MFP 131 for accessing the blockchain 120 and holds information about the address, token amount (virtual currency), private key, public key, and NFT information on the blockchain 120. The NFT information includes the name of the NFT owned by the MFP 131, the NFT token (contract address and token ID), the token URI, the NFT description, etc.

[0057] When the MFP 131 is powered on, the CPU 402 executes a startup program stored in the ROM 404. The startup program is used to read out the control program stored in the storage device 405 and expand it on the RAM 403. When executing the startup program, the CPU 402 then executes the control program expanded on the RAM 403 and performs control. In addition, the CPU 402 stores the data to be used when executing the control program on the RAM 403, and reads and writes it. The storage device 405 can also store various settings required for executing the control program and image data read by the scanner 415, and read and write by the CPU 402. The CPU 402 communicates with other devices on the network via the network I / F 406, and communicates with the online market 110 on the Internet via the gateway. In order to enable the MFP 131 to access the blockchain 120, a transaction block (such as purchase 802 and owner change 803) is generated for the smart contract 122, and the RPC in the control program of the MFP 131 is implemented. RPC is the abbreviation of remote procedure call.

[0058] The display controller 407 performs screen display control of the touch panel on the connected operation panel 409 in response to an instruction from the CPU 402. The operation I / F 408 performs input and output of signals related to operations performed on the operation panel 409. The operation I / F 408 is connected to the operation panel 409, and when the touch panel is operated, the CPU 402 can obtain the coordinates of the touch panel on which the operation has been performed via the operation I / F 408.

[0059] The print controller 412 sends a control command and image data to the connected print engine 413 in response to an instruction from the CPU 402. The print engine 413 prints the received image data on a sheet according to the control command received from the print controller 412. A detailed description of the print engine 413 is not the spirit of the present embodiment, and thus further description will be omitted.

[0060] The scanning controller 414 sends a control command to the connected scanner 415 in response to an instruction from the CPU 402, and writes the image data received from the scanner 415 into the RAM 403. The scanner 415 reads an original document set on a glass original table (not shown) in the printing device 131 or an original document placed on the ADF using an optical unit according to the control command received from the scanning controller 414. The original document read by the scanner 415 is stored in the RAM 403 as image data, and the image data is converted into a PDF / JPEG / TIFF file format by the CPU 402 according to the setting of the file format, and is stored in the storage device 405.

[0061] <Printing Process>

[0062] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 The processing procedure of the print processing in the MFP 131 according to the present embodiment in which the print function has been enabled according to the NFT 111 is described. With respect to the MFP 131, the print function is executed by the CPU 402 controlling the operation panel 409 and the print engine 413. For example, the processing to be described below is realized by reading out a program stored in the ROM 404 or the storage device 405 to the RAM 403 and executing it by the CPU 402.

[0063] In step S501, the CPU 402 displays a print setting screen (not shown) on the operation panel 409, and receives input related to the print setting (the number of sheets to be printed, color, monochrome, number of copies, and other numerical values) as a print job. When copying, the CPU 402 obtains the number of sheets to be printed by performing a scan in advance. When receiving print data from the outside and printing the print data, the CPU 402 obtains the number of sheets to be printed from the number of pages of the image stored in the RAM 403. Regarding the initial number of printable sheets, when the owner of the NFT 111 is changed to the MFP 131, the number of printable sheets of the NFT 111 is obtained by querying the smart contract 122. The number of printable sheets of the NFT is set by the rental company 100 when the NFT is issued, and is maintained as a state variable of the smart contract 122 for each NFT.

[0064] In step S502, the CPU 402 determines whether the number of printable sheets has been obtained from the smart contract 122. If it has been obtained, the process shifts to step S503, and if it cannot be obtained, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S503, the CPU 402 compares the number of sheets to be printed obtained in step S501 with the number of printable sheets of the NFT 111, and determines whether the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets. If the number of sheets to be printed is greater than the number of printable sheets, it is determined that printing cannot be performed, and the process shifts to step S508. Meanwhile, if the number of sheets to be printed obtained in step S501 is less than or equal to the number of printable sheets of the NFT 111, it is determined that printing can be performed, and the process shifts to step S504.

[0065] In step S504, the CPU 402 performs printing according to the printing settings of step S501. Next, in step S505, the CPU 402 uses the print count notification 804 to send the print result including the number of printed sheets to the smart contract 122. After sending the print count notification 804, the CPU 402 obtains the updated number of printable sheets by receiving the response 804 to the print count notification from the smart contract 122. In step S506, the CPU 402 determines whether the number of printable sheets has reached 0, and if not 0, ends the processing of this flowchart. At the same time, if the number of printable sheets has reached 0, the processing transfers to step S507. In step S507, after confirming that the number of printable sheets of the NFT 111 has reached 0, the CPU 402 disables the printing function, displays the main screen 201, and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0066] At the same time, in step S508, the CPU 402 displays on the operation panel 409 that the printing set in step S501 cannot be executed due to insufficient number of printable sheets. This display screen is shown to include an object for indicating the additional purchase of NFT. Next, in step S509, the CPU 402 determines whether to additionally purchase NFT to increase the number of printable sheets. In the case of making an additional purchase, the processing transfers to step S510, and when not making an additional purchase, the processing of this flowchart is terminated. In step S510, the CPU 402 displays the NFT online market screen 205 and accepts the additional purchase of NFT. When an additional purchase is made, in step S511, the CPU 402 obtains the number of printable sheets from the additionally purchased NFT, updates the number of printable sheets, and returns the processing to step S502.

[0067] By performing the above printing process, it is possible to manage the printing function of the MFP 131 while monitoring the number of sheets to be printed using the NFT 111. In addition, by allowing the additional purchase of NFT when the number of printable sheets reaches 0, even if it is impossible to predict in advance that the number of printable sheets will be close to 0, the printing function can be re-enabled by additionally purchasing NFT. In addition, by preparing the number of printable sheets of two types (color printing and monochrome printing), if the number of printable sheets only for color printing reaches 0 and the number of printable sheets for monochrome printing does not reach 0, it is possible to only disable the color printing function and allow the use of the monochrome printing function.

[0068] <Change of NFT owner>

[0069] Next, it will be referred to Figure 6The processing sequence according to the present embodiment is described for changing the owner of the NFT in the MFP 131. The processing to be described below is realized by reading out a program stored in the ROM 404 or the storage device 405 to the RAM 403 and executing it by the CPU 402, for example.

[0070] In step S601, the CPU 402 displays the NFT owner change screen 202 on the operation panel 409 and accepts the operation. If the operation of OK 224 is accepted with the check box 221 or 222 selected, the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, the CPU 402 displays the screen 206 on the operation panel 409, accepts the setting for connecting with the information processing device 132, and establishes the connection.

[0071] In step S603, the CPU 402 determines whether the information processing device 132 is connected; if connected, the process shifts to step S604, if not connected, the process shifts to step S605. In step S605, the CPU 402 displays on the screen 206 that the connection with the information processing device has failed, and returns the process to step S602.

[0072] In step S604, the CPU 402 obtains the wallet information of the information processing device 132, and determines the NFT that can be used in the MFP 131 based on the model information and the number of printable sheets. If the available NFT is owned, the process shifts to step S607, and if not, the process shifts to step S606. In step S606, the CPU 402 displays on the screen 206 that there is no available NFT in the information processing device 132, and returns the process to step S602.

[0073] In step S607, the CPU 402 displays the NFT in the information processing device 132 and receives the selection of the NFT. In step S608, the CPU 402 determines whether the selection of the NFT has been detected. If the selection of the NFT has been detected, the process transitions to step S609, and if the selection of the NFT has not been detected, the process returns to step S607.

[0074] In step S609, the CPU 402 obtains the information of the selected NFT from the information processing device 132 and performs the owner change processing. Next, in step S610, the CPU 402 enables the print function, allows the main screen 203 in which each function is executable to be displayed, and terminates the processing of this flowchart. If the function has already been enabled in step S610, the CPU 402 skips the enabling processing.

[0075] Here, the process for changing the owner of the NFT to the MFP 131 has been described. However, the above process is an example of a method for changing the owner and is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, a configuration can be adopted so that the content of the process to be executed is embedded in a QR code for automatic execution without user operation. Further, as in the present embodiment, the date and time when the user 130 transfers the owner of the NFT from the wallet of the information processing device 132 to the wallet of the MFP 131 can be set as the start of the lease of the MFP 131. Further, control can be executed so that a trial period is increased at the timing when the owner of the NFT has been changed to start the lease. Further, by changing the owner of the NFT during the trial period and returning the MFP 131 to the rental company 100, the lease can be suspended during the trial period. These processes can be simply implemented by being added to the smart contract 122.

[0076] <Additional Purchase of NFT>

[0077] Next, reference will be made to Figure 7 Describe the process during the additional purchase of the NFT in the above step S509. An example of making an additional purchase after printing becomes unavailable will be described, but it is not intended to limit the present invention, and control can be executed to make an additional purchase after the number of printable sheets becomes small. In this case, an additional NFT purchase button can be provided and purchased from the display of the NFT online market screen 205. Further, by changing the owner of the NFT already purchased in the information processing device 132, the additionally purchased NFT can be made available in the MFP 131. For example, the processes described below are implemented by reading the program stored in the ROM 404 or the storage device 405 into the RAM 403 and executing it by the CPU 402.

[0078] In step S701, the CPU 402 displays the NFT additional purchase screen 207. In step S702, the CPU 402 determines whether to add the NFT purchased in the information processing device 132. In the case of adding the NFT purchased in the information processing device 132, the process transfers to step S707, while in the case of purchasing from the online market, the process transfers to step S703. In step S707, the CPU 402 receives, via the screen 202, the change of the owner of the NFT from the information processing device 132 to the MFP 131, executes the change, and transfers to step S706.

[0079] In step S703, the CPU 402 displays the NFT online market screen 205 and allows selection of an NFT of the online market 110. Next, in step S704, when it is detected that an NFT has been selected, the CPU 402 determines the NFT to be purchased. In addition, in step S705, the CPU 402 uses the wallet of the MFP to send a block as purchase 802 to the smart contract 122, purchases the NFT, and transitions to step S706.

[0080] In step S706, the CPU 402 obtains the NFT information of the purchased NFT and adds the number of printable sheets of the NFT. The smart contract 122 subtracts the number of printed sheets from the number of printable sheets of each NFT, and thus the MFP 131 notifies the smart contract 122 of the number of sheets before reaching 0 (the remaining number of the current NFT), and, regarding the number of sheets to be printed next, switches to the additionally purchased NFT and processes the print count notification.

[0081] The above has described the additional purchase of NFT. By constructing such an MFP rental system that cooperates with NFT, when leasing an MFP with a number of printable sheets, it is possible to start the lease with a contract with a small number of sheets to be printed, and increase or decrease the number of printable sheets according to the actual usage status. In addition, in the case of signing a contract under the rental condition of three purchases per month, the smart contract 122 can be used to implement processing that meets the contract conditions.

[0082] <Smart Contract>

[0083] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 The processing content of the smart contract according to the present embodiment is described. The smart contract is one of the blocks arranged in the blockchain 120, and is written on the blockchain similarly to other blocks, thereby becoming a block shared between nodes. The difference between the smart contract and the transaction block is that it is a block that can be written and processed, and it can write an execution command in the received transaction block and store the block generated according to the execution result on the blockchain. Figure 8 The processing in the smart contract in the central blocks 811 to 814 for the transaction blocks 801 to 805 received by the smart contract and the blocks 821 to 825 output as the processing results in the right blocks are shown. The rental company 100, the user 130, and the MFP 131 represent the sources of instructing the sending of the transaction blocks to the smart contract 122.

[0084] Issue 801 is a transaction block for issuing NFT using the wallet of the rental company 100. The rental company 100 sets the number of printable sheets (1000 color sheets and 0 monochrome sheets), the model name of the MFP 131, and the NFT price as information for issuing NFT, and sends Issue 801 to the smart contract 122. Although only the settings related to the present invention are shown, in order to issue NFT, the NFT name, description, token ID, symbol, token URI, total number of issuances, number of initial issuances, tradability, etc. may be additionally specified.

[0085] Issuance 811 indicates the NFT issuance processing of the smart contract 122 when Issuance 801 is received. In the NFT issuance processing, Issuance 811 generates block 821 and adds the generated block 821 to the blockchain 120. The main processing of Issuance 811 is to confirm whether the issuer is the rental company 100 based on the block information of Issuance 801, whether the number of sheets can be set based on the setting of the number of printable sheets and the model name of the MFP, and whether there are any problems with the price setting. Block 821 indicates the block to be referred to by the generated NFT, and the rental company 100 is set as the owner information, 1000 is set as the number of printable sheets as a state variable, and the token URI (model information) and the like are set. Regarding NFT, changes in the owner, state variables, etc. are stored as blocks on the blockchain network, starting from block 821 generated at the time of issuance, so the change history of the issued NFT can be tracked.

[0086] Purchase 802 is a transaction block for purchasing the issued NFT using the wallet of the information processing device 132 of the user 130. With respect to purchase 802, the owner is changed to the user 130 who purchased the NFT, payment information, address, and purchase date are set. Purchase 812 indicates the NFT purchase process of the smart contract 122 when purchase 802 is received. In the NFT purchase process, the owner of the NFT is changed to the wallet address of the user 130, payment is made to the rental company 100, the address of the user 130 is confirmed, the purchase date is stored, and a block 822 storing the result of the NFT purchase process is generated. Block 822 is a block generated in the process of purchase 812, the owner is changed to the user 130, and the number of printable sheets is set to 1000 color sheets. When block 822 is added to the blockchain 120 after being generated, the instruction to deliver to the address of the user 130 is notified from the smart contract 122 to the rental company 100 as a response to purchase 802.

[0087] Owner change 803 is a transaction block for changing the owner of the NFT from the user 130 to the MFP 131. The MFP 131 enables the printing function according to the number of printable sheets of the NFT owned by its own wallet. Owner change 813 indicates a process for generating a block for changing the owner of the NFT using the smart contract 122. Here, the date on which the owner information of the NFT has been changed from the user 130 to the MFP 131 is set as the rental start date. Block 823 is a block in which the owner of the NFT is set to the MFP 131 and the rental start date is set.

[0088] Print count notification 804 is a transaction block for notifying the smart contract 122 of the number of sheets (100) for which the print process has been executed in the MFP 131. Here, the number of printed sheets, i.e., 100 sheets, is notified. Print count notification 814 is a process for the smart contract 122 to subtract the number of printed sheets (100) from the number of printable sheets (1000) of the NFT and generate block 824 which has been changed to the new number of printable sheets (900). Block 824 is stored on the blockchain as a block in which the number of printable sheets has been updated.

[0089] The print count notification 805 is a transaction block for notifying the smart contract 122 of the number of sheets (900) for which the print process has been executed in the MFP 131. With respect to the print count notification 814, the smart contract 122 subtracts the number of printed sheets (900) from the number of printable sheets (900) of the NFT, and generates a block 825 in which a change has been made to the new number of printable sheets (0). The block 825 is a block in which the number of printable sheets is 0, and when the block 825 is added to the blockchain, since the number of printable sheets notified as a response to the print count notification 805 is 0, the printing function of the MFP 131 becomes disabled.

[0090] based on Figure 8By processing the smart contract 122 shown, the printing function of the MFP can use the number of printable sheets specified in the lease of the MFP 131. By simply setting the lease information (the number of printable sheets, model name, and price) in the issuance 801, the rental company can confirm information such as the printing history of the leased MFP, the lease start date, and the lease end date on the blockchain. In addition, by using the smart contract 122, the printing history of the MFP 131 is stored on the blockchain network in an immutable manner (in blocks), so that illegal use such as manipulating the number of sheets to be printed and extending the lease period can be prevented. In addition, when the number of printable sheets is defined for color and monochrome in the issuance 801 of the NFT, if the number of printable sheets for both color and monochrome reaches 0, both printing functions are disabled, and the printing function whose number of printable sheets has not yet reached 0 can continue to be used.

[0091] <Smart Contract: NFT Issuance>

[0092] Next, we will refer to Fig. 9 Describe the process for issuing NFTs using smart contracts 122. For each step, a transaction block is verified by multiple nodes 121 on the blockchain (issuance 801), and the issuance process is performed.

[0093] In step S901, the smart contract 122 receives the issuance 801, and upon receiving the issuance 801, performs transaction block verification in steps S902 to 904.

[0094] In step S902, the smart contract 122 verifies whether the sending source is an address that can execute NFT issuance. If it is an address that can be issued, it switches to step S903, and if it is an address that cannot be issued, it switches to step S905. When the smart contract 122 is deployed on the blockchain 120, the information of the address that can be issued can be stored, or it can be stored as data that can be referenced from the smart contract 122.

[0095] In step S903, the smart contract 122 refers to whether the corresponding model of the model information included in the issuance 801 is rentable, and if it is a rentable model, it transitions to step S904, and if it is not a rentable model, it transitions to step S906. In step S904, the smart contract 122 determines whether the setting of the number of printable sheets included in the issuance 801 is normal based on the maximum number of printable sheets of the rentable model information. If it is determined that the setting of the number of printable sheets is normal, the process transitions to step S908, and if it is determined that the setting of the number of printable sheets is invalid, the process transitions to step S907.

[0096] In step S905, as a response to the issuance 801, the smart contract 122 sets the wallet address as the issuance source not to be the wallet address of the rental company 100, and transitions to step S911. Furthermore, in step S906, as a response to the issuance 801, the smart contract 122 sets the setting for the rental model to be invalid, and transitions to step S911. Furthermore, in step S907, as a response to the issuance 801, the smart contract 122 sets the setting for the number of printable sheets to be invalid, and transitions to step S911.

[0097] At the same time, in step S908, the smart contract 122 generates metadata of the NFT according to the model information, sets the owner of the NFT to the wallet address of the rental company 100, sets the number of printable sheets as a state variable, and generates block 821. Next, in step S909, the smart contract 122 generates block 821 for the NFT to include the received transaction block as the issuance 801, and requests to be added as a block on the blockchain 120. In step S910, the added block 821 is verified by each node 121 on the blockchain 120, and the smart contract 122 determines whether the block 821 is a valid block. If it is confirmed that it is a valid block, it is determined that the block 821 has been added to the blockchain 120, and the processing is transferred to step S912. At the same time, if it cannot be confirmed that it is a valid block, the processing is transferred to step S911.

[0098] In step S911, the smart contract 122 returns a response to the source of the NFT that the issuance 801 has not been successful, as a response to the issuance 801, and ends the processing of the flowchart. At the same time, in step S912, the smart contract 122 returns a response to the source of the NFT that the issuance 801 has been successful, and ends the processing of the flowchart.

[0099] When the NFT is issued, the smart contract 122 notifies the online market 110 of the token ID of the issued NFT and allows the NFT to be sold. The issued NFT can be accessed using the token ID and the transaction block hash of block 821 and the transaction block ID, and can also be accessed using the address and token ID of the smart contract 122 that issued the NFT. With respect to the online market 110, the NFT can be purchased from the information processing device 132 of the user 130 by displaying the issued NFT on the online market.

[0100] <Smart Contract: NFT Purchase and Owner Change>

[0101] Next, we will refer to Fig.10 A process is described for purchasing an NFT using a smart contract 122. Since similar processes are performed, the same flow chart will be used to describe owner changes and NFT purchases.

[0102] In step S1001, the smart contract 122 receives a transaction block as an NFT purchase 802 or an owner change 803. The difference is that in the case of an NFT purchase 802, the sale occurs on the same online marketplace 110 as the owner and issuer, and with respect to the owner change 803, the current NFT owner is simply changed to another owner, so this flowchart will be used to describe both processes.

[0103] In step S1002, in order to confirm the information of the sending destination, the smart contract 122 confirms whether the wallet address of the sending destination has the payment ability that allows NFT purchase or owner change. The price to be paid includes the price defined at the sending source and the network fee for the block used to generate the NFT in the smart contract 122. In NFT purchase 802, the sending destination of the rental MFP is confirmed based on the user information of the rental destination. In the case of owner change 803, the user information to be changed and the wallet address of the MFP 131 to be rented are confirmed. If it is the MFP 131 wallet address, the owner change is OK. Otherwise, it means that the owner will be changed to an invalid MFP or user, so the owner change is NG.

[0104] In step S1003, if it is determined that the destination wallet has the ability to make payment, the smart contract 122 determines that the owner change is OK (yes) and transitions to step S1004, and if it is determined that the owner change is NG (no), the smart contract 122 transitions to step S1007. In step S1004, the smart contract 122 generates a block 822 in which the purchase has been made or a block 823 in which the owner has been changed, and adds it to the blockchain. In addition, if the owner change is a switch from the wallet address of the information processing device 132 of the user 130 who made the purchase to the wallet address of the MFP 131, the change date and time is added to the block 823 to be generated as the rental start date and time. In step S1005, the smart contract 122 determines whether the block 822 or 823 in which the owner has been changed has been successfully added to the blockchain. If the block has been successfully added, the process transitions to step S1006, and if the block has not been successfully added to the blockchain, the process transitions to step S1007.

[0105] In step S1006, the smart contract 122 sends a response to the source that the NFT purchase or owner change was successful, and ends the processing of the flowchart. At the same time, in step S1007, the smart contract 122 sends a response to the source that the NFT purchase or owner change was unsuccessful, and ends the processing of the flowchart.

[0106] Here, the processing of the smart contract 122 at the time of NFT purchase or owner change has been described. By controlling the processing for changing the owner in the smart contract 122 in this way, the MFP 131 can easily obtain the rental start date and time and the timing to start monitoring the number of printed sheets of the MFP 131 and enable the printing function of the MFP 131. In addition, by storing the owner change date and time in the state variable that can be referenced from the smart contract 122 and the storage area on the URI, the rental company 100 can know the usage status related to the MFP 131 of the user 130 who signed the rental contract.

[0107] <Smart Contract: Print Count Notification>

[0108] Next, we will refer to Fig.11 The processing procedure of print count notification from the MFP 131 using the smart contract 122 is described.

[0109] In step S1101, the smart contract 122 receives the print count notification 804 (color print sheet quantity 100) or the print count notification 805 (color print sheet quantity 900) as a print count notification transaction block. In step S1102, the smart contract 122 confirms the transmission source and NFT owner information of the print count notification 804 or 805, and if the addresses are the same, it switches to step S1103, and if the addresses are different, it switches to step S1108.

[0110] In step S1103, the smart contract 122 subtracts the number of printed sheets notified in the notification of the number of printed sheets from the number of printable sheets (step S505), and stores it as a new number of printable sheets in the state variable of the smart contract 122. In addition, the smart contract 122 sends the new number of printable sheets to the MFP 131 as a response to the print count notification 804. For example, if the print count notification 804 of the present embodiment is received, the number of printable sheets will be stored as 900. Meanwhile, if the print count notification 805 is received, the number of printable sheets will be stored as 0.

[0111] In step S1104, the smart contract 122 determines whether the number of printable sheets is greater than 0, and if so, transitions to step S1105, and if less than or equal to 0, transitions to step S1106. In step S1105, the block in which the number of printable sheets has been changed is added to the blockchain 120, and the process transitions to step S1106. In step S1106, the smart contract 122 determines whether the block has been added to the blockchain 120, and if the addition is OK, transitions to step S1107, and if the addition is NG, transitions to step S1108.

[0112] In step S1107, the smart contract 122 sends a print count notification OK response to the source of the print count notification 804, and ends the processing of this flowchart. At the same time, in step S1108, the smart contract 122 sends a print count notification NG response to the source of the print count notification, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0113] Smart Contract 122 executes according to Fig.11 The number of printable sheets of the NFT is updated by the process of the flowchart of and stored on the blockchain 120, so the number of printed sheets of the MFP 131 can be managed using the NFT in which the number of printable sheets is set. Fig.10 The flowchart for owner change starts the lease of the MFP 131 and Fig.11 The flowchart manages the history of the number of printed sheets, and a system for renting MFPs can be constructed using NFTs in which the number of printable sheets has been set. In addition to the number of printed sheets, the smart contract 122 can also manage various consumables and consumable materials by providing life data of each component as a state variable.

[0114] <Sequence from NFT issuance to lease end>

[0115] Next, we will refer to Fig.12 The overall sequence from issuing an NFT and enabling the printing function of the rental MFP to the end of the lease according to the present embodiment is described.

[0116] In step S1201, the online marketplace 110 sends an issuance 801 for issuing the NFT 111 to the smart contract 122. In step S1202, the smart contract 122 sends an NFT issuance response to the issuance 801 to the online marketplace 110. Once the NFT 111 is issued, the online marketplace 110 starts selling the NFT 111 on the online marketplace 110.

[0117] In step S1203, in order to purchase the rental MFP service based on NFT 111, the information processing device 132 sends a request to purchase NFT 111 to the online market 110 according to the operation instruction of the user 130. In step S1204, the online market 110 sends a purchase of NFT 111 to the smart contract 122. In step S1205, the smart contract 122 sends an NFT purchase response to the online market 110. Then, in step S1206, the online market 110 sends a response to the purchase of NFT 111 to the information processing device 132. Here, the owner of NFT 111 is changed to the wallet address of the information processing device 132.

[0118] Next, in step S1207, the online marketplace 110 executes and implements a process for delivering the MFP 131 to the user 130 of the information processing device 132 with the purchase response of step S1205 as a trigger. In step S1208, the information processing device 132 communicates with the MFP 131, obtains the wallet address of the MFP 131, and sends the owner change 803 to the smart contract 122 for changing the owner of the NFT 111. In step S1209, the information processing device 132 receives a response to the NFT 111 owner change from the smart contract 122 that the owner of the NFT 111 has been changed to the MFP 131. At this timing, the MFP 131 becomes the owner of the NFT 111, and the printing function becomes enabled.

[0119] In step S1210, in the case of performing printing using the enabled print function, the MFP 131 sends a print count notification to the smart contract 122 using the NFT 111. In step S1211, the smart contract 122 sends a print count notification response to the MFP 131. Steps S1210 and S1211 are repeated until the number of printable sheets of the NFT 111 is reached.

[0120] Then, in step S1212, the MFP 131 sends a print count notification for the NFT 111 to the smart contract 122, and the number of printable sheets of the smart contract 122 becomes 0. At this timing, the NFT 111 is disabled. Next, in step S1213, the smart contract 122 sends a message that the NFT 111 has been disabled to the MFP 131 using a response to the disablement of the NFT 111. The user 130 ends the rental contract of the MFP 131 by returning the MFP 131 that has been disabled by the disablement response to the rental company 100.

[0121] Here, the process of a rental MFP system in which the number of printable sheets is set using a smart contract 122 has been described. As described above, the rental company can use the smart contract 122 to manage the number of print sheets of the MFP leased to the user, and automatically enable or disable the printing function of the MFP until the number of printable sheets is reached. In addition, with respect to the rental start date, the rental start date can be set by transferring the owner of the NFT 111 to the MFP 131. In addition, in the case of providing a rental period, it can be achieved simply by adding a process to step S1104 for determining the rental start date and the rental end date in the smart contract 122, and determining whether it is the rental end date when notifying the number of printed sheets of the NFT 111. As described above, an NFT-based MFP rental system can be constructed by providing various conditions using smart contracts.

[0122] As described above, the printing device according to the present embodiment is provided as a printing device for leasing managed on a blockchain network. The printing device obtains a non-fungible token (NFT) through a smart contract, and enables the printing function of the printing device, the NFT including the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device. In addition, the printing device determines via a smart contract whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within the range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT. Regarding the printing device, if the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, the already leased printing device performs printing using the obtained NFT. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a mechanism for properly managing the use of printing devices on a blockchain network in a printing device leasing system can be provided. For example, the printing function of the MFP can be stopped at a timing when the number of printable sheets reaches 0, and the lease can be ended.

[0123] Other embodiments

[0124] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0125] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device for leasing managed on a blockchain network, the printing device comprising: one or more memory devices storing an instruction set; as well as One or more processors that execute the set of instructions to: Obtaining a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, wherein the non-fungible token includes the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; Activating the printing function of the printing device; determining, via the smart contract, whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within a range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; as well as In the case where the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the printable number of sheets, printing is performed in the printing apparatus that has been leased using the obtained NFT.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors execute instructions in the one or more memory devices to: In a case where the number of sheets to be printed is not within the range of the printable number of sheets, the printing function is disabled.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors execute instructions in the one or more memory devices to: In a case where the number of sheets to be printed is not within the range of the printable number of sheets, a screen including a message indicating that printing cannot be performed and an object for instructing additional purchase of the NFT is displayed on the display unit.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein The one or more processors execute instructions in the one or more memory devices to: At least one of an object for making a new purchase and an object for changing the owner of an already purchased NFT is displayed as an object for instructing an additional purchase of an NFT.

5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors execute instructions in the one or more memory devices to: A transaction block representing a printing result including a number of printed sheets on which printing has been performed is sent to the blockchain network.

6. The printing device according to claim 5, wherein The one or more processors execute instructions in the one or more memory devices to: The number of printable sheets that has been updated based on the printing result is obtained from the smart contract as a response to the printing result.

7. The printing device according to claim 6, wherein The one or more processors execute instructions in the one or more memory devices to: In a case where the updated number of printable sheets obtained from the smart contract in response to the print result is 0, the print function is disabled.

8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors execute instructions in the one or more memory devices to: Through the smart contract, the owner of the NFT purchased in the external device is changed to the printing device, and the NFT is obtained.

9. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein Use the wallet address of the printing device to purchase the NFT.

10. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein The number of printable sheets is set separately for color printing and monochrome printing.

11. The printing device according to claim 10, wherein The one or more processors execute instructions in the one or more memory devices to: As the printing function, color printing and monochrome printing functions are disabled or enabled respectively.

12. A method for controlling a printing device for leasing managed on a blockchain network, the method comprising: Obtaining a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, wherein the non-fungible token includes the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; Activating the printing function of the printing device; determining, via the smart contract, whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within a range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; as well as In the case where the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, printing is performed in the printing apparatus that has been leased using the obtained NFT.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute each step of a method for controlling a printing device for rental managed on a blockchain network, the method comprising: Obtaining a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, wherein the non-fungible token includes the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; Activating the printing function of the printing device; determining, via the smart contract, whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within a range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; as well as In the case where the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, printing is performed in the printing apparatus that has been leased using the obtained NFT.

14. A computer program product storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute each step of a method for controlling a printing device for rental managed on a blockchain network, the method comprising: obtaining a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, the non-fungible token comprising the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; Activating the printing function of the printing device; determining, via the smart contract, whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within a range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; as well as In the case where the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the number of printable sheets, printing is performed in the printing apparatus that has been leased using the obtained NFT.

15. A rental system operable to provide a printing device for rental to be managed on a blockchain network, the rental system comprising: one or more memory devices storing an instruction set; as well as One or more processors that execute the set of instructions to: Issuing a non-fungible token (NFT) via a smart contract, wherein the non-fungible token includes the right to print a predetermined number of sheets in the printing device; Obtain issued NFTs through smart contracts; Activating the printing function of the printing device; determining, via the smart contract, whether the number of sheets to be printed obtained from the print settings of the accepted print job is within a range of the number of printable sheets based on the obtained NFT; as well as In the case where the number of sheets to be printed is within the range of the printable number of sheets, printing is performed in the printing apparatus that has been leased using the obtained NFT.

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