Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus, a control method of the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium. Provided is an image forming apparatus whose use is restricted by setting. The image forming apparatus includes an operation unit that receives a print permission condition corresponding to service content signed by a user. The state of the image forming apparatus is switched between a first state in which a printing operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted and a second state in which the printing operation of the image forming apparatus is restricted based on the print permission condition. The print permission condition includes a period during which a print operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming device whose use is restricted by setting, a control method of the image forming device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Rental service for using an image forming apparatus. For example, a service that can be used without connecting the image forming apparatus to the Internet is provided as a rental service for an image forming apparatus. In this service, the image forming apparatus cannot communicate with a server that manages, via the Internet, the contract content of the service performed by the user, the usage history of the image forming apparatus, and the like. Therefore, the image forming apparatus controls to limit its own operation only by itself. As a related art, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-352902 is proposed. In Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-352902, the number of print sheets corresponding to the payment amount is set in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user can use the image forming apparatus without connecting the image forming apparatus to the Internet until the number of print sheets is reached.

[0003] However, in the technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-352902 described above, although the use of the image forming apparatus can be restricted based on the number of printed sheets corresponding to the payment amount, the use of the image forming apparatus cannot be restricted based on the period corresponding to the payment amount. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a mechanism capable of limiting the use of the image forming apparatus based on a period corresponding to a payment amount without connecting the image forming apparatus to the Internet, and a control method and storage medium thereof.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming device that restricts operations based on the service content signed by a user, the image forming device comprising: an operation unit, which is constructed to receive printing permission conditions corresponding to the service content signed by the user; and a control unit, which performs predetermined control to switch the state of the image forming device between a first state and a second state based on the printing permission conditions, permitting the printing operation of the image forming device in the first state and restricting the printing operation of the image forming device in the second state, the printing permission conditions including the period for permitting the printing operation of the image forming device.

[0006] According to the present invention, the use of the image forming apparatus can be restricted based on a period corresponding to the payment amount without connecting the image forming apparatus to the Internet.

[0007] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 Detailed Description is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus (MFP) according to the present embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 Block diagram of the software architecture of the MFP.

[0010] Figure 3 : is a flowchart showing the procedure of the printing restriction processing in the related art.

[0011] Figure 4A and Figure 4B : is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the upper limit of the number of print sheets used in the print restriction processing in the related art.

[0012] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is the existing technology Figure 3 An illustration of the screen display during the print restriction process.

[0013] 6A to 6H It is shown Figure 1 A diagram of an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit of an MFP.

[0014] Fig. 7A It is shown by Figure 1 Flowchart of a procedure of a print permission condition setting process executed by an MFP. Figure 7B It is shown by Figure 1 Flowchart of the procedure of the print restriction processing in this embodiment executed by the MFP.

[0015] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is shown in Figure 7B FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit in the print restriction process of .

[0016] 9A to 9D It shows that when Figure 7B FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit when the restriction state is set in S730 of FIG.

[0017] Fig.10 It is shown by Figure 1 Flowchart of another procedure of the print permission condition setting process executed by the MFP in FIG.

[0018] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11D It is shown in Fig.10 FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit in a print permission condition setting process of FIG.

[0019] Fig.12 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of a condition code / password input screen displayed on the operation unit of the MFP in FIG.

[0020] Fig.13 It is shown by Figure 1 Flowchart of still another procedure of the printing permission condition setting process executed by the MFP in FIG.

[0021] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14H It is shown Figure 1 Figure 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an MFP 10 having a copy function, a scan function, and a print function is described as an example of an image forming apparatus. The MFP 10 is an MFP provided by a rental service provider of the MFP 10. The user can use the MFP 10 provided by the rental service provider of the MFP 10 based on the content of the contracted service. For example, the user can use the MFP 10 until the number of printed sheets corresponding to the payment amount or until a period corresponding to the payment amount. As described above, the operation of the MFP 10 as the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment is limited based on the content of the service contracted by the user. In addition, in the following description, a special mode used by a service engineer who is an installer of the MFP 10 is referred to as a "service mode", and a screen displayed for operating this mode is referred to as a "service mode screen".

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the MFP 10 is connected to a server 12 via a network such as a LAN 11. The MFP 10 further includes a controller unit 100, an operation unit 111, a scanner 112, and a printer 113. The controller unit 100 is connected to each of the operation unit 111, the scanner 112, and the printer 113. The controller unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, an HDD 104, an operation unit I / F 105, a network I / F 106, a scanner I / F 107, a printer I / F 108, a FAX unit 109, and an EEPROM 114, which are mutually connected via a system bus 110.

[0025] The CPU 101 starts the MFP 10 based on the boot program stored in the ROM 103. In addition, the CPU 101 reads the control program stored in the HDD 104 and executes a predetermined process by using the RAM 102 as a work area. The HDD 104 stores the control program for realizing various functions such as the copy function and the print function. The HDD 104 also stores the image data generated by reading the original image by the scanner 112.

[0026] The operation unit I / F 105 is an interface for connecting the operation unit 111 to the controller unit 100, and performs input / output communication control of data with the operation unit 111. The network I / F 106 is connected to the LAN 11 and performs input / output control of information via the LAN 11. The scanner I / F 107 is an interface for connecting the scanner 112 to the controller unit 100. The scanner I / F 107 acquires image data from the scanner 112 and inputs and outputs scanner control data. The printer I / F 108 is an interface for connecting the printer 113 to the controller unit 100. The printer I / F 108 outputs output image data to the printer 113 and inputs and outputs printer control data. The fax unit 109 sends and receives fax data through a telephone line.

[0027] The operation unit 111 is a user interface that receives user input of instructions and presents information to the user. The operation unit 111 includes an input device such as a touch panel or hard keys and a display device such as an LCD or LED. The hard keys include a start button for starting to execute a scanning instruction for a paper document, etc.

[0028] The scanner 112 includes an optical reading device such as a CCD, and has a function of optically scanning a paper medium to read an image on the paper medium and acquire electronic image data. In addition, the scanner 112 has a function of causing the optical reading unit to automatically feed one or more paper originals placed in a document tray one by one through an automatic document feeder (ADF) and eject the read paper originals after reading the originals. Whether the original is placed on the document tray of the ADF is determined by a sensor (not shown) or the like. The printer 113 has a function of forming electronic image data as an image on a recording medium such as paper.

[0029] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the software configuration of the MFP 10 is shown in FIG. Figure 21, the MFP 10 includes an operation unit control unit 200, a job control unit 201, an error control unit 202, a function application platform 203, a function application 204, and a history setting retaining unit 205 as software modules. The processing of these software modules is realized by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in any one of the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104.

[0030] The operation unit control unit 200 has a function of controlling the operation unit I / F 105 to display a screen to be operated by the user on the operation unit 111, a function of sending the contents of the user operation to other software, etc. The operation unit control unit 200 mainly controls operation and display on the hardware of the operation unit 111.

[0031] The job control unit 201 controls the execution of a job. For example, the job control unit 201 controls the scanner 112 via the scanner I / F 107 to perform a scan process after receiving an instruction to execute a scan job from the function application 204. In addition, the job control unit 201 controls the printer 113 via the printer I / F 108 to perform a print process after receiving an instruction to execute a print job from the function application 204. The error control unit 202 receives notification of an abnormal state mainly occurring in the job control unit 201, the printer 113, the scanner 112, and the like, and performs control to instruct a stop or degeneration operation of the entire system.

[0032] The function application platform 203 converts the information indicating the operation content of the user on the operation unit I / F 105 received from the operation unit 111 into instructions corresponding to each button of the operation screen controlled by the function application 204, and notifies the function application 204 of the converted instructions. In addition, the function application platform 203 causes the operation unit 111 to switch the display of the operation screen via the operation unit I / F 105 according to the instruction to switch the operation screen received from the function application 204.

[0033] Function application 204 is a software module for realizing functions such as copying, printing, and e-mailing. Figure 2 Only one function application 204 is shown, but the MFP 10 includes a plurality of function applications 204 corresponding to respective functions. In the MFP 10, a new function application 204 can be added based on data acquired from the outside. Addition of the function application 204 is achieved by using an instruction input by a user via the operation unit 111, receiving data via a network such as the LAN 11, or the like as a trigger.

[0034] The history setting retaining unit 205 manages nonvolatile information such as operation history and various setting values ​​in the MFP 10. For example, the history setting retaining unit 205 stores setting values ​​required for control at the time of job execution, and stores the user's operation history, job execution results, information on errors that have occurred, etc. These types of information are retained in the HDD 104.

[0035] Next, in order to clarify the difference between the printing restriction processing in this embodiment and the technology in the prior art, the printing restriction processing in the prior art which does not use the printing permission condition mode described later will be described. Here, only the processing related to the printing restriction processing in this embodiment will be described.

[0036] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the process of printing restriction processing in the prior art. Figure 1 The MFP 10 of the present invention performs a printing restriction process in the related art. The printing restriction process in the related art is realized by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in any one of the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104. In the printing restriction process in the related art, a service engineer who is an administrator of the MFP 10 sets an upper limit on the number of printed sheets when the MFP 10 is installed.

[0037] Figure 4A and Figure 4B FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the upper limit of the number of print sheets used in the print restriction process in the related art. When the operation unit I / F 105 receives an operation to change the screen to the service mode screen from the operation unit 111, the operation unit I / F 105 displays the service mode screen on the operation unit 111. Figure 4A The service mode screen 401 includes an operation menu and setting items used by a service engineer. A "print limit" button 402 is an item for setting the upper limit of the number of print sheets. When the "print limit" button 402 is pressed, the operation unit I / F 105 displays a "print limit" on the operation unit 111. Figure 4B The name of the item to be set is displayed on the setting item display unit 404 of the setting screen 403.

[0038] exist Figure 4B, "Print Restriction" is shown in the setting item display unit 404, which is the item name of the upper limit of the number of print sheets. The inputtable range display unit 406 displays the range of values ​​that can be input as the upper limit of the number of print sheets. The currently set upper limit of the number of print sheets is displayed in the input unit 405. The service engineer can set / change the upper limit of the number of print sheets by pressing the numeric keypad 407 and inputting a value. When the service engineer presses the OK button 408, the set / changed upper limit of the number of print sheets is fixed, and the fixed upper limit of the number of print sheets is stored in the history setting retention unit 205.

[0039] exist Figure 3 In the process, first, the CPU 101 waits until a print start instruction is issued from the function application 204 (S301). "S" indicates a step. The CPU 101 determines whether a print start instruction has been issued (S302). In the case where it is determined in S302 that a print start instruction has not been issued, the print restriction process returns to S301. In the case where it is determined in S302 that a print start instruction has been issued, the print restriction process proceeds to S303.

[0040] In S303, the CPU 101 acquires the total number of print sheets printed by the MFP 10 (hereinafter referred to as "total count") from the history setting retaining unit 205. Then, the CPU 101 acquires the currently set upper limit of the number of print sheets from the history setting retaining unit 205 (S304). Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the acquired upper limit of the number of print sheets is greater than the acquired total count (S305).

[0041] When determining in S305 that the acquired upper limit of the number of printed sheets is greater than the acquired total count, the CPU 101 controls the printer 113 to perform printing via the printer I / F 108 ( S306 ), and ends the present process.

[0042] In the case where it is determined in S305 that the acquired upper limit of the number of print sheets is not greater than the acquired total count, the job control unit 201 notifies the error control unit 202 that the counter limit value has been reached, which indicates that printing cannot be performed because the upper limit of the number of print sheets has been reached. When the error control unit 202 is notified that the counter limit value has been reached, the CPU 101 displays a message indicating that the counter limit value has been reached on the operation unit 111 via the operation unit I / F 105 (S307), and ends the present process. By performing the above-mentioned print restriction process in the prior art, subsequent printing can be stopped when the total count reaches the upper limit of the number of print sheets set in advance.

[0043] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is the existing technology Figure 3Here, the screen of the function application 204 having the copy function will be described as an example, but similar displays can also be made in the function application 204 having other functions.

[0044] Figure 5A 1 is a diagram showing an example of the copy setting screen before the operation unit 111 receives a print operation. A value obtained by subtracting the current total count from the print sheet number upper limit is displayed in the printable sheet number display unit 502 of the copy setting screen 501. Through this display, the user can recognize the remaining printable sheet number.

[0045] Figure 5B 507. A message 503 indicating that the counter limit has been reached is superimposed and displayed on the copy setting screen 501. The user can recognize through the message 503 that the upper limit of the number of print sheets has been reached.

[0046] Next, the print restriction processing in the present embodiment will be described. The MFP 10 in the present embodiment has a print permission condition mode. The print permission condition mode is a mode for switching between a state in which the print operation of the MFP 10 is permitted and a state in which the print operation of the MFP 10 is restricted according to a print permission condition set in advance. When the print permission condition mode is ON, these states are switched by the print restriction processing according to the print permission condition. When the print permission condition mode is OFF, the print restriction processing is not performed. The print permission condition includes the permitted number of print sheets and the print permission period, the permitted number of print sheets being the number of print sheets for the print operation of the MFP 10 being permitted, and the print permission period being the period for which the print operation of the MFP 10 is permitted.

[0047] The processing in the print permission condition mode is performed by using the specific function application 204. For example, Fig. 6A As shown, in the case where the function of the print permission condition mode is not used, the specific function application 204 is not installed and is not displayed on the home screen 601. Figure 6B As shown, by installing the specific function application 204, a print permission condition setting button 602 is displayed on the home screen 601. For example, when installing the MFP 10, the specific function application 204 is installed, and then a service engineer can start setting the print permission condition by pressing the print permission condition setting button 602.

[0048] Fig. 7A It is shown by Figure 110. The printing permission condition setting process is realized by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in any one of the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104.

[0049] exist Fig. 7A In the embodiment, first, when the CPU 101 detects that the print permission condition setting button 602 is pressed, the CPU 101 displays a start confirmation screen 603 ( Figure 6C )(S701). The start confirmation screen 603 includes a cancel button 604 and an OK button 605. In the case where the cancel button 604 is pressed, the screen of the operation unit 111 returns to the main screen 601, and the print permission condition setting process ends. The print permission condition setting process ends by pressing the cancel button 604. Fig. 7A Also in the subsequent processing, in the case where the cancel button of each screen is pressed, the screen is set to return to the main screen 601 without changing the setting, and is not shown in the flowchart.

[0050] When the OK button 605 is pressed, the CPU 101 displays a password setting screen 606 ( Fig.6D )(S702). The password setting screen 606 includes a password input unit 607, a cancel button 608, and an OK button 609. In the password input unit 607, a password to be used when changing the set print permission condition can be set. The password input to the password input unit 607 is stored in the history setting retention unit 205 by the specific function application 204.

[0051] When a password is input to the password input unit 607 and an OK button 609 is pressed, the CPU 101 displays a print permission condition setting screen 610 ( Fig. 6E )(S703). The print permission condition setting screen 610 includes a print permission condition mode end button 611, a used sheet number display unit 612, a print permission sheet number setting unit 613, a print permission period setting unit 614, a cancel button 615, and an OK button 616.

[0052] The print permission condition mode end button 611 is an operation button for an instruction to end the print permission condition mode. The used sheet count display unit 612 displays the current total count. The number of permitted print sheets can be input to the print permission sheet count setting unit 613. The number of permitted print sheets is the number of sheets permitted to be printed until the total count reaches the counter limit. A similar effect can also be achieved by subtracting the number of permitted print sheets each time printing. In the case where the number of permitted print sheets has been set, the currently set number of permitted print sheets is displayed in association with the print permission sheet count setting unit 613.

[0053] The print permission period can be input to the print permission period setting unit 614. The print permission period is the number of days for which printing is permitted and is decremented as a predetermined time passes. In the case where the print permission period has been set, the currently set print permission period is displayed in association with the print permission period setting unit 614 as the remaining days.

[0054] When the OK button 616 is pressed, the CPU 101 determines whether print permission conditions, specifically the number of permitted print sheets and the print permission period, are input on the print permission condition setting screen 610 (S704). When it is determined in S704 that print permission conditions have not been input, the print permission condition setting process ends.

[0055] In the case where it is determined in S704 that the print permission condition has been input, the CPU 101 stores the input number of permitted print sheets and the print permission period in the history setting retention unit 205. In addition, the CPU 101 sets the print permission condition mode to ON (S705). Furthermore, the CPU 101 displays the setting content display screen 617 ( Fig. 6F ). On the setting content display screen 617, the current total count (number of sheets currently used), the number of permitted print sheets, and the print permission period stored in the history setting retention unit 205 are displayed. When the service engineer presses the OK button 618 on the setting content display screen 617, the screen of the operation unit 111 returns to Figure 6B In response to the print permission condition mode being set to ON, the MFP 10 shifts to a state of waiting for an instruction to change the print permission condition.

[0056] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether an instruction to change the print permission condition has been received (S706). In this embodiment, the service engineer can change the print permission condition by pressing Figure 6B When receiving the instruction to change the print permission condition ("Yes" in S706), the CPU 101 displays the password input screen 619 ( Figure 6G )(S707). The password input screen 619 includes a password input unit 620, a cancel button 621, and an OK button 622.

[0057] In the case where the OK button 622 is pressed, the CPU 101 determines whether the password input to the password input unit 620 coincides with the password stored in the history setting retaining unit 205 (S708). In the case where it is determined in S708 that the password input to the password input unit 620 does not coincide with the stored password, the print permission condition change process returns to S707. In the case where it is determined in S708 that the passwords coincide with each other, the CPU 101 displays the print permission condition setting screen 610 on the operation unit 111.

[0058] In the case where the OK button 616 or the print permission condition mode end button 611 on the print permission condition setting screen 610 is pressed, the CPU 101 determines whether the print permission condition, specifically the number of permitted print sheets and the print permission period, is input on the print permission condition setting screen 610. In the case where the OK button 616 is pressed and it is determined that the print permission condition is input on the print permission condition setting screen 610, the CPU 101 stores the input number of permitted print sheets and the print permission period in the history setting retention unit 205 (S709). Then, the CPU 101 determines whether to end the print permission condition mode (S710). In S710, in the case where the OK button 616 is pressed and it is determined that the print permission condition is input on the print permission condition setting screen 610, it is determined that the print permission condition mode is not ended. In this case, the print permission condition setting process returns to S706.

[0059] On the other hand, in the case where the OK button 616 is pressed and it is determined that the print permission condition is not input on the print permission condition setting screen 610, it is determined that the print permission condition mode is terminated. In addition, the OK button 624 ( Figure 6H ), it is determined that the print permission condition mode is to be ended. When the print permission condition mode end button 611 is pressed, an end confirmation screen 623 is displayed on the operation unit 111. In a case where it is determined that the print permission condition mode is to be ended, the print permission condition setting process proceeds to S711.

[0060] In S711, the CPU 101 sets the print permission condition mode to OFF. Thereafter, the print permission condition setting process ends. When the print permission condition mode is set to OFF, the state of the print permission condition setting is the state before S701 starts. In the case of starting the setting of the print permission condition again, the process starts from the process of S701.

[0061] Figure 7BIt is shown by Figure 1 The following is a flowchart of the procedure of the print restriction process in this embodiment executed by the MFP 10 of FIG. 101 and FIG. 102. The process is implemented by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in any one of the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104. Figure 7B Print restriction processing.

[0062] exist Figure 7B In the example, first, the CPU 101 determines whether the print permission condition mode is ON (S721). In the case where it is determined in S721 that the print permission condition mode is not ON, that is, in the case where the print permission condition mode is OFF, Figure 7B The printing restriction processing returns to S721.

[0063] In the case where it is determined in S721 that the print permission condition mode is ON, the CPU 101 acquires the total count, the number of permitted print sheets, and the print permission period from the history setting retaining unit 205 (S722). Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the difference between the acquired number of permitted print sheets and the acquired total count is equal to or less than a first warning threshold value (S723). The first warning threshold value is, for example, a predetermined value set in advance in the MFP 10.

[0064] In a case where it is determined in S723 that the difference between the number of permitted print sheets and the total count is not equal to or smaller than the first warning threshold, Figure 7B The print restriction process proceeds to S725 described later. In the case where it is determined in S723 that the difference between the number of permitted print sheets and the total count is equal to or less than the first warning threshold, the CPU 101 displays a pre-warning (S724). Specifically, Fig. 8A As shown, the CPU 101 displays a pre-warning message indicating that the number of remaining sheets to be printed is small on the message display unit 801 of the main screen 601. As a result, the user can recognize that the number of remaining permitted print sheets is small (the number of remaining sheets permitted to be printed is small).

[0065] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the number of permitted print sheets is greater than the total count (S725). In the case where it is determined in S725 that the number of permitted print sheets is greater than the total count, the CPU 101 determines whether the print permission period is equal to or less than a second warning threshold (S726). The second warning threshold is, for example, a predetermined value pre-set in the MFP 10.

[0066] In the case where it is determined in S726 that the print permission period is equal to or less than the second warning threshold, the CPU 101 displays a preliminary warning (S727). Figure 8BAs shown, the CPU 101 displays a pre-warning message indicating that the remaining print permission period is short on the message display unit 801 of the main screen 601. As a result, the user can recognize that the print permission period is short (the print permission period is about to end). Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the print permission period remains (S728).

[0067] In the case where it is determined in S728 that the print permission period remains or in the case where it is determined in S726 that the print permission period is not equal to or less than the second warning threshold, the CPU 101 sets the state of the MFP 10 to the print permission state (S729). In the case where the state of the MFP 10 is set to the print permission state, all function applications 204 can issue a print instruction to the job control unit 201. That is, the MFP 10 can perform a print operation. Thereafter, Figure 7B The printing restriction processing returns to S721.

[0068] In the case where it is determined in S728 that the print permission period no longer remains, or in the case where it is determined in S725 that the number of permitted print sheets does not exceed the total count, the CPU 101 sets the state of the MFP 10 to the restricted state (S730). Figure 7B The printing restriction processing returns to S721.

[0069] When the state of the MFP 10 is set to the restricted state, any function application 204 does not issue a print instruction to the job control unit 201. That is, the MFP 10 is controlled not to perform a print operation, and the print operation becomes substantially impossible. Fig.9A and 9B As shown, the CPU 101 displays a message indicating that printing is disabled on the message display unit 801 of the main screen 601. The CPU 101 also displays a message indicating that printing is disabled on the setting screen of the function application 204 that performs printing. The copy function will be described as an example. Fig. 9C On the copy setting screen 501 of , a message indicating that the number of sheets has reached the permitted number of print sheets is displayed. Fig.9D As described above, the CPU 101 displays a message indicating that printing is disabled on the setting screen of each function application 204, and controls so that each function application 204 does not issue a print instruction.

[0070] According to the above-described embodiment, control is performed based on the print permission condition to switch between the print permission state in which the print operation of the MFP 10 is permitted and the restriction state in which the print operation of the MFP 10 is restricted, and the print permission condition includes the print permission period. As a result, the use of the MFP 10 can be restricted based on the period corresponding to the payment amount without connecting the MFP 10 to the Internet.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the character string input on the print permission condition setting screen 610 is set as the print permission condition. As a result, the print permission condition corresponding to the payment amount can be set without connecting the MFP 10 to the Internet.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the print permission condition includes the permitted number of print sheets. As a result, the use of the MFP 10 can be restricted by combining the print permission period and the permitted number of print sheets. As a result, the use of the MFP 10 can be restricted based on the period corresponding to the payment amount and the number of print sheets corresponding to the payment amount.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, control is performed to switch ON / OFF of the print permission condition mode. As a result, whether to execute the print restriction process for restricting the use of the MFP 10 can be easily controlled by only setting ON / OFF of the print permission condition mode.

[0074] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, ON / OFF of the print permission condition mode is switched based on whether the specific function application 204 is installed. As a result, by installing the specific function application 204 only in the MFP that executes the print restriction process, the print restriction process can be executed only in the target MFP.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described using the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the print permission condition may be set by using a condition code instead of setting the character string input to the print permission number of sheets setting unit 613 and the print permission period setting unit 614 of the print permission condition setting screen 610 as the print permission condition as it is.

[0076] Fig.10 It is shown by Figure 1 104. The present invention is a flowchart of another procedure of the printing permission condition setting process performed by the MFP 10 in FIG. 105. The present invention is implemented by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in any one of the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104. Fig.10 Print permission condition setting process. Fig. 7AThe printing permission condition setting process is similar to that of FIG. 6 . For example, when a service engineer presses the printing permission condition setting button 602 after installing the specific function application 204 when installing the MFP 10, the printing permission condition setting process starts. Fig.10 Print permission condition setting process.

[0077] exist Fig.10 In the process, first, the CPU 101 displays on the operation unit 111 Fig.11A The condition code input screen 1101 (S1001) is displayed. The condition code input screen 1101 includes a condition code input unit 1102, an OK button 1103, and a cancel button 1104. The condition code is a code issued when a user has signed a service contract for a rental service with a rental service provider of the MFP 10. The condition code is a code obtained by encrypting a character string using a public key, the character string including at least the individual identification information of the MFP 10, the number of permitted print sheets applied when the contract was signed, and the print permission period applied when the contract was signed.

[0078] Condition codes encrypted by utilizing other encryption techniques or the like may be used as long as they can be decrypted in the MFP 10. In addition, from the viewpoint of security, the condition code is preferably an encrypted code, but may be an unencrypted character string. In the case where the condition code is a character string including at least the number of permitted print sheets and the print permission period, an unencrypted condition code may be used. In addition, the condition code may be used even in a configuration including only information for switching between the print permission state and the restriction state.

[0079] When the OK button 1103 on the condition code input screen 1101 is pressed, the CPU 101 determines whether a condition code has been input on the condition code input unit 1102 (S1002).

[0080] In the case where it is determined in S1002 that the condition code is not input to the condition code input unit 1102, Fig.10 The print permission condition setting process returns to S1001. In the case where it is determined in S1002 that the condition code has been input to the condition code input unit 1102, the CPU 101 analyzes the condition code (S1003). Specifically, the CPU 101 decrypts the condition code as an encrypted string and confirms whether the individual identification information, the number of permitted print sheets, and the print permission period can be correctly taken out.

[0081] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the condition code is valid (S1005). For example, in the case where the decrypted individual identification information is inconsistent with the individual identification information of the MFP 10 (case A) and / or in the case where the decrypted number of permitted print sheets, the print permission period, etc. are incorrect values ​​such as negative values ​​and values ​​exceeding a predetermined upper limit value (case B), it is determined that the condition code is invalid. In this case, the CPU 101 displays a message on the operation unit 111 indicating that the condition code is invalid. Fig. 11B The condition code invalid screen 1105 indicates that the condition code is invalid. Fig.10 The print permission condition setting process returns to S1001.

[0082] In S1005, when neither the above-mentioned case A nor the case B is applicable, it is determined that the condition code is valid. In this case, Fig.10 The print permission condition setting process proceeds to S1006. In S1006, the CPU 101 determines whether the condition code satisfies the end condition.

[0083] For example, in the case where the number of permitted print sheets and the print permission period that have been decrypted are values ​​indicating the end of the print permission condition mode (case C) and / or in the case where a value indicating the end of the print permission condition mode is acquired when decrypting the condition code (case D), the CPU 101 determines that the condition code satisfies the end condition. In this case, Fig.10 The print permission condition setting process of enters S1007. In S1007, the CPU 101 sets the print permission condition mode to OFF. At this time, the CPU 101 displays the print permission condition mode on the operation unit 111. Fig. 11C The print permission condition mode end screen 1106 is displayed. Fig.10 The print permission condition setting process is completed.

[0084] In S1006, in the case where neither the above-mentioned case C nor the case D applies, it is determined that the condition code does not satisfy the end condition. In this case, the CPU 101 sets the number of permitted print sheets (S1008). In S1008, for example, in the case where the number of permitted print sheets has been set, the CPU 101 adds the number of permitted print sheets obtained by decrypting the condition code to the remaining number of permitted print sheets, and stores the value obtained by the addition as a new number of permitted print sheets in the history setting retention unit 205. In addition, in the case where a new number of permitted print sheets is set, the CPU 101 stores the value of the number of permitted print sheets obtained by decrypting the condition code as it is in the history setting retention unit 205.

[0085] Then, the CPU 101 sets the print permission period (S1009). In S1009, for example, in the case where the print permission period has already been set, the CPU 101 adds the print permission period obtained by decrypting the condition code to the remaining print permission period, and stores the value obtained by the addition as a new print permission period in the history setting retention unit 205. In addition, in the case of setting a new print permission period, the CPU 101 stores the value of the print permission period obtained by decrypting the condition code as it is in the history setting retention unit 205.

[0086] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether at least one of the stored permitted number of print sheets and the print permission period is an initial value (S1010). The initial value is a setting value that is not changed, such as 0 or -1.

[0087] In a case where it is determined in S1010 that at least one of the permitted number of print sheets and the print permission period is the initial value, the CPU 101 ends the process. Fig.10 The print permission condition setting process is performed without setting the print permission condition mode to ON. In the case where it is determined in S1010 that neither the number of permitted print sheets nor the print permission period is the initial value, the CPU 101 sets the print permission condition mode to ON (S1011). At this time, the CPU 101 displays the Fig.11D The set print permission condition is displayed on the print permission condition setting result display unit 1108 of the print permission condition setting confirmation screen 1107. Thereafter, Fig.10 The print permission condition setting process is completed.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the print permission condition is set based on a condition code obtained by encrypting a predetermined character string including at least a character string corresponding to the print permission condition. As a result, a service engineer who performs a setting operation of the print permission condition can accurately set the print permission condition corresponding to the payment amount without knowing the password for displaying the print permission condition setting screen 610.

[0089] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the condition code is issued when the user has signed a rental service contract with the rental service provider of the MFP 10. That is, it is impossible to forge the condition code before performing the setting operation of the printing permission condition after signing the contract. As a result, the printing permission condition corresponding to the payment amount can be reliably set.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the print permission condition mode is switched ON / OFF based on the condition code. Therefore, only by inputting the condition code on the condition code input screen 1101, the print permission condition mode can be set ON / OFF appropriately.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, Fig.12 A condition code / password input screen 1201 in which both a password and a condition code can be input can be configured to be displayed on the operation unit 111. The condition code / password input screen 1201 includes an input unit 1202 in which both a password and a condition code can be input, an OK button 1203, and a cancel button 1204.

[0092] Fig.13 It is shown by Figure 1 The present invention is a flowchart of another process of the printing permission condition setting process executed by the MFP 10 of FIG. 101 and FIG. 102. The present invention is implemented by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in any one of the RAM 102, the ROM 103 and the HDD 104. Fig.13 Print permission condition setting process. Fig. 7A The printing permission condition setting process is similar to that of FIG. 6 . For example, when a service engineer presses the printing permission condition setting button 602 after installing the specific function application 204 when installing the MFP 10, the printing permission condition setting process starts. Fig.13 Print permission condition setting process.

[0093] exist Fig.13 In the present invention, first, the CPU 101 displays the condition code / password input screen 1201 on the operation unit 111 (S1301). When the OK button 1203 on the condition code / password input screen 1201 is pressed, the CPU 101 determines whether a condition code has been input on the input unit 1202 (S1302).

[0094] In the case where it is determined in S1302 that the condition code has been input to the input unit 1202, the CPU 101 performs setting processing using the condition code (S1303). In the setting processing using the condition code, processing similar to the above-mentioned S1003 to S1011 is performed, and the print permission condition is set. In the case where it is determined in the processing similar to the above-mentioned S1005 that the condition code is invalid, Fig.13 The print permission condition setting process returns to S1301. When the process of S1303 is completed, Fig.13 The print permission condition setting process is completed.

[0095] In the case where it is determined in S1302 that the condition code has not been input on the input unit 1202, the CPU 101 determines whether a password has been input on the input unit 1202 (S1304).

[0096] In the case where it is determined in S1304 that no password has been input on the input unit 1202, Fig.13The print permission condition setting process returns to S1301. In the case where it is determined in S1304 that a password has been input on the input unit 1202, the CPU 101 performs setting processing using the password (S1305). In the setting processing using the password, similar processing to S703 to S705 described above is performed, and the print permission condition is set. When the processing of S1305 is completed, Fig.13 The print permission condition setting process is completed.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the condition code / password input screen 1201 where both a password and a condition code can be input is displayed on the operation unit 111. As a result, operability in setting print permission conditions can be improved.

[0098] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first warning threshold and the second warning threshold may be changeable. In such a configuration, for example, when a service engineer or the like presses the "OK" button on the print permission condition setting screen 610, Fig.14A When the operation setting button 1401 is pressed, the operation unit 111 displays Fig. 14B An operation setting screen 1402 is provided on which the first warning threshold value and the second warning threshold value can be changed.

[0099] The operation setting screen 1402 includes an advance warning setting unit 1403, a warning content setting unit 1404, a limit operation setting unit 1405, and an adjustment printing permission button 1406. In the advance warning setting unit 1403, a first warning threshold and a second warning threshold are set. The advance warning is displayed according to the first warning threshold and the second warning threshold set here.

[0100] On the warning content setting unit 1404, "message only" or "display contract update" is displayed as the display content of the warning. As a result, the content of the advance warning can be switched based on the contract content. In the case of setting "message only", such as Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 6 , only a warning message is displayed on the message display unit 801 of the main screen 601. In the case where “display contract update” is set, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14C and Fig.14D As shown, in addition to the warning message, a contract update button 1407 is also displayed. Fig. 14C This is a screen displayed when the number of permitted print sheets is equal to or smaller than a threshold value. Fig.14D This is a screen displayed when the print permission period is equal to or less than a threshold value. When the contract update button 1407 is pressed, a preset contract update method, contract information required for the contract, and the like are displayed on the operation unit 111.

[0101] On the restriction operation setting unit 1405, the operation in the case where the state of the MFP 10 enters the restriction state is set, and any one of "all stop", "only stop printing" and "only message" can be selectively set. As a result, the degree to which the operation of the MFP 10 is restricted in the restriction state can be controlled according to the payment amount. In the state where "all stop" is set, when the state of the MFP 10 enters the restriction state, as shown in FIG. Fig.14E and Fig.14F As shown, a function stop message 1408 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the main screen 601. The display of the function stop message 1408 prevents the user from performing screen operations on the main screen 601.

[0102] Fig.14E This is a screen displayed when the status of the MFP 10 enters a restricted status according to the permitted number of print sheets. Fig.14F This is a screen displayed when the state of the MFP 10 enters a restricted state according to the print permission period. The user cannot perform screen operations on the main screen 601, but a rental setting button 1409 is displayed on the function stop message 1408, and the user can only press this button. When the rental setting button 1409 is pressed, the condition code / password input screen 1201 is displayed. As a result, when the contract is updated (such as increasing the number of permitted print sheets and / or extending the print permission period), the MFP 10 can be used by setting the increased number of permitted print sheets and / or the extended print permission period.

[0103] When the state of the MFP 10 enters the restricted state in the state where “only stop printing” is set, a message such as 9A to 9D The screen shown in FIG. 1 is displayed, and the MFP 10 cannot perform the printing operation. In the case where the state of the MFP 10 enters the restricted state in the state where “message only” is set, as shown in FIG. Figure 14G and Fig.14H As shown, a message is displayed on the message display unit 801 of the main screen 601. At this time, only the message is displayed, and all function applications 204 issue a print instruction to the job control unit 201. That is, in the case where the state of the MFP 10 enters a restricted state in the state where "message only" is set, the MFP 10 can perform a print operation.

[0104] The adjustment printing permission button 1406 can set whether to permit printing for adjustment of the printing position, etc. When the adjustment printing permission button 1406 is set to enabled, the function application 204 that performs adjustment printing (special printing) issues a print instruction to the job control unit 201 even when the status of the MFP 10 is the restricted status.

[0105] Other embodiments

[0106] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by reading and executing computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and / or a computer of a system or device including one or more circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by, for example, reading and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium by the computer of the system or device to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), flash memory devices, memory cards, and the like.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-150069, filed on September 15, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. An image forming device, in which operations are restricted based on service content contracted by a user, the image forming device comprising: an operation unit configured to receive a printing permission condition corresponding to a service content contracted by a user; as well as A control unit is configured to perform predetermined control to switch the state of an image forming device between a first state in which a printing operation of the image forming device is permitted and a second state in which the printing operation of the image forming device is restricted based on a printing permission condition, wherein the printing permission condition includes a period during which the printing operation of the image forming device is permitted.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The operation unit receives the print permission condition based on a code obtained by encrypting a predetermined character string including at least a character string corresponding to the print permission condition.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: When the user has signed a service contract with a rental service provider of image forming apparatuses, the encrypted code is issued.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit performs display control to display a screen for inputting printing permission conditions on a display device of the image forming apparatus, wherein The operation unit receives a character string input on the screen as a print permission condition.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: In the display control, a screen is displayed on the display device on which both a code obtained by encrypting a character string corresponding to the print permission condition and a password for displaying the screen can be input.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit executes an instruction to perform control in a case where the image forming apparatus is in the second state so that only an operation of changing the print permission condition is enabled in the image forming apparatus.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the image forming apparatus is in the second state, the control unit controls the image forming apparatus so that it cannot perform a printing operation.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the image forming apparatus is in the second state, the control unit performs notification of a warning and performs control to enable the image forming apparatus to perform a printing operation.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the image forming apparatus is in the second state, the control unit controls the image forming apparatus to perform a specific printing operation.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit sets an operation of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is in the second state.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The print permission condition also includes the number of print sheets permitted for the print operation of the image forming apparatus.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The control unit causes the display device to display a warning in a case where the number of remaining print sheets for which a printing operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted is equal to or smaller than a preset threshold value.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit causes the display device to display a warning in a case where a remaining period of a period during which a printing operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted is equal to or smaller than a preset threshold value.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The control unit sets the content of the warning to be displayed.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: The control unit sets the content of the warning to be displayed.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit switches between enabling and disabling of a printing permission condition mode for performing predetermined control.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: The control unit switches between enabling and disabling of the print permission condition mode based on whether the specific application is installed.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The predetermined character string includes information for switching between enabling and disabling of a printing permission condition mode for performing predetermined control, and Enable or disable of the print permission condition mode is switched based on the encrypted code.

19. A method for controlling an image forming device, in which operations are restricted based on service content contracted by a user, the method comprising: a receiving step, in which the operating unit of the image forming apparatus receives the printing permission conditions corresponding to the service content contracted by the user; as well as a control step of performing predetermined control to switch the state of the image forming apparatus between a first state and a second state based on a print permission condition, permitting a print operation of the image forming apparatus in the first state and restricting the print operation of the image forming apparatus in the second state, The print permission condition includes a period during which the printing operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted.

20. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing a computer-executable program for executing a method for controlling an image forming apparatus in which operations are restricted based on service contents contracted by a user, The control method comprises: a receiving step, in which the operating unit of the image forming apparatus receives the printing permission conditions corresponding to the service content contracted by the user; as well as a control step of performing predetermined control to switch the state of the image forming apparatus between a first state and a second state based on a print permission condition, permitting a print operation of the image forming apparatus in the first state and restricting the print operation of the image forming apparatus in the second state, The print permission condition includes a period during which the printing operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted.

Images