Management server and management system

Abstract

A management server and a management system determine whether or not a projector can be activated at a management server side that manages the projector. A management server (10) is provided with: a management unit (111) that manages, for each of one or more projectors (20), first management information that associates device identification information (DID) that identifies the projector (20) with startup permission information (OI) that indicates whether the projector (20) is enabled or not; an acquisition unit (113) that acquires, from the first projector (20), a first inquiry request that includes device identification information for identifying the first projector (20) and that inquires whether or not the first projector can be activated; an extraction unit (114) that refers to the first management information and extracts activation permission information (OI) corresponding to the device identification information (DID) included in the first inquiry request; and an output unit (115) that outputs activation permission information (OI) indicating whether activation of the first projector is possible, the activation permission information (OI) being extracted by the extraction unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management server and a management system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a management system has been used to determine whether a projector can be activated. For example, in the projector control method disclosed in Patent Document 1, if a projector determines that the projector is not set to a specified position, the projector transmits its specified identification information to a management server. If the identification information can be transmitted from the projector to the management server, the projector activates the projector function. On the other hand, if the identification information cannot be transmitted from the projector to the management server, the projector deactivates the projector function.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-109940

[0004] In the control method of Patent Document 1, the projector determines whether the projector can be started. However, if the management server, rather than the projector, needs to determine whether the projector can be started, the control method of Patent Document 1 cannot be used. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A management server according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a management unit, which manages, for one or more projectors, first management information that corresponds device identification information for identifying a projector to startup permission information indicating whether the projector can be started; an acquisition unit, which acquires a first inquiry request from the first projector, the first inquiry request including device identification information for identifying the first projector and inquiring whether the first projector can be started; an extraction unit, which extracts the startup permission information corresponding to the device identification information included in the first inquiry request with reference to the first management information; and an output unit, which outputs the startup permission information indicating whether the first projector can be started, extracted by the extraction unit.

[0006] A management system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned management server and the first projector, wherein the first projector comprises: a generation unit, which generates the first inquiry request according to the operation of the user of the first projector; a communication control unit, which sends the first inquiry request to the management server and receives a first inquiry response including the startup permission information from the management server; and a startup processing unit, which performs startup processing related to the startup of the first projector according to the first inquiry response received by the communication control unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the management system 1 .

[0008] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server 10 .

[0009] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a structural example of the management information database AD1.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the history information database HD1.

[0011] Figure 5 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the projector 20 .

[0012] Figure 6 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1 .

[0013] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the sub-steps constituting step S1.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server 10A.

[0015] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the deadline information database LD1.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing the sub-steps constituting step S1.

[0017] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the management system 1B.

[0018] Figure 12 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information management device 30 .

[0019] Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1B.

[0020] Figure 14 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management server 10C.

[0021] Figure 15 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1C.

[0022] Figure 16 It is a flowchart showing the sub-steps constituting step S42.

[0023] Figure 17 20D is a block diagram showing the configuration of the projector 20D.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the projector 20D.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management server 10E.

[0026] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing a structural example of the time information database TD1.

[0027] Figure 21 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a projector 20E.

[0028] Figure 22 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information management device 30E.

[0029] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing a structural example of the historical information database HD3E.

[0030] Figure 24 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1E.

[0031] Figure 25 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1E.

[0032] Figure 26 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1E.

[0033] Label Description

[0034] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E: Management system; 10, 10A, 10C, 10E: Management server; 20, 20D, 20E: Projector; 30, 30E: Information management device; 110, 110A, 110C, 110E: Processing device; 111, 111A, 111E: Management unit; 112: Communication control unit; 113: Acquisition unit; 114: Extraction unit; 115: Output unit; 116: Setting unit; 117: First determination unit; 118: Second determination unit; 120, 120A, 120C, 120E: Storage device; 130: Display device; 140: Input device; 150: Communication device; 210: Projection device; 220: Processing device; 220D, 220E: Processing device; 221: Projection control unit; 222: Generator; 222E: Generator; 223: Communication control unit; 224, 224E: Startup processing unit; 225: Acquisition unit; 226: Determination unit; 227: Notification unit; 228: Display control unit; 229: Calculation unit; 230, 230D, 230E: Storage device; 240: Display device Device; 250: Input device; 260: Communication device; 310, 310E: Processing device; 311, 311E: Management unit; 312: Communication control unit; 313: Acquisition unit; 314: Extraction unit; 315: First determination unit; 316: Second determination unit; 317: Generation unit; 318: Notification unit; 320, 320E: Storage device; 330: Display device; 340: Input device; 350: Communication device; AD1: Management information database; AI: Management information; BI: Purchase history information; DID: Device identification information ; FLD: first usage expiration date; HD1, HD3, HD3E: historical information database; LD1: expiration information database; LI: expiration information; NBD: latest purchase date; NET: communication network; NPD: latest payment date; OI: activation permission information; PI: payment history information; PR1, PR1A, PR1C, PR1E, PR2, PR2D, PR2E, PR3, PR3E: control program; RT: remaining time; TD1: time information database; TI: time information; U: user; UL: usage expiration date. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] 1: First Implementation

[0036] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 7 , a management system 1 according to the first embodiment is described. In the figures, the dimensions and scales of the various components are appropriately different from the actual dimensions. The embodiments described below are preferred specific examples, and therefore include various technically preferred limitations. However, unless otherwise specified in the following description, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0037] 1-1: Overall structure

[0038] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the management system 1 of this embodiment. The management system 1 has a management server 10 and n projectors 20[1] to 20[n]. n is an integer greater than 1. The management server 10 and the n projectors 20[1] to 20[n] are connected via a communication network NET so as to be able to communicate with each other. Figure 1 In the example, user U[1] to user U[n] use projectors 20[1] to projectors 20[n]. User U[1] to user U[n] and projectors 20[1] to projectors 20[n] correspond to each other one-to-one. In addition, user U[k] uses projector 20[k]. k is an integer greater than 1 and less than n. In the following, user U[k] is sometimes used as a representative example of user U[1] to user U[n], and projector 20[k] is used as a representative example of projectors 20[1] to projectors 20[n]. In the following, user U[1] to user U[n] is sometimes used as a general term, and projector 20[1] to projectors 20[n] is sometimes used as a general term.

[0039] The management server 10 is a server that manages n projectors 20[1] to 20[n]. In this embodiment, the management server 10 mainly manages whether each of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n] can be started. As an example, the management server 10 is operated by a management company that manages the projectors 20[1] to 20[n].

[0040] The n projectors 20[1] to 20[n] are devices that project static images or dynamic images onto a flat surface such as a screen or a wall.

[0041] 1-2: Management Server Structure

[0042] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a management server 10. While the management server 10 is typically a PC, it is not limited to this and may also be a tablet terminal. The management server 10 includes a processing device 110, a storage device 120, a display device 130, an input device 140, and a communication device 150. Each component of the management server 10 is interconnected via a single bus or multiple buses for information communication.

[0043] The processing device 110 is a processor that controls the entire management server 10 and is composed of, for example, a single chip or multiple chips. The processing device 110 is composed of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, a computing device, and registers. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the processing device 110 may be implemented using hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processing device 110 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0044] Storage device 120 is a recording medium that processing device 110 can read and write from. It stores multiple programs, including the control program PR1 executed by processing device 110, as well as management information database AD1 and history information database HD1. Storage device 120 may be composed of, for example, at least one of ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and RAM (Random Access Memory). Storage device 120 may be referred to as a register, cache, main memory, or primary storage device.

[0045] The management information database AD1 is a database that stores management information AI. In this embodiment, the management information AI is information for managing the projectors 20[1] to 20[n]. The management information AI in this embodiment is an example of "first management information."

[0046] Figure 3 This figure shows an example of the structure of a management information database AD1. In the management information database AD1, user identification information UID for identifying each user U[1] to user U[n], device identification information DID for identifying each projector 20[1] to projector 20[n], and activation permission information OI indicating whether the projector 20[1] to projector 20[n] can be activated are stored in correspondence with each other as management information AI.

[0047] exist Figure 3 In the management information database AD1 shown, the user whose user identification information UID is "UID1" corresponds to Figure 1 In the same way, the user whose user identification information UID is “UID_k” corresponds to Figure 1 The user U[k] in the table corresponds to the user whose user identification information UID is “UID_n”. Figure 1 User U[n] in .

[0048] In addition, Figure 3 In the management information database AD1 shown, the projector with the device identification information DID "DID1" corresponds to Figure 1 The projector 20[1] in the same manner as follows corresponds to the projector whose device identification information DID is "DID_k". Figure 1 The projector 20[k] in the device identification information DID is "DID_n" corresponding to Figure 1 Projector 20[n] in.

[0049] In addition, Figure 3 In the management information database AD1 shown, regarding the activation permission information OI, "1" indicates that the activation is possible, and "0" indicates that the activation is not possible.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, as an example, the projector 20[k] whose device identification information DID is "DID_k" is used by the user U[k] whose user identification information UID is "UID_k", and the management information AI indicating that the projector 20[k] can be started at the current moment is stored in the management information database AD1.

[0051] In addition, Figure 3 In the example shown, for simplicity, the device identification information DID of projector 20[k] corresponding to user identification information UID "UID_k" is "DID_k." However, this is merely an example. The device identification information DID can be an ID that identifies each projector 20, or an identification code. Alternatively, the identification code can be the serial number of each projector 20, or a MAC address. Furthermore, the device identification information DID can be, for example, a combination of the user identification information UID and a name assigned to the projector 20 by user U.

[0052] exist Figure 2 The history information database HD1 is a database storing payment history information PI. In the present embodiment, the payment history information PI is information indicating the payment history of each user U for the use fee of the projector 20.

[0053] Figure 41 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the history information database HD1. In the history information database HD1, user identification information UID and the latest payment date NPD are stored together as payment history information PI.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, as an example, the latest payment date NPD for the usage fee of the projector 20[k] by the user U[k] whose user identification information UID is “UID_k” is November 20, 2023.

[0055] Here, it is assumed that the current date is December 1, 2023. Also, it is assumed that the most recent payment due date in the past was November 30, 2023, and the previous payment due date was October 31, 2023.

[0056] exist Figure 4 In the history information database HD1 shown, as an example, the latest payment date NPD of user U[1] whose user identification information UID is "UID1" is "20231009", that is, October 9, 2023. Therefore, the payment history information PI of user U[1] has not been updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date. Figure 3 In the example shown, the projector 20[1] with the device identification information DID “DID1” and the user U[1] with the user identification information UID “UID1” has the startup permission information OI “0”. That is, the projector 20[1] cannot be started.

[0057] In addition, Figure 4 In the history information database HD1 shown, as another example, the latest payment date NPD of user U[2] whose user identification information UID is “UID2” is “20231118”, that is, November 18, 2024. Therefore, the payment history information PI of user U[2] is updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date. Figure 3 In the example shown, the projector 20[1] with the device identification information DID “DID2” and used by the user U[2] with the user identification information UID “UID2” has the startup permission information OI “1”. That is, the projector 20[2] can be started.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the present invention, the display device 130 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 130 displays various images under the control of the processing device 110. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels and organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panels are suitable for use as the display device 130.

[0059] The input device 140 is a device that receives operations from the administrator of the management server 10. For example, the input device 140 includes a keyboard, a touchpad, a touch panel, or a pointing device such as a mouse. Here, when the input device 140 includes a touch panel, it can also serve as the display device 130.

[0060] The communication device 150 is hardware that serves as a transceiver for communicating with other devices and is also referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, and the like.

[0061] Processing device 110 reads and executes control program PR1 from storage device 120 to function as management unit 111, communication control unit 112, acquisition unit 113, extraction unit 114, and output unit 115. Control program PR1 may also be transmitted from another device managing management server 10 via communication network NET.

[0062] The management unit 111 manages the management information AI stored in the management information database AD1. In this embodiment, the management unit 111 manages the management information AI based on the payment history information PI stored in the history information database HD1.

[0063] Specifically, as described above, in the history information database HD1, if the payment history information PI corresponding to each user U identified by the user identification information UID is updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date, the management unit 111 sets the activation permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "1." On the other hand, if the payment history information PI corresponding to each user U identified by the user identification information UID is not updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date, the management unit 111 sets the activation permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "0."

[0064] The communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 150 to receive an inquiry request from each of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n]. The inquiry request includes the device identification information DID for identifying each of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n], and inquires whether each of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n] can be started. Furthermore, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 150 to receive an inquiry request from the projector 20[k], the inquiry request including "DID_k" as the device identification information DID for identifying the projector 20[k], and inquiring whether the projector 20[k] can be started. This inquiry request is an example of a "first inquiry request." Furthermore, the projector 20[k] is an example of a "first projector."

[0065] The acquisition unit 113 acquires the inquiry request received by the communication device 150 .

[0066] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 113 acquires information notifying payment of the usage fee for the projector 20 from a terminal device other than the management server 10. For example, the acquisition unit 113 acquires information notifying payment of the usage fee for the projector 20[k] from a terminal device used by the user U[k]. In this case, the management unit 111 updates the payment history information PI corresponding to the projector 20[k] stored in the history information database HD1 based on this information.

[0067] Extraction unit 114 uses the device identification information DID included in the query request obtained by acquisition unit 113 to refer to the management information AI stored in management information database AD1, thereby extracting the activation permission information OI corresponding to the device identification information DID. In the above example, extraction unit 114 extracts "1" as activation permission information OI from the management information AI corresponding to the device identification information DID "DID_k" included in the query request.

[0068] The output unit 115 outputs the activation permission information OI extracted by the extraction unit 114. In the above example, the output unit 115 outputs "1" as the activation permission information OI. In this embodiment, as an example, the output unit 115 outputs the activation permission information OI to the communication control unit 112.

[0069] The communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 150 to transmit the activation permission information OI outputted from the output unit 115 to any one of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n]. In the above example, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 150 to transmit an inquiry response including "1" as the activation permission information OI to the projector 20[k]. This inquiry response is an example of a "first inquiry response."

[0070] 1-3: Structure of the projector

[0071] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the structure of projector 20. Projector 20 includes a projection device 210, a processing device 220, a storage device 230, an input device 250, and a communication device 260. Each component of projector 20 is interconnected via a single bus or multiple buses for communicating information. Furthermore, each component of projector 20 may be composed of a single device or multiple devices. Some components of projector 20 may also be omitted.

[0072] The projection device 210 is a device that projects a static image or a dynamic image onto a screen, a wall, or the like. The projection device 210 projects various static images and various dynamic images under the control of the processing device 220. The projection device 210 includes, for example, a light source, a liquid crystal panel, and a projection lens. The projection device 210 modulates the light from the light source using the liquid crystal panel, and projects the modulated light onto a screen, a wall, or the like via the projection lens. In addition, the method in which the projection device 210 includes a liquid crystal panel is only an example, and the method of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, this embodiment can also be applied to a DLP (Digital Light Processing: a registered trademark) having a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) instead of a liquid crystal panel.

[0073] Processing device 220 is a processor that controls the entire projector 20 and is comprised of, for example, a single chip or multiple chips. Processing device 220 comprises, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, a computing device, and registers. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of processing device 220 may be implemented using hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. Processing device 220 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0074] Storage device 230 is a recording medium readable by processing device 220 and stores a plurality of programs, including control program PR2, which is executed by processing device 220. Storage device 230 may be composed of, for example, at least one of ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and RAM. Storage device 230 may be referred to as a register, cache, main memory, or main storage device.

[0075] The input device 250 is a device that receives operations from the user U of the projector 20. For example, the input device 250 includes input buttons, a touch pad, a touch panel, etc. The input device 250 is also used to turn the power of the projector 20 on and off.

[0076] Communication device 260 is hardware that functions as a transceiver for communicating with other devices. In this embodiment, communication device 260 is used to connect projector 20 to other devices via wired or wireless connections. Communication device 260 is also known as a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module.

[0077] The processing device 220 reads and executes the control program PR2 from the storage device 230 to function as a projection control unit 221, a generation unit 222, a communication control unit 223, and a startup processing unit 224. The control program PR2 may also be transmitted from another device such as the management server 10 that manages the projector 20 via the communication network NET.

[0078] The projection control unit 221 projects a still image or a moving image onto a wall, a screen, or the like via the projection device 210 .

[0079] The generation unit 222 generates the above-mentioned inquiry request based on the operation of the user U using the input device 250 .

[0080] The communication control unit 223 causes the communication device 260 to transmit the inquiry request generated by the generation unit 222 to the management server 10. In addition, the communication control unit 223 causes the communication device 260 to receive the inquiry response transmitted from the management server 10.

[0081] The startup processing unit 224 executes startup processing related to the startup of the projector 20 based on the query response received from the management server 10 using the communication device 260. In the above example, if the query response includes "1" as the startup permission information OI, the startup processing unit 224 executes the startup processing to activate the projector 20. On the other hand, if the query response includes "0" as the startup permission information OI, the startup processing unit 224 does not execute the startup processing to activate the projector 20. Alternatively, if the query response includes "0" as the startup permission information OI, the startup processing unit 224 interrupts the startup processing to activate the projector 20.

[0082] Furthermore, if the communication control unit 223 cannot cause the communication device 260 to transmit the inquiry request generated by the generation unit 222 to the management server 10, the activation processing unit 224 may not activate the projector 20. Similarly, if the communication control unit 223 cannot cause the communication device 260 to receive a response to the inquiry transmitted from the management server 10, the activation processing unit 224 may not activate the projector 20.

[0083] In these situations, the startup processing unit 224 may also control the light source included in the projection device 210 to not be powered on. Alternatively, the startup processing unit 224 may set the light source to a state in which the projection control unit 221 is unable to process the image signal, thereby preventing the projection of still or moving images, even though the light source is powered on. Alternatively, the startup processing unit 224 may use the projection device 210 to project a message on the screen informing the user U that the payment of the usage fee has been delayed.

[0084] 1-4: Management system actions

[0085] Figure 6 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1. More specifically, Figure 61 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the projector 20 executes the startup process in the management system 1 .

[0086] In step S1, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10 operates as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 manages the management information AI stored in the management information database AD1.

[0087] In step S2, the processing device 220 included in the projector 20 functions as the generating unit 222. Based on an operation by the user U, the processing device 220 generates an inquiry request inquiring whether the projector 20 can be started. Furthermore, the processing device 220 functions as the communication control unit 223. The processing device 220 causes the communication device 260 to transmit the generated inquiry request to the management server 10.

[0088] The processing device 110 included in the management server 10 functions as the acquisition unit 113. The processing device 110 causes the communication device 150 to receive and acquire an inquiry request from the projector 20 inquiring whether to start the projector 20. The inquiry request includes the device identification information DID for identifying the projector 20.

[0089] In step S3, the processing device 110 of the management server 10 functions as the extraction unit 114. The processing device 110 refers to the management information AI stored in the management information database AD1 and extracts the activation permission information OI corresponding to the device identification information DID included in the query request received in step S2.

[0090] In step S4, the processing device 110 of the management server 10 functions as the output unit 115. The processing device 110 outputs the activation permission information OI extracted in step S3. Specifically, the processing device 110 causes the communication device 150 to transmit a query response including the activation permission information OI to the projector 20.

[0091] The processing device 220 included in the projector 20 functions as a communication control unit 223. The processing device 220 causes the communication device 260 to receive a query response including the activation permission information OI from the management server 10.

[0092] In step S5, the processing device 220 included in the projector 20 functions as the activation processing unit 224. The processing device 220 executes activation processing related to activation of the projector 20 based on the inquiry response received in step S4.

[0093] More specifically, if the activation permission information OI included in the query response received in step S4 indicates "yes," the processing device 220 executes the activation process for activating the projector 20. On the other hand, if the activation permission information OI included in the query response received in step S4 indicates "no," the processing device 220 does not execute the activation process for activating the projector 20. Alternatively, the processing device 220 interrupts the activation process for activating the projector 20. Alternatively, the processing device 220 turns off the power supply to the projector 20.

[0094] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing sub-steps constituting step S1 in this embodiment. Step S1 includes sub-steps SS11 to SS16.

[0095] In sub-step SS11, the processing device 110 of the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 determines whether the current time is the update confirmation date for confirming the update of the payment history information PI. If the current time is the update confirmation date ("Yes" in sub-step SS11), the processing device 310E executes the process of step S12. If the current time is not the update confirmation date ("No" in sub-step SS11), the processing device 310E executes the process of sub-step SS11.

[0096] Here, as an example, the update confirmation date is the end of each month. The update confirmation date may be the day after the payment deadline for the use fee of the projector 20. In addition, as an example, the process of sub-step SS11 is executed once a day by batch processing.

[0097] In sub-step SS12, processing device 110 of management server 10 functions as management unit 111. Processing device 110 determines whether payment history information PI has been updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date. If payment history information PI has been updated, processing device 110 proceeds to sub-step SS13. If payment history information PI has not been updated, processing device 110 proceeds to sub-step SS15.

[0098] In sub-step SS13, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 sets the activation permission information OI to "permitted".

[0099] In sub-step SS14, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 updates the update confirmation date to the next update confirmation date.

[0100] In sub-step SS15, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 sets the activation permission information OI to "No".

[0101] In sub-step SS16, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 updates the update confirmation date to the next update confirmation date.

[0102] 2: Second Implementation Method

[0103] Below, refer to Figures 8 to 10 , a management system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for simplicity of description, the following description will focus on the differences between the management system 1A according to the present embodiment and the management system 1 according to the first embodiment. Components of the management system 1A according to the present embodiment that are identical to those of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0104] The management system 1 of the first embodiment manages activation permission information OI indicating whether the projector 20 can be activated, based on whether the payment history information PI was updated between the most recent payment deadline and the previous payment deadline. Meanwhile, the management system 1A of this embodiment sets a first usage period and a second usage period based on the payment history information PI. The second usage period is a period later than the first usage period. The period between the first and second usage periods corresponds to a grace period if the user U fails to pay the usage fee for the projector 20 before the first usage period.

[0105] 2-1: Overall structure

[0106] The management system 1A of this embodiment is different from the management system 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a management server 10A instead of the management server 10. In other respects, the overall structure of the management system 1A is the same as that of the management system 1A. Figure 1 The overall structure of the management system 1 shown is the same, so illustration is omitted.

[0107] 2-2: Management Server Structure

[0108] Figure 8 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management server 10A. The management server 10A is different from the management server 10 in that it includes a processing device 110A instead of the processing device 110 and a storage device 120A instead of the storage device 120.

[0109] The storage device 120A stores a control program PR1A instead of the control program PR1, unlike the storage device 120. The storage device 120A also stores a time limit information database LD1 in addition to the management information database AD1 and the history information database HD1.

[0110] The expiration information database LD1 is a database that stores expiration information LI. In the present embodiment, the expiration information LI is information indicating the expiration time during which each user U can use the projector 20.

[0111] Figure 9 The expiration date information database LD1 is a diagram showing a configuration example. The expiration date information LI is information that associates user identification information UID that can identify each user U[1] to user U[n], a first expiration date FLD, and a second expiration date SLD.

[0112] The first usage expiration date FLD indicates the period during which user U can use the projector 20 upon payment of the usage fee. The first usage expiration date FLD is updated when the payment history information PI stored in the history information database HD1 is updated. For example, if the most recent payment due date is November 30, 2023, and the previous payment due date is October 31, 2023, and user U pays the usage fee for the projector 20 between October 31, 2023 and November 30, 2023, the first usage expiration date FLD is set to the last day of December following the most recent payment due date, November 30, 2023. On the other hand, if user U does not pay the usage fee for the projector 20 between October 31, 2023 and November 30, 2023, the first usage expiration date FLD is not updated. The first usage expiration date FLD is an example of the "first usage expiration date."

[0113] The second expiration date SLD is a deadline date during which the user U can use the projector 20 even if the user U has not paid the usage fee of the projector 20 between the last payment deadline and the latest payment deadline. The second expiration date SLD is a grace period for the user U to pay the usage fee of the projector 20 that should have been paid between the last payment deadline and the latest payment deadline. In a case where the user U has not paid the usage fee of the projector 20 even if the current time exceeds the first expiration date FLD, the second expiration date SLD is set by the setting unit 116 described later. In addition, the second expiration date SLD is an example of a "second usage deadline." As an example, in a case where the user U has not paid the usage fee of the projector 20 even if the current time exceeds November 30, 2023, which is the first expiration date FLD, the setting unit 116 sets December 10, 2023 as the second expiration date SLD.

[0114] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the processing device 110A reads and executes the control program PR1A from the storage device 120A, thereby functioning as a setting unit 116 and a first determination unit 117 in addition to the management unit 111A, the communication control unit 112, the acquisition unit 113, the extraction unit 114, and the output unit 115.

[0115] The setting unit 116 sets the first expiration date FLD for each of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n]. More specifically, the setting unit 116 updates the first expiration date FLD based on the update of the payment history information PI stored in the history information database HD1.

[0116] The first determination unit 117 determines whether the current time has exceeded the first expiration date FLD. If the first determination unit 117 determines that the current time has exceeded the first expiration date FLD, the setting unit 116 sets the second expiration date SLD.

[0117] In addition, in the historical information database HD1, when the payment history information PI corresponding to each user U identified by the user identification information UID is updated before the first usage expiration date FLD, the management unit 111A sets the startup permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "1". In addition, in the historical information database HD1, when the payment history information PI corresponding to each user U identified by the user identification information UID is updated before the second usage expiration date SLD, the management unit 111A sets the startup permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "1". On the other hand, in the historical information database HD1, when the payment history information PI corresponding to each user U identified by the user identification information UID is not updated before the second usage expiration date SLD, the management unit 111A sets the startup permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "0".

[0118] 2-3: Management system actions

[0119] The operation of the management system 1A is Figure 6 The operation of the management system 1 shown is the same, so its illustration is omitted. However, the operation of the management system 1A is different from that of the management system 1 in the contents of the sub-steps constituting the processing in step S1. Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing sub-steps constituting step S1 in this embodiment. Step S1 includes sub-steps SS21 to SS25.

[0120] In sub-step SS21, processing device 110A included in management server 10 functions as management unit 111A. Processing device 110 determines whether the first expiration date FLD has passed at the current time. If the first expiration date FLD has passed at the current time ("Yes" in sub-step SS21), processing device 110 executes sub-step SS22. If the first expiration date FLD has not passed at the current time ("No" in sub-step SS21), processing device 110 executes sub-step SS25.

[0121] Here, as an example, the first usage expiration date FLD is the end of each month. The first usage expiration date FLD may be the same as the payment deadline for the usage fee of the projector 20 .

[0122] In sub-step SS22, the processing device 110A included in the management server 10 functions as the output unit 115. The processing device 110A outputs a message notifying the user U that payment of the usage fee is delayed to the terminal device used by the user U or the projector 20 used by the user U.

[0123] In sub-step SS23, the processing device 110 of the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111A. The processing device 110 determines whether the second expiration date SLD has passed at the current time. If the second expiration date SLD has passed at the current time ("Yes" in sub-step SS23), the processing device 110 executes the process of sub-step SS24. If the second expiration date SLD has not passed at the current time ("No" in sub-step SS23), the processing device 110 executes the process of sub-step SS25.

[0124] In sub-step SS24, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111A. The processing device 110 sets the activation permission information OI to "No".

[0125] In sub-step SS25, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111A. The processing device 110 sets the activation permission information OI to "yes".

[0126] In addition, as an example, the process of step S1 including sub-step SS21 to sub-step SS25 is executed once a day by batch processing.

[0127] 3: Third Implementation Method

[0128] Below, refer to Figures 11 to 13 , the management system 1B of the third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for simplicity of description, the following description will focus on the differences between the management system 1B of this embodiment and the management system 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the components of the management system 1B of this embodiment that are identical to those of the management system 1 of the first embodiment, and descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0129] The management system 1 of the first embodiment includes a management server 10 and projectors 20[1] to 20[n]. The management system 1B of this embodiment further includes an information management device 30. The information management device 30 primarily manages the payment history information PI of users U[1] to U[n]. In addition, the information management device 30 transmits the payment history information PI of users U[1] to U[n] to the management server 10.

[0130] 3-1: Overall structure

[0131] Figure 11This figure shows the overall structure of a management system 1B according to this embodiment. The management system 1B includes a management server 10, n projectors 20[1] to 20[n], and an information management device 30. The management server 10, n projectors 20[1] to 20[n], and the information management device 30 are connected to each other via a communication network NET so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0132] As described above, the information management device 30 manages the payment history information PI of users U[1] to U[n].

[0133] 3-2: Structure of the information management device

[0134] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information management device 30. While a PC is typically used as the information management device 30, the present invention is not limited thereto and may alternatively be a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The information management device 30 includes a processing device 310, a storage device 320, a display device 330, an input device 340, and a communication device 350. The various components of the information management device 30 are interconnected via one or more buses for communicating information.

[0135] Processing device 310 is a processor that controls the entire information management device 30 and is comprised of, for example, a single chip or multiple chips. Processing device 310 comprises, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, a computing device, and registers. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of processing device 310 may be implemented using hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. Processing device 310 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0136] Storage device 320 is a recording medium that processing device 310 can read and write from, and stores multiple programs, including control program PR3, executed by processing device 310, and history information database HD3. Storage device 320 may be composed of, for example, at least one of ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and RAM. Storage device 320 may be referred to as a register, cache, main memory, or main storage device.

[0137] Since the historical information database HD3 is Figure 4 Since the historical information database HD1 shown in the first embodiment is the same database, its illustration and description of the structure are omitted.

[0138] exist Figure 12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the display device 330 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 330 displays various images under the control of the processing device 310. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL display panel are suitable for use as the display device 330.

[0139] The input device 340 is a device that receives operations from the administrator of the information management device 30. For example, the input device 340 may include a keyboard, a touchpad, a touch panel, or a pointing device such as a mouse. When the input device 340 includes a touch panel, it may also serve as the display device 330.

[0140] The communication device 350 is hardware that serves as a transceiver for communicating with other devices and is also referred to as a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, and the like.

[0141] Processing device 310 reads and executes control program PR3 from storage device 320 to function as management unit 311, communication control unit 312, acquisition unit 313, and extraction unit 314. Control program PR3 may also be transmitted from another device in management information management device 30 via communication network NET.

[0142] The management unit 311 manages the payment history information PI stored in the history information database HD3. Specifically, when user U[1] to user U[n] pays for the use of projectors 20[1] to 20[n], the management unit 311 updates the value of the latest payment date NPD included in the payment history information PI to a value indicating the latest payment date.

[0143] The communication control unit 312 causes the communication device 350 to receive an inquiry request from the management server 10. The inquiry request includes the user identification information UID of the users U[1] to U[n] for identifying the projectors 20[1] to 20[n]. In addition, the inquiry request is a request to inquire about the payment history information PI corresponding to the users U[1] to U[n], respectively. The inquiry request is an example of a "second inquiry request." In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the inquiry request includes the user identification information UID of the user U[k] for identifying the projector 20[k].

[0144] The acquisition unit 313 acquires the inquiry request received by the communication control unit 312 to the communication device 350 .

[0145] Extraction unit 314 uses the user identification information UID included in the query request obtained by acquisition unit 313 to reference historical information database HD3 to extract payment history information PI corresponding to user U corresponding to the user identification information UID. In the above example, extraction unit 314 uses the user identification information UID "Uk" included in the query request to extract payment history information PI corresponding to user U[k]. In this payment history information PI, the user identification information UID is "Uk" and the latest payment date NPD is "20231120".

[0146] The communication control unit 312 causes the communication device 350 to transmit an inquiry response including the payment history information PI extracted by the extraction unit 314 to the management server 10. This inquiry response is an example of a "second inquiry response."

[0147] 3-3: Management system actions

[0148] Figure 13 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1B. More specifically, Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram showing the operation when the information management device 30 transmits the payment history information PI to the management server 10 in the management system 1B.

[0149] In step S31, the processing device 310 included in the information management device 30 operates as the management unit 311. The processing device 310 manages the payment history information PI stored in the history information database HD3.

[0150] In step S32, the processing device 110 of the management server 10 functions as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 generates an inquiry request for the payment history information PI corresponding to the user U[k]. Furthermore, the processing device 110 functions as the communication control unit 112. The processing device 110 causes the communication device 150 to transmit the generated inquiry request to the information management device 30.

[0151] Furthermore, the processing device 310 included in the information management device 30 functions as an acquisition unit 313. The processing device 310 causes the communication device 350 to receive and acquire an inquiry request from the management server 10, the inquiry request including the user identification information UID for identifying the user U[k], and inquires about the payment history information PI corresponding to the user U[k].

[0152] In step S33, the processing device 310 included in the information management device 30 functions as the extraction unit 314. The processing device 310 uses the user identification information UID included in the inquiry request obtained in step S32 to refer to the history information database HD3 to extract the payment history information PI corresponding to the user U[k] corresponding to the user identification information UID.

[0153] In step S34, the processing device 310 included in the information management device 30 functions as the communication control unit 312. The processing device 310 causes the communication device 350 to transmit an inquiry response including the payment history information PI extracted in step S33 to the management server 10.

[0154] The processing device 310 included in the management server 10 functions as the communication control unit 112. The processing device 310 causes the communication device 260 to receive an inquiry response including the payment history information PI from the information management device 30.

[0155] The management server 10 may also store the payment history information PI received from the information management device 30 in the history information database HD1. Alternatively, the management server 10 may not include the history information database HD1, and the management unit 111 may manage the management information AI stored in the management information database AD1 based on the payment history information PI received from the information management device 30.

[0156] Then, as an example, the management server 10 executes Figure 6 A series of actions shown.

[0157] 4: 4th Implementation Method

[0158] Below, refer to Figures 14 and 15 , a management system 1C according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for simplicity of description, the following description will focus on the differences between the management system 1C according to this embodiment and the management system 1 according to the first embodiment. Components of the management system 1C according to this embodiment that are identical to those of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0159] The management system 1 of the first embodiment manages the activation permission information OI based on whether the payment history information PI was updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date. Meanwhile, the management system 1C of this embodiment manages the activation permission information OI based on whether the current time is within the maintenance period.

[0160] 4-1: Overall structure

[0161] The management system 1C of this embodiment is different from the management system 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a management server 10C instead of the management server 10. In other respects, the overall structure of the management system 1C is the same as that of the management system 1C. Figure 1 The overall structure of the management system 1 shown is the same, so illustration is omitted.

[0162] 4-2: Management Server Structure

[0163] Figure 14 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management server 10C. The management server 10C is different from the management server 10 in that it includes a processing device 110C instead of the processing device 110 and a storage device 120C instead of the storage device 120.

[0164] The storage device 120C differs from the storage device 120 in that it stores a control program PR1C instead of the control program PR1 .

[0165] The processing device 110C reads and executes the control program PR1C from the storage device 120C, thereby functioning as a second determination unit 118 in addition to the management unit 111 , communication control unit 112 , acquisition unit 113 , extraction unit 114 , and output unit 115 .

[0166] When the acquisition unit 113 acquires an inquiry request from any of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n], the second determination unit 118 determines whether the current time is within the maintenance period of the management server 10C. If the second determination unit 118 determines that the current time is within the maintenance period of the management server 10C, the management unit 111 sets the start permission information OI included in the management information AI corresponding to the projector 20 that is the acquisition source of the inquiry request to "1" in the management information database AD1.

[0167] The output unit 115 outputs the activation permission information OI.

[0168] 4-3: Management system actions

[0169] Figure 15 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1C. More specifically, Figure 15 1C is a sequence diagram showing the operation when the projector 20 executes the startup process in the management system 1C.

[0170] In step S41, the processing device 220 included in the projector 20 functions as the generating unit 222. Based on the operation of the user U, the processing device 220 generates an inquiry request inquiring whether the projector 20 can be started. Furthermore, the processing device 220 functions as the communication control unit 223. The processing device 220 causes the communication device 260 to transmit the generated inquiry request to the management server 10.

[0171] The processing device 110 included in the management server 10C functions as the acquisition unit 113. The processing device 110 causes the communication device 150 to receive and acquire an inquiry request from the projector 20 inquiring whether to start the projector 20. The inquiry request includes the device identification information DID for identifying the projector 20.

[0172] In step S42, the processing device 110 of the management server 10C operates as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 manages the management information AI stored in the management information database AD1. More specifically, as described later, the processing device 110 sets the activation permission information OI included in the management information AI corresponding to the projector 20 that received the query request.

[0173] In step S43, the processing device 110 of the management server 10C functions as the output unit 115. The processing device 110 outputs the activation permission information OI set in step S42. Specifically, the processing device 110 causes the communication device 150 to transmit a query response including the activation permission information OI to the projector 20.

[0174] The processing device 220 included in the projector 20 functions as a communication control unit 223. The processing device 220 causes the communication device 260 to receive a query response including the activation permission information OI from the management server 10.

[0175] In step S44, the processing device 220 included in the projector 20 functions as the activation processing unit 224. The processing device 220 executes activation processing related to activation of the projector 20 based on the inquiry response received in step S43.

[0176] More specifically, if the activation permission information OI included in the query response received in step S43 indicates "yes," the processing device 220 executes the activation process for activating the projector 20. On the other hand, if the activation permission information OI included in the query response received in step S43 indicates "no," the processing device 220 does not execute the activation process for activating the projector 20. Alternatively, the processing device 220 interrupts the activation process for activating the projector 20. Alternatively, the processing device 220 turns off the power supply to the projector 20.

[0177] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing sub-steps constituting step S42 in this embodiment. Step S42 includes sub-steps SS51 to SS53.

[0178] In sub-step SS51, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10C functions as the second determination unit 118. The processing device 110 determines whether the current time is within the maintenance period of the management server 10C. If the current time is determined to be within the maintenance period of the management server 10C ("Yes" in sub-step SS51), the processing device 110 executes the process of sub-step SS52. If the current time is determined not to be within the maintenance period of the management server 10C ("No" in sub-step SS51), the processing device 110 executes the process of sub-step SS53.

[0179] In sub-step SS52, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10C functions as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 sets the activation permission information OI to "permitted".

[0180] In sub-step SS53, the processing device 110 included in the management server 10C functions as the management unit 111. The processing device 110 sets the activation permission information OI to "No".

[0181] 5: Fifth Implementation Method

[0182] Below, refer to Figures 17 and 18 , a management system 1D according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for simplicity of description, the following description will focus on the differences between the management system 1D according to the present embodiment and the management system 1 according to the first embodiment. Components of the management system 1D according to the present embodiment that are identical to those of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0183] In the management system 1 of the first embodiment, if the communication control unit 223 cannot cause the communication device 260 to receive a response to a query sent from the management server 10, the activation processing unit 224 does not activate the projector 20. On the other hand, in the management system 1D of the present embodiment, if the communication control unit 223 cannot cause the communication device 260 to receive a response to a query sent from the management server 10, the activation processing unit 224 activates the projector 20. In addition, the projector 20 notifies the user U of the expiration date of the projector 20.

[0184] 5-1: Overall structure

[0185] The management system 1D of this embodiment is different from the management system 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a projector 20D instead of the projector 20. In other respects, the overall structure of the management system 1A is the same as that of the management system 1A. Figure 1 The overall structure of the management system 1 shown is the same, so illustration is omitted.

[0186] 5-2: Structure of the projector

[0187] Figure 17 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a projector 20D. The projector 20D of this embodiment differs from the projector 20 of the first embodiment in that it includes a processing device 220D in place of the processing device 220 and a storage device 230D in place of the storage device 230. Furthermore, the projector 20D of this embodiment includes a display device 240.

[0188] The storage device 230D stores a control program PR2D instead of the control program PR2 stored in the storage device 230 of the first embodiment.

[0189] The display device 240 is a device that displays images and text information. Under the control of the processing device 220D, the display device 240 displays various images. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels and organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panels are suitable for use as the display device 240.

[0190] When the input device 250 includes a touch panel, it may also serve as the display device 240 .

[0191] The processing device 220D reads the control program PR2D from the storage device 230D and executes it, thereby functioning as the projection control unit 221, the generation unit 222, the communication control unit 223, and the startup processing unit 224, as well as the acquisition unit 225, the determination unit 226, the notification unit 227, and the display control unit 228. The control program PR2D may also be transmitted from another device, such as the management server 10 that manages the projector 20D, via the communication network NET.

[0192] The acquisition unit 225 acquires the expiration date UL of the projector 20D from the management server 10. The acquisition unit 225 stores the acquired expiration date UL in the storage device 230D. This expiration date UL is an example of a "third expiration date."

[0193] As described above, in the management server 10 of the first embodiment, if the payment history information PI corresponding to each user U is updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date, the management unit 111 sets the activation permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "1". On the other hand, if the payment history information PI corresponding to each user U identified by the user identification information UID is not updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date, the management unit 111 sets the activation permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "0".

[0194] Therefore, when the activation permission information OI corresponding to the user U is set to "1", the usage expiration date UL of the projector 20D used by the user U becomes the next payment due date. On the other hand, when the activation permission information OI corresponding to the user U is set to "0", the usage expiration date UL of the projector 20D used by the user U becomes the first payment due date after the date on which the user U last paid the usage fee.

[0195] The acquisition unit 225 acquires these usage periods UL from the management server 10 as the usage period UL of the projector 20D.

[0196] After transmitting the inquiry request for inquiring whether the projector 20D can be started to the management server 10 , the determination unit 226 determines whether the communication control unit 223 can cause the communication device 260 to receive the inquiry response from the management server 10 .

[0197] When the determination unit 226 determines that no inquiry response has been received from the management server 10 , the notification unit 227 notifies the user U who uses the projector 20D of the usage expiration date UL of the projector 20D.

[0198] For example, if a network failure occurs due to poor communication or the management server 10 is under maintenance, and the communication control unit 223 is unable to cause the communication device 260 to receive a response to an inquiry from the management server 10, the startup processing unit 224 executes startup processing to start the projector 20D. After the startup processing unit 224 starts the projector 20, the notification unit 227 notifies the user U using the projector 20 of the usage limit UL of the projector 20.

[0199] As an example, the notification unit 227 outputs the usage period UL stored in the storage device 230D to the display control unit 228 .

[0200] In this case, the display control unit 228 causes the display device 240 to display the lifespan UL of the projector 20D.

[0201] Furthermore, the projector 20D may be configured to be usable until the usage limit UL when the communication control unit 223 cannot cause the communication device 260 to receive a response to an inquiry from the management server 10. Alternatively, the projector 20D may be configured to be unusable in normal use and unusable except for network settings when the communication control unit 223 cannot cause the communication device 260 to receive a response to an inquiry from the management server 10.

[0202] 5-3: Management system actions

[0203] Management System 1D Action and Figure 6The operations of the management system 1 shown are identical, so illustration is omitted. However, in the operations of the management system 1D, unlike the operations of the management system 1, the projector 20D performs step S61 as an additional process between steps S2 and S5. Furthermore, if the determination result in step S61 is affirmative, the projector 20D performs step S5 in the same manner as the operations of the management system 1. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S61 is negative, the projector 20D performs steps S62 and S63. Figure 18 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the projector 20D in this embodiment.

[0204] In step S2, the processing device 220D included in the projector 20D functions as the generating unit 222. Based on an operation by the user U, the processing device 220D generates an inquiry request inquiring whether the projector 20D can be started. Furthermore, the processing device 220D functions as the communication control unit 223. The processing device 220D causes the communication device 260 to transmit the generated inquiry request to the management server 10.

[0205] In step S61, the processing device 220D included in the projector 20D functions as the determination unit 226. The processing device 220D determines whether the communication device 260 can receive the query response from the management server 10. If the processing device 220D can receive the query response from the communication device 260 ("Yes" in step S61), the processing device 220D executes the process of step S5. If the processing device 220D cannot receive the query response from the communication device 260 ("No" in step S61), the processing device 220D executes the process of step S62.

[0206] In step S62, the processing device 220D included in the projector 20D functions as the determination unit 226. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the processing device 220D executed the process of step S2 ("Yes" in step S62), the processing device 220D executes the process of step S63. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the processing device 220D executed the process of step S2 ("No" in step S62), the processing device 220D executes the process of step S61.

[0207] In step S63, the processing device 220D functions as the notification unit 227. The processing device 220D notifies the user U who uses the projector 20D of the expiration date UL of the projector 20D.

[0208] 6: Implementation Method 6

[0209] Below, refer to Figures 19 to 26, a management system 1E according to the sixth embodiment will be described. For simplicity, the following description will focus on the differences between the management system 1E according to the present embodiment and the management system 1 according to the first embodiment and the management system 1B according to the third embodiment. Components of the management system 1E according to the present embodiment that are identical to those of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment and the management system 1B according to the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0210] The management system 1 of the first embodiment manages the activation permission information OI indicating whether the projector 20 can be activated, based on whether the payment history information PI was updated between the most recent payment due date and the previous payment due date. Meanwhile, the management system 1E of the present embodiment manages the activation permission information OI indicating whether the projector 20 can be activated, based on the activation time of the projector 20.

[0211] 6-1: Overall structure

[0212] The management system 1E of this embodiment is different from the management system 1B of the third embodiment in that it has a management server 10E instead of the management server 10, projectors 20E[1] to 20E[n] instead of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n], and an information management device 30E instead of the information management device 30. In other respects, the overall structure of the management system 1E is the same as that of the management system 1B of the third embodiment. Figure 11 The overall structure of the management system 1B shown is the same, so illustration is omitted.

[0213] 6-2: Management Server Structure

[0214] Figure 19 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management server 10E. The management server 10E differs from the management server 10 in that it includes a processing device 110E instead of the processing device 110 and a storage device 120E instead of the storage device 120.

[0215] The storage device 120E stores a control program PR1E instead of the control program PR1, unlike the storage device 120. Furthermore, the storage device 120E stores a time information database TD1 instead of the history information database HD1 in addition to the management information database AD1.

[0216] Time information database TD1 is a database that stores time information TI. In this embodiment, time information TI is information that associates user identification information UID, which identifies each user U[1] to user U[n], with remaining time RT. Remaining time RT represents the remaining time that users U[1] to user U[n] can each activate projector 20[1] to projector 20[n]. Remaining time RT in this embodiment is an example of "activatable time."

[0217] Figure 20 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the time information database TD1. In the time information database TD1, user identification information UID and remaining time RT are stored as time information TI in association with each other.

[0218] exist Figure 20 In the example shown, as an example, time information TI indicating that the remaining time RT during which the user U[k] having the user identification information UID “UID_k” can use the projector 20[k] is 28 hours is stored in the time information database TD1.

[0219] exist Figure 19 In the embodiment, the processing device 110E reads the control program PR1E from the storage device 120E and executes it, thereby functioning as a management unit 111E, a communication control unit 112, an acquisition unit 113, an extraction unit 114, and an output unit 115.

[0220] The management unit 111E manages the time information TI stored in the time information database TD1 based on update requests received from the projector 20 and the information management device 30E. In this embodiment, the management unit 111E updates the remaining time RT included in the time information TI based on the update request.

[0221] Furthermore, the management unit 111E manages the management information AI stored in the management information database AD1. In this embodiment, the management unit 111 manages the management information AI based on the time information TI stored in the time information database TD1.

[0222] Specifically, in the time information database TD1, if the remaining time RT corresponding to each user U identified by the user identification information UID is greater than 0, the management unit 111E sets the activation permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "1". On the other hand, if the remaining time RT corresponding to each user U identified by the user identification information UID is 0, the management unit 111E sets the activation permission information OI corresponding to the user U to "0".

[0223] 6-3: Structure of the projector

[0224] Figure 21 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a projector 20E. The projector 20E differs from the projector 20 in that it includes a processing device 220E in place of the processing device 220 and a storage device 230E in place of the storage device 230.

[0225] The storage device 230E is different from the storage device 230 and stores a control program PR2E instead of the control program PR2.

[0226] The processing device 220E reads and executes the control program PR2E from the storage device 230E, thereby functioning as a projection control unit 221, a generation unit 222E, a communication control unit 223, a startup processing unit 224E, and a calculation unit 229. Alternatively, the control program PR2E may be transmitted from another device, such as the management server 10E that manages the projector 20E, via the communication network NET.

[0227] The startup processing unit 224E has the same functions as the startup processing unit 224 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the user U generates an input signal for activating the projector 20 using the input device 250, the startup processing unit 224E detects this input signal. Furthermore, upon detecting this input signal, the startup processing unit 224E stores the startup time of the projector 20 in the storage device 230E. Furthermore, when the user U generates an input signal for shutting down the projector 20 using the input device 250, the startup processing unit 224E detects this input signal. Furthermore, upon detecting this input signal, the startup processing unit 224E stores the end time of the projector 20 in the storage device 230E.

[0228] The calculation unit 229 calculates the usage time of the projector 20 based on the difference between the activation time and the end time stored in the storage device 230E.

[0229] When the calculation unit 229 calculates the aforementioned usage time, the generation unit 222E generates an update request to the management server 10E. This update request includes the device identification information DID of the projector 20E and requests an update of the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1. More specifically, the generation unit 222E generates an update request to the management server 10E, requesting that the usage time calculated by the calculation unit 229 be subtracted from the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1. The update request generated by the generation unit 222E is transmitted to the management server 10E by the communication control unit 223.

[0230] 6-4: Structure of information management device

[0231] Figure 222 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information management device 30E. The information management device 30E differs from the information management device 30 in that it includes a processing device 310E instead of the processing device 310 and a storage device 320E instead of the storage device 320.

[0232] The storage device 320E is different from the storage device 320 and stores a control program PR3E instead of the control program PR3. In addition, the storage device 320E stores a history information database HD3E instead of the history information database HD3.

[0233] The historical information database HD3E is a database that stores purchase history information BI, which indicates the history of user U purchasing tickets for using the projector 20. In this embodiment, a "ticket" refers to a ticket for obtaining the usage time of the projector 20. The ticket can be purchased, for example, through a website. Alternatively, the user U[k] enters into a monetary contract with the management legal person that manages the projector 20[k], whereby the user U[k] can automatically obtain the ticket. As an example, the ticket is a ticket purchased in order for the user U[k] to obtain 100 hours of usage time as the usage time of the projector 20[k]. However, the ticket is not limited to a ticket for purchasing 100 hours of usage time, and multiple tickets corresponding to different usage times such as 500 hours and 1000 hours can also be sold. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that only tickets with a usage time of 100 hours are sold.

[0234] Figure 23 3E is a diagram showing a configuration example of the history information database HD3E. In the history information database HD3E, user identification information UID and the latest purchase date NBD are stored in association with each other as purchase history information BI.

[0235] exist Figure 23 In the example shown, as an example, purchase history information BI indicating that the latest purchase date NBD of a bill by user U[k] whose user identification information UID is "UID_k" is November 4, 2023 is stored in the history information database HD3E.

[0236] exist Figure 22 In the embodiment, the processing device 310E reads and executes the control program PR3E from the storage device 320E, thereby functioning as a management unit 311E, a communication control unit 312, a first determination unit 315, a second determination unit 316, a generation unit 317, and a notification unit 318.

[0237] Management unit 311E manages purchase history information BI stored in history information database HD3E. Specifically, when users U[1] through U[n] each purchase a ticket, management unit 311E updates the value of the latest purchase date NBD included in purchase history information BI to a value representing the latest purchase date.

[0238] The first determination unit 315 determines whether the current time is an update confirmation day for confirming the update of the purchase history information BI.

[0239] When the first determination unit 315 determines that the current time is the update confirmation date, the second determination unit 316 determines whether the purchase history information BI has been updated between the previous update confirmation date and the current update confirmation date.

[0240] When the second determination unit 316 determines that the purchase history information BI has been updated, the generation unit 317 generates an update request to the management server 10E, including the user identification information UID, requesting an update of the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1. More specifically, the generation unit 317 generates an update request to the management server 10E requesting an update of the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1 plus the usage time of the ticket amount purchased by the user U. The update request generated by the generation unit 317 is transmitted to the management server 10E by the communication control unit 312.

[0241] If the notification unit 318 does not determine that the purchase history information BI has been updated, it notifies the user U that the remaining time RT is 0 or the remaining time RT is small. As an example, the notification unit 318 causes the communication device 350 to transmit a message indicating that the remaining time RT is 0 or the remaining time RT is small to a terminal device (not shown) owned by the user U.

[0242] 6-5: Management System Actions

[0243] Figures 24 to 26 It is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system 1E.

[0244] Figure 24 1 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the management server 10E updating the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1 in response to an update request received from the information management device 30E.

[0245] In step S71, processing device 310E included in information management device 30E functions as first determination unit 315. Processing device 310E determines whether the current time is the update confirmation date for confirming updates to purchase history information BI. If the current time is the update confirmation date ("Yes" in step S71), processing device 310E executes the process of step S72. If the current time is not the update confirmation date ("No" in step S71), processing device 310E executes the process of step S71.

[0246] In step S72, the processing device 310E included in the information management device 30E functions as the second determination unit 316. The processing device 310E determines whether the purchase history information BI of each user U has been updated in the history information database HD3E between the previous update confirmation date and the current update confirmation date. If the purchase history information BI has been updated ("Yes" in step S72), the processing device 310E executes the process of step S73. If the purchase history information BI has not been updated ("No" in step S72), the processing device 310E executes the process of step S76.

[0247] In step S73, the processing device 310E included in the information management device 30E functions as the generation unit 317. The processing device 310E generates an update request requesting the management server 10E to update the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1. This update request requests that the usage time of the purchased ticket be added to the remaining time RT. Furthermore, the processing device 310E functions as the communication control unit 312. The processing device 310E causes the management server 10E to transmit the generated update request to the communication device 350.

[0248] Furthermore, the processing device 110E included in the management server 10E functions as the communication control unit 112. The processing device 110E causes the communication device 150 to receive an update request from the information management device 30E.

[0249] In step S74, the processing device 310E included in the information management device 30E functions as the management unit 311E. The processing device 310E updates the update confirmation date to the next update confirmation date.

[0250] In step S75, the processing device 110E included in the management server 10E functions as the management unit 111E. The processing device 110E updates the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1.

[0251] In step S76, the processing device 310E included in the information management device 30E functions as the management unit 311E. The processing device 310E updates the update confirmation date to the next update confirmation date.

[0252] In step S77, the processing device 310E included in the information management device 30E functions as the notification unit 318. The processing device 310E notifies the user U that the remaining time RT is 0 or is short.

[0253] Figure 25 This is a sequence diagram showing an operation in which the management server 10E uses the usage time of the projector 20E to update the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1 .

[0254] In step S81 , the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the activation processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E detects an input signal for activating the projector 20E, which is generated by the user U using the input device 250 .

[0255] In step S82, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the startup processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E stores the startup time of the projector 20E in the storage device 230E.

[0256] In step S83 , the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the activation processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E detects an input signal for shutting off the power supply of the projector 20E, which is generated by the user U using the input device 250 .

[0257] In step S84, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the activation processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E stores the end time of the projector 20E in the storage device 230E.

[0258] In step S85, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the calculation unit 229. The processing device 220E calculates the usage time of the projector 20E based on the difference between the startup time and the end time stored in the storage device 230E.

[0259] In step S86, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the generating unit 222E. The processing device 220E generates an update request to the management server 10E. This update request includes the device identification information DID of the projector 20E and requests an update of the remaining time RT stored in the time information database TD1. This update request requests that the usage time of the projector 20E be subtracted from the remaining time RT. Furthermore, the processing device 220E functions as the communication control unit 223. The processing device 220E causes the communication device 260 to transmit the generated update request to the management server 10E.

[0260] Furthermore, the processing device 110E included in the management server 10E functions as the communication control unit 112. The processing device 110E causes the communication device 150 to receive the update request from the projector 20E.

[0261] In step S87, the processing device 110E included in the management server 10E functions as the management unit 111E. The processing device 110E uses the device identification information DID included in the update request received in step S86 and references the management information database AD1 to extract the user identification information UID corresponding to the device identification information DID. Furthermore, the processing device 110E uses the extracted user identification information UID and references the time information database TD1 to extract the remaining time RT corresponding to the user identification information UID.

[0262] In step S88, the processing device 110E included in the management server 10E functions as the management unit 111E. The processing device 110E updates the remaining time RT extracted in step S87 based on the update request received in step S86.

[0263] Figure 26 1 is a sequence diagram showing the operation when the projector 20E executes the startup process.

[0264] In step S91 , the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the activation processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E detects an input signal for activating the projector 20E, which is generated by the user U using the input device 250 .

[0265] In step S92, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the startup processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E starts the startup process for starting the projector 20E.

[0266] In step S93, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the generating unit 222E. Based on the operation of the user U, the processing device 220E generates an inquiry request asking whether the projector 20E can be started. Furthermore, the processing device 220E functions as the communication control unit 223. The processing device 220E causes the communication device 260 to transmit the generated inquiry request to the management server 10E.

[0267] The processing device 110E included in the management server 10E functions as the acquisition unit 113. The processing device 110E causes the communication device 150 to receive and acquire an inquiry request from the projector 20E. The inquiry request includes the device identification information DID for identifying the projector 20E and inquires whether the projector 20E can be started.

[0268] In step S94, the processing device 110E included in the management server 10E functions as the extracting unit 114. The processing device 110E refers to the management information AI stored in the management information database AD1 and extracts the activation permission information OI corresponding to the device identification information DID included in the inquiry request obtained in step S93.

[0269] In step S95, the processing device 110E of the management server 10E functions as the output unit 115. The processing device 110E outputs the activation permission information OI extracted in step S94. Specifically, the processing device 110E causes the communication device 150 to transmit a query response including the activation permission information OI to the projector 20E.

[0270] The processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as a communication control unit 223. The processing device 220E causes the communication device 260 to receive a query response including the activation permission information OI from the management server 10E.

[0271] In step S96, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the startup processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E determines whether the startup permission information OI included in the query response received in step S95 is "yes" or "no." If the startup permission information OI is "yes" ("yes" in step S96), the processing device 220E executes the process of step S97. If the startup permission information OI is "no" ("no" in step S96), the processing device 220E executes the process of step S98.

[0272] In step S97, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the startup processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E continues the startup process.

[0273] In step S98, the processing device 220E included in the projector 20E functions as the startup processing unit 224E. The processing device 220E continues the startup process.

[0274] In step S99, the processing device 220E turns off the power of the projector 20E.

[0275] 7: Modification

[0276] The above-mentioned embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. The embodiments exemplified below and the embodiments described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be appropriately combined within the scope of mutual non-inconsistency. In addition, for the elements in the modified embodiments described below whose roles and functions are the same as those in the embodiment, the reference numerals used in the above description will be used, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0277] 7-1: Modification 1

[0278] In the management system 1 of the first embodiment, the output unit 115 of the management server 10 outputs the activation permission information OI to the communication control unit 112, and the communication control unit 112 causes any one of the projectors 20[1] to 20[n] to transmit the activation permission information OI output from the output unit 115 to the communication device 150. However, the communication control unit 112 may cause the communication device 150 to transmit the activation permission information OI to a terminal device (not shown) used by each user.

[0279] 7-2: Modification 2

[0280] In the management system 1B of the third embodiment, the management server 10 sends a request for payment history information PI, i.e., an inquiry request, to the information management device 30, and the information management device 30 sends an inquiry response including the payment history information PI to the management server 10. Based on this, the management server 10 manages the management information AI stored in the management information database AD1 based on the payment history information PI received from the information management device 30.

[0281] However, the information management device 30 may also be configured to generate an update request for updating the activation permission information OI stored in the management information database AD1 of the management server 10 based on the payment history information PI stored in the history information database HD3, and transmit the update request to the management server 10. In this case, the management server 10 manages the activation permission information OI stored in the management information database AD1 based on the update request received from the information management device 30.

[0282] 7-3: Modification 3

[0283] In the management system 1D of the fifth embodiment, the display control unit 228 of the projector 20D causes the display device 240 to display the expiration date UL of the projector 20D. However, the projection control unit 221 of the projector 20 may cause the projection device 210 to project the expiration date UL on the screen.

[0284] Alternatively, the notification unit 227 included in the projector 20D may cause the communication device 260 to transmit the usage limit UL to the terminal device used by the user U.

[0285] 7-4: Modification 4

[0286] The management system 1E of the sixth embodiment uses the remaining time RT, which represents the remaining time during which a user U[k] can activate a projector 20[k], as the activatable time for each projector 20. Furthermore, the management system 1E manages activation permission information OI indicating whether or not the projector 20[k] can be activated, based on this remaining time RT. When a user U[k] purchases a ticket, the usage time of the ticket is added to the remaining time RT. On the other hand, when a user U[k] uses a projector 20[k], the usage time of the projector 20[k] is subtracted from the remaining time RT.

[0287] However, a configuration may also be employed in which the startable time of the projector 20[k] is accumulated each time the user U[k] purchases a ticket, and the total usage time of the projector 20[k] is accumulated each time the user U[k] uses the projector 20[k]. In this case, the management server 10E sets the start permission information OI to "yes" if the startable time exceeds the total usage time, and sets the start permission information OI to "no" if the difference between the startable time and the total usage time becomes zero.

[0288] 8: Summary of this disclosure

[0289] The following is a summary of the present disclosure.

[0290] (Supplementary Note 1) A management server, wherein the management server comprises: a management unit which manages, for one or more projectors, first management information which corresponds device identification information for identifying a projector to startup permission information indicating whether the projector can be started; an acquisition unit which acquires a first inquiry request from a first projector, wherein the first inquiry request includes device identification information for identifying the first projector and inquires whether the first projector can be started; an extraction unit which extracts the startup permission information corresponding to the device identification information included in the first inquiry request with reference to the first management information; and an output unit which outputs the startup permission information indicating whether the first projector can be started, which has been extracted by the extraction unit.

[0291] This allows the management server 10 to determine whether the projector 20 can be activated.

[0292] In conventional technology where the projector 20 determines whether or not to start the system, if, for example, the projector 20's usage fee changes while the projector 20 is loaned to the manufacturer managing the projector 20, the manufacturer's service personnel must visit the projector 20's installation location to change the conditions for determining whether or not to start the projector 20. In the embodiment of the present invention, the management server 10 determines whether or not the projector 20 can start. Therefore, even when the conditions for determining whether or not to start the system change, the burden on the management server can be reduced. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, service personnel do not need to visit the projector 20's installation location. As a result, the management system 1 can reduce the operating costs and manpower requirements of service personnel.

[0293] (Note 2) In the management server described in Note 1, the management unit manages the startup permission information based on payment history information, and the payment history information is a history of fees paid by one or more users who use one or more projectors for using the one or more projectors.

[0294] Thus, when payment from the user U is delayed, it is possible to determine on the management server 10 side whether the projector 20 can be started.

[0295] (Note 3) In the management server described in Note 1, the management unit manages the startup permission information based on time information indicating the startup time, and the startup time is the length of time during which one or more users using the one or more projectors can start the one or more projectors.

[0296] Thus, when the usage fee of the projector 20 is time-based and the payment of the usage fee from the user U is delayed, it is possible to determine whether the projector 20 can be started on the management server 10 side.

[0297] (Note 4) A management system comprising the management server described in Note 1 and the first projector, wherein the first projector comprises: a generation unit, which generates the first inquiry request based on the operation of the user of the first projector; a communication control unit, which sends the first inquiry request to the management server and receives a first inquiry response including the startup permission information from the management server; and a startup processing unit, which performs startup processing related to the startup of the first projector based on the first inquiry response received by the communication control unit.

[0298] This allows the management server 10 to determine whether the projector 20 can be activated.

[0299] (Supplementary Note 5) In the management system according to Supplementary Note 4, when the communication control unit cannot transmit the first inquiry request to the management server, the activation processing unit sets the content projection function of the first projector to a state in which it cannot be used.

[0300] This allows the management server 10 to prevent the projector 20 from starting up when the projector 20 is not connected to the network.

[0301] (Supplementary Note 6) In the management system according to Supplementary Note 4, when the communication control unit cannot receive the first inquiry response from the management server, the activation processing unit sets the content projection function of the first projector to a state in which it cannot be used.

[0302] This allows the management server 10 to prevent the projector 20 from starting up when the projector 20 is not connected to the network.

[0303] (Note 7) The management server according to Note 2, wherein the management server further comprises: a setting unit which sets a first usage period of the one or more projectors; and a first determination unit which determines whether the current moment exceeds the first usage period, and in a case where the first determination unit determines that the current moment exceeds the first usage period of the first projector, the setting unit sets a second usage period that is later than the first usage period based on the payment history information, and the management unit manages the startup permission information corresponding to the first projector based on the second usage period of the first projector.

[0304] Thus, even when the user U delays in paying the usage fee for the projector 20 , the user U can continue to use the projector 20 by providing a grace period.

[0305] (Note 8) A management system comprising the management server described in Note 2, and an information management device for managing information related to one or more users, wherein the payment history information includes user identification information for identifying the one or more users, and the information management device comprises: a management unit that manages the payment history information for one or more projectors respectively; an acquisition unit that acquires a second inquiry request from the management server, the second inquiry request including the user identification information for identifying the user of the first projector, and inquiring about the payment history information corresponding to the user of the first projector; an extraction unit that uses the user identification information for identifying the user of the first projector and refers to the payment history information managed by the management unit to extract the payment history information corresponding to the user of the first projector; and a communication control unit that sends a second inquiry response to the management server, the second inquiry response including the payment history information corresponding to the user of the first projector extracted by the extraction unit.

[0306] Thus, by having the information management device 30 manage the payment history information PI, a manufacturer different from the user U who manages the projector 20 can manage the payment history information PI.

[0307] (Note 9) The management server described in Note 1 further includes a second determination unit for determining whether the current moment is within the maintenance period of the management server. When the second determination unit determines that the current moment is within the maintenance period, the management unit matches the device identification information of the first projector with the startup permission information indicating whether the startup of the first projector is "yes".

[0308] Thus, even when the management server 10C is under maintenance, the user U can use the projector 20 .

[0309] (Note 10) In the management system described in Note 4, the first projector further includes a notification unit for notifying the user of the first projector of the third usage period of the first projector. When the communication control unit is unable to receive the first inquiry response from the management server, the startup processing unit starts the first projector, and the notification unit notifies the user of the first projector of the third usage period.

[0310] Thus, even when the connection between the projector 20D and the management server 10 fails due to network failure, the user U can use the projector 20D for a predetermined period of time.

[0311] (Supplementary Note 11) In the management system according to Supplementary Note 10, the first projector further includes: a display device; and a display control unit that causes the display device to display the third expiration date.

[0312] Thus, by displaying the expiration date of the projector 20D on the display device 240 , the user U can know the date on which the projector 20D cannot be started.

Claims

1. A management server, wherein: The management server has: a management unit that manages, for each of the one or more projectors, first management information that associates device identification information for identifying the projector with activation permission information indicating whether the projector can be activated; an acquiring unit that acquires a first inquiry request from a first projector, the first inquiry request including device identification information for identifying the first projector, and inquiring whether the first projector can be started; an extraction unit that refers to the first management information and extracts activation permission information corresponding to the device identification information included in the first inquiry request; as well as An output unit outputs the activation permission information indicating whether the first projector can be activated, which is extracted by the extraction unit.

2. The management server according to claim 1, wherein: The management unit manages the activation permission information based on payment history information, which is a history of fees paid by one or more users who use the one or more projectors for using the one or more projectors.

3. The management server according to claim 1, wherein: The management unit manages the activation permission information based on time information indicating an activatable time, wherein the activatable time is a length of time during which one or more users who use the one or more projectors can activate the one or more projectors. The management server according to claim 2 , wherein: The management server also has: a setting unit configured to set a first usage period of the one or more projectors; and a first determination unit for determining whether the current time has exceeded the first usage period; When the first determination unit determines that the current moment exceeds the first usage period of the first projector, the setting unit sets a second usage period that is later than the first usage period based on the payment history information, and the management unit manages the startup permission information corresponding to the first projector based on the second usage period of the first projector. The management server according to claim 1 , wherein: The management server further includes a second determination unit for determining whether the current time is within the maintenance period of the management server. When the second determination unit determines that the current time is within the maintenance period, the management unit associates the device identification information of the first projector with activation availability information indicating whether activation of the first projector is "available".

6. A management system comprising the management server according to claim 1 and the first projector, wherein: The first projector includes: a generating unit configured to generate the first inquiry request based on an operation of a user of the first projector; a communication control unit configured to transmit the first inquiry request to the management server and receive a first inquiry response including the activation permission information from the management server; as well as A startup processing unit executes startup processing related to startup of the first projector based on the first inquiry response received by the communication control unit.

7. The management system according to claim 6, wherein: When the communication control unit cannot transmit the first inquiry request to the management server, the activation processing unit sets the content projection function of the first projector to a state in which it cannot be used.

8. The management system according to claim 6, wherein: When the communication control unit cannot receive the first inquiry response from the management server, the activation processing unit sets the content projection function of the first projector to a state in which it cannot be used.

9. The management system according to claim 6, wherein: The first projector further includes a notification unit configured to notify a user of the first projector of the third usage expiration date of the first projector. When the communication control unit cannot receive the first inquiry response from the management server, The startup processing unit starts up the first projector. The notification unit notifies a user of the first projector of the third usage expiration date.

10. The management system according to claim 9, wherein: The first projector further comprises: display device; and A display control unit causes the display device to display the third expiration date.

11. A management system comprising the management server according to claim 2 and an information management device for managing information related to the one or more users, wherein: The payment history information includes user identification information for identifying the one or more users. The information management device comprises: a management unit configured to manage the payment history information for each of the one or more projectors; an acquiring unit configured to acquire a second inquiry request from the management server, the second inquiry request including user identification information for identifying a user of the first projector, and inquiring about payment history information corresponding to the user of the first projector; an extraction unit that uses user identification information for identifying a user of the first projector and refers to the payment history information managed by the management unit to thereby extract payment history information corresponding to the user of the first projector; and The communication control unit transmits a second inquiry response to the management server, wherein the second inquiry response includes the payment history information corresponding to the user of the first projector extracted by the extraction unit.

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