Cartridge management system, cartridge management method, image forming apparatus, and server device

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: omission of a function to manage authentication and the remaining amount of a cartridge causes disadvantages to a user, such as a failure, a malfunction, and a reduction in image quality resulting from the use of consumable material and a device.SOLUTION: A cartridge management system includes: an acquisition unit that is present in a user environment, and acquires a code unique to a cartridge that can be inserted into an image forming apparatus; an inhibition mechanism that is disposed in at least one of the image forming apparatus and the cartridge, and can inhibit the insertion of the cartridge into the image forming apparatus; a server device that is present in a remote environment, and performs authentication of the cartridge based on the code acquired by the acquisition unit; and a control unit that is present in the user environment, and when the authentication performed by the server device is successful, causes the inhibition mechanism to allow the insertion of the cartridge into the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge management system, a cartridge management method, an image forming apparatus, and a server device. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices such as copiers, printers, and facsimile receivers consume consumables such as toner or ink to form images on recording media. The consumables are typically supplied to the image forming device from cartridges that are inserted into the image forming device. When the consumables run out, a user replaces the cartridge by removing the used cartridge from the image forming device and inserting a new cartridge into the image forming device.

[0003] Image forming devices are known that incorporate a memory in a removable device such as the cartridge, and perform advanced information processing based on information read from the memory. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which data indicating the remaining amount of toner in a toner cartridge is stored in the cartridge's memory, and when the data indicates a low toner level, the user is prompted to timely order a new cartridge. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which a printer reads a random number from the memory of a cartridge installed in the printer, and if authentication based on the random number is successful in a server device, the printer validates the supply of toner from the cartridge. Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration in which a cylindrical container, rather than a cartridge, is temporarily connected to the printer when replenishing consumables, and the printer performs local authentication based on authentication data read from the container's built-in memory. The printer in Patent Document 3 uses local authentication to verify that the consumables supplied from an externally connected container are appropriate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-090384 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-030667 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2020 / 046338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the local authentication described in Patent Document 3, when managing device use under certain contractual conditions, it is difficult to allow or prevent the supply of consumables to an image forming device by considering conditions unknown to the image forming device. Meanwhile, storing various information such as remaining amount data and random numbers in the memory of an external device such as a cartridge, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, increases the cost of the device and increases the running costs borne by the user. Running costs would be minimized if the device were not equipped with memory and functions such as authentication management or remaining amount management were omitted. However, this would result in disadvantages to the user, such as breakdowns, malfunctions, or degradation of image quality due to the use of consumables or devices that do not comply with the contractual conditions, or unexpected depletion of consumables.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein seeks to eliminate or mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect, there is provided a cartridge management system including: an acquisition unit that exists in a user environment and acquires a code unique to a cartridge that can be inserted into an image forming apparatus; a deterrent mechanism that is disposed in at least one of the image forming apparatus and the cartridge and that can deter the insertion of the cartridge into the image forming apparatus; a server device that exists in a remote environment and performs authentication of the cartridge based on the code acquired by the acquisition unit; and a control unit that exists in the user environment and, if the authentication performed by the server device is successful, causes the deterrent mechanism to become capable of allowing the cartridge to be inserted into the image forming apparatus. Corresponding cartridge management methods, image forming apparatuses, and server devices are also provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a first schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a second schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 3 is a third schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal physical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a specific internal configuration of a process cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cartridge management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management server according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of updating a database when registering a device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of updating a database when a cartridge is delivered. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a schematic processing flow related to device registration. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are sequence diagrams showing examples of a general process flow related to providing a cartridge to a user. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a schematic processing flow according to the first embodiment when a cartridge is inserted. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of authentication processing executed by the management server. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a lock control process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a schematic processing flow according to the second embodiment when a cartridge is inserted. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a schematic processing flow according to a first modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cartridge management system according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] <1. Description of image forming device> In this section, the basic configuration of an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 3. In the following description, the configuration of image forming apparatus 1, which is a monochrome laser printer, will be exemplified, but the technology according to the present disclosure can also be applied to other types of printers, such as color laser printers and inkjet printers. Generally speaking, the technology according to the present disclosure can be widely applied to image forming apparatuses in general, such as copiers, printers, facsimile receivers, and multifunction peripherals.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome laser printer that forms an image on a recording medium based on input image data. The recording medium here can include various media made of different materials, such as paper, plastic film, envelopes, sheets, and cloth.

[0012] <1-1. Appearance of the device> FIG. 1A shows an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment as viewed from a certain direction. FIG. 1B shows an example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from a different direction than FIG. 1A. In the following description, the height direction of the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z direction and parallel to the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of a photosensitive drum 44 (described later) is referred to as the X direction. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction is referred to as the Y direction.

[0013] 1A and 1B, the housing of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a front cover 20, an exterior cover 21, a rear cover 22, a paper feed tray 25, and an output tray 26. The front cover 20 is disposed on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 (the surface facing the Y direction in FIG. 1A) so as to be able to open and close. For example, the bottom edge of the front cover 20 is hingedly connected to the exterior cover 21 at both ends. A user can open the front cover 20 by grasping a handle (not shown) on the top edge of the front cover 20 and pulling it forward. When the front cover 20 is opened, for example, an insertion path for a process cartridge 200 (described later) is opened. A user can replace the process cartridge 200 in this state.

[0014] The rear cover 22 is disposed on the rear surface of the image forming apparatus 1 (the surface facing in the opposite direction from the front surface) so as to be able to be opened and closed. The bottom edge of the rear cover 22 is also hingedly connected to the exterior cover 21 at both ends. A user can open the rear cover 22 by grasping the handle on the top edge of the rear cover 22 and pulling it backward. When the rear cover 22 is open, for example, a portion of the transport path along which the recording medium is transported is exposed. In this state, a user can clear a jam on the transport path. FIG. 1C shows the rear cover 22 in an open state.

[0015] <1-2. Internal configuration of the device> FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal physical configuration of image forming apparatus 1. Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 1 includes a feeding unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a fixing unit 70, a pair of discharge rollers 80, and a processing circuit 90. The feeding unit 30 feeds recording media toward the image forming unit 40. The image forming unit 40 consumes toner, which is a consumable agent, to form an image (toner image) on the recording media. The fixing unit 70 fixes the image formed by the image forming unit 40 onto the recording media. The pair of discharge rollers 80 discharges the recording media processed by the fixing unit 70 onto the discharge tray 26.

[0016] The image forming unit 40 has a process cartridge 200, a scanner unit 42, and a transfer roller 43. The process cartridge 200 has a photosensitive drum 44, a developing roller 45, a cleaning unit 46, a charging roller 47, and a storage unit 48. The process cartridge 200 is insertable into and removable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0017] The photosensitive drum 44 is an image carrier and has a photosensitive layer formed of an organic photosensitive material on a drum-shaped substrate. The photosensitive drum 44 is rotated in the direction R1 in the figure by a motor. A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 47 by a high-voltage power supply, and the charging roller 47 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 44, uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 44. The scanner unit 42 irradiates the photosensitive drum 44 with laser light in accordance with input image data, exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 44. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the input image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 44. Note that the scanner unit 42 may irradiate the photosensitive drum 44 with light from an LED array instead of laser light.

[0018] The developing roller 45 is rotatably supported by a storage unit 48. The storage unit 48 stores toner. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 48 may further include a supply roller that applies the toner stored in the storage unit 48 to the surface of the developing roller 45. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 45 by a high-voltage power supply. When the toner carried by the developing roller 45 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 44, the toner is transferred from the developing roller 45 to the drum surface in accordance with the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 44. This develops a toner image from the electrostatic latent image.

[0019] The feeding section 30 has a pickup roller 32, a separation roller pair 33, and a conveying roller pair 34. The pickup roller 32 is located above the paper feed tray 25, picks up one recording medium (hereinafter simply referred to as a sheet) from a stack of recording media P stacked on the paper feed tray 25, and sends it toward the separation roller pair 33. The separation roller pair 33 separates the sheet from the stack and conveys it toward the conveying roller pair 34. The conveying roller pair 34 conveys the sheet toward a transfer nip between a transfer roller 43 and a photosensitive drum 44. A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 43 from a high-voltage power supply, and the transfer roller 43 transfers the toner image developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 44 onto the sheet conveyed to the transfer nip.

[0020] The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported along a transport path and reaches a fixing unit 70. The fixing unit 70 has a heating roller 71, a pressure roller 72, and a fixing heater 73. The heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 heat and pressurize the sheet as it passes through the nip between these rollers. This melts the toner particles and then fixes them, fixing the toner image to the sheet. After passing through the fixing unit 70, the sheet is discharged by a pair of discharge rollers 80 from a discharge opening 81 to the discharge tray 26. A cleaning unit 46 is disposed near the photosensitive drum 44. The cleaning unit 46 cleans the photosensitive drum 44 by scraping off any toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 44.

[0021] The processing circuit 90 has electronic component groups 91, 92, and 93 arranged on a substrate. For example, the electronic component 91 may be a processor, the electronic component 92 may be a memory, and the electronic component 93 may be an input / output device. The input / output device may include a communication interface. When a job instructing image formation is input to the image forming apparatus 1, an image formation process based on input image data received from, for example, an external computer is started. In the image formation process, as described above, the scanner unit 42 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 44 in accordance with the input image data, the developing roller 45 develops a toner image from this electrostatic latent image, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet by the transfer roller 43. The processing circuit 90 operates as a controller for controlling this image formation process.

[0022] <1-3. Internal structure of the cartridge> Next, an example of a specific internal configuration of the process cartridge 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, an agitating member 60 having a rotating shaft 60a and a blade 60b that rotates around the rotating shaft 60a is provided inside the storage unit 48 of the process cartridge 200, which stores toner. The blade 60b is driven to rotate by a motor. The rotation of the blade 60b agitates the toner in the storage unit 48 and causes it to reach the developing roller 45. The agitating member 60 may have a spiral member instead of the blade 60b. The agitating member 60 may have the role of scraping toner from the developing roller 45 and circulating the toner within the storage unit 48, thereby homogenizing the toner in the storage unit 48.

[0023] The storage unit 48 is further provided with a remaining amount detection unit 61. The remaining amount detection unit 61 is a sensor for detecting the amount of toner remaining in the storage unit 48. The remaining amount detection unit 61 includes a light emitter 61a and a light receiver 61b. The light emitter 61a emits light that travels through the storage unit 48 along an optical axis Q1. The light receiver 61b is disposed opposite the light emitter 61a and receives the light emitted from the light emitter 61a. Note that if the light is guided by, for example, a light guide tube, the light receiver 61b does not necessarily have to be disposed opposite the light emitter 61a. The light emitter 61a may be, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED, or may be a halogen lamp or fluorescent lamp. The light receiver 61b may be, for example, a phototransistor, a photodiode, or an avalanche photodiode. The light receiver 61b outputs a light detection signal having a signal level that depends on the amount of light received. The light detection signal is input to a processing circuit 90 after, for example, being converted from analog to digital.

[0024] The processing circuit 90 may estimate the remaining amount of toner based on, for example, the proportion of time during which light from the light emitter 61a is blocked (by toner) relative to a certain time window while the toner is being agitated. The remaining amount of toner may be detected or estimated by any method, without being limited to the above-described exemplary configuration of the remaining amount detection unit 61. For example, the remaining amount of toner may be estimated by subtracting the cumulative amount of toner used since the last cartridge replacement from the total amount of toner used. The processing circuit 90 may also derive the amount of toner used based on statistical values ​​related to image formation operations, such as the number of sheets of recording medium consumed by printing or pixel count. Instead of or in addition to the remaining amount of toner, the processing circuit 90 may also detect indicators that affect the degree of wear of components within the cartridge, such as the sensitivity or rotation distance of the photosensitive drum, or the driving time or voltage application time of other components. The processing circuit 90 may estimate the remaining life of the process cartridge 200 (also referred to as the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge) based on the values ​​of such indicators. In the following description, the term "remaining amount of toner" may be replaced with "remaining amount of toner in the cartridge" as appropriate.

[0025] <1-4. Cartridge insertion prevention> In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a suppression mechanism 50 (see FIG. 2) that can suppress the insertion of a process cartridge (hereinafter simply referred to as a cartridge) 200 into the image forming apparatus 1. Generally, the suppression mechanism may be provided in at least one of the image forming apparatus 1 and the cartridge 200, but here, an example in which the image forming apparatus 1 includes the suppression mechanism 50 will be described.

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the restraining mechanism 50 includes a pin receiving member 51 disposed in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and a lock pin 52 disposed in the front cover 20. The pin receiving member 51 is, for example, a cylindrical member with an open end, through which the lock pin 52 can be inserted. The lock pin 52 may be, for example, a rod-shaped member with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the pin receiving member 51. The central axis of the lock pin 52 coincides with the central axis of the pin receiving member 51 when the front cover 20 is closed. The lock pin 52 is movable along its central axis in the direction D1 in the figure (and in the opposite direction). The movement of the lock pin 52 is controlled by a control command (lock command / unlock command) output from the processing circuit 90 when the front cover 20 is closed. For example, when the processing circuit 90 outputs a lock command, the lock pin 52 moves in the direction D1 due to the action of a magnetic field generated by a solenoid (not shown) and engages with the pin receiving member 51. This prevents the front cover 20 from rotating, meaning that the user cannot open the front cover 20 and insert the cartridge 200 into the image forming apparatus 1. When the processing circuit 90 outputs an unlock command, the magnetic field of the solenoid disappears, and the lock pin 52 (biased by, for example, a spring (not shown)) moves in the opposite direction and disengages from the pin receiving member 51. This then enables the front cover 20 to rotate again, meaning that the user can open the front cover 20 and insert the cartridge 200 into the image forming apparatus 1.

[0027] The configuration of the mechanism for preventing cartridge insertion is not limited to the above example. For example, instead of a mechanism that restricts the opening and closing of the cover of the image forming apparatus 1, a mechanism that blocks the cartridge insertion path may be used as the preventing mechanism. For example, the cartridge insertion path may be blocked by a movable shutter or stopper. Such a preventing mechanism may prevent movement of the cartridge in the insertion direction while always allowing movement of the cartridge in the removal direction. The movable member of the preventing mechanism (e.g., the lock pin 52, shutter, or stopper) may be driven by a motor or other type of actuator instead of a solenoid. In other words, the preventing mechanism may be any mechanism, such as mechanical, electromagnetic, electrical, or software. In cases where cartridges are inserted into or removed from the image forming apparatus 1 under computer control without relying on user operation, locking and unlocking of the preventing mechanism may be achieved simply by program code. In the following description, the first state of the restraint mechanism 50, in which the cartridge 200 can be inserted into the image forming device 1, is also referred to as the unlocked state, and the second state of the restraint mechanism 50, in which the cartridge 200 cannot be inserted into the image forming device 1, is also referred to as the locked state.

[0028] The image forming apparatus 1 may further include an indicator (not shown) that indicates to the user whether the restraining mechanism is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The indicator may be configured, for example, with an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) disposed in the housing and a window that transmits light from the LED. The user can insert the cartridge 200 into the image forming apparatus 1 when the indicator shows that the restraining mechanism is in the unlocked state.

[0029] <2. Cartridge Management System> To verify compatibility between the image forming device 1 and cartridge 200 described above, it is conceivable to perform local authentication in the image forming device 1. However, with local authentication by a single device, it is difficult to allow or prohibit use of a cartridge while taking into account other conditions, such as whether the cartridge is being used by a legitimate registered user. Expanding the conditions verified by local authentication would lead to increased complexity and cost of the device. Therefore, the embodiment described in this section incorporates a mechanism involving a server device operating in a remote environment to manage the use of cartridges that can be inserted into the image forming device.

[0030] <2-1. System Overview> 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cartridge management system 300 according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge management system 300 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a management server 301, and a user terminal 401.

[0031] The image forming device 1 is installed in a user environment E1 where a user exists. A user terminal 401 also exists in the user environment E1 and is carried by the user. The image forming device 1 and the user terminal 401 are connected to a local network N1, which may be, for example, a local area network (LAN). The management server 301 is installed in a remote environment E2. The remote environment E2 is connected to the local network N1 via an external network N2. The external network N2 may be, for example, the Internet or a virtual private network (VPN). Each of the local network N1 and the external network N2 may include any number of network devices of any type, such as routers, switches, gateways, wireless access points, and base stations.

[0032] In user environment E1, a user uses image forming apparatus 1. As described above, image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a recording medium by consuming toner as a consumable material. When the toner in the process cartridge (cartridge 200a) inserted in image forming apparatus 1 runs out, the user removes the old cartridge 200a from image forming apparatus 1 and inserts a new process cartridge (cartridge 200b) into image forming apparatus 1. Management server 301 plays a role in preventing a situation in which image forming apparatus 1 becomes unusable due to a lack of a new cartridge in user environment E1 when the toner runs out, and in preventing the use of an inappropriate cartridge.

[0033] The management server 301 is a server device for managing the use of the cartridges 200 in the image forming apparatus 1. The management server 301 may be a device for centrally managing the usage status of each image forming apparatus and cartridge by multiple users. The management server 301 may be implemented as an application server, database server, or cloud server using, for example, a high-performance general-purpose computer. The user terminal 401 is a terminal device that provides a user with a user interface for supporting the cartridge management function of the management server 301. The user terminal 401 may be, for example, a general-purpose terminal device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PC (Personal Computer), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The image forming apparatus 1 may also provide a user with a user interface.

[0034] The functions of the management server 301, which will be described in detail later, may be provided by a single device, or may be provided by multiple physically separate devices working together. Also, some of the databases described as being held by the management server 301 may be held by a device separate from the management server 301 (for example, another database server).

[0035] In this embodiment, each cartridge 200 is assigned a unique code for uniquely identifying the cartridge 200. FIG. 4 shows a code 201a unique to cartridge 200a and a code 201b unique to cartridge 200b (collectively referred to as the code 201 of the cartridge 200). The code 201 may be referred to as, for example, a manufacturing number, a serial number, or a cartridge identifier. The code 201 is printed on the surface of each cartridge 200 or on the packaging of each cartridge 200 in a format that is optically readable by a user or by a user terminal 401. Examples of optically readable formats include a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional QR code (registered trademark). The code 201 read by the user or by the user terminal 401 is transmitted to the management server 301 and can be used for cartridge management, which will be described later.

[0036] <2-2. Management Server Configuration Example> 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 301 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the management server 301 includes a communication interface (I / F) 311, a memory 312, a management database (DB) 313, and a processing circuit 314.

[0037] The communication I / F 311 is an interface through which the management server 301 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication I / F 311 communicates with the image forming device 1 and the user terminal 401 present in the user environment E1. The communication I / F 311 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0038] The memory 312 may include any type of storage medium, such as semiconductor memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM) or Random Access Memory (RAM), an optical disk, or a magnetic disk. The memory 312 may also include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 312 stores one or more computer programs executed by the processing circuitry 314 and various data.

[0039] The management DB 313 consists of a group of tables for managing the use of cartridges 200 in one or more image forming devices under the management of the cartridge management system 300. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , the management DB 313 includes an account table 320, a device registration table 330, and a delivery management table 340.

[0040] The account table 320 is a table that holds information related to the accounts of users who use the cartridges 200 provided by the cartridge management system 300. The account table 320 may include, for example, one or more of the following information items: "User ID" ·"password" ·"name" ·"email address" ·"address" Contract Type Payment Method The "user ID" is identification information for uniquely identifying each user account. The "password" is used for user authentication when a user logs in to the system. The "name" represents the username of each account. The username may be displayed on the screen after login, and may be used as the addressee when delivering the cartridge 200. The "address" may be used as the addressee when delivering the cartridge 200. The "email address" may be used when the system sends various notifications to each user via email. The "contract type" represents the type of contract each user has with the business operator that operates the cartridge management system 300. The delivery management unit 360, described later, may determine when to deliver the cartridge 200 to each user based on the user's contract type. The "payment method" is information regarding the means by which payment will be made for the cartridge 200 provided to each user.

[0041] The device registration table 330 is a table that holds information about the image forming devices that are registered as each user's device in the cartridge management system 300. The device registration table 330 may include, for example, one or more of the following information items: ·"Owner" ·“Device ID” "Registration date" ·"status" "Toner remaining" The "owner" indicates the account of the user who owns or manages each image forming device by the "user ID" registered in the account table 320. The "device ID" is identification information for uniquely identifying each image forming device. The pair of the "owner" and the "device ID" indicates the association between each user account and at least one image forming device registered as the device of the user who owns the account. Two or more image forming devices may be associated with one user account. The "registration date" indicates the date when the "device ID" of each image forming device was registered in the device registration table 330. The "status" is status information related to verification of whether each image forming device is actually installed in the user environment of the "owner." At the time of initial registration of the "device ID," the "status" indicates "unverified." Once verification is complete, the "status" may change to "verified." The "toner remaining amount" indicates the latest remaining amount of toner in the cartridge 200 inserted in each image forming device. For example, for an image forming apparatus 1 in which the cartridge 200 is not inserted or is removed, the "remaining toner amount" field may be blank.

[0042] The delivery management table 340 is a table that holds information about process cartridges that have been shipped to each user. The delivery management table 340 may include, for example, one or more of the following information items: "Contractor" Cartridge ID "Shipping date" ·"status" ·“Usage start date” The "contractor" indicates the user account to which each cartridge was provided by the "user ID" registered in the account table 320. The "cartridge ID" is identification information for uniquely identifying each cartridge. A pair of the "contractor" and the "cartridge ID" indicates an association between each user account and at least one cartridge provided to the user who owns that account. Because cartridges are replaced sequentially as each user continues to use the image forming device 1, the number of cartridges associated with one user account in the delivery management table 340 increases over time. The "shipping date" indicates the date on which each cartridge was shipped to the "contractor." The "status" is status information related to the use of each cartridge. For example, at the time of shipping, the "status" indicates "unused." Once each cartridge arrives at the user's environment, is authenticated, and inserted into the device, the "status" may change to "started use." The "started use date" indicates the date on which use of each cartridge began. Note that instead of the device registration table 330, the delivery management table 340 may include the data item "remaining toner amount" described above. In this case, the device registration table 330 may have a data item that stores the cartridge ID of the cartridge currently inserted in each image forming device. The "status" of a cartridge whose remaining toner amount is zero or below a threshold, or which has been used a number of times exceeding its lifespan, may be changed to "used."

[0043] The processing circuitry 314 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and provides various functions of the management server 301 by executing computer programs stored in the memory 312. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , the processing circuitry 314 may function as a data management unit 350, a provision management unit 360, and an authentication unit 370.

[0044] The data management unit 350 manages the registration and updating of data in the management DB 313. The data management unit 350 may display a screen on the user terminal 401 for accepting input of account information to be registered in the account table 320, receive the entered account information via the communication I / F 311, and register the account information in the account table 320. Similarly, the data management unit 350 may display a screen on the user terminal 401 for accepting input of device information about an image forming device owned by each user, receive the entered device information via the communication I / F 311, and register the device information in the device registration table 330. These input screens may be provided in any format, such as a web page, an input form, or an application screen. Typically, the input of device information may be accepted while the user is logged in to the system after successful user authentication using the user ID and password stored in the account table 320.

[0045] For example, in this embodiment, the data management unit 350 may perform simple verification of whether the device information registered in the device registration table 330 is actually installed in the user environment of the corresponding user. Specifically, when a user logs in to the system and enters device information for the image forming device 1 into an input screen, the data management unit 350 presents the user with a message prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation on the image forming device 1. The predetermined operation may be, for example, pressing a specific physical button on the image forming device 1 or touching a button on a GUI (Graphical User Interface). The message presented to the user may include content prompting the user to power on the image forming device 1 (in case the image forming device 1 is powered off). When the user performs the operation as prompted on the image forming device 1, the image forming device 1 transmits a device ID identifying the image forming device to the management server 301. The data management unit 350 waits for reception of the device ID from the image forming device 1 until a predetermined period has elapsed since the presentation of the message. If the data management unit 350 receives a device ID identical to the device ID entered by the user from the image forming device 1 before the timeout, the data management unit 350 determines that the image forming device 1 identified by that device ID is actually installed in the user environment. For devices for which verification has not yet been completed, the data management unit 350 sets the value of "status" in the device registration table 330 to "unverified," and for devices for which verification has been completed, the data management unit 350 sets the value of "status" in the device registration table 330 to "verified."

[0046] In this embodiment, the data management unit 350 also manages updates to the value of "toner remaining amount" in the device registration table 330. For example, the data management unit 350 receives, from a registered image forming device 1, remaining amount information regarding the remaining amount of consumable agent in the cartridge 200 inserted in the device, via the communication I / F 311. Then, the data management unit 350 updates the value of "toner remaining amount" in the device registration table 330 based on the received remaining amount information.

[0047] The supply management unit 360 manages the supply of cartridges 200 to users of the cartridge management system 300. For example, the supply management unit 360 monitors the occurrence of a trigger event that triggers the supply of a cartridge 200 to a user.

[0048] An example of a trigger event may be a user's purchase of cartridge 200. For example, when an order for cartridge 200 is accepted on a website on the Internet (i.e., when an individual contract is concluded), supply management unit 360 may start supplying cartridge 200 to the user who is the purchaser.

[0049] Another example of a trigger event is the arrival of a supply timing based on a contract with a user. For example, a certain user may have a subscription contract with a business to purchase a certain number of cartridges 200 periodically (e.g., once a month or once every few months). When it is determined that the time to supply the next cartridge 200 has arrived for such a user, the supply management unit 360 may start supplying cartridges 200 to the user.

[0050] Another example of a trigger event may be the detection of a low level of toner in an image forming device 1 registered in the device registration table 330. For example, a user may have an automatic purchasing contract with a business under which the user will automatically receive a new cartridge 200 when the toner level in the image forming device 1 he or she owns becomes low. In this case, the supply management unit 360 may monitor the "toner level remaining" value in the device registration table 330 for the user's registered image forming device 1, and may begin providing the user with a cartridge 200 when it determines that the toner level falls below a predetermined threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a trigger event for the automatic purchase of a cartridge 200 may be the number of operations (e.g., the number of jobs executed or the cumulative number of sheets of recording media consumed) of the registered image forming device 1 reaching a threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a trigger event for the automatic purchase of a cartridge 200 may be the detection of the start of use of a cartridge 200 previously provided to the user. For example, the provision management unit 360 may monitor the "status" in the delivery management table 340 for cartridges 200 that have already been provided to users who have entered into an automatic purchase contract, and when the value changes to "start of use," may begin providing new cartridges 200.

[0051] By periodically or automatically providing the user with a new cartridge 200 in response to the detection of these trigger events, the possibility of the image forming device 1 becoming unusable due to the consumable agent running out at a time the user does not expect can be reduced.

[0052] The delivery management unit 360 can determine which of the above-mentioned trigger events to monitor for each user based on the content of the "contract type" in the account table 320. When the delivery management unit 360 determines that a trigger event has occurred for a certain user, it allocates a new cartridge 200 to the user and sends a message to the delivery person instructing them to deliver the allocated cartridge 200. The delivery management unit 360 also adds a new record to the delivery management table 340 indicating the user ID of the delivery destination user and the cartridge ID of the allocated cartridge 200, and registers the association between the user account and the cartridge 200 in the management DB 313. The "shipping date" in the delivery management table 340 can be set to the date the cartridge 200 is shipped, and the "status" and "usage start date" can be set to "unused" and blank as default values, respectively.

[0053] The authentication unit 370 performs authentication to authorize the use of each cartridge 200 in the image forming apparatus 1, in addition to user authentication (e.g., password authentication) when a user logs in to the system. In this embodiment, this authentication is performed before each cartridge 200 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1, and is therefore referred to as pre-insertion authentication. Pre-insertion authentication may include determining whether the cartridge 200 is authorized for use, for example, by determining whether the cartridge 200 was provided to the user through a legitimate channel. As described with reference to FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, a unique code 201 for uniquely identifying each cartridge 200 is assigned to the cartridge 200. The code 201 is printed, for example, on each cartridge 200 or its packaging in a format readable by the user or the user terminal 401. The authentication unit 370 receives the code of the cartridge 200 to be used from a code acquisition unit present in the user environment E1 and performs pre-insertion authentication based on the received code. How the code of the cartridge 200 is acquired in the user environment E1 will be described later with several examples.

[0054] As one example, the code 201 may be equal to the cartridge ID of each cartridge 200, in which case the authentication unit 370 may use the received code as is for pre-insertion authentication. As another example, the code 201 may be generated by encoding the cartridge ID of each cartridge 200, in which case the authentication unit 370 may use the cartridge ID derived by decoding the code 201 for pre-insertion authentication.

[0055] The pre-insertion authentication may include determining whether the cartridge 200 identified based on the code 201 corresponds to the user account of the logged-in user. For example, the authentication unit 370 checks whether an association between the cartridge ID based on the code 201 and the user ID of the logged-in user is registered in the delivery management table 340. If this association is registered in the delivery management table 340, the authentication unit 370 may determine that the cartridge 200 to be used corresponds to the user account of a legitimate user. In this way, verifying the association between the cartridge 200 and the user account can prevent a cartridge 200 obtained without complying with the contract from being used.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the pre-insertion authentication may include determining whether the image forming apparatus 1 into which the cartridge 200 is to be inserted corresponds to the user account of the logged-in user. For example, the authentication unit 370 presents a message to a user attempting to use the cartridge 200, prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation on the image forming apparatus 1 into which the cartridge 200 is to be inserted. Again, the predetermined operation may be, for example, pressing a specific physical button on the image forming apparatus 1 or touching a button on the GUI. When the user performs the prompted operation on the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits a device ID identifying the image forming apparatus 1 to the management server 301. The authentication unit 370 waits for reception of a device ID from the image forming apparatus 1 until a predetermined period has elapsed since the presentation of the message. Then, the authentication unit 370 checks whether an association between the device ID received from the image forming apparatus 1 before the timeout and the user ID of the logged-in user is registered in the device registration table 330. If this association is registered in the device registration table 330, the authentication unit 370 can determine that the destination image forming device 1 corresponds to the user account of the logged-in user. In this way, by making the destination device being registered as the user's device a condition for successful authentication, it is possible to promote the registration of device information in the database. Furthermore, by receiving the device ID from the image forming device 1, the management server 301 can reliably identify the destination device into which the user is about to insert the cartridge 200 and can transmit subsequent control commands to that device.

[0057] In response to the predetermined operation, authentication unit 370 may receive remaining amount information indicating the latest remaining amount of toner along with the device ID from image forming device 1. Then, if the received remaining amount information indicates that there is sufficient toner remaining, authentication unit 370 may refuse to replace cartridge 200 in image forming device 1. This can prevent cartridge 200 in use from being removed from image forming device 1 and discarded even though there is still toner remaining.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the pre-insertion authentication may include determining whether the cartridge 200 identified based on the code 201 is unused (or not used) based on the value of "status" in the delivery management table 340. For example, the authentication unit 370 may refer to a record in the delivery management table 340 for a cartridge ID based on the code 201, and if the value of "status" is "unused," allow the cartridge 200 to be used. On the other hand, if the value of "status" in the referenced record is not "unused," the authentication unit 370 may refuse to use the cartridge 200.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, the pre-insertion authentication may include determining whether the cartridge 200 identified based on the code 201 is a proper, authentic product. Here, a "genuine product" refers to a product that meets the terms of a contract concluded between a user and a business. For example, if a regular purchase contract (also known as a subscription contract) is concluded, the product provided to the user based on the regular purchase contract may be a genuine product. To determine whether a product is genuine, the device registration table 330 may include the model number of each image forming device, and the delivery management table 340 may include the model number of each cartridge, as additional data items. Furthermore, the management DB 313 may include an additional table that indicates the model numbers of one or more cartridges compatible with each image forming device model number. In this case, the authentication unit 370 may permit use of the cartridge 200 only if it is determined that the destination device and the cartridge 200 are compatible with each other based on their respective model numbers.

[0060] As described above, at least one of the image forming apparatus 1 and the cartridge 200 includes a deterrent mechanism capable of deterring insertion of the cartridge 200 into the image forming apparatus 1. This deterrent mechanism remains locked unless the pre-insertion authentication described above is successful, at least when the cartridge 200 is not present in the image forming apparatus 1. If the pre-insertion authentication is successful, the authentication unit 370 transmits a result of authentication success (or an unlock command) to the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication I / F 311, thereby causing the image forming apparatus 1 to switch the state of the deterrent mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state. The unlock command for the image forming apparatus 1 may be transmitted directly from the management server 301 to the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the user terminal 401, which has received a result of authentication success from the management server 301, may transmit the unlock command to the image forming apparatus 1. If the pre-insertion authentication fails because any of the above conditions is not satisfied, the authentication unit 370 transmits a result of authentication failure to the image forming apparatus 1 or the user terminal 401 via the communication I / F 311. The authentication unit 370 may display a message indicating the cause of the authentication failure (for example, an inappropriate cartridge, an unregistered device, or a used cartridge) on the screen of one of the devices.

[0061] When the inhibiting mechanism is unlocked based on the authentication result and the user inserts a new cartridge 200 into the image forming device 1 (after removing the old cartridge 200), toner can be supplied from the new cartridge 200 to the image forming device 1. As will be described later, the image forming device 1 detects the remaining amount of toner and transmits the remaining amount information to the management server 301. The data management unit 350 receives this remaining amount information via the communication I / F 311 and updates the value of "remaining toner amount" in the device registration table 330. The data management unit 350 also changes the "status" of the new cartridge 200 in the delivery management table 340 to "started use." This may enable the supply management unit 360 to allocate additional cartridges 200 to users.

[0062] 6 and 7, updating of the contents of the management DB 313 along a typical processing flow will be described below. FIG. 6 shows an example of updating the device registration table 330 when a device is registered. The upper part of FIG. 6 shows an account table 320 having a user ID 321 and a name 322 as data items. Other data items in the account table 320 are omitted from the figure. The middle part of FIG. 6 shows the device registration table 330 having an owner 331, a device ID 332, a registration date 333, a status 334, and a remaining toner amount 335 as data items. In the example of FIG. 6, the account of a user identified by a user ID "U01" (hereinafter referred to as user U01) has already been registered in the account table 320. In addition, an image forming device identified by a device ID "D00" has already been registered in the device registration table 330 as user U01's device.

[0063] User U01 installs a new image forming device (hereinafter referred to as device D01) identified by device ID "D01" in user environment E1. When user U01 inputs device information for device D01 via an input screen provided by management server 301, management server 301 adds a record for the device information for device D01 to device registration table 330. The owner 331 of the added record indicates "U01," device ID 332 indicates "D01," registration date 333 indicates the date of registration, status 334 indicates "unverified," and remaining toner amount 335 is blank.

[0064] Furthermore, the user U01 performs an operation for device registration on the newly installed device D01, for example, following a message displayed on the screen. The device D01 pre-stores its own device ID "D01," and transmits device information including this device ID to the management server 301 in response to an operation by the user. If the device ID thus received matches the device ID entered by the user U01, the data management unit 350 changes the value of the status 334 of the record added to the device registration table 330 from "unverified" to "verified," as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6.

[0065] Figure 7 shows an example of updating the delivery management table 340 when a cartridge is delivered. The top section of Figure 7 shows the contents of the account table 320, similar to that shown in Figure 6. The middle section of Figure 7 shows the delivery management table 340, which has the following data items: contractor 341, cartridge ID 342, shipping date 343, status 344, and start date of use 345. In the example of Figure 7, the cartridge identified by cartridge ID "C01" has already been provided to user U01, and the cartridge has already been authenticated and started to be used.

[0066] In response to the detection of one of the trigger events described above, the delivery management unit 360 newly allocates a cartridge identified by cartridge ID "C11" (hereinafter referred to as cartridge C11) to user U01. The delivery management unit 360 also adds a record to the delivery management table 340 for managing the status of the allocated cartridge C11. The added record has a contractor 341 of "U01," a cartridge ID 342 of "C11," a shipping date 343 of the date of shipping, a status 344 of "unused," and a blank field for the usage start date 345.

[0067] When authentication by the authentication unit 370 is successful and cartridge C11 is inserted into the image forming device 1, an increase in the remaining toner amount is reported from the image forming device 1 to the management server 301. Based on the report of successful authentication or the increase in the remaining toner amount, the data management unit 350 changes the value of the status 344 of the record added to the delivery management table 340 from "unused" to "start of use" and adds the current date to the start of use date 345.

[0068] <2-3. Example of user terminal configuration> 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal 401 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the user terminal 401 includes a communication I / F 411, a memory 412, a camera 413, an input device 414, a display device 415, and a processing circuit 416.

[0069] The communication I / F 411 is an interface through which the user terminal 401 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication I / F 411 communicates with the image forming apparatus 1 in the user environment E1 and the management server 301 in the remote environment E2. The communication I / F 411 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. If the communication I / F 411 is a wireless communication interface, the communication I / F 411 may be, for example, a WLAN interface for communicating with a WLAN access point or a cellular communication interface for communicating with a cellular base station. Although FIG. 8 shows only a single communication I / F 411, the user terminal 401 may include multiple different communication modules for communicating with the image forming apparatus 1 and the management server 301, respectively. Communication between the user terminal 401 and the image forming apparatus 1 may be performed using a communication protocol for connecting peripheral devices, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0070] The memory 412 may include any type of storage medium, such as semiconductor memory such as ROM or RAM, an optical disk, or a magnetic disk. The memory 412 may also include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 412 stores one or more computer programs executed by the processing circuit 416 and various data.

[0071] The camera 413 is a module capable of capturing an image or video of an object. In an embodiment described below, the camera 413 is used to optically read the code 201 unique to the cartridge 200.

[0072] The input device 414 is used as a user interface for accepting operations and information input by a user. The input device 414 may include, for example, one or more of a touch sensor, a keypad, a keyboard, a pointing device, and a microphone. In one embodiment described below, the code 201 unique to the cartridge 200 is input by the user via the input device 414.

[0073] The display device 415 is used to display images and information and may be configured with, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode).

[0074] The processing circuitry 416 may include, for example, a CPU, and provides various functions of the user terminal 401 by executing computer programs stored in the memory 412. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the processing circuitry 416 may function as a device control unit 420, a code acquisition unit 430, and an application unit 440. Note that although this specification mainly describes only functions related to managing the use of the cartridge 200 in the image forming apparatus 1, the processing circuitry 416 may also provide the user with many other functions that a user terminal typically has.

[0075] The device control unit 420 controls image formation and other operations performed in the image forming apparatus 1. The device control unit 420 may include driver software for the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the device control unit 420 detects one or more devices available to the user terminal 401 present in the user environment E1 and presents a list of the detected devices to the user on the screen of the display device 415. The device control unit 420 may obtain the status of each device (e.g., power on / off, remaining toner amount, etc.) and present the obtained status to the user. When the user selects the image forming apparatus 1 and instructs printing, the device control unit 420 transmits a print job including image data of the image to be printed to the image forming apparatus 1 and causes the image forming apparatus 1 to print the image.

[0076] The code acquisition unit 430 acquires the code 201 unique to the cartridge 200 that the user intends to insert into the image forming apparatus 1. As one example, if the code 201 is an optically readable code printed on the cartridge 200 or its package (for example, on the wrapping or a piece of paper enclosed with the cartridge 200), the code acquisition unit 430 may optically read the code 201 using the camera 413. As another example, if the code 201 is a code that can be read manually (for example, visually), the code acquisition unit 430 may have the user input the code 201 using the input device 414 and acquire the input code 201.

[0077] The application unit 440 may be an application for cartridge management that operates in cooperation with the management server 301. The application unit 440 may be a web browser. For example, the application unit 440 displays an account information input screen on the display device 415 when a new user account is registered or when a change occurs. When account information is entered on the account information input screen, the application unit 440 transmits the received account information to the management server 301 via the communication I / F 411. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in the user environment E1, the application unit 440 displays a device information input screen on the display device 415. When device information is entered on the device information input screen, the application unit 440 transmits the received device information to the management server 301 via the communication I / F 411.

[0078] Furthermore, the application unit 440 may provide a user interface for requesting execution of pre-insertion authentication from the management server 301 to a user who wishes to insert a new cartridge or replace a cartridge in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when a button for requesting authentication is operated by the user, the application unit 440 activates the code acquisition unit 430 to acquire a code unique to the cartridge 200, and transmits the acquired code 201 to the management server 301 via the communication I / F 411. The application unit 440 may transmit the code 201 to the management server 301 as part of a request for permission to use the cartridge 200. Furthermore, the application unit 440 may transmit the code 201 to the management server 301 as part of a request for unlocking the inhibiting mechanism.

[0079] In one embodiment, the application unit 440 may send a transmission request to the image forming apparatus 1 to request that the image forming apparatus 1 transmit to the management server 301 a device ID required for pre-insertion authentication by the management server 301. In another embodiment, the application unit 440 may cause the display device 415 to display a message prompting the user to perform an operation on the image forming apparatus 1 to transmit the device ID.

[0080] When pre-insertion authentication is performed by the management server 301 based on the code 201 unique to the cartridge 200, the application unit 440 receives the result of the pre-insertion authentication from the management server 301. If the authentication result indicates that the pre-insertion authentication was successful, the application unit 440 may cause the device control unit 420 to send an unlock command to the image forming device 1 to unlock the deterrent mechanism. Note that if these commands are sent directly from the management server 301 to the image forming device 1, the user terminal 401 does not need to send these commands to the image forming device 1.

[0081] The application unit 440 displays the result of the pre-insertion authentication received from the management server 301 on the display device 415. If the result of the pre-insertion authentication indicates successful authentication, the user can insert a new cartridge 200 into the image forming apparatus 1 (for example, after opening the front cover 20 and removing the old cartridge 200 as necessary). At this time, the image forming apparatus 1 unlocks the inhibiting mechanism, so the insertion of the cartridge 200 is not hindered. If the result of the pre-insertion authentication indicates a failure, the user can either retry the pre-insertion authentication after taking appropriate measures, or give up on inserting a new cartridge 200 for the time being, depending on the cause of the failure, which may be displayed on the screen. At this time, the image forming apparatus 1 can maintain the inhibiting mechanism in a locked state.

[0082] <2-4. Example of image forming device configuration> 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a communication I / F 11, a memory 12, a user I / F 13, an image forming unit 40, a suppression mechanism 50, and a processing circuit 90.

[0083] The communication I / F 11 is an interface through which the image forming apparatus 1 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication I / F 11 communicates with a user terminal 401 present in the user environment E1 and a management server 301 present in the remote environment E2. The communication I / F 11 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. If the communication I / F 11 is a wireless communication interface, the communication I / F 11 may be, for example, a WLAN interface or a cellular communication interface. Note that although only a single communication I / F 11 is shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with multiple different communication modules for communicating with the user terminal 401 and the management server 301, respectively.

[0084] The memory 12 may include any type of storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or RAM, an optical disk, or a magnetic disk. The memory 12 may also include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 12 stores one or more computer programs executed by the processing circuit 90 and various data. The memory 12 pre-stores, for example, a device ID (also referred to as device identification information) that uniquely identifies the image forming device 1.

[0085] The user I / F 13 may include an input device for accepting user operations and information input, and a display device for displaying images and information. For example, the user I / F 13 may include one or more of a touch panel, a keypad, a button, a switch, a microphone, and a speaker. The user I / F 13 may be treated as an operation terminal integrated into the image forming apparatus 1. In one embodiment, the user I / F 13 may be used to accept input of a code 201 unique to the cartridge 200.

[0086] As described with reference to FIG. 2, the image forming unit 40 consumes the toner contained in the cartridge 200 inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 to form an image on a recording medium. The image forming unit 40 may have a cartridge sensor (not shown) that detects the presence of the cartridge. The cartridge sensor outputs a sensor signal to the processing circuit 90 indicating whether or not the cartridge 200 is inserted in its designated position.

[0087] The restraining mechanism 50 is a mechanism capable of restraining the insertion of the cartridge 200 into the image forming apparatus 1. For example, in a locked state, the restraining mechanism 50 blocks an insertion path 55 of the cartridge 200 into the image forming apparatus 1, or restricts movement of the cartridge 200 along the insertion path 55. At this time, removal of the cartridge 200 from the image forming apparatus 1 may or may not be restricted. In an unlocked state, the restraining mechanism 50 opens the insertion path 55, or releases the restriction on movement of the cartridge 200 along the insertion path 55. The pin receiving member 51 and the lock pin 52 (as well as a solenoid, etc., not shown) described with reference to FIG. 2 are examples of components that make up the restraining mechanism 50.

[0088] From a functional standpoint, the above-described electronic component groups 91, 92, and 93 of the processing circuit 90 can function mainly as a print control unit 95 and a lock control unit 96. The print control unit 95 controls operations for image formation by the image forming unit 40. For example, when a print job is received from an external device via the communication I / F 11, the print control unit 95 controls the image forming unit 40 to form an image on a recording medium based on input image data included in the print job.

[0089] The lock control unit 96 controls switching of the restraining mechanism 50 between a locked state and an unlocked state. For example, when a predetermined input signal is detected, the lock control unit 96 transmits the device ID stored in the memory 12 to the management server 301. The device ID transmitted to the management server 301 may be used to verify whether the image forming device 1 identified by the device ID specified by the user for device registration is actually installed in the user environment E1 of the user. The device ID transmitted to the management server 301 may also be used by the management server 301 to perform pre-insertion authentication. The lock control unit 96 may transmit remaining amount information indicating the latest remaining amount of toner to the management server 301 together with the device ID.

[0090] In one embodiment, the input signal that triggers the transmission of the device ID is a received signal (e.g., a transmission request requesting the transmission of the device ID) received from the user terminal 401 via the communication I / F 11. In this case, the lock control unit 96 reads the device ID from the memory 12 in response to receiving the transmission request, and transmits the read device ID to the management server 301. In another embodiment, the input signal that triggers the transmission of the device ID is a user input signal (e.g., an operation signal indicating that a predetermined button has been operated) detected via the user I / F 13. In this case, the lock control unit 96 reads the device ID from the memory 12 in response to detecting the user input signal, and transmits the read device ID to the management server 301.

[0091] After transmitting the apparatus ID to the management server 301 for pre-insertion authentication, the lock control unit 96 waits for a predetermined standby period to receive an unlock command, which is a control signal based on the result of the pre-insertion authentication. If the unlock command is received before the standby period expires, the lock control unit 96 transitions the restraining mechanism 50 from the locked state to the unlocked state in accordance with the unlock command. For example, the lock control unit 96 may stop powering the solenoid to disengage the lock pin 52, which was engaged with the pin receiving member 51, from the pin receiving member 51, thereby enabling the front cover 20 to rotate. This allows the user to open the front cover 20 and insert the cartridge 200 into the image forming apparatus 1.

[0092] If the standby period expires without receiving an unlock command (i.e., if a timeout occurs), the lock control unit 96 ends the standby for the command. For example, the standby for the unlock command may be performed by temporarily opening a specific receiving port of the communication I / F 11. In this way, by only waiting for a control signal from the outside for a limited period triggered by the detection of a predetermined input signal, the risk of unauthorized operation of the image forming apparatus 1 by a malicious third party can be minimized. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 or the communication I / F 11 can be put into a sleep state during periods other than the standby period to reduce the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0093] If an unlock command is received before the expiration of the standby period, the lock control unit 96 may maintain the restraining mechanism 50 in an unlocked state for a predetermined unlocked period from the receipt of the command, and transition the restraining mechanism 50 to a locked state again after the expiration of the unlocked period.

[0094] The print control unit 95 controls the remaining amount detection unit 61 to detect the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge 200, for example, when an image forming operation is performed and when the cartridge 200 is inserted. For example, while the toner stored in the storage unit 48 is being stirred by the stirring member 60, the remaining amount detection unit 61 emits light from the light emitter 61a and acquires a light detection signal from the light receiver 61b. The remaining amount detection unit 61 then estimates the remaining amount of toner based on the acquired light detection signal and reports the estimated remaining amount to the print control unit 95. The print control unit 95 reports remaining amount information indicating the detected remaining amount of toner to the management server 301 via the communication I / F 11. The report of the remaining amount of toner may be sent to the management server 301 via the user terminal 401 instead of being sent directly to the management server 301.

[0095] When an old cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge in the image forming device 1, the remaining toner amount increases. As described above, the management server 301 can detect the increase in the remaining toner amount based on the remaining amount information, thereby knowing that use of the cartridge 200 for which pre-insertion authentication has been successful has begun. Note that instead of the management server 301, the image forming device 1 or the user terminal 401 may detect the increase in the remaining toner amount and send a notification signal to the management server 301 indicating that use of the new cartridge 200 has begun.

[0096] <2-5. Processing flow> In this section, examples of several processing flows that can be executed in the cartridge management system 300 according to this embodiment will be explained using the sequence diagrams of Figures 10 to 12 and the flowcharts of Figures 13 to 15. In the following explanation, processing steps will be abbreviated as S (step).

[0097] <2-5-1. Registering device information> Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a schematic process flow related to device registration. The sequence shown in Fig. 10 mainly involves the image forming device 1, the management server 301, and the user terminal 401. It is assumed that the user's account information has already been registered in the account table 320 of the management DB 313 before the sequence starts.

[0098] First, in S11, the user enters a user ID and password into a login screen provided by, for example, the application unit 440 of the user terminal 401. In S12, the application unit 440 transmits the entered user ID and password to the management server 301 for login. In S13, the authentication unit 370 of the management server 301 performs user authentication based on the user ID and password received from the user terminal 401. Here, it is assumed that the user authentication is successful and login to the system is established. The subsequent processing in FIG. 10 is performed while the login session continues.

[0099] At S14, the user inputs device information including the device ID of the image forming device 1 installed in the user environment E1, for example, into a device information input screen provided by the application unit 440. At S15, the application unit 440 transmits a device registration request including the input device information to the management server 301. At S16, the data management unit 350 registers the device information included in the received device registration request in the device registration table 330. At S17, the data management unit 350 instructs the application unit 440 to display a message prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation on the image forming device 1, and the message is displayed on the display device 415.

[0100] In S21, the user performs a predetermined operation on the user I / F 13 of the image forming apparatus 1. Then, in S22, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming apparatus 1 reads the apparatus ID from the memory 12 and transmits apparatus information including the read apparatus ID to the management server 301. In S23, the data management unit 350 compares the apparatus ID included in the apparatus information received from the image forming apparatus 1 with the apparatus ID registered in the apparatus registration table 330 in S16. If these apparatus IDs match, the data management unit 350 updates the corresponding "status" value in the apparatus registration table 330 to "verified." In S24, the data management unit 350 notifies the application unit 440 of the user terminal 401 of the results of this verification. The application unit 440 displays the notified verification results on the screen.

[0101] <2-5-2. Provision of cartridges> Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing several examples of a general process flow related to providing a cartridge to a user. The sequence shown in Figure 11 mainly involves the image forming apparatus 1, management server 301, and user terminal 401. The provision management unit 360 of management server 301 continuously monitors the occurrence of a trigger event that triggers the provision of a cartridge 200 to a user. Here, the first example of a trigger event will be a decrease in the amount of toner or cartridge remaining, the second example will be a user ordering a cartridge 200, and the third example will be the arrival of the provision timing based on a subscription purchase contract.

[0102] In the first example, in S31, the print control unit 95 of the image forming apparatus 1 detects the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge currently in use, for example, when an image formation operation is performed. Here, it is assumed that the remaining amount of toner falls below a remaining amount threshold that triggers the provision of a new cartridge 200. In S32, the print control unit 95 reports remaining amount information indicating the detected remaining amount of toner to the management server 301. In S33, the provision management unit 360 of the management server 301 recognizes that the remaining amount of toner in the image forming apparatus 1 is low and allocates a new cartridge 200 to the user who owns the image forming apparatus 1. Allocating the cartridge 200 to the user may include adding a record indicating the user ID and a cartridge ID that identifies the new cartridge 200 to the delivery management table 340. The provision management unit 360 also sends a message to the delivery person instructing them to deliver the allocated cartridge 200. When the new cartridge 200 is delivered to the user, the provision management unit 360 sends a delivery notification to the user terminal 401 in S34.

[0103] In the second example, in S36, the user accesses a website that sells cartridges 200 using, for example, the user terminal 401, and places an order for a new cartridge 200. In S37, the user terminal 401 transmits order information indicating, for example, the type and number of ordered cartridges 200 to the management server 301. In S38, in response to receiving the order information, the delivery management unit 360 of the management server 301 allocates a specified number of cartridges 200 to the user who is the purchaser. The delivery management unit 360 also transmits a message to the delivery person instructing the delivery of the allocated cartridges 200. When the cartridges 200 are shipped to the user, the delivery management unit 360 transmits a shipping notification to the user terminal 401 in S39.

[0104] In the third example, in S41, the provision management unit 360 determines that the time has come to provide the cartridge 200 to a user who has signed a subscription contract. In S42, the provision management unit 360 allocates a new cartridge 200 to the user for whom the time has come to provide the cartridge 200. The provision management unit 360 also transmits a message to the delivery person instructing the delivery of the allocated cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is shipped to the user, the provision management unit 360 transmits a shipping notification to the user terminal 401 in S43.

[0105] <2-5-3. Authentication and Cartridge Insertion (First Example)> Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a general processing flow according to the first embodiment when inserting a cartridge. The sequence shown in Fig. 12 mainly involves the image forming apparatus 1, the management server 301, and the user terminal 401. It is assumed that a new, unused cartridge 200 has been delivered to the user environment E1 before the sequence starts.

[0106] First, in S60, the user enters a user ID and password on the login screen. In S61, the application unit 440 of the user terminal 401 transmits the entered user ID and password to the management server 301. In S62, the authentication unit 370 of the management server 301 performs user authentication based on the user ID and password received from the user terminal 401. Here, it is assumed that the user authentication is successful and login to the system is established. The subsequent processing in FIG. 12 is performed while the login session continues.

[0107] In S65, the application unit 440 activates the code acquisition unit 430 in response to an operation by the user. The code acquisition unit 430 acquires the code 201 unique to the cartridge 200, for example, by optically reading it using the camera 413 or by accepting a user input. Next, in S66, the application unit 440 transmits an unlock request including the code 201 acquired by the code acquisition unit 430 to the management server 301.

[0108] In response to receiving the unlock request, the authentication unit 370 of the management server 301 starts pre-insertion authentication. S67 is the first stage of pre-insertion authentication, in which the authentication unit 370 determines whether the cartridge 200 identified by the code 201 included in the unlock request corresponds to the account of the logged-in user by referring to the delivery management table 340. In this case, since the cartridge 200 corresponds to the user account, it is assumed that the first stage of authentication is successful. In response to the success of the first stage of authentication, in S68 the authentication unit 370 instructs the application unit 440 to display a message prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation in the insertion destination device, and the message is displayed on the display device 415.

[0109] In S72, the user performs a predetermined operation on the user I / F 13 of the image forming apparatus 1, which is the destination apparatus. Then, in S73, the lock control unit 96 reads the apparatus ID from the memory 12 and transmits apparatus information including the read apparatus ID to the management server 301. In S74, the second stage of pre-insertion authentication is performed. Based on the apparatus ID included in the received apparatus information, the authentication unit 370 determines whether the destination image forming apparatus 1 corresponds to the user account of the logged-in user by referencing the apparatus registration table 330. Since the image forming apparatus 1 corresponds to the user account, the second stage of authentication is also successful. In S75, the authentication unit 370 notifies the user terminal 401 of the authentication success result in response to the success of the pre-insertion authentication. Furthermore, in S76, the authentication unit 370 transmits an unlock command to the image forming apparatus 1 to unlock the inhibiting mechanism 50 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0110] At S77, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming device 1 switches the state of the deterrent mechanism 50 from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to receiving the unlock command from the management server 301. At S78, the user inserts a new cartridge 200 into the image forming device 1 (or replaces the cartridge) in response to the opening of the insertion path 55 for the cartridge 200. At S79, the print control unit 95 detects the amount of toner remaining in the new cartridge 200 and reports remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount to the management server 301. At S80, in response to receiving the remaining amount information, the data management unit 350 of the management server 301 updates the value of "remaining toner amount" in the record in the device registration table 330 corresponding to the image forming device 1. Furthermore, the data management unit 350 changes the "status" of the record in the delivery management table 340 corresponding to the new cartridge 200 to "started use."

[0111] On the other hand, when a predetermined unlock period has elapsed since the reception of the unlock command or the unlocking of the restraining mechanism 50, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming apparatus 1 switches the state of the restraining mechanism 50 back to the locked state in S81.

[0112] As described above, only pre-insertion authentication for cartridge 200 in S67 may be performed, and pre-insertion authentication for image forming apparatus 1 in S74 may be omitted. In this case, the user operation in S72 and the transmission of apparatus information in S73 may also be omitted. However, if image forming apparatus 1 is powered off, image forming apparatus 1 cannot receive the unlock command from management server 301, so management server 301 may instruct the user to power on image forming apparatus 1 in S68.

[0113] <2-5-4. Authentication process> Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of authentication processing executed by management server 301. The authentication processing in Fig. 13 corresponds to the processing executed by authentication unit 370 of management server 301 in S62 to S76 of Fig. 12. This authentication processing can be realized, for example, by having processing circuitry 314 execute a computer program stored in advance in memory 312 of management server 301.

[0114] First, in S111, the authentication unit 370 receives the user ID and password entered on the login screen. Next, in S113, the authentication unit 370 executes user authentication based on the received user ID and password. Here, it is assumed that the user authentication is successful, and the processing flow when the user authentication fails will be omitted.

[0115] Next, in S115, the authentication unit 370 receives the code 201 unique to the cartridge 200 acquired in the user environment E1. Next, in S117, the authentication unit 370 determines whether the cartridge 200 identified based on the received code 201 corresponds to the user account of the logged-in user. For example, if an association between the cartridge ID based on the received code 201 and the user ID of the logged-in user is registered in the delivery management table 340, the cartridge 200 is determined to be an authentic cartridge, and the process proceeds to S121. On the other hand, if an association between the cartridge ID based on the received code 201 and the user ID of the logged-in user is not registered in the delivery management table 340, the process proceeds to S119.

[0116] In S119, the authentication unit 370 determines that the cartridge 200 is not a proper product provided through a legitimate route, and sends an authentication result notification to the user terminal 401 indicating that use of the cartridge 200 is not permitted and that pre-insertion authentication has failed.

[0117] In S121, the authentication unit 370 determines whether the status of the cartridge 200 identified by the received code 201 is "unused" by referring to the delivery management table 340. If the status is "unused," the process proceeds to S125. On the other hand, if the status is not "unused," the process proceeds to S123.

[0118] In S123, the authentication unit 370 determines that the cartridge 200 is not unused and therefore does not permit use of the cartridge 200. In this case, the authentication unit 370 transmits an authentication result notification to the user terminal 401 indicating that use of the cartridge 200 is not permitted and that pre-insertion authentication has failed.

[0119] If the cartridge 200 identified by the received code 201 is a valid and unused product, in S125 the authentication unit 370 instructs the user to perform a predetermined operation at the destination device (for example, by displaying a message on the screen). Next, in S127, the authentication unit 370 receives device information including the device ID from the image forming device 1, which is the destination device. Next, in S219, the authentication unit 370 determines whether the destination device identified by the received device ID has been registered (or has been registered and verified) as the device of the logged-in user. For example, if the association between the received device ID and the user ID of the logged-in user is registered in the device registration table 330, the destination device has been registered as the device of the logged-in user, and the process proceeds to S133. On the other hand, if the association between the received device ID and the user ID of the logged-in user is not registered in the device registration table 330, the destination device has not been registered as the device of the logged-in user, and the process proceeds to S131.

[0120] In S131, the authentication unit 370 determines that the destination device is not registered as a device of the logged-in user and therefore does not permit use of the cartridge 200 in that destination device. In this case, the authentication unit 370 transmits an authentication result notification to the user terminal 401 indicating that pre-insertion authentication has failed due to the device not being registered.

[0121] In S133, the authentication unit 370 determines that the destination device is registered as the device of the logged-in user and therefore permits use of the cartridge 200 in the destination device. In this case, the authentication unit 370 transmits an unlock command to switch the inhibiting mechanism 50 of the image forming device 1 to the unlocked state, and also transmits an authentication result notification indicating successful authentication to the user terminal 401. Note that, although not shown, as described above, in S133, the authentication unit 370 may permit use of the cartridge 200 in the destination device only if the remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of toner in an existing cartridge in the destination device is below a predetermined remaining amount threshold.

[0122] <2-5-5. Lock control processing> Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the lock control process executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The lock control process in Fig. 14 corresponds to the process executed by the lock control unit 96 of the image forming apparatus 1 in S72 to S81 in Fig. 12.

[0123] First, in S211, the lock control unit 96 detects a predetermined input signal. The input signal here may be, for example, an ID transmission request received from the user terminal 401 via the communication I / F 11, or a user input signal detected via the user I / F 13. In S213, in response to the detection of the predetermined input signal, the lock control unit 96 reads out a device ID from the memory 12 and transmits device information including the read device ID to the management server 301. Next, in S215, the lock control unit 96 begins waiting for reception of an unlock command, which is a control signal based on the result of the pre-insertion authentication.

[0124] In S217, the lock control unit 96 determines whether a predetermined standby period has expired, for example, by referring to the value of a timer that starts when standby mode begins. If the standby period has expired, the process proceeds to S237. On the other hand, if the standby period has not expired, the process proceeds to S219.

[0125] In S219, the process branches depending on whether or not an unlock command has been received from the management server 301. If an unlock command has been received from the management server 301, the process proceeds to S221. If an unlock command has not been received, the process returns to S217.

[0126] In S221, the lock control unit 96 switches the state of the restraining mechanism 50 from the locked state to the unlocked state in accordance with the unlock command received from the management server 301. Next, in S223, the lock control unit 96 waits until the unlock period expires, for example, by using a timer that starts when the restraining mechanism 50 is unlocked. During this time, in S225, the lock control unit 96 monitors whether the user has removed an existing cartridge or inserted a new cartridge. When the user has inserted a new cartridge 200, the process proceeds to S227.

[0127] In S227, the remaining amount detection unit 61 detects the amount of toner remaining in the new cartridge 200. Then, in S229, the print control unit 95 reports the remaining amount of toner detected by the remaining amount detection unit 61 to the management server 301. After that, in S231, the lock control unit 96 switches the state of the restraint mechanism 50 back to the locked state. Also, in S233, the lock control unit 96 ends waiting for a control signal from an external device. Then, the lock control process in FIG. 14 ends.

[0128] <2-5-6. Authentication and Cartridge Insertion (Second Example)> Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a general processing flow according to the second embodiment when inserting a cartridge. The sequence shown in Fig. 15 mainly involves the image forming apparatus 1, the management server 301, and the user terminal 401. It is assumed that a new, unused cartridge 200 has been delivered to the user environment E1 before the sequence starts.

[0129] The processing steps S60 to S62 relating to login and user authentication may be the same as those in the first embodiment of FIG. 12, and therefore will not be described again here.

[0130] In S65, the code acquisition unit 430 of the user terminal 401 is activated in response to an operation by the user, and acquires the code 201 unique to the cartridge 200. Next, in S69, the device control unit 420 transmits a code notification including the code 201 acquired by the code acquisition unit 430 to the image forming device 1. In response to receiving the code notification, in S70, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming device 1 transmits an unlock request to the management server 301, which may include the notified code 201 and device information including the device ID of the image forming device 1.

[0131] Note that instead of sending a code notification including the code 201 to the image forming apparatus 1 in S69, the user terminal 401 may send an unlock request including the code 201 to the management server 301 and send an ID transmission request (not including the code 201) to the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, in response to receiving the ID transmission request, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming apparatus 1 sends apparatus information including the apparatus ID of the image forming apparatus 1 to the management server 301, as in S73 of FIG.

[0132] In response to receiving the unlock request, the authentication unit 370 of the management server 301 begins pre-insertion authentication. In S71, the authentication unit 370 determines whether the cartridge 200 identified by the code 201 included in the unlock request corresponds to the logged-in user's account by referencing the delivery management table 340. Here, it is assumed that the cartridge 200 corresponds appropriately to the user account. Next, in S74, the authentication unit 370 determines whether the image forming device 1, the insertion destination, corresponds to the logged-in user's user account by referencing the device registration table 330, based on the device ID included in the unlock request. Here, it is assumed that the image forming device 1 corresponds appropriately to the user account. Therefore, the pre-insertion authentication is successful. In S75, in response to the success of the pre-insertion authentication, the authentication unit 370 notifies the user terminal 401 of the authentication success result. Furthermore, in S76, the authentication unit 370 sends an unlock command to the image forming device 1 to unlock the inhibiting mechanism 50 of the image forming device 1.

[0133] The processing steps S77 to S81 after the transmission of the unlock command may be the same as those in the first embodiment of FIG. 12, and therefore will not be described again here.

[0134] 12, a code 201 unique to the cartridge 200 is transmitted from the user terminal 401 to the management server 301, and a device ID identifying the image forming device 1, which is the destination device, is transmitted from the image forming device 1 to the management server 301. Therefore, there is no need to transmit and receive the code 201 between the user terminal 401 and the image forming device 1, and the above-described mechanism can be realized with relatively low development costs. In the second embodiment of FIG. 15, the code 201 unique to the cartridge 200 is transferred from the user terminal 401 that acquired the code 201 to the image forming device 1, and is relayed to the management server 301 together with device information about the image forming device 1. Therefore, the user does not need to operate the image forming device 1 to trigger transmission of the device ID, and the operational burden on the user for pre-insertion authentication is reduced.

[0135] <2-6. Summary> According to the above-described embodiment, a deterrent mechanism capable of deterring insertion of a cartridge into an image forming apparatus is disposed in at least one of the image forming apparatus and the cartridge. A unique code for the cartridge is acquired by a terminal present in the user environment, and the acquired code is transmitted to a server device in a remote environment. Then, authentication to permit use of the cartridge in the image forming apparatus is performed by the server device based on the code. If this authentication is successful, the deterrent mechanism is switched to a state permitting insertion of the cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to permit or prohibit use of the cartridge by taking into account conditions that are difficult to determine by the image forming apparatus alone, such as the correspondence between the cartridge and a user account, or the correspondence between the insertion destination device and a user account.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, a new cartridge cannot be inserted into the image forming device unless authentication based on the cartridge-specific code is successful. Therefore, while a technology that performs authentication after a cartridge is inserted into a fixed position in the image forming device requires a mechanism for ejecting or invalidating an incorrect cartridge when it is inserted, the above-described embodiment does not require such a mechanism. This simplifies the device configuration and reduces implementation costs. Furthermore, since the insertion of an incompatible cartridge into the image forming device is prevented, the risk of physical damage to the device is also reduced.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the code unique to each cartridge is an optically readable code printed on the cartridge or its packaging, or a code that can be manually read by the user. Therefore, the code can be easily obtained using a user interface or camera of a terminal before inserting the cartridge into the image forming apparatus. This eliminates the need to install memory for storing codes in each cartridge that is consumed one after another, thereby reducing the running costs borne by the user.

[0138] <3. Modifications> <3-1. First modification (unlock when abnormality is detected)> When the restraining mechanism 50 of the image forming apparatus 1 described in the previous section is in a locked state (a state in which the front cover 20 cannot be opened or closed), the cartridge 200 cannot be inserted or removed from the image forming apparatus 1. When the restraining mechanism 50 is in an unlocked state (a state in which the front cover 20 can be opened and closed), the cartridge 200 can be inserted or removed from the image forming apparatus 1. When such a mechanism is employed, in a first modified example, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming apparatus 1 may monitor whether the image forming unit 40 functions normally while maintaining the restraining mechanism 50 in the locked state. If an abnormality in the function of the image forming unit 40 is detected and the image forming apparatus 1 has an inserted cartridge 200, the lock control unit 96 may switch the restraining mechanism 50 from the locked state to the unlocked state if the image forming apparatus 1 has an inserted cartridge 200. This allows, for example, if the image forming unit 40 breaks down, a user can open the unlocked front cover 20 and remove the cartridge 200, and then reuse the removed cartridge 200 in another image forming apparatus that can operate normally.

[0139] The lock control unit 96 may switch the restraining mechanism 50 to the unlocked state when a malfunction in the function of the image forming unit 40 is detected, and then switch the restraining mechanism 50 from the unlocked state to the locked state when it is detected that the cartridge 200 has been removed from the image forming apparatus 1. This makes it possible to prevent an inappropriate cartridge from being inserted into and used in the image forming apparatus 1 (after the malfunction has been resolved).

[0140] Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a schematic processing flow according to the first modified example. The sequence shown in Fig. 16 mainly involves the image forming apparatus 1 and the management server 301. It is assumed that the cartridge 200 has already been inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 before the sequence starts.

[0141] In S90, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming apparatus 1 switches the state of the restraining mechanism 50 to the locked state. The lock control unit 96 continuously monitors whether the image forming function of the image forming apparatus 1 can operate normally while maintaining the restraining mechanism 50 in the locked state. Here, it is assumed that the print control unit 95 has a status diagnosis function for diagnosing the status of the image forming unit 40.

[0142] In S91, the print control unit 95 detects an abnormality (for example, the occurrence of a malfunction) in the image forming unit 40. The print control unit 95 stops the operation of the image forming unit 40 in response to the detection of the abnormality. The print control unit 95 does not allow the image forming unit 40 to execute a new job unless the abnormality is resolved. The print control unit 95 notifies the lock control unit 96 that an abnormality has been detected.

[0143] In response to the detection of an abnormality in the image forming unit 40, the lock control unit 96 determines whether the cartridge 200 has been inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 (for example, based on a sensor signal from a cartridge sensor). If the lock control unit 96 determines that the cartridge 200 has been inserted, then in S92, the lock control unit 96 transmits an abnormality notification to the management server 301. The abnormality notification transmitted here includes at least the device ID of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0144] In response to receiving the abnormality notification, the authentication unit 370 of the management server 301 transmits to the image forming apparatus 1 in step S93 an unlock command for unlocking the inhibiting mechanism 50 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0145] In S94, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming apparatus 1 switches the state of the restraining mechanism 50 from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to receiving the unlock command from the management server 301. In S95, the user opens the front cover 20, removes the cartridge 200 from the image forming apparatus 1, and closes the front cover 20.

[0146] In S96, the print control unit 95 transmits a remaining amount report indicating that there is no cartridge to the management server 301 in response to the cartridge sensor no longer detecting the cartridge 200. In S97, in response to receiving the remaining amount report, the data management unit 350 of the management server 301 updates the value of "remaining toner amount" in the record in the device registration table 330 corresponding to the image forming device 1 to be blank.

[0147] Then, in S98, the authentication unit 370 of the management server 301 transmits a lock command to the image forming apparatus 1 to lock the restraining mechanism 50 of the image forming apparatus 1. In S99, in response to receiving the lock command from the management server 301, the lock control unit 96 of the image forming apparatus 1 switches the state of the restraining mechanism 50 from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0148] Note that the above description is of an example in which the lock control unit 96 switches the state of the deterrence mechanism 50 between the locked state and the unlocked state in response to receiving a command from the management server 301. However, the lock control unit 96 may actively switch the state of the deterrence mechanism 50 to the unlocked state without waiting for a command from the management server 301 when an abnormality is detected in the image forming unit 40 and when it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 has an inserted cartridge 200. Similarly, the lock control unit 96 may actively switch the state of the deterrence mechanism 50 to the locked state when it is detected that the cartridge 200 has been removed from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0149] <3-2. Second Modification (Integration of Image Forming Apparatus and Operation Terminal)> In the previous section, an embodiment was mainly described in which a user terminal separate from the image forming apparatus provides UI functions to the user, but a similar UI function may also be provided by an operation terminal integrated with the image forming apparatus. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cartridge management system 300b according to a second modified example. Referring to Figure 17, the cartridge management system 300b includes an image forming apparatus 1b and a management server 301.

[0150] Image forming apparatus 1b is installed in user environment E1 where a user exists. Image forming apparatus 1b may have basically the same configuration as image forming apparatus 1 described above, except that it additionally includes an operation terminal 402. Operation terminal 402 provides a code acquisition function similar to that of code acquisition unit 430 of user terminal 401 and a UI function similar to that of application unit 440 of user terminal 401. Operation terminal 402 may be used, for example, to accept input of account information and input of code 201 unique to cartridge 200. When operation terminal 402 accepts input of code 201, lock control unit 96 of image forming apparatus 1b transmits an unlock request, which may include the input code 201 and device information including the device ID of image forming apparatus 1b, to management server 301 via communication I / F 11. Then, based on the result of the pre-insertion authentication performed by the management server 301, the lock control unit 96 switches the state of the inhibiting mechanism 50 from the locked state to the unlocked state, thereby enabling the cartridge 200 to be inserted into the image forming apparatus 1b.

[0151] According to this modified example, it is possible to reduce development costs by eliminating the need to send and receive code 201 between user terminal 401 and image forming device 1, and it is also possible to reduce the operational burden on the user by eliminating the operation required to trigger the transmission of the device ID.

[0152] <3-3. Other variations> The previous section mainly describes an example in which the management server 301 performs pre-insertion authentication in response to an unlock request from the user terminal 401 or the image forming apparatus 1 and sends an unlock command if the authentication is successful. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this configuration. For example, the management server 301 may perform pre-insertion authentication (e.g., verifying the association between a user account and a cartridge) in response to an authentication request that may include a cartridge-specific code, and may return an authentication result notification if the authentication is successful. In this case, the user terminal 401 or the image forming apparatus 1 that receives the authentication result notification may determine whether or not to unlock the deterrent mechanism 50 based on the notified result. During this determination, the user terminal 401 or the image forming apparatus 1 may further determine whether a supplementary condition for unlocking the deterrent mechanism 50 (e.g., a low toner level or a low cartridge level) is met.

[0153] Furthermore, in the previous section, an example was mainly described in which the “status” of the corresponding record in the delivery management table 340 is changed to “started using” in response to a remaining amount report sent to the management server 301 after the cartridge is inserted. However, the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the trigger for the status change may be the detection of a predetermined user operation. More specifically, first, the user terminal 401 or the image forming apparatus 1 displays a message on the screen asking the user whether the insertion of the cartridge is complete. Once the insertion of the cartridge is complete, the user operates the input device 414 of the user terminal 401 or a button (physical or GUI) on the image forming apparatus 1 to respond that the insertion is complete. In response to the detection of such a user operation, the user terminal 401 or the image forming apparatus 1 transmits an insertion completion notification to the management server 301. In response to receiving this insertion completion notification, the management server 301 may change the “status” of the corresponding record in the delivery management table 340 to “started using.”

[0154] It should be noted that the embodiments, examples, and modifications described in this specification may be combined with each other in any manner, and the features and advantages described in connection with a certain example may be applied to any of the embodiments, examples, and modifications unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0155] <4. Other embodiments> The above-described embodiment can also be realized in the form of a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program, or by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0156] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1, 1b: image forming apparatus, 11: communication interface (communication unit), 13: user interface, 40: image forming unit, 50: restraining mechanism, 55: insertion path, 61: remaining amount detection unit, 96: lock control unit (control unit), 200, 200a, 200b: cartridge, 201, 201a, 201b: code, 300, 300b: cartridge management system, 301: management server (server device), 311: communication interface (communication unit), 313: management DB (database), 370: authentication unit, 401: user terminal, 402: operation terminal, 420: device control unit (control unit), 430: code acquisition unit, E1: user environment, E2: remote environment

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that exists in a user environment and acquires a code unique to a cartridge that can be inserted into an image forming apparatus; a restricting mechanism disposed in at least one of the image forming apparatus and the cartridge, capable of restricting insertion of the cartridge into the image forming apparatus; a server device that exists in a remote environment and performs authentication for the cartridge based on the code acquired by the acquisition unit; a control unit that exists in the user environment and that, when the authentication performed by the server device is successful, causes the inhibiting mechanism to be in a state that allows the cartridge to be inserted into the image forming apparatus; a cartridge management system including:

2. The server device receives user account information; the authentication performed by the server device includes determining whether the cartridge identified by the code corresponds to the account indicated by the account information; The cartridge management system of claim 1 .

3. The cartridge management system includes: a database indicating an association between each account and at least one cartridge provided to a user having the account; further comprising the server device determines that the cartridge has a correspondence relationship with the account when the cartridge identified by the code in the database is associated with the account indicated by the account information; The cartridge management system according to claim 2 .

4. the image forming apparatus, device identification information for identifying the image forming device is stored in advance, transmitting the device identification information to the server device when a predetermined input signal is detected; The authentication performed by the server device further includes determining whether the image forming device identified by the device identification information has a correspondence relationship with the account. The cartridge management system according to claim 3 .

5. the database further indicates an association between each account and at least one image forming device registered as a device of a user having the account; the server device determines that the image forming device has a correspondence relationship with the account when the image forming device identified by the device identification information in the database is associated with the account indicated by the account information; The cartridge management system according to claim 4 .

6. 6. The cartridge management system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined input signal is a user input signal detected via a user interface of the image forming apparatus.

7. 6. A cartridge management system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined input signal is a reception signal received from a user terminal via a communication interface.

8. The database includes status information indicating whether each cartridge is unused or not; The authentication performed by the server device further includes determining whether the cartridge identified by the code is unused based on the status information. The cartridge management system according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

9. The server device receiving, from the image forming device, remaining amount information relating to a cartridge inserted in the image forming device; updating the status information in the database for the cartridge based on the received remaining amount information; The cartridge management system according to claim 8 .

10. A cartridge management system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the control unit waits for a predetermined period of time to receive a control signal based on the result of the authentication after the device identification information is sent to the server device in response to detection of the predetermined input signal.

11. A cartridge management system according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the server device registers an association between the user's account and the cartridge in the database when an event occurs that triggers the provision of the cartridge to the user.

12. The event that triggers the provision of the cartridge to the user is: the user's purchase of the cartridge; The timing for provision based on the contract with the user has arrived, detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of a cartridge inserted in an image forming apparatus registered as a device of the user; The number of operations of an image forming device registered as a device of the user reaches a threshold value; and detecting the use of a cartridge previously provided to said user; The cartridge management system of claim 11 , comprising one or more of:

13. the code is an optically readable code printed on the cartridge or on a package of the cartridge; The acquisition unit acquires the code by optically reading the code. The cartridge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 13. The cartridge management system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition section acquires the code input by a user via a user interface.

15. A cartridge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cartridge management system includes a user terminal equipped with the acquisition unit and a communication unit that transmits the code acquired by the acquisition unit to the server device.

16. A cartridge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cartridge management system includes the image forming device equipped with the acquisition unit, a communication unit that transmits the code acquired by the acquisition unit to the server device, and the control unit.

17. A cartridge management system described in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the inhibiting mechanism is a mechanism that switches between a first state in which the cartridge can be inserted and removed from the image forming device, and a second state in which the cartridge cannot be inserted and removed from the image forming device.

18. The control unit While maintaining the inhibiting mechanism in the second state, monitor whether the image forming function of the image forming apparatus can operate normally. when an abnormality in the image forming function is detected and the cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus, switching the inhibiting mechanism from the second state to the first state; The cartridge management system of claim 17.

19. The control unit when the abnormality in the image forming function is detected, and after the inhibiting mechanism is switched to the first state, if it is detected that the cartridge has been removed from the image forming apparatus, the inhibiting mechanism is switched from the first state to the second state; The cartridge management system of claim 18.

20. 1. A cartridge management method for managing the use of cartridges in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a restricting mechanism capable of restricting insertion of the cartridge into the image forming device is disposed in at least one of the image forming device and the cartridge; The image forming device is present in a user environment, The cartridge management method includes: acquiring a code unique to the cartridge by an acquisition means present in the user environment; transmitting the acquired code from the acquisition means to a server device located in a remote environment; authenticating the cartridge based on the received code by the server device; by the image forming apparatus, when the authentication performed by the server device is successful, putting the inhibiting mechanism into a state in which the cartridge can be inserted into the image forming apparatus; A cartridge management method comprising:

21. An image forming apparatus installed in a user environment, an image forming unit that consumes a consumable agent contained in a cartridge that is inserted into the image forming apparatus to form an image on a recording medium; a control unit that controls a prevention mechanism that can prevent the cartridge from being inserted into the image forming apparatus; a communication interface for communicating with a server device in a remote environment; Equipped with The control unit acquiring a code unique to the cartridge and transmitting the acquired code to the server device via the communication interface; when authentication of the cartridge performed by the server device based on the transmitted code is successful, the inhibiting mechanism is set to a state in which the cartridge can be inserted into the image forming device. Image forming device.

22. A server device for managing the use of cartridges in an image forming device, At least one of the image forming device and the cartridge includes a deterrent mechanism capable of deterring insertion of the cartridge into the image forming device, the image forming device exists in a user environment, and the server device exists in a remote environment; the server device includes a communication interface and a processing circuit; The processing circuitry receiving a code unique to the cartridge from a device present in the user environment via the communication interface; performing authentication of the cartridge based on the received code; If the authentication of the cartridge is successful, the image forming apparatus switches the state of the inhibiting mechanism to a state in which the cartridge can be inserted into the image forming apparatus. Server device.

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