Image forming apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus for controlling the state of the image forming apparatus to be a state corresponding to contract information of a service.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: acquisition means that acquires information concerning a contract of a subscription service of the image forming apparatus; storage means that stores the information concerning the contract of the subscription service acquired by the acquisition unit; and control means that sets a state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to a first information, based on a fact that the information concerning the contract of the subscription service stored in the storage unit means is the first information indicating purchase of the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are flat-rate services that allow the use of the printer and consumables used for printing in image forming devices such as inkjet printers and copiers for a fixed price. The flat-rate service provider prepares the printer and consumables necessary for printing, so the printing environment is prepared simply by the user signing a contract. There are cases where the user cancels the flat-rate service contract due to a change in the user's usage environment, and the user purchases the ownership of the printer and uses it by purchasing consumables separately. Patent Document 1 describes that in a rental service, which is one form of flat-rate service, when a rental product is purchased, the purchase price for the product is determined based on information about the rental period. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-189959 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when a printing device transitions from a fixed-fee service contract state to a buyback state, it is required that the printing device be made available for use immediately without the functional restrictions imposed by the fixed-fee service.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a program for controlling the state of the image forming apparatus so as to correspond to the contract information of a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a subscription service contract for the image forming apparatus, a storage means for storing the information regarding the subscription service contract acquired by the acquisition means, and a control means for setting the state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information based on the information regarding the subscription service contract stored in the storage means being first information indicating a purchase of the image forming apparatus. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to control the state of the image forming apparatus so as to be in accordance with the contract information for the service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a flat-rate service system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning to a purchase state. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning to a purchase state. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning to a purchase state. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning to a purchase state. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning to a purchase state. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning to a purchase state. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a table defining processing of setting values. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning to a purchase state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a flat-rate service system 1 in this embodiment. In the flat-rate service system 1, an image forming device 2, a flat-rate service server 3, and an information processing device 4 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 5. Here, the information processing device 4 is a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. The image forming device 2 is a device equipped with an image forming function, such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) equipped with a copy function, a scan function, and a facsimile function, or a printer device, a copy device, or a facsimile device. The flat-rate service server 3 is a server capable of providing a flat-rate service.

[0011] An overview of the flat-rate service, which is one of the billing services provided by the flat-rate service system 1, is given below. The flat-rate service is a subscription service that provides the user with a printing environment characterized by charging the same amount according to the monthly plan fee until a certain number of pages are printed. If the number of pages exceeds the certain number, the user can change to a higher plan or be charged on a pay-per-use basis where the amount charged increases for each page. When a user accesses the flat-rate service server 3 and applies for the flat-rate service, the service provider delivers the image forming device 2, including consumables (consumable materials), to the user.

[0012] For example, a user accesses the URL of the flat-rate service server 3 on an information processing device 4 such as a smartphone or a PC. In the information processing device 4, a screen for signing up for the flat-rate service is displayed by a web browser or a dedicated application. The user inputs necessary information for signing up for the flat-rate service on the screen. Here, the necessary information for signing up for the flat-rate service is, for example, user information such as the name of the subscriber, the type of service to be signed up for, the delivery address of consumables, and the payment method. The flat-rate service server 3 registers the information input on the screen, and then the service provider delivers the image forming device 2. When the image forming device 2 is delivered to the user, the user performs initial installation (setup) including a process of connecting the image forming device 2 to the network 5. Through the initial installation, the image forming device 2 is registered in a device management server (not shown) owned by the service provider. In the flat-rate service management unit 111 of the image forming device 2, "under contract" is stored by the flat-rate service server 3 as the contract status of the flat-rate service. The contract status can be, for example, "not under contract", "under contract", or "cancelled". For example, in the above case, the user has already performed the above-mentioned contract operation at the time when the image forming device 2 is delivered, so the contract status stored in the flat-rate service management unit 111 of the image forming device 2 is "under contract". On the other hand, there are cases where the user has not performed the above-mentioned contract operation at the time when the image forming device 2 is delivered, such as when the contract is for a service that the user chooses. In that case, the flat-rate service management unit 111 of the image forming device 2 stores "not yet contracted" as the contract status by the flat-rate service server 3. After that, when the user performs the above-mentioned contract operation, the image forming device 2 receives flat-rate service subscription information from the flat-rate service server 3, and the contract status stored in the flat-rate service management unit 111 is set to "under contract". In addition, there are two types of states that can be considered for the "cancelled" state. There is a case where the flat-rate service is cancelled and the rented image forming device 2 is returned, and a case where the user purchases the rented image forming device 2. In this embodiment, the user can select whether or not to purchase the image forming device 2 when canceling the flat-rate service.Then, when the user selects to purchase the image forming device 2, the information indicating the contract status stored in the flat-rate service management unit 111 includes information indicating "purchase" in addition to information indicating "cancelled". Also, when the user selects to return the image forming device 2 without purchasing it, information indicating "not purchase" may be stored in addition to information indicating "cancelled".

[0013] After the flat-rate service is contracted, when the user uses the image forming device 2 to print, the image forming device 2 creates a job log including how many sheets have been printed and how much of the consumables have been consumed, and transmits the job log to the flat-rate service server 3. Based on the transmitted job log information, the flat-rate service server 3 counts the number of sheets printed in one month, calculates the consumption rate of the consumables, and delivers the consumables when the remaining amount of the consumables falls below a threshold. When the flat-rate service is contracted, the image forming device 2 periodically transmits a job log to the flat-rate service server 3 via the network 5. Therefore, in order for the user to enjoy the flat-rate service, it is necessary for the image forming device 2 to be connected to the network 5. If the image forming device 2 is not connected to the network 5, the functions of the image forming device 2 are limited.

[0014] The flat-rate service server 3 has the configuration of a general-purpose information processing device such as a PC, and manages information input by the user (corresponding to service contract information) and device information (information on the image forming device) as a database by linking them together. The information input by the user includes, for example, the delivery address for the above-mentioned consumables. The flat-rate service server 3 is not limited to being configured as a single server device, and may be configured from multiple server devices owned by the service provider. The flat-rate service server 3 may also have other server functions, such as a device management server that manages devices.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the flat-rate service system, and may include devices not shown, such as a router. For example, when the image forming device 2 is installed in a user's home, it is connected to the Internet via a router or the like, and can communicate with the flat-rate service server 3 via a network 5. In such a case, the information processing device 4 owned by the user is, for example, a smartphone or a PC, and may be capable of communicating directly with the image forming device 2, or may be capable of communicating with the image forming device 2 via a router having an access point function. The information processing device 4 is used, for example, for initial installation including a process for connecting the image forming device 2 delivered from the service provider to the network 5. After the initial installation is completed, the information processing device 4 executes printing by, for example, directly transmitting image data created by an application to the image forming device 2, or transmitting the image data to the image forming device 2 via a cloud server (not shown). In addition, although one image forming device 2 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple image forming devices 2 may be connected to the network 5. In addition, the network 5 is a network including a wired network, a wireless network, or both.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the image forming apparatus 2. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 is described as an inkjet printer, but it may be a printer that forms images by other recording methods. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 may be a laser beam printer. Therefore, although ink is described as an example of a consumable item, toner may also be used.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 2 mainly includes a print engine unit 200 that controls the print section, a scanner engine unit 300 that controls the scanner section, and a controller unit 100 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 2. A print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to instructions from a main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. Various mechanisms of the scanner unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100.

[0018] In the controller unit 100, a main controller 101 including a CPU controls the entire image forming apparatus 2 in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 107. At that time, a RAM 106 is used as a work area. The operation of the image forming apparatus 2 in this embodiment is realized, for example, by the main controller 101 reading and executing the programs stored in the ROM 107.

[0019] The host I / F 102 controls communication with an external device such as the information processing device 4. The FAX I / F 103 controls FAX communication with the outside. The server I / F 110 controls communication with the flat-rate service server 3. The host I / F 102 and the server I / F 110 do not have to be separate configurations, but may be the same configuration. The host I / F 102 and the server I / F 110 have a configuration corresponding to the network 5. The host I / F 102 and the server I / F 110 have a configuration corresponding to, for example, wired communication or wireless communication. For example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used as a communication method used for wireless communication. For example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) can be used as a communication method used for wired communication.

[0020] For example, when a print job is input via the host I / F 102, the main controller 101 instructs the image processing unit 108, and the image processing unit 108 executes a predetermined image processing on the image data corresponding to the print job. Then, the main controller 101 transmits the image data that has been subjected to the image processing to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I / F 105. Also, for example, when a read command is input via the host I / F 102, the main controller 101 transmits the read command to the scanner engine unit 300 via the scanner engine I / F 109.

[0021] The operation panel 104 is configured as, for example, a touch panel, and is a mechanism for accepting user operations. The operation panel 104 can display various user interface screens. For example, the operation panel 104 can accept instruction operations such as copying and scanning, and setting operations such as print mode.

[0022] The flat-rate service management unit 111 receives information indicating the flat-rate service contract status of the image forming device 2 from the flat-rate service server 3, and manages the flat-rate service contract status of the image forming device 2. Depending on the flat-rate service contract status, the scan function and the FAX function may be restricted. The flat-rate service management unit 111 manages the correspondence between the flat-rate service contract status and the restricted functions. The function switching control unit 112 controls the switching of the functions of the image forming device 2 based on the flat-rate service contract status stored in the flat-rate service management unit 111. For example, the function switching control unit 112 has information on the enable / disable of each function in the image forming device 2, and the main controller 101 controls the enable / disable of each function based on the information. In this embodiment, for example, the function switching control unit 112 rewrites the information, thereby realizing the switching of the functions of the image forming device 2.

[0023] In the print engine unit 200, a print controller 202 including a CPU controls various mechanisms according to programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 203. At that time, a RAM 204 is used as a work area. When various commands and image data are received via a controller I / F 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. Then, the print controller 202 instructs an image processing controller 205 to convert the image data stored in the RAM 204 into print data so that a print head (not shown) can use it for a printing operation. When the print data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the print head to perform a printing operation via a print head I / F 206. At that time, the print controller 202 controls the transportation of the print medium via a transport control unit 207, and controls the movement of a carriage on which the print head is mounted via a carriage control unit 208. An ink supply control unit 209 controls the supply of ink from an ink cartridge to the print head, for example. In response to an instruction from the print controller 202, a printing operation is executed in conjunction with the transport operation of the print medium, and printing processing is performed. The maintenance control unit 210 controls the maintenance operations of the print head, such as preliminary ejection, etc. The waste ink control unit 210 detects the amount of waste ink accumulated in the waste ink tank by a sensor due to preliminary ejection or the maintenance operations of the print head.

[0024] The non-volatile memory 222 stores various parameters used for printing. For example, print setting information such as Nin1 printing (N is an integer), double-sided or single-sided printing, color or monochrome printing, photo or document printing, etc. When applying parameters set by the user, the print controller 202 receives setting values ​​inputted on the operation panel 104 via the print engine I / F 105 and reflects them in the print settings.

[0025] The main controller 101 can control the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301 according to the programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. This controls various mechanisms of the scanner unit 300. For example, by controlling the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302, a document placed on an automatic document feeder (ADF) by a user can be transported via a transport control unit 304 and optically read by a sensor 305. The scanner controller 302 stores the read image data in a RAM 303. The print controller 202 can convert the image data acquired as described above into recording data, thereby causing the recording head to execute a recording operation (copy) based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302.

[0026] Next, referring to Fig. 4, a process of shifting the state of the image forming device 2 from a state corresponding to the flat-rate service contract to a buy-back state corresponding to after the buy-back when the image forming device 2 receives a notification indicating the cancellation of the flat-rate service and the buy-back from the flat-rate service server 3 will be described. The state corresponding to the flat-rate service contract means a state in which, among the functions executable by the image forming device 2, functions that are enabled in the flat-rate service are executable (or functions that are disabled are not executable). The buy-back state means a state in which, among the functions executable by the image forming device 2, functions that are enabled after the buy-back are executable (or functions that are disabled are not executable). The process of Fig. 4 is realized, for example, by the main controller 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 107 into the RAM 106 and executing it.

[0027] In this embodiment, the following use case is assumed as an example. When the flat-rate service contract ends or when the flat-rate service contract is changed to a buy-back state, the user contacts the sales company to purchase the image forming device 2. The sales company, upon receiving the notification, changes (updates) the contract information of the image forming device 2 used by the user on the flat-rate service server 3 from information indicating that the flat-rate service contract is in progress to information indicating that the contract has been terminated and the image forming device has been purchased. Based on the update of the database, the flat-rate service server 3 transmits a change notification to the image forming device 2 indicating that the change has been made to buy-back.

[0028] In S101, the controller unit 100 of the image forming apparatus 2 receives a change notification via the server I / F 110. In S102, the controller unit 100 refers to the contract status of the flat-rate service currently held in the flat-rate service management section 111, and judges whether or not the user is "under contract" for the flat-rate service. If it is judged that the user is under contract for the flat-rate service, the process proceeds to S103. On the other hand, if it is judged that the user is not under contract for the flat-rate service, the process proceeds to S106.

[0029] In S103, the controller unit 100 executes a transition process for transitioning the state of the image forming apparatus 2 to a buy-back state. The transition process to the buy-back state will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0030] After the image forming device 2 is shifted to the buy-back state, in S104 the controller unit 100 executes a notification process to notify the user that the image forming device 2 has shifted to the buy-back state. The notification process will be described later with reference to FIG. 11. In S105, the controller unit 100 notifies the flat-rate service server 3 that the image forming device 2 has shifted to the buy-back state. The flat-rate service server 3 that has received the notification deletes the link between the information on the image forming device 2 and the information on the flat-rate service, since it is no longer necessary to manage the consumption of consumables in the image forming device 2. After S105, the process in FIG. 4 ends.

[0031] If it is determined in S102 that the image forming apparatus 2 is not under a flat-rate service contract, in S106 the controller unit 100 notifies the flat-rate service server 3 that the image forming apparatus 2 has already been shifted to a buy-back state. Then, the process in FIG. 4 is terminated.

[0032] The process of S106 is a process that takes into consideration the case where the process of S105 fails due to a communication failure or the like. In other words, if the process of S105 fails due to a communication failure or the like, the flat-rate service server 3 does not delete the link between the information of the image forming device 2 and the information related to the flat-rate service. If the flat-rate service server 3 does not receive a notification from the image forming device 2 that it has transitioned to a buy-back state even after a predetermined time has elapsed after sending the change notification in S101, the flat-rate service server 3 may be configured to send the change notification to the image forming device 2 again. In such a configuration, the process of S106 may be executed. Also, instead of receiving a change notification of the contract information from the flat-rate service server 3, the image forming device 2 may inquire about the contract status of the flat-rate service to the flat-rate service server 3 at predetermined time intervals.

[0033] Next, the process for transitioning the image forming apparatus 2 to the buy-back state will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of S103.

[0034] In S201, the function switching control unit 112 releases the function restriction during the flat-rate service contract. Here, the process of releasing the function restriction will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] 6 is a flowchart showing the process of S201. In S301, the function switching control unit 112 checks information indicating the contract status of the flat-rate service held in the flat-rate service management unit 111, and judges whether the copy function is restricted to be unusable. If it is judged that the copy function is restricted to be unusable, in S302, the function switching control unit 112 switches the copy function to be usable, and proceeds to S303. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets the enable / disable information of the copy function of the image forming device 2 to be enabled. On the other hand, if it is judged that the copy function is not restricted to be unusable, the process proceeds to S303.

[0036] In S303, the function switching control unit 112 checks information indicating the contract status of the flat-rate service held in the flat-rate service management unit 111, and determines whether the print function is restricted to be unusable. If it is determined that the print function is restricted to be unusable, in S304, the function switching control unit 112 switches the print function to be usable, and proceeds to S305. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets the enable / disable information of the print function of the image forming device 2 to enabled. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print function is not restricted to be unusable, the process proceeds to S305.

[0037] In S305, the function switching control unit 112 checks information indicating the contract status of the flat-rate service held in the flat-rate service management unit 111, and determines whether the scan function is restricted to be unusable. If it is determined that the scan function is restricted to be unusable, in S306, the function switching control unit 112 switches the scan function to be usable, and proceeds to S307. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets the enable / disable information of the scan function of the image forming device 2 to enabled. On the other hand, if it is determined that the scan function is not restricted to be unusable, the process proceeds to S307.

[0038] In S307, the function switching control unit 112 checks information indicating the contract status of the flat-rate service held in the flat-rate service management unit 111, and judges whether the facsimile function (FAX function) is restricted to be unusable. If it is judged that the FAX function is restricted to be unusable, in S308 the function switching control unit 112 switches the FAX function to be usable, and ends the processing in Fig. 6. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets the enable / disable information of the FAX function of the image forming device 2 to enabled. On the other hand, if it is judged that the FAX function is not restricted to be unusable, the processing in Fig. 6 ends.

[0039] In this example, the determination process is performed in the order of S301, S303, S305, and S307, but the order is not limited to these, and some of the processes may be reversed, and each process may be performed in parallel. The functions that are the subject of the determination for releasing the function restriction are not limited to the above, and other functions may be the subject of the determination. For example, a restriction on a function specific to the flat-rate service may be executed. Functions specific to the flat-rate service include a function for notifying the flat-rate service server 3 of the number of pages printed and when ink runs out. The function switching control unit 112 may switch to restrict such functions specific to the flat-rate service.

[0040] After the process of Fig. 6 ends, the process proceeds to S202 of Fig. 5. In S202, the function switching control unit 112 switches the user interface (UI) display of the flat-rate service to the UI display of the buy-back service.

[0041] The UI display corresponding to the flat-rate service is, for example, a display of the flat-rate service period, the flat-rate plan contents, and the number of sheets printed during the flat-rate service. On the other hand, the UI display corresponding to the buy-back state is, for example, a display of an ink purchase site. In the buy-back state, the user must procure ink when ink runs out, so an ink purchase site including a URL where the user can purchase ink is displayed. These display data may be managed inside the image forming device 2, or may be acquired from an external server. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets the UI display function for the flat-rate service of the image forming device 2 to be disabled, and sets the UI display function for the buy-back state of the image forming device 2 to be enabled. When the main controller 101 accepts a user operation, the main controller 101 switches the UI display displayed on the operation panel 104 based on the setting information of the function switching control unit 112.

[0042] 7 is a flowchart showing the UI display switching process. In S401, the main controller 101 changes the screen displayed on the operation panel 104. For example, assume that a user operation on the operation panel 104 transitions to an ink status screen. Here, the ink status screen is described as an example, but it does not have to be the ink status screen as long as a UI display for the flat-rate service and a UI display for the buy-back status are prepared.

[0043] In S402, the main controller 101 determines whether or not a UI display for the buyback state is possible based on the setting information of the function switching control unit 112 before drawing the ink status screen on the operation panel 104 based on the display data. If it is determined that the UI display for the buyback state is possible, in S403, the main controller 101 displays the UI based on the UI display data for the buyback state as described above. Then, the process of FIG. 7 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the UI display for the buyback state is not possible, it is determined that the UI display is for the flat-rate service, and in S404, the main controller 101 displays the UI display data for the flat-rate service. Then, the process of FIG. 7 is terminated.

[0044] After S202 in Fig. 5, the process proceeds to S203 in Fig. 5. In S203, the function switching control unit 112 switches whether or not the ink type can be used.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of S203. In S501, the function switching control unit 112 inquires of the print controller 202 via the print engine I / F 105 and the controller I / F 201 about the type of ink used in the print engine unit 200, and acquires the type. In this embodiment, there are two types of ink used in the image forming device 2: fixed-price service ink that can only be used during a fixed-price service contract, and normal ink that can be purchased at an ink purchase site. Then, the function switching control unit 112 judges whether the type of ink currently being used is fixed-price service ink. If it is judged to be fixed-price service ink, the process proceeds to S502, and if it is judged not to be fixed-price service ink, the process proceeds to S505. Note that the cartridge information of the ink cartridge attached to the print engine unit 200 may include identification information indicating whether it is fixed-price service ink, and the judgment may be made based on the identification information.

[0046] In S502, the function switching control unit 112 inquires of the flat-rate service management unit 111 to determine whether or not the state is to be changed to the buyback state. If it is determined that the state is to be changed to the buyback state, in S503, the function switching control unit 112 disables the use of the flat-rate service ink. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets information on whether the ink supply of the image forming device 2 is enabled / disabled to disabled. Then, the function switching control unit 112 displays an error screen on the operation panel 104 indicating that the ink is disabled. Also, the error screen may display a message encouraging the user to replace the ink with usable normal ink. Then, the process of FIG. 8 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the state is not to be changed to the buyback state, in S504, the function switching control unit 112 determines that the flat-rate service contract is in progress and enables the use of the flat-rate service ink. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets information on whether the ink supply of the image forming device 2 is enabled / disabled to enabled. Then, the process of FIG. 8 is terminated.

[0047] If it is determined in S501 that the ink is not for the flat-rate service, that is, that the ink is normal ink, in S505, the function switching control unit 112 inquires of the flat-rate service management unit 111 to determine whether or not the ink is to be transferred to a buyback state. If it is determined that the ink is to be transferred to a buyback state, in S506, the function switching control unit 112 enables the use of normal ink. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets information on whether the ink supply of the image forming device 2 is enabled / disabled to be enabled. Then, the process of FIG. 8 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ink is not to be transferred to a buyback state, in S507, the function switching control unit 112 enables the use of normal ink. For example, the function switching control unit 112 sets information on whether the ink supply of the image forming device 2 is enabled / disabled to be enabled. Note that in this example, it is assumed that the use of normal ink is permitted even during the flat-rate service contract. However, depending on the service content, the use of normal ink may be disabled in S507, and an error indicating that the ink is not available may be displayed on the operation panel 104.

[0048] 8 may be executed when replacing an ink cartridge while the image forming device 2 is in use. For example, if a user replaces an ink cartridge containing fixed-price service ink while under a fixed-price service contract, the process proceeds to S501-S502-S504, and the fixed-price service ink can be used. If an ink cartridge is replaced with a normal ink cartridge while in a buy-back state, the process proceeds to S501-S505-S506, and the normal ink can be used.

[0049] After the process of Fig. 8 is completed, the process proceeds to S204 of Fig. 5. In S204, the function switching control unit 112 changes the setting values ​​used in the processes in the image forming apparatus 2.

[0050] Here, the setting values ​​used in the processing within the image forming device 2 will be described. In this embodiment, focusing on when the state of the image forming device 2 transitions from a state corresponding to the flat-rate service to a buy-back state, the setting value items are classified into three types. One is an item that needs to be initialized to an initial value. One is an item that is initialized based on a user's selection of whether or not to perform initialization. One is an item that maintains the setting value in the state corresponding to the flat-rate service even in the buy-back state.

[0051] Fig. 10 is an example of a table in which setting value items are associated with processes for transitioning to a buy-back state. Table 1001 in Fig. 10 is held, for example, in function switching control unit 112. Setting value items 1002 specify image quality setting values, hardware adjustment values, system setting values, flat-rate service setting values, and counter values. Each item is associated with a process 1003 for transitioning to a buy-back state.

[0052] Here, the image quality setting value is a setting value related to image quality, such as a density adjustment value, ON / OFF of ink saving mode, and an initial value of resolution. The image quality setting value is also a setting value used in the processing of the image processing unit 108. For example, suppose that the user changes the image quality setting value during the flat-rate service contract. In that case, it is assumed that the same image quality setting value will be used even when the state transitions to the buyback state. Also, even if the image forming device 2 initializes the image quality setting value when transitioning to the buyback state, it is assumed that the user will change the image quality setting value to a desired value again. In other words, it can be said that the image quality setting value is a setting value used in the processing regardless of the contract state of the service, such as during the flat-rate service contract or after the buyback. Therefore, in this embodiment, the image quality setting value continues to be used when transitioning to the buyback state.

[0053] The hardware adjustment value is an adjustment value related to hardware, such as a paper type, a periodic cleaning time, and a paper wrinkle correction value set by the user. The hardware adjustment value is also a setting value used in the processing of the print engine unit 200. For example, assume that the user changes the hardware adjustment value during the flat-rate service contract. In that case, it is assumed that the same hardware adjustment value will be used even when the state transitions to the buy-back state. Even if the image forming device 2 initializes the hardware adjustment value when transitioning to the buy-back state, it is assumed that the user will change the hardware adjustment value to a desired value again. In other words, it can be said that the hardware adjustment value is an adjustment value used in processing regardless of the service contract state, such as during the flat-rate service contract or after the buy-back. Therefore, in this embodiment, the hardware adjustment value continues to be used when transitioning to the buy-back state.

[0054] The system setting values ​​are setting values ​​related to the system, such as network setting values, security setting values, etc. The system setting values ​​are setting values ​​used in the processing of the main controller 101. For example, assume that the user changes the system setting values ​​during the flat-rate service contract. In that case, it is assumed that the same system setting values ​​will be used even when the state transitions to the buyback state. It is also assumed that the user will change the system setting values ​​to desired values ​​again, even if the image forming device 2 initializes the system setting values ​​when transitioning to the buyback state. However, it is assumed that some system setting values, such as network settings and security settings, will use values ​​instructed in the flat-rate service. Therefore, in this embodiment, when transitioning to the buyback state, initialization is performed for each system setting value based on user selection.

[0055] The flat-rate service setting values ​​are set values ​​that are used only during the flat-rate service contract, such as the number of prints used in the flat-rate service, the flat-rate service plan contents, and the flat-rate service period. The flat-rate service setting values ​​are also set values ​​that are used in the processing of the flat-rate service management unit 111. Therefore, in this embodiment, when transitioning to the buy-back state, the flat-rate service setting values ​​are initialized.

[0056] The counter value is a counter value used in the execution of each function of the image forming device 2, such as the number of jobs performed, the number of prints per paper, the number of scans, etc. Furthermore, the counter value is not something that the user is aware of. Therefore, in this embodiment, when transitioning to the buyback state, the count value continues to be used. Note that the setting value items are not limited to those shown in FIG. 10, and processing at the time of transitioning to the buyback state may be associated with other setting value items.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of S204. In S601, the function switching control unit 112 judges whether or not the setting value items of the image forming device 2 are items that need to be initialized when transitioning to a buy-back state. If it is judged that the items need to be initialized, in S602, the function switching control unit 112 sets the setting values ​​to their initial values. Then, the process of Fig. 9 ends. On the other hand, if it is judged that the items do not need to be initialized, the process proceeds to S603.

[0058] In S603, the function switching control unit 112 judges whether the initialization is an item that the user can select. If it is judged that the initialization is an item that the user can select, the process proceeds to S604. On the other hand, if it is judged that the initialization is not an item that the user can select, in S607, the function switching control unit 112 does not change the setting value. In other words, the setting value is continuously used in the buyback state. Then, the process of Figs. 9 and 5 is terminated.

[0059] In S604, the function switching control unit 112 displays a screen on the operation panel 104 for receiving a user selection as to whether or not to initialize the setting values. Then, the function switching control unit 112 judges whether or not the selection of initialization of the setting values ​​has been received from the user. If it is judged that the selection of initialization has been received, in S605, the function switching control unit 112 sets the setting values ​​to their initial values. Then, the processing of FIG. 9 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the selection of initialization has not been received, in S606, the function switching control unit 112 does not change the setting values. In other words, the setting values ​​are continuously used in the buyback state. Then, the processing of FIG. 9 and FIG. 5 is terminated.

[0060] After the processes in Fig. 9 and Fig. 5 are completed, the process proceeds to S104 in Fig. 4. In S104, the controller unit 100 executes a process of notifying the user that the image forming apparatus 2 has transitioned to a buy-back state.

[0061] 11 is a flowchart showing the process of S104. In S701, the flat-rate service management unit 111 displays a message on the operation panel 104 that enables the user to recognize that the state has shifted to the buy-back state. For example, a message such as "Thank you for purchasing the printer. The subscription service has ended" is displayed on the operation panel 104.

[0062] In S702, the flat-rate service management unit 111 acquires the information switched by the function switching control unit 112, and displays the information on the operation panel 104. In S703, the flat-rate service management unit 111 acquires the function for which the function restriction has been lifted by the function switching control unit 112 in the processing of FIG. 6. Since the function for which the function restriction has been lifted is a function that the user did not use during the flat-rate service contract, the operation panel 104 displays the URL of the online manual corresponding to the function. This makes it possible to guide the user to the online manual. However, since the user may not use the function for which the restriction has been lifted, the image forming device 2 is in a state where it can be used by the user at the time of S703. Thereafter, the processing of FIG. 11 is terminated. After the processing of FIG. 11 is terminated, the processing of S105 described above is executed, and the transition to the buyback state is completed.

[0063] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the flat-rate service contract is changed to a buy-back state, the state of the image forming device 2 is shifted to a state corresponding to the buy-back service based on a notification from the flat-rate service server 3. This allows, for example, the user to use the image forming device 2 that he owns with the function restrictions of the flat-rate service lifted.

[0064] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments 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. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0065] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following image forming apparatus, control method, program, and system. (Item 1) An image forming apparatus, An acquisition unit for acquiring information regarding a subscription service contract for the image forming apparatus; a storage means for storing information regarding the contract for the subscription service acquired by the acquisition means; a control means for changing a state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information, based on the information on the contract of the subscription service stored in the storage means being first information indicating a purchase of the image forming apparatus; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Item 2) The image forming apparatus described in item 1, characterized in that when the first information is acquired by the acquisition means while second information indicating that a contract for the subscription service is in progress is stored in the storage means as information regarding the subscription service, the control means transitions the state of the image forming apparatus from a state corresponding to the second information to a state corresponding to the first information. (Item 3) The image forming device described in item 1, characterized in that the control means transitions the state of the image forming device to a state corresponding to the first information by enabling execution of functions that are restricted in the subscription service. (Item 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3, wherein the control means determines that the functions restricted in the subscription service include at least one of the functions of copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile. (Item 5) Further comprising a display means capable of displaying a user interface screen, The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 4, characterized in that the control means transitions the state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information by switching the user interface screen from a user interface screen corresponding to the second information to a user interface screen corresponding to the first information. (Item 6) The image forming device described in item 5, characterized in that the user interface screen corresponding to the second information does not include information regarding the purchase of consumables used in the image forming device, and the user interface screen corresponding to the first information includes information regarding the purchase of the consumables. (Item 7) The image forming device further includes an image forming unit that forms an image using a consumable material, the control unit controls the use of the consumables in the image forming unit to transition the state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 6, (Item 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to item 7, wherein the consumable item corresponding to the second information cannot be used in the image forming means in a state corresponding to the first information. (Item 9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 8, characterized in that the control means transitions the state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information by executing a predetermined processing on a setting value used in the image forming apparatus. (Item 10) 10. The image forming apparatus according to item 9, wherein the predetermined process is initialization. (Item 11) 11. The image forming apparatus according to item 10, wherein the setting value that is the subject of the specified processing is used in a state corresponding to the second information and is not used in a state corresponding to the first information. (Item 12) 11. The image forming apparatus according to item 10, wherein the predetermined process is initialization based on an instruction from a user. (Item 13) 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 12, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that a state corresponding to the first information has been entered. (Item 14) Item 14. The image forming apparatus according to item 13, wherein the notification by the notification means is a display by a display means of the image forming apparatus. (Item 15) 15. The image forming apparatus according to item 13 or 14, wherein the notification means notifies information regarding functions that are unavailable in the subscription service and that can be used when purchasing the image forming apparatus. (Item 16) 14. The image forming apparatus according to item 13, wherein the notification by the notification means is a notification to a server that manages a service. (Item 17) A control method executed in an image forming apparatus, comprising: acquiring information regarding a contract for a subscription service of the image forming apparatus; a storage step of storing information regarding the contract for the subscription service acquired in the acquisition step in a storage means; a control step of changing a state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information based on the information on the contract of the subscription service stored in the storage means being first information indicating a purchase of the image forming apparatus; A control method comprising the steps of: (Item 18) 17. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 16.

[0066] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible 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]

[0067] 2 image forming device: 3 flat-rate service server: 4 information processing device: 100 controller unit: 101 main controller

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, an acquisition unit for acquiring information regarding a subscription service contract for the image forming device; a control means for changing a state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information, based on the information regarding the contract for the subscription service acquired by the acquisition means being first information indicating a purchase of the image forming apparatus; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. A storage means for storing information regarding the contract for the subscription service acquired by the acquisition means; and The image forming apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that when the storage means stores second information indicating that the subscription service is currently subscribed to and the acquisition means acquires the first information, the control means transitions the state of the image forming apparatus from a state corresponding to the second information to a state corresponding to the first information.

3. The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means transitions the state of the image forming device to a state corresponding to the first information by enabling execution of functions that are restricted in the subscription service.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the functions restricted in the subscription service include at least one of copy, print, scan, and facsimile functions.

5. further comprising a display means capable of displaying a user interface screen; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit switches the user interface screen from a user interface screen corresponding to the second information to a user interface screen corresponding to the first information, thereby transitioning the state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information.

6. The image forming device according to claim 5, characterized in that the user interface screen corresponding to the second information does not include information regarding the purchase of consumables used in the image forming device, and the user interface screen corresponding to the first information includes information regarding the purchase of the consumables.

7. further comprising an image forming unit that forms an image using consumable materials; the control unit controls the use of the consumables in the image forming unit, thereby transitioning the state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the consumable item corresponding to the second information cannot be used in the image forming means in the state corresponding to the first information.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes a predetermined process on the setting values ​​used in the image forming apparatus, thereby transitioning the state of the image forming apparatus to a state corresponding to the first information.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined process is initialization.

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the setting value that is the target of the predetermined processing is used in a state corresponding to the second information, and is not used in a state corresponding to the first information.

12. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined process is initialization based on an instruction from a user.

13. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the image forming apparatus has transitioned to a state corresponding to the first information.

14. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the notification by the notification means is a display by a display means of the image forming apparatus.

15. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the notification unit notifies information about functions that are unavailable in the subscription service and that can be used when the image forming apparatus is purchased.

16. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the notification by the notification means is a notification to a server that manages a service.

17. A control method executed in an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information regarding a contract for a subscription service of the image forming apparatus; a control step of changing a state of the image forming device to a state corresponding to the first information, based on the information regarding the contract of the subscription service acquired in the acquisition step being first information indicating a purchase of the image forming device; A control method comprising:

18. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images