Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, program, and management system

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that allows a user to easily use an image forming apparatus with a desired capability.SOLUTION: A contract management server 121 holds contract information including information on a plan contracted by a user from among a plan A, a plan B, and a plan C. When the contract management server 121 receives a plan changing notification to request a change from the contracted plan to another plan involving a change of the capability of an image forming apparatus 101, the contract management server transmits, to the image forming apparatus 101, a capability changing notification for changing the capability of the image forming apparatus 101 to a capability corresponding to the plan designated by a changing plan candidate 422.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for an information processing apparatus, a program, and a management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Fixed-price print services are known, and in such services, for example, a user can print up to the number of pages corresponding to a contracted plan for a contract period at a fixed price.

[0003] Also, a technology has been proposed that allows the capabilities of an image forming apparatus, such as printing speed, to be changed by purchasing a license (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-5005 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a flat-rate print service, when a user requests a change to a different plan that involves a change in the capabilities of an image forming device, the user is forced to physically transport another image forming device with different capabilities, or to issue a license to change to a different capability. Thus, in the past, when a user requested a change to a different plan that involves a change in the capabilities of an image forming device, the user was unable to easily use an image forming device with the desired capabilities.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that enables a user to easily use an image forming apparatus with the desired capabilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a storage means for storing contract information including information on a plan to which a user has subscribed from among a plurality of plans that restrict the use of an image forming device, and a means for, when receiving a plan change notification requesting a change from the subscribed plan to another plan that involves a change in the capabilities of the image forming device, transmitting a capability change notification to the image forming device to change the capabilities of the image forming device to capabilities corresponding to the other plan. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a user can easily use an image forming apparatus with the desired capabilities. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a management system including a contract management server as an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of data managed by the contract management server of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a contract information update process performed by the management system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in a web browser of the PC in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a plan change acceptance process executed by the contract management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a plan change process executed by the contract management server of FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a plan change control process executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining management of contract information by the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. [Figure 10]4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a print control process executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, in a flat-rate print service, when a request for plan switching involving a change in the capabilities of an image forming device is made, the capabilities of the image forming device are changed in response to an instruction from a contract management server.

[0011] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management system 100 including a contract management server 121 as an information processing device according to the present embodiment. The management system 100 includes an image forming device 101, a PC 131 as a communication device, and the contract management server 121 as an information processing device.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 101 can communicate with the contract management server 121 via the network of the LAN / WAN 141. The contract management server 121 is a server that provides a subscription service (hereinafter, referred to as "subscription") for the image forming apparatus. For example, the contract management server 121 provides a flat-rate print service. In the flat-rate print service, printing can be performed for a fixed amount up to the number of sheets corresponding to the contracted plan during the contract period. The contract management server 121 is managed by a subscription provider and is connected to the network of the LAN / WAN 141. Thus, the contract management server 121 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 131 via the LAN / WAN 141 so as to be able to communicate with them. It is assumed that a contract for the use of the image forming apparatus 101 is concluded between the user of the image forming apparatus 101 and the subscription provider for one of plans A to C described below. The contract management server 121 holds and manages contract information including information on the plan with which the user has contracted.

[0013] The PC 131 updates the contract information managed by the contract management server 121 through user operations via a web browser. Note that, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the contract information is updated using a web browser will be described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the contract information may be updated using a dedicated application on the PC 131, or the contract information may be updated using the operation unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0014] Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a controller unit 102, a display unit 103, an operation unit 104, a printer unit 105 (printing means), and a scanner unit 106 (reading means). The display unit 103 is configured with an LED or a liquid crystal display, and displays the contents of operations performed by the user and internal information of the apparatus. The operation unit 104 includes a plurality of operation buttons, and receives operations that are various instructions from the user. Note that the operation unit 104 may not only include a plurality of operation buttons, but may also form a touch display together with the display unit 103.

[0015] The printer unit 105 prints the image data received from the controller unit 102 on paper in accordance with the print instruction received from the controller unit 102. The printer unit 105 also switches the print speed in accordance with the notification received from the controller unit 102. The printer unit 105 can switch the print speed to, for example, 30 ppm, 40 ppm, or 50 ppm. Note that, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the print speed can be switched to any of 30 ppm, 40 ppm, and 50 ppm has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the printer unit 105 may be configured to be switchable to a print speed other than these.

[0016] The scanner unit 106 performs a reading operation in accordance with a reading instruction received from the controller unit 102. There are a pressure plate mode for reading an original placed on a glass platen, and an ADF mode for reading an original transported by an automatic document feeder (ADF). In a reading operation, the scanner unit 106 reads an original placed on the glass platen or an original transported by the ADF, and generates image data of the original. The scanner unit 106 transmits the generated image data to the controller unit 102.

[0017] The controller unit 102 includes a CPU 107, a ROM 108, a RAM 109, a HDD 110, an EEPROM 111, and a network I / F 112. The CPU 107 executes a control program stored in the ROM 108, the HDD 110, or the like to control the operation of a device connected to the controller unit 102. The ROM 108 is a read-only memory and stores a boot program and the like required to start up the system of the image forming apparatus 101. The RAM 109 is a volatile memory and is a work memory used when executing the control program. The HDD 110 is a storage medium such as a magnetic disk and stores the control program, image data, and the like. The EEPROM 111 is a non-volatile memory and stores setting values ​​and the like required when executing the control program. The EEPROM 111 also stores capability information of the image forming apparatus 101, such as a print speed, which will be described later, and contract information notified from the contract management server 121.

[0018] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the contract management server 121. The contract management server 121 includes a CPU 122, a ROM 123, a RAM 124, a HDD 125, and a network I / F 126. The contract management server 121 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 101 and the PC 131 via a WAN / LAN 141, and provides a contract information update service for the image forming apparatus 101, etc.

[0019] The CPU 122 is an execution medium for the server function of the contract management server 121. The ROM 123 is a read-only memory, and stores a boot program and the like required to start up the system of the contract management server 121. The RAM 124 is a volatile memory, and is a work memory used when executing the program for the server function. The HDD 125 is a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, and stores the program for the server function. The HDD 125 also stores the user data 201 in FIG. 2(a) and the contract data 211 in FIG. 2(b).

[0020] The user data 201 includes information on a user who has signed a contract with a subscription provider for one of plans A to C, which will be described later. In FIG. 2(a), the user data 201 includes a user ID 202, a password 203, an address 204, and a payment method 205. The user ID 202 and the password 203 are IDs and passwords used in authentication processing when logging in to the contract information update service from the PC 131 or the like. The address 204 is the address of each user, and is used when issuing an invoice or a receipt. The payment method 205 is a payment method for the fee paid by the user when using the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the payment method includes credit card payment and bank withdrawal. In this embodiment, the user data 201 includes the above-mentioned four items, but the user data 201 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and may include items other than the above-mentioned four items as long as it is information related to the user.

[0021] The contract data 211 includes contract information of each user. In FIG. 2(b), the contract data 211 includes a serial number 212, a user ID 213, a current plan 214, a reservation plan 215, a plan change date 216, and a billed amount 217. The serial number 212 is an ID for uniquely identifying an image forming apparatus, and in this embodiment, contract information is managed on a serial number basis. The user ID 213 is an ID for identifying a user who uses an image forming apparatus corresponding to the serial number 212. The current plan 214 indicates the type of plan to which the user has contracted. In this embodiment, the plan to which the user has contracted is set as the current plan 214 from among plan A, plan B, and plan C shown in FIG. 2(c). Plan A, plan B, and plan C are all monthly plans. In each plan, the printing speed of the printer unit 105, the maximum number of pages printed per month, whether color printing is possible, and the monthly fee are determined. Note that Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C are merely examples, and a configuration may be available in which other plans that differ from Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C in at least one of the printing speed of the printer unit 105, the maximum number of pages printed per month, whether color printing is available, and the monthly fee are different.

[0022] Reservation plan 215 is a plan that is changed to on the date set in plan change date 216. Reservation plan 215 and plan change date 216 are set when an instruction to update the contract information is received from PC 131. Billed amount 217 is the billed amount for use of the image forming apparatus corresponding to serial number 212. Each user is billed the total amount billed for the same user ID in user ID 213. Note that, in this embodiment, a configuration in which contract data 211 includes the above-mentioned six items will be described, but contract data 211 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and may include items other than the above-mentioned six items as long as the information is information regarding the contract for the image forming apparatus.

[0023] Next, a flow of updating contract information by the management system 100 in this embodiment will be described.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of contract information update processing by the management system 100 of Fig. 1. The contract information update processing of Fig. 3 is executed when a user performs a login operation to log in to a contract information update service. In this embodiment, the user can perform a login operation to the contract information update service from a login screen 401 of Fig. 4(a). The login screen 401 is a screen displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 131, and is composed of a user ID input area 402, a password input area 403, and a login button 404. When the user performs a login operation such as inputting a user ID and a password in the user ID input area 402 and the password input area 403, respectively, and pressing the login button 404, processing of S (step) 301 is performed.

[0025] In S301, the PC 131 transmits a login notification to the contract management server 121. The login notification is a notification for requesting login to the contract information update service. The login notification includes the user ID and password entered by the user on the login screen 401. If login to the contract information update service is successful based on this login notification, the contract information screen 411 in FIG. 4(b) is displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 131.

[0026] The contract information screen 411 is composed of a contract information list 412 and a device selection button 413. The contract information list 412 displays a list of plans to which the logged-in user has subscribed. This list includes information indicating the contents of the plan to which the logged-in user has subscribed, and the serial number of the image forming device corresponding to that plan. When the user selects an apparatus for which the user wants to change the contract details, for example, the serial number of the image forming apparatus 101, and selects the device selection button 413, a plan change screen 421 in FIG. 4(c) is displayed on the web browser of the PC 131.

[0027] The plan change screen 421 is composed of a change plan candidate 422, a plan change date input area 423, a plan change button 424, and a cancel button 425. The change plan candidate 422 displays plans that can be changed from the plan under contract (hereinafter referred to as the "current plan") in the image forming apparatus 101 corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411. For example, if the current plan is plan A, the change plan candidate 422 displays plans B and C. When the user selects one plan from the change plan candidate 422, inputs the change date to the selected plan in the plan change date input area 423, and presses the plan change button 424, the PC 131 transmits a plan change notice to the contract management server 121 (S302). The plan change notice is a notice requesting a change from the current plan to the plan selected in the change plan candidate 422, and includes information designated by the user on the plan change screen 421.

[0028] When the contract management server 121 receives the plan change notification, it transmits a capacity change reservation notification to the image forming apparatus 101 (S303). The capacity change reservation notification includes information contained in the plan change notification. Specifically, the capacity change reservation notification includes the plan change date input in the plan change date input area 423, information indicating the type of plan selected in the change plan candidate 422, and capacity information such as the print speed, the maximum number of pages printed, and color printing availability corresponding to the plan. By transmitting such a capacity change reservation notification, the image forming apparatus 101 is notified that the plan will be changed to the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422 on the date specified in the plan change date input area 423. This enables the image forming apparatus 101 to display on the display unit 103 when the plan will be changed, and, if the plan has not been changed even on the plan change date, to display on the display unit 103 a warning message indicating that fact.

[0029] Furthermore, after transmitting the capacity change reservation notification, when the contract management server 121 receives a result notification as a response to the capacity change reservation notification from the image forming apparatus 101 (S304), the contract management server 121 updates the contract data 211 (S305). Specifically, in the contract data 211, the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422 is set in the reservation plan 215 item corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411. Also, in the contract data 211, the date specified in the plan change date input area 423 is set in the plan change date 216 item corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411.

[0030] When the update of the contract data 211 is complete, the contract management server 121 transmits a plan change result notification to the PC 131 indicating that acceptance of the change from the contracted plan to the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422 has been completed (S306). The web browser of the PC 131 that has received the plan change result notification displays a plan change successful completion screen 431 in Fig. 4(d) . When the user presses an OK button 432 on the plan change successful completion screen 431, the screen displayed on the web browser of the PC 131 switches to the contract information screen 411, and the plan change acceptance process is completed.

[0031] After completing the plan change acceptance process, the contract management server 121 periodically performs a process of checking the plan change date (S307). In S307, a check is performed for all contract information registered in the contract data 211 to see if the plan change date 216 has been reached. For example, when the plan change date 216 of the contract information of the image forming apparatus 101 has been reached, the contract management server 121 transmits a capacity change notice to the image forming apparatus 101 (S308). The capacity change notice includes information indicating the type of plan set in the reservation plan 215 of the contract information of the image forming apparatus 101. The capacity change notice also includes capacity information such as the print speed, the maximum number of pages that can be printed, and whether color printing is possible, corresponding to the plan.

[0032] The image forming device 101 performs a capability change process for the image forming device 101 based on the information contained in the received capability change notification. This capability change process changes the capabilities of the image forming device 101 to capabilities indicated by the print speed, maximum number of pages printed, and color printing availability of the printer unit 105, which are included in the received capability change notification. The image forming device 101 then transmits a result notification indicating the execution result of this change process to the contract management server 121 (S309).

[0033] Upon receiving this result notification, the contract management server 121 updates the contract data 211 (S310). In S310, in the contract data 211, the value of the current plan 214 corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411 is replaced with the value of the reserved plan 215, and the values ​​of the reserved plan 215 and plan change date 216 are cleared. In addition, the value of the billed amount 217 corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411 is changed to the billed amount corresponding to the updated current plan 214. Thereafter, the contract information update process ends.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the steps of the plan change acceptance process executed by the contract management server 121 of Fig. 1. The plan change acceptance process of Fig. 5 includes processes corresponding to S301 to S306 described above. The plan change acceptance process of Fig. 5 is realized by the CPU 122 of the contract management server 121 executing a program stored in the ROM 123 or the HDD 125. The plan change acceptance process of Fig. 5 is started when the CPU 122 receives a processing request from the web browser of the PC 131.

[0035] 5, first, the CPU 122 determines whether or not the user of the PC 131 is logged in to the contract information update service based on the login session information notified from the web browser of the PC 131 (S501). If it is determined in S501 that the user of the PC 131 is not logged in to the contract information update service, the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S502.

[0036] In S502, the CPU 122 judges whether or not the processing request received from the WEB browser of the PC 131 is a login notification. This login notification is, for example, the login notification transmitted from the PC 131 in the above-mentioned S301. As described above, this login notification includes the user ID and password entered by the user on the login screen 401. If it is judged in S502 that the processing request received from the WEB browser of the PC 131 is a login notification, the CPU 122 performs authentication processing (S503). In the authentication processing, the CPU 122 collates the user ID and password included in the login notification with the user ID 202 and password 203 in the user data 201, respectively. In addition, in S503, processing for holding login session information used in the judgment in S501 is also performed.

[0037] Next, the CPU 122 judges whether the authentication has been successful (S504). If it is judged in S504 that the authentication has failed, the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S505. Also, if it is judged in S502 that the processing request received from the WEB browser of the PC 131 is not a login notification, the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S505.

[0038] In S505, CPU 122 generates web data for login screen 401. Next, CPU 122 transmits the generated web data to PC 131. The login screen 401 is displayed on the web browser of PC 131 that has received this web data. The user can perform a login operation from this login screen 401. After the web data generated in S505 is transmitted to PC 131, the plan change acceptance process ends.

[0039] If it is determined in S501 that the user of the PC 131 is logged in to the contract information update service, the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S506. In S506, the CPU 122 determines the notification content of the processing request received from the WEB browser of the PC 131.

[0040] In S506, if it is determined that the notification content is neither device selection nor plan change (in FIG. 5, it is indicated as "Other"), the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S513. In addition, in S504, if it is determined that the authentication is successful, the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S513. In S513, the CPU 122 generates WEB data for the contract information screen 411. Specifically, the CPU 122 acquires information corresponding to the user ID of the user who is currently logged in to the contract information update service from among a plurality of pieces of information included in the contract data 211, and generates WEB data for the contract information screen 411 based on the acquired information. The CPU 122 transmits the generated WEB data to the PC 131. The contract information screen 411 is displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 131 that has received this WEB data. From this contract information screen 411, the user can select the serial number of the image forming apparatus for which the user wishes to change the contract content. After the WEB data generated in S513 is transmitted to the PC 131, the plan change acceptance process ends.

[0041] In S506, if it is determined that the notification content is device selection, that is, if the user presses the device selection button 413 in FIG. 4B, the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S507. In S507, the CPU 122 generates WEB data for a plan change screen 421. The CPU 122 transmits the generated WEB data to the PC 131. The plan change screen 421 is displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 131 that has received this WEB data. From this plan change screen 421, the user can select which plan to change the plan of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411 to. After the WEB data generated in S507 is transmitted to the PC 131, the plan change acceptance process ends.

[0042] In S506, if it is determined that the notification content is a plan change, that is, if the user presses the plan change button 424 in FIG. 4(c), the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S508. In S508, the CPU 122 transmits a capacity change reservation notification to the image forming apparatus 101, which is the apparatus corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411 (see, for example, S303 described above). As described above, the capacity change reservation notification includes the information included in the received notification (plan change notification). Specifically, the capacity change reservation notification includes the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422 and the date specified in the plan change date input area 423. The capacity change reservation notification also includes capacity information such as the print speed, the maximum number of pages printed, and whether color printing is possible corresponding to the plan.

[0043] Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not a result notification in response to the capacity change reservation notification has been received from the image forming apparatus 101 (S509). If it is determined in S509 that a result notification has been received from the image forming apparatus 101, the CPU 122 updates the contract data 211 (S510) (see, for example, S305 described above). In S510, as described above, in the contract data 211, the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422 is set in the item of the reservation plan 215 corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411. Also, in the contract data 211, the date specified in the plan change date input area 423 is set in the item of the plan change date 216 corresponding to the serial number selected on the contract information screen 411.

[0044] Next, CPU 122 generates web data for plan change normal completion screen 431 (S511). CPU 122 transmits this web data together with a plan change result notification to PC 131 (see, for example, S306 described above). The plan change normal completion screen 431 is displayed on the web browser of PC 131 based on the received web data. After the web data generated in S511 and the plan change result notification are transmitted to PC 131, the plan change acceptance process ends.

[0045] If it is determined in S509 that the result notification has not been received from the image forming apparatus 101 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, there is a concern that the image forming apparatus 101 is not connected to the network and is in a state in which communication with the contract management server 121 is not possible. In this case, the plan change acceptance process proceeds to S512. In S512, the CPU 122 generates WEB data for the plan change abnormal end screen 441 of FIG. 4(e). The CPU 122 transmits the plan change result notification together with this WEB data to the PC 131. The plan change abnormal end screen 441 is displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 131 based on the received WEB data. The plan change abnormal end screen 441 displays a warning message urging the user to check the connection status of the image forming apparatus 101 because communication with the image forming apparatus 101 is not possible. After the WEB data generated in S512 and the plan change result notification are transmitted to the PC 131, the plan change acceptance process ends.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of the plan change process executed by the contract management server 121 of Fig. 1. The plan change process of Fig. 6 includes the processes corresponding to S307 to S310 described above. The plan change process of Fig. 6 is realized by the CPU 122 of the contract management server 121 executing a program stored in the ROM 123 or the HDD 125. Furthermore, the plan change process of Fig. 6 is executed periodically, at least once a day.

[0047] In FIG. 6, the CPU 122 acquires the contract data 211 (S601). Next, the CPU 122 performs the plan change date confirmation process of S307 described above, and compares the current date with the plan change date 216 in the contract data 211 to identify an image forming device that has reached the plan change date. The CPU 122 generates a list of image forming devices that have reached the plan change date (S602). This list includes information on image forming devices that have reached the plan change date among the information registered in the contract data 211. Next, the CPU 122 acquires information on one image forming device from the list generated in S602 (S603). For example, the CPU 122 acquires information on the first image forming device in the list generated in S602. The CPU 122 transmits a capacity change notification to a device corresponding to the acquired information, for example, the image forming device 101 (S604) (for example, see S308 described above). As described above, this capacity change notification includes information indicating the type of plan set in the reservation plan 215 in the contract information of the image forming apparatus 101. In addition, this capacity change notification also includes capacity information such as the print speed, the maximum number of pages that can be printed, and whether color printing is possible, which corresponds to the plan.

[0048] Next, the CPU 122 determines whether or not a result notification has been received from the image forming apparatus 101 in response to the capacity change notification (S605). If it is determined in S605 that a result notification has been received from the image forming apparatus 101, the CPU 122 updates the current plan 214, the reservation plan 215, and the plan change date 216 in the contract data 211 (S606). Specifically, the CPU 122 replaces the value of the current plan 214 in the contract information of the image forming apparatus 101 in the contract data 211 with the value of the reservation plan 215, and also clears the values ​​of the reservation plan 215 and the plan change date 216.

[0049] Next, CPU 122 updates billing amount 217 in contract data 211 (S607). Specifically, CPU 122 updates the value of billing amount 217 in the contract information of image forming apparatus 101 in contract data 211 to the billing amount corresponding to the updated plan. Next, the plan change process proceeds to S608. If it is determined in S605 that a result notification has not been received from image forming apparatus 101 even after a preset predetermined time has elapsed, the plan change process also proceeds to S608.

[0050] In S608, CPU 122 judges whether or not information on all image forming devices in the list generated in S602 has been acquired. If it is judged in S608 that information on any image forming device in the list has not been acquired, the plan change process returns to S603, and CPU 122 acquires information on the next image forming device from the list generated in S602. In this manner, in this embodiment, a capacity change notification is transmitted to all image forming devices that have reached the plan change date. On the other hand, if it is judged in S608 that information on all image forming devices in the list has been acquired, the plan change process ends.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the plan change control process executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in Fig. 1. The plan change control process in Fig. 7 includes processes corresponding to S303, S304, S308, and S309 described above. The plan change control process in Fig. 7 is realized by the CPU 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 executing a program stored in the ROM 108 or HDD 110.

[0052] 7, first, the CPU 107 determines whether or not a capacity change reservation notice has been received from the contract management server 121 (S701). As described above, the capacity change reservation notice includes the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422 and the date specified in the plan change date input area 423. The capacity change reservation notice also includes capacity information such as the print speed, the maximum number of pages that can be printed, and whether color printing is possible, which corresponds to the plan.

[0053] When it is determined in S701 that a capacity change reservation notice has been received from the contract management server 121, the CPU 107 stores information included in the capacity change reservation notice in the EEPROM 111 (S702). Here, the management of contract information and capacity information in the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram of FIG. 8. In the EEPROM 111 of the image forming apparatus 101, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the contract information and capacity information are managed in the configuration of a current plan 801, a reserved plan 802, a plan change date 803, a print speed 804, a color mode 805, a maximum number of sheets 806, and a number of sheets used 807. The current plan 801, the reserved plan 802, and the plan change date 803 are the same as the current plan 214, the reserved plan 215, and the plan change date 216 of the contract data 211. The print speed 804, the color mode 805, and the maximum number of sheets 806 are capacity information used during actual operation of the image forming apparatus. Each of these corresponds to the print speed, color printing availability, and monthly print limit number of sheets in the contracted plan. The number of sheets used 807 is the number of printed sheets counted each month. When the number of sheets used 807 reaches the upper limit number 806, the user cannot print for that month. In this embodiment, when a contract is made for any of plans A to C, the contracted plan is set as the current plan 801 in the EEPROM 111, and the capability information corresponding to the plan is set as the print speed 804, the color mode 805, and the upper limit number of sheets 806. In FIG. 8(a), as an example, the current plan 801 is set to "Plan A", the print speed 804 is set to "30 ppm", the color mode 805 is set to "black and white only", and the upper limit number of sheets 806 is set to "300 sheets".

[0054] Returning now to the explanation of S702, if the changed plan indicated in the capacity change reservation notice received in S701 is "Plan C" and the plan change date is "2023 / 06 / 01", the data in EEPROM 111 is updated as shown in Fig. 8(b) by the processing of S702. Specifically, the reservation plan 802 is updated to "Plan C", and the plan change date 803 is updated to "2023 / 06 / 01".

[0055] Next, the CPU 122 responds by notifying the contract management server 121 of the result (S703). Next, the CPU 122 causes the display unit 103 to display the plan change reservation screen 901 of Fig. 9(a) based on the information stored in the EEPROM 111 (S704). The plan change reservation screen 901 displays information regarding when the plan will be changed to which plan. Next, the plan change control process returns to S701.

[0056] If it is determined in S701 that a capacity change reservation notice has not been received from the contract management server 121, the CPU 107 determines whether or not a capacity change notice has been received from the contract management server 121 (S705).

[0057] If it is determined in S705 that a capacity change notice has been received from the contract management server 121, the CPU 107 saves the information included in the capacity change notice in the EEPROM 111 (S706). For example, if the changed plan indicated in the capacity change notice is "Plan C," the current plan 801 is updated to "Plan C" and the reserved plan 802 is cleared by the processing of S706, as shown in Fig. 8(c). In addition, the print speed 804, color mode 805, and upper limit number of sheets 806 are each updated to values ​​corresponding to Plan C, and the number of sheets used 807 is cleared to 0.

[0058] Next, CPU 107 determines whether or not the change is to a 50-sheet model plan (S707). For example, if the print speed included in the capacity change notification is 50 ppm, it is determined that the change is to a 50-sheet model plan. On the other hand, if the print speed included in the capacity change notification is not 50 ppm, it is determined that the change is not to a 50-sheet model plan.

[0059] If it is determined in S707 that the plan is to be changed to a 50-sheet plan, the CPU 107 notifies the printer unit 105 of 50 ppm (S708). Next, the plan change control process proceeds to S713, which will be described later.

[0060] If it is determined in S707 that the change is not to a 50-sheet model plan, CPU 107 determines whether or not the change is to a 40-sheet model plan (S709). For example, if the print speed included in the capacity change notification is 40 ppm, it is determined that the change is to a 40-sheet model plan. On the other hand, if the print speed included in the capacity change notification is not 40 ppm, it is determined that the change is not to a 40-sheet model plan.

[0061] If it is determined in S709 that the plan is to be changed to a 40-sheet plan, the CPU 107 notifies the printer unit 105 of 40 ppm (S710). Next, the plan change control process proceeds to S713, which will be described later.

[0062] If it is determined in S709 that the change is not to a 40-sheet model plan, CPU 107 determines whether or not the change is to a 30-sheet model plan (S711). For example, if the print speed included in the capacity change notification is 30 ppm, it is determined that the change is to a 30-sheet model plan. On the other hand, if the print speed included in the capacity change notification is not 30 ppm, it is determined that the change is not to a 30-sheet model plan.

[0063] If it is determined in S711 that the change is to a 30-page plan, the CPU 107 notifies the printer unit 105 of 30 ppm (S712). Then, the plan change control process proceeds to S713, which will be described later. If it is determined in S711 that the change is not to a 30-page plan, the printer unit 105 is not notified of the print speed, and the plan change control process proceeds to S713.

[0064] In S713, the CPU 107 responds by notifying the result to the contract management server 121 (for example, see S309 described above). Next, the CPU 107 causes the display unit 103 to display a plan change completion screen 911 of Fig. 9(b) for notifying that the plan change has been completed (S714), and the plan change control process ends.

[0065] If it is determined in S705 that a capacity change notification has not been received from the contract management server 121, the CPU 107 determines whether the current date has reached the date of the plan change date 803 stored in the EEPROM 111 (S715).

[0066] If it is determined in S715 that the current date does not reach the date of the plan change date 803, the plan change control process returns to S701. On the other hand, if it is determined in S715 that the current date reaches the date of the plan change date 803, the CPU 107 displays the plan change incomplete screen 921 of FIG. 9(c) on the display unit 103 (S716). The plan change incomplete screen 921 displays that the plan change is not completed and the reason for it. By displaying such a plan change incomplete screen 921 on the display unit 103, it is possible to inform the user that some action is required to complete the plan change. After performing the process of S716, the plan change control process returns to S701.

[0067] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of print control processing executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in Fig. 1. The print control processing in Fig. 10 is realized by the CPU 107 of the image forming apparatus 101 executing a program stored in the ROM 108 or HDD 110.

[0068] 10, CPU 107 acquires capability information stored in EEPROM 111, specifically, the value of print speed 804, the value of color mode 805, and the value of upper limit number of sheets 806 (S1001). Next, CPU 107 determines whether the acquired capability information indicates a 50-sheet machine (S1002). For example, if print speed 804 stored in EEPROM 111 is 50 ppm, it is determined that the acquired capability information indicates a 50-sheet machine. If print speed 804 stored in EEPROM 111 is not 50 ppm, it is determined that the acquired capability information does not indicate a 50-sheet machine.

[0069] If it is determined in S1002 that the acquired capability information indicates a 50-sheet machine, the CPU 107 notifies the printer unit 105 of 50 ppm (S1003). Next, the print control process proceeds to S1007, which will be described later.

[0070] If it is determined in S1002 that the acquired capability information does not indicate a 50-sheet machine, CPU 107 determines whether the acquired capability information indicates a 40-sheet machine (S1004). For example, if print speed 804 stored in EEPROM 111 is 40 ppm, it is determined that the acquired capability information indicates a 40-sheet machine. If print speed 804 stored in EEPROM 111 is not 40 ppm, it is determined that the acquired capability information does not indicate a 40-sheet machine.

[0071] If it is determined in S1004 that the acquired capability information indicates a 40-sheet machine, the CPU 107 notifies the printer unit 105 of 40 ppm (S1005). Next, the print control process proceeds to S1007, which will be described later.

[0072] If it is determined in S1004 that the acquired capability information does not indicate a 40-sheet machine, the CPU 107 notifies the printer unit 105 of 30 ppm (S1006). Next, the print control process proceeds to S1007.

[0073] In S1007, CPU 107 determines whether a print job has been submitted. CPU 107 waits until a print job has been submitted, and when a print job has been submitted (YES in S1007), CPU 107 determines whether color printing is set in the submitted print job (S1008).

[0074] If it is determined in S1008 that color printing is set for the submitted print job, CPU 107 determines whether or not a plan that allows color printing has been contracted based on the value of color mode 805 stored in EEPROM 111 (S1009). If it is determined in S1009 that a plan that allows color printing has not been contracted, that is, if a plan that allows only black and white printing has been contracted, CPU 107 changes the print job setting to black and white printing (S1010). Next, the print control process proceeds to S1011.

[0075] If it is determined in S1008 that color printing is not set for the submitted print job, or if it is determined in S1009 that a plan that allows color printing has been contracted, the print control process proceeds to S1011.

[0076] In S1011, the CPU 107 judges whether the value of the number of sheets used 807 stored in the EEPROM 111 has not reached the upper limit number 806 (in FIG. 10, this is written as "upper limit number OK"). If the result in S1011 is NO, that is, if it is judged that the number of sheets used 807 has reached the upper limit number 806, the print control process ends. If the result in S1011 is YES, that is, if it is judged that the number of sheets used 807 has not reached the upper limit number 806, the CPU 107 causes the printer unit 105 to print one page (S1012). Specifically, the CPU 107 transmits print data for one page to the printer unit 105. The printer unit 105 performs printing based on the received print data for one page. The printer unit 105 performs printing at the print speed notified in S1003, S1005, and S1006. Next, CPU 107 counts up the value of number of pages used 807 stored in EEPROM 111 (S1013). Next, CPU 107 determines whether printing of all pages has been completed (S1014). If it is determined in S1014 that printing of any page has not been completed, the print control process returns to S1011. If it is determined in S1014 that printing of all pages has been completed, the print control process ends.

[0077] According to the embodiment described above, when a plan change notification is received requesting a change from the contracted plan to another plan involving a change in the capabilities of the image forming device 101, a capability change notification is transmitted to the image forming device 101. The capability change notification is a notification for changing the capabilities of the image forming device 101 to capabilities corresponding to the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422. In other words, when a request is made from a user to switch to another plan involving a change in the capabilities of the image forming device 101, there is no need to physically transport another image forming device with different capabilities or to issue a license for changing to a different capability. This allows the user to easily use the image forming device 101 with the desired capabilities.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that the plan change date has been reached, a capacity change notification is sent to the image forming apparatus 101. As a result, on the plan change date, the capacity of the image forming apparatus 101 can be changed to a capacity corresponding to the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in response to reception of the plan change notification, a plan change result notification indicating that acceptance of the change from the contracted plan to the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422 has been completed is transmitted to the PC 131 that is the sender of the plan change notification. This makes it possible to inform the user operating the PC 131 that acceptance of the change from the contracted plan to the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422 has been completed.

[0080] In the embodiment described above, upon receiving a result notification from the image forming apparatus 101 in response to the capacity change notification, the contract information of the image forming apparatus 101 in the contract data 211 is updated to contract information corresponding to the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422. This makes it possible to update the contract information managed by the contract management server 121 in accordance with the update of the capacity of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0081] In the embodiment described above, the billing amount is determined based on the plan specified in the change plan candidate 422. This makes it possible to bill the user an appropriate amount corresponding to the changed plan.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the capability of the image forming apparatus 101 is the printing speed of the printer unit 105. This allows users to easily use image forming apparatuses 101 with different printing speeds.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the capability of the image forming apparatus 101 is capability related to color printing. This allows the user to easily use the image forming apparatus 101 with different capabilities of color printing. For example, when the user changes from plan A that does not support color printing to plan B that supports color printing, the user can easily use the image forming apparatus 101 that supports color printing. In this configuration, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus 101 is pre-loaded with a toner cartridge that supports color printing so that the user does not need to replace the toner cartridge after changing the plan.

[0084] In the embodiment described above, the capability change notification includes information indicating the type of plan set in reservation plan 215 of the contract information of image forming apparatus 101, and capability information such as the print speed, the maximum number of pages printed, and whether color printing is possible, corresponding to the plan. This makes it possible to notify image forming apparatus 101 of capability information corresponding to the plan specified by the user, and therefore makes it possible to change the capabilities of image forming apparatus 101 to capabilities corresponding to the plan specified by the user.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the capabilities of the image forming apparatus 101 are described as being changed in terms of the print speed of the printer unit 105 and the capability of color printing, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 may be configured to change the reading speed of the scanner unit 106. This configuration allows the user to easily use image forming apparatuses 101 with different reading speeds.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An information processing device characterized by comprising: a storage means for storing contract information including information on a plan to which a user has subscribed from among a plurality of plans that restrict the use of an image forming device; and a means for, when a plan change notification is received requesting a change from the subscribed plan to another plan that involves a change in the capabilities of the image forming device, sending a capability change notification to the image forming device to change the capabilities of the image forming device to capabilities corresponding to the other plan. (Configuration 2) The information processing device according to configuration 1, further comprising a means for determining whether the date for changing to the other plan has been reached, and wherein the capacity change notification is sent to the image forming device when it is determined that the date for changing to the other plan has been reached. (Configuration 3) The information processing device according to configuration 2, further comprising a means for transmitting information contained in the plan change notification to the image forming device in response to receipt of the plan change notification before the date for changing to the other plan is reached. (Configuration 4) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising means for transmitting a notification to a device that sent the plan change notification, the notification indicating that acceptance of the change from the contracted plan to the other plan has been completed in response to receipt of the plan change notification. (Configuration 5) An information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a means for updating the contract information stored by the storage means based on information of the other plan in response to receiving a notification from the image forming device indicating that the change to the capabilities corresponding to the other plan has been completed. (Configuration 6) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the billing amount is determined based on information about the other plans. (Configuration 7) The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a printing means for printing image data on paper, wherein the capacity of the image forming apparatus is the printing speed of the printing means. (Configuration 8) The information processing device according to configuration 7, wherein the capability of the image forming device is capability regarding whether color printing is possible. (Configuration 9) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising a reading means for reading an original document and generating image data of the original document, wherein the capability of the image forming device is the reading speed of the reading means. (Configuration 10) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the capability change notification includes at least information on capabilities corresponding to the other plans. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 101 Image forming device 105 Printer unit 106 Scanner unit 121 Contract Management Server 122 CPU 125 HDD 126 Network Interface 131 PC

Claims

1. A means for storing contract information, which includes information about the plan that the user has contracted for from among multiple subscription plans, An information processing device characterized by comprising: a means for transmitting a capability change notification to the image forming apparatus when it receives a plan change notification requesting a change from the contracted plan to another plan that involves a change in the capabilities of the image forming apparatus; and a means for changing the capabilities of the image forming apparatus to the capabilities corresponding to the other plan.

2. The system further includes means for determining whether or not the date for changing to the aforementioned other plan has been reached. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the capacity change notification is transmitted to the image forming apparatus in accordance with the determination that the date for changing to the other plan has been reached.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for transmitting information contained in the plan change notification to the image forming apparatus in accordance with the receipt of the plan change notification before the date of change to the other plan arrives.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for sending a notification to the device that sent the plan change notification, indicating that the acceptance of the change from the contracted plan to the other plan has been completed, in accordance with the receipt of the plan change notification.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for updating contract information held by the holding means based on information of the other plan, upon receiving notification from the image forming apparatus that it has completed a change to the capability corresponding to the other plan.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the billing amount is determined based on the information of the other plans mentioned above.

7. It further includes a printing method for printing image data onto paper, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the capability of the image forming apparatus is the printing speed of the printing means.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the capability of the image forming apparatus is the capability to determine whether or not color printing is possible.

9. The system further includes a reading means that reads a document and generates image data of that document. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the capability of the image forming apparatus is the reading speed of the reading means.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned capability change notification includes at least capability information corresponding to the other plans.

11. A method for controlling an information processing device, The process of maintaining contract information, including information about the plan the user has subscribed to from among multiple subscription plans, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by having the step of: receiving a plan change notification requesting a change from the contracted plan to another plan involving a change in the capabilities of the image forming device, and transmitting a capability change notification to the image forming device to change the capabilities of the image forming device to the capabilities corresponding to the other plan.

12. A program that causes a computer to execute a control method for an information processing device, The control method for the information processing device is as follows: The process of maintaining contract information, including information about the plan the user has subscribed to from among multiple subscription plans, A program characterized by having the step of, upon receiving a plan change notification requesting a change from the contracted plan to another plan involving a change in the capabilities of the image forming apparatus, sending a capability change notification to the image forming apparatus to change its capabilities to those of the other plan.

13. A management system comprising an image forming apparatus and a management server for managing the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned management server A means of storing contract information, including information about the plan the user has subscribed to from among multiple subscription plans, The system includes means for transmitting a capability change notification to the image forming apparatus if a plan change notification is received requesting a change from the contracted plan to another plan that involves a change in the capabilities of the image forming apparatus, to the image forming apparatus to change its capabilities to those of the other plan. The image forming apparatus is A management system characterized by comprising means for performing control to change the capabilities of the image forming apparatus to capabilities corresponding to the other plan based on the received capability change notification.

14. Equipped with further communication devices, The aforementioned communication device is A means for receiving instructions from the user to change from the aforementioned contracted plan to another plan, The management system according to claim 13, further comprising means for transmitting the aforementioned plan change notification.

15. The image forming apparatus is A means for receiving instructions from the user to change from the aforementioned contracted plan to another plan, The management system according to claim 13, further comprising means for transmitting the aforementioned plan change notification.

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