Function execution device, computer program for function execution device, and method for controlling function execution device

Abstract

To disclose a new technique in executing initialization of a function execution device.SOLUTION: A function execution device includes: a function execution engine configured to execute a predetermined function; a reception unit configured to receive an initialization instruction for initializing a specific setting of the function execution device; a first state transition unit configured to shift a state of the function execution device from a feasible state to a non-feasible state when the initialization instruction is received; an output control unit configured to cause an output unit to output related information related to assessment of the function execution device when the initialization instruction is received; an initialization unit configured to initialize specific setting when the initialization instruction is received; and a second state transition unit configured to shift the state of the function execution device from the non-feasible state to the feasible state after the related information is output and the specific setting is initialized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY This document relates to techniques in the context of performing initialization of a function performing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a used machine sales system that includes a used machine leasing system. The used machine leasing system receives OA equipment and inspects the OA equipment. Based on the results of the inspection, the used machine leasing system determines whether or not to lease the OA equipment as a used machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-070838 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Disclosed herein are novel techniques in the context of performing initialization of a function-performing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A function executing device disclosed in this specification may include a function executing engine for executing a specified function, a receiving unit for receiving an initialization instruction for initializing a specific setting of the function executing device that has been specified by a user, a first state transition unit for transitioning a state of the function executing device from a possible state to an impossible state when the initialization instruction is received, the possible state being a state in which the function executing engine is capable of executing the specified function, and the impossible state being a state in which it is impossible for the function executing engine to execute the specified function, an output control unit for outputting related information related to an assessment of the function executing device to an output unit when the initialization instruction is received, an initialization unit for initializing the specific setting when the initialization instruction is received, and a second state transition unit for transitioning the state of the function executing device from the impossible state to the possible state after the related information is output and the specific setting is initialized.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the function performing device receives an initialization instruction. In this case, the function performing device transitions the state of the function performing device from an enabled state to an disabled state, outputs related information related to the assessment of the function performing device, and initializes the specific setting. Thereafter, after the related information is output and the specific setting is initialized, the function performing device transitions the state of the function performing device from the disabled state to the enabled state. In this way, the function performing device is maintained in the disabled state until the related information is output and the specific setting is initialized, so that the related information is prevented from changing until the specific setting is initialized. For this reason, the function performing device can output appropriate related information.

[0007] Another function execution device disclosed in this specification may include a function execution engine for executing a specified function, a reception unit for receiving an initialization instruction for initializing specific settings of the function execution device that have been specified by a user, an assessment execution unit for performing an assessment of the function execution device when the initialization instruction is received, an output control unit for outputting assessment result information indicating the assessment result obtained by the assessment to an output unit when the assessment is executed, and an initialization unit for initializing the specific settings after the assessment result information is output.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the function performing device receives an initialization instruction. In this case, the function performing device performs an assessment of the function performing device, and outputs assessment result information indicating the assessment result obtained by the assessment. Then, after outputting the assessment result information, the function performing device initializes the specific setting. In this way, the function performing device can perform an assessment of the function performing device and output the assessment result information in a situation where the specific setting is initialized.

[0009] A computer program for the above-mentioned function-performing apparatus, a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, and a method performed by the function-performing apparatus are also novel and useful. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a multi-function device. [Diagram 2] 11 is a flowchart of a process executed by the multi-function device. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart of an appraisal process executed by the multi-function device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an interface scoring process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a user of the multi-function device 10 resells the used multi-function device 10 as a second-hand product. It is preferable that the multi-function device 10 is initialized before being resold. Here, in this specification, "initialization" means deleting the settings of the multi-function device 10 that have been specified by the user (for example, default print settings, authentication information required when executing printing, etc.). In other words, even if the multi-function device 10 is initialized, the history information 42, upper limit information 44, and most recent appraisal date and time 46, which will be described later, are not deleted from the non-volatile memory 36.

[0012] (Configuration of multi-function device 10; Fig. 1) The multi-function device 10 is a peripheral device (e.g., a peripheral device of a terminal device not shown) capable of performing multiple functions such as a printing function and a scanning function. In a modified example, the multi-function device 10 may be a printer that cannot perform a scanning function, or a scanner that cannot perform a printing function. Furthermore, the multi-function device 10 may be capable of performing other functions (e.g., a facsimile function) in addition to the printing function and the scanning function.

[0013] 1, the multi-function device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print engine 16, a scan engine 18, and a control unit 30. Each of the units 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line.

[0014] The operation unit 12 is an interface that enables the user to input various information to the multi-function device 10, and includes, for example, a touch screen and buttons. The user can input various information to the multi-function device 10 via the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print engine 16 includes a laser-type printing mechanism. In a modified example, the print engine 16 may include an inkjet-type, thermal-type, or other printing mechanism. The scan engine 18 includes a scan mechanism such as a CIS or CCD.

[0015] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32, a volatile memory 34, and a non-volatile memory 36. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with a program 40 stored in the non-volatile memory 36. Specifically, the CPU 32 executes the various processes by loading the program 40 from the non-volatile memory 36 to the volatile memory 34 and executing the program 40. The non-volatile memory 36 further stores history information 42, upper limit information 44, and the latest appraisal date and time 46.

[0016] The history information 42 includes a total number of printed sheets P, a total number of scanned sheets S, and a total operating time T. Each of the total number of printed sheets P, the total number of scanned sheets S, and the total operating time T is 0 at the stage of shipping the multi-function device 10. The total number of printed sheets P is the total number of print media printed by the print engine 16. The total number of printed sheets P is updated when printing is executed by the print engine 16. The total number of scanned sheets S is the total number of documents scanned by the scan engine 18. The total number of scanned sheets S is updated when scanning is executed by the scan engine 18. The total operating time T indicates the time during which the multi-function device 10 operates in a possible state. Here, the possible state is a state in which it is possible to cause the print engine 16 to execute printing and also possible to cause the scan engine 18 to execute scanning. The possible state is, for example, a state in which printing (or scanning) is executed in response to receiving a print instruction (or a scan instruction) via the operation unit 12. Also, for example, the possible state is a state in which, in response to receiving a print instruction (or a scan instruction) from the outside, printing (or scanning) is executed according to the print instruction (or scan instruction). In this embodiment, the total operating time T is updated every time a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) elapses by adding the predetermined time to the current total operating time T.

[0017] The upper limit information 44 includes an upper limit print count UP, an upper limit scan count US, and an upper limit operation time UT. Each piece of information in the upper limit information 44 is a value determined by the vendor of the multi-function device 10, and is stored in the non-volatile memory 36 from the time of shipment of the multi-function device 10. In a modified example, the multi-function device 10 may be configured to be able to communicate with a server (not shown) installed on the Internet by the vendor of the multi-function device 10. The multi-function device 10 may be configured to receive the upper limit information 44 from the server and update the upper limit information 44. The upper limit print count UP is the average number of printed sheets until a malfunction occurs in the print engine 16 in each multi-function device of the same model as the multi-function device 10. The upper limit scan count US is the average number of scanned sheets until a malfunction occurs in the scan engine 18 in each multi-function device of the same model as the multi-function device 10. The upper limit operation time UT is the average operation time until a malfunction occurs in the multi-function device 10 in each multi-function device of the same model as the multi-function device 10.

[0018] (Processing of multi-function device 10; Figures 2 and 3) 2 and 3, a process that is realized by the CPU 32 of the multi-function device 10 executing the program 40 will be described. The process of Fig. 2 is started when the power of the multi-function device 10 is turned ON.

[0019] In S10, the CPU 32 transitions the state of the multi-function device 10 from the impossible state to the possible state. The impossible state is a state in which it is impossible to cause the print engine 16 to execute printing, and it is impossible to cause the scan engine 18 to execute scanning. Specifically, the impossible state is a state in which, for example, even if a print instruction (or a scan instruction) is received via the operation unit 12, printing (or scanning) is not executed according to the print instruction (or scan instruction). Also, for example, the impossible state is a state in which, even if a print instruction (or scan instruction) is received from the outside, printing (or scanning) is not executed according to the print instruction (or scan instruction).

[0020] In S20, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a print instruction has been accepted. Here, "accepting a print instruction" includes both accepting a print instruction via the operation unit 12 and receiving a print instruction from an external device. If the CPU 32 determines that a print instruction has been accepted (YES in S20), the process proceeds to S22, and if the CPU 32 determines that a print instruction has not been accepted (NO in S20), the process proceeds to S30.

[0021] In S22, the CPU 32 causes the print engine 16 to execute printing in accordance with the print instructions.

[0022] In S24, the CPU 32 updates the history information 42. Specifically, the CPU 32 adds the number of sheets of print medium printed in S22 to the total number of printed sheets P that has already been stored.

[0023] In S30, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a scan instruction has been accepted. Here, "accepting a scan instruction" includes both accepting a scan instruction via the operation unit 12 and receiving a scan instruction from an external device. If the CPU 32 determines that a scan instruction has been accepted (YES in S30), the process proceeds to S32, and if the CPU 32 determines that a scan instruction has not been accepted (NO in S30), the process proceeds to S40.

[0024] In S32, the CPU 32 causes the scan engine 18 to scan the document in accordance with the scan instruction.

[0025] At 34, the CPU 32 updates the history information 42. Specifically, the CPU 32 adds the number of documents scanned at S32 to the total number of scanned documents S that has already been stored.

[0026] In S40, the CPU 32 judges whether a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has passed since the previous processing of S42. In a situation where the processing of S42 has never been executed since the power supply of the multi-function device 10 was turned on, the CPU 32 judges whether a predetermined time has passed since the state of the multi-function device 10 was shifted to the possible state. For example, the CPU 32 judges whether the difference between the current time and the time when the processing of S42 was executed last time (or the time when the state of the multi-function device 10 was shifted to the possible state) is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. If the CPU 32 judges that a predetermined time has passed since the previous processing of S42 (or since the state of the multi-function device 10 was shifted to the possible state) (YES in S40), the CPU 32 proceeds to S42. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 judges that a predetermined time has not passed since the previous processing of S42 (or since the state of the multi-function device 10 was shifted to the possible state) (NO in S40), the CPU 32 skips the processing of S42 and proceeds to S50.

[0027] In S42, the CPU 32 updates the history information 42. Specifically, the CPU 32 adds a predetermined time to the total operating time T that has already been stored.

[0028] In S50, the CPU 32 determines whether an initialization instruction has been received from the user. If the CPU 32 determines that an initialization instruction has been received from the user (YES in S50), the CPU 32 proceeds to S60. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that an initialization instruction has not been received from the user (NO in S50), the CPU 32 executes the process of S20 again.

[0029] The CPU 32 executes an appraisal process in S60. The appraisal process is a process for calculating an appraisal price RP of the multi-function device 10. When the process of S60 ends, the CPU 32 executes the processes from S20 onwards again. The CPU 32 repeatedly executes the processes from S20 onwards in FIG. 2 while the power of the multi-function device 10 is ON.

[0030] (Appraisal process; Figure 3) Next, the assessment process of S60 in Fig. 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In S100 in Fig. 3, the CPU 32 transitions the state of the multi-function device 10 from the possible state to the impossible state.

[0031] In S102, the CPU 32 executes a scoring process for various interfaces of the multi-function device 10. Here, the scoring process for the operation unit 12 and the display unit 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The scoring process for the operation unit 12 and the display unit 14 is a process for determining whether the operation unit 12 and the display unit 14 operate normally. Although not described in this embodiment, in S102, a scoring process for an interface other than the operation unit 12 and the display unit 14 (for example, a communication interface for performing communication) may be executed.

[0032] (Description of the interface scoring process; Figure 4) First, the scoring process of the touch screen (i.e., the display unit 14) will be described. In the scoring process of the display unit 14, first, the multi-function device 10 displays an area R1 that the user should tap on a part of the display unit 14 (the lower right of the display unit 14 in the example of FIG. 4). The user who sees the area R1 taps the area R1. If the touch screen is normal, the multi-function device 10 can properly recognize that the area R1 has been tapped by the user. On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the touch screen, even if the area R1 has been tapped by the user, the multi-function device 10 may not be able to recognize that the area R1 has been tapped. When the multi-function device 10 recognizes that the area R1 has been tapped, it increments the counter by 1 and proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, when a certain time has passed without the multi-function device 10 recognizing that the area R1 has been tapped, it proceeds to the next process without incrementing the counter.

[0033] Next, the multi-function device 10 displays an area R2 that the user should tap on in a part of the display unit 14 (the lower left of the display unit 14 in the example of FIG. 4) instead of the area R1. If the multi-function device 10 recognizes that the area R2 has been tapped, it increments the counter by 1 and proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, if a certain period of time passes without the multi-function device 10 recognizing that the area R2 has been tapped, it proceeds to the next process without incrementing the counter.

[0034] The multi-function device 10 repeatedly executes the above-mentioned process multiple times (e.g., 10 times). Then, if the counter value after the above-mentioned process is executed multiple times is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (e.g., 9 times), the multi-function device 10 determines that the touch screen (i.e., the display unit 14) is normal. On the other hand, if the counter value after the above-mentioned process is executed multiple times is less than the predetermined number (e.g., 9 times), the multi-function device 10 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the touch screen.

[0035] Next, the scoring process of the button (i.e., the operation unit 12) will be described. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the operation unit 12 has three physical buttons B1 to B3. In the scoring process of the operation unit 12, first, the multi-function device 10 announces the selection of one button (for example, B1) of the three buttons B1 to B3. The announcement method may be any method that can make the user recognize the button to be selected, such as a voice announcement or turning on a button. The user presses the button B1 according to the announcement. If the button B1 is normal, the multi-function device 10 can appropriately recognize that the button B1 has been pressed by the user. On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the button B1, even if the button B1 is pressed by the user, the multi-function device 10 may not recognize that the button B1 has been pressed. If the multi-function device 10 recognizes that the button B1 has been pressed, the multi-function device 10 increments the counter by 1 and proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, if a certain period of time passes without the multi-function device 10 recognizing that the button B1 has been pressed, the multi-function device 10 proceeds to the next process without incrementing the counter.

[0036] Next, the multi-function device 10 announces the selection of another button (for example, B2) instead of button B1. If the multi-function device 10 recognizes that button B2 has been pressed, it increments the counter by 1 and proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, if a certain period of time passes without the multi-function device 10 recognizing that button B2 has been pressed, it proceeds to the next process without incrementing the counter.

[0037] The multi-function device 10 repeatedly executes the above-mentioned process multiple times (e.g., 10 times). Then, when the counter value after the above-mentioned process is executed multiple times is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (e.g., 9 times), the multi-function device 10 determines that the operation unit 12 is normal. On the other hand, when the counter value after the above-mentioned process is executed multiple times is less than the predetermined number (e.g., 9 times), the multi-function device 10 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the operation unit 12.

[0038] In this manner, the multi-function device 10 determines whether or not the operation unit 12 and the display unit 14 are normal. The information determined here is used when calculating the appraisal price RP in S110, which will be described later.

[0039] Returning to the explanation of the process in Fig. 3, when the CPU 32 finishes the interface scoring process, in S104, it executes a usage scoring process. Specifically, the CPU 32 executes the following process.

[0040] First, the CPU 32 calculates the score of the number of printed sheets. Specifically, the CPU 32 first identifies the total number of printed sheets P from the history information 42 and identifies the upper limit number of printed sheets UP from the upper limit information 44. Then, the CPU 32 calculates a value (P / UP) by dividing the total number of printed sheets P by the upper limit number of printed sheets UP. The CPU 32 then subtracts the above value (P / UP) from 1, and multiplies the result by 100 to calculate the score of the number of printed sheets ((1-(P / UP)) x 100). Note that if the total number of printed sheets P is greater than the upper limit number of printed sheets UP, the CPU 32 sets the score of the number of printed sheets to 0. As can be seen from the above formula, the score of the number of printed sheets for a brand new multi-function device 10 (i.e., when the total number of printed sheets P is 0) is 100. Therefore, the score of the number of printed sheets is a value between 0 and 100.

[0041] Next, CPU 32 calculates the score for the number of scans and the score for operation time in the same manner as the score for the number of prints. That is, CPU 32 calculates ((1-(S / US)) x 100) as the score for the number of scans, and ((1-(T / UT)) x 100) as the score for operation time. Note that if the total number of scans S is greater than the upper limit number of scans US, CPU 32 sets the score for the number of scans to 0. Similarly, if the total operation time T is greater than the upper limit operation time UT, CPU 32 sets the score for operation time to 0. Therefore, the scores for the number of scans and the score for operation time are also values ​​between 0 and 100.

[0042] The CPU 32 calculates the usage score by adding up the above three calculated scores. Therefore, the usage score is a value between 0 and 300.

[0043] The CPU 32 calculates the appraisal price RP in S110. Specifically, the CPU 32 first calculates a value obtained by dividing the score calculated in S104 by 300, and multiplies the value by the list price of the multi-function device 10 (hereinafter referred to as a "specific value"). The specific value can be said to be the remaining value of the multi-function device 10 according to the usage status of the multi-function device 10. Next, the CPU 32 judges whether or not there is an interface determined to be abnormal in S102. If there is no interface determined to be abnormal (i.e., all interfaces are normal), the CPU 32 calculates the specific value as the appraisal price RP of the multi-function device 10. On the other hand, if there is an interface determined to be abnormal in S102, the CPU 32 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the repair cost of the interface determined to be abnormal (for example, the cost of replacing the interface) from the specific value as the appraisal price RP. The repair cost is a value determined in advance. In this way, the multi-function device 10 can calculate an appropriate appraisal price RP according to the usage history of the multi-function device 10.

[0044] In S112, the CPU 32 updates the most recent appraisal date and time 46. The most recent appraisal date and time 46 may be the date and time when the initialization instruction was accepted in S50 of Fig. 2, or may be the date and time when the appraisal price RP was calculated in S110.

[0045] In S114, the CPU 32 causes the print engine 16 to print the assessment result including the calculated assessment price RP. As a result, a print medium on which the assessment result is printed is generated. The assessment result includes the assessment date and time D1 (i.e., the date and time indicated by the most recent assessment date and time 46), each piece of information indicated by the history information 42 (i.e., the total number of printed sheets P, the total number of scanned sheets S, and the total operating time T), the result of the scoring process of the interface in S102, and the assessment price RP. The user can know the assessment price RP of the multi-function device 10 by looking at the print medium on which the assessment result is printed. Furthermore, in a situation where the user resells the multi-function device 10 as a used item, the resale of the multi-function device 10 at a fair price can be realized by presenting the print medium on which the assessment result is printed to a third party.

[0046] As described above, the non-volatile memory 36 stores the most recent appraisal date and time 46, and the appraisal result includes the appraisal date and time D1. Therefore, a third party who purchases the multi-function device 10 as a second-hand product can check the most recent appraisal date and time 46 in the non-volatile memory 36 after obtaining the multi-function device 10 to see whether it matches the appraisal date and time D1 included in the appraisal result presented at the time of purchase.

[0047] Also, having the multi-function device 10 equipped with the laser-type print engine 16 print the assessment result has an advantage from the viewpoint of security. That is, in printing with the laser-type print engine 16, first, the entire surface of the photosensitive drum is charged with an electric charge. Then, a pattern of print data representing the image to be printed is irradiated onto the charged photosensitive drum, and the charge of the portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum corresponding to the pattern is removed. Charged toner is attached to the portion where the charge has been removed, and the toner is transferred and fixed to the print medium, thereby realizing printing of the image to be printed. After the image to be printed is printed on the print medium, the portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum corresponding to the above-mentioned pattern is not charged, and the remaining portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum is in a charged state. For this reason, it can be said that the information of the last printed image remains on the photosensitive drum.

[0048] If the multi-function device 10 is resold in this state, there is a risk that information on the last printed image may be known to a third party even if the multi-function device 10 is initialized. To solve this problem, it is necessary to have the print engine 16 print a new image and reset the charging pattern of the photosensitive drum. As described above, in the configuration of this embodiment, the print engine 16 prints the assessment result. Since the assessment result is information to be presented to a third party, no security problem occurs even if information on the assessment result remains on the photosensitive drum. Therefore, the security of the multi-function device 10 can be improved.

[0049] In order to solve the above problems, it is also possible to print an image in which nothing is printed on the print medium (hereinafter referred to as a "white image") or an image in which the print medium is filled (hereinafter referred to as a "black image") instead of the assessment result. This configuration also solves the above problems. However, a white image or a black image itself cannot be an image that is useful to the user or a third party. In contrast, in the configuration of this embodiment, by printing the assessment result, it is possible to solve the above problems while providing an image that is useful to the user or a third party.

[0050] In S116, the CPU 32 displays the selection screen SC on the display unit 14. The selection screen SC includes a message inquiring of the user as to whether to initialize the multi-function device 10 or resume use of the multi-function device 10 without initializing the multi-function device 10, an initialization button, and a resume use button. On the selection screen SC, the user can select whether to initialize the multi-function device 10 or resume use without initializing the multi-function device 10.

[0051] In S120, the CPU 32 monitors whether any of the buttons in the selection screen SC (i.e., the initialization button or the use resume button) is selected. If the initialization button in the selection screen SC is selected, the CPU 32 proceeds to S122, and if the use resume button in the selection screen SC is selected, the CPU 32 proceeds to S130.

[0052] In S122, the CPU 32 initializes (i.e., deletes the settings of the multi-function device 10 already specified by the user). In this way, if the user wishes to resell the multi-function device 10 and has found a place to resell the multi-function device 10, the user can select the initialization button in the selection screen SC to initialize the multi-function device 10 and then resell it (select "initialization button" in S120, S122).

[0053] In S130, the CPU 32 transitions the state of the multi-function device 10 from the impossible state to the possible state. In particular, when the user wishes to resell the multi-function device 10 but is unable to find a reseller, the user can resume use of the multi-function device 10 by selecting the resume use button in the selection screen SC without initializing the multi-function device 10 (selection of the "resume use button" in S120, S130).

[0054] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the above configuration, when the multi-function device 10 receives an initialization instruction from the user (YES in S50 in FIG. 2), it transitions the state of the multi-function device 10 to an unusable state (S100 in FIG. 3), executes an assessment of the multi-function device 10 (S102 to S110), and prints the assessment results (S114). Then, when the initialization button is selected on the selection screen SC, the multi-function device 10 initializes the multi-function device 10 (selection of "initialize button" in S120, S122). In this way, in a situation where the multi-function device 10 is to be initialized, the multi-function device 10 executes an assessment of the multi-function device 10 and can print the assessment results.

[0055] As described above, in the situation where the appraisal process of FIG. 3 is executed, the state of the multi-function device 10 is controlled to the impossible state (S100 in FIG. 3). As described above, the CPU 32 executes a scoring process of the usage state based on the total number of printed sheets P, the total number of scanned sheets S, the total operation time T, etc. (S104), and calculates the appraisal price RP based on the result (S110). Then, the multi-function device 10 is maintained in the impossible state until the user decides whether to initialize the multi-function device 10 and resell it, or to resume use without initializing the multi-function device 10. For this reason, after the appraisal price RP is calculated, the total number of printed sheets P, etc. are not updated, and the appraisal price RP of the multi-function device 10 does not change until the multi-function device 10 is initialized or the use of the multi-function device 10 is resumed. For this reason, the multi-function device 10 can output an appropriate appraisal price RP.

[0056] (Correspondence) The multi-function device 10 is an example of a "function executing device." The print engine 16 and the scan engine 18 are examples of a "function executing engine." The print engine 16 is also an example of an "output unit." The print function and the scan function are examples of a "predetermined function." Settings of the multi-function device 10 that have been specified by the user, such as default print settings and authentication information required when executing printing, etc., are an example of a "specific setting." The selection screen SC is an example of a "selection screen." The appraisal date and time D1 is an example of "specific information." Various pieces of information included in the appraisal result printed in S114 of FIG. 3 are examples of "related information" and "appraisal result information." The appraisal price RP is an example of "appraisal price information."

[0057] The process of S50 in FIG. 2 is an example of a process executed by the "reception unit". The process of S100 in FIG. 3 is an example of a process executed by the "first state transition unit". The processes of S102 to S110 in FIG. 3 are an example of a process executed by the "assessment execution unit". The processes of S114, S116, and S122 in FIG. 3 are examples of a process executed by the "output control unit", "display control unit", and "initialization unit", respectively. S130 after S122 (i.e., S130 when the "initialization button" is selected in S120) is an example of a process executed by the "second state transition unit". S130 without S122 (i.e., S130 when the "restart use button" is selected in S120) is an example of a process executed by the "third state transition unit".

[0058] Although specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0059] (Modification 1) The assessment result printed in S114 of FIG. 3 is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the assessment result may include each score (see S104 of FIG. 3) for calculating the assessment price RP. In this modification, information including each score is an example of "related information" and "assessment result information". Also, the assessment result may not include history information 42 such as the total number of printed sheets P. Also, in another modification, the CPU 32 may print information not including the assessment result in S114 of FIG. 3. For example, the CPU 32 may cause the print engine 16 to print information including history information 42 such as the total number of printed sheets P and not including the assessed price RP in S114 of FIG. 3. In this case, the CPU 32 can omit the processes of S102 to S110 of FIG. 3. In this modification, the above information not including the assessed price RP is an example of "related information". Also, in this modification, the "assessment execution unit" can be omitted. In another modification, the appraisal result printed in S114 of FIG. 3 may include information useful to a third party who wishes to purchase the multi-function device 10 as a used item, in addition to or instead of the appraisal price RP. Here, the information useful to a third party may be, for example, information indicating the number of sheets of printable media that can be printed before the life of the photosensitive drum expires, when the multi-function device 10 has a laser-type print engine. Also, for example, when the multi-function device 10 has an inkjet-type print engine, information indicating the number of sheets of printable media that can be printed before the life of the ink absorber expires, information indicating whether the inkjet head is clogged, and the like. In this modification, information including information useful to a third party who wishes to purchase the multi-function device 10 as a used item is an example of "related information."

[0060] (Variation 2) In S114 of FIG. 3, instead of having the print engine 16 print the assessment result, the CPU 32 may cause the display unit 14 to display the assessment result. In this variation, the display unit 14 is an example of an "output unit." In another variation, in S114 of FIG. 3, the CPU 32 may supply the assessment result to a communication interface (not shown) and transmit the assessment result to an external device via the communication interface. In this variation, the communication interface is an example of an "output unit."

[0061] (Variation 3) The CPU 32 may not execute the process of S116 in Fig. 3. That is, the CPU 32 may initialize the multi-function device 10 without accepting an instruction from the user after causing the print engine 16 to print the assessment result. In this variation, the "display control unit" and the "third state transition unit" may be omitted.

[0062] (Variation 4) The assessment result printed in S114 of Fig. 3 does not have to include the assessment date and time D1. In this case, the non-volatile memory 36 does not have to store the most recent assessment date and time 46.

[0063] (Modification 5) The CPU 32 can omit the processes of S24, S34, and S42 in Fig. 2. In this case, the CPU 32 can skip the process of S104, for example, and execute the process of S110 based on the result of the interface scoring process of S102. In this modification, the "storage control unit" can be omitted.

[0064] (Variation 6) In the above embodiment, the processes of the steps in FIGS. 2 and 3 are implemented by software (e.g., program 40), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0065] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings have technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives is itself technically useful.

[0066] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing of this patent application, even if each claim is dependent on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can be dependent on only those some of the claims. Each claim can also be dependent on other claims that are not dependent on it at the time of filing to the extent that there is no technical contradiction. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A function-performing device, comprising: A function execution engine for executing a predetermined function; a reception unit for receiving an initialization instruction for initializing a specific setting of the function performing device that has been specified by a user; a first state transition unit that transitions a state of the function executing device from a possible state to an impossible state when the initialization instruction is received, the possible state being a state in which the function executing engine is capable of executing the predetermined function, and the impossible state being a state in which the function executing engine is unable to execute the predetermined function; an output control unit that outputs, when the initialization instruction is received, related information related to the evaluation of the function performing device to an output unit; an initialization unit that initializes the specific setting when the initialization instruction is accepted; a second state transition unit that transitions the state of the function executing device from the disabled state to the enabled state after the related information is output and the specific setting is initialized; A function performing device comprising: (Item 2) the function execution engine is a print engine having a laser-based printing mechanism; the output unit is the print engine, 2. The function performing apparatus according to item 1, wherein the output is printing. (Item 3) The function execution device further comprises: a display control unit that, when the related information is output, displays on a display unit a selection screen for allowing a user to select whether to initialize the specific setting or to resume use of the function executing device without initializing the specific setting, 3. The function executing device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the initialization unit initializes the specific setting when the user selects on the selection screen to initialize the specific setting. (Item 4) The function execution device further comprises: Item 4. The function executing device according to item 3, further comprising a third state transition unit that transitions the state of the function executing device from the disabled state to the enabled state without initializing the specific setting when the user selects on the selection screen to resume use of the function executing device without initializing the specific setting. (Item 5) 5. The function executing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the related information includes specific information for identifying a date and time related to the output of the related information. (Item 6) the function executing device further includes an assessment execution unit that, when the initialization instruction is received, executes the assessment of the function executing device; 6. A function executing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the related information includes assessment result information indicating the assessment result obtained by the assessment. (Item 7) the function performing device further includes a storage control unit that stores, in a memory, history information relating to a usage history of the function performing device when the state of the function performing device is the enabled state; 7. The function executing device according to item 6, wherein the assessment execution unit executes the assessment by utilizing the history information in the memory. (Item 8) A function-performing device, comprising: A function execution engine for executing a predetermined function; a reception unit for receiving an initialization instruction for initializing a specific setting of the function performing device that has been specified by a user; an assessment execution unit that performs an assessment of the function performing device when the initialization instruction is received; an output control unit that outputs, when the assessment is performed, assessment result information indicating an assessment result obtained by the assessment to an output unit; an initialization unit that initializes the specific settings after the assessment result information is output; A function performing device comprising: (Item 9) 9. The function performing device according to any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the assessment result information includes assessment price information indicating an assessment price of the function performing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10: multi-function device, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print engine, 18: scan engine, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: volatile memory, 36: non-volatile memory, 40: program, 42: history information, 44: upper limit information, 46: most recent assessment date and time

Claims

1. A function-performing device, comprising: A function execution engine for executing a predetermined function; a reception unit for receiving an initialization instruction for initializing a specific setting of the function performing device that has been specified by a user; a first state transition unit that transitions a state of the function executing device from a possible state to an impossible state when the initialization instruction is received, the possible state being a state in which the function executing engine is capable of executing the predetermined function, and the impossible state being a state in which the function executing engine is unable to execute the predetermined function; an output control unit that outputs, when the initialization instruction is received, related information related to the evaluation of the function performing device to an output unit; an initialization unit that initializes the specific setting when the initialization instruction is accepted; a second state transition unit that transitions the state of the function executing device from the disabled state to the enabled state after the related information is output and the specific setting is initialized; A function performing device comprising:

2. the function execution engine is a print engine having a laser-based printing mechanism; the output unit is the print engine, The function performing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the output is printing.

3. The function execution device further comprises: a display control unit that, when the related information is output, displays on a display unit a selection screen for allowing a user to select whether to initialize the specific setting or to resume use of the function executing device without initializing the specific setting, The function executing device according to claim 1 , wherein the initialization unit initializes the specific setting when the user selects on the selection screen to initialize the specific setting.

4. The function execution device further comprises:

4. The function executing device according to claim 3, further comprising a third state transition unit that transitions the state of the function executing device from the disabled state to the enabled state without initializing the specific setting when the user selects on the selection screen to resume use of the function executing device without initializing the specific setting.

5. The function performing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the related information includes specific information for specifying a date and time related to output of the related information.

6. the function executing device further includes an assessment execution unit that, when the initialization instruction is received, executes the assessment of the function executing device; The function executing device according to claim 1 , wherein the related information includes assessment result information indicating an assessment result obtained by the assessment.

7. the function performing device further includes a storage control unit that stores, in a memory, history information relating to a usage history of the function performing device when the state of the function performing device is the enabled state; The function executing device according to claim 6 , wherein the assessment execution unit executes the assessment by utilizing the history information in the memory.

8. A function-performing device, comprising: A function execution engine for executing a predetermined function; a reception unit for receiving an initialization instruction for initializing a specific setting of the function performing device that has been specified by a user; an assessment execution unit that performs an assessment of the function performing device when the initialization instruction is received; an output control unit that outputs, when the assessment is performed, assessment result information indicating an assessment result obtained by the assessment to an output unit; an initialization unit that initializes the specific settings after the assessment result information is output; A function performing device comprising:

9. 9. The function performing device according to claim 6, wherein the assessment result information includes assessed price information indicating an assessed price of the function performing device.

10. A computer program for a function performing device, comprising: The function execution device comprises: A function execution engine for executing a predetermined function; A computer, Equipped with The computer program causes the computer to operate in the following manner: a reception unit for receiving an initialization instruction for initializing a specific setting of the function performing device that has been specified by a user; a first state transition unit that transitions a state of the function executing device from a possible state to an impossible state when the initialization instruction is received, the possible state being a state in which the function executing engine is capable of executing the predetermined function, and the impossible state being a state in which the function executing engine is unable to execute the predetermined function; an output control unit that outputs, when the initialization instruction is received, related information related to the evaluation of the function performing device to an output unit; an initialization unit that initializes the specific setting when the initialization instruction is accepted; a second state transition unit that transitions the state of the function executing device from the disabled state to the enabled state after the related information is output and the specific setting is initialized; A computer program that functions as a

11. 1. A method for controlling a function-performing device, comprising: The function execution device includes a function execution engine for executing a predetermined function. The method comprises: a receiving step of receiving an initialization instruction for initializing a specific setting of the function performing device that has been specified by a user; a first state transition step of transitioning a state of the function executing device from a possible state to an impossible state when the initialization instruction is received, the possible state being a state in which the function executing engine is capable of executing the predetermined function, and the impossible state being a state in which the function executing engine is unable to execute the predetermined function; an output control step of causing an output unit to output information related to the evaluation of the function performing device when the initialization instruction is received; an initialization step of initializing the specific setting when the initialization instruction is accepted; a second state transition step of transitioning the state of the function executing device from the disabled state to the enabled state after the related information is output and the specific setting is initialized; A method comprising:

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