Image forming apparatus, image processing system, control method and program for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a structure which, for example, in a subscription contract, allows for using promptly an optional function.SOLUTION: A printer 10, which is an image forming apparatus, comprises: print means (print unit 120) for printing; and control means (control unit 110) for controlling operation of the print means. The control means enables printing, by the print means, a predetermined number or less of sheets at a predetermined amount of money that are determined on the basis of contract information on a contract between a user A who uses the printer 10 and a contracting agency, as well as, enables use of optional functions executable by the printer 10, a predetermined number or less time at a predetermined amount of money that are determined on the basis of the contract information on the contract between the user A and the contracting agency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses are connected to a management server that manages the image forming apparatus so that they can communicate with each other. Such image forming apparatuses can transmit device information related to the image forming apparatus and the usage history of the user who uses the image forming apparatus to the management server. This allows the user to receive various services from the management server, such as a failure analysis of the image forming apparatus and a billing system when using the image forming apparatus. Another service is a service in which the management server manages consumables such as ink in the image forming apparatus and delivers new ink to the user when the ink level is low. In recent years, with the introduction of subscription contracts, a fixed-price service that rents out the image forming apparatus itself (device body) and consumables to users who sign a contract for the service and suppresses the occurrence of initial investment costs and maintenance costs has become widespread. In such a contract-type flat-rate service, the image forming apparatus communicates with the management server and obtains contract information such as the contract status of the service from the management server. Then, the image forming apparatus is controlled according to the contract information. In this case, for example, the use of the image forming apparatus is restricted until service authentication is completed to confirm that the image forming apparatus has been contracted to the contract-type flat-rate service. In such a contract-based flat-rate service, it is preferable for the image forming device to quickly obtain the contract information from the management server. This allows the image forming device to be quickly released from the usage restrictions and used smoothly. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a server registers an image forming device (recording device) based on the contract information for signing up for a flat-rate service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-32194 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a contract-based flat-rate service, as described above, the image forming apparatus itself (device body) and consumables are rented out, and these can be used within a fixed fee. However, in addition to the image forming apparatus itself and consumables, there are cases where various settings, functions, etc. are desired to be used as options. In this case, for example, in addition to managing the contract period, option management must also be performed, and depending on the method of management, it may be difficult to quickly use the options.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for enabling an optional function to be used promptly in, for example, a subscription contract. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, and comprises a printing means for forming the image by printing, and a control means for controlling the operation of the printing means, and the control means enables the printing by the printing means up to a specified number of sheets determined based on contract information relating to a contract between a user who uses the image forming apparatus and a contracting party, and for a specified amount of money, and enables the use of optional functions executable by the image forming apparatus up to a specified number of times, for a specified amount of money determined based on contract information relating to a contract between the user and the contracting party. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, for example, in a subscription contract, an optional function can be used quickly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printer. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a device management server. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a service management server. [Diagram 5] 11 is a sequence diagram showing processes executed among a user, a service management server, a device management server, and a printer. [Figure 6A] 11 is a diagram showing an example of counter information on the number of times (number of sheets) a function is executed by the printer. FIG. [Figure 6B] 11 is a diagram showing an example of counter information on the number of times (number of sheets) a function is executed by the printer. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the printer. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the printer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can exert the same function. In addition, any configuration may be added.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a printer 10, a device management server 20, and a service management server 30, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet. For this communication, a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (hereinafter referred to as "HTTP") is used. The printer 10 is an image forming device capable of forming an image, and is preferably, for example, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral). The printer 10 may be an SFP (Single-Function Printer). The printer 10 records contract information relating to a contract between a user A (see FIG. 5) who uses the printer 10 and a contracting party (the service management server 30) in a ROM 112 of the printer 10. The printer 10 is controlled according to the contract information. The printer 10 receives the contract information from the device management server 20 via a network 40. The device management server 20 holds the contract information notified from the service management server 30. The device management server 20 transmits (provides) this contract information to the printer 10. Note that the printer 10 may receive the contract information directly from the service management server 30. Also, the device management server 20 and the service management server 30 are independent servers in this embodiment, but are not limited to this and may be, for example, integrated and configured as one server. Also, the device management server 20 and the service management server 30 may each be configured as one or more servers.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer. As shown in Fig. 2, the printer 10 has a control unit (control means) 110, an operation unit 116, a reading unit 118, a printing unit (printing means) 120, a wireless communication unit 122, a FAX communication unit 124, and a communication unit 126. The control unit 110 also has a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a HDD 114, an operation unit I / F 115, a reading unit I / F 117, a printing unit I / F 119, a wireless communication unit I / F 121, a FAX unit I / F 123, and a communication unit I / F 125. The control unit 110 is communicably connected to the operation unit 116, the reading unit 118, the printing unit 120, the wireless communication unit 122, the FAX communication unit 124, and the communication unit 126, and controls their operations, that is, controls the operation of the entire printer 10 (control process).

[0012] The CPU 111 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the HDD 114 into the RAM 113 and performs various controls such as reading control and printing control. The control program includes, for example, a program for making the CPU 111 (computer) execute each part and each means (a control method of the image forming apparatus) of the printer 10. The ROM 112 stores a control program executable by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like. The RAM 113 is a main memory and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for developing various control programs stored in the ROM 112 and the HDD 114. The HDD 114 is a storage medium and stores image data, print data, various programs, various addresses, and various setting information. Instead of the HDD 114, an SSD (Solid State Drive), an eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card), or the like may be used. In this embodiment, the printer 10 includes one each of the CPU 111 to the HDD 114, but is not limited to this. The printer 10 may include a plurality of each of the CPU 111 to the HDD 114.

[0013] The control unit 110 is connected to an operation unit 116 via an operation unit I / F 115. The operation unit 116 is composed of, for example, hard keys such as buttons and dials, a monitor having a touch panel function, and the like. By operating the operation unit 116, information can be displayed to the user A and an input from the user A can be received. The control unit 110 is connected to a reading unit 118 via a reading unit I / F 117. The reading unit 118 is composed of, for example, a scanner. This allows the reading unit 118 to read an original document and obtain an image of the original document. The CPU 111 converts this image into image data such as binary data. The image data is sent to an external device or printed on a recording paper. The control unit 110 is connected to a printing unit 120 via a printing unit I / F 119. The CPU 111 transfers the image data (print data) stored in the RAM 113 to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 prints an image based on the transferred image data onto recording paper fed from a paper feed cassette, that is, performs image formation by printing (printing process). Note that this printing uses consumables such as toner and ink. When the consumables run out or malfunction, they are replaced with new consumables.

[0014] The control unit 110 is connected to the wireless communication unit 122 via the wireless communication unit I / F 121. As a result, the control unit 110 is wirelessly connected to external wireless devices such as the device management server 20 and the service management server 30. Other examples of external wireless devices include personal computers, tablet terminals, and smartphones. The control unit 110 is connected to the FAX communication unit 124 via the FAX unit I / F 123. The FAX communication unit 124 is also connected to the public line network 80. As a result, facsimile data can be transmitted and received between the control unit 110 and the public line network 80. The control unit 110 is connected to the communication unit 126 via the communication unit I / F 125. The communication unit 126 is also connected to the network 40. The communication unit I / F 125 can control the communication unit 126. As a result, image data and various information about the printer 10 can be transmitted to an information processing device on the network 40, and image data and various information about the network 40 can be received from an information processing device on the network 40. The method of transmitting and receiving information is not particularly limited, and examples of the method include a method using electronic mail (E-mail) and a method using other protocols (e.g., FTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc.) In addition, examples of the information processing device on the network 40 include a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the device management server. As shown in FIG. 3, the device management server 20 has a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, and a network connection unit 205, which are connected to each other via a system bus 206 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The CPU 201 performs processes such as calculation, judgment, and control of data and commands according to a control program (software) stored in the ROM 202 or the hard disk 204. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 201 performs various processes. The hard disk 204 stores an operating system (OS), application software, programs, and the like. The hard disk 204 also stores device information related to the printer 10 and a record table of the contract status of each service. The network connection unit 205 transmits and receives data using a protocol such as TCP / IP using a wireless LAN or a wired LAN compatible with a standard such as IEEE802.11a.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the service management server. As shown in Fig. 4, the service management server 30 has a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk 304, and a network connection unit 305, which are communicably connected to each other via a system bus 306. The CPU 301 to the network connection unit 305 are similar to the CPU 201 to the network connection unit 205 of the device management server 20.

[0017] As described above, a service contract (agreement) is concluded between the user who uses the printer 10 and the contracting party (the service management server 30). In this embodiment, the service contract is a subscription contract (a subscription-based contract). There are subscription contracts that enable printing with the printing unit 120 (hereinafter referred to as a "printing contract") and contracts that enable the use of optional functions executable by the printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as an "optional function usage contract"). Note that the printing contract and the optional function usage contract may be separate subscription contracts or may be included in a common subscription contract. Details and specific examples of these contracts will be described later.

[0018] Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed among a user, a service management server, a device management server, and a printer. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram from when a user A who uses the printer 10 makes a service contract to when the printer 10 receives service authentication, that is, until the printer 10 becomes available according to the service contract. As shown in Fig. 5, in step S501, the user A makes a service contract with the service management server 30 using, for example, a personal computer (not shown) or the like.

[0019] In step S502, the service management server 30 performs a service registration process to link user information about the user A with the printer 10 that the user A plans to use. The user information is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, the contents of the subscription contract, the name and address of the user A, etc.

[0020] In step S503, the service management server 30, based on the service registration processing in step S502, makes arrangements for delivery of the printer 10 to the user A. As a result, the printer 10 is delivered to the user A.

[0021] In step S504, user A starts an operation for performing initial settings on the printer 10.

[0022] In step S505, the printer 10 performs an initial setting process in accordance with the operation of the user A. The initial setting process includes, for example, network settings for connecting the printer 10 to the Internet.

[0023] In step S506, the printer 10 transmits identification information such as the product serial number of the printer 10 to the device management server 20, and requests device registration processing to register the printer 10 in the device management server 20.

[0024] In step S507, the device management server 20 performs a device registration process.

[0025] In step S508A, the device management server 20 notifies the printer 10 of the result of the device registration process.

[0026] In step S508B, the device management server 20 notifies the service management server 30 of the completion of the device registration process. Note that the notification of the completion of the device registration process in step S508B may be sent to multiple service management servers 30 for each service contract. Also, the execution order of step S508A and step S508B is step S508A and step S508B in the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 5A, but is not limited to this and may be step S508B and step S508A.

[0027] In step S509A, the service management server 30 notifies the device management server 20 of contract information related to the service contract based on the identification information of the printer 10 included in the device registration process completion notification in step S508B. This contract information is linked to the user information and the information of the printer 10 by the service registration process in step S502. In this embodiment, the contract information includes, for example, information for determining that a service contract has been concluded in order to be used for activation during initial setup of the printer 10, upper limit information for creating the counter information in Figures 6A and 6B, and the like.

[0028] In step S509B, the device management server 20 holds the contract information notified in step S509A. The contract information is held in the hard disk 204 of the device management server 20.

[0029] In step S510A, the printer 10 makes a request to the device management server 20 to acquire the contract information held in step S509B by the printer 10. Note that the request to acquire the contract information is a request to acquire multiple pieces of service contract information collectively, and is not a request made for each service contract.

[0030] In step S510B, the device management server 20 notifies the printer 10 of the contract information held in step S509B. This allows the printer 10 to acquire the contract information. Note that HTTP is used to notify the contract information.

[0031] In step S511, the printer 10 stores each service contract information and is in a state in which control corresponding to each service contract information can be executed. This control executable state can be, for example, a state in which a print function or the like that was restricted before step S511 is released and the printer 10 is able to use the printer function. In this embodiment, before step S511, that is, until the contract information is notified in step S510B and it is confirmed that the contract has been made, the printer 10 has basic functions such as a print function, a scan function, and a copy function that are restricted. Then, when the printer 10 is in a control executable state in step S511, the restrictions on the print function, the scan function, the copy function, and the like are released and these functions can be used. In this embodiment, the order of making a service contract and then registering the device has been described, but this order may be reversed.

[0032] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of counter information of the number of times (number of sheets) a function executed by the printer is executed. The counter information shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B is stored in the HDD 114 of the printer 10. The printer 10 creates the counter information shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B based on the contract information acquired in step S511. The counter information (limited counter) 601 in FIG. 6A is counter information for each format executable by the scan function. The counter information 601 includes, for example, PDF, TIFF, JPEG, and PDF (OCR) as formats executable by the scan function. When the scan function is executed by specifying each format, the upper limit number (upper limit) for each format is unlimited (none). The counter information 601 also includes the number of sheets that have been executed in each format. This number of sheets that have been executed can be detected by, for example, the CPU 111 (sheet number detection means).

[0033] Counter information 602 in Fig. 6A is counter information for print and copy functions. The counter information 602 includes, for example, COPY, PDL, and media print as print and copy functions. When each function is executed, the upper limit number (upper limit) for each function is unlimited (none). The counter information 602 also includes the number of sheets that have been executed for each function, that is, the number of sheets that have been printed and the number of sheets that have been copied. This number of sheets that have been executed can be detected, for example, by the CPU 111 (sheet number detection means).

[0034] Counter information 603 in FIG. 6A is counter information for each format that can be executed by an optional scan function (optional function), which is a scan function different from the counter information 601. Formats that can be executed by the optional scan function are not particularly limited, and include, for example, encrypted PDF and machine-signed PDF. "Encrypted PDF" refers to setting a password on a PDF file to encrypt and protect it. "Machine-signed PDF" refers to making it possible to certify to the recipient of the document where the document was scanned by signing it using the device certificate and key pair of the printer 10. When executing the scan function by specifying each format, the upper limit number (upper limit) for each format is, for example, 20 sheets. Note that this upper limit number corresponds to the upper limit of the number of times the optional scan function can be used. The counter information 603 also includes the number of sheets that have been executed in each format. This number of sheets that have been executed (the number of times the optional scan function has been used) can be detected, for example, by the CPU 111 (number-of-times detection means).

[0035] Counter information 604 in FIG. 6A is counter information for an optional printing function (optional function), which is a printing function different from counter information 602. For example, BarDIMM printing is included as an optional printing function. "BarDIMM printing" refers to printing predetermined information in the form of a barcode. When the optional printing function is executed, the upper limit (upper limit) for the optional printing function is, for example, 10 sheets. This upper limit corresponds to the upper limit for the number of times the optional printing function can be used. Counter information 604 also includes the number of sheets that have been executed with the optional printing function, i.e., the number of sheets that have been printed. This number of sheets that have been executed (the number of times the optional printing function has been used) can be detected, for example, by CPU 111 (number of times detection means).

[0036] 6B is counter information for each format executable by the scan function, similar to counter information 601. Counter information 605 includes formats executable by the scan function, such as PDF, TIFF, JPEG, and PDF (OCR). When executing the scan function by specifying each format, the upper limit number (upper limit) for each format is 1000. Counter information 605 also includes the number of sheets that have been executed in each format.

[0037] 6B is counter information for the print function and copy function, similar to counter information 602. Counter information 607 includes, for example, COPY, PDL, and media print as print functions and copy functions. When each function is executed, the upper limit number (upper limit) for each function is 1000 sheets. Counter information 607 also includes the number of sheets that have been executed for each function.

[0038] As described above, subscription contracts include a printing contract that enables printing with the printing unit 120, and an optional function usage contract that enables the use of optional functions executable by the printer 10. The optional functions include an optional scan function and an optional printing function. The printing contract and the optional function usage contract may be separate subscription contracts (hereinafter referred to as the "first case"), or may be included in a common subscription contract (hereinafter referred to as the "second case"). Specific examples of the first case and the second case are described below. Note that the first and second cases are not limited to the specific examples below.

[0039] In the first concrete example of the first case, a printing contract is made, and then an optional function usage contract is added. In this case, the printing contract allows for a maximum of 1000 sheets to be printed for 5000 yen per month (see counter information 607 in FIG. 6B). In addition, the optional function usage contract allows for optional scanning (encrypted PDF, device signature PDF) or optional printing (BarDIMM printing) to be performed up to 20 times for 500 yen per month.

[0040] In the second concrete example of the first case, as in the first concrete example of the first case, a printing contract is made, and then an optional function usage contract is added, but the optional function usage contract is different from the first concrete example of the first case. In this case, the printing contract costs 5,000 yen per month, and allows printing up to 1,000 sheets per month (see counter information 607 in FIG. 6B). In addition, the optional function usage contract costs 500 yen per month, and allows execution of the optional printing function up to a maximum of 20 sheets per month (see counter information 604 in FIG. 6B). In this way, the optional functions in the second concrete example are managed by the number of sheets used, not the number of times they are used.

[0041] In the first concrete example of the second case, a printing contract and an optional function use contract are combined into one subscription contract. In this case, the printing contract costs 5,000 yen per month and allows printing up to 1,000 sheets per month (see counter information 607 in FIG. 6B). In addition, the optional function use contract costs 500 yen per month and allows execution of optional scan function or optional print function up to 20 times per month.

[0042] In the second concrete example, like the first concrete example of the second case, the printing contract and the optional function usage contract are made into one subscription contract, but the optional function usage contract is different from the first concrete example of the second case. In this case, the printing contract allows printing up to 1000 sheets per month for 5000 yen per month (see counter information 607 in FIG. 6B). In addition, the optional function usage contract allows execution of the optional printing function up to 20 sheets per month for 500 yen per month (see counter information 604 in FIG. 6B). In this way, the optional functions in the second concrete example are managed by the number of sheets used, not the number of times they are used.

[0043] The control unit 110 can perform control based on the contract information of the subscription. For example, the control unit 110 enables printing by the printing unit 120 within a predetermined number of pages (for example, 1000 pages per month) determined based on the contract information, and for a predetermined amount of money (for example, 5000 yen per month). The control unit 110 also enables the use of the optional scan function and the optional print function within a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times per month) for a predetermined amount of money (for example, 500 yen per month) determined based on the contract information. The control unit 110 also enables the use of the optional print function within a predetermined number of pages (for example, 20 pages per month) for a predetermined amount of money (for example, 500 yen per month) determined based on the contract information. With such control, the optional function can be used quickly, regardless of whether the optional function contract is made after the printing contract or the optional function use contract is made at the same time as the printing contract in the subscription contract.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the printer. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed by the printer. A program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is executed by CPU 111 reading out a control program stored in ROM 112 or HDD 114 to RAM 113. As shown in Fig. 7, in step S601, CPU 111 acquires service contract information from device management server 20. This enables control according to the service contract information to be executed, that is, restrictions on functions executable by printer 10 are lifted (see step S511 in the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 5). After step S601 is executed, the process proceeds to step S602.

[0045] In step S602, CPU 111 determines whether the service contract contents acquired in step S601 include functions, settings, etc. with a set upper limit. If it is determined in step S602 that functions, etc. with a set upper limit are included, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that functions, etc. with a set upper limit are not included, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0046] In step S603, CPU 111 creates counter information 603 and counter information 604 (see FIG. 6A). After step S603 is executed, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0047] In step S604, CPU 111 determines whether a job has been submitted by user A's operation, i.e., whether execution of a job has been instructed. If it is determined in step S604 that a job has been submitted, the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that a job has not been submitted, the process ends. Note that if it is determined that a job has not been submitted, the process may remain in step S604 and wait.

[0048] In step S605, CPU 111 determines whether the job in step S604 is an optional function job for which an upper limit number is determined, i.e., whether counter information 603 or counter information 604 created in step S603 is applicable. If it is determined in step S605 that the job is an optional function job for which an upper limit number is determined, the process proceeds to step S606. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S605 that the job is not an optional function job for which an upper limit number is determined, the process proceeds to step S607.

[0049] In step S606, CPU 111 executes the job in step S604, and adds the number of sheets associated with the execution to the number of sheets executed up to the present time. This added value is a value approaching the upper limit number. Note that the process in step S606 is not limited to the number of sheets addition process. For example, CPU 111 can execute the job in step S604, and add the execution of the job to the number of executions up to the present time (number of times addition process). After executing step S606, the process proceeds to step S608.

[0050] In step S607, the CPU 111 executes the job in step S604, and adds the number of sheets resulting from the execution to the number of sheets executed up to the present time. Note that the upper limit in step S607 is unlimited. After executing step S607, the process ends.

[0051] In step S608, CPU 111 determines whether the added value obtained in step S606 exceeds the upper limit number. If it is determined in step S608 that the upper limit number has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S609. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S608 that the upper limit number has not been exceeded, the process ends.

[0052] In step S609, CPU 111 issues a notice (alert) that the added value obtained in step S606 has exceeded the upper limit number. As this notice, in this embodiment, CPU 111 displays screen 801 shown in FIG. 8 on operation unit 116 (alert means). Screen 801 includes a message to the effect that "the job cannot be executed because the added value has exceeded the upper limit number, and there is a way to resolve this." This enables user A to understand that the job cannot be executed due to the limit number, and that the job can be executed by changing the contract details, etc. After step S609 is executed, the process ends.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 can restrict the use of the optional function in the optional function usage contract when the added value obtained in step S606 exceeds the upper limit number. This usage restriction can be set by checking the screen 801 shown in FIG. 8. If the user A wants to use this restricted optional function, the user can continue to use the optional function by adding a further fee (additional fee) to a predetermined amount (e.g., 500 yen). Note that the CPU 111 can also notify the user of the fact on the operation unit 116 when the number of printed sheets exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 1000 sheets) in the printing contract. If the user A wants to use this restricted printing function, the user can continue to use the printing function by adding a further fee to a predetermined amount (e.g., 5000 yen) or changing the contract.

[0054] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiment is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors of 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) for realizing one or more functions. The device management server 20 and the service management server 30 may each be located in Japan or abroad. Similarly, the printer 10 may also be located in Japan or abroad.

[0055] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, comprising: a printing means for forming the image by printing; A control means for controlling the operation of the printing means, The control means The printing by the printing means is enabled within a predetermined number of sheets and for a predetermined amount of money determined based on contract information relating to a contract between a user who uses the image forming apparatus and a contracting party, An image forming apparatus characterized in that an optional function executable by the image forming apparatus can be used up to a specified number of times for a specified fee determined based on contract information relating to a contract between the user and the contracting party. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the control means restricts use of the optional function when the optional function has been used a predetermined number of times. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the control means enables use of the optional function for a fee equal to the predetermined amount plus an additional fee when the use of the optional function exceeds a predetermined number of times. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a number detection unit for detecting the number of times the optional function is used. (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, further comprising a notification means for notifying a user when the number of times the optional function has been used exceeds the predetermined number of times as a result of detection by the number of times detection means. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a sheet number detection unit for detecting the number of printed sheets. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 6, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user when the number of printed sheets exceeds the predetermined number as a result of detection by the number detection unit. (Configuration 8) An image forming apparatus as described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the contract enabling the printing by the printing means and the contract enabling the use of the optional function are both subscription-based contracts. (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the contract enabling the printing by the printing means and the contract enabling the use of the optional function are separate subscription-based contracts. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the contract enabling the printing by the printing means and the contract enabling the use of the optional function are included in a common subscription-based contract. (Configuration 11) An image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, and a server connected to the image forming apparatus so as to be able to communicate therewith, The image forming apparatus includes: a printing means for forming the image by printing; A control means for controlling the operation of the printing means, The control means The printing by the printing means is enabled within a predetermined number of sheets and for a predetermined amount of money determined based on contract information relating to a contract between a user who uses the image forming apparatus and the server that is the contracting source, An image forming system characterized in that an optional function executable by the image forming device can be used up to a specified number of times for a specified fee determined based on contract information relating to a contract between the user and the contracting party. (Method 1) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, comprising the steps of: a printing step of forming the image by printing; A control step for controlling the operation of the printing step, In the control step, The printing step enables the printing to be performed within a predetermined number of sheets and for a predetermined amount of money, which is determined based on contract information relating to a contract between a user who uses the image forming apparatus and a contracting party; A control method for an image forming device, characterized in that the use of an optional function executable in the image forming device is permitted up to a specified number of times for a specified fee determined based on contract information relating to a contract between the user and the contracting party. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10 Printers 20 Device Management Server 30 Service Management Server 100 Image forming system 110 Control section (control means) 111 CPU 116 Operation section 120 Printing department (printing means)

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, A printing means for forming the image by printing; A control means for controlling the operation of the printing means, The control means The printing by the printing means is enabled within a predetermined number of sheets and for a predetermined amount of money determined based on contract information relating to a contract between a user who uses the image forming apparatus and a contracting party, An image forming apparatus characterized in that an optional function executable by the image forming apparatus can be used up to a specified number of times for a specified fee determined based on contract information relating to a contract between the user and the contracting party.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit limits the use of the optional function when the number of uses of the optional function exceeds a predetermined number.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means enables the optional function to be used for a fee that is an additional charge in addition to the predetermined fee when the optional function has been used a predetermined number of times.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a number detection unit for detecting the number of times the optional function has been used.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user when the number of times the optional function has been used exceeds the predetermined number of times as a result of detection by the number-of-times detection unit.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet number detection unit for detecting the number of printed sheets.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user when the number of printed sheets exceeds the predetermined number as a result of detection by the sheet number detection unit.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contract enabling the printing by the printing unit and the contract enabling the use of the optional function are both subscription-based contracts.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the contract enabling the printing by the printing unit and the contract enabling the use of the optional function are mutually separate subscription-based contracts.

10. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the contract enabling the printing by the printing unit and the contract enabling the use of the optional function are included in a common subscription-based contract.

11. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, and a server connected to the image forming apparatus so as to be able to communicate with the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes: A printing means for forming the image by printing; A control means for controlling the operation of the printing means, The control means The printing by the printing means is enabled within a predetermined number of sheets and for a predetermined amount of money determined based on contract information relating to a contract between a user who uses the image forming apparatus and the server that is the contracting source, An image forming system characterized in that an optional function executable by the image forming device can be used up to a specified number of times for a specified fee determined based on contract information relating to a contract between the user and the contracting party.

12. 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, comprising: a printing step of forming the image by printing; A control step for controlling the operation of the printing step, In the control step, The printing step enables the printing to be performed within a predetermined number of sheets and for a predetermined amount of money, which is determined based on contract information relating to a contract between a user who uses the image forming apparatus and a contracting party; A control method for an image forming device, characterized in that the use of an optional function executable in the image forming device is permitted up to a specified number of times for a specified fee determined based on contract information relating to a contract between the user and the contracting party.

13. 2. A program for causing a computer to execute each unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images