Image formation device, control method and program therefor

Abstract

To provide means that can use an image formation device during fixed price service contract even when a network failure occurs due to a disaster such as an earthquake.SOLUTION: An image formation device, which is so connected to a server for managing fixed price service via a network as to be capable of communicating, has: limitation means which performs function limitation of the image formation device under the fixed price service if communication with the server is impossible; validation means which validates input means for a value for releasing the function limitation; and release means which releases the function limitation when an input value to the input means is proper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In image forming devices equipped with network capabilities, various services such as defect analysis and billing systems are being developed by transmitting device information and user usage history to a management server. For example, in order to reduce ink management costs, a service in which ink is managed by a management server and automatically delivered when ink is low is one example. In addition, in recent years, with the introduction of flat-rate services, a business model in which an image forming device and ink are provided to a user at a fixed price has become widespread. In order to realize ink management and automatic delivery of ink in such flat-rate services, the image forming device transmits ink information to a server, and the management server manages the ink information for each image forming device and determines whether to deliver a replacement. In addition, the confirmation of the contract information of the flat-rate service and the transmission of the ink information are performed at any time via a network, and if the image forming device and the management server cannot communicate, the flat-rate service is restricted or stopped. Here, the restriction of the flat-rate service means, for example, restricting basic functions such as a print function, a scan function, and a copy function. In addition, considering temporary bandwidth restrictions of the network, it is necessary to consider temporary instability of the network environment, so that even if communication between the management server and the image forming device becomes impossible, these basic function restrictions cannot be reflected immediately. For this reason, in order to provide a certain grace period, an upper limit on the number of prints may be set as a grace period for a communication-unavailable state. On the other hand, it is necessary to consider that the environment surrounding the image forming apparatus may be different from normal conditions due to a disaster such as an earthquake. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a system that cancels user authentication, changes power saving mode, and performs emergency stop according to the alert level of the disaster information when disaster information is distributed from an information distribution server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP2016-49685A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, an image forming device under a flat-rate service contract may experience a network problem that prevents the image forming device from communicating with a management server. As a result, an image forming device that restricts the use of ink other than ink exclusively for the flat-rate service during the flat-rate service contract, specifically, general-sale ink, cannot be used while the network is malfunctioning. In addition, there is a problem that an image forming device of a printing system that restricts or stops the operation of the flat-rate service when the management server and the image forming device cannot communicate cannot be used. The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a means for enabling an image forming device to be used even when a disaster such as an earthquake causes a network failure during a flat-rate service contract, making it impossible to communicate with the server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is characterized in that an image forming device is communicatively connected via a network to a server that manages a flat-rate service, and has a restriction means for restricting the functionality of the image forming device under the flat-rate service when communication with the server is not possible, an enabling means for enabling an input means for a value for lifting the functional restriction, and a release means for lifting the functional restriction when the input value to the input means is appropriate. Effect of the Invention

[0006] Even if the server and the image forming device are unable to communicate with each other during the fixed-rate service contract, the image forming device can still be used. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Overall configuration diagram of a service management system according to an embodiment [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a service management server according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Sequence diagram from system service contract to printer control start [Diagram 5] Flowchart showing control after acquiring printer contract information [Figure 6] Example of contract information held by the device management server [Figure 7] Flowchart of the process for checking the communication status between the printer and the device management server [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restriction release input means. [Figure 9] Flowchart of processing when a code is entered to remove restrictions [Figure 10] Flowchart of offline print limit operation [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] Flowchart of processing of restriction release code between printer and mobile device DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] Overall configuration of the service management system FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a service management system according to the present embodiment. This management system is configured by a printer 100 which is an image forming apparatus, a device management server 200, and a service management server 300 which are communicably connected via a communication network 400 such as the Internet. The printer 100 records the contract information in the NVM 104 of the printer 100, which will be described later, and controls the printer 100 according to the recorded contract information. The printer 100 receives the contract information by communicating with the device management server 200 via the communication network 400. The device management server 200 stores the contract information notified by the service management server 300, and provides the contract information to the printer 100 based on the stored contract information. The communication between the printer 100, the device management server 200, and the service management server 300 uses a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (hereinafter referred to as "HTTP"), and the control method thereof is a known method. Also, although the device management server 200 is interposed between the printer 100 and the service management server 300, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the printer 100 and the service management server 300 may directly exchange contract information via the Internet. Details of the contract information and the control of the printer 100 according to the contract information will be described later.

[0010] Printer hardware configuration 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of an image forming apparatus, that is, a printer 100. The printer 100 has a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an NVM 104, a network connection unit 105, a display unit 106, and an operation unit 107. The CPU 101 is a central processing unit for controlling each section within the printer 100 . The ROM 102 stores various program codes. When each service is executed, data such as image data is temporarily stored or buffered in the RAM 103. The RAM 103 also stores image data received by a network connection unit 105, which will be described later. NVM 104 is a non-volatile memory and stores non-volatile information. For example, NVM 104 stores individual identification information of printer 100, shipping destination information, language settings to be displayed on display unit 106, etc. In printer 100 of this embodiment, contract information for each service, which will be described later, is also stored in NVM 104. The network connection unit 105 is communicably connected to an external device via a USB or a communication network 400. In this embodiment, the printer 100 uses the network connection unit 105 to communicate with the device management server 200 via the communication network 400. The display unit 106 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display, and is capable of displaying characters, figures, indicators, and the like. The display unit 106 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and can also be configured using LEDs or other displays. Information displayed by the display unit 106 includes, for example, setting information for the printer 100, and information about the ink contained in each ink tank (remaining ink amount), and the like. The driving of the display unit 106 is controlled by the CPU 101. The operation unit 107 is made up of switches, hard keys, etc., for the user to perform various input operations. It is also possible to configure the display unit 106 to function as an operation unit for performing input operations, such as a touch panel.

[0011] Furthermore, the printer 100 which is an image forming apparatus includes a scanner 108 , a printer unit 109 , an ink tank unit 110 , a waste ink tank unit 111 and a paper cassette unit 112 . Scanner unit 108 optically reads an original placed on a platen and converts it into electronic data, and further converts the image data into a specified file format and transmits the converted image data to an external device via communication network 400 or stores it in a storage area such as a hard disk (not shown). Printer 100 also has a copy function, which is realized by scanning an original placed on a platen with scanner unit 108 and transferring the generated image data to printer unit 109, which then records an image on a recording medium based on the image data. In printer 100, the scanner function is realized by scanner unit 108, and the print function is realized by printer unit 109. Printer unit 109 receives ink from ink tank unit 110 and performs printing on a recording medium such as printing paper. Printer unit 109 also prints an image on a recording medium by inkjet printing based on image data received from the outside via communication network 400, image data read by scanner unit 108, etc. Note that the printing method of printer unit 109 is not limited to inkjet printing, and may be another printing method such as electrophotography.

[0012] An ink cartridge 113 filled with ink is attached to the ink tank section 110, and the ink in this ink cartridge is supplied to the printer section 109 for printing. The ink cartridge 113 includes a memory 114. Ink cartridge type information is stored in memory 114, and the type information of the installed ink cartridge 113 is transmitted to printer unit 109. This allows printer unit 109 to determine the type of the installed ink cartridge, specifically whether it is ink for a fixed-rate service or not. As another embodiment, printer 100 may include a carriage that scans printer unit 109 over the recording medium, and the carriage with the ink cartridge installed constitutes ink tank unit 110 in this embodiment. As another possible configuration for the ink tank unit 110, the ink tank unit 110 may be provided with an ink inlet, and ink may be stored by injecting ink from an ink bottle. The waste ink tank unit 111 stores waste ink generated when the printer unit 109 performs printing processing using ink supplied from the ink tank unit 110. Waste ink refers to ink that is used for purposes other than ejection onto a recording medium, such as ink suction performed before ink is ejected onto a recording medium in order to stabilize ink ejection. Status information indicating the remaining capacity of the waste ink tank unit 111 is calculated based on the amount of waste ink used by the printer unit 109 outside the recording medium and the capacity of the waste ink tank unit 111. In this case, the calculation result of the remaining capacity may be corrected by mounting a sensor that detects the amount of waste ink in the waste ink tank unit 111, or the remaining capacity that can be stored in the waste ink tank unit 111 may be calculated using only the sensor.

[0013] Paper cassette unit 112 stores recording media such as print paper to be supplied to printer unit 109. Printer unit 109 prints on the supplied paper to form an image. Paper information such as the number of remaining sheets in paper cassette unit 112 is calculated based on the number of sheets supplied to printer unit 109 and the number of sheets stored in paper cassette unit 112. Note that by mounting a sensor that detects the number of sheets stored in paper cassette unit 112, the calculation result of the remaining number of sheets may be corrected, or the remaining number of sheets may be found based only on the sensor result. The various components of the printer 100 are connected to one another via a bus 113, enabling them to send and receive data to and from one another.

[0014] -Hardware configuration of device management server FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the device management server 200. As shown in FIG. The CPU 201 loads software stored in the ROM 202 or the hard disk 204 into the RAM 203 and executes it to perform processes such as calculations, judgments, and controls of data and instructions. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 201 performs various processes. The ROM 202 and hard disk 204 record an operating system (OS), application software, programs, etc. The hard disk 204 also records device information for each printer, which will be described later, and a record table of the contract status of each service. A system bus 206 transmits and receives data between the CPU 201 and information storage devices such as a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and a hard disk 204. Furthermore, the network connection unit 205 uses a wireless LAN or a wired LAN that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a, and transmits and receives data to and from devices on the same network or the Internet using protocols such as TCP / IP. The hardware configuration of the service management server 300 is the same as that of the device management server 200 .

[0015] The device management server 200 and the service management server 300 are not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3, and may be configured to realize the services that can be provided by the device management server 200 or the service management server 300 using a server on a cloud. Also, the device management server 200 and the service management server 300 do not have to be configured by a single server each. In other words, the functions provided by the device management server 200 and the service management server 300 may be realized by a server system consisting of three or more servers or a single server that aggregates all of the servers.

[0016] - Sequence from service contract to start of printer control according to contract information FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence from the service contract to the start of printer control in accordance with the contract information, taking an example of a service that uses a printer and ink for a fixed fee. First, in S401, the user 500 makes a contract for a service on the service management system. Specifically, the user inputs the details of the service contract via an application running on the service management server 300. In response to the user 500 making a service contract, in S402, the CPU 201 of the service management server 300 executes a service registration process for linking the user information with the registered printer 100. When the service registration process is completed, the process proceeds to S403. In S403, the service management server 300 issues instructions to the user regarding the delivery procedure for the printer 100 registered in S402, and the printer 100 is delivered based on the instructions. In S404, the user 500 who has received the printer 100 unpacks the printer 100 and starts the initial installation of the printer 100. In S405, the printer 100 proceeds with the initial installation process in accordance with instructions from the user 500, and performs initial settings such as network settings for connecting to the Internet. In S406, when the printer 100 completes the network connection with the initial settings, it transmits a device registration request to the device management server 200 together with identification information of the printer 100, such as the product serial number. In S407 , the device management server 200 that has received the device registration request performs registration processing based on the identification information received from the printer 100 .

[0017] In S408, when the registration process is completed, the device management server 200 returns the registration result to the printer 100 and notifies the service management server 300 of the completion of device registration. This notification of the completion of device registration to the service management server 300 may be configured to be sent to multiple service management servers 300 for each service. In S409, the service management server 300 receives a device registration completion notification from the device management server 200, and notifies the device management server 200 of the contract information of the associated service based on the device identifier of the printer 100 received at that time. The device management server 200 stores the contract information notified by the service management server 300 therein. In S410, the printer 100 requests the device management server 200 to acquire contract information. The contract information acquisition request in S410 is an HTTP client communication, and the communication includes at least the device identifier information of the printer 100. When the device management server 200 receives a request for contract information from the printer 100 in S410, the device management server 200 notifies the printer 100 of the contract information corresponding to the sent device identifier in an HTTP response. In S411, the printer 100 stores the contract information notified by the device management server 200 in the printer 100, and reflects control according to the contract information in subsequent printer control. In Fig. 4, the contract information is acquired in S410 after the device registration process, but the contract information acquisition process may be performed at any timing other than this. Specific examples include communication every time the network is connected, communication every time a certain period of time has elapsed, etc.

[0018] Printer control Next, the control of the printer 100 after the contract information is acquired in S410 of Fig. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5. This process is realized by the CPU 101 of the printer 100 expanding a program on the RAM 103 and executing it. First, in S501, the contract status of the flat-rate service is confirmed based on the received contract information. The contract status of the flat-rate service is confirmed based on the contract status included in the contract information received from the device management server 200. The contract status is either a state in which the flat-rate service is valid, or a state in which the contract has not been made. In this embodiment, there are two contract statuses, but there may be three or more contract statuses, such as dividing the state in which the flat-rate service is valid into a state in which the flat-rate service for ink only is valid, and a state in which the flat-rate service for printer and ink is valid. If the flat-rate service is valid, CPU 101 advances the process to S502, and if the flat-rate service is not yet contracted, CPU 101 advances the process to S504. In S502, the CPU 101 changes the control of the printer 100 to that for flat-rate service users. A specific example will be given of the change to control for flat-rate service users. Until the contract is confirmed, basic functions such as print, scan, and copy functions are restricted, and after the contract is confirmed, all of these functions become available. Next, in S503, the number of printed pages during the flat-rate service contract is counted in order to manage the number of printed pages. On the other hand, in S504, which is reached if it is determined in S502 that the flat-rate service contract has not been made, the CPU 101 switches the control of the printer 100 to control for when the flat-rate service contract has not been made. Here, a specific example of switching to control when the flat-rate service is not in use will be described. In an example of canceling a flat-rate service including the device, all basic functions are restricted again, and the measurement of the number of printed pages during the flat-rate service contract is stopped. Note that the measurement of the number of printed pages during the flat-rate service contract may or may not be stopped. As another example, in canceling a flat-rate contract due to a device purchase contract, etc., the measurement of the number of printed pages during the flat-rate service contract is stopped, while all restrictions on the basic functions are released.

[0019] (Service contract information) Fig. 6 is an example of service contract information held by the device management server 200 for delivery of ink, a consumable item, for a flat-rate service. The service contract information shown in Fig. 6 has items such as the name of the "contracted user," the "contracted device identifier," the "contract status" of the flat-rate service, the "consumable delivery address," the "delivery area," and the "service status." A specific example of the "service status" may be a status that represents the provision status of the flat-rate service, such as "in operation" or "out of order." When information about an individual contract user is registered in the service registration process S402 or the like, basic information about the delivery contract is stored as contract information, including detailed "consumables delivery address" for ink delivery. Furthermore, the device management server 200 does not need to respond with all of the contract information it holds when a contract information acquisition request is made from the printer 100 in S410 or the like. For example, when a contract information acquisition request is made with a "contract device identifier" attached, the device management server 200 may be configured to respond with only information about the "service contract status" from the contract information corresponding to the "contract device identifier."

[0020] - Communication status check process 7 is a flowchart explaining the communication status check with the device management server 200 before the printer 100 acquires contract information at an arbitrary timing. The arbitrary timing may be, for example, when the network is connected, or every time a certain period of time has elapsed, or when the print function, scan function, or copy function is executed. This process is realized by the CPU 101 of the printer 100 expanding a program on the RAM 103 and executing it. In S701, the CPU 101 executes a check at any time to see if communication with the device management server 200 is possible. The check to see if communication is possible is made based on whether the printer 100 is electrically connected to the communication network 400, or whether communication can be established from the printer 100 to the device management server 200 using a protocol such as TCP / IP. If communication with the device management server 200 is possible (Yes in S701), the CPU 101 advances the process to S702, and if communication with the device management server 200 is not possible (No in S701), the CPU 101 advances the process to S704. If communication with the device management server 200 is possible, first in step S702, the CPU 101 disables a restriction release input means, which will be described later. Next, in S703, the CPU 101 executes the same contract information acquisition process as in S410, and ends this process.

[0021] On the other hand, in step S704, which is the case when communication with the device management server 200 is not possible, the CPU 101 enables the restriction release input means and ends this process. Here, the restriction release input means will be described. When communication with the device management server 200 is not possible, it may occur not only when the user's network connection settings are incorrect, but also when the network line used by the printer 100 becomes unavailable due to a disaster or the like. Since the printer 100 may not be able to distinguish between these two cases, it judges whether communication with the device management server 200 is possible or not based on whether communication with the device management server 200 is possible or not. Normally, when communication with the device management server 200 is not possible, restrictions are imposed on the basic functions and the operation of the flat-rate service. However, when a network failure occurs due to an abnormal situation such as a disaster, it is desirable for the user to continue using the printer 100 without imposing these restrictions. Therefore, when communication with the device management server 200 is not possible, a means for releasing the operation restrictions under the flat-rate service by a means other than communication with the device management server 200 is provided. Specifically, the restriction on the operation under the flat-rate service is to limit the use to only ink dedicated to the flat-rate service.

[0022] (Means for removing restrictions) 8 shows an example of a restriction removal input means using a display unit 106 and an operation unit 107. Note that the display unit 106 and the operation unit 107 will be described as being the same touch panel in terms of hardware. When the restriction release input means is in an enabled state, the screen shown in Fig. 8(a) is displayed on the display unit 106. When the user taps the [Notification] button on the screen, the code input screen for releasing the restriction shown in Fig. 8(b) is displayed. 8B, a code (character string) for removing the restriction can be entered. The code for removing the restriction may be stored in the printer 100 in advance, or may be included in the contract information obtained from the device management server 200 so that the printer 100 can update and store the code. When the restriction release input means is in an invalid state, the code input screen for removing the restriction shown in Fig. 8(b) will not be displayed even if the [Notification] button shown in Fig. 8(a) is tapped. The code input screen for removing the restriction shown in Fig. 8(b) will be displayed only when the restriction release input means is in an valid state.

[0023] (Processing when entering code using restriction release method) The process when a code is input by the restriction removal means as shown in FIG. 8(b) will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. In S901, the CPU 101 of the printer 100 checks whether a code has been entered to remove the restriction. In the example shown in FIG. 8(b), the code is entered into the operation unit 107. Note that, although the operation unit 107 has been used in FIG. 8(b) for explanation, the code input means is not limited to this. For example, the code may be entered by reading a two-dimensional code with the scanner unit 108. If a code has been entered to remove the restriction (Yes in S901), the CPU 101 proceeds to S902, and if not, ends this process. In S902, CPU 101 checks whether the input value matches the value held in the image forming device and is appropriate. If the input value does not match and is not appropriate (No in S902), the operation restrictions of the flat-rate service cannot be lifted, and this process ends. If the input value matches and is appropriate (Yes in S902), CPU 101 advances the process to S903. In S903, the CPU 101 switches the printer 100 to control without a flat-rate service contract. Here, the control without a flat-rate service contract in S903 is similar to the example of the main body buyback contract in S504, and under the flat-rate service, not only is the use of only ink exclusive to the flat-rate service lifted, but all restrictions on basic functions are also lifted. In order to lift restrictions in the event of an abnormality, the measurement of the number of printed pages during the flat-rate service contract may be continued or stopped. In the next step S904, the CPU 101 attempts to acquire the contract information. At this point, the code for removing the restriction has already been entered. However, if the device management server 200 and the printer 100 are unable to communicate due to a disaster or the like, it is preferable to resume communication with the device management server 200 when the network connection is restored, and to resume normal flat-rate services such as determining whether or not to deliver a replacement product. Therefore, the process of S904 is repeated until the network connection is restored and communication with the device management server becomes possible.

[0024] In the event of a disaster, the environment in which user 500 uses printer 100 may be significantly different from that in non-disaster times immediately after network connection is restored. For example, it may be possible that ink, which is a consumable item, cannot be delivered as expected due to disruptions in logistics. In such a case, it is desirable to continue the unrestricted state for a while, regarding this as an abnormal situation, rather than immediately resuming the normal flat-rate service after network connection is restored. Also, it is necessary to prepare for the case where the network connection is restored by the process of S904 and communication with the device management server 200 becomes possible. For this reason, the timing of resuming the flat-rate service is configured to be controllable by an instruction from the device management server 200 to the printer 100. For example, when the "service status" of the service contract information held by the device management server 200 shown in FIG. 6 changes from "fault" to "operating", the printer 100 resumes the flat-rate service. In addition, information such as "service resumption date and time" may be provided, or a state such as "flat-rate service active (abnormal)" may be provided in the "contract status". When the information "service resumption date and time" is used, once the printer 100 has acquired this information, it compares it with the date and time information inside the printer and resumes the flat-rate service by itself. When the information "flat-rate service active (abnormal)" is used, once the printer 100 has acquired this information, it maintains a state in which no restrictions are placed on the basic functions in this state. When the printer 100 acquires contract information at any opportunity, and the "contract status" changes from "flat-rate service enabled (abnormal)" to "flat-rate service enabled," the normal flat-rate service is resumed. As described above, in a service management system that limits or stops the operation of a flat-rate service when the management server and image forming apparatus cannot communicate during the contract, it is possible to provide a means for relaxing the limit using a specified input means.

[0025] [Embodiment 2] In the above-described first embodiment, the printer 100 is controlled to restrict basic functions when it is unable to communicate with the device management server 200, and while the basic functions are restricted, a code for releasing the restriction is entered to enable the basic functions again. However, depending on the contract, when the printer 100 is unable to communicate with the device management server 200, the basic functions may not be restricted immediately, and an upper limit may be set on the number of pages that can be printed when communication is not possible. As with the restriction of basic functions in the first embodiment, when a network failure occurs due to an abnormal event such as a disaster, it is desirable not to set an upper limit on the number of pages that can be printed when communication is not possible. In this embodiment, therefore, a control is described in which an upper limit on the number of prints is set when the printer 100 cannot communicate with the device management server 200, and a code can be entered to release the limit while the upper limit on the number of prints is in effect. Note that the description will be omitted or simplified for content common to the first embodiment. Also, the upper limit on the number of prints of the printer 100 in a situation in which the device management server 200 and the printer 100 cannot communicate will hereinafter be referred to as the upper limit on the number of offline prints.

[0026] - Offline print limit processing The process of limiting the upper limit of the number of offline prints in the printer 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the enabling and disabling of the limit release input means and the code input for limit release are similar to those in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted. First, the flowchart in Fig. 10 starts when printer 100 receives a print job from an external device connected via USB or communication network 400. In addition, if printer 100 has a function for generating a print job by itself, such as a copy function, the flowchart in Fig. 10 also starts when the print job is generated and executed. This process is realized by CPU 101 of printer 100 expanding a program on RAM 103 and executing it. In S1001, the printer 100 checks whether the restriction has been lifted. If the restriction has been lifted (Yes in S1001), the CPU 101 does not control the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed offline thereafter, executes the print job, and ends the process of the flowchart in Fig. 10. In other words, if the restriction has been lifted, the user 500 is not restricted from executing the print job. If the restriction has not been lifted (No in S1001), the CPU 101 of the printer 100 advances the process to S1002. In S1002, the number of offline printed sheets is acquired. The number of offline printed sheets is measured and stored by the printer itself by measuring the number of printed sheets in S903.

[0027] In the next step S1003, the CPU 101 calculates the total number of printed sheets of the print job being executed and the current offline printed sheet count. In S1004, CPU 101 compares the total value calculated in S1003 with the upper limit of the number of sheets to be printed offline. If the upper limit of the number of sheets to be printed offline is greater than or equal to the total (No in S1004), printing is still possible in the offline state, so CPU 101 executes the print job and ends the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 10. If the upper limit of the number of sheets to be printed offline is less (Yes in S1004), CPU 101 advances the processing to S1005. In step S1005, the CPU 101 restricts printing and ends the process. At this point, the user 500 is restricted from executing print jobs. In this embodiment, the case where the number of pages printed in the print job is known in S1002 has been described, but there are cases where the number of pages printed in the print job is unknown at the time of S1002. This may be the case when the amount of data that printer 100 can receive is small, or when data is received from an external device in units of one page or smaller, and printing is performed each time. In such cases, in steps S1002 to S1004, the total value is calculated in units of one page, making it possible to determine whether the upper limit of the number of offline print pages has been reached in units of pages.

[0028] [Embodiment 3] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the restriction release input means using the display unit 106 and the operation unit 107 of the printer 100 has been described. Recently, mobile terminals have come into widespread use. A mobile terminal may use a mobile network line (mobile line) that is not used by the printer 100, and in an emergency such as a disaster, the mobile line may be restored earlier than the network line used by the printer 100. In this embodiment, therefore, a restriction release input unit is provided in the mobile terminal, and the restricted state of the printer 100 is released in response to an instruction from the mobile terminal.

[0029] -Hardware configuration of mobile device FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal. The CPU 1101 loads software stored in the ROM 1102 or NVM 1104 onto the RAM 1103, and performs processes such as calculation, judgment, and control of data and instructions. The RAM 1103 is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 1101 performs various processes. The NVM 1104 records the operating system (OS), application software, programs, and the like. A system bus 1109 transmits and receives data between the CPU 1101 and information storage devices such as the ROM 1102, RAM 1103, and NVM 1104. Furthermore, the network connection unit 1105 uses a wireless LAN or a wired LAN that complies with standards such as IEEE802.11a, and transmits and receives data to and from devices on the same network or the Internet using protocols such as TCP / IP. The display unit 1106 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display, and is capable of displaying characters, figures, indicators, etc. The display unit 1106 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and can also be configured using LEDs or other displays. In this embodiment, the display unit 1106 and the operation unit 1107 are configured as a touch panel, which is the same hardware. The mobile terminal also has a reading unit 1108. In this embodiment, the reading unit 1108 is a camera, and data captured by the reading unit 1108 can be transferred to and stored in the RAM 1103 or NVM 1104, or displayed on the display unit 1106.

[0030] · Exchange of unlock codes FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the exchange of restriction release codes between the printer 100 and a portable terminal. First, in S1201, a dedicated application for controlling the printer 100 is installed on the mobile terminal. The application installation means is not particularly specified. For example, a dedicated application may be downloaded and installed via an application installation platform provided in accordance with the OS of the mobile terminal. Next, in S1202, the portable terminal and the printer 100 are connected. There is no particular restriction on the means for connecting the portable terminal and the printer 100. For example, it is possible to use a wireless network such as a wireless LAN or a wireless USB that conforms to a standard such as IEEE802.11a via the network connection units 105 and 1105 of both devices. Also, a USB or other wired network connection may be used. Either S1201 or S1202 may be performed first. Next, in S1203, the restriction release code for the printer 100 is input to the mobile terminal. The restriction release input means in the mobile terminal is provided in a dedicated application, and is controlled by the mobile terminal acquiring the status of the printer 100. For example, the restriction release input means may be enabled when it is determined that the status of the printer 100 does not allow communication with the device management server 200. The restriction release input means in the dedicated application of the mobile terminal is the same as that of the printer 100 described in FIG. 8, and therefore details are omitted. The user 500 acquires the code for releasing the restriction by having the mobile terminal access a server that discloses the code for releasing the restriction, such as the device management server 200, using a mobile line. When the acquired code for removing the restriction is input in S1203, in S1204 the CPU 1101 of the mobile terminal transmits the input restriction removal code information to the printer 100. The mobile terminal and the printer 100 are connected by a predetermined method, for example, wireless LAN, and communication is performed via the network connection units of both. The printer 100 then performs the control described in the flowchart of Fig. 9 on the received code for removing the restriction to make a judgment. (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0031] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus communicably connected to a server managing a flat-rate service via a network, a limiting means for limiting functions of the image forming apparatus under the flat-rate service when communication with the server is not possible; an enabling means for enabling an input means for a value for releasing the function restriction; a release means for releasing the function restriction when an input value to the input means matches a value held in the image forming apparatus; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) The functional restriction is to restrict the use of the ink exclusively for the fixed-price service. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The function restriction is an upper limit on the number of prints. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second components are arranged in a same plane. (Configuration 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the input means is an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus. (Configuration 5) The input means is a mobile terminal connected via a wired or wireless network. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 6) The value held in the image forming device is updated by the server. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, (Configuration 7) When the input means is enabled by the enabling means and communication with the server becomes possible, the input means is disabled. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, (Method 1) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus communicably connected to a server managing a flat-rate service via a network, comprising: a limiting step of limiting functions of the image forming apparatus under the flat-rate service when communication with the server is not possible; an enabling step of enabling an input means for inputting a value for releasing the function restriction; a release step of releasing the function restriction when an input value to the input means matches a value held in the image forming apparatus; 21. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image forming apparatus according to the first method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 100 Printers 200 Device Management Server 300 Service Management Server 400 Communication Network 500 users

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus communicably connected to a server managing a flat-rate service via a network, a limiting means for limiting functions of the image forming apparatus under the flat-rate service when communication with the server is not possible; an enabling means for enabling an input means for a value for releasing the function restriction; a release means for releasing the function restriction when an input value to the input means matches a value held in the image forming apparatus; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The functional restriction is to restrict the use of the ink exclusively for the fixed-price service.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The function restriction is an upper limit on the number of prints.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

5. The input means is a mobile terminal connected via a wired or wireless network.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

6. The value stored in the image forming device is updated by the server.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

7. When the input means is enabled by the enabling means and communication with the server becomes possible, the input means is disabled.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

8. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus communicably connected to a server managing a flat-rate service via a network, comprising: a limiting step of limiting functions of the image forming apparatus under the flat-rate service when communication with the server is not possible; an enabling step of enabling an input means for inputting a value for releasing the function restriction; a release step of releasing the function restriction when an input value to the input means matches a value held in the image forming apparatus; 21. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

9. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 8.

Images