Image forming system, server device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To allow an image forming apparatus to use an appropriate image forming condition according to the type of a sheet.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus transmits, to a server device, a request signal including information on the type of a sheet. The server device determines if the type of the sheet is the same as a specific type for the server device, and transmits a response signal. The specific type is a type of a sheet delivered from a service provider to a user according to a subscription contract. When the type of the sheet is the same as the specific type, a response signal is generated which indicates that image formation is executed according to a second image forming condition prepared in advance for the specific type. The image forming apparatus forms an image on the sheet according to the response signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, a server device, and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] The control parameters appropriate for an image forming apparatus may differ depending on the unevenness and transparency of the sheet surface. According to Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus is proposed that optically detects the unevenness, transparency, and edge shadow of the sheet surface, and controls the conveying speed, fixing temperature, and transfer conditions according to the detection results. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-091110 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Various types of sheets are prevalent in the market. Even sheets generally called plain paper have different characteristics depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, it is difficult to set appropriate control parameters for all types of sheets present in the market. On the other hand, if the manufacturer providing the sheets and the manufacturer providing the image forming apparatus are the same, the characteristics of the sheets are known, so more appropriate control parameters will be provided. In particular, according to a subscription service for consumables, which has become widespread in recent years, toner and sheets are delivered periodically or as needed. Therefore, the type of sheet can be clearly determined, and the corresponding control parameters can be prepared in advance. Therefore, the present invention aims to allow an image forming apparatus to use appropriate image forming conditions according to the sheet type. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to, for example, An image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a server device that is connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, The image forming apparatus includes: a selection unit for selecting a first image forming condition according to the type of the sheet; a first transmitting means for transmitting a request signal including type information indicating a type of the sheet to the server device; a first receiving means for receiving a response signal corresponding to the request signal; and an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet, The server device includes: a second receiving means for receiving the request signal from the image forming apparatus; a determination means for determining whether the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as a specific type that is a type of sheet delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract; a second transmission means for generating the response signal instructing execution of image formation under second image forming conditions prepared in advance for the specific type of sheet when the type of sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type, and transmitting the response signal to the image forming apparatus; having The image forming system provides an image forming means that forms an image on the sheet according to the first image forming condition or the second image forming condition based on the response signal. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatus to use appropriate image forming conditions according to the sheet type. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a method for replacing a toner cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a controller of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an image forming system (a sheet management system). [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a server device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a management database (DB). [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a control method of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of the server device. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a control method of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a management database (DB) according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing a control method of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of the server device. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a user terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a user terminal. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of the server device. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a print instruction screen according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0009] <First Example> This embodiment is applicable to image forming apparatuses such as copy machines, printers, facsimile receivers, multifunction machines, etc. The image forming apparatus in this embodiment is a color laser printer, but may be a printer employing another image forming method, such as a monochrome laser printer or an inkjet printer.

[0010] (1) Image forming device FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is a rotary type full-color laser beam printer, but may be a tandem type laser beam printer. The photosensitive drum 1 is an image carrier that rotates counterclockwise while carrying an electrostatic latent image or a toner image. The charging roller 2 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 using a predetermined charging voltage. The exposure device 3 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with laser light according to an image signal to form an electrostatic latent image. The rotary body 9 has toner cartridges 7y, 7m, 7c, 7k and developing rollers 4y, 4m, 4c, 4k, and is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees each by the drive gear 21. The toner cartridges 7y, 7m, 7c, 7k hold yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively. In this way, y, m, c, and k added to the end of the reference numerals mean yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. When matters common to the four colors are described, the letters y, m, c, and k are omitted from the reference symbols. The rotary body 9 rotates to switch the developing roller 4 facing the photosensitive drum 1. In FIG. 1, the developing roller 4k and the photosensitive drum 1 face each other, and the electrostatic latent image is developed using black toner to form a black toner image. As the photosensitive drum 1 further rotates, the toner image is transported to the primary transfer nip where the photosensitive drum 1 and the primary transfer roller 5 face each other. A predetermined developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 4k. The primary transfer roller 5 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 1 to the intermediate transfer body 6 using a predetermined primary transfer voltage. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are transferred to the intermediate transfer body 6 in order. As a result, a full-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer body 6. The intermediate transfer body 6 is, for example, an endless belt (intermediate transfer belt) that rotates clockwise. The toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip by the rotation of the intermediate transfer body 6. The secondary transfer nip is formed by the intermediate transfer body 6 and a secondary transfer roller 14 coming into contact with each other.

[0011] The sheet cassette 8 is a loading platform, storage, or storage platform for storing or stacking the sheets S. The pickup roller 10 picks up the sheets S stored in the sheet cassette 8 and transports them downstream. Here, downstream means downstream in the transport direction of the sheets S from the sheet cassette 8 toward the discharge tray 20. The feed roller 11 transports the sheets S further downstream. The separation roller 12 rotates so as to return the remaining sheets S, except for the topmost sheet S, out of the multiple sheets S taken out of the sheet cassette 8 to the sheet cassette 8. As a result, the sheets S are transported one by one to the secondary transfer nip. The registration roller 13 is a roller that corrects the skew of the sheets S and adjusts the timing at which the sheets S arrive at the secondary transfer nip. The secondary transfer roller 14 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer body 6 to the sheet S using a predetermined secondary transfer voltage.

[0012] A fixing device 15 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer nip. The fixing device 15 has a fixing film 16, a heater 18 that heats the fixing film 16, and a pressure roller 17 that is pressed toward the fixing film 16. The heater 18 heats the fixing film 16 so that the temperature (fixing temperature) of the fixing film 16 reaches a predetermined target temperature. When the sheet S passes through the fixing nip formed by the fixing film 16 and the pressure roller 17, the toner image and the sheet S are supplied with heat and pressure. As a result, the toner image is fixed onto the sheet S. An ejection roller 19 ejects the sheet S onto an ejection tray 20.

[0013] A user of the image forming apparatus 100 may have a subscription service. The subscription service is a service in which consumables (e.g., toner, sheet S) of the image forming apparatus 100 are automatically delivered to the user when the consumables (e.g., toner, sheet S) of the image forming apparatus 100 are running low. The user can receive the appropriate consumables at the appropriate time. Therefore, the user is less likely to encounter an event in which the consumables run out and an image cannot be formed. The user can place the sheet S prepared by the user in the sheet cassette 8 and form an image on the sheet S. The media sensor 25 is optional and detects the type of the sheet S supplied from the sheet cassette 8. This may specify whether the type of the sheet S is a type prepared by the user or a specific type delivered to the user from the service provider under the subscription contract. Alternatively, type information indicating the type of the sheet S may be input by the user from the operation unit 30. In other words, the operation unit 30 may function as a reception unit that receives an input operation for the type information. The type is specified, for example, from the size and material. Examples of materials include paper such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film, cloth, surface-treated sheet materials such as coated paper, and sheet materials of special shapes such as envelopes or index paper.

[0014] The toner cartridges 7y, 7m, 7c, and 7k are mounted on movable cartridge trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k, respectively. A cartridge door 60 is provided on the front side of the housing 50. When the cartridge tray 80 moves through the cartridge door 60, the toner cartridges 7 are exposed to the outside of the housing 50.

[0015] Figures 2(A) to 2(C) show a method for replacing the toner cartridge 7. According to Figure 2(A), the sheet table 200, which also functions as a cover for the sheet cassette 8, is open. The cartridge door 60 is closed.

[0016] When an instruction to replace the toner cartridge 7 is given through the operation unit 30, the cartridge door 60 opens and the cartridge tray 80 moves from the inside to the outside as shown in FIG. 2(B). This also exposes the toner cartridge 7 to the outside. The user removes the toner cartridge 7 that has run out of toner from the cartridge tray 80. Then, the user mounts a new toner cartridge 7 that has been delivered to the user from the service provider based on a subscription contract into the cartridge tray 80. The cartridge tray 80 is mounted in the rotary body 9 manually or by a motor. As the cartridge tray 80 moves into the inside of the image forming device 100, the cartridge door 60 closes.

[0017] (2) Control unit of image forming device 3 shows a central processing unit (CPU) 301 and other components constituting a control unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 301 controls the image forming apparatus 100 by executing a control program stored in a ROM area of ​​the memory 302. The memory 302 can include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a semiconductor storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), and the like.

[0018] The operation unit 30 includes a display device (e.g., liquid crystal display) that displays information to the user, and an input device (touch sensor) that is operated by the user to input information to the CPU 301. The communication circuit 303 is a communication circuit that communicates with a computer such as a server device or a user terminal. The counter 304 counts the consumption (number of sheets) of the sheets S delivered from the service provider to the user under a subscription contract. The CPU 301 controls the heater 18, motors M1 to M3, high-voltage power supply 305, exposure device 3, etc., using control information (image forming conditions) according to the type of the sheets S. The motor M1 rotates the rotary body 9. The motor M2 moves the cartridge tray 80. The motor M3 drives the feed roller 11, the secondary transfer roller 14, etc. The high-voltage power supply 305 generates a charging voltage, a developing voltage, a primary transfer voltage, a secondary transfer voltage, etc. The CPU 301 adjusts the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the temperature (fixing temperature) of the heater 18 becomes a target temperature. The target temperature is one of the image forming conditions according to the type of sheet S. The conveying speed of the secondary transfer roller 14 and the like are also one of the image forming conditions according to the type of sheet S. The charging voltage, the developing voltage, the primary transfer voltage, and the secondary transfer voltage are also one of the image forming conditions according to the type of sheet S.

[0019] There are several functions that are realized by the CPU 301 executing the control program. The request transmission unit 311 creates a request signal (request) for the server device 401 shown in FIG. 4 and transmits the request signal to the server device 401 through the communication circuit 303. The selection unit 312 selects image forming conditions for image formation according to the type of the sheets S stored or stacked in the sheet cassette 8. The response reception unit 313 receives a response signal (response) from the server device 401 through the communication circuit 303. The determination unit 314 executes a determination process to be described later based on the response signal. The determination process includes, for example, determining whether the image forming conditions determined by the image forming apparatus 100 itself should be used or whether the image forming conditions provided by the server device 401 should be used. The setting unit 315 sets the image forming conditions in the control unit 316. The control unit 316 controls the heater 18, the motors M1 to M3, the high-voltage power supply 305, the exposure device 3, and the like to execute image formation.

[0020] The registration unit 321 is used in the second embodiment, and stores the contract information transmitted from the server device 401 in the memory 302. The control determination unit 322 determines the image formation conditions based on the contract information stored in the memory 302.

[0021] The counting unit 331 is used in the third embodiment, and counts the number of sheets on which images are formed using the counter 304. The notifying unit 332 notifies the server device 401 of the count value of the counter 304.

[0022] (3) Image formation system (management system) 4 shows an example of an image forming system 400. The image forming system 400 includes the image forming device 100 and a server device 401.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 100 is installed in a user environment E1 where a user exists. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a local network N1, which may be, for example, a local area network (LAN). The server device 401 is installed in a remote environment E2. The remote environment E2 is connected to the local network N1 via an external network N2. The external network N2 may be, for example, the Internet or a virtual private network (VPN). Each of the local network N1 and the external network N2 may include any type and any number of network nodes, such as, for example, routers, switches, gateways, wireless access points, and base stations.

[0024] In the user environment E1, a user uses the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on a sheet S as described above.

[0025] The server device 401 centrally manages the contract status of each sheet S by a plurality of users. The server device 401 can be implemented as an application server, a database server, or a cloud server, for example, using a high-performance general-purpose computer. The user terminal 402 is a terminal device that provides a user with a user interface for supporting the process cartridge management function of the server device 401. The user terminal 402 may be, for example, a general-purpose wireless communication terminal device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal computer (PC), or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The image forming apparatus 100 may also provide a user with a user interface through the operation unit 30.

[0026] The functions of the server device 401 may be provided by a single computer, or may be provided by multiple physically separate computers working together. Some of the databases described as being held by the server device 401 may be held by a computer separate from the server device 401 (e.g., another database server).

[0027] (4) Server equipment 5 shows an example of the configuration of the server device 401. The server device 401 includes a CPU 501, a memory 502, a communication interface (I / F) 503, and a management database (DB) 551.

[0028] The CPU 501 controls the server device 401 by executing a control program stored in the memory 502. The memory 502 may include a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, and an HDD. The communication I / F 503 is a communication circuit that enables the server device 401 to communicate with other devices. For example, the communication I / F 503 communicates with the image forming device 100 and the user terminal 402 that exist in the user environment E1. The communication I / F 503 may be a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit.

[0029] The memory 502 may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 502 stores one or more computer programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data.

[0030] The management DB 550 is made up of a group of tables for managing the control conditions of the sheet S to one or more image forming apparatuses under the control of the image forming system 400. More specifically, the management DB 550 includes an account table 551 and a control table 552.

[0031] The account table 551 is a table that holds information about the accounts of users who use the seats S provided by the subscription service. The account table 551 may include, for example, one or more of the following information items: "User ID" "Contract Sheet" The "user ID" is identification information for uniquely identifying each user account. The "contract sheet" indicates the type of sheet S that each user has contracted with the business operator that operates the image forming system 400. There are also cases where the subscription service contract is not per user but per image forming device. In this case, the "image forming device ID" may be used instead of the "user ID".

[0032] The control table 552 is a table that holds image forming conditions associated with type information of the sheet S. The control table 552 may include, for example, one or more of the following information items: "Seat Information" "Image formation conditions" "Sheet information" indicates type information of sheet S provided by the subscription service. The sheet information may be any information that can uniquely identify the type of sheet S, such as the product name of the sheet S. "Image formation condition" is at least one image formation condition that is predefined for each type of sheet S registered in the "sheet information." For example, the image formation conditions include throughput (the number of sheets on which images are formed per unit time), conveying speed, and fixing temperature.

[0033] 5, the CPU 501 executes a control program to realize various functions. A request receiving unit 511 receives a request signal from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication I / F 503. The request signal includes an image forming apparatus ID (or a user ID) and sheet information used for printing.

[0034] A response transmitting unit 512 creates a response signal corresponding to the request signal, and transmits the response signal to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication I / F 503. A data management unit 513 registers data in the management DB 550, and updates the data held in the management DB 550.

[0035] The determination unit 514 acquires sheet information associated with the image forming apparatus ID (or user ID) from the account table 551 obtained through the data management unit 513. The determination unit 514 judges whether the sheet information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 matches the sheet information registered in the account table 551. If they match, the image forming apparatus 100 is about to form an image on the sheet S delivered from the service provider to the user according to the subscription contract. Then, the control decision unit 515 acquires the image forming conditions associated with this sheet information from the control table 552 through the data management unit 513. The response transmission unit 512 creates a response signal including the image forming conditions acquired from the control table 552, and transmits the response signal to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication I / F 503.

[0036] On the other hand, there are cases where the sheet information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 does not match the sheet information registered in the account table 551. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 is attempting to form an image on a sheet S that is different from the sheet S delivered to the user from the service provider under the subscription contract and that is prepared by the user. In this case, the control determination unit 515 creates a response signal indicating that the image forming conditions determined by the image forming apparatus 100 itself should be used as is. The response transmission unit 512 transmits the response signal to the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication I / F 503.

[0037] In this manner, in this embodiment, as an example, a contract for the sheet S is adopted in a contract form that is made on a per-user basis. Contract information for the sheet S is registered in advance in the server device 401. Image formation conditions are determined by the server device 401.

[0038] The registration unit 521 is used in the second embodiment and registers the contract information (control table 552) in the image forming apparatus 100. The update unit 531 is used in the third and fourth embodiments and updates the remaining number of sheets S that are the subject of the contract (remaining contract number).

[0039] 6 shows an example of an account table 551 and an example of a control table 552. According to the account table 551 of this example, a user identified by a user ID of "U01" has contracted two types of seats S that are distinguished by type information of "PA" and "PB".

[0040] The control table 552 stores image forming conditions (throughput=32 ppm, fixing temperature=180° C.) associated with the type information "PA." Furthermore, the control table 552 stores image forming conditions (throughput=16 ppm, fixing temperature=170° C.) associated with the type information "PB."

[0041] Here, "PA" may be assumed to be A4 size paper. Type information for general plain paper of A4 size may be assumed to be "A4 (plain paper)". The control table 552 stores image formation conditions (throughput = 30 ppm, fixing temperature = 185°C) associated with "A4 (plain paper)". When A4 paper is used without a subscription contract, printing is performed under the conditions for A4 (plain paper).

[0042] "PB" may be assumed to be A5 size paper. Type information for general plain paper of A5 size may be assumed to be "A5 (plain paper)". The control table 552 stores image formation conditions (throughput = 15 ppm, fixing temperature = 175°C) associated with "A5 (plain paper)". When A5 paper is used without a subscription contract, printing is performed under the conditions for A5 (plain paper). As already explained, the sheet characteristics of "PA" and "PB" are known. Therefore, printing can be performed under more favorable conditions.

[0043] (4) Sequence (4-1) Sequence diagram 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a schematic process flow related to printing of a sheet S that is the subject of a contract. This sequence mainly involves the image forming apparatus 100, the server apparatus 401, and the user terminal 402. Prior to the start of the sequence, the user's account information is registered in the account table 551 of the management DB 550. Type information and image formation conditions of the sheet S that is the subject of the contract are already registered in the control table 552.

[0044] In S700, the user terminal 402 transmits user account information and a print job including data of an image to be printed to the image forming apparatus 100 installed in the user environment E1 (print instruction). The image forming apparatus 100 receives the print instruction from the user terminal 402. The user account information includes a user ID. The print job includes type information indicating the type of sheet S set by the user via the operation unit 30 or the user terminal 402. In this manner, the CPU 301 accepts the type information via the operation unit 30 or the user terminal 402.

[0045] In S701, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the account information and the print job received from the user terminal 402 to the server apparatus 401 via the external network N2 (image formation condition request). The server apparatus 401 receives a print information request including the account information and the print job from the image forming apparatus 100. The print information request may be called a request signal or a request signal.

[0046] In S702, the control decision unit 515 of the server device 401 decides the image forming conditions. For example, the data management unit 513 refers to the account table 551, acquires type information linked to the user ID included in the user account information received in S701, and judges whether it matches the type information included in the print job. The type information included in the print job may not be included in the type information indicating the type of the sheet S contracted by the user. In this case, the control decision unit 515 creates a response signal indicating that the image forming conditions determined by the image forming device 100 itself should not be changed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that a print job including "PA" as type information is sent from a user assigned with "U01" as the user ID. In this case, according to the account table 551, it is found that the user has contracted with "PA". Therefore, the control decision unit 515 refers to the control table 552 and acquires the image forming conditions (throughput=32 ppm, fixing temperature=180° C.) associated with "PA".

[0047] In S703, the control determination unit 515 creates a response signal including the determined image formation conditions, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 100. This may be called an image formation condition notification. The response signal may be called a response signal. The image forming apparatus 100 receives the response signal including the image formation conditions from the server apparatus 401.

[0048] In S704, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the received response signal (image forming condition setting). For example, the CPU 301 sets the throughput to 32 ppm, and drives the motor M3 in accordance with 32 ppm. The CPU 301 also controls the heater 18 so that the fixing temperature of the heater 18 becomes a target temperature corresponding to 180° C.

[0049] In S705, the CPU 301 forms an image on a sheet S in accordance with the print job (print output).

[0050] (4-2) Flowchart of image forming device FIG. 8 shows a control method executed by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with a control program.

[0051] In S801, the CPU 301 receives a print instruction from the user terminal 402. The print instruction includes a user ID and a print job (which may include size information and type information of the sheet S).

[0052] In S802, the CPU 301 (selection unit 312) provisionally determines image forming conditions according to the type of sheet S specified by the print instruction. Note that these image forming conditions may be image forming conditions initially set in the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, these image forming conditions may be image forming conditions set via the operation unit 30.

[0053] In S803, the CPU 301 (request transmission unit 311) transmits a request signal to the server device 401. The request signal includes a user ID and a print job (including at least type information).

[0054] In S804 , the CPU 301 (response receiving unit 313 ) transmits a response signal from the server device 401 .

[0055] In S805, the CPU 301 (determination unit 314) determines whether or not the image formation conditions need to be changed based on the response signal. If the image formation conditions need to be changed, the CPU 301 proceeds from S805 to S806. In S806, the CPU 301 (setting unit 315) sets the image formation conditions specified by the response signal to the image forming apparatus 100. Thereafter, the CPU 301 proceeds from S806 to S807.

[0056] If it is not necessary to change the image forming conditions, the CPU 301 proceeds from S805 to S810. In S810, the CPU 301 (setting unit 315) sets the provisionally determined image forming conditions to the image forming apparatus 100. After that, the CPU 301 proceeds from S810 to S807.

[0057] In S807, the CPU 301 (control unit 316) executes image formation according to the image formation conditions.

[0058] (4-3) Flowchart of the server device FIG. 9 shows a control method executed by the CPU 501 of the server device 401 in accordance with a control program.

[0059] In S901, the CPU 501 (request receiving unit 511) receives a request signal from the image forming apparatus 100. The request signal includes user account information (user ID) and a print job (type information).

[0060] In S902, the CPU 501 (determination unit 514) determines whether the type of sheet S specified by the received request signal is subject to the contract. For example, the determination unit 514 refers to the account table 551 via the data management unit 513, and acquires type information indicating the contract type associated with the user ID. The determination unit 514 determines whether the type information acquired from the account table 551 matches the type information included in the request signal. If the type of sheet S specified by the request signal is subject to the contract, the CPU 501 proceeds from S902 to S903.

[0061] In S903, the CPU 501 (control determination unit 515) acquires image forming conditions corresponding to the type of sheet S specified by the request signal from the control table 552. That is, from among multiple sheet types for which the user has a contract, image forming conditions corresponding to the type of sheet S specified by the request signal are acquired.

[0062] In S904 , the CPU 501 (the control determination unit 515 and the response transmission unit 512 ) creates a response signal including the image formation conditions acquired from the control table 552 , and transmits the response signal to the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in S902 that the type of sheet S specified by the request signal is not subject to the contract, the CPU 501 proceeds from S902 to S910. In S910, the CPU 501 (control determination unit 515, response transmission unit 512) creates a response signal indicating that the provisionally determined image formation conditions should not be changed, and transmits the response signal to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the information that can be the image forming condition may be information that can be changed depending on the type of sheet S. The image forming condition illustrated in FIG. 6 is information indicating a control mode, but this is only one example. For example, a numerical value may be adopted as the throughput. In this case, the unit of the throughput value may be, for example, pages per minute (ppm). ppm indicates the number of sheets on which images are formed per unit time. In this way, any image forming condition that can be recognized by the image forming apparatus 100 can be adopted as the image forming condition. The image forming condition may be any of the sheet conveying speed, the fixing temperature of the fixing means, the charging voltage, the developing voltage, the primary transfer voltage, and the secondary transfer voltage.

[0065] <Second Example> In the second embodiment, a contract form is adopted in which a contract for the sheet S is concluded for each image forming apparatus. When a subscription contract for the sheet S is concluded, contract information for the sheet S is registered in the server device 401. Also, in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the image formation conditions. In the second embodiment, since the contract is for each image forming apparatus, the account table 551 is not necessary. However, the control table 552 is still required.

[0066] 10 is a sequence diagram showing a method for printing an image on a contracted type of sheet S. This sequence mainly involves the image forming apparatus 100, the server device 401, and the user terminal 402.

[0067] In S1000, the CPU 501 (registration unit 521) of the server apparatus 401 registers, in the memory 302 of the image forming apparatus 100, contract information including type information of the sheets S contracted by the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, a control table 552 including type information of the sheets S to be supplied to the image forming apparatus 100 by the subscription contract and image formation conditions associated with the type information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 301 (registration unit 321) of the image forming apparatus 100 writes the received control table 552 in the memory 302.

[0068] In S1001, CPU 301 (registration unit 321) of image forming apparatus 100 transmits a completion signal indicating that registration of contract information (control table 552) is completed to server apparatus 401. Upon receiving the completion signal, CPU 501 (registration unit 521) of server apparatus 401 ends the contract information registration process. Here, server apparatus 401 registers the contract information in image forming apparatus 100, but the user may register the contract information in image forming apparatus 100 by operating operation unit 30 or user terminal 402.

[0069] In step S1002, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print instruction from the user terminal 402 in the user environment E1. The print instruction includes image data of an image to be printed, size information of the sheet S, and type information.

[0070] In S1003, the CPU 301 (selection unit 312) of the image forming apparatus 100 determines the image forming conditions based on the type information of the sheet S included in the print job. For example, the determination unit 314 determines whether the type information (specified type) specified by the print job matches the type information (contract type) included in the control table 552 held in the memory 302. If the specified type matches the contract type, the control determination unit 322 acquires the image forming conditions associated with the specified type (contract type) from the control table 552. On the other hand, if the specified type does not match the contract type, the CPU 301 (selection unit 312) determines the image forming conditions corresponding to the specified type. Another control table that stores the association between the specified type and the image forming conditions may be stored in the memory 302. This other control table may be the same as the control table used when provisionally determining the image forming conditions in the first embodiment. For example, if the specified type is PB, PB is registered as the contract type in the control table 552 shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, the control determination unit 322 determines the image forming conditions (throughput=30 ppm, fixing temperature=170° C.) corresponding to PB from the control table 552. S1004 and S1005 are the same as S704 and S705, respectively.

[0071] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a control method executed by CPU 301 of image forming apparatus 100. As described with reference to Fig. 10, server apparatus 401 registers contract information (control table 552) in advance in image forming apparatus 100. In Fig. 11, steps S803 to S806 shown in Fig. 8 are replaced with steps S1103 and S1104. Therefore, steps S1103 and S1104 will be mainly described. CPU 301 proceeds from S802 to S1103.

[0072] In S1103, the CPU 301 (determination unit 314) determines whether the specified type is the contracted type. Specifically, it determines whether type information indicating the type of sheet S specified by the print job matches any type information stored in the control table 552 of the memory 302. If the specified type does not match the contracted type, the CPU 301 proceeds from S1103 to S810. If the specified type matches the contracted type, the CPU 301 proceeds from S1103 to S1104.

[0073] In S1104, CPU 301 (control determination unit 322, setting unit 315) acquires image formation conditions corresponding to the contract type (designated type) from control table 552 and sets them in image forming apparatus 100. For example, a throughput corresponding to a control mode included in the image formation conditions is set as a target rotation speed of motor M3. Also, a fixing temperature corresponding to a control mode included in the image formation conditions is set as a target temperature of heater 18. Thereafter, CPU 301 proceeds from S1104 to S807.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the control table 552 is stored in the memory 302 of the image forming apparatus 100. However, the control table 552 may still be stored in the server apparatus 401. In this case, the CPU 301 may access the server apparatus 401 in S1104 and acquire the image formation conditions from the control table 552 stored in the management DB 550 via the data management unit 513 of the server apparatus 401.

[0075] <Third Example> (1) Basic Concept The first and second embodiments have been described on the assumption that the image forming apparatus 100 does not have a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet S. Therefore, the sheet information specified by the user and included in the print job is used as type information.

[0076] However, there are rare cases where a user completely consumes sheets S of a contract type before the sheets S of the contract type are delivered. In this case, the user may prepare another type of sheets S that is not the subject of the contract and set it in the sheet cassette 8. In this case, the user may mistake the type of sheets S set in the sheet cassette 8 for the contract type and set type information through the operation unit 30. In the first and second embodiments, the image formation conditions for the contract type will be used in such a case.

[0077] Therefore, in the third embodiment, more appropriate image formation conditions are set by using the media sensor 25 and the counter 304 that monitors the remaining number of sheets S of the contract type.

[0078] (2) Database 12 shows an example of an account table 551 and an example of a control table 552 in the third embodiment. The account table 551 stores the user ID of a user who has subscribed to the subscription service, type information indicating the type of the sheet S to be subscribed, and the remaining number of sheets S to be subscribed (remaining number of contracts), in association with each other. The control table 552 in the third embodiment is similar to the control table 552 in the first embodiment.

[0079] (3) Sequence 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a method for printing an image on a sheet S for which a user has made a contract. This sequence mainly involves the image forming apparatus 100, the server device 401, and the user terminal 402. Prior to the start of the sequence, the user's account information is registered in the account table 551 of the management DB 550. The contract information for the sheet S is registered in the control table 552.

[0080] In S1300, the user terminal 402 transmits a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 100. The print instruction includes user account information and a print job including image data of an image to be printed. The image forming apparatus 100 receives the print instruction from the user terminal 402.

[0081] In S1301, the image forming apparatus 100 creates a request signal based on the received print instruction and transmits the request signal to the server apparatus 401 (image formation condition request). The request signal includes the account information received from the user terminal 402, the print job, and type information indicating the type of the sheet S acquired by the media sensor 25. The server apparatus 401 receives the request signal for requesting the image formation conditions from the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the account information includes "U01" as the user ID. Also, the type information is "PA." The timing for detecting the type of the sheet S may be immediately before the start of printing, or may be at another timing.

[0082] In S1302, the server device 401 determines the image forming conditions based on the request signal. Furthermore, the data management unit 513 of the server device 401 refers to the account table 551 based on the request signal, and acquires the contract type associated with the user ID (e.g., U01). The determination unit 514 determines whether the type detected by the media sensor 25 is the contract type. According to FIG. 12, the contract types are PA and PB. Therefore, the type detected by the media sensor 25 matches the contract type. Therefore, the control determination unit 515 refers to the control table 552, and acquires the image forming conditions associated with PA. That is, the throughput is determined to be 32 ppm. The fixing temperature is determined to be 180° C. Note that, if the type detected by the media sensor 25 does not match the contract type, the image forming device 100 determines the image forming conditions based on the type detected by the media sensor 25.

[0083] In S1303, the server device 401 transmits a response signal including the determined image formation conditions to the image forming apparatus 100 (notification of image formation conditions). The image forming apparatus 100 receives the response signal including the image formation conditions from the server device 401.

[0084] In S1304, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the received image forming conditions in the image forming apparatus 100. In S1305, the image forming apparatus 100 controls the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the image forming conditions to form an image on the sheet S (print output).

[0085] The CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 100 counts the number of sheets S on which an image is printed and which are the subject of a contract, using the counter 304. Note that since the user has contracted for PA and PB, the counter 304 counts the number of sheets in PA and the number of sheets in PB independently.

[0086] In S1306, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the account information, the number of printed sheets which is the count value of the counter 304, and the identification information to the server apparatus 401 (notification of the number of printed sheets). The server apparatus 401 receives the number of printed sheets, the identification information, and the account information from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0087] In S1307, the data management unit 513 of the server device 401 refers to the account table 551 based on the account information and updates the remaining contract quantity. For example, the data management unit 513 subtracts the number of printed sheets from the remaining contract quantity registered in the account table 551. Note that when the sheets S that are the subject of the contract by the subscription service are delivered to the user, the data management unit 513 updates the remaining contract quantity associated with the user. For example, the number of delivered sheets S is added to the remaining contract quantity.

[0088] (4) Flowchart (4-1) Image forming device 14 shows a control method executed by the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with a control program. The same reference numerals are given to processes that have already been described, and the description thereof will be omitted. S1401 is inserted between S801 and S802. In addition, S1407 to S1409 are added after S806.

[0089] In S1401, the CPU 301 detects the type of the sheet S using the media sensor 25. The media sensor 25 may have a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detect the type of the sheet S by detecting reflected light and transmitted light from the sheet S. Also, a sensor consisting of an ultrasonic receiver and an ultrasonic transmitter may be adopted as the media sensor 25. Thereafter, the CPU 301 proceeds from S1401 to S802.

[0090] CPU 301 proceeds from S806 to S1407. At S1407, CPU 301 (control unit 316) executes image formation on sheet S that is the subject of the contract. At S1408, CPU 301 (counting unit 331) counts the number of sheets on which images are printed, using counter 304. At S1405, CPU 301 (notification unit 332) transmits the number of printed sheets, type information, and account information acquired by counter 304 to server device 401.

[0091] If the type detected by the media sensor 25 is not the contract type, then a negative determination is made in S805, and the CPU 301 executes S810 and S807. Since the type detected by the media sensor 25 is not the contract type, the number of printed sheets is not notified to the server device 401.

[0092] (4-2) Server equipment 15 shows a control method executed by the CPU 501 of the server device 401 in accordance with a control program. The same reference numerals are given to processes that have already been described, and the description thereof will be omitted. S1503 is added between S902 and S903. In addition, S1505 and S1506 are added after S904.

[0093] If it is determined in S902 that the type detected by the media sensor 25 is the contract type, the CPU 501 proceeds from S902 to S1503. In S1503, the CPU 501 (determination unit 514) refers to the account table 551 based on the user ID and type information, acquires the remaining contract number, and determines whether the remaining contract number exceeds a threshold value (e.g., 0). The threshold value may be an integer equal to or greater than 1. If the remaining contract number does not exceed the threshold value (i.e., the remaining contract number is equal to or less than the threshold value), the CPU 501 proceeds from S1503 to S910.

[0094] CPU 501 proceeds from S904 to S1505. At S1505, CPU 501 (update unit 531) receives the number of sheets on which images are printed from image forming apparatus 100. This number is the number of sheets S that are the subject of the contract. In addition to the number of sheets printed, the user ID and type information are also received. At S1506, CPU 501 (update unit 531) updates the remaining contract quantity held in account table 551 based on the received number of sheets printed. Update unit 531 identifies the remaining contract quantity associated with the received user ID and type information from among the multiple remaining contract quantities registered in account table 551, and subtracts the number of sheets printed from the identified remaining contract quantity. Note that if the type detected by media sensor 25 is not the contract type, the remaining quantity is not updated.

[0095] In this way, in the third embodiment, the image formation conditions may be determined according to the remaining number of sheets S covered by the contract. When the remaining number becomes 0, the CPU 501 may determine that the contract has ended. Alternatively, instead of the remaining number, the image formation conditions may be determined based on the number of contract days or the contract expiration date. For example, when the remaining number of contract days becomes 0, the CPU 501 may proceed from S1503 to S910. Also, if the day on which the request signal was received is after the contract expiration date, the CPU 501 may proceed from S1503 to S910.

[0096] 12, in the third embodiment, the remaining number of sheets S that are the subject of a contract is held in an account table 551. As described in the second embodiment, the account table 551 may be registered in the memory 302 of the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, as described in the second embodiment, the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 100 executes the update of the remaining number in S1506 and the determination of the remaining number in S1503. For example, S1503 is inserted between S1103 and S1104. S1506 is inserted after S807.

[0097] <Fourth Example> (1) Basic Concept The timing at which the account table 551 is registered in the server device 401 is the timing at which the user concludes (renews) the subscription contract. That is, the account table 551 is registered (updated) at this timing. However, if the account table 551 is updated at the same time as the subscription contract is concluded, inconvenience may occur. For example, the remaining number of sheets S in the contract may be reduced even though the user does not have the sheets S delivered by the subscription service. In this case, a code printed or attached to the wrapping paper of the sheets S delivered to the user may be read by a camera, and the read result may be transmitted to the server device 401. If the code included in the received read result is a code that is the subject of the subscription contract, the server device 401 starts (renews) the subscription contract. That is, if the code received from the user is a code that is the subject of the subscription contract, updating of the remaining number of the contract is started. In this way, the conclusion date and the start date of the subscription contract may be different. This will prevent the remaining number of the contract from being reduced even though the user does not have the sheets S delivered by the subscription service.

[0098] (2) User terminal 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 402 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 402 includes a communication I / F 1611, a memory 1612, a camera 1613, an input device 1614, a display device 1615, and a CPU 1616.

[0099] The communication I / F 1611 is an interface (communication circuit) for the user terminal 402 to communicate with other devices. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the communication I / F 1611 communicates with the image forming apparatus 100 present in the user environment E1 and the server apparatus 401 present in the remote environment E2. The communication I / F 1611 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. When the communication I / F 1611 is a wireless communication interface, the communication I / F 1611 may be, for example, a WLAN interface for communicating with a WLAN access point or a cellular communication interface for communicating with a cellular base station. Although only a single communication I / F 1611 is shown in FIG. 16, the user terminal 402 may be provided with a plurality of different communication modules for communicating with the image forming apparatus 100 and the server apparatus 401, respectively. The communication between the user terminal 402 and the image forming apparatus 100 may be performed using a communication protocol for connecting peripheral devices, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0100] The memory 412 may include any type of storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory, such as a ROM or RAM, an optical disk, or a magnetic disk. The memory 1612 may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 1612 stores one or more computer programs executed by the CPU 1616 and various data.

[0101] The camera 1613 is a module capable of capturing an image or video of a subject. The camera 1613 is used to optically read unique code information 1619 attached to the wrapping paper 1618 of the sheet S delivered under the subscription contract. The code information 1619 may be a two-dimensional barcode or the like. Alternatively, the code information 1619 may be information stored in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In this case, the camera 1613 would be replaced with a tag reader.

[0102] The input device 1614 is used as a user interface for accepting operations and information input by a user. The input device 1614 may include, for example, one or more of a touch sensor, a keypad, a keyboard, a pointing device, and a microphone. The code information 1619 may include, for example, type information of the sheets S, the number of sheets S included in the sheet package, and a user ID.

[0103] The display device 1615 is used to display images and information and may be composed of, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED).

[0104] The CPU 1616 provides various functions of the user terminal 402 by executing computer programs stored in the memory 1612. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, the CPU 1616 can function as a request sending unit 1620, a code acquiring unit 1630, a response receiving unit 1650, and an application unit 1640. In this specification, only functions related to registering information of unique code information 1619 in the account table 551 will be mainly described. However, the CPU 1616 may also provide the user with many other functions that the user terminal 402 generally has.

[0105] The request sending unit 1620 may obtain the status of the image forming apparatus 100 (for example, power on / off, remaining toner amount, etc.) and present the obtained status to the user. When the user selects the image forming apparatus 100 via the input device 1614 and instructs printing, the request sending unit 1620 transmits a print job including image data of the image to be printed to the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 prints the image on the sheet S according to the print job.

[0106] The code acquisition unit 1630 is used by the user to register (update) the type information in the server device 401. The code acquisition unit 1630 acquires the read result of the code information 1619 (a read image or characters decoded from the read image) through the camera 1613. As an example, the code information 1619 may be an optically readable code printed on the wrapping paper 1618 of the sheet package. Alternatively, a piece of paper on which the code information 1619 is printed may be included in the sheet package. In this case, the code acquisition unit 1630 optically reads the code information 1619 using the camera 1613. As another example, the code information 1619 may be a code that can be read manually (for example, visually). In this case, the code acquisition unit 1630 may acquire the input code information 1619 by having the user input the code information 1619 using the input device 1614.

[0107] The application unit 1640 may be an application that operates in cooperation with the server device 401 and manages the sheet S that is the subject of the subscription contract. The application unit 1640 may be a web browser. For example, when a user account is newly registered in the server device 401 and when a change occurs in the user account, the application unit 1640 displays an account information input screen on the display device 1615. When the account information is input on the account information input screen, the application unit 1640 transmits the received account information to the server device 401 via the communication I / F 1611. When a sheet package wrapped in wrapping paper 1618 is delivered to a user and the code information 1619 is read by the camera 1613, the application unit 1640 displays an information input screen for the sheet S on the display device 1615. When the information of the sheet S is input on the information input screen for the sheet S, the application unit 1640 transmits the received information of the sheet S to the server device 401 via the communication I / F 1611.

[0108] The application unit 1640 may provide a user who wishes to make a subscription contract with a user interface for concluding a subscription contract through the server device 401. The application unit 1640 may cause the display device 1615 to display a predetermined message on the scheduled delivery date. This message may include information that prompts the user to read the code information 1619. Furthermore, this message may include information that prompts the user to use the sheet S that is the subject of the contract in the image forming apparatus 100 after reading of the code information 1619 is completed.

[0109] The server device 401 executes the registration of the sheet S based on the unique code information 1619 attached to the wrapping paper 1618 of the sheet S. Thereafter, the response receiving unit 1650 receives the registration result of the sheet S from the server device 401. The registration result may be directly transmitted from the server device 401 to the image forming device 100. In this case, the user terminal 402 does not need to transmit the registration result to the image forming device 100. The application unit 1640 displays the registration result of the sheet S received from the server device 401 on the display device 1615. If the registration result of the sheet S is successful, the application unit 1640 starts a subscription contract for the sheet S. That is, the application unit 1640 subtracts one from the remaining contract number each time an image is formed on the sheet S. This will prevent erroneous subtraction of the remaining contract number.

[0110] (3) Sequence (3-1) Sequence diagram 17 shows a method for registering predetermined information in the account table 551 using code information 1619 on the wrapping paper 1618 when the contracted type of sheet S is delivered to the user. This sequence mainly involves the server device 401 and the user terminal 402. Prior to the start of the sequence, the user's account information and the contract information of the sheet S are registered in the account table 551 of the management DB 550, as in the third embodiment.

[0111] In S1700, the user reads the code information 1619 on the packaging paper 1618 of the contracted sheet S delivered by using the camera 1613 of the user terminal 402. When the user reads the code information 1619, the CPU 1616 (code acquisition unit 1630) acquires the code information from the camera 1613. Here, the code information 1619 has the following information. The type information is "PB". The number of sheets is "500". The user ID is "U01". The request transmission unit 1620 transmits the code information to the server device 401 via the communication I / F 1611, and inquires whether the user account and the contracted type are correct. The determination unit 514 of the server device 401 refers to the account table 551 via the data management unit 513 and determines whether the code itself is correct. For example, the determination unit 514 may determine whether the user ID included in the received code information is registered in the account table 551. If the code itself is correct, the determination unit 514 obtains type information indicating the contract type associated with the user ID included in the received code information from the account table 551. The determination unit 514 determines whether the type information included in the received code information matches any type information obtained from the account table 551. If the received type information matches any type information registered, the data management unit 513 adds the number information included in the received code information to the remaining contract number in the account table 551. In the case of this embodiment, the received type information is "PB", the number is "500", and the user ID is "U01". In the account table 551, the remaining contract number of the type information "PB" associated with "U01" is "50000". Therefore, 500 is added to the remaining contract number of 50000, and the remaining contract number of the type information "PB" is updated to "50500".

[0112] In S1701, the response transmission unit 512 notifies the user terminal 402 of the completion of the update via the communication I / F 503. The application unit 1640 displays the received update result on the display device 1615. Here, immediately after the subscription contract is concluded, the user does not have the sheet S in hand (undelivered). Similarly, the remaining number of sheets in the contract may become 0 when the image forming apparatus 100 executes printing of the sheet S. In this case, the user does not have the sheet S in hand until the contracted sheet S is next delivered. Therefore, the data management unit 513 may set the remaining number of sheets in the contract to "0" at the stage when the user starts or renews the contract. When the code information 1619 of the delivered wrapping paper 1618 is read by the camera 1613, the data management unit 513 may add a predetermined number to the remaining number of sheets in the contract. This will prevent the remaining number of sheets in the contract from being erroneously subtracted even if an image is printed on a sheet S that is not covered by the contract and that the user owns.

[0113] The code information in this embodiment is an example, and other information may be added. The subsequent printing flow is as already described, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] (3-2) Flowchart 18 shows a control method executed by the CPU 1616 of the user terminal 402. As in the third embodiment, the server device 401 registers contract information (control table 552) in advance in the server device 401.

[0115] In S1801, the CPU 1616 reads the code information 1619 attached to the wrapping paper 1618 of the delivered sheet package using the camera 1613. That is, the code acquisition unit 1630 acquires the code information 1619 from the camera 1613.

[0116] In S1802, the CPU 1616 (request transmission unit 1620) requests the server device 401 to register the code information 1619 in the account table 551 of the user via the communication I / F 1611. Here, the request signal transmitted includes the acquired code information 1619.

[0117] In S1803, the CPU 1616 (response receiving unit 1650) receives from the server device 401 the result of registration of the code information 1619 in the account table 551 of the user.

[0118] In S1804, the CPU 1616 determines whether or not the registration of the code information 1619 was successful based on the received registration result. If the registration was successful, the CPU 1616 proceeds from S1804 to S1805. If the registration was not successful, the CPU 1616 proceeds from S1804 to S1806.

[0119] In S1805, the CPU 1616 displays the registration result received from the server apparatus 401 on the display device 1615, and ends this flowchart.

[0120] In S1806, the CPU 1616 displays on the display device 1615 that the code information 1619 could not be registered. The registration may fail if the read code information 1619 itself is incorrect. Another cause may be that the code information 1619 is correct, but the user ID does not exist in the account table 551. In these cases, the display device 1615 may display the cause of the error and a solution.

[0121] Fig. 19 shows a control method executed by CPU 501 of server device 401. As in Fig. 18, contract information (account table 551) is registered in advance in server device 401. Here, account table 551 shown in Fig. 12 is used.

[0122] In S 1901 , the CPU 501 (request receiving unit 511 ) receives a code registration request from the user terminal 402 .

[0123] At S1902, the CPU 501 (determination unit 514) determines whether the user ID included in the received code information 1619 exists in the account table 551. That is, it is determined whether the received user ID matches any user ID registered in the account table 551. The user ID included in the code information 1619 is "U01". "U01" exists in the account table 551 shown in FIG. 12. Therefore, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1902 to S1903. On the other hand, if there is no account table 551 including "U01" as a user ID, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1902 to S1910.

[0124] In S1903, the CPU 501 (determination unit 514) determines whether the type indicated by the type information included in the received code information 1619 is the contracted type. The data management unit 513 refers to the account table 551 based on "U01" included in the received code information 1619, and acquires type information indicating the type of the contract target. Furthermore, the data management unit 513 determines whether the received type information matches any type information acquired from the account table 551. Here, the received type information is "PB". The type information associated with the user ID "U01" in the account table 551 is "PB". Therefore, it is determined that the sheet S in the user's hand is the contracted sheet S. In this case, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1903 to S1904. If the received type information does not match any type information acquired from the account table 551, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1903 to S1910.

[0125] In S1904, the CPU 501 (data management unit 513, update unit 531) updates the account table 551. For example, the update unit 531 adds the contract remaining quantity "500" included in the code information to the contract remaining quantity "50000" associated with the type information "PB" in the account table 551. As a result, the contract remaining quantity is updated to "50500".

[0126] In S1905, the CPU 501 (response transmission unit 512) transmits the update result of the account table 551 by the update unit 531 to the user terminal 402 via the communication I / F 503. This ends the present flowchart.

[0127] In S1910, the CPU 501 (data management unit 513, update unit 531) does not update the account table 551. In other words, if the user ID included in the code information does not exist in the account table 551, and if the type information included in the code information 1619 does not exist in the account table 551, the account table 551 is not updated. In S1905, the CPU 501 (response transmission unit 512) transmits the update result of the account table 551 (e.g., update failure) to the user terminal 402 via the communication I / F 503.

[0128] According to the fourth embodiment, the user can more easily start (renew) a subscription contract by reading the code information 1619 of the sheet S that is the subject of the subscription contract delivered to the user. As a result, the remaining number of contracts can be managed more accurately.

[0129] <Fifth Example> 20 shows screens 2000-2003 related to registration of a subscription contract, which are displayed on the user terminal 402 by the server device 401. The screens 2000-2003 may be, for example, web pages written in HTML (hypertext markup language).

[0130] Screen 2000 is the screen that is displayed when a user registers an account. User information required to conclude a subscription contract is entered on screen 2000. If a user ID has already been created, input of the user ID may be omitted. If a user ID has not yet been created, a user ID may be issued at the same time as registering the account. Here, the information that the user enters includes "user ID," "password," "contractor name," "contractor address," "delivery address," and "payment method."

[0131] Screen 2001 is a screen that is displayed for the user to register the contract type. Input is accepted regarding the subject of the subscription contract (e.g., combination of consumables) and its details. Contract types can be selected from "cartridge only," "paper only," and "cartridge and paper." Screen 2001 also allows the selection of detailed information on cartridges and paper. "Cartridge type" allows the selection of the number of pages that can be printed with one cartridge (lifespan). "Paper type" allows the selection of type information "PA" or "PB" explained in FIG. 6.

[0132] The screen 2002 is a screen for accepting registration of a subscription plan (service plan). Here, inputs are accepted for "scheduled service start date", "contract period", and "maximum number of sheets / month". In "scheduled service start date", the date (scheduled date) on which the use of the consumables determined in the registration of the contract type will start is input. As already explained, the scheduled date is the date on which the cartridge or sheet S that is the subject of the subscription contract is delivered to the user, the code information 1619 is read, and the user ID, etc. are registered in the server device 401. Here, an approximate scheduled date is input. In the contract period, a contract period starting from the service start date is selected. For example, a period desired by the user is selected from "1 month", "3 months", "6 months", and "1 year". Furthermore, "maximum number of sheets / month" is input. "Maximum number of sheets / month" is the maximum number of sheets S that the user can print per month under the subscription contract. If the number of printed sheets exceeds the maximum number, the image forming device 100 may be prohibited from further printing. If the additional fee is paid, the image forming apparatus 100 may be permitted to continue printing. For example, the user selects the desired upper limit number of sheets / month from "100 sheets / month", "300 sheets / month", "500 sheets / month", and "unlimited / month". To make it easy for the user to specify the "contract period" and "upper limit number of sheets / month", the "fee" corresponding to the selected combination of "contract period" and "upper limit number of sheets / month" may be displayed.

[0133] Screen 2003 displays at least a portion of the contents of the subscription contract determined by the user via screens 2000 to 2002. The user checks the contract contents via screen 2003 and presses an OK button 2004 to conclude the subscription contract.

[0134] The contents described here are merely examples. The information that the user can input through the screens 2000 to 2003, the procedure for inputting the information, the type of information, the means used to input the information, the units of the information, the numerical values, etc. are arbitrary.

[0135] According to the fifth embodiment, a screen 2000 for registering an account, a screen 2001 for registering a contract type, a screen 2002 for registering a plan, and a screen 2003 for confirming the contract details are displayed on the user terminal 402. This allows the user to easily apply for and renew a subscription contract.

[0136] <Sixth Example> FIG. 21A shows a print instruction screen 2100 displayed on the user terminal 402 of a user without a subscription contract. In the print instruction screen 2100, the items to be determined by the user include "number of sheets," "paper size," "paper type," "color," "layout," and "options." "Number of sheets" refers to the number of sheets S on which an image is printed. "Paper size" refers to the size of the sheets S on which an image is printed. "Paper type" refers to type information such as plain paper, recycled paper, glossy paper, and sheets S that are the subject of a subscription contract. "Color" refers to monochrome printing or color printing. "Layout" refers to single-sided, double-sided, and the number of pages per sheet. "Options" refers to any print settings required depending on the paper type or the image to be printed. The user determines these settings by himself and executes printing. There may be a default setting for each item. In this case, if the user does not select any setting, printing is executed with the default setting.

[0137] FIG. 21B shows a print instruction screen 2101 displayed on the user terminal 402 of a user with a subscription contract. The items of the print instruction screen 2101 that are common to the print instruction screen 2100 have already been explained, so the explanation is omitted. In the print instruction screen 2101 with a subscription contract, a list including the paper types that are the subject of the subscription contract is displayed in "paper type". Here, "PB", which is type information added in the fourth embodiment, is included in the list. Here, when "PB" is selected, an option suitable for printing "PB" may be automatically selected. If PB is a special paper called high resistance paper, the option "high resistance paper" is automatically set. In the print instruction screen 2100 without a subscription contract, the user had to determine from the image or the like and set the print settings of the options as necessary. However, in the print instruction screen 2101 with a subscription contract, the options are automatically set according to the selected paper type. For example, the specific contents of the "option" may be linked to the type information in the account table 551. As a result, the "option" linked to the paper type may be automatically set. That is, the control determination unit 515 creates image forming conditions to which the optional print settings associated with the paper type are applied, creates a response signal including the image forming conditions, and transmits the response signal to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0138] By automatically setting the "options" in this way, more appropriate print control may be executed without relying on the user's judgment. In the first to third embodiments, the method of changing the optimal control using the control table 552 has been described. The control may be changed according to the option settings.

[0139] When the contents of the subscription contract are changed, the contents displayed by the application unit 1640 of the user terminal 402 on the display device 1615 may be updated as necessary. For example, the display contents may be updated at the timing when the user terminal 402 of the fourth embodiment is notified of the completion of updating the account table 551.

[0140] When the response receiving unit 1650 receives the update completion notification of the account table 551, it stores the updated content of the account table 551 of the user transmitted from the server device 401 in the memory 1612. The application unit 1640 updates the print instruction screen 2101 with subscription contract based on the content stored in the memory 1612, and displays it on the display device 1615.

[0141] The print instruction screen 2101 may be updated based on the information in the account table 551. The print instruction screen 2100 or the print instruction screen 2101 is provided depending on whether or not a subscription contract is made.

[0142] <Technical ideas derived from examples> (Item 1) An image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a server device that is connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, The image forming apparatus includes: A selection unit (e.g., a selection unit 312, a CPU 301) for selecting a first image forming condition according to the type of the sheet; A first transmitting means (e.g., a request transmitting unit 311, a communication circuit 303) for transmitting a request signal including type information indicating the type of the sheet to the server device; A first receiving means (e.g., a response receiving unit 313, a communication circuit 303) for receiving a response signal corresponding to the request signal; An image forming means (e.g., a rotary body 9, a control unit 316) for forming an image on the sheet, The server device includes: A second receiving unit (e.g., a request receiving unit 511, a communication I / F 503) that receives the request signal from the image forming apparatus; A determination means (e.g., a determination unit 514, a CPU 501) for determining whether the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as a specific type that is a type of sheet delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract; a second transmission means (e.g., a CPU 501, a control determination unit 515, a communication I / F 503) that generates the response signal specifying execution of image formation under second image formation conditions prepared in advance for the specific type when the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type, and transmits the response signal to the image forming apparatus; having The image forming system, wherein the image forming means forms an image on the sheet according to the first image forming condition or the second image forming condition based on the response signal.

[0143] When a user subscribes to a subscription service for consumables, the type of sheet S is known to the subscription service provider. In addition, the type of sheet S may be known to the server device 401. In such a case, the server device 401 can cause the image forming device 100 to use image forming conditions prepared in advance for a specific type. (Item 2) The image forming system described in item 1, wherein the second transmitting means, when the type of the sheet based on the request signal is not identical to the specific type, creates the response signal specifying that image formation be performed under the first image formation conditions and transmits the response signal to the image forming device.

[0144] If the type of sheet S is not a specific type, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the image forming conditions. This makes it possible to cause the image forming apparatus to use appropriate image forming conditions according to the sheet type. (Item 3) The server device further comprises: A storage unit (e.g., a memory 502, a management DB 550) is provided for storing type information indicating the specific type and the second image forming condition associated with the type information, the determining means is configured to determine whether or not type information included in the request signal matches type information stored in the storage means, The image forming system described in item 1, wherein when type information included in the request signal matches type information stored in the storage means, the second transmission means reads out the second image formation conditions corresponding to the type information included in the request signal from the storage means and transmits the second image formation conditions to the image forming device via the response signal.

[0145] In this way, the server device 401 may hold a database of image formation conditions corresponding to a specific type. This makes it possible to provide appropriate image formation conditions for each type even if multiple types of sheets S are delivered by the subscription service. (Item 4) 4. The image forming system according to item 3, wherein the storage means stores type information indicating the specific type in association with the user's identification information.

[0146] 6, the account table 551 may store user IDs and category information in association with each other. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately identify the category to which each user has made a contract. (Item 5) 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit stores type information indicating the specific type in association with identification information of the image forming device.

[0147] Instead of the user ID, unique identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 (e.g., a manufacturing serial number, etc.) may be registered in the account table 551. Alternatively, unique identification information for each contract, such as a contract number, may be adopted instead of the user ID. (Item 6) The image forming apparatus further comprises: a receiving unit (e.g., an operation unit 30, a communication circuit 303) for receiving type information indicating the type of the sheet designated by a user; 6. The image forming system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first transmission unit is configured to transmit the type information accepted by the acceptance unit to the server device by the request signal.

[0148] In this manner, the type information may be provided by the user. (Item 7) 7. The image forming system according to item 6, wherein the accepting unit is an input unit (eg, operation unit 30) that accepts an input operation by the user. (Item 8) 7. The image forming system according to item 6, wherein the reception unit is configured to receive the type information transmitted from a wireless communication terminal (eg, user terminal 402) of the user.

[0149] The wireless communication terminal may be a wired communication terminal such as a personal computer (PC). (Item 9) The image forming apparatus further comprises: A stacking means (e.g., a sheet cassette 8) for accommodating the sheets; A conveying means (e.g., a feed roller 11) for conveying the sheets stacked on the stacking means to the image forming means; A detection means (e.g., a media sensor 25) for detecting the type of the sheet, 2. The image forming system according to item 1, wherein the first transmission unit is configured to transmit the type information indicating the type detected by the detection unit to the server device by the request signal.

[0150] In this manner, the type information may be acquired by a sensor. (Item 10) The image forming apparatus further comprises: A loading means for storing the sheets; a conveying means for conveying the sheets stacked on the stacking means to the image forming means; An acquisition unit for acquiring the number of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit; a notification means (e.g., a notification unit 332, a communication circuit 303) for notifying the server device of the number acquired by the acquisition means, the first transmission means is configured to transmit the type information indicating the type of the sheets stacked on the stacking means to the server device by the request signal; The server device includes: The method further includes a monitoring means (e.g., a CPU 501, an account table 551) for monitoring the remaining number of the sheets delivered from the service provider to the user under the subscription contract based on the number notified by the notifying means, The second transmission means of the server device creating the response signal specifying the use of the second image forming condition when the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type and the remaining number of the sheets exceeds a threshold value (e.g., 0); 2. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein when the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type and the remaining number of sheets is equal to or less than the threshold value, the image forming system creates a response signal specifying the use of the first image forming conditions and transmits the response signal to the image forming device.

[0151] As explained in the third embodiment, the image forming conditions may be determined taking into consideration the remaining number of contracts. There are cases where the user inputs the type information of the contract object by mistake and the sheets S of the contract object are already out of stock. Even in such a case, the image forming conditions appropriate to the current state of the image forming device 100 will be set. (Item 11) 11. The image forming system according to item 10, wherein the monitoring means starts decrementing the remaining number when delivery of the specific type of sheets to the user is completed.

[0152] As described in the fourth embodiment, the server device 401 and the image forming device 100 may start subtracting the remaining number when the delivery of the sheets S is completed. This will prevent erroneous subtraction. Note that the timing when the delivery of the sheets S is completed may be the timing when the code information 1619 read by the camera 1613 is registered in the server device 401. (Item 12) The image forming system described in item 10 or 11, wherein the monitoring means receives from the user a reading result of code information attached to a sheet package delivered to the user, and when the code information included in the reading result matches the code information linked to the user, starts decrementing the remaining number.

[0153] As described in the fourth embodiment, the CPU 501 may receive the result of reading the code information 1619 attached to the sheet package from the user terminal 402. Then, when the received code information 1619 (e.g., user ID, type information) matches the code information registered in the account table 551, subtraction of the remaining number may be started. This will prevent erroneous subtraction. (Item 13) The user's terminal device (e.g., user terminal 402) A reading means (e.g., a camera 1613) for reading the code information attached to the sheet package (e.g., wrapping paper 1618) delivered to the user; and a request transmission means (e.g., a request transmission unit 1620) for transmitting a request signal for registering the code information read by the reading means in the server device, The server device includes: A request receiving means (e.g., a request receiving unit 511) for receiving the request signal from the terminal device; and a determination means (e.g., a data management unit 513) for determining whether the code information included in the request signal is correct code information. 13. The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein the monitoring means starts subtracting the remaining number when the code information included in the request signal is the correct code information.

[0154] As described in the fourth embodiment, subtraction of the remaining number may be started when the code information 1619 included in the request signal is correct code information registered in the account table 551. This will prevent erroneous subtraction. (Item 14) The image forming system according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the server device provides the user with a screen (e.g., screens 2000 to 2003) for accepting the selection of a service plan including a combination of consumables covered by the subscription contract, and accepts the selection of the service plan through the screen.

[0155] As described in the fifth embodiment, by providing screen 2001 and screen 2002, the user will be able to select a service plan more easily. (Item 15) The terminal device of the user further includes a display unit (e.g., a display device 1615) for displaying a screen (e.g., a print instruction screen 2101) for receiving a selection of the type of the sheet and a selection of optional print settings to be applied to the sheet, 15. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein when the specific type is selected on the screen, the server device includes the print settings of the option associated with the specific type in the second image forming conditions.

[0156] In this manner, optional print settings may be associated with a particular type of sheet S that is the subject of a subscription contract, so that appropriate print settings for the particular type are automatically set without the user having to manually select the optional print settings. (Item 16) The image forming means includes: A conveying means for conveying the sheet; A photoconductor; a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor using a charging voltage; an exposure unit for exposing the surface of the photoreceptor to light to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image with toner by using a developing voltage to form a toner image; a primary transfer means for transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer medium using a primary transfer voltage; a secondary transfer means for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer body to the sheet using a secondary transfer voltage; a fixing means for fixing the toner image onto the sheet; having The first image forming condition and the second image forming condition are A throughput is the number of sheets on which images are formed per unit time in the image forming apparatus. The conveying speed of the sheet; the fixing temperature of the fixing means; the charging voltage, the developing voltage, the primary transfer voltage, or The secondary transfer voltage 17. The image forming system according to any one of items 1 to 16, comprising at least one of the following: (Item 17) A server device connected to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet via a network, the image forming apparatus is configured to select a first image forming condition corresponding to a type of the sheet, transmit a request signal including type information indicating the type of the sheet to the server apparatus, receive a response signal corresponding to the request signal, and form an image on the sheet based on the response signal; The server device includes: a receiving means for receiving the request signal from the image forming apparatus; a determination means for determining whether the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as a specific type that is a type of sheet delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract; a transmission means for generating the response signal specifying the use of a second image forming condition prepared in advance for the specific type when the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type, and transmitting the response signal to the image forming apparatus; having The image forming apparatus forms an image on the sheet according to the first image forming condition or the second image forming condition based on the response signal. (Item 18) An image forming apparatus connected to a server device via a network, The image forming apparatus includes: a selection means for selecting a first image forming condition according to a type of sheet; a transmitting means for transmitting a request signal including type information indicating the type of the sheet to the server device; a receiving means for receiving a response signal corresponding to the request signal; and an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet, the server device receives the request signal from the image forming device, determines whether the type of the sheet based on the request signal is identical to a specific type that is a type of sheet delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract, and if the type of the sheet based on the request signal is identical to the specific type, creates the response signal specifying that image formation be performed under second image formation conditions prepared in advance for the specific type, and transmits the response signal to the image forming device; The image forming device, wherein the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet according to the first image forming condition or the second image forming condition based on the response signal. (Item 19) An image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a server device that is connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, The server device includes: a registration unit (e.g., a CPU 501, a registration unit 521) for registering in the image forming apparatus second type information indicating a type of sheet to be delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract and second image forming conditions associated with the second type information; The image forming apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores the second type information and the second image forming conditions registered by the registration unit; A loading means for accommodating the seats; an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet; An acquisition unit (e.g., a media sensor 25) for acquiring first type information indicating the type of the sheets loaded on the loading unit; a determination unit (e.g., CPU 301) that determines a first image forming condition corresponding to the first type information, When the first type information and the second type information match, the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet using the second image forming condition stored in the storage unit.

[0157] As described in the second embodiment, the second type information of the sheet S delivered from the service provider to the user under the subscription contract and the second image forming conditions for the sheet S may be registered in the image forming apparatus 100 from the server apparatus 401. If the type of the sheet S is the contract type, the image forming apparatus 100 adopts the second image forming conditions. If the type of the sheet S is not the contract type, the image forming apparatus 100 adopts the first image forming conditions. This makes it possible to cause the image forming apparatus 100 to use appropriate image forming conditions according to the sheet type. (Item 20) The image forming apparatus further comprises: 20. The image forming system according to item 19, further comprising a receiving unit (eg, an operation unit 30, a communication circuit 303) for receiving the first type information indicating the type of the sheet designated by a user. (Item 21) 21. The image forming system according to item 20, wherein the accepting unit is an input unit (e.g., an operation unit 30) that accepts an input operation by the user. (Item 22) 21. The image forming system according to item 20, wherein the reception means is configured to receive the first type of information transmitted from a communication terminal of the user. (Item 23) The acquiring unit includes a detecting unit (e.g., a media sensor 26) that detects the type of the sheet, 20. The image forming system according to item 19, wherein the first type information indicates the type of the sheet detected by the detection unit. (Item 24) The image forming apparatus further comprises: a monitoring means (e.g., CPU 301, control table 552) for monitoring the remaining number of sheets delivered from the service provider to the user under the subscription contract based on the number of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming means, When the first type information and the second type information are identical and the remaining number of sheets exceeds a threshold value (e.g., 0), the image forming unit uses the second image forming condition, 24. The image forming system according to any one of items 19 to 23, wherein the image forming means is configured to use the first image forming conditions when the first type information and the second type information are identical and the remaining number of sheets is equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0158] As described at the end of the third embodiment, the second embodiment may be combined with the third embodiment. That is, the CPU 301 may determine the image forming conditions in consideration of the remaining number of contracts. (Item 25) A server device connected via a network to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, The server device includes: a registration unit that registers, in the image forming apparatus, second type information indicating a type of sheet to be delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract with the image forming apparatus and second image forming conditions associated with the second type information; The image forming apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores the second type information and the second image forming conditions registered by the registration unit; A loading means for accommodating the seats; an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet; an acquiring unit for acquiring first type information indicating a type of the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; a determination unit for determining a first image forming condition corresponding to the first type information, When the first type information and the second type information match, the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet using the second image forming condition stored in the storage unit. (Item 26) An image forming apparatus that is connected to a server device via a network and forms an image on a sheet, the server device is configured to register, in the image forming device, second type information indicating a type of sheet to be delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract with the image forming device and second image forming conditions associated with the second type information; The image forming apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores the second type information and the second image forming conditions registered by the server device; A loading means for accommodating the seats; an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet; an acquiring unit for acquiring first type information indicating a type of the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; a determination unit for determining a first image forming condition corresponding to the first type information, When the first type information and the second type information match, the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet using the second image forming condition stored in the storage unit.

[0159] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 100: image forming apparatus, 401: server apparatus, 301, 501: CPU, 303: communication circuit, 503: communication I / F

Claims

1. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a server device that is connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, The image forming apparatus includes: a selection unit for selecting a first image forming condition according to the type of the sheet; a first transmitting means for transmitting a request signal including type information indicating a type of the sheet to the server device; a first receiving means for receiving a response signal corresponding to the request signal; and an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet, The server device includes: a second receiving means for receiving the request signal from the image forming apparatus; a determination means for determining whether the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as a specific type that is a type of sheet delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract; a second transmission means for generating the response signal specifying execution of image formation under second image forming conditions prepared in advance for the specific type when the type of the sheet based on the request signal is identical to the specific type, and transmitting the response signal to the image forming device; having The image forming system, wherein the image forming means forms an image on the sheet according to the first image forming condition or the second image forming condition based on the response signal.

2. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein the second transmitting means creates a response signal specifying that image formation be performed under the first image forming conditions when the type of the sheet based on the request signal is not identical to the specific type, and transmits the response signal to the image forming device.

3. The server device further comprises: a storage unit that stores type information indicating the specific type and the second image forming condition associated with the type information; the determining means is configured to determine whether or not type information included in the request signal matches type information stored in the storage means, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when type information included in the request signal matches type information stored in the storage means, the second transmission means reads out the second image formation conditions corresponding to the type information included in the request signal from the storage means and transmits the second image formation conditions to the image forming device via the response signal.

4. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein said storage means stores type information indicating said specific type in association with said user identification information.

5. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein said storage means stores type information indicating said specific type in association with identification information of said image forming apparatus.

6. The image forming apparatus further comprises: a receiving unit for receiving type information indicating a type of the sheet designated by a user, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first transmitting means is configured to transmit the type information accepted by the accepting means to the server device by using the request signal.

7. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the accepting unit is an input unit that accepts an input operation by the user.

8. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein said reception unit is configured to receive said type information transmitted from a wireless communication terminal of said user.

9. The image forming apparatus further comprises: A loading means for storing the sheets; a conveying means for conveying the sheets stacked on the stacking means to the image forming means; A detection means for detecting the type of the sheet, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission means is configured to transmit the type information indicating the type detected by the detection means to the server device by using the request signal.

10. The image forming apparatus further comprises: A loading means for storing the sheets; a conveying means for conveying the sheets stacked on the stacking means to the image forming means; An acquisition unit for acquiring the number of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit; a notification means for notifying the server device of the number acquired by the acquisition means, the first transmission means is configured to transmit the type information indicating the type of the sheets stacked on the stacking means to the server device by the request signal; The server device includes: The method further includes a monitoring means for monitoring the remaining number of the sheets delivered from the service provider to the user under the subscription contract based on the number notified by the notifying means, The second transmission means of the server device creating the response signal specifying the use of the second image forming condition when the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type and the remaining number of the sheets exceeds a threshold value; 2. The image forming system of claim 1, further comprising: a response signal specifying the use of the first image forming conditions when the type of sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type and the remaining number of sheets is equal to or less than the threshold value; and a response signal specifying the use of the first image forming conditions when the type of sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type and the remaining number of sheets is equal to or less than the threshold value.

11. 11. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring means starts decrementing the remaining number when delivery of the specific type of sheets to the user is completed.

12. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring means receives from the user a reading result of code information attached to a sheet package delivered to the user, and when the code information included in the reading result matches the code information linked to the user, begins decrementing the remaining number.

13. The user's terminal device a reading means for reading the code information attached to the sheet package delivered to the user; a request transmission means for transmitting a request signal for registering the code information read by the reading means in the server device, The server device includes: a request receiving means for receiving the request signal from the terminal device; and a determination means for determining whether the code information included in the request signal is correct code information.

13. The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein said monitoring means starts subtracting the remaining number when the code information included in the request signal is the correct code information.

14. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the server device provides the user with a screen for accepting selection of a service plan including a combination of consumables covered by the subscription contract, and accepts the selection of the service plan through the screen.

15. the terminal device of the user further comprises a display means for displaying a screen for accepting selection of the type of the sheet and selection of optional print settings to be applied to the sheet; The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein when the specific type is selected on the screen, the server device includes in the second image forming conditions a print setting of the option associated with the specific type.

16. The image forming means includes: A conveying means for conveying the sheet; A photoconductor; a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor using a charging voltage; an exposure unit for exposing the surface of the photoreceptor to light to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image with toner by using a developing voltage to form a toner image; a primary transfer means for transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor to an intermediate transfer medium using a primary transfer voltage; a secondary transfer means for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer body to the sheet using a secondary transfer voltage; a fixing means for fixing the toner image onto the sheet; having The first image forming condition and the second image forming condition are A throughput is the number of sheets on which images are formed per unit time in the image forming apparatus. The conveying speed of the sheet; the fixing temperature of the fixing means; the charging voltage, the developing voltage, the primary transfer voltage, or The secondary transfer voltage The imaging system of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

17. A server device connected to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet via a network, the image forming apparatus is configured to select a first image forming condition corresponding to a type of the sheet, transmit a request signal including type information indicating the type of the sheet to the server apparatus, receive a response signal corresponding to the request signal, and form an image on the sheet based on the response signal; The server device includes: a receiving means for receiving the request signal from the image forming apparatus; a determination means for determining whether the type of the sheet based on the request signal is the same as a specific type that is a type of sheet delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract; a transmission means for generating the response signal that designates execution of image formation under a second image forming condition that is prepared in advance for the specific type of sheet when the type of sheet based on the request signal is the same as the specific type, and transmitting the response signal to the image forming apparatus; having The image forming apparatus forms an image on the sheet according to the first image forming condition or the second image forming condition based on the response signal.

18. An image forming apparatus connected to a server device via a network, The image forming apparatus includes: a selection means for selecting a first image forming condition according to a type of sheet; a transmitting means for transmitting a request signal including type information indicating the type of the sheet to the server device; a receiving means for receiving a response signal corresponding to the request signal; and an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet, the server device receives the request signal from the image forming device, determines whether the type of the sheet based on the request signal is identical to a specific type that is a type of sheet delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract, and if the type of the sheet based on the request signal is identical to the specific type, creates the response signal specifying that image formation be performed under second image formation conditions prepared in advance for the specific type, and transmits the response signal to the image forming device; The image forming device, wherein the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet according to the first image forming condition or the second image forming condition based on the response signal.

19. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a server device that is connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, The server device includes: a registration unit that registers, in the image forming apparatus, second type information indicating a type of sheet to be delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract with the image forming apparatus and second image forming conditions associated with the second type information; The image forming apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores the second type information and the second image forming conditions registered by the registration unit; A loading means for accommodating the seats; an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet; an acquiring unit for acquiring first type information indicating a type of the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; a determination unit for determining a first image forming condition corresponding to the first type information, When the first type information and the second type information match, the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet using the second image forming condition stored in the storage unit.

20. The image forming apparatus further comprises:

20. The image forming system according to claim 19, further comprising a receiving unit that receives the first type information indicating a type of the sheet designated by a user.

21. 21. The image forming system according to claim 20, wherein the accepting unit is an input unit that accepts an input operation by the user.

22. 21. The image forming system according to claim 20, wherein the reception unit is configured to receive the first type information transmitted from a communication terminal of the user.

23. the acquiring means includes a detecting means for detecting the type of the sheet, 20. The image forming system according to claim 19, wherein the first type information indicates a type of the sheet detected by the detection unit.

24. The image forming apparatus further comprises: a monitoring means for monitoring the remaining number of the sheets delivered from the service provider to the user under the subscription contract based on the number of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming means, the image forming unit uses the second image forming condition when the first type information and the second type information are identical and the remaining number of sheets exceeds a threshold value, 20. The image forming system according to claim 19, wherein the image forming means is configured to use the first image forming conditions when the first type information and the second type information are identical and the remaining number of sheets is equal to or less than the threshold value.

25. A server device connected via a network to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, The server device includes: a registration unit that registers, in the image forming apparatus, second type information indicating a type of sheet to be delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract with the image forming apparatus and second image forming conditions associated with the second type information; The image forming apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores the second type information and the second image forming conditions registered by the registration unit; A loading means for accommodating the seats; an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet; an acquiring unit for acquiring first type information indicating a type of the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; a determination unit for determining a first image forming condition corresponding to the first type information, When the first type information and the second type information match, the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet using the second image forming condition stored in the storage unit.

26. An image forming apparatus that is connected to a server device via a network and forms an image on a sheet, the server device is configured to register, in the image forming device, second type information indicating a type of a sheet to be delivered from a service provider to a user under a subscription contract with the image forming device and second image forming conditions associated with the second type information; The image forming apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores the second type information and the second image forming conditions registered by the server device; A loading means for accommodating the seats; an image forming means for forming an image on the sheet; an acquiring unit for acquiring first type information indicating a type of the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; a determination unit for determining a first image forming condition corresponding to the first type information, When the first type information and the second type information match, the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet using the second image forming condition stored in the storage unit.

Images