Image forming apparatus and control method of the same, program, and fixed-rate use system

Abstract

To provide a system which can supplement consumables without limiting a use scene of a user.SOLUTION: There is provided an image forming apparatus 100 which can use a cartridge at a fixed price according to a subscription service contracted by a user. The image forming apparatus 100 performs printing processing using the connected cartridge. The image forming apparatus 100 detects that a buyout cartridge different from the dedicated cartridge available at a fixed rate has been connected and controls compensation to the user only for the amount of the buyout cartridge used in the printing processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There are known flat-rate consumable services that allow consumables such as cartridges used in printing to be used for image forming devices to be used at a fixed rate, and flat-rate services that include the use of the image forming device itself in addition to the flat-rate use of consumables. In such flat-rate services, when the remaining amount of a consumable used in the image forming device falls below a predetermined value, a consumable dedicated to the service subscriber is delivered to the user.

[0003] However, there are cases where the delivery of consumables exclusively for service subscribers is not performed as scheduled, and even if the remaining amount of the consumables used in the image forming device becomes zero, the consumables exclusively for service subscribers do not arrive at the user's place. In such a case, the user may, for example, prepare a commercially available one-time purchase consumable by himself and use this one-time purchase consumable as a substitute until the consumables exclusively for service subscribers arrive. In the above-mentioned flat-rate service, compensation is provided for such substitution of consumables. As a related technique, the technique of Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, when a one-time purchase consumable, rather than a dedicated consumable, is connected to the image forming device while using the flat-rate service, the service provider purchases the one-time purchase consumable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-6784 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, even if a one-time purchase consumable is used only a little as a substitute for a dedicated consumable, the one-time purchase consumable is purchased by the service provider. In other words, in the conventional consumable supply system, the user cannot use the prepared one-time purchase consumable temporarily as a substitute for a dedicated consumable on another occasion after using it temporarily, and the user's usage scenarios are limited.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism for replenishment of consumables without limiting the user's usage scenarios. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that allows a user to use consumables at a fixed rate through a flat-rate service to which the user has subscribed, and is characterized in that it comprises a means for performing printing processing using consumables connected to the image forming apparatus, a means for detecting that a one-time purchase consumable other than the consumables available at the fixed rate has been connected to the image forming apparatus, and a means for controlling the compensation of the user for the amount of the one-time purchase consumable used in the printing processing. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to replenish consumables without limiting the user's usage scenario. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a network configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a flat-rate usage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a host terminal of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a sequence diagram showing a flow leading up to a contract for using a flat-rate service in the flat-rate usage system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a compensation calculation process executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the touch panel of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation table stored in the data memory of FIG. 4. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing another procedure of the compensation calculation process executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation table stored in the data memory of FIG. 4. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing still another procedure of the compensation calculation process executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a compensation control process executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 15] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the touch panel of FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the relative arrangement of each component of the device used in the embodiment, the device shape, etc. are merely examples and are not limited to the configuration shown below. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar components, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0011] 1 is a network configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flat-rate usage system 10 according to the present embodiment. The flat-rate usage system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a host terminal 101, and a management server 107.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with consumables such as cartridges 460a to 460d in FIG. 4, which will be described later, and performs printing processing using these consumables. The printing method of the image forming apparatus 100 may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a stencil printing method, or another method. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a host terminal 101 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The image forming apparatus 100 is also connected to the Internet 106 and a management server 107 via an ONU 105 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that ONU is an abbreviation for Optical Network Unit.

[0013] The host terminal 101 is, for example, a smartphone or a personal computer, and is communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The host terminal 101 is also communicatively connected to the Internet 106 and a management server 107 via an ONU 105. The host terminal 101 can connect to a network via the Internet 106 and communicate with the management server 107. For example, a user accesses the management server 107 from the host terminal 101 to perform a contract procedure for a flat-rate service.

[0014] The ONU 105 is an ONU with a built-in router. The ONU 105 is a terminal device for an optical line, and has a function for converting between optical signals of the optical line and electrical digital signals. The ONU 105 is connected to the Internet 106 via the optical line.

[0015] The management server 107 holds information on users who have signed up for the flat-rate service, identification information (e.g., serial number) of the image forming apparatus 100 used in the flat-rate service, and printing information collected from the print result log transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100. The management server 107 is connected to the Internet 106.

[0016] Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 has a touch panel 201, a document tray 202, a paper feed port 203, and a print result discharge port 204. A user can control the image forming apparatus 100 by operating the touch panel 201, which is a user interface. Note that, in the present embodiment, a configuration including a touch panel as an example of a user interface has been described, but the user interface is not limited to a touch panel and may be another operation unit.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1. The image forming apparatus 100 has a carriage 301, an ink tank 302, and a packaging material 303.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, the image forming apparatus 100 has an image forming apparatus main body 450 that performs a printing operation using a recording material, and one or more cartridges that are mountable to the image forming apparatus main body 450 and that are filled with ink used as the recording material. The image forming apparatus main body 450 has a CPU 451, a program memory 452, a data memory 453, a communication control unit 456, a print control unit 457, a printing unit 458, and a connection unit 459. The CPU 451, the program memory 452, the data memory 453, the communication control unit 456, the print control unit 457, and the connection unit 459 are connected to each other via a CPU bus 462 managed by the CPU 451.

[0020] The CPU 451 is a system control unit, and controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The program memory 452 stores the control program executed by the CPU 451, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like.

[0021] The data memory 453 includes an image memory 454 and a contract information storage unit 455, and stores program control variables and the like. The data memory 453 is provided with various work buffer areas used during processing by the print control unit 457. The image memory 454 accumulates image data processed by an image processing unit (not shown). The contract information storage unit 455 holds the flat-rate service contract information received by the image forming apparatus main body 450 from the management server 107 through the communication control unit 456. In this embodiment, the flat-rate service contract information held by the contract information storage unit 455 includes information indicating the contract status. The information indicating the contract status is, for example, information indicating that the flat-rate service is not yet contracted, consumables contract status information, and main body-included contract status information. The consumables contract status information is information indicating that, among multiple plans in the flat-rate service, a consumables flat-rate plan in which consumables can be used at a fixed price is in a contracted state. The device-inclusive contract status information is information indicating that, among multiple plans in a flat-rate service, a device-inclusive flat-rate plan that rents out the image forming device itself in addition to the fixed-rate use of consumables has been contracted.

[0022] The communication control unit 456 controls data transmission and reception with the outside via the Internet 106 and various interfaces. The print control unit 457 acquires print data from the image memory 454, and causes the print unit 458 to execute print processing based on this data. The print unit 458 executes print processing based on a print command received from the print control unit 457. In this embodiment, the print control unit 457 generates a print result log for each job involving a print operation. The print result log is a log that summarizes the job mode such as copy or print, the print volume, and the print result. The generated print result log is transmitted to the management server 107 via the communication control unit 456.

[0023] One or more cartridges filled with ink are connected to the connection portion 459. In the present embodiment, as an example, four cartridges 460a to 460d filled with ink of different colors are connected to the connection portion 459. Cartridge 460a is filled with cyan ink. Cartridge 460b is filled with magenta ink. Cartridge 460c is filled with black ink. Cartridge 460d is filled with yellow ink. Cartridges 460a to 460d are each detachable. A user can remove from connection portion 459 a cartridge that is running low on ink from cartridge 460a to cartridge 460d and replace it with a new cartridge.

[0024] Next, the configuration of cartridges 460a to 460d will be described. Note that cartridges 460a to 460d have the same configuration except for the color of the ink filled therein, and the configuration will be described below using cartridge 460a filled with cyan ink as an example.

[0025] The cartridge 460a has a memory 461a. The memory 461a records cartridge identification information for identifying the cartridge 460a and ink remaining amount information representing the remaining amount of ink. The cartridge identification information is a serial number assigned when the cartridge 460a is manufactured. The ink remaining amount information is information regarding the remaining amount of ink contained in the cartridge 460a. The information regarding the remaining amount of ink may be expressed using a unit of volume, or may be expressed as a remaining amount level divided by a predetermined threshold value. In the present embodiment, the cartridge 460a may be filled with a recording material used for printing and may be detached from the connection part 459 and replaced. Therefore, the cartridge 460a is not limited to an ink cartridge, and may be, for example, a toner cartridge.

[0026] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of management server 107 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 5, management server 107 has a CPU 551, a program memory 552, a communication control unit 553, and a service information storage unit 554. These are connected to each other via a CPU bus 555 managed by CPU 551.

[0027] The CPU 551 is a system control unit, and controls the entire management server 107. The program memory 552 stores the control program executed by the CPU 551, an embedded operating system (OS) program, etc. The communication control unit 553 controls data transmission and reception with the outside via the Internet 106 and various interfaces. The service information storage unit 554 holds information on users who have signed up for flat-rate services, identification information (such as serial numbers) of image forming devices used in the flat-rate services, and printing information collected from print performance logs sent from the image forming device 100.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the host terminal 101 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 6, the host terminal 101 has a CPU 651, a program memory 652, and a communication control unit 653. These are connected to each other via a CPU bus 654 managed by the CPU 651.

[0029] The CPU 651 is a system control unit, and controls the entire host terminal 101. For example, the CPU 651 starts a browser or the like stored in the program memory 652 in accordance with an instruction from a user, accesses the management server 107 using the communication control unit 653, and performs a contract procedure for a flat-rate service. The CPU 651 also transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 100 from a printer driver or a dedicated application dedicated to the image forming apparatus 100 stored in the program memory 652, using the communication control unit 653.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a flow leading up to a contract for using a flat-rate service in the flat-rate usage system 10 of FIG.

[0031] 7, first, the host terminal 101, in accordance with instructions received from the user, accesses a flat-rate service contract URL managed by the management server 107 from a browser or the like of the host terminal 101 (S (step) 701). As a result, a screen for inputting information required for a flat-rate service contract is displayed on the display unit of the host terminal 101. Information required for a flat-rate service contract is, for example, the subscriber's name, the consumable delivery address, and the payment method for the fee.

[0032] When the user inputs this information on the screen, the management server 107 performs registration processing for the flat-rate service (S702). In S702, the information input on the screen is registered. Next, the management server 107 transmits a contract completion notification for the flat-rate service to the host terminal 101 (S703). Next, the management server 107 transmits contract information for the flat-rate service to the image forming apparatus 100 (S704). The contract information includes, for example, device-inclusive contracted standby state information indicating that the device-inclusive flat-rate plan that has been contracted for is in a waiting state for the start of use, or a consumables contracted standby state indicating that the device-inclusive flat-rate plan that has been contracted for is in a waiting state for the start of use.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 100 stores the received contract information in the contract information storage unit 455 (S705).

[0034] Next, the management server 107 arranges for a dedicated cartridge, which is a consumable dedicated to the flat-rate service, to be delivered to the contractor (S706). As a result, the dedicated cartridge is delivered to the user who has contracted for the flat-rate service by operating the host terminal 101. When the user installs this dedicated cartridge in the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 updates the contract information stored in the contract information storage unit 455. For example, the consumables contracted standby state information is updated to consumables contract state information indicating that the contracted consumables flat-rate plan is available. Or, the main body-included contracted standby state information is updated to main body-included contract state information indicating that the contracted main body-included flat-rate plan is available. As a result, the flat-rate service corresponding to the plan to which the user has contracted becomes available.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the compensation calculation process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 451 of the image forming apparatus 100 executing a program stored in the program memory 452. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 is executed for each of the multiple cartridges 460a to 460d connected to the connection unit 459. In FIG. 8, the compensation calculation process executed for the cartridge 460a filled with cyan (hereinafter referred to as the "cyan cartridge 460a") among the cartridges 460a to 460d will be described as an example. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 is executed, for example, at the timing of starting up the image forming apparatus 100 or periodically at a predetermined interval.

[0036] In FIG. 8, first, the CPU 451 judges whether or not automatic delivery arrangements for a dedicated cartridge to replace the cyan cartridge 460a have been made (S801). In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits remaining amount information of the cartridges 460a to 460d to the management server 107, for example, at the time of startup or after the printing process by the printing unit 458 is completed. The management server 107 judges whether or not each remaining amount of the cartridges 460a to 460d has become equal to or less than a threshold value that is a criterion for automatic delivery based on the received remaining amount information. The management server 107 makes arrangements for delivery of a dedicated cartridge to the user for the cartridge whose remaining amount has become equal to or less than the threshold value, and notifies the image forming apparatus 100 that the delivery arrangements for the dedicated cartridge have been made. In S801, if the image forming apparatus 100 does not receive this notification for the cyan cartridge 460a, it is judged that automatic delivery arrangements for a dedicated cartridge to replace the cyan cartridge 460a have not been made. In this case, the process returns to S801. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 100 receives this notification regarding the cyan cartridge 460a, it is determined that automatic delivery arrangements have been made for a dedicated cartridge to replace the cyan cartridge 460a. In this case, the process proceeds to S802.

[0037] In S802, the CPU 451 receives the expected arrival date of the dedicated cartridge from the management server 107. Next, the CPU 451 writes the received expected arrival date in the data memory 453 (S803). Next, the CPU 451 compares the current date set in the image forming apparatus 100 with the expected arrival date, and determines whether the current date is earlier than the expected arrival date (S804).

[0038] In S804, for example, if the current date is 2023 / 10 / 18 and the expected arrival date is 2023 / 10 / 15, and the current date is not earlier than the expected arrival date, that is, if the dedicated cartridge has already arrived at the user, this process returns to S801. On the other hand, for example, if the current date is 2023 / 10 / 13 and the expected arrival date is 2023 / 10 / 15, and the current date is earlier than the expected arrival date, that is, if the dedicated cartridge has not yet arrived at the user, this process proceeds to S805. Note that in this embodiment, after performing S803, this process may proceed to S805 without performing S804.

[0039] In S805, CPU 451 determines whether a new cartridge for cyan has been connected. For example, if cyan cartridge 460a is still connected to connection portion 459, it is determined that a new cartridge for cyan has not been connected. In this case, this process returns to S801. On the other hand, if a cartridge filled with cyan and having cartridge identification information different from the cartridge identification information of cartridge 460a is connected to connection portion 459, it is determined that a new cartridge for cyan has been connected. In this case, this process proceeds to S806.

[0040] In S806, the CPU 451 judges whether the cyan cartridge connected to the connection unit 459 is a one-time purchase cartridge different from the dedicated cartridge provided by the flat-rate service. For example, the cartridge identification information of the dedicated cartridge includes a predetermined character string, for example, "SUB", indicating that the cartridge is provided by the flat-rate service. On the other hand, the cartridge identification information of a commercially available one-time purchase cartridge does not include the above-mentioned predetermined character string. In this embodiment, the judgment in S806 is performed based on such a difference in the configuration of the cartridge identification information. Note that in this embodiment, when a one-time purchase cartridge is connected to the connection unit 459, a notification screen 900 in FIG. 9 is displayed on the touch panel 201. The notification screen 900 includes a message to the effect that the amount of the one-time purchase cartridge used will be compensated. This allows the user to recognize that the amount of the one-time purchase cartridge used will be compensated.

[0041] If it is determined in S806 that the cyan cartridge connected to connection portion 459 is not a one-time purchase cartridge, that is, if the cyan cartridge connected to connection portion 459 is a dedicated cartridge, this process returns to S801. On the other hand, if it is determined in S806 that the cyan cartridge connected to connection portion 459 is a one-time purchase cartridge, this process proceeds to S807.

[0042] In S807, CPU 451 acquires remaining capacity N of the cyan one-time purchase cartridge. CPU 451 waits until print processing is executed by print unit 458. When print processing is executed by print unit 458 (YES in S808), CPU 451 determines whether cyan ink has been used in this print processing (S809).

[0043] If it is determined in S809 that cyan ink was not used in this printing process, the process returns to S801. If it is determined in S809 that cyan ink was used in this printing process, the process proceeds to S810.

[0044] In S810, CPU 451 acquires remaining capacity M of the cyan one-time purchase cartridge. Next, CPU 451 calculates the actual value of use of the cyan one-time purchase cartridge in this printing process. Specifically, CPU 451 calculates the ink consumption amount of the cyan one-time purchase cartridge in this printing process (S811). In S811, the remaining capacity M acquired in S811 is subtracted from the remaining capacity N acquired in S808 to calculate the ink consumption amount of the cyan one-time purchase cartridge in this printing process.

[0045] Next, the CPU 451 calculates the compensation amount and compensation points based on the calculation table 1000 of FIG. 10 stored in the data memory 453 (S812). The compensation points can be exchanged for consumables or accessories of the image forming apparatus 100, for example, on a website managed by a company that provides the image forming apparatus 100, or can be used as transportation points. The calculation table 1000 sets the amount of money and the number of points per 0.1 [ml] of ink consumption corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. In S813, the compensation amount is calculated by multiplying the amount of money per 0.1 [ml] of cyan in the calculation table 1000, which is "3", by the ink consumption calculated in S812. In addition, the compensation points are calculated by multiplying the number of points per 0.1 [ml] of cyan in the calculation table 1000, which is "2", by the ink consumption calculated in S812. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 may communicate with an external terminal such as the management server 107 or the host terminal 101 to periodically update the values ​​in the calculation table 1000 .

[0046] Next, the CPU 451 stores the calculated compensation amount and compensation points in the data memory 453. The CPU 451 also controls the communication control unit 456 to transmit the compensation amount and compensation points to the management server 107 (S813). Then, this process ends.

[0047] According to the embodiment described above, when a one-time purchase cartridge different from a dedicated cartridge is detected to be connected to connection unit 459 of image forming apparatus 100, control is performed to compensate the user for the amount of the one-time purchase cartridge used in the printing process by printing unit 458. In other words, if a one-time purchase cartridge is only used a little as a substitute for a dedicated cartridge, this one-time purchase cartridge is not purchased by the service provider as compensation for the substitute cartridge, and the user's usage scenarios are not limited. This makes it possible to compensate for the substitute cartridge without limiting the user's usage scenarios.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, compensation points are calculated based on the actual value of the use of the one-time purchase cartridge in the printing process by the printing unit 458. The compensation points can be exchanged for consumables or accessories of the image forming apparatus 100, for example, on a website managed by the company that provides the image forming apparatus 100, and can also be used as transportation points. This allows compensation that is beneficial to the user.

[0049] In the embodiment described above, the actual value of the use of the one-time purchase cartridge in the printing process by the printing unit 458 is the ink consumption amount of the one-time purchase cartridge in the printing process by the printing unit 458. This makes it possible to replenish the ink consumption amount of the purchased cartridge without limiting the usage scene of the user.

[0050] In this embodiment, virtual currency may be calculated in S812. Like compensation points, virtual currency can be exchanged for consumables or accessories of the image forming apparatus 100 on a website managed by a company that provides the image forming apparatus 100, and can also be used as transportation points. In calculating the virtual currency, a table similar to the calculation table 1000 is used. In this table, the amount of virtual currency per 0.1 [ml] of ink consumption corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow is set.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, instead of transmitting the compensation amount and compensation points each time printing is performed, the compensation amount and compensation points may be stored in data memory 453 and transmitted to management server 107 periodically.

[0052] In addition, in this embodiment, the compensation amount and compensation points may be transmitted to the management server 107 at the timing when they exceed a predetermined value.

[0053] In this embodiment, the compensation amount and compensation points may be calculated based on the number of pages printed in a printing process using a one-time purchase cartridge.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another procedure of the compensation calculation process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 11 is similar to the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above, and the following will particularly describe the contents different from the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 11 is also realized by the CPU 451 executing a program stored in the program memory 452, similar to the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 11 is also executed for each of the multiple cartridges 460a to 460d connected to the connection section 459, similar to the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above. In FIG. 11, the compensation calculation process executed for the cyan cartridge 460a, as an example, will be described as an example. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 11 is also executed, similar to the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above, periodically, for example, at the timing of starting up the image forming apparatus 100 or at a predetermined interval set in advance.

[0055] In FIG. 11, steps S1101 to S1106 are performed, which are the same processes as steps S801 to S806 described above.

[0056] If it is determined in S1106 that the cyan cartridge connected to the connection portion 459 is not a one-time purchase cartridge, this process returns to S1101. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1106 that the cyan cartridge connected to the connection portion 459 is a one-time purchase cartridge, this process proceeds to S1107.

[0057] In S1107, CPU 451 determines whether or not printing processing has been performed by printing unit 458. CPU 451 waits until printing processing has been performed by printing unit 458. When printing processing has been performed by printing unit 458 (YES in S1107), CPU 451 acquires the type and size of paper used in this printing processing (S1108). Next, CPU 451 acquires the number of sheets printed in this printing processing (hereinafter simply referred to as the "number of printed sheets") (S1109). For example, when three copies of data consisting of three pages are printed, the number of printed sheets is nine.

[0058] Next, the CPU 451 calculates the compensation amount and compensation points based on the calculation table 1200 of FIG. 12 stored in the data memory 453 (S1110). In the calculation table 1200, the amount and points per sheet for the number of printed sheets are set for each combination of paper size and type. For example, if the paper used in the printing process is A4 plain paper, in S1110, the compensation amount is calculated by multiplying the amount per sheet of A4 plain paper in the calculation table 1200, which is "2", by the number of printed sheets acquired in S1109. In addition, the compensation points are calculated by multiplying the number of printed sheets acquired in S1109 by the number of points per sheet of A4 plain paper in the calculation table 1200, which is "1".

[0059] The CPU 451 stores the calculated compensation amount and compensation points in the data memory 453. The CPU 451 also controls the communication control unit 456 to transmit the compensation amount and compensation points to the management server 107 (S1111). After that, this process ends.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the compensation amount and compensation points are calculated based on the number of pages printed in a printing process using a one-time purchase cartridge. This allows compensation to be provided according to the number of pages printed using a purchased cartridge without limiting the user's usage scenario.

[0061] In this embodiment, the compensation amount and compensation points may be calculated based on the number of dots (dot count) of ink in a one-time purchase cartridge consumed in a printing process.

[0062] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing yet another procedure of the compensation calculation process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 13 is similar to the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above, and the following will particularly describe the contents different from the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 13 is also realized by the CPU 451 executing a program stored in the program memory 452, similar to the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 is also executed for each of the multiple cartridges 460a to 460d connected to the connection section 459, similar to the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above. In FIG. 13, the compensation calculation process executed for the cyan cartridge 460a, as an example, will be described as an example. The compensation calculation process of FIG. 13 is also executed periodically, for example, at the timing of starting up the image forming apparatus 100, or at a predetermined interval set in advance, similar to the compensation calculation process of FIG. 8 described above.

[0063] In FIG. 13, steps S1301 to S1306 are performed, which are the same processes as steps S801 to S806 described above.

[0064] If it is determined in S1306 that the cyan cartridge connected to the connection portion 459 is not a one-time purchase cartridge, the process returns to S1301. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1306 that the cyan cartridge connected to the connection portion 459 is a one-time purchase cartridge, the process proceeds to S1307.

[0065] In S1307, CPU 451 determines whether printing has been performed by printing unit 458. CPU 451 waits until printing has been performed by printing unit 458. When printing has been performed by printing unit 458 (YES in S1307), CPU 451 acquires the number of dots of cyan consumed in this printing (S1308). Next, CPU 451 calculates the compensation amount and compensation points based on a calculation table (not shown) stored in data memory 453 (S1309). In this calculation table, amounts and points per predetermined number of dots corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are set.

[0066] Next, the CPU 451 stores the calculated compensation amount and compensation points in the data memory 453. The CPU 451 also controls the communication control unit 456 to transmit the compensation amount and compensation points to the management server 107 (S1310). After that, this process ends.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the compensation amount and compensation points are calculated based on the number of ink dots consumed in the print process in the one-time purchase cartridge. This allows compensation corresponding to the number of ink dots consumed in the purchased cartridge to be performed without limiting the user's usage scenario.

[0068] In this embodiment, the compensation amount and compensation points may be calculated based on the area printed in the printing process by the printing unit 458. This allows compensation corresponding to the printing area printed using the purchased cartridge to be performed without limiting the user's usage scenario.

[0069] Next, a control for compensating a user for the amount of a one-time purchase cartridge used will be described.

[0070] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the replenishment control process executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in Fig. 1. The replenishment control process is realized by the CPU 451 executing a program stored in the program memory 452. The replenishment control process is executed when the image forming apparatus 100 completes a printing process using a one-time purchase cartridge.

[0071] 14, first, the CPU 451 determines whether or not to display a selection screen 1500 in FIG. 15 (to be described later) (S1401). In S1401, if a check box 1503 (to be described later) is set to on in the selection screen 1500 (to be described later) displayed on the touch panel 201 at the completion of the print process executed before this print process, it is determined that the selection screen 1500 is not to be displayed. In this case, the process returns to S1401. On the other hand, if a check box 1503 (to be described later) is set to off in the selection screen 1500 (to be described later) displayed on the touch panel 201 at the completion of the print process executed before this print process, it is determined that the selection screen 1500 is to be displayed. In this case, the process proceeds to S1402.

[0072] In S1402, the CPU 451 displays a selection screen 1500 on the touch panel 201. The selection screen 1500 is a screen that allows the user to select whether to compensate for the use of the one-time purchase cartridge with a monetary amount or with points. The selection screen 1500 includes a "Reduce service fee" button 1501, a "Return to points" button 1502, and a check box 1503.

[0073] When the "Reduce Service Fee" button 1501 is selected, the compensation amount is deducted from the service fee. For example, in a monthly fee payment format, when the "Reduce Service Fee" button 1501 is selected, the compensation amount is deducted from the next service fee to be paid. When the "Redeem Points" button 1502 is selected, compensation points are given to the user. When the check box 1503 is set to on, the selection screen 1500 will no longer be displayed on the touch panel 201 when the printing process is completed. In this case, compensation for the use of the one-time purchase cartridge from the next time onwards is performed using either the amount or points, for example, a method set as a default value.

[0074] The CPU 451 determines whether or not the "Reduce Service Fee" button 1501 has been selected on the selection screen 1500 (S1403). If it is determined in S1403 that the "Reduce Service Fee" button 1501 has been selected, the CPU 451 acquires the service fee from the contract information storage unit 455 (S1404). Next, the CPU 451 subtracts the compensation amount stored in the data memory 453 from the service fee (S1405). The CPU 451 updates the service fee stored in the contract information storage unit 455 to the reduced service fee.

[0075] Next, the CPU 451 transmits the reduced service fee to the management server 107 (S1406), and ends this process. The management server 107 manages the reduced service fee, and bills the user for the reduced service fee in the billing for this month or next month.

[0076] If it is determined in S1403 that the "Reduce service fee" button 1501 has not been selected, the CPU 451 determines whether or not the "Redeem points" button 1502 has been selected on the selection screen 1500 (S1407). If it is determined in S1407 that the "Redeem points" button 1502 has not been selected, the process returns to S1402.

[0077] If it is determined in S1407 that the "redeem to points" button 1502 has been selected, CPU 451 notifies management server 107 of an instruction to compensate for the amount of the one-time purchase cartridge used with points (S1408), and ends this process. Upon receiving this notification, management server 107 grants the compensation points it has been managing to the user. The user can exchange the compensation points granted for consumables or accessories for image forming device 100, for example, on a website or the like managed by the company that provides image forming device 100 as described above, and can also use the points as transportation points.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the compensation amount is deducted from the service fee, so that the user can use the flat-rate service with a service fee that is reduced by the amount of the one-time purchase cartridge that has been used.

[0079] In the embodiment described above, a selection screen 1500 is displayed to allow the user to select whether to compensate for the amount of the one-time purchase cartridge used with a monetary amount or with points. This allows the user's intention to be reflected in the compensation for the amount of the one-time purchase cartridge used.

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, when a one-time purchase cartridge is connected, the selection screen 1500 is displayed each time a print process is performed by the printing unit 458. This allows the user to specify a replenishment method for a substitute cartridge for each print process, thereby enabling replenishment to be performed as desired by the user.

[0081] In the embodiment described above, the selection screen 1500 includes a check box 1503 for making a setting to hide the selection screen 1500 thereafter. This reduces the user's effort of specifying a replacement method for a cartridge every time a print process using a one-time purchase cartridge is performed.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 performs the process of deducting the compensation amount from the service fee, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when it is determined in 1403 that the "Deduct Service Fee" button 1501 has been selected, the CPU 451 notifies the management server 107 of an instruction to compensate for the amount of the used one-time purchase cartridge with a monetary amount, without performing S1404 to S1406. The management server 107 receiving this notification deducts the compensation amount transmitted in S813 from the service fee. In this manner, in a configuration in which the management server 107 performs the process of deducting the compensation amount from the service fee, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be achieved.

[0083] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0084] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An image forming device that allows a user to use consumables at a fixed rate through a flat-rate service subscribed to by the user, the image forming device comprising: means for performing printing processing using consumables connected to the image forming device; means for detecting that a one-time purchase consumable other than the consumables available at the fixed rate has been connected to the image forming device; and means for controlling the compensation of the user for the amount of the one-time purchase consumable used in the printing processing. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the means for controlling the compensation deducts an amount calculated based on the actual usage value of the one-time consumable in the printing process from the service fee for the flat-rate service subscribed to by the user. (Configuration 3) The image forming device described in configuration 1 or 2, wherein the means for controlling the compensation calculates points that can be used to exchange for other consumables corresponding to the image forming device based on the actual value of the one-time use of the one-time use consumables in the printing process. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the actual value of the one-time consumable used in the printing process is a consumption amount of the one-time consumable used in the printing process. (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the performance value of the one-time consumable used in the printing process is the number of dots consumed by the one-time consumable in the printing process. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the actual value of the use of the one-time consumable in the printing process is an area printed using the one-time consumable in the printing process. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the actual value of the use of the one-time consumable in the printing process is the number of printed sheets printed using the one-time consumable in the printing process. (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a means for notifying an operator that a one-time purchase consumable will be replenished for the amount of the one-time purchase consumable used when the image forming apparatus detects that the one-time purchase consumable has been connected. (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising a control means for displaying a selection screen that allows a user to select whether to compensate for the use of the one-time purchase consumables with a monetary amount or with points. (Configuration 10) The image forming device according to configuration 9, wherein the display control means displays the selection screen when the image forming device performs printing processing while the one-time consumable is connected. (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9 or 10, wherein the selection screen includes a setting item for making a setting so that the selection screen is not displayed thereafter. (Configuration 12) A method for controlling an image forming device in which a user can use consumables at a fixed rate through a flat-rate service subscribed to by the user, the method comprising the steps of: performing a printing process using consumables connected to the image forming device; detecting that a one-time purchase consumable other than the consumables available at the fixed rate has been connected to the image forming device; and performing control to compensate the user for the amount of the one-time purchase consumable used in the printing process. (Configuration 13) A program that causes a computer to execute a control method for an image forming device in which consumables can be used at a fixed rate through a flat-rate service subscribed to by a user, the control method for the image forming device comprising the steps of: performing a printing process using consumables connected to the image forming device; detecting that a one-time purchase consumable other than the consumables available at the fixed rate has been connected to the image forming device; and performing control to compensate the user for the amount of the one-time purchase consumable used in the printing process. (Configuration 14) A flat-rate usage system that provides a flat-rate service that allows the use of consumables connected to an image forming device at a fixed rate, characterized in that the flat-rate usage system includes a means for controlling the compensation to a user of the image forming device for the amount of one-time purchase consumables used in printing processing by the image forming device to which a one-time purchase consumable different from the consumables available at the fixed rate is connected. (Configuration 15) The flat-rate usage system described in Configuration 14, wherein the means for controlling the compensation deducts an amount calculated based on the actual usage value of the one-time consumables in the printing process from the service fee for the flat-rate service subscribed to by the user. (Configuration 16) The flat-rate usage system described in configuration 14 or 15, characterized in that the means for controlling the compensation grants to the user points that can be used in exchange for other consumables corresponding to the image forming device, the points being calculated based on the actual usage value of the one-time purchase consumables in the printing process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Flat-rate usage system 100 Image forming device 451 CPU 458 Printing Department 460a~460d Cartridge 900 notification screen 1500 Selection Screen 1503 Checkbox

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus in which a user can use consumables at a fixed price through a flat-rate service to which the user has subscribed, a means for performing a printing process using a consumable connected to the image forming apparatus; a means for detecting that a one-time purchase consumable item different from the consumable item available at a fixed price has been connected to the image forming apparatus; The image forming apparatus further comprises a control unit for compensating the user for the amount of the one-time consumable used in the printing process.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for controlling the compensation deducts an amount calculated based on the actual usage value of the one-time consumable in the printing process from the service fee for the flat-rate service to which the user has subscribed.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the compensation control means calculates points that can be used to exchange for other consumables corresponding to the image forming apparatus based on the actual value of the one-time use of the one-time use consumables in the printing process.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the actual value of the use of the one-time consumable in the printing process is a consumption amount of the one-time consumable in the printing process.

5. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the performance value of the one-time consumable used in the printing process is the number of dots consumed by the one-time consumable used in the printing process.

6. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the actual value of the use of the one-time consumable in the printing process is an area printed using the one-time consumable in the printing process.

7. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the result value of the use of the one-time consumable in the printing process is the number of printed sheets printed using the one-time consumable in the printing process.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit for notifying the user that a replacement will be made for the one-time consumable when the one-time consumable is detected as being connected.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for displaying a selection screen for allowing a user to select whether to compensate for the amount of the one-time consumable product used by using a monetary amount or points.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the display control unit displays the selection screen every time the image forming apparatus performs a print process while the one-time consumable is connected.

11. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the selection screen includes a setting item for making a setting so that the selection screen is not displayed thereafter.

12. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus in which a user can use consumables at a fixed rate through a flat-rate service to which the user has subscribed, comprising: A step of performing a printing process using a consumable connected to the image forming device; detecting that a one-time purchase consumable item different from the consumable item available at a fixed price has been connected to the image forming apparatus; and performing control to compensate the user for the amount of the one-time consumable used in the printing process.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an image forming apparatus in which a user can use consumables at a fixed rate through a flat-rate service to which the user has subscribed, The method for controlling the image forming apparatus includes: A step of performing a printing process using a consumable connected to the image forming device; detecting that a one-time purchase consumable item different from the consumable item available at a fixed price has been connected to the image forming apparatus; a step of controlling a step of compensating the user for the amount of the one-time consumable used in the printing process.

14. A flat-rate usage system that provides a flat-rate service for allowing a consumable connected to an image forming apparatus to be used at a fixed rate, comprising: A flat-rate usage system characterized by comprising a means for controlling the compensation to a user of the image forming device for the amount of one-time purchase consumables used in printing processing by the image forming device to which a one-time purchase consumable different from the consumables available at the flat rate is connected.

15. The flat-rate usage system according to claim 14, characterized in that the means for controlling the compensation deducts an amount calculated based on the actual usage value of the one-time consumable in the printing process from the service fee for the flat-rate service to which the user has subscribed.

16. The flat-rate usage system according to claim 14, characterized in that the means for controlling the compensation grants the user points that can be used in exchange for other consumables corresponding to the image forming device, the points being calculated based on the actual usage value of the one-time purchase consumables in the printing process.

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