Image forming apparatus, method, and program

Abstract

To improve usability of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has: acquisition means that, in response to an instruction from a terminal device, acquires, from a server, information on the number of remaining sheets until the number of sheets printable with flat-rate billing reaches the upper limit of the number of printable sheets in a predetermined contract; and notification means that notifies the terminal device of the information on the number of remaining sheets acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, billing services have been provided in which the billing amount increases in stages according to the amount of consumables consumed. A printing device, which is an example of an image forming device that provides such a service, provides a mechanism for notifying the user before printing if the billing amount changes depending on the amount of consumables consumed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the amount of toner consumed when printing is performed is calculated, and a warning screen is displayed if the amount of toner consumed for printing exceeds a set billing amount.

[0003] In recent years, the introduction of subscription contracts has led to the spread of fixed-price contract services, whereby users who sign up for a service are provided with a device and consumables for a fixed fee, eliminating initial investment and maintenance costs. In such contract-based flat-rate services, the printing device communicates with a management server, obtains contract information such as the service contract status from the management server, and charges the printing device based on that contract information. Many of these contract-based flat-rate services have mechanisms in place that switch to per-page billing when printing exceeds a predetermined limit, or automatically change the contract to the next flat-rate plan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-143216 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, billing settings based on the amount of consumables consumed are set on the printing device. On the other hand, with subscriptions, service contract information is managed by a management server, which means that the printing device may not be able to grasp the amount of consumables used. For example, consumables may be shared among multiple printing devices, and the amount of consumables consumed within the contracted fee may fluctuate. Patent Document 1 did not anticipate that contract information or consumables usage would be managed by a management server. As a result, it was difficult for users to confirm whether the amount of consumables consumed had already exceeded the amount available within the contracted fee, which could result in additional costs if they unintentionally performed additional printing. For this reason, there was previously room for improvement in the usability of image forming devices for users.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to improve the usability of image forming apparatuses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring, in response to an instruction from a terminal device, information on the number of remaining sheets remaining before reaching the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed under a contract that specifies the number of sheets that can be printed for a fixed fee, and a notification means for notifying the terminal device of the information on the remaining number of sheets acquired by the acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the usability of the image forming apparatus can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a printer 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a subscription management server 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a terminal device 300 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an overall sequence diagram relating to the display of contract information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an overall sequence diagram for acquiring subscription usage status when printing is executed according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an overall sequence diagram relating to the display of the contents of other contract plans according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to the acquisition of contract information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a display screen according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing by the printer 100 regarding the display of contract information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the printer 100 when a user executes a print instruction according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that the components described in the following embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

[0011] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This processing system includes a printer 100 as a processing device, a subscription management server 200, and a terminal device 300, which are connected via a communication network 400 such as the Internet. This processing system is an example of a printing system. The processing device is an example of a printing device. The printing device is an example of an image forming device. The printer 100 is an example of an image forming device.

[0012] The printer 100 records contract information for use of the printer 100 in an internal NVM 104 (described later with reference to FIG. 2) and controls the printer 100 in accordance with the recorded contract information. NVM is an abbreviation for non-volatile memory. The printer 100 receives the contract information by communicating with the subscription management server 200 via the communication network 400.

[0013] The subscription management server 200 provides contract information to the printer 100. Communication between the printer 100 and the device management server 200 uses a communication protocol such as HTTP, and the control method is a well-known method. HTTP is an abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. Also, while FIG. 1 shows only one printer 100 connected to the communication network 400, multiple printers may be connected.

[0014] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a printer 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The printer 100 has a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, and an NVM 104. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

[0015] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit for controlling each section within the printer 100. The ROM 102 stores various program codes. The RAM 103 temporarily stores and buffers data such as image data when each service is executed. The RAM 103 also stores image data received by the network connection section 105 (described later). The NVM 104 is a non-volatile memory that stores non-volatile information. For example, the NVM 104 stores the individual identification information of the printer 100, shipping destination information, and the language setting to be displayed on the display section 107.

[0016] The printer 100 also has a network connection unit 105. The network connection unit 105 connects to an external device via a USB or a network. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. That is, the network connection unit 105 connects to a USB or a network and communicates with the external device. In this embodiment, the printer 100 uses the network connection unit 105 to communicate with the subscription management server 200 via a communication network 400.

[0017] The printer 100 also has a display unit 106 and an operation unit 107. The display unit 106 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display or the like, and is capable of displaying characters, figures, indicators, and the like. Information displayed by the display unit 106 includes information about the ink contained in each ink tank (remaining ink amount), and the like. The driving of the display unit 106 is controlled by the CPU 101. The operation unit 107 is made up of switches, hard keys, and the like, which allow the user to perform various input operations. It is also possible for the display unit 106 to function as an operation unit for performing input operations, such as a touch panel.

[0018] The printer 100 also has a scanner 108, a print unit 109, an ink tank unit 110, a waste ink tank unit 111, and a paper cassette unit 112. The scanner unit 108 optically reads an original placed on a platen and converts it into electronic data. The scanner unit 108 also converts the electronic data into a specified file format. The scanner unit 108 then transmits the image data converted into the specified file format to an external device via a communication network 400, or stores the image data in a storage area such as a hard disk (not shown).

[0019] Printer 100 also has a copy function, which is realized by scanning an original placed on a platen with scanner unit 108, generating image data, and transferring the generated image data to print unit 109, which then records an image on a recording medium based on the image data. In printer 100, the scanner function is realized by scanner unit 108, and the print function is realized by print unit 109.

[0020] Print unit 109 receives ink from ink tank unit 110 and performs printing on a recording medium such as printing paper. Print unit 109 also prints an image on a recording medium by inkjet printing based on image data received from an external source or image data read by scanner unit 108. Note that the printing method of print unit 109 is not limited to inkjet printing, and may be other printing methods such as electrophotography.

[0021] The ink tank unit 110 has an ink inlet, and stores ink by injecting ink from an ink bottle. Alternatively, the ink tank unit 110 may have an ink cartridge filled with ink attached, and the ink from this ink cartridge may be supplied to the print unit 109 to perform printing. For example, the printer 100 may have a carriage that scans the print unit 109 over the recording medium, and the carriage with the ink cartridge attached may constitute the ink tank unit in this embodiment.

[0022] The waste ink tank unit 111 stores waste ink generated when the print unit 109 performs printing processing using ink supplied from the ink tank unit 110. Waste ink refers to ink that is used for purposes other than ejection onto a recording medium, such as ink suction performed before ink is ejected onto a recording medium to stabilize ink ejection. Status information indicating the remaining capacity that can be stored in the waste ink tank unit 111 is calculated based on the amount of waste ink used by the print unit 109 outside the recording medium and the capacity of the waste ink tank unit 111. In this case, the calculation result of the remaining capacity may be corrected by installing a sensor in the waste ink tank unit 111 that detects the amount of waste ink, or the remaining capacity that can be stored in the waste ink tank unit 111 may be calculated using only the sensor.

[0023] Paper cassette unit 112 stores recording media such as printing paper to be supplied to print unit 109. Print unit 109 prints on the supplied paper to form an image. Paper information such as the number of remaining sheets in paper cassette unit 112 is calculated based on the number of sheets supplied to print unit 109 and the number of sheets stored in paper cassette unit 112. Note that by installing a sensor that detects the number of sheets stored in paper cassette unit 112, the calculation result of the remaining number of sheets may be corrected, or the number of remaining sheets may be determined based solely on the sensor result. Each unit of printer 100 is connected to each other by bus 113, and is capable of sending and receiving data between them.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of a subscription management server 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The subscription management server 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a network connection unit 205, and a system bus 206. The CPU 201 performs processes such as calculation, determination, and control of data and commands in accordance with software stored in the ROM 202, RAM 203, or hard disk 204. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 201 performs various processes. The hard disk 204 stores an OS, application software, programs, etc. The OS is an abbreviation for Operating System. The hard disk 204 also stores a record table of device information for each printer and the contract status of each service, which will be described later.

[0025] The system bus 206 exchanges data between the CPU 201, the ROM 202, RAM 203, and hard disk 204 serving as information storage means, and the network connection unit 205. The network connection unit 205 uses a wireless LAN or a wired LAN conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a, and exchanges data with devices on the same network or the Internet using protocols such as TCP / IP. IEEE is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. TCP / IP is an abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a terminal device 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The terminal device 300 has a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk 304, an operation unit 305, a display unit 306, a network connection unit 307, and a system bus 308. The CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, hard disk 304, network connection unit 307, and system bus 308 are the same as those in Fig. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] The operation unit 305 includes at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, for example. The CPU 301 can detect and accept user input via the operation unit 305. The display unit 306 is, for example, a display device, and can display information of various applications.

[0028] Next, a processing sequence relating to the display of contract information will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an overall sequence diagram of processing relating to the display of contract information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 to 8 and 11 to 12 are performed by the CPU of each device executing a program stored in a storage means. Here, a user who operates the terminal device 300 and uses the printer 100 is called a user 500.

[0029] In step S501, the CPU 301 of the terminal device 300 receives an instruction to call up a print screen from the user 500 via the operation unit 305. Next, in step S502, the CPU 301 requests the printer 100 to acquire the printer status. Here, the printer status refers to whether communication with the printer 100 is possible, whether the printer 100 is capable of printing, and the subscription usage status described below.

[0030] Next, in step S503, the printer 100 obtains contract information from the subscription management server 200. Here, contract information refers to the contract plan subscribed to the printer 100, and, if the contract plan is a flat-rate plan, the subscription usage status, such as the remaining number of printable pages. The processing in step S503 is an example of an acquisition means that, in response to an instruction from the terminal device, obtains from the server information on the remaining number of printable pages until the upper limit for the flat-rate charge is reached.

[0031] In step S504, the subscription management server 200 responds to the printer 100 with the contract information linked to the printer 100. In step S505, the printer 100 stores the contract information acquired in step S504 in the NVM 104. The processing of step S505 is an example of a storage unit that stores the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0032] In this embodiment, the printer status is obtained from the terminal device 300 to the printer 100. However, if the status of the printer 100 is collectively managed by the subscription management server 200, the printer status may be obtained from the terminal device 300 to the subscription management server 200.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the terminal device 300 makes a request to obtain the printer status, the contract information stored in the NVM 104 of the printer 100 is updated. However, when the contract details of the printer 100 managed by the subscription management server 200 are updated, the contract information stored in the NVM 104 of the printer 100 may also be updated.

[0034] Next, in step S506, the printer 100 transmits the printer status, including the subscription usage status saved in step S505, to the terminal device 300. The process of step S506 is an example of a notification means for notifying the terminal device of the remaining number of pages acquired from the server. The printer 100 determines the subscription usage status from the remaining number of pages that can be printed by the printer 100 when responding to the terminal device 300. The subscription usage status responded to the terminal device 300 will be explained below using several example contract plans.

[0035] (1) If the contract plan is a flat-rate plan with a print limit The remaining number of printable sheets is managed by the subscription management server 200, and the printer 100 acquires the following information as contract information. Contract plan: Fixed-price plan with print limit Remaining number of printable sheets: n sheets When the contract plan is a flat-rate plan with a printing limit, if n < m, the printer 100 determines that it is in a warning status that warns that the remaining number of sheets is small. When the contract plan is a flat-rate plan with a printing limit, if n = 0, the printer 100 determines that it is in a non-printable status where printing is not possible due to exceeding the subscription limit. m is a threshold value that can be set by the user.

[0036] (2) When the contract plan is a flat-rate + usage-based billing plan The subscription management server 200 manages the number of sheets until usage-based billing, and the printer 100 acquires the following information as contract information. · Contract plan: Flat-rate + usage-based billing plan · Number of sheets until usage-based billing: n sheets When the contract plan is a flat-rate + usage-based billing plan, the printer 100 determines that it is in a status of printable and no warning.

[0037] In step S507, the terminal device 300 displays the printer status acquired in step S506 on the display unit 306 and enters a printing instruction waiting state. An example of the display will be described later using FIG. 9.

[0038] Next, a flowchart processed by the printer 100 regarding the display of contract information will be described using FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart diagram processed by the printer 100 regarding the display of contract information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In step S1101, when the printer 100 detects a request for acquiring the printer status from the terminal device 300, it proceeds to the process of step S1102. In step S1102, the printer 100 determines whether to inquire about the contract information to the subscription management server 200. The determination conditions in step S1102 will be described in detail later using FIG. 8. If the printer 100 determines to inquire about the contract information, the process of step S1103 is executed.

[0040] In step S1103, the printer 100 queries the subscription management server 200 for contract information. In the following step S1104, the printer 100 saves the contract information received from the subscription management server 200. Next, in step S1105, the printer 100 notifies the terminal device 300 of the contract information received from the subscription management server 200.

[0041] Next, a flowchart relating to the acquisition of contract information performed by the printer 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart relating to the acquisition of contract information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] In step S801, the printer 100 determines whether the upper limit exceeded notification setting is enabled. The upper limit exceeded notification setting, which can be set by the user through the printer 100's main unit settings, refers to a setting for whether or not to notify the terminal device 300 of the number of remaining pages until the upper limit for the number of pages that can be printed for a fixed fee is reached. If the printer 100 determines that the upper limit exceeded notification setting is disabled, it does not inquire about contract information from the subscription management server 200, terminating the processing of FIGS. 8 and 11, and proceeding to step S506 in FIG. 5. If the printer 100 determines that the upper limit exceeded notification setting is enabled, it executes step S802. If the setting means has set the printer 100 to not notify the user, it does not acquire the remaining page count information from the subscription management server 200.

[0043] In step S802, the printer 100 determines whether the contract details are pay-per-print based on the number of printed pages, based on the contract information saved in step S505 of Fig. 5. If the printer 100 determines that the contract details are pay-per-print, it does not inquire about the contract information from the subscription management server 200, terminates the processing of Fig. 8 and Fig. 11, and proceeds to processing of step S506 of Fig. 5. If the printer 100 determines that the contract details are not pay-per-print or that the contract information is not saved in the NVM 104, it executes processing of step S803.

[0044] In step S803, the printer 100 determines whether the upper limit was reached the previous time based on the contract information saved in step S505 of Fig. 5. If the printer 100 determines that the upper limit was reached the previous time, it does not inquire about the contract information from the subscription management server 200, ends the processing in Fig. 8 and Fig. 11, and proceeds to processing in step S506 of Fig. 5. If the printer 100 determines that the upper limit was not reached the previous time, it executes processing in step S503 of Fig. 5.

[0045] Next, a display example of the printer status acquired in step S506 in Fig. 5 on the display unit 306 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 9(A) is an example of a display when the subscription limit has been exceeded. A menu 901 is displayed on the display unit 306 when the user instructs printing. The menu 901 includes a printer selection field 902 that displays a list of printers set in the terminal device 300. In the printer selection field 902, if a printing-unavailable status is returned from the printer 100 in step S506 of FIG. 5, the display for that printer is grayed out and the printer cannot be selected. Furthermore, the status field 904 for that printer displays "printing unavailable." Furthermore, a comment field 905 for that printer displays a comment about the fact that printing is unavailable, stating that the subscription limit has been exceeded.

[0047] When the user selects a selectable printer from the printers displayed in the printer selection field 902 and then presses the print button 906, the terminal device 300 sends a print instruction to the printer 100. When the user presses the cancel button 907, the display unit 306 ends display of the menu 901.

[0048] 9B shows an example of a display when the remaining number of printable sheets is low. The status column 908 indicates that printing is possible, and the comment column 909 indicates that the remaining number of printable sheets is low.

[0049] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an overall sequence diagram for acquiring subscription usage status when printing is executed according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the components that have already been described in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0050] The first embodiment described the configuration from calling the print screen to displaying the printer status on the display unit 306. In the second embodiment, in addition to this, the sequence when a user issues a print instruction will be described. Note that the configuration from calling the print screen to displaying the printer status on the display unit 306 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0051] In step S601, the terminal device 300 detects a print instruction from the user 500. Subsequently, in step S602, the terminal device 300 issues a print instruction to the printer 100.

[0052] Next, in step S603, the printer 100 requests the subscription management server 200 to obtain the subscription usage status. The processing in step S603 is an example of an acquisition means for acquiring information from the server about the remaining number of pages that can be printed before reaching the upper limit for the fixed-fee charge in response to an instruction from the terminal device. In the following step S604, the subscription management server 200 responds with the subscription usage status to the printer 100. Here, the subscription usage status refers to the remaining number of pages that can be printed within the fixed-fee charge range in the subscription contract.

[0053] Next, in step S605, the printer 100 updates the subscription usage status, which is part of the contract information stored in the NVM 104 in step S505 of FIG. 5. The process of step S605 is an example of a storage unit that stores the remaining number information acquired by the acquisition unit. Furthermore, in step S606, the printer 100 determines whether the current print can be performed within the fixed subscription fee based on the subscription usage status acquired in step S604 and the print job settings included in the print instruction in step S602. For example, if the print job is for a total of two pages, and the remaining number of pages that can be printed before the subscription limit is one, the printer determines that printing is not possible.

[0054] Next, in step S607, the printer 100 notifies the terminal device 300 of the result of the determination made in step S606. The processing in step S507 is an example of a notification method for notifying the terminal device of the remaining number of sheets acquired from the server. In step S608, if the terminal device 300 receives the notification that printing is not possible in step S607, it displays on the display unit 306 that the number of sheets to be printed exceeds the subscription contract limit. An example of the display will be described later with reference to FIG. 10. In this embodiment, if the number of sheets to be printed exceeds the limit, i.e., if the number of sheets to be printed exceeds the remaining number of sheets that can be printed for the fixed price, a warning is displayed and the user is prompted to select whether or not to print. However, if only a portion of the prints does not exceed the limit, a configuration may be adopted in which a message indicating that only a portion of the prints will exceed the limit is displayed and only a portion of the prints are executed. For example, if a print job requests the printing of two sheets in total, and the remaining number of sheets that can be printed before the subscription limit is one, only one sheet may be printed.

[0055] Next, a flowchart of the process performed by the printer 100 when a user issues a print instruction will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the process performed by the printer 100 when a user issues a print instruction according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] In step S1201, when the printer 100 detects a print instruction from the terminal device 300, the process proceeds to step S1202. In step S1202, the printer 100 inquires about the subscription usage status. In step S1203, the printer 100 determines whether printing is possible within the fixed fee. Next, in step S1204, the printer 100 transmits the result of the determination in step S1203 to the terminal device 300 and ends the process.

[0057] Next, a display example of the printer status acquired in step S506 of FIG. 5 on the display unit 306 will be described using FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is an example of a display screen according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The display unit 306 of the terminal device 300 displays a warning field 1001, a print execution button 1002, and a cancel button 1003. The display unit 306 displays in the warning field 1001 that the subscription upper limit has been exceeded. When the terminal device 300 detects that the print execution button 1002 has been pressed, it notifies the printer 100 of a print instruction. When the terminal device 300 detects that the cancel button 1003 has been pressed, it terminates the display of the warning field 1001 on the display unit 306.

[0058] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an overall sequence diagram relating to the display of the contents of other contract plans according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the components already described in the first and second embodiments, and their description will be omitted. In the third embodiment, a sequence for displaying the contents of other contract plans on the display unit 306 when the user instructs printing after the warning is displayed in step S608 of Fig. 6 will be described.

[0059] In step S701, the terminal device 300 detects a print instruction from the user. Subsequently, in step S702, the terminal device 300 notifies the printer 100 of the print instruction. Next, in step S703, the printer 100 requests the subscription management server 200 to acquire the contents of other contract plans. In step S704, the subscription management server 200 responds with the contents of other contract plans to the printer 100. In step S706, the printer 100 displays the contents of other contract plans acquired in step S704 on the display unit 106.

[0060] In this embodiment, the printer 100 is configured to display the contents of the other contract plan, but the printer 100 may notify the terminal device 300 of the contents of the other contract plan and display it on the display unit 306 .

[0061] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0062] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0063] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) an acquisition means for acquiring, in response to an instruction from the terminal device, information on the number of remaining sheets until the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed under a contract that specifies the number of sheets that can be printed for a fixed fee is reached from the server; a notification means for notifying the terminal device of the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition means; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) a setting means for setting whether or not the information on the remaining number is to be notified to the terminal device; the acquiring means does not acquire the information on the remaining number from the server when the setting means has set not to notify the information; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus has a means for determining whether or not a pay-per-print contract has been concluded, the acquiring means does not acquire the information on the remaining number from the server when it is determined that a pay-as-you-go contract has been made; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: (Configuration 4) a storage unit for storing the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition unit, 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) a storage means for storing the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition means, a means for determining whether the upper limit of the number of printable sheets has been reached based on the information on the remaining number of sheets stored by the storage means; when it is determined that the upper limit of the number of printable sheets has been reached, the acquiring means does not acquire information on the remaining number of sheets from the server; 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) the acquiring unit acquires the information on the remaining number of sheets from the server in response to a print instruction from the terminal device; the notification means notifies the terminal device whether printing is possible or not, based on the number of sheets to be printed in accordance with the print instruction and the information on the remaining number of sheets acquired by the acquisition means. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Method 1) A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring, in response to an instruction from the terminal device, information on the number of remaining sheets until the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed under a contract that specifies the number of sheets that can be printed for a fixed fee is reached from the server; a notification step of notifying the terminal device of the information on the remaining number acquired in the acquisition step; A method comprising: (Program 1) A program executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus, The computer an acquisition means for acquiring, in response to an instruction from the terminal device, information on the number of remaining sheets until the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed under a contract that specifies the number of sheets that can be printed for a fixed fee is reached; a notification means for notifying the terminal device of the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition means; A program characterized by functioning as [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100...Printer 200...Subscription management server 300...Terminal device 400...Communication Network 500...users

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring, in response to an instruction from the terminal device, information on the number of remaining sheets until the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed under a contract that specifies the number of sheets that can be printed for a fixed fee is reached from the server; a notification means for notifying the terminal device of the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a setting means for setting whether or not the information on the remaining number is to be notified to the terminal device; the acquiring means does not acquire the information on the remaining number from the server when the setting means has set not to notify the information; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The image forming apparatus has a means for determining whether or not a pay-per-print contract has been concluded, the acquiring means does not acquire the information on the remaining number from the server when it is determined that a pay-as-you-go contract has been made; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. a storage unit for storing the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. a storage means for storing the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition means, a means for determining whether the upper limit of the number of printable sheets has been reached based on the information on the remaining number of sheets stored by the storage means; when it is determined that the upper limit of the number of printable sheets has been reached, the acquiring means does not acquire information on the remaining number of sheets from the server; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. the acquiring unit acquires the information on the remaining number of sheets from the server in response to a print instruction from the terminal device; the notification means notifies the terminal device whether printing is possible or not, based on the number of sheets to be printed in accordance with the print instruction and the information on the remaining number of sheets acquired by the acquisition means.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring, in response to an instruction from the terminal device, information on the number of remaining sheets until the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed under a contract that specifies the number of sheets that can be printed for a fixed fee is reached from the server; a notification step of notifying the terminal device of the information on the remaining number acquired in the acquisition step; A method comprising:

8. A program executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus, The computer an acquisition means for acquiring, in response to an instruction from the terminal device, information on the number of remaining sheets until the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed under a contract that specifies the number of sheets that can be printed for a fixed fee is reached; a notification means for notifying the terminal device of the information on the remaining number acquired by the acquisition means; A program characterized by functioning as

Images