Image forming apparatus, method of controlling image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can suppress the occurrence of an unintended printing charge.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 101 includes: counting means (CPU 201) that counts the number of printing sheets used for printing within a prescribed period; permission means (setting screen 600) that, if the number of printing sheets counted by the counting means reaches a prescribed number of sheets, can permit setting to a printable mode that enables printing within the prescribed period even when the number of sheets exceeds an upper limit number of printing sheets that can be printed within the prescribed period; and changing means (CPU 201) that changes the setting to the printable mode when the permission means permits the setting to the printable mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, when printing on an image forming device such as a printer, a fee is charged for the paper used for that printing. A well-known example of this fee-charging method is the flat-rate printing method used in subscription services, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. With flat-rate printing, a user of an image forming device pays a fixed fee every specified period and prints a preset number of pages within that fee. Furthermore, when the maximum number of pages that can be printed is reached, the user may automatically switch to a pay-as-you-go mode, in which additional charges are incurred, or to a higher-level plan with a larger number of pages that can be printed. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device in which a maximum number of pages that can be printed is set for each user, even in an environment where multiple users use a single printing device. With the printing device described in Patent Document 1, if a user wishes to print more pages than the maximum number of pages that can be printed, the user can inquire with the administrator who manages the printing device and change the maximum number of pages that can be printed for that user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-349702 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the printing device described in Patent Document 1, although an upper limit on the number of printable sheets is set for each user, no upper limit on the number of printable sheets is set for the printing device itself. As a result, for example, if printing is performed with the upper limit on the number of printable sheets changed for each user, or if the number of users using the printing device increases, there is a risk that printing fees (charges) will be incurred that exceed the administrator's expected printing fees (charges).

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a mechanism that can prevent unintended printing charges from occurring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a printing function capable of printing on printing paper, and is characterized by comprising: a counting means for counting the number of sheets of printing paper used for said printing within a specified period; an enabling means for enabling setting to a printable mode that enables said printing within said specified period even if the number of sheets of printing paper that can be printed on within said specified period exceeds the upper limit number of sheets of printing paper that can be printed on within said specified period, when said enabling means has enabled setting to said printable mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unintended printing charges from occurring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus and a contract management server. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of contract information of a subscription managed by a contract management server. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of subscription contract information stored in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed after the remaining number of sheets for notification has been reached. [Figure 7A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 7B] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed in contract management. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of subscription contract information stored in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of subscription contract information stored in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system having an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 1000 has an image forming apparatus (image processing apparatus) 101, an image forming apparatus 102, an information processing terminal (information processing apparatus) 103, an information processing terminal 104, and a contract management server 105. These apparatuses are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 106 such as a LAN or a WAN. Since the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 have the same configuration, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described below as a representative. Since the information processing terminal 103 and the information processing terminal 104 have the same configuration, the information processing terminal 103 will be described below as a representative.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 101 has a printing function capable of printing on printing paper, and in this embodiment is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral). The image forming apparatus 101 may also be an SFP (Single Function Printer). In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 is placed in an environment where there are multiple users (operators) who use the image forming apparatus 101 and at least one administrator. The administrator manages the multiple users and the image forming apparatus 101. The administrator can also be a user. The contract management server 105 manages subscription contract information for the image forming apparatus 101. The information processing terminal 103 updates the contract information managed by the contract management server 105 through user operations via a web browser. The contract information update is not limited to being performed by operations on a web browser, but may also be performed, for example, by a dedicated application on the information processing terminal 103 or on the image forming apparatus 101. Furthermore, the number of image forming apparatuses provided in the image forming system 1000 is two in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this and may be one or three or more, for example. Similarly, the number of information processing terminals is two in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this and may be one or three or more, for example. The number of contract management servers is one in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this and may be two or more, for example. Furthermore, the information processing terminal and the management server are configured as separate entities in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but are not limited to this and may be configured as an integrated entity, for example.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus and a contract management server. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a main controller (controller unit) 200, an operation unit (display unit) 211, a printer unit 212, and a scanner unit 213. The main controller 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a HDD 204, an EEPROM 205, an operation unit I / F 206, a printer I / F 207, a scanner I / F 208, a USB-Host I / F 209, and a network I / F 210. The CPU 201 is an execution medium that executes a control program built into the image forming apparatus 101 and controls the operation of each unit (device) connected to the main controller 200 via each I / F and memory of a storage medium. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores a boot program and other programs required for system startup of the image forming apparatus 101. The RAM 203 is a volatile memory that serves as a work memory required for executing the control program. The HDD 204 is a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, and stores, for example, a control program, image data, etc. The control program includes, for example, a program for causing a computer to execute each unit and each means (a control method for the image forming apparatus 101) of the image forming apparatus 101. The EEPROM 205 is a non-volatile memory, and stores setting values ​​and the like required when the control program is executed. The EEPROM 205 also stores subscription contract information notified from the contract management server 105, which will be described later.

[0013] The operation unit I / F 206 is communicably connected to the operation unit 211. For example, the operation unit I / F 206 transmits information from the operation unit 211 to the CPU 201 and transmits information from the CPU 201 to the operation unit 211. The printer I / F 207 is communicably connected to the printer unit 212. The printer I / F 207 controls printing processes and the like in the printer unit 212. The scanner I / F 208 is communicably connected to the scanner unit 213. The scanner I / F 208 controls document reading processes in the scanner unit 213. The USB-Host I / F 209 is communicably connected to an external USB device 214. The external USB device 214 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a fax unit that transmits faxes, a USB memory, and a USB keyboard. The fax unit transmits image data transferred from the HDD 204 via the USB-Host I / F 209 by fax. The FAX unit also generates image data based on data transmitted from an external device and transfers the image data to the HDD 204 via the USB-Host I / F 209. Update files required for firmware updates can also be transferred from the USB memory. The network I / F 210 is communicably connected to the network 106. This allows the network I / F 210 to receive, for example, information such as print jobs from the information processing terminal 103 and information such as contract information from the contract management server 105. The network I / F 210 can also transmit various types of information to, for example, the information processing terminal 103 and the contract management server 105. In this way, the network I / F 210 functions as a receiving means for receiving information and a transmitting means for transmitting information.

[0014] The operation unit 211 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like. The liquid crystal display can display a predetermined screen, for example, the status of the image forming apparatus 101 or an operation menu, and can accept user instructions entered on the screen. The printer unit 211 accepts print instructions from the main controller 200 and prints on printing paper in accordance with the print instructions. The scanner unit 213 accepts document reading instructions from the main controller 200 and reads the document in accordance with the document reading instructions. The scanner unit 213 also transmits image data obtained by document reading to the main controller 200. The document reading operation modes include a platen mode in which a document placed on a document table having a glass surface is read, and an ADF mode in which a document is read while being transported by an automatic document feeder (ADF).

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the contract management server 105 has a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, a HDD 234, and a network I / F 235. The CPU 231 is an execution medium that executes the server functions of the contract management server 105. The ROM 233 is a read-only memory that stores a boot program and the like required for system startup of the contract management server 105. The RAM 233 is a volatile memory that serves as work memory required for executing the server function program. The HDD 234 is a storage medium such as a magnetic disk that stores the server function program, subscription contract information, and the like. The network I / F 235 is connected to the network 106 so as to be able to communicate with the network 106.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus. The software in FIG. 3 is realized when the CPU 201 calls a control program stored in the ROM 202, loads the control program into the RAM 203, and executes it. As shown in FIG. 3, the main system 300 includes, as software, a startup control unit 301, an operation unit control unit 302, a printer control unit 303, a scanner control unit 304, a user data management unit 305, and an authentication control unit 306. The main system 300 also includes, as software, an error notification control unit 307, a communication control unit 308, a function application platform 309, a function application 310, a history setting storage unit 311, and a USB control unit 312. The startup control unit 301 is a program that controls the startup process of the image forming apparatus 101. Specifically, the startup control unit 301 starts the OS (operating system) of the main controller 200 and launches the basic system for running various programs. The operation unit control unit 302 controls the operation unit 211 via the operation unit I / F 206. The printer control unit 303 controls printing by the printer unit 212. The scanner control unit 304 controls document reading by the scanner unit 213. The user data management unit 305 is a program that manages user information about users who are allowed to use the image forming apparatus 101. The authentication control unit 306 controls authentication of users who use the image forming apparatus 101 based on the user information managed by the user data management unit 305.

[0017] The error notification control unit 307 receives notification of an abnormal state occurring in, for example, the printer unit 212 or the scanner unit 213, and controls the image forming apparatus 101 to stop the entire image forming apparatus 101 or to instruct the image forming apparatus 101 to perform degraded operation. The communication control unit 308 controls multiple communication protocols supported by the image forming apparatus 101. The function application platform 309 converts input from the operation unit I / F 206 into button instructions on an operation screen controlled by a function application 310. The conversion results are notified to the function application 310. The function application platform 309 also switches the display of the operation screen and displays it on the operation unit 211. The function application 310 is software for operating various functions, such as copying, printing, and email transmission. Note that a function application 310 exists for each function. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 101 can externally add function applications 310. The history setting storage unit 311 manages non-volatile information, such as operation history and various setting values, within the image forming apparatus 101. Specifically, the history setting storage unit 311 stores settings necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus 101 and when a job is executed, as well as user operation history, job execution results, error occurrences, etc. The HDD 204 is used to store this non-volatile information. The USB control unit 312 controls the external USB device 214 via the USB-Host I / F 209.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of subscription contract information managed by the contract management server. The contract information shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the HDD 234 of the contract management server 105. User data 401 shown in FIG. 4(a) includes a user ID 402, a password 403, an address 404, and a payment method 405. The user ID 402 is an ID used to identify the subscriber (user) for each subscription contract. Note that the subscriber may be an individual or a corporation. The password 403 is a password used, for example, when the subscriber renews the subscription contract. The address 404 is the subscriber's address. The address 404 is used, for example, as the issuance destination, i.e., the recipient, of invoices and receipts when they are issued. The payment method 405 is a payment method by which the subscriber pays the fee when using the image forming apparatus 101 under the terms of the subscription contract. The payment method 405 is not particularly limited, and examples include credit card payment and bank debit. Note that the items included in the user data 401 are not limited to the user ID 402 to the payment method 405.

[0019] The plan data 411 shown in FIG. 4(b) includes a plan 412, a printable number of sheets 413, and a fee 414. The plan 412 is the name of each subscription contract. The printable number of sheets 413 is the number of sheets of printing paper that can be printed on within each subscription contract period (predetermined period), i.e., the upper limit number of sheets. In this embodiment, the subscription contract period is one month, but is not limited to this. The fee 414 is the fee required for each subscription contract. Note that the items included in the plan data 411 are not limited to the plan 412 to the fee 414.

[0020] The contract data 421 shown in FIG. 4(c) includes a serial number 422, a user ID 423, a plan 424, a contract end date 425, a device administrator 426, a mode switching method after reaching the upper limit 427, and a remaining number of pages for notification (predetermined number) 428. The serial number 422 is a number that identifies, for example, the image forming apparatus 101 or the image forming apparatus 102. The user ID 423 is the same as the user ID 402 in the user data 401. The plan 424 is the same as the plan 412 in the plan data 411. The contract end date 425 is the date on which the subscription contract expires. The device administrator 426 is information about an administrator who has administrative authority to manage the image forming apparatus 101, and is, for example, the administrator's email address. In a subscription contract, there are cases where the number of pages that can be printed on within the contract period is likely to be exceeded. In this case, the mode switching method 427 after the upper limit is reached is information on how to permit switching to a printable mode that allows printing within the subscription contract period even if the printable number of sheets has been exceeded. This permission may be given, for example, by an administrator or automatically by the image forming apparatus 101 without the administrator. The remaining number of sheets to be notified 428 is a reference number that serves as a criterion for determining whether only a few sheets remain until the printable number of sheets has been reached. The remaining number of sheets to be notified 428 can be, for example, the number of sheets when the printable number of sheets has been reached, i.e., 0 sheets, or alternatively, 5 sheets or 10 sheets.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of subscription contract information stored in an image forming apparatus. The contract information 500 shown in FIG. 5 includes detailed information (setting values) such as the number of printable sheets 501, the number of remaining printable sheets 502, the printable period (the period until the contract expires) 503, the device operation after reaching the upper limit 504, and the device administrator 505. Each detailed information is maintained as is until the contractor changes the contract details. The number of printable sheets 501 is the same as the number of printable sheets 413 in the plan data 411, and is set to 1,000 in FIG. 5, for example. When a subscription contract is concluded, the number of printable sheets 413 is transmitted from the network I / F 235 of the contract management server 105 according to the content of the subscription contract, i.e., the plan. The number of printable sheets 413 is then received by the network I / F 210 of the image forming apparatus 101, stored in the EEPROM 205, and becomes the number of printable sheets 501. The same process is performed for the number of remaining printable sheets 502 to the device administrator 505. If a subscription contract has not been concluded, the printable number 501 has no set value, that is, is unlimited.

[0022] The remaining number of sheets for notification 502 is the same as the remaining number of sheets for notification 428 in the contract data 421, and is 5 sheets in FIG. 5, for example. The printable period 503 is the number of days remaining until the expiration date of the subscription contract, and is 7 days remaining in FIG. 5, for example. The printable period 503 is acquired based on the current date and the contract expiration date 425. The device action after reaching the upper limit 504 is the operator who performs the operation to permit switching to the printable mode, and is the administrator in FIG. 5, for example. The device action after reaching the upper limit 504 is set based on the mode switching method after reaching the upper limit 427 in the contract data 421. The device administrator 505 is the same as the device administrator 426 in the contract data 421, and is the email address of the administrator of the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 5, for example.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed after the remaining number of sheets for notification has been reached. The setting screen (operation screen) 600 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the operation unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 101. The setting screen 600 includes a planned number of sheets to be printed 601, a message 602, a message 603, a serial number 604, subscription contract information 605, and an operation selection item (permission means) 610. The planned number of sheets to be printed 601 is an instruction from a single user, i.e., the planned number of sheets to be printed (planned number of sheets to be used) for printing on the image forming apparatus 101 by a single print job. The message 602 is a message prompting the user to select an operation of the image forming apparatus 101 after the number of sheets that can be printed has been reached. The message 603 is a message (notification means) indicating that the remaining number of sheets for notification under the subscription contract will be reached when the printing paper equivalent to the planned number of sheets to be printed 601 has been used for printing. The serial number 604 is a number that identifies the image forming apparatus 101 and is obtained based on the serial number 422 in the contract data 421. The subscription contract information 605 is information relating to the subscription contract, such as the name of the subscription contract.

[0024] The operation selection item 610 allows permission to set a printable mode that enables printing within the subscription contract period even if the number of printable pages within the subscription contract period has been exceeded when the remaining number of pages for notification has been reached (permission process). The operation selection item 610 is operated by an administrator. This operation causes the CPU 201 (changing means) to change the setting to the printable mode (changing process). The operation selection item 610 includes options from which multiple printable modes can be selected. These options include a pay-per-use mode (first option) 611 and a higher-level plan (second option) 615. When the pay-per-use mode 611 is selected, printing is enabled by charging according to the number of sheets of printing paper used after the number of printable pages has been exceeded. The pay-per-use mode 611 also includes an upper limit setting option 613 that sets a new printable page count (upper limit number) and an upper limit setting option 612 that does not set a new printable page count. When the option 613 with upper limit is selected, a new printable number can be input and set in the upper limit input section (setting section) 614. In both the option 613 with upper limit and the option 612 without upper limit, for example, 100 yen is charged per sheet of printing paper.

[0025] When the higher plan 615 is selected, printing becomes possible by charging a fee that further increases the printable number of sheets. In other words, the user can switch from Plan A to Plan B or Plan C, which are higher than Plan A. This higher plan 615 includes a Plan B transition option 616 for switching to Plan B and a Plan C transition option 617 for switching to Plan C. In this embodiment, the options in the operation selection item 610 include both the pay-per-use mode 611 and the higher plan 615. However, this is not limited to this; at least one of these options may be included. Other billing method options may also be included. The operation selection item 610 also includes an OK button 620 and a Cancel button 630. By selecting a desired option from the multiple options in the operation selection item 610 and then operating (pressing) the OK button 620, the selection state in the operation selection item 610 is confirmed. This updates the operation settings of the image forming apparatus 101 after the printable number of sheets is reached, and also updates the contract data 421 registered in the contract management server 105. On the other hand, by operating the cancel button 630, the selection state in the operation selection item 610 is canceled and the setting screen 600 is closed. Also, if the operation settings of the image forming apparatus 101 are updated after the printable number of sheets has been reached, a screen notifying the same may be displayed. This allows the user to understand that the operation settings have been updated to switch to the printable mode.

[0026] Fig. 7A is a flowchart showing processing executed by the image forming apparatus. Note that a program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 7A is read from ROM 202 to RAM 203 by CPU 201 and executed. As shown in Fig. 7A, in step S701, CPU 201 of image forming apparatus 101 controls network I / F 210 to receive a print job from information processing terminal 103. Note that data included in the print job may be, for example, data in PDF (Portable Document Format) format or data in PDL (Page Description Language) format.

[0027] In step S702, CPU 201 counts the number of sheets of printing paper to be used when the print job received in step S701 is executed (hereinafter referred to as the "planned number of sheets to be printed") (counting step). In this embodiment, CPU 201 functions as a counting unit that counts the number of sheets of printing paper used for printing within the subscription contract period. Note that in image forming apparatus 101, the counting unit may be provided separately from CPU 201. Counting by the counting unit may be an up-counting system or a down-counting system. As described above, image forming apparatus 101 stores the number of printable sheets and the number of sheets remaining for notification as part of the subscription contract information (see FIG. 5). CPU 201 determines whether the number of printable sheets is greater than the number obtained by subtracting the number of sheets remaining for notification from the number of printable sheets remaining. Note that the remaining number of printable sheets is obtained by printer control unit 303 subtracting the total number of sheets printed by image forming apparatus 101 within the subscription contract period (total count) from the number of printable sheets. The total number of sheets is also obtained from the history settings storage unit 311. If the determination in step S702 determines that the planned number of sheets to be printed is greater than the number obtained by subtracting the remaining number of sheets to be notified from the remaining number of sheets that can be printed, the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, if the determination in step S702 determines that the planned number of sheets to be printed is not greater than the number obtained by subtracting the remaining number of sheets to be notified from the remaining number of sheets that can be printed, the process ends. In this manner, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 functions as a determination unit that determines whether the number of sheets to be printed has reached the number related to the remaining number of sheets to be notified. Note that in the image forming apparatus 101, a determination unit may be provided separately from the CPU 201.

[0028] In step S703, the printer control unit 303 refers to the device operation after reaching the upper limit (see FIG. 5) and determines whether the switch to the printable mode is to be performed by a permitted operation determined by the operator. As described above, the device operation after reaching the upper limit is one of the contract information of the subscription, and is stored in the image forming apparatus 101. If it is determined in step S703 that the switch to the printable mode is to be performed by a permitted operation determined by the operator, the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the switch to the printable mode is not to be performed by a permitted operation determined by the operator, that is, that the switch to the printable mode is to be automatically performed by the image forming apparatus 101, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0029] In step S705, CPU 201 changes the number of printable sheets to unlimited as a pay-per-use mode, and the process proceeds to step S706.

[0030] In step S706, the CPU 201 controls the network I / F 210 to notify the contract management server 105 that the contract information will be changed, and the process proceeds to step S707.

[0031] In step S707, the operation section control section 302 displays the home screen 800 (see FIG. 8) indicating that the mode is being switched to the pay-per-use mode by controlling the operation section unit 211. After step S707 is executed, the process proceeds to step S711.

[0032] In step S704, CPU 201 determines whether image forming apparatus 101 is connected to network 106. This determination is made, for example, but not limited to, based on whether an IP address can be acquired. If it is determined in step S704 that image forming apparatus 101 is connected to network 106, the process proceeds to step S708. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that image forming apparatus 101 is not connected to network 106, the process proceeds to step S709.

[0033] In step S708, the printer control unit 303 notifies the administrator that the remaining number of pages for notification under the subscription contract has been reached and that it is recommended to perform processing after the remaining number of pages for notification has been reached. Such notification can be made, for example, by displaying the setting screen 600 (see FIG. 6) on the operation unit 211. After step S708 is executed, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0034] In step S709, the operation control unit 302 displays the setting screen 600 (see FIG. 6) on the operation unit 211. When the administrator checks the setting screen 600, for example, the administrator can understand that the remaining number of sheets for notification under the subscription contract has been reached, or that it is preferable to perform processing after the remaining number of sheets for notification has been reached. After step S709 is executed, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0035] In step S710, CPU 201 determines whether or not a notification has been received that one of pay-per-use mode 611 and higher-level plan 615 on setting screen 600 has been selected, and that a change to the contract information based on that selection has been made by contract management server 105. The contract information change notification is transmitted from contract management server 105. If the determination in step S710 determines that a contract information change notification has been received from contract management server 105, processing proceeds to step S711. On the other hand, if the determination in step S710 determines that a contract information change notification has not been received from contract management server 105, processing remains in standby at step S710.

[0036] In step S711, the printer control unit 303 executes the print job received in step S701 in the pay-per-use mode or in a higher-level plan, that is, performs printing in the pay-per-use mode or in a higher-level plan.

[0037] Through the above control, an upper limit on the number of printable sheets in the image forming apparatus 101 is set, and if printing beyond that limit is desired, permission to set the image forming apparatus 101 to a printable mode is required from the administrator. Only when permission to set the image forming apparatus 101 to a printable mode is granted is it possible to print beyond the upper limit in pay-as-you-go mode or a higher plan. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of charges that exceed the printing charges (charges) anticipated by the administrator, i.e., the occurrence of unintended printing charges.

[0038] Fig. 7B is a flowchart showing processing executed in contract management. Note that a program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 7B is read from ROM 232 to RAM 233 by CPU 231 and executed. As shown in Fig. 7B, in step S721, CPU 231 of contract management server 105 determines whether or not a login notification to contract management server 105 has been received from image forming apparatus 101. If it is determined in step S721 that a login notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S722. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S721 that a login notification has not been received, the process remains in standby at step S721.

[0039] In step S721, CPU 231 determines whether information regarding a change in contract information (plan) has been received from image forming apparatus 101. Note that information regarding a change in contract information is generated by selecting one of pay-per-use mode 611 and higher-level plan 615 on setting screen 600 (see step S710), and is transmitted from image forming apparatus 101 to contract management server 105. If it is determined in step S721 that information regarding a change in contract information has been received, processing proceeds to step S723. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S721 that information regarding a change in contract information has not been received, processing remains in standby at step S722.

[0040] In step S722, the CPU 231 notifies the image forming apparatus 101 of the change in the contract information (plan transition instruction), and ends the process. This enables the image forming apparatus 101 to print in the pay-per-use mode or a higher plan.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. A home screen 800 shown in FIG. 8(a) is a screen displayed on the operation unit 211 in step S707 (see FIG. 7A) and includes a message display area 801, an icon 802, and an icon 803. The message display area 801 displays a message indicating that the mode is transitioning to a pay-per-use mode. The icon 802 is an operation button for issuing a command to perform printing. The icon 803 is an operation button for issuing a command to perform copying. A copy setting screen 810 shown in FIG. 8(b) is a screen displayed when the icon 803 is operated and includes a message display area 811 and a setting item 812 for setting copy conditions. The message display area 811, like the message display area 801, displays a message indicating that the mode is transitioning to a pay-per-use mode. The copy setting screen 810 may be displayed overlapping the home screen 800 or adjacent to the home screen 800. Furthermore, the home screen 800 may disappear temporarily, and the copy setting screen 810 may be displayed in place of the home screen 800.

[0042] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. Differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. In the first embodiment, permission to change to the printable mode is required when changing to the printable mode, resulting in a permission wait state. This permission wait state may cause a delay in the start of printing. The image forming apparatus 101 of this embodiment is configured to suppress this permission wait state. The configuration and operation will be described below. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of subscription contract information stored in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Contract information 900 shown in FIG. 9 includes detailed information (setting values) such as a setting value 901, a warning notification remaining number 902, a warning notification remaining number 903, and an expiration warning 904. The setting value 901 is a setting value that determines whether or not a prior warning (notification) is issued before permission to change to the printable mode, indicating that the printable mode will soon be required. For example, in FIG. 9, it is set to "Yes." The warning notification remaining number 902 is the number of remaining prints (unit: "sheets") when a pre-warning is issued, and is set to 50 sheets in FIG. 9, for example. The warning notification remaining number 903 is the number of remaining prints (unit: "%)" when a pre-warning is issued, and is set to 20% in FIG. 9, for example. The expiration warning 904 is the date on which a warning notification will be issued prior to the subscription contract expiration date, and is set to "a warning notification will be issued five days before the subscription contract expiration date" in FIG. 9, for example.

[0043] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the image forming apparatus 101. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1001, the printer control unit 303 of the image forming apparatus 101 acquires the total number of pages printed by the image forming apparatus 101 within the subscription contract period (total count) and the current date and time from the history setting storage unit 311.

[0044] In step S1002, the printer control unit 303 compares the total number acquired in step S1001 with the remaining warning notification number 902 to determine whether the remaining warning notification number 902 is equal to or greater than the total number. If the determination in step S1002 determines that the remaining warning notification number 902 is equal to or greater than the total number, the process proceeds to step S1005. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1002 determines that the remaining warning notification number 902 is not equal to or greater than the total number, the process proceeds to step S1003.

[0045] In step S1003, printer control unit 303 determines whether warning notification remaining number 903 is equal to or greater than the percentage value obtained by dividing the remaining number of printable sheets by the number of printable sheets. If the determination in step S1003 determines that warning notification remaining number 903 is equal to or greater than the percentage value, processing proceeds to step S1005. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1003 determines that warning notification remaining number 903 is not equal to or greater than the percentage value, processing proceeds to step S1004.

[0046] In step S1004, the printer control unit 303 references the expiration warning 904 stored in the EEPROM 205 and determines whether the subscription contract period (the period during which printing is possible under the subscription) has reached the expiration warning 904 (threshold value). If the determination in step S1004 shows that the subscription contract period has reached the expiration warning 904, the process proceeds to step S1005. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1004 shows that the subscription contract period has not reached the expiration warning 904, the process ends.

[0047] In step S1005, the operation section control section 302 displays a warning (see FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b)) on the operation section unit 211, and the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0048] In step S1006, the printer control unit 303 causes the operation unit 211 to display a warning screen 1120 (see FIG. 11C) via the operation unit control unit 302.

[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. A home screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11(a) is displayed on the operation unit 211 in step S1005 (see FIG. 10) and includes a message display area 1101, icons 802, and 803. The message display area 1101 displays a message indicating that only a few pages remain until the maximum number of printable pages (maximum number of printable pages) is reached. A copy setting screen 1110 shown in FIG. 11(b) is displayed when the icon 803 is operated and includes a message display area 1111 and a setting item 812 for setting copy conditions. Similar to the message display area 1101, the message display area 1111 displays a message indicating that only a few pages remain until the maximum number of printable pages is reached. Having confirmed this message, an administrator can, for example, be aware of the waiting state for setting permission to switch to the printable mode, so as to resolve the state as soon as possible. This can reduce delays in the start of printing due to the waiting state for permission.

[0050] The warning screen 1120 shown in FIG. 11(c) is a screen displayed on the operation unit 211 in step S1006 (see FIG. 10), and includes an update selection section 1121, a message display section 1122, and an OK button 1123. The message display section 1122 displays a message indicating that only a few printable sheets remain under the subscription contract, along with the serial number identifying the image forming apparatus 101 and information related to the subscription contract, such as the plan name. The update selection section 1121 allows the user to select whether or not to renew the subscription contract; for example, in FIG. 11(c), "Renew" is selected. Then, by operating the OK button 1123 with "Renew" selected in the update selection section 1121, the selection state of the operation selection item 610 is determined. This updates the operation settings of the image forming apparatus 101 after the printable sheet limit is reached, and also updates the contract data 421 registered in the contract management server 105. Moreover, by operating the OK button 1123 with “Do not update” selected in the update selection section 1121, the warning screen 1120 is closed.

[0051] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The differences from the previous embodiments will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. With the image forming device 101, any user of the image forming device 101 can print by having the administrator change the setting to a printable mode. In this case, the more users there are, the higher the printing fee will be. The image forming device 101 of this embodiment is configured to be able to suppress excessive increases in printing fees. The configuration and operation will be described below.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of subscription contract information stored in an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The contract information 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12 includes, as detailed information (setting values), a user ID 1201 and a limit plan transition permission 1202. The user ID 1201 is an ID used to distinguish users who can use the image forming apparatus 101. The limit plan transition permission 1202 indicates whether each user of the image forming apparatus 101 is permitted to switch to the printable mode (transition to the limit plan). For example, in FIG. 12, the user with user ID “user01” is permitted to switch to the printable mode (OK), but the user with user ID “user02” is not permitted to switch to the printable mode (NG). In this manner, in this embodiment, permission or denial of transition to the printable mode can be selected for each user. This allows the administrator to change the settings to the printable mode only for users who are permitted to switch to the printable mode, thereby preventing excessive increases in printing fees.

[0053] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the image forming apparatus. As shown in Fig. 13, the processing sequentially includes steps S1301 and S1302. Steps S1301 and S1302 are the same as steps S701 and S702, respectively, in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7A. After step S1302 is executed, the processing proceeds to step S1303.

[0054] In step S1303, the CPU 201 determines whether the user of the image forming apparatus 101 is allowed to switch to the printable mode.

[0055] In step S1304, CPU 201 determines whether or not transition to printable mode is possible by referring to contract information 1200. If it is determined in step S1304 that transition to printable mode is possible, the process proceeds to step S1305. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1304 that transition to printable mode is not possible, the process ends.

[0056] After step S1305 is executed, the process sequentially executes the subsequent steps. Note that steps S1305 to S1313 are the same as steps S703 to S711, respectively, in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0057] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. 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 storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0058] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus having a printing function capable of printing on printing paper, a counting means for counting the number of sheets of printing paper used for printing within a predetermined period of time; an enabling means for enabling a setting of a printable mode that enables the printing within the predetermined period even if the number of sheets of printing paper that can be printed within the predetermined period exceeds an upper limit number of sheets of printing paper when the number of sheets of printing paper counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number; and a change unit that changes the setting to the printable mode when the permission unit permits the setting to the printable mode. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus is placed in an environment where a user who uses the image forming apparatus and an administrator who manages the image forming apparatus are present, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permission by the permission unit is given by an operation by the administrator. (Configuration 3) In the environment, there are a plurality of users, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein permission or denial by the permission means is selected for each of the users. (Configuration 4) A display means for displaying a screen is provided, 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the permission unit has an operation screen displayed on the display unit, on which an operation for permitting setting to the printable mode is performed. (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 4, wherein the operation screen includes options for selecting from a plurality of types of the printable modes. (Configuration 6) The image forming device described in Configuration 5, characterized in that the options include at least one of a first option that enables the printing by charging according to the number of sheets of printing paper used after the upper limit number of sheets is exceeded, and a second option that enables the printing by charging a fee that further increases the upper limit number of sheets. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 6, wherein the operation screen includes a setting section that allows the upper limit number to be newly set when the first option is selected. (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a notification means for notifying the user when the number of sheets of printing paper counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number. (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the notification means notifies the user that the setting to the printable mode has been permitted by the permission means. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, further comprising a determination means for determining whether the number of sheets of printing paper counted by the counting means has reached a predetermined number. (Configuration 11) A receiving unit for receiving a print job is provided, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 10, wherein the determining means determines whether the number of sheets of printing paper counted by the counting means has reached a predetermined number each time the receiving means receives the print job. (Configuration 12) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the predetermined number is a reference number that serves as a criterion for determining whether the number of sheets remaining is small until the upper limit number is reached. (Method 1) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a printing function capable of printing on printing paper, comprising: a counting step of counting the number of sheets of printing paper used for the printing within a predetermined period; an enabling step of enabling a setting to a printable mode that enables the printing within the predetermined period even if the number of sheets of printing paper that can be printed within the predetermined period exceeds an upper limit number of sheets of printing paper when the number of sheets of printing paper counted in the counting step reaches a predetermined number; a change step of changing the setting to the printable mode when the setting to the printable mode is permitted in the permitting step. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 101 Image forming device 201 CPU 413 printable pages 428 Notification Remaining Number 501 printable pages 502 Notification Remaining Number 600 Settings screen 610 Operation selection item 611 Pay-per-use mode 615 Top Plan

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a printing function capable of printing on printing paper, a counting means for counting the number of sheets of printing paper used for printing within a predetermined period of time; an enabling means for enabling a setting of a printable mode that enables the printing within the predetermined period even if the number of sheets of printing paper that can be printed within the predetermined period exceeds an upper limit number of sheets of printing paper when the number of sheets of printing paper counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number; and a change unit that changes the setting to the printable mode when the permission unit permits the setting to the printable mode.

2. the image forming apparatus is placed in an environment where a user who uses the image forming apparatus and an administrator who manages the image forming apparatus are present, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permission by the permission unit is given by an operation by the administrator.

3. In the environment, there are a plurality of users, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein permission or denial by said permission means is selected for each of said users.

4. A display means for displaying a screen is provided, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permission unit has an operation screen displayed on the display unit, on which an operation for permitting the setting to the printable mode is performed.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the operation screen includes options for selecting from a plurality of types of printable modes.

6. The image forming device according to claim 5, characterized in that the options include at least one of a first option that enables printing by charging according to the number of sheets of printing paper used after the maximum number of sheets is exceeded, and a second option that enables printing by charging a fee that further increases the maximum number of sheets.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the operation screen includes a setting section that allows the upper limit number of sheets to be newly set when the first option is selected.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user when the number of sheets of printing paper counted by the counting unit reaches a predetermined number.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit notifies the user when the permission unit permits the setting of the printable mode.

10. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determining means for determining whether the number of sheets of printing paper counted by said counting means has reached a predetermined number.

11. a receiving means for receiving a print job; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the determining unit determines whether the number of sheets of printing paper counted by the counting unit has reached a predetermined number each time the receiving unit receives the print job.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number is a reference number that serves as a criterion for determining whether the number of sheets remaining is small until the upper limit number is reached.

13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus having a printing function capable of printing on printing paper, comprising: a counting step of counting the number of sheets of printing paper used for the printing within a predetermined period; an enabling step of enabling a setting to a printable mode that enables the printing within the predetermined period even if the number of sheets of printing paper that can be printed within the predetermined period exceeds an upper limit number of sheets of printing paper when the number of sheets of printing paper counted in the counting step reaches a predetermined number; a change step of changing the setting to the printable mode when the setting to the printable mode is permitted in the permitting step.

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

Images