Printer, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To provide a printer capable of notifying a user of ongoing use / nonuse of the printer based on a contract of a flat-rate system.SOLUTION: This printer comprises: detection means for detecting the use state of the printer; and notification means for issuing a notification as to a contract when the use state indicates nonuse of the printer for a prescribed period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for detecting the usage status of a printer under a contract for using the printer for a fixed period of time at a fixed fee. [Background technology]

[0002] Printer subscription services have been on the rise in recent years. Subscription services differ from the traditional one-time purchase business model in that they allow users to use a printer without purchasing it by paying a fixed monthly fee. Generally, the cost of consumables such as ink and toner is included in the fixed contract fee, and users can use the printer for the duration of the contract. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2010-277471 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] During a printer subscription contract, a fixed fee is charged, and the user must pay the fixed fee every month. However, if for some reason the user stops using the printer during the contract period, and a fee is charged during the subscription contract period, the user will only be required to pay the fixed fee, even if the printer is not being used. Furthermore, subscription contracts are often automatically renewed every year, so if the user forgets to cancel the contract at the time of renewal, they will continue to pay the fee even if the printer is not being used.

[0005] Patent Document 1 proposes proposing a more suitable rate plan than the contracted rate plan if one is available, based on the actual usage situation of the customer who uses the facility or equipment. However, Patent Document 1 does not address the use of printers, and cannot address cases where usage is no longer confirmed. The present invention aims to provide a printing device that notifies a user when the printing device is being used under a flat-rate contract or when the printing device is not being used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The printing device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a detection means for detecting the usage status of the printing device, and a notification means for issuing a notification regarding the contract if the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by printing a notice to confirm the contract status or displaying a confirmation screen, the user of the printing device or other related parties can be notified that the printing device has not been used for a certain period of time, which allows them to make changes to the contract, etc., and reduces the amount of extra fees they have to pay. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a communication sequence between a server and a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a printer operation according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart for saving the date and time when a main body operation is detected. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart for saving the date and time of printing. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an image diagram of a print output result according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display image on the main body UI according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Example]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing device, i.e., a printer, according to the present invention. The printer in Figure 1 is shown to have only a printing function, but is not limited to this. It may also be a multi-function device that further includes a reading device that reads images on an original and functions as a copier, or may be an integrated device that adds other functions. Furthermore, although the printing device in this embodiment is described using an inkjet system, it may also use a different printing system, such as an electrophotographic system or an offset system.

[0011] First, the internal configuration of Fig. 1 will be described. The printer 100 has a printer controller 120, a printer engine 150, a HDD 161, and an input / output device 162. The printer 100 can also be connected to a host computer 190 via a network 191. The printer controller 120 has a HDD interface (HDD I / F) 121, an input / output device interface (input / output device I / F) 122, a ROM interface (ROM I / F) 125, and a memory controller 126. The printer controller 120 also has a host interface (host I / F) 127, a CPU 128, an image processing unit 129, and a controller engine interface 130. These are connected via a system bus 132. The printer controller 120 also has a flash ROM 123 and a RAM 124, which are connected to the system bus 132 via the ROM I / F 125 and the memory controller 126, respectively.

[0012] The CPU 128 is a central processing unit in the form of a microprocessor (microcomputer) that controls the overall operation of the printer 100 by executing programs and activating hardware. The flash ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 128 and fixed data necessary for various operations of the printer 100. The RAM 124 is used as a work area for the CPU 128, as a temporary storage area for various received data, and stores various setting data.

[0013] The image processing unit 129 performs various image processing, such as converting (expanding) print data (e.g., data expressed in a page description language) handled by the printer 100 into image data (bitmap image data), and other image processing. The image processing unit 129 converts the color space (e.g., YCbCr) of the image data included in the input print data into a standard RGB color space (e.g., sRGB). Furthermore, the image data is subjected to various image processing processes as needed, such as resolution conversion to an effective number of pixels (that can be printed by the printer 100), image analysis, image correction, and the like. The image data obtained by these image processing processes is stored in the RAM 124 or the HDD 161.

[0014] The printer engine 150 includes an inkjet head 151, a cutter 152, a transport motor 153, an interface 154 with the printer controller 120, a take-up motor 155, and an ink remaining amount sensor 156. These are connected via a system bus 157.

[0015] The inkjet head 151 is a printing unit that prints images on a print medium (paper) based on image data. The inkjet head 151, for example, holds multiple print heads for multiple colors, and ejects ink from the print heads in synchronization with the transport of the print medium to form an image on the print medium.

[0016] The cutter unit 152 is a mechanism for cutting the print medium. For example, the cutter unit 152 cuts the print medium after an image is printed to a predetermined length. The transport motor 153 is a motor for driving a transport roller that transports the print medium, and is controlled by the CPU 128 . The winding motor 155 is a motor for rotating the shaft of the winding mechanism that corresponds to the stacking device, and is controlled by the CPU 128 .

[0017] A plurality of ink remaining amount sensors 156 are arranged in the ink tank that supplies the recording material, and detect whether ink liquid exists at each level in the ink tank. The input / output device 162 includes hard keys and a touch panel for the user to perform various operations, and a display unit for presenting (notifying) various information to the user. Information can also be presented to the user by outputting sound (buzzer, voice, etc.) based on acoustic information from a sound generator. The HDD 161 can store and read from an internal hard disk the programs executed by the CPU 128, print data, and setting information required for various operations of the printer 100. Note that the HDD 161 may be replaced with another large-capacity storage device.

[0018] In this embodiment, the printer 100 is equipped with the input / output device 162, but the present invention is not limited to this. The input / output device 162 may be provided external to the printer 100, in which case it may be connected via wireless communication or the like. Also, for example, the host computer 190 may also function as the input / output device 162. Furthermore, in addition to the input / output device 162, the printer may be connectable to other input / output devices via a network or the like.

[0019] The host computer 190 is, for example, an external device that transmits print data to the printer 100. Note that instead of the host computer 190, the printer 100 may be connected to an external device that transmits print data, such as an image reader, a digital camera, or a smartphone.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment. The relationship between a printer and an external system will be described using Figure 2. This system is configured by connecting a printer 100 as a printing device, a device management server 201, and a service management server 202 via a network 191 such as the Internet. The printer 100 records contract information, including the number of pages that can be printed under the contract, the period, etc., in the Flash ROM 123 of the printer 100, and controls the printer 100 in accordance with the recorded contract information.

[0021] The contract is for a monthly flat rate. The contract details include the monthly flat rate, the contract period, the number of pages that can be printed, and the number of times consumables such as ink and toner are provided. A printer is delivered to the user who signs the contract, and the user can use the printer on the condition that they pay the monthly flat rate. During the contract period, consumables such as ink and toner can be provided as they run out. The number of times they are provided varies depending on the contract terms and the fee setting, such as once a month or up to three times a year. The number of pages that can be printed is also set at a number that corresponds to the provision of consumables such as ink and toner. The higher the monthly fee, the more consumables are provided and the number of pages that can be printed.

[0022] The device management server 201 holds the contract information notified by the service management server 202. The device management server 201 then provides the contract information to the printer 100. The printer 100 receives the contract information from the device management server 201 via the network 191. Communications between the printer 100 and the device management server 201 and service management server 202 use a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (hereinafter referred to as HTTP), and the control method is assumed to be a known method.

[0023] Also, although the device management server 201 is interposed between the printer 100 and the service management server 202, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the printer 100 and the service management server 202 may directly exchange contract information via the Internet. Details of the control of the printer 100 in accordance with the contract information will be described later.

[0024] 3 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between a server and a printer according to an embodiment. The sequence from the service contract to printer service authentication according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. Below, the step numbers of each process included in the sequence are indicated by numbers beginning with "S."

[0025] In S301, the user 300 signs up for the service on a system that manages the service. After the user 300 signs up for the service, in S302 a service registration process is performed that links the user information with the printer to be registered. Once the service registration process is complete, in S303 the printer 100 registered in S302 is delivered to the user. Upon receiving the printer 100, the user 300 unpacks the printer 100 and begins initial installation in S304.

[0026] In S305, the printer 100 proceeds with the initial installation process in accordance with instructions from the user 300, and performs initial settings such as network settings for connecting to the Internet. Once the printer 100 has completed the network connection through the initial settings, in S306 the printer 100 communicates a device registration request together with identification information such as the printer's product serial number to the device management server 201. In S307, the device management server 201 that has received the device registration request performs registration processing based on the identification information received from the printer.

[0027] When the registration process is completed, in S308, the device management server 201 returns the registration result to the printer 100 and notifies the service management server 202 that the device registration is complete. This notification of the device registration is sent to the service management server 202 may be sent to multiple service management servers 202 for each service.

[0028] In S309, the service management server 202 receives a notification of device registration completion from the device management server 201, and notifies the device management server 201 of the contract information for the associated service based on the identification information of the printer 100 received at that time. The device management server 201 stores the contract information notified from the service management server 202 therein.

[0029] In S310, when the printer 100 requests the device management server 201 to acquire contract information, the device management server 201 notifies the printer 100 of the contract information of each service that it has stored in its memory by way of an HTTP response. This acquisition of contract information is a request to acquire the contract status of multiple services all at once, and is not a communication performed for each service.

[0030] In S311, the printer 100 receives the contract information for multiple services from the device management server 201, stores the contract information for each service in the printer 100, and reflects control according to the contract information in subsequent printer control. For example, once it is confirmed that a service has been contracted, printer functions related to that service that had been restricted until then can be released and made available to the user.

[0031] In this embodiment, the printer 100 is provided on the assumption that the user 300 has signed up for the service, and all basic functions of the printer 100, such as printing, scanning, and copying, are restricted until it is confirmed in S310 that the user has signed up. These functions then become available from S311 onwards. Thereafter, in S312, the printer 100 notifies the device management server 201 of the number of pages printed each time printing is performed.

[0032] Next, a sequence for updating the flat-rate service contract content after the printer 100 is installed will be described. In S313, the user 300 renews the service contract on the system that manages the service. After the user 300 renews the service contract, in S314, a service re-registration process is performed. In S315, the device management server 201 is notified of the service contract update information.

[0033] The printer 100 constantly detects its usage status (S316). When printing is possible, it prints a notice confirming the contract status (S318). When printing is not possible, it displays a screen on the main body UI to confirm the contract status (S319). Details of S316, S318, and S319 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent figures.

[0034] The flow of printer operation according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. The process described below is realized by, for example, the CPU 128 of the printer 100 reading a program stored in the Flash ROM 123 or the HDD 161 into the RAM 124 and executing it. Below, the step numbers of each process included in the flowchart are indicated by numbers beginning with "S." This also applies to the subsequent flowcharts.

[0035] The printer operation flowchart of FIG. 4 is initiated periodically. In S310 of Fig. 3, when it is confirmed that a contract has been concluded, that is, when the status of the flat-rate service contract has been confirmed, the flowchart of Fig. 4 starts in S400. After the contract expires, the user will return the printer, so the decision in S400 is not necessarily required. The flow may be started periodically under the assumption that all of the user's printers are under contract.

[0036] To detect the printer's usage status, the printer 100 determines whether the main body has been operated or whether printing has occurred. In this embodiment, the printer 100 stores the most recent date and time the main body was operated and the most recent date and time printing was performed. The printer 100 counts up the number of printed pages each time printing is performed. When the printer 100 counts up the number of printed pages, it stores the date and time when the number of printed pages was counted up, thereby storing the most recent date and time printing was performed.

[0037] In S401, the printer 100 compares the stored date and time when the main body operation was detected with the current date and time. If there is no difference in date and time for one month or more, the process proceeds to S402, and if there is a difference in date and time for one month or more, the process proceeds to S403. If there is a difference in date and time for one month or more, this indicates that the main body of the printer 100 has not been operated and the printer 100 has not been used for the past month.

[0038] In S402, the printer 100 compares the date and time of the most recent (last) printing with the current date and time. The date and time of the most recent (last) printing is the date and time when the number of printed sheets stored was counted up. If there is no difference in date and time for more than a month, the printer 100 has a history of printing within the past month, so it is determined that it is in use and this flow ends. On the other hand, if there is a difference in date and time for more than a month, the process proceeds to S403. If there is a difference in date and time for more than a month, this indicates that the printer itself has been operated within the past month, but not a single sheet has been printed by the printer.

[0039] If there is no operation on the main body for one month, or if there is operation on the main body but no printing is performed for one month, the printer 100 determines that the printer has not been used for one month and determines that it is necessary to notify the user to review the contract. In this flow, the predetermined period for determining non-use is one month, but this predetermined period may be changed as appropriate depending on the contract status, etc. For a contract with a large number of printable pages, the predetermined period may be shortened, and for a contract with a small number of printable pages, the predetermined period may be lengthened. Also, the predetermined period may be set by the contracted user or the contracted service provider.

[0040] 4, in S401, it is determined whether the main body has been operated within a predetermined period, and then in S402, it is determined whether printing has been performed within the predetermined period. S401 and S402 do not necessarily have to be performed in this order; S402 may be performed before S401, or the determinations may be performed in parallel. In the flow of FIG. 4, the predetermined period is one month in both cases, but the predetermined period may be different between S401 and S402.

[0041] If it is determined that the printer has not been used for a predetermined period of time and a notice to review the contract is required, in S403 the printer 100 is turned on using the automatic power-on function to notify the user. Here, we will explain the automatic power ON / OFF function. The automatic power OFF function is a function that automatically turns off the printer when no printing is performed or no operation is performed on the main body for a certain period of time. The automatic power ON function is a function that automatically turns on the printer when printing is performed in the automatic power OFF state. In the automatic power OFF state, the main body UI screen is also turned off, but the CPU is still executing the program stored in the storage means.

[0042] Some printers have two switches: a main power switch and a power-saving switch. When the main power switch is turned OFF, the printer is powered off and cannot perform operations such as printing. When the main power switch is turned ON, the printer is started up and the CPU is executing programs stored in the storage means. When the main power is ON, it is possible to perform operations such as printing. The power-saving switch function is linked to the automatic power ON / OFF function. When the power-saving switch is turned OFF, the printer goes into sleep mode. When the power-saving switch is turned ON, it is possible to perform operations such as printing. When print data is sent to the printer while it is in sleep mode with the power-saving switch OFF, the automatic power ON function turns the power-saving switch ON and the printer starts up automatically.

[0043] In S404, the printer 100 determines whether the paper type is plain paper in order to print the "Notice to Confirm Contract Status." If it is plain paper (YES), proceed to S405, and if it is not plain paper (NO), proceed to S407. If the paper type is plain paper, in S405, a "notice to confirm contract status" is printed.

[0044] In S406, it is determined whether an error occurred when printing onto paper. If an error occurred (YES), proceed to S407. If no error occurred and printing was completed successfully, the flow ends. Figure 7 is an example of the print screen. If the paper type is not plain paper or if a printing error occurs, in S407, a "notice to check contract status" is displayed on the main body UI screen as shown in FIG.

[0045] The print example in Fig. 7 and the display example in Fig. 8 are merely examples, and other information may be displayed. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the amount of information printed on one page or displayed on the main body UI screen may be insufficient. In such cases, a QR code (registered trademark) may be printed or displayed on the main body UI screen, and the QR code may be scanned by a smartphone or the like to notify the user of detailed information such as contact details.

[0046] Furthermore, the notice to confirm the contract status from step S403 onward may be printed or displayed during a time period when the printer 100 was used most frequently in the past. This can be achieved by saving not only the most recent date and time of operation of the printer and the date and time when the number of printed sheets was counted up, but all of them as the usage history. The most frequently used time period can be identified from the past usage history.

[0047] By storing past usage history in this way, it is possible to notify users not only when the printer has not been used for a specified period of time, but also when the printer has been used infrequently for a specified period of time. For example, if the number of printed pages in the past month is less than or equal to a specified number, a notification such as "Your printer usage has been low. Please check your subscription contract." may be sent.

[0048] Also, the paper size set in the paper feed slot may differ from the print size of the notice confirming the contract status. In this case, you can create a print layout and print it according to the paper size set in the paper feed slot. For example, if the print size of the notice is A4 and the paper set in the paper feed slot is smaller, such as A5, create a print layout and print it according to the smaller paper.

[0049] Next, the means for detecting the usage status of the printer 100 will be described. The printer 100 constantly detects whether an operation has been performed on the printer or whether printing has been performed. When the printer 100 detects an operation on the printer or printing, it is determined that the printer has been used. The printer 100 also saves the date and time when it detected use. The saving method will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 5, the storage of the date and time when a main body operation is detected will be described. In S501, the printer 100 determines whether or not a main body operation has been detected. If it has been detected (YES), the process proceeds to S502, and if it has not been detected (NO), the flow ends. In S502, the date and time when the main body operation is detected is saved.

[0051] Saving of the date and time when the execution of printing is detected will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The execution of printing is detected by counting up the number of printed sheets. In S601, the printer 100 determines whether the number of printed sheets has been counted up. If the number has been counted up (YES), the process proceeds to S602, and if the number has not been counted up (NO), the flow ends.

[0052] As described above, in the embodiment, if the user stops using the printer 100 for some reason during the contract period, information for confirming the contract status can be provided to the user. This allows the user to make changes to the contract, and reduces the risk of a decrease in user satisfaction.

[0053] <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.

[0054] The disclosure of this specification includes the following printing device, printing device control method, and program. (Item 1) For printing devices used under a flat-rate contract, a detection means for detecting the usage state of the printing device; a notification means for issuing a notification regarding the contract when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time; A printing device comprising: (Item 2) the notification means prints a notice regarding the contract when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for the predetermined period of time; Item 1. The printing device according to item 1. (Item 3) when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for the predetermined period, the notification means prints the notice regarding the contract in accordance with the size of paper set in a paper feed slot of the printing device; Item 2. The printing device according to item 2. (Item 4) the notification means displays a notification regarding the contract on a UI screen when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for the predetermined period. Item 3. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for the predetermined period, the notification means issues a notification regarding the contract during a time period when the printing device has been used frequently in the past; 5. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) the notification means issues a notification regarding the contract if no operation is performed on the main body of the printing device for the predetermined period of time. 6. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 5. (Item 7) the notification means issues a notification regarding the contract if no printing has been performed by the printing device for the predetermined period of time. 7. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) Further, a setting means for setting the predetermined period is provided. 8. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) The notice regarding the contract includes a notice by QR code; 9. The printing device according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) A method for controlling a printing device used under a flat-rate contract, The detection means detects the usage state of the printing device; a notification means for notifying the user of the contract when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time; A method for controlling a printing device. (Item 11) A computer program for a printing device used under a flat-rate contract, The computer a detection means for detecting the usage state of the printing device; a notification means for issuing a notification regarding the contract when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time; A program to make it work.

[0055] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 100: Printer, 120: Printer controller, 150: Printer engine, 190: Host computer, 191: Network, 201: Device management server, 202: Service management server

Claims

1. For printing devices used under a flat-rate contract, a detection means for detecting the usage state of the printing device; a notification means for issuing a notification regarding the contract when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time; A printing device comprising:

2. the notification means prints a notice regarding the contract when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for the predetermined period of time; The printing device of claim 1 .

3. when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for the predetermined period, the notification means prints the notice regarding the contract in accordance with the size of paper set in a paper feed slot of the printing device; The printing device according to claim 2 .

4. the notification means displays a notification regarding the contract on a UI screen when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for the predetermined period. The printing device of claim 1 .

5. when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for the predetermined period, the notification means issues a notification regarding the contract during a time period when the printing device has been used frequently in the past; The printing device of claim 1 .

6. the notification means issues a notification regarding the contract if no operation is performed on the main body of the printing device for the predetermined period of time. The printing device of claim 1 .

7. the notification means issues a notification regarding the contract if no printing has been performed by the printing device for the predetermined period of time. The printing device of claim 1 .

8. Further, a setting means for setting the predetermined period is provided. The printing device of claim 1 .

9. The notification regarding the contract includes a notification by QR code. The printing device of claim 1 .

10. A method for controlling a printing device used under a flat-rate contract, The detection means detects the usage state of the printing device; a notification means for notifying the user of the contract when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time; A method for controlling a printing device.

11. A computer program for a printing device used under a flat-rate contract, The computer a detection means for detecting the usage state of the printing device; a notification means for issuing a notification regarding the contract when the usage status indicates that the printing device has not been used for a predetermined period of time; A program to make it work.

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