Image forming apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of providing a rental service under a print permission condition meeting the needs of a customer and a market.SOLUTION: In the MFP having the print permission condition mode, the print permission condition includes a print permission condition in which the MFP is switched to a print permission state in which the printing operation in the MFP is permitted when a preset print permission condition is satisfied and switched to a print prohibition state in which the user is notified of the prohibition of printing in the MFP when the print permission condition is not satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus used in a flat-rate printing rental service, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A flat-rate printing system has been used as a rental service for users who want to use image forming devices without connecting them to the Internet. In this system, users pay a fixed amount for a set period based on a maintenance contract, allowing them to print a preset number of pages and also receiving maintenance and repairs for the image forming device during rental use.

[0003] Also known is a method of setting the number of prints permitted according to the amount paid by the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, in recent years, rental services provided through flat-rate printing methods have become more diverse, with the ability to set not only the number of pages permitted to be printed but also the period of use for each function.

[0005] In this way, rental services that allow the company to set a usable range, which differs from the conventional maintenance contract in that the image forming apparatus being rented becomes unusable once the permitted number of prints is reached, are becoming more widespread. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-352902 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 and recent rental services do not allow the charging rate to be changed depending on the printing method, such as the paper size used for printing or color settings (ie, color printing or black and white printing).

[0008] For this reason, it has not been possible to provide a rental service that meets the needs of customers and the market by, for example, setting a lower color printing charge rate for customers who frequently use color printing, and conversely, setting a lower black and white printing charge rate for customers who frequently use black and white printing.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system that can provide a rental service with printing permission conditions that meet the needs of customers and the market. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a print permission condition mode, wherein the print permission condition mode is a mode that switches to a print permission state in which printing operations on the image forming apparatus are permitted when preset print permission conditions are met, and switches to a print prohibition state in which the user is notified that printing on the image forming apparatus is prohibited when the print permission conditions are not met, wherein the print permission conditions include that the total count added for each print process of one sheet of recording medium on the image forming apparatus is less than or equal to a preset upper limit count, and wherein the image forming apparatus is provided with a count amount setting means that sets the count amount to be added to the total count according to the printing method of the print process of one sheet of recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a rental service can be provided under printing permission conditions that meet the needs of customers and the market. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the MFP in FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a conventional print restriction process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an upper limit on the number of prints used in a conventional print restriction process. [Figure 5] 4 is an explanatory diagram of a screen display in the conventional print restriction process of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a diagram showing a screen according to the first embodiment displayed on the operation unit in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7A] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a print prohibition process executed by the MFP of FIG. [Figure 7B] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a count-up process executed by the MFP of FIG. 1 during printing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit in the printing prohibition process of FIG. 7A. [Figure 9] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit when the printing prohibition state is set in step S7110 of FIG. 7A. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen according to a second embodiment displayed on the operation unit in FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a count-up process executed by the MFP of FIG. 1 during printing according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, an MFP 1100 having a copy function, a scan function, a print function, and a FAX function will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus.

[0015] Here, the MFP 1100 is assumed to be an MFP provided by a rental service provider. A user can use the MFP 1100 based on the contents of the contract. In other words, the operation of the MFP 1100 as an image forming apparatus in this embodiment is restricted based on the contents of the contract entered into by the user.

[0016] In the following description, the special mode used by the service person who installed the MFP 1100 will be referred to as a service mode, and the screen displayed for operating that mode will be referred to as a service mode screen.

[0017] 1, the MFP 1100 is connected to a server 1120 via a network such as a LAN 1130. The MFP 1100 also includes a controller unit 100, an operation unit 111, a scanner 112, and a printer 113. The controller unit 100 is connected to each of the operation unit 111, the scanner 112, and the printer 113. The controller unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, an HDD 104, an operation unit I / F 105, a network I / F 106, a scanner I / F 107, a printer I / F 108, a FAX unit 109, and an EEPROM 114. These are connected to one another via a system bus 110.

[0018] The CPU 101 executes various control programs. Specifically, the CPU 101 starts up the MFP 1100 based on a boot program stored in the ROM 103. The CPU 101 also reads out a control program stored in the HDD 104 and executes predetermined processing using the RAM 102 as a work area.

[0019] The HDD 104 stores control programs for implementing various functions such as a copy function, a print function, etc. The HDD 104 also stores image data generated by a scanner 112 reading an image of a document.

[0020] The operation unit I / F 105 is an interface for connecting the operation unit 111 to the controller unit 100 and controls data input / output communication with the operation unit 111 .

[0021] The network I / F 106 is connected to the LAN 1130 and controls input and output of information via the LAN 1130 .

[0022] The scanner I / F 107 is an interface for connecting the scanner 112 to the controller unit 100, and is used to acquire image data from the scanner 112 and input and output scanner control data.

[0023] The printer I / F 108 is an interface for connecting the printer 113 to the controller unit 100, and outputs image data to the printer 113 and inputs and outputs printer control data.

[0024] The FAX unit 109 transmits and receives fax data via a telephone line 1131 .

[0025] The operation unit 111 is a user interface that accepts user input instructions and presents information to the user, and includes input devices such as a touch panel and hard keys, and display devices such as an LCD and LED. The hard keys include a start button for issuing an instruction to start scanning a paper document.

[0026] The scanner 112 has an optical reading device such as a CCD and has the function of optically scanning paper media and reading them as electronic image data. It also has the function of automatically feeding a stack of paper documents placed on a document tray, one sheet at a time, to an optical reading unit using an automatic document feeder (ADF), and discharging the documents after they have been read. A sensor (not shown) or the like determines whether a document has been placed on the document tray of the ADF. The printer 113 has the function of performing a print process to form an image from electronic image data on a recording medium such as paper. While this embodiment describes a case where the recording medium to be printed by the printer 113 is paper, other recording media such as film or plastic paper may also be used.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic software configuration of the MFP 1100 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the MFP 1100 includes, as software modules, an operation control unit 200, a job control unit 201, an error control unit 202, a function application platform 203, a function application 204, and a history setting storage unit 205. Processing by these software modules is realized by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in the RAM 102, the ROM 103, or the HDD 104, or by communication with the server 1120 via the network I / F 106.

[0028] In this specification, the software included in the MFP 1100 is stored in RAM 102, ROM 103, or HDD 104, and is executed by CPU 101. The MFP 1100 also runs software that realizes various functions such as scanning, printing, and using a network or memory storage.

[0029] The operation control unit 200 has the function of controlling the operation unit I / F 105 to display a screen operated by the user on the operation unit 111 and to convey the contents of the operation performed by the user to other software. The operation control unit 200 mainly controls the operation and display of the hardware of the operation unit 111.

[0030] The job control unit 201 controls the execution of jobs. For example, when the job control unit 201 receives an instruction to execute a scan job from the function application 204, it controls the scanner 112 via the scanner I / F 107 to execute the scan process. Also, when the job control unit 201 receives an instruction to execute a print job from the function application 204, it controls the printer 113 via the printer I / F 108 to execute the print process.

[0031] An error control unit 202 receives notification of an abnormal state that occurs mainly in the job control unit 201, the printer 113, the scanner 112, etc., and controls the system to stop or instruct a degenerate operation.

[0032] The function application platform 203 converts information indicating the operation content of the operation unit 111 by the user received from the operation unit I / F 105 into instructions for each button on the operation screen controlled by the function application 204, and notifies the function application 204. Furthermore, the function application platform 203 causes the operation unit 111 to switch the display of the operation screen via the operation unit I / F 105 in accordance with the instruction to switch the operation screen received from the function application 204.

[0033] The function application 204 is a software module for realizing functions such as copying, printing, and sending emails. Although only one function application 204 is shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1100 has multiple function applications 204 corresponding to each function. The MFP 1100 can add a new function application 204 based on data acquired from the outside. The addition of a function application 204 is triggered by a user instruction via the operation unit 111 or by the reception of data via a network such as the LAN 1130.

[0034] The history setting storage unit 205 manages non-volatile information such as operation history and various setting values ​​within the MFP 1100. For example, the history setting storage unit 205 stores settings necessary for control during job execution, and saves user operation history, job execution results, information on errors that have occurred, etc. This information is stored in the HDD 104.

[0035] Next, to clarify the difference from the print prohibition process of this embodiment, a conventional print restriction process that does not use the print permission condition mode described later will be described. Note that only processes related to the print prohibition process of this embodiment will be described here.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a conventional print restriction process. Note that the following description will be given assuming that the MFP 1100 in Fig. 1 executes the conventional print restriction process. The conventional print restriction process is realized by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in the RAM 102, the ROM 103, or the HDD 104. Note that in the conventional print restriction process, a service technician acting as an administrator of the MFP 1100 sets an upper limit on the number of prints when the MFP 1100 is installed.

[0037] In FIG. 3, first, the job control unit 201 waits until a print start instruction is issued from the function application 204 (step S301).

[0038] Thereafter, if a print start instruction has been issued (YES in step S302), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S303, and if a print start instruction has not been issued (NO in step S302), the job control unit 201 returns to step S301.

[0039] In step S303, the job control unit 201 acquires the total number of pages printed by the MFP 1100 from the history setting storage unit 205 (step S303).

[0040] Next, the job control unit 201 acquires the currently set upper limit number of prints from the history setting storage unit 205 (step S304). The upper limit number of prints is a value set in advance on a service mode screen, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0041] Next, the job control unit 201 determines whether the print limit number is greater than the total number of prints (step S305). If it is determined that the print limit number is greater than the total number of prints (YES in step S305), the job control unit 201 controls the printer 113 via the printer I / F 108 to execute printing (step S306), and ends this process.

[0042] On the other hand, if it is determined that the print limit number is equal to or less than the total print number (NO in step S305), the job control unit 201 notifies the error control unit 202 of an error (counter limit) indicating that printing is not possible because the print limit number has been reached (step S307). Then, this process ends. Here, when the error control unit 202 is notified of the counter limit by the job control unit 201, it displays a message indicating that there is a counter limit on the operation unit 111 via the operation unit I / F 105. As a result, in conventional print limit processing, it is possible to stop subsequent printing when the total print number reaches a preset print limit number.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the upper limit of the number of prints used in conventional print restriction processing.

[0044] When the operation unit I / F 105 receives an operation to transition to the service mode screen from the operation unit 111, it causes the operation unit 111 to display the service mode screen 401 of FIG. 4(a). The service mode screen 401 includes operation menus and setting items used by a service technician. A PRINT_LIMIT button 402 is an item for setting the maximum number of pages to be printed. When the PRINT_LIMIT button 402 is pressed, the operation unit I / F 105 causes the operation unit 111 to display the setting screen 403 of FIG. 4(b). A setting item display section 404 of the setting screen 403 displays the name of the item to be set. In FIG. 4(b), "PRINT_LIMIT" is displayed, which is the item name for the maximum number of pages to be printed. In addition, an input range display section 406 displays the range of values ​​that can be entered as the maximum number of pages to be printed. The input section 405 displays the currently set maximum number of pages to be printed. The maximum number of pages to be printed can be changed by pressing the numeric keypad (407) and entering a value. When the service technician presses the OK button 408, the changed upper limit number of printable sheets is confirmed, and this upper limit number of printable sheets is saved in the history setting storage unit 205.

[0045] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a screen display in the conventional print restriction process of Fig. 3. Here, the screen of the function application 204 having a copy function will be described as an example, but similar displays may also be made for function applications 204 having other functions.

[0046] FIG. 5A shows an example of a copy setting screen before a print operation is received from the operation unit 111. A printable sheet count display area 502 on the copy setting screen 501 displays the remaining count, which is the upper limit on the number of printable sheets minus the current total number of prints. This display allows the user to confirm the remaining number of printable sheets. The user also configures print settings on the copy setting screen 501. For example, a color selection area 504 is a button that accepts a user's color setting, and the user can select black-and-white printing or color printing by operating the button on the color selection area 504. A paper feed tray selection area 505 is a button that accepts a user's selection of a paper feed tray, and the paper in the selected paper feed tray is used for printing. Here, if the user selects "auto select" by operating the button on the paper feed tray selection area 505, the paper size of the document to be copied is first detected by scanning the document, and the paper feed tray containing paper matching the detected paper size is automatically selected. The print settings set here are notified from the function application 204 to the job control unit 201, and are held by the job control unit 201 until the job is completed. Note that the paper size and paper type of the paper in each paper feed tray are held in advance in a history setting holding unit 205.

[0047] 5B is a diagram showing an example of the counter limit message notified in step S307. A message 503 indicating the counter limit is displayed superimposed on the copy setting screen 501. From this message 503, the user can recognize that the total number of printed sheets has reached the upper limit.

[0048] Next, the print prohibition process in this embodiment will be described. The MFP 1100 in this embodiment has a print permission condition mode. The print permission condition mode is a mode in which the MFP 1100 switches to a state in which printing operations are permitted (print permission state) when preset print permission conditions are met, and switches to a state in which the printing operations are prohibited (print prohibition state) when the preset print permission conditions are not met. When the print permission condition mode is ON, these states are switched, and when the print permission condition mode is OFF, the print prohibition process in FIG. 7A (described later) is not performed. The print permission conditions include at least an upper limit count (described later) for permitting printing operations of the MFP 1100, but may also include a print permission period, which is a period during which printing operations of the MFP 1100 are permitted.

[0049] Only the processing directly related to this embodiment will be described below.

[0050] Processing in the print permission condition mode is performed using a specific function application 204. The specific function application 204 is not installed if the functions of the print permission condition mode are not used, and is not displayed on the home screen 601, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(a). By installing the specific function application 204, a print permission condition setting button 602 is displayed on the home screen 601, as shown in FIG. 6(b). For example, after installing the specific function application 204 when installing the MFP 1100, a service technician can start setting the print permission conditions by pressing the print permission condition setting button 602. In the following description, the specific function application 204 will simply be referred to as the function application 204.

[0051] Specifically, when detecting that the print permission condition setting button 602 has been pressed, the function application 204 displays a start confirmation screen 603 shown in Fig. 6(c) on the operation unit 111. The start confirmation screen 603 includes a setting button 604 and a status check button 605, and also displays whether the current print permission condition mode is ON or OFF.

[0052] Here, when the setting button 604 is pressed, the function application 204 displays a password entry screen 606 of FIG. 6(d) on the operation unit 111. The password entry screen 606 includes a password entry section 607, a back button 608, an OK button 609, and a password change button 610. When the back button 608 is pressed, the screen returns to the start confirmation screen 603. When the service technician enters the correct password in the password entry section 607 and presses the OK button 609, the function application 204 displays a print permission condition setting screen 611 of FIG. 6(e) on the operation unit 111. On the other hand, when the password entered by the service technician in the password entry section 607 is incorrect, the function application 204 displays an error message (not shown) on the operation unit 111.

[0053] Furthermore, when the service technician presses the password change button 610 on the password entry screen 606 (FIG. 6(d)), the function application 204 displays a screen (not shown) for accepting the password change on the operation unit 111. Here, the function application 204 stores the changed password in the history setting storage unit 205.

[0054] The print permission condition setting screen 611 in Fig. 6(e) includes a total count display section 612, setting sections 613 to 622, a cancel button 623, and an OK button 624. When the OK button 624 is pressed, the function application 204 saves the values ​​set in the setting sections 613 to 622 in the history setting storage section 205. The current total count is displayed in the total count display section 612. Here, the total count refers to the total count amount counted up by the count-up process in Fig. 7B, which will be described later and is executed for each print process for one sheet of paper.

[0055] A setting unit 613 accepts an input setting by the serviceman as to whether to turn the print permission condition mode ON or OFF. A setting unit 614 accepts an input operation by the serviceman as to an upper limit count as a print permission condition, and a setting unit 615 accepts an input operation by the serviceman as to a print permission expiration date as a print permission condition. A setting unit 616 accepts an input operation by the serviceman as to a warning number, which is a threshold value smaller than the upper limit count that starts a pre-warning before a printing prohibition state occurs. A setting unit 617 accepts an input operation by the serviceman as to a warning date, which is the date on which a pre-warning before a printing prohibition state occurs starts.

[0056] In this case, the user is using a flat-rate plan in which the usage fee for the MFP 1100 is a fixed amount from the start date of use to the print permission expiration date, regardless of the printing method or number of prints, as long as the total count is below the upper limit. The warning date is also set within this period.

[0057] The setting units 618-621 (count amount receiving means) receive input from a service technician of the count amount to be counted up to the total count used to determine whether to switch the print permission condition mode for each paper size and color setting (printing method). In this embodiment, paper sizes to be printed are divided into two groups based on a threshold (e.g., A4 size) that can be set in advance by a service technician. Sizes larger than the threshold are classified as "Large" and sizes smaller than the threshold are classified as "Small." That is, there are four categories based on the combination of paper size and color setting used for printing, i.e., black and white (monochrome) setting or color setting. The setting units 618-621 receive settings for the count amount for printing in each of these four categories from a service technician. Note that the categories used to set the count amount are not limited to the four categories described in this embodiment. For example, it is also possible to provide a setting unit that sets the count amount for each condition, including the amount of toner used per sheet of paper (each sheet of recording medium) printed and whether the printing on one sheet of paper is single-sided or double-sided.

[0058] The setting unit 622 (restriction operation receiving means) accepts the service technician's selection of a restriction operation when the print permission condition mode state becomes a printing prohibition state. The service technician can select either printing stop (first restriction operation) or message display only (second restriction operation) as the restriction operation in the setting unit 622. Here, if printing stop is selected as the restriction operation, when the print permission condition mode state becomes a printing prohibition state, a warning message is displayed, and even if a print instruction is received from the user after the warning, the job generated by that instruction remains in the print queue and printing is stopped. On the other hand, if only message display is selected as the restriction operation, when the print permission condition mode state becomes a printing prohibition state, only a warning message is displayed. In other words, if a print instruction is received from the user after the warning, a job is generated according to that instruction and printed. Although details are omitted in this embodiment, the total count is still counted up in this case, and the user is charged an additional fee for any amount exceeding the upper limit count. In addition, as selectable restrictive operations, it is also possible to set other restrictive operations in the setting unit 622, such as stopping the operation of only a specific function application 204 or stopping the operation of all function applications 204.

[0059] If the cancel button 623 is pressed, the changed settings are not saved in the history setting storage unit 205 and the screen returns to the start confirmation screen 603.

[0060] On the other hand, when the status check button 605 on the start confirmation screen 603 (FIG. 6(c)) is pressed, the function application 204 displays a status check screen 625 in FIG. 6(f).

[0061] The current settings are displayed in a form that cannot be changed by the user on the status confirmation screen 625. This screen can be displayed without going through the password entry screen 606, so even a user who does not know the password can check the settings.

[0062] 7A is a flowchart showing the procedure of the print prohibition process in this embodiment, which is executed by MFP 1100. The process in FIG. 7A is realized by CPU 101 executing a control program stored in RAM 102, ROM 103, or HDD 104.

[0063] 7A, first, the function application 204 determines whether the print permission condition mode is ON (step S7101). If it is determined that the print permission condition mode is not ON, that is, if the print permission condition mode is OFF (NO in step S7101), the process returns to step S7101.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that the print permission condition mode is ON (YES in step S7101), the function application 204 acquires the total count, upper limit count, print permission period, number of warnings, and warning date from the history setting storage unit 205 (step S7102).

[0065] Next, the function application 204 determines whether the total count is greater than the number of warnings acquired in step S7102 (step S7103). If it is determined that the total count is equal to or less than the number of warnings (NO in step S7103), the process proceeds to step S7105.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined that the total count is greater than the warning count (YES in step S7103), the function application 204 displays a warning (step S7104) and then proceeds to step S7105. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(a), a warning message is displayed in the message display area 801 of the home screen 601 to inform the user that the number of pages remaining until the permitted number of prints is reached. This allows the user to recognize that the total count is close to the upper limit.

[0067] Next, the function application 204 determines whether the total count is greater than the upper limit count (step S7105). If it is determined that the total count is greater than the upper limit count (YES in step S7105), the process proceeds to step S7110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the total count is equal to or less than the upper limit count (NO in step S7105), the function application 204 determines whether the current date is later than the warning date (step S7106). If it is determined that the warning date has not been exceeded (NO in step S7106), the process proceeds to step S7108.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined that the warning date has passed (YES in step S7106), the function application 204 displays a warning in advance (step S7107), and then proceeds to step S7108. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a warning in advance message indicating that the print permission period is shortly remaining is displayed in the message display area 801 of the home screen 601. This allows the user to recognize that the print permission period is shortly remaining.

[0069] Next, the function application 204 determines whether the current date is past the print permission deadline (step S7108). If it is determined that the print permission deadline has not been exceeded (NO in step S7108), the function application 204 sets the MFP 1100 to a print permission state (step S7109). If the print permission state has been set, all function applications 204 can issue print instructions to the job control unit 201, and printing operations on the MFP 1100 are permitted. Then, the process returns to step S7101.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined that the print permission period has expired (YES in step S7108), the process proceeds to step S7110.

[0071] In step S7110, the function application 204 sets the MFP 1100 to a print-prohibited state. If the MFP 1100 is set to a print-prohibited state, the user is notified that printing on the MFP 1100 is prohibited.

[0072] When the printing prohibition state is set and the restricted operation is set to stop printing, even if a print instruction is given by the user, none of the function applications 204 gives a print instruction to the job control unit 201, and printing operations are prohibited in the MFP 1100. On the other hand, when the printing prohibition state is set and the restricted operation is set to only display a message, when a print instruction is given by the user, all of the function applications 204 give a print instruction to the job control unit 201, and printing operations in the MFP 1100 are executed.

[0073] Note that when the printing prohibition state is set, regardless of whether the setting for the restriction operation is to stop printing or to only display a message, the error control unit 202 displays a printing prohibition message in the message display unit 801 of the home screen 601 shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) (notification of printing prohibition). The error control unit 202 also displays a printing prohibition message on the setting screen of the function application 204 that performs printing. An example will be described using the copy function. In FIG. 9(c), a message indicating that copying is not possible because the permitted number of prints has been reached is displayed as a printing prohibition message in the printable sheet count display unit 502. In addition, in FIG. 9(d), a message indicating that the permitted printing period has expired is displayed as a printing prohibition message in the printable sheet count display unit 502. In this way, the error control unit 202 notifies the user that the MFP 1100 is in a printing prohibition state by displaying various printing prohibition messages.

[0074] 7B is a flowchart showing the procedure of the count-up process during printing in this embodiment. Similar to the process in FIG. 7A, the process in FIG. 7B is realized by the CPU 101 (count amount setting means) executing a control program stored in the RAM 102, the ROM 103, or the HDD 104.

[0075] The job control unit 201 controls the printer 113 via the printer I / F 108, and starts this process every time print processing for one sheet of paper is executed.

[0076] 7B, first, in step S7201, the job control unit 201 acquires print settings for executing print processing for one sheet of paper. The print settings acquired here are the color settings set in the color selection unit 504 of the copy setting screen 501 and the settings of the paper size stored in the paper feed tray set in the paper feed tray selection unit 505. Specifically, the function application 204 acquires these print settings when a job is executed. Thereafter, the function application 204 notifies the job control unit 201 of these acquired print settings.

[0077] Next, in step S7202, the job control unit 201 determines whether the paper size setting in the print settings acquired in step S7201 is Large or Small. Specifically, the paper size setting is determined based on whether the paper size falls into one of two categories, with a certain size as the standard. The standard size is saved in advance as a setting.

[0078] If it is determined that the paper size setting is Large (YES in step S7202), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S7203 and determines whether the color setting in the acquired print setting is color or black and white.

[0079] If it is determined that the color setting is not a color setting but a black and white setting (NO in step S7203), the job control unit 201 adds the value set in the large black and white setting of the count amount setting to the total count (step S7206) and terminates this processing.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that the color setting is a color setting (YES in step S7203), the job control unit 201 adds the count amount set in the setting unit 621 (here, "10") to the total count (step S7205), and terminates this processing.

[0081] If it is determined that the paper size setting is small (NO in step S7202), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S7204 and determines whether the color setting in the acquired print setting is color or black and white.

[0082] If it is determined that the color setting is not a color setting but a black and white setting (NO in step S7204), the job control unit 201 adds the value set in the Small black and white setting of the count amount setting to the total count (step S7208) and terminates this processing.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined that the color setting is a color setting (YES in step S7204), the job control unit 201 adds the value set in the small color setting of the count amount setting to the total count (step S7207), and ends this process.

[0084] The process shown in Figures 7A and 7B allows the count amount to be dynamically determined when one sheet is printed, and allows operation at a charging rate for each condition according to the contract details. In other words, it is possible to provide a rental service by changing the charging rate for color printing and black and white printing, or the charging rate for paper size. This makes it possible to provide a rental service with printing permission conditions that suit the customer and the market. For example, because a service technician can change the count amount for each category using the setting units 618 to 621, it becomes possible to set discounts on certain functions for customers who frequently use a specific category (e.g., color printing) or for customers with long-term contracts.

[0085] (Second embodiment) The following describes the second embodiment of the present invention, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In the following description, the same hardware and software components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0086] This embodiment and the first embodiment have in common the fact that the count amount added to the total count in the count-up process is set according to the printing method. However, whereas the first embodiment exemplifies a combination of paper size and color settings used for printing as an example of a printing method, the present embodiment described below exemplifies a paper type used for printing as an example of a printing method.

[0087] This embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print permission condition setting screen 1001 according to this embodiment, which is displayed on the operation unit 111.

[0089] 6(e) of the first embodiment, the print permission condition setting screen 1001 includes a total count display section 612, setting sections 614 to 617, a cancel button 623, and an OK button 624. However, unlike the print permission condition setting screen 611 of the first embodiment, the print permission condition setting screen 1001 of this embodiment includes setting sections 1002 to 1005 instead of the setting sections 618 to 622.

[0090] Setting units 1002 to 1005 (count amount receiving means) receive count amount settings made by a service technician according to the paper type classifications stored in history setting storage unit 205. Here, the paper type classifications stored in history setting storage unit 205 are paper types that consume a large amount of consumables of MFP 1100, such as ink, but any paper type that can be printed by MFP 1100 may be set.

[0091] 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the count-up process during printing in this embodiment. Similar to the process in FIG. 7B, the process in FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in the RAM 102, the ROM 103, or the HDD 104.

[0092] The job control unit 201 controls the printer 113 via the printer I / F 108, and performs this process every time print processing for one sheet of paper is executed.

[0093] 11, first, in step S1101, the job control unit 201 acquires the print settings used when printing one sheet of paper. The print settings acquired here are the paper type stored in the paper feed tray set in the paper feed tray selection unit 505. Specifically, when a job is executed, the function application 204 acquires the paper type of the paper in the paper feed tray set in the paper feed tray selection unit 505 from the history settings storage unit 205 and notifies the job control unit 201 of this as the print settings. Here, the paper type acquired as the print settings is set by the user when printing. However, this is not a limitation as long as the paper type is acquired as the print settings. For example, a paper type determination sensor may be installed in the document tray, and this sensor may be used to determine the paper type of the paper in the paper feed tray set in the paper feed tray selection unit 505.

[0094] Next, in step S1102, the job control unit 201 determines whether the paper type acquired in step S1101 is one of the paper types set in the count amounts in the setting units 1002 to 1005.

[0095] If the acquired paper type is determined to be plain paper ("plain paper" in step S1102), the job control unit 201 adds the value of the count amount set in the setting unit 1002 to the total count (step S1103), and ends this process.

[0096] Furthermore, if the acquired paper type is determined to be cardboard ("cardboard" in step S1102), the job control unit 201 adds the value of the count amount set in the setting unit 1004 to the total count (step S1104), and terminates this process.

[0097] Furthermore, if it is determined that the acquired paper type is an envelope ("envelope" in step S1102), the job control unit 201 adds the value of the count amount set in the setting unit 1004 to the total count (step S1105), and ends this process.

[0098] If it is determined that the acquired paper type is not one of the paper types stored in the history setting storage unit 205 ("Other" in step S1102), the process proceeds to step S1106. Note that the "Other" paper type is not particularly limited as long as it is a paper type that does not fall into any of the categories of plain paper, thick paper, or envelope, but it includes, for example, coated paper.

[0099] In step S1106, the job control unit 201 adds the value of the count amount set in the setting unit 1005 to the total count, and then ends this process.

[0100] According to the process shown in FIG. 11, the count amount can be determined for each type of paper to be printed, and charging can be set in accordance with the degree of consumption of consumables of the MFP 1100.

[0101] The configuration of this embodiment may be added to the configuration of the first embodiment. In this case, for example, setting sections 1002 to 1005 are added to the print permission condition setting screen 611 in FIG.

[0102] (Other embodiments) In the first and second embodiments, the service technician inputs the count amount setting according to the printing method using the print permission condition setting screen 611 in Fig. 6(e) or the print permission condition setting screen 1001 in Fig. 10, but this is not limiting. The upper count limit and the count amount to be added for each printing method may be set in advance in the history setting storage unit 205 for each contract plan, and the user may be prompted to change to a contract plan that meets the customer's needs.

[0103] For example, the function application 204 (calculation means) first calculates the ratio of the total count of color printing (first printing method) to the total count of monochrome printing (second printing method) at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing is not particularly limited, but an example is the timing when the total count becomes larger than the upper limit count.

[0104] Next, if the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined value, the function application 204 (notification means) displays a message on the operation unit 111 urging the user to change the current contract plan to one with a smaller count amount setting for color printing. This message is displayed, for example, in the message display unit 801 or printable sheet count display unit 502 in Fig. 9 together with a message indicating that printing is not possible.

[0105] Similarly, for example, first, at the predetermined timing, the ratio of the total count of printing on a paper size larger than the threshold (for example, A4 size) (first printing method) to the total count of printing on a paper size smaller than the threshold (for example, A4 size) (second printing method) is calculated.

[0106] Next, if the ratio is greater than a predetermined value, the function application 204 (notification means) displays a message on the operation unit 111 urging the user to change the current contract plan to one with a smaller count setting when printing on paper sizes larger than the threshold. This message is displayed, for example, in the message display unit 801 or printable sheet count display unit 502 in Fig. 9 together with a message indicating that printing is not possible.

[0107] As with the input of count amounts in the setting sections 618 to 621 in FIG. 6(e), the ratio of the total count may be calculated for each of the four categories consisting of the combination of paper size and color setting used for printing.

[0108] By displaying the contract plan change message at a predetermined timing in this way, when a user renews a contract, the user can change the contract contents to better suit the customer needs, taking into account the usage history of the contract up to now.

[0109] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of each of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or a recording medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and run the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to clarify the scope of the invention.

[0111] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0112] The disclosure of each of the above embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An image forming device having a print permission condition mode, wherein the print permission condition mode switches to a print permission state that permits printing operations on the image forming device when preset print permission conditions are met, and switches to a print prohibition state that notifies the user that printing on the image forming device is prohibited when the print permission conditions are not met, wherein the print permission conditions include a total count added for each print process of one sheet of recording medium on the image forming device being less than or equal to a preset upper limit count, and wherein the image forming device is characterized in that it is equipped with a count amount setting means that sets the count amount to be added to the total count according to the printing method of the print process of one sheet of recording medium. (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1 further comprises a restriction operation receiving means for receiving from a serviceman a selection of either a first or second restriction operation as a restriction operation in the printing prohibited state, and when the restriction operation receiving means receives the selection of the first restriction operation, if a print instruction is received from the user after the notification of the printing prohibition, the image forming apparatus stops printing of the job generated by the print instruction, and when the restriction operation receiving means receives the selection of the second restriction operation, if a print instruction is received from the user even after the notification of the printing prohibition, the image forming apparatus executes printing of the job generated by the print instruction. (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the count amount to be added is set depending on whether the color setting used for printing is color or monochrome. (Configuration 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the count amount to be added is set depending on whether the size of the recording medium is larger than a threshold value or smaller than the threshold value. (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the threshold value is changeable. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the count amount to be added is set according to the type of the recording medium. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the count amount to be added is set for each amount of toner used per printing of one sheet. (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the count amount to be added is set depending on whether double-sided printing or single-sided printing is being performed. (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the print permission conditions further include a period during which printing operations of the image forming apparatus are permitted. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, wherein if a warning date set within the period has passed, a pre-warning is initiated to the user. (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein when the total count exceeds a warning number that is a threshold value that is smaller than the upper limit count, a pre-warning is initiated to the user. (Configuration 12) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, further comprising a count amount receiving unit that receives the count amount to be added for each of the printing methods from a service person. (Configuration 13) The image forming device according to configuration 1, further comprising: a calculation means for calculating the ratio of the total count for the second printing method to the total count for the first printing method, wherein the upper limit count and the added count amount for each printing method are set for each contract plan; and a notification means for prompting the user to change from the current contract plan to a contract plan in which the added count amount for the second printing method is smaller when the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined value. (Configuration 14) An image forming apparatus according to configuration 13, characterized in that the first printing method is a printing method in which the color settings used for printing are color, and the second printing method is a printing method in which the color settings used for printing are monochrome. (Configuration 15) An image forming apparatus according to configuration 13 or 14, characterized in that the first printing method is a printing method in which the size of the recording medium is larger than a threshold value, and the second printing method is a printing method in which the size of the recording medium is equal to or smaller than the threshold value. (Method 1) A control method for an image forming device having a print permission condition mode, wherein the print permission condition mode is a mode that switches to a print permission state that permits printing operations on the image forming device when preset print permission conditions are met, and switches to a print prohibition state that notifies the user that printing on the image forming device is prohibited when the print permission conditions are not met, wherein the print permission conditions include a total count added for each print process of one sheet of recording medium on the image forming device being less than or equal to a preset upper limit count, and wherein the control method includes a setting step that sets the count amount to be added to the total count according to the printing method of the print process of one sheet of recording medium. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus described in any one of configurations 1 to 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1100 MFP 1120 Server 101 CPU 102 RAM 111 Operation section 201 Job control section 202 Error control section 204 Functional Applications 205 History setting storage unit 611,1001 Print permission condition setting screen

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a print permission condition mode, the print permission condition mode is a mode in which, when a preset print permission condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus is switched to a print permission state in which a print operation is permitted, and, when the print permission condition is not satisfied, the image forming apparatus is switched to a print prohibition state in which a user is notified that printing is prohibited on the image forming apparatus; The printing permission condition includes that a total count added up for each print process of one sheet of recording medium in the image forming device is equal to or less than a preset upper limit count, an image forming apparatus comprising: a count amount setting unit for setting a count amount to be added to the total count in accordance with a printing method for printing one sheet of the recording medium;

2. a restriction operation receiving unit that receives a selection of either a first or a second restriction operation from a service person as a restriction operation in the printing prohibited state; When the restriction operation receiving means receives the selection of the first restriction operation, if a print instruction is received from the user after the notification of the printing prohibition, the printing of the job generated by the print instruction is stopped; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the restriction operation receiving means receives the selection of the second restriction operation, if a print instruction is received from the user even after the notification of the printing prohibition, the image forming apparatus executes printing of the job generated by the print instruction.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the count value is set depending on whether the color setting used for printing is color or monochrome.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the count value to be added is set depending on whether the size of the recording medium is larger than a threshold value or smaller than the threshold value.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the threshold value is changeable.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the count value is set according to the type of the recording medium.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counted amount is set for each amount of toner used per printing of one sheet.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the count value is set depending on whether double-sided printing or single-sided printing is performed.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print permission condition further includes a period during which the print operation of the image forming apparatus is permitted.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein if a set warning date has passed within the period, a pre-warning is issued to the user.

11. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the total count exceeds a warning number that is a threshold smaller than the upper limit count, a pre-warning is initiated to a user.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a count amount receiving unit that receives the count amount to be added for each of the printing methods from a service person.

13. the upper limit count and the added count amount for each printing method are set for each contract plan, a calculation means for calculating a ratio of the total count in the second printing method to the total count in the first printing method; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for prompting a user to change from the current contract plan to a contract plan in which the added count amount for the second printing method is smaller when the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined value.

14. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first printing method is a printing method in which a color setting used for printing is color, and the second printing method is a printing method in which a color setting used for printing is monochrome.

15. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first printing method is a printing method in which the size of the recording medium is larger than a threshold value, and the second printing method is a printing method in which the size of the recording medium is equal to or smaller than the threshold value.

16. A control method for an image forming apparatus having a print permission condition mode, comprising: the print permission condition mode is a mode in which, when a preset print permission condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus is switched to a print permission state in which a print operation is permitted, and, when the print permission condition is not satisfied, the image forming apparatus is switched to a print prohibition state in which a user is notified that printing is prohibited on the image forming apparatus; The printing permission condition includes that a total count added up for each print process of one sheet of recording medium in the image forming device is equal to or less than a preset upper limit count, A control method comprising a setting step of setting a count amount to be added to the total count in accordance with a printing method for printing one sheet of the recording medium.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images