Printer management method, printer management system, and program

Abstract

To provide a printer management method, a printer management system and a program capable of providing a printer service to a user by simple management.SOLUTION: A printer management method by a printer service system 10 including a printer 12, a dealer terminal 14, a user terminal 16, and a server 18 includes a first step in which the server 18 links the printer 12 whose print function is enabled or disabled, a dealer who is an owner of the printer 12, and a user to whom the printer 12 is lent, a second step in which the server 18 transmits enabling information for enabling the print function of the printer 12 when the user linked with the dealer satisfies a predetermined contract condition, and a third step in which the printer 12 enables the print function when the printer 12 receives the enabling information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer management method, a printer management system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, so-called subscriptions, which provide services to users by paying a fixed fee on a monthly basis, have become widespread.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that in a fixed-price printing service using a printer, recording information relating to recording processing when a fixed-price consumables delivery service is executed is stored in a storage unit of the printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-193592 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a fixed-price consumables delivery service for printers used in offices, the consumable recording paper is standardized, such as A4 or B5, as defined by the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS), making it easy to implement a printer-related subscription service based on the number of pages printed by the user.

[0006] On the other hand, industrial printing paper and large-scale printing devices do not print on standard printing paper as described above, but print on printing paper of various sizes or recording media other than paper. This makes managing consumables complicated and makes it difficult to implement subscription services based on the number of pages printed.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a printer management method, a printer management system, and a program that can provide printer services to users through simple management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the printer management method of the present invention includes a first step in which a server links a printer whose print function is to be enabled or disabled, a dealer who owns the printer, and a user to whom the printer is rented; a second step in which the server sends activation information that enables the print function of the printer when the user linked to the dealer meets specified contract conditions; and a third step in which the printer enables the print function when the printer receives the activation information.

[0009] According to this configuration, when a printer is rented to a user and the contract conditions are met, activation information is sent to the printer, thereby enabling the print function of the printer rented to the user. This allows the configuration to provide printer services to users with simple management.

[0010] In the printer management method, the printer may be lent to the user with the print function disabled. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the printer from being resold or breaching a contract.

[0011] In the printer management method described above, the server may be configured to transmit deactivation information for disabling the print function, and the printer may disable the enabled print function upon receiving the deactivation information. With this configuration, a dealer can disable a printer at a specified date and time due to contract breach or contract termination.

[0012] In the printer management method, the activation information may be information that records a period during which the print function is valid and is updated each time the activation information is transmitted from the server. With this configuration, the print function can be activated with high security.

[0013] In the printer management method, periodic updates of the activation information may be enabled after the dealer, the user, and the printer are linked. This configuration enables the activation information to be sent to the linked printer without delay after the dealer and the user are linked, simplifying contract start management.

[0014] In the printer management method, when the dealer, the user, and the printer are linked, management information may be generated that includes at least the contract terms and conditions for the printer and information regarding the expiration date of the activation information. With this configuration, the details of the linkage can be easily confirmed.

[0015] In the printer management method, if the printer cannot receive the activation information from the server, the printer may accept input of the activation information by the user. With this configuration, even if the printer cannot receive the activation information from the server due to a failure or the like, the user can continue to use the printer.

[0016] In the printer management method described above, the printer may not be linked to the dealer and the user who are not linked. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the printer from being used by anyone other than the user.

[0017] In the printer management method, the predetermined contract condition may be that the user pays the printer usage fee by a predetermined date, and the transmission date of the activation information may be set based on the date. This configuration prevents users from failing to pay the usage fee.

[0018] In the printer management method, the timing for transmitting the activation information may be set by the dealer. With this configuration, the contract period between the dealer and the user can be set according to the needs of the user.

[0019] In the printer management method, a date may be set for the dealer to confirm that the activation information has been transmitted. This configuration can improve convenience for the dealer.

[0020] In the printer management method described above, if the transmission date of the activation information falls on a non-business day of the user, the transmission date may be changed to another day. With this configuration, convenience for the user can be improved.

[0021] In the printer management method, the server may associate first identification information for identifying the dealer, second identification information for identifying the user, and third identification information for identifying the printer, thereby linking the dealer, the user, and the printer. This configuration makes it easy to link the dealer, the user, and the printer.

[0022] In the printer management method, the server may generate service information based on the usage status of the printer by the user. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a new service based on the printer service.

[0023] In the printer management method, the service information may be information that recommends the user to purchase the printer based on the contract period. With this configuration, the user can compare whether it is more beneficial to continue the contract or to purchase the printer.

[0024] In the printer management method, the service information may be information indicating a timing for sending consumables used in the printer to the user. With this configuration, a new service based on the printer service can be provided.

[0025] In the printer management method, the printer may transmit location information specifying the location where the printer is installed to the server. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the printer from being resold or stolen.

[0026] In the printer management method described above, if the contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer is printing, the printer may disable the print function after printing onto the recording medium that is currently being printed. With this configuration, the print function is not disabled immediately upon contract termination, thereby improving user convenience.

[0027] In the printer management method described above, if the contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer is printing, the printer may disable the print function after the current job is completed. With this configuration, the print function is not disabled immediately upon contract termination, thereby improving user convenience.

[0028] In the printer management method, the dealer, the user, and the printer may be linked by authenticating a link code that has been assigned in advance. This configuration allows the dealer, the user, and the printer to be linked easily.

[0029] A second aspect of the printer management system of the present invention is a printer management system comprising a printer whose print function can be enabled or disabled and a server, wherein the server comprises a linking means for linking the printer, the dealer who owns the printer, and the user to whom the printer is rented, and a transmission means for transmitting activation information to the printer that enables the print function of the printer when the user linked with the dealer meets specified contract conditions, and the printer enables the print function when it receives the activation information.

[0030] A third aspect of the program of the present invention causes a computer to execute a first step of linking a printer whose print function is to be enabled or disabled, a dealer who owns the printer, and a user to whom the printer is rented, and a second step of sending activation information to the printer that enables the print function of the printer when the user linked to the dealer meets specified contract conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] An object of the present invention is to provide a printer management method, a printer management system, and a program that can provide a printer service to a user through simple management. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer service system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server related to a printer service according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a cooperation process according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for printer registration linkage processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for printer registration linkage processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an automatic passkey update setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a passkey issuing process according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a passkey issuing process according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] A printer service system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic overall view of the printer service system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0034] The printer service system 10 includes a printer 12, a dealer terminal 14, a user terminal 16, and a server 18. In this embodiment, the printer service system 10 rents out a printer 12 owned by a dealer to a user under specified contract terms, and the user uses the printer 12. The specified contract terms are, for example, a subscription contract (hereinafter referred to as a "subscription contract") in which the user pays a fixed fee to the dealer on a monthly basis.

[0035] That is, the subscription contract of this embodiment is a contract in which a dealer rents a printer 12 to a user for a fixed fee for a specified period of time, and the printer service system 10 of this embodiment executes a printer management method. Note that, while the dealer and user are, for example, corporations, they are not limited to this and may also be individuals.

[0036] The printer 12 is, for example, a printing device that prints on a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as "media"). The printer 12 is owned by a dealer, but is rented to a user based on a subscription contract and installed, for example, at the user's business premises. The printer 12 of this embodiment is, for example, a large industrial printer that prints on large-sized media that is not included in standards such as JIS. The media may be paper or a sheet-like material other than paper.

[0037] In the printer 12 of this embodiment, the print function can be enabled or disabled, and a disabled print function is enabled when the printer 12 receives activation information. Note that, as an example, the activation information in this embodiment is information (hereinafter referred to as a "passkey") that records the expiration date for which the print function of the printer 12 is valid and is updated each time it is sent from the server 18. In other words, the passkey is generated by updating the expiration date for the print function each time it is sent to the printer 12. By generating a new passkey each time activation information is sent to the printer 12, the print function of the printer 12 can be enabled with high security. Note that, in the following description, disabling a print function is also referred to as print lock.

[0038] The dealer terminal 14 is an information processing device such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal, and is capable of communicating with the server 18 and the printer 12. Software (hereinafter referred to as "dealer software") is installed on the dealer terminal 14 for registering and linking dealers to provide printer services, configuring various settings related to the printer services, and checking the usage status of the printer 12 loaned to the user.

[0039] The server 18 manages various information based on a subscription contract between the dealer and the user, analyzes the user's usage of the printer 12, and provides service information based on the analysis results. Specifically, the server 18 registers and coordinates with the dealer, the user, and the printer 12. When a user associated with the dealer meets certain contractual conditions, the server 18 sends a passkey to the user terminal 16 that enables the printing function of the printer 12. The server 18 is capable of communicating with the dealer terminal 14, the user terminal 16, and other information processing devices.

[0040] The user terminal 16 is an information processing device such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal, and is capable of communicating with the server 18 and the printer 12 rented to the user. In this embodiment, the user terminal 16 transmits a passkey received from the server 18 to the printer 12. Software (hereinafter referred to as "user software") is installed on the user terminal 16 for registering and linking users and printers 12 to receive printer services and for using the printer services. The user software also accesses the linked printer 12, obtains various information related to the operating status of the printer 12, and transmits it to the server 18.

[0041] 2 is a functional block diagram of the server 18 relating to the printer service of this embodiment. The server 18 includes a calculation unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 24.

[0042] The calculation unit 20 is a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and includes a registration unit 30, a linking unit 32, a contract performance confirmation unit 34, a passkey generation unit 36, a passkey setting unit 38, and a service information generation unit 40. The functions of the registration unit 30, the linking unit 32, the contract performance confirmation unit 34, the passkey generation unit 36, the passkey setting unit 38, and the service information generation unit 40 are realized by executing a program stored in a storage unit 22 provided in the server 18.

[0043] The registration unit 30 registers dealers, users, and printers 12. Registration means storing various information about the dealers, users, and printers 12 in the storage unit 22. A dealer may register multiple printers 12 that he or she owns.

[0044] The linking unit 32 links registered dealers, users, and the printer 12. In this embodiment, the linking unit 32 links the dealer, user, and printer 12 by authenticating a linking code that has been assigned in advance.

[0045] The contract fulfillment confirmation unit 34 confirms whether a user who is linked to a dealer has fulfilled the specified contract terms with the dealer. The contract terms, for example, require the user to pay a specified monthly fee to the dealer by a specified date, which is also referred to as a subscription plan in the following explanation. The contract fulfillment confirmation unit 34 confirms whether the user has paid the monthly fee at a specified date and time each month by accessing the dealer's specified account.

[0046] When a user associated with the dealer fulfills the contract conditions, the passkey generation unit 36 ​​generates a passkey, which is activation information that enables the print function of the printer 12. The generated passkey is sent to the user terminal 16 via the communication unit 24. When the user fulfills the contract conditions, the passkey generation unit 36 ​​generates a passkey and periodically sends it to the user terminal 16. Generating and periodically sending a passkey each time the user fulfills the contract conditions is also referred to as automatic updating.

[0047] The passkey setting unit 38 performs settings related to passkey generation, such as the timing for automatically updating the passkey, the date for checking the passkey update, the holiday setting for the automatic passkey update date, and the date for issuing the lock passkey.

[0048] The service information generating unit 40 generates service information based on the user's usage of the printer 12. Details of the service information will be described later.

[0049] The storage unit 22 stores programs for executing various processes related to printer services, as well as registration information for dealers, users, and the printer 12, and various other programs and data.

[0050] The communication unit 24 transmits and receives information to and from the dealer terminal 14, the user terminal 16, and other information processing devices.

[0051] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the linking process executed by the server 18. The linking process is executed by a program stored in the storage unit 22 provided in the server 18.

[0052] First, in step 100, the printer 12, dealer, and user are registered by the registration unit 30. The dealer is registered by the dealer terminal 14, and the printer 12 and user are registered by the user terminal 16. The registration details are stored in the memory unit 22.

[0053] Registration of the printer 12, dealer, and user means, for example, registering at least identification information for identifying the printer 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "printer ID"), identification information for identifying the dealer (hereinafter referred to as the "dealer ID"), and identification information for identifying the user (hereinafter referred to as the "user ID"). The printer ID is, for example, the serial number of the printer 12. The dealer ID and user ID are, for example, email addresses.

[0054] In addition, as the dealer's own information, the company name, base name such as branch office, telephone number, area of ​​responsibility, name of person in charge, etc. may be registered together with the dealer ID. In addition, as the user's own information, any name such as company name or user name, address, telephone number, payment method, payment service information, credit card information, etc. may be registered together with the user ID.

[0055] Once the dealer has completed registration, they will be given a link code to link the dealer with the user.

[0056] In the next step 102, the linking unit 32 links the dealer and the user. As an example, the linking between the dealer and the user is performed by the user inputting a linking code assigned to the dealer via the user terminal 16, and the dealer authenticating the linking code via the dealer terminal 14. For this reason, the user is informed of the dealer's linking code in advance by the dealer. When the linking between the dealer and the user is successful, the dealer ID and the user ID are linked. In the following description, the linking between the dealer and the user is also referred to as organizational linking.

[0057] In the next step 104, the linking unit 32 links the printer 12 to the organizational linkage between the dealer and the user (hereinafter also referred to as "registration linkage"). The registration linkage of the printer 12 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The registration linkage of the printer 12 is performed in relation to the organizational linkage between the dealer and the user, and if the organizational linkage between the dealer and the user fails or if organizational linkage is not performed, registration linkage cannot be performed. Thus, in the printer service system 10 of this embodiment, the printer 12 cannot be linked to a dealer and a user that are not linked. This makes it possible to prevent the printer 12 from being used by anyone other than the user.

[0058] Note that linking the dealer, the user, and the printer 12 means associating the dealer ID, the user ID, and the printer ID, which allows the server 18 to easily perform the linking.

[0059] When collaboration is established between the dealer, the user, and the printer 12, management information (hereinafter referred to as the "printer subscription master table") including at least the content of the subscription contract for the printer 12 and information regarding the expiration date of the passkey is generated by the collaboration unit 32. The generated printer subscription master table is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0060] The contents of the printer subscription master table include, for example, the dealer ID, user ID, printer ID, subscription plan, passkey generation enabled / disabled, MAC address for passkey generation, encryption version for passkey generation, number of times print locked, passkey, passkey expiration date, passkey generation date and time, passkey download date and time, passkey application date and time, print lock registration date and time, payment method, payment deadline, passkey issuance period, passkey issuance interval, payment service information, credit card information, payment amount, etc. Information related to the passkey expiration date includes the passkey expiration date and passkey generation date and time, etc.

[0061] The contents of the printer subscription master table are updated as appropriate, for example, in accordance with the settings made by the passkey setting unit 38. By generating such a printer subscription master table, it becomes possible to easily check the details of cooperation.

[0062] After the above-described linking process is completed, the printer 12 is rented to the user and installed at the user's place of business, etc. In this embodiment, the printer 12 is rented to the user in a print-locked state, which prevents the printer 12 from being resold or breaching the contract.

[0063] After the dealer, user, and printer 12 are linked, periodic passkey updates are enabled. This allows the passkey to be sent to the linked printer 12 without delay, simplifying contract start management. Furthermore, if the link between the dealer, user, and printer 12 is incorrect, the printer 12 will not function even if the passkey is sent, making it possible to check for any linking errors.

[0064] Here, the registration linkage process of the printer 12 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 4 and 5. The registration linkage process shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a process from registering the printer 12 after the dealer and the user are linked to each other and enabling the print function of the printer 12 using a passkey.

[0065] First, in step 200, the user registers the printer 12 for linkage via the user terminal 16. For this purpose, information about the printer 12 is sent from the user terminal 16 to the server 18 along with the user's authentication information. The user's authentication information includes an API key for using an API (Application Programming Interface), the user's email address (which serves as the user ID), a password, and the like. The printer 12 information includes the printer ID to be registered for linkage, and the like. The API key is acquired by the user in advance. The authentication information is also encrypted before being sent from the user terminal 16 to the server 18.

[0066] In the next step 202, the server 18 performs user authentication.

[0067] In the next step 204, the server 18 determines whether or not the user authentication has been successful. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 206; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 210.

[0068] In step 206, the linking unit 32 registers the printer information in the organizational link between the dealer and the user, thereby registering and linking the printer 12 identified by the printer information.

[0069] In the next step, step 208, the passkey generation unit 36 ​​generates a passkey. The passkey is generated to include information indicating the expiration date for the print function of the registered and linked printer 12, and is encrypted using a predetermined common key.

[0070] In the next step 210, the server 18 notifies the user terminal 16 of the registration result of the printer information. If the determination in step 204 is affirmative, a notification of successful registration is sent, and if the determination in step 204 is negative, a notification of unsuccessful registration is sent.

[0071] In the next step 212, the user terminal 16 determines whether the registration of the printer 12 was successful based on the registration result sent from the server 18, and if the determination is positive, proceeds to step 214, and if the determination is negative, terminates the registration linkage process for the printer 12.

[0072] In step 214 , the user terminal 16 transmits the user's authentication information to the server 18 along with instructions to download and obtain the passkey from the server 18 .

[0073] In the next step 216, the server 18 performs user authentication.

[0074] In the next step 218, the server 18 determines whether or not the user authentication has been successful. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 220; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 222.

[0075] In step 220 , the server 18 sends the passkey to the user terminal 16 .

[0076] In the next step 222, the user terminal 16 determines whether or not a passkey has been obtained from the server 18. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 224, and if the determination is negative, the registration linkage process of the printer 12 is terminated. Note that if the process proceeds from step 220 to step 222, the determination is affirmative, and if the process proceeds from step 218 to step 222, the determination is negative.

[0077] In the next step 224 , the user terminal 16 transmits the passkey obtained from the server 18 to the printer 12 .

[0078] In the next step 226, the printer 12 decrypts the received passkey. The common key used for decryption is stored in the printer 12 in advance.

[0079] In the next step 228, the printer 12 determines whether the passkey has been successfully decrypted. If the determination is affirmative, the printer 12 proceeds to step 230; if the determination is negative, the printer 12 ends its registration linkage process.

[0080] In step 230, the printer 12 obtains the printer ID and expiration date from the decrypted passkey.

[0081] In the next step 232, printer 12 determines whether the printer ID obtained from the passkey matches its own printer ID stored in printer 12, and if the determination is positive, proceeds to step 234, and if the determination is negative, printer 12 terminates its registration linkage processing.

[0082] In step 234, the printer 12 stores the information contained in the passkey, i.e., the expiration date. As a result, the printing function of the printer 12 is valid until the written expiration date, and the user can use the printer 12.

[0083] Here, it is conceivable that under a subscription contract, the user remains the same and the printer 12 remains rented to the user, but the dealer changes. In other words, the subscription contract remains in place, but the owner of the printer 12 changes. In such a case, the user does not need to take any action, but the dealer must re-register. By re-registering, the new dealer inherits the connection between the user and the printer 12, along with the connection code from the previous dealer.

[0084] Furthermore, there are cases where the user changes but the dealer who owns the printer 12 does not change. For example, this may occur if the user (corporation) to which the printer 12 is rented is acquired or merged with another corporation. In this case, the new user will enter into a subscription contract with the dealer, and it will be necessary to register the new user and re-associate with the dealer and the printer 12.

[0085] Furthermore, when replacing a printer 12 loaned to a user, the association between the dealer and the user is maintained, but the association of the old printer 12 is terminated and association is established with a new printer 12. Replacing a printer 12 refers to replacing the printer 12 with a new model or replacing the printer 12 with the same model due to a malfunction.

[0086] Furthermore, if the user delays payment of the usage fee and subsequently print-locks the contract, the connection between the user and the dealer will remain as is, and automatic periodic renewal of the passkey will resume.

[0087] Furthermore, if the dealer and the user are organizationally linked, there is no need to redo the organizational linkage even if the dealer software installed on the dealer terminal 14 or the user software installed on the user terminal 16 is reinstalled, or the dealer terminal 14 or the user terminal 16 is changed.

[0088] Next, various passkey settings performed by the passkey setting unit 38 will be described.

[0089] The dealer can transmit disabling information for disabling the print function of the printer 12 that is rented to the user to the server 18 via the dealer terminal 14. In this embodiment, the disabling information is, for example, a passkey, which will be referred to as a lock passkey in the following description.

[0090] Specifically, the printer service system 10 of this embodiment can set a date for the printer 12 to be deactivated based on timing other than the timing for periodic passkey renewal, such as non-payment of usage fees or contract expiration. Then, at midnight, for example, on the set deactivation date, the server 18 transmits a locking passkey to the printer 12 via the user terminal 16. The deactivation date is set by the dealer. The locking passkey stores the date on which the printing function of the printer 12 will be disabled.

[0091] That is, the server 18 sets the date when the printer 12 will no longer be in use as the timing for sending the lock passkey, and when the printer 12 receives the lock passkey, it disables the enabled print function. This allows the dealer to lock the print function at a predetermined time due to contract breach or contract termination.

[0092] As described above, a condition of the subscription contract is that the user pays the printer 12 usage fee by a specified date. The date of transmission of the passkey is set based on the due date related to the payment of the usage fee. This prevents the user from failing to pay the usage fee. The due date related to the payment is, for example, the date on which the dealer bills the user.

[0093] The timing for transmitting the passkey can be set by the dealer. That is, the dealer inputs the timing for transmitting the passkey via the dealer terminal 14, and the passkey setting unit 38 included in the server 18 sets the timing.

[0094] 6 is an example of a passkey automatic update setting screen 50. The automatic update setting screen 50 is displayed on the dealer terminal 14, and the dealer inputs various information, which is then transmitted to the server 18.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 6, the timing for transmitting the passkey is set as the update interval. In the example of FIG. 6, the update interval can be selected from monthly, two months, three months, six months, and one year. The passkey update interval corresponds to the terms of the contract, so if the update interval is set to three months, for example, the user will pay the dealer a usage fee on a specific date every three months. This allows the printer service system 10 to set the contract period between the dealer and the user according to the user's needs.

[0096] The automatic update setting screen 50 also sets the date on which the dealer will confirm that the passkey has been sent (hereinafter referred to as the "update confirmation date"). In the example of FIG. 6, the update confirmation date is set to the 25th, for example. The server 18 sends a message to the dealer's email address, for example, on the update confirmation date, informing them that the passkey has been updated and sent. When the dealer receives the email, he or she accesses the server 18 via the dealer terminal 14 and confirms that the passkey has been sent.

[0097] This allows the dealer to remotely check whether the passkey has been updated. For example, the dealer can check the operating status of the printer 12 lent to the user from the dealer terminal 14, and if the operating status is low despite the passkey being updated regularly, the dealer can reduce the frequency of maintenance of the printer 12. Therefore, the printer service system 10 can increase convenience for the dealer by setting a passkey update check date.

[0098] Furthermore, if the passkey transmission date falls on the user's non-business day, the passkey transmission date can be changed to another day. In the example of FIG. 6, if the automatic renewal date (the passkey transmission date) is a Sunday, the dealer can select one of the following options for the automatic renewal date: "No change," "Change to the Friday before last," or "Change to the following Monday." This allows the printer service system 10 to improve user convenience. Note that in the example of FIG. 6, the user's non-business day is Sunday, but the user's non-business day can be set to any day of the week or date other than Sunday.

[0099] 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the passkey issuance process executed by the server. The passkey issuance process is executed by a program stored in storage unit 22 of server 18. Note that the passkey issuance process is executed by server 18 at a predetermined time, for example, once a day, after the settings related to passkey issuance have been completed.

[0100] First, in step 300, the passkey setting unit 38 determines whether or not the transmission date of the lock passkey has been set. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 302; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 304.

[0101] In step 302, the passkey setting unit 38 determines whether or not today is the day for transmitting the lock passkey. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 312; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 304.

[0102] In step 304, the passkey setting unit 38 determines whether it is the date for automatic passkey renewal or not. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 306, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 300.

[0103] In step 306, the contract fulfillment confirmation unit 34 determines whether the user has fulfilled the subscription contract, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 308, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 314. The subscription contract that the user must fulfill is to pay the usage fee on a specified date, and the contract fulfillment confirmation unit 34 determines whether the user has fulfilled the subscription contract by checking the registered dealer's account.

[0104] In step 308, the passkey generator 36 generates an updated passkey.

[0105] In the next step 310, the communication unit 24 sends the passkey generated by the passkey generation unit 36 ​​to the user terminal 16, and the process returns to step 300. When the user terminal 16 receives the passkey, it sends the received passkey to the printer 12. The printer 12 performs authentication using the received passkey, and if the authentication is successful, the print function of the printer 12 remains enabled, and the user can continue to use the printer 12.

[0106] On the other hand, in step 312, which is reached if the determination in step 302 is affirmative, the passkey generation unit 36 ​​generates a lock passkey, and the process proceeds to step 310. In step 310, the communication unit 24 transmits the lock passkey to the user terminal 16 at the set time. Upon receiving the lock passkey, the user terminal 16 transmits the received lock passkey to the printer 12. The printer 12 performs authentication using the received lock passkey, and if the authentication is successful, the print function of the printer 12 is disabled.

[0107] Furthermore, in step 314, which is reached if the determination in step 306 is negative, the contract fulfillment confirmation unit 34 notifies the dealer terminal 14 that the contract has not been fulfilled. Note that the passkey is not sent to the printer 12, and therefore the printer 12 is print-locked by proceeding to step 314. Having confirmed the notification, the dealer inquires about the user. Then, if the dealer confirms that the user has fulfilled the contract, the dealer issues a command to the server 18 via the dealer terminal 14 to send the passkey.

[0108] In the flowchart of Fig. 7, a form in which the server 18 automatically transmits a passkey to the user terminal 16 has been described, but this is not limiting, and the server 18 may transmit a passkey to the user terminal 16 in response to an instruction from the user terminal 16, as in the passkey issuing process shown in Fig. 8. Note that the processes from numbers 1 and 2 onwards in Fig. 8 are the same as the processes from numbers 1 and 2 onwards in Fig. 5, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0109] First, in step 400, on the day the passkey expires, the user terminal 16 determines whether the passkey has not been updated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 402; if the determination is negative, the passkey issuance process is terminated.

[0110] In the next step 402 , the user terminal 16 transmits the user's authentication information to the server 18 together with an instruction to download and obtain the passkey from the server 18 .

[0111] In the next step 404, the server 18 performs user authentication.

[0112] In the next step 406, the server 18 determines whether or not the user authentication has been successful, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 408, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 222 in FIG.

[0113] In step 408, the passkey generator 36 generates a passkey.

[0114] In step 410, the server 18 sends the passkey to the user terminal 16 and proceeds to step 222 of FIG.

[0115] Next, other functions of the printer service system 10 will be described.

[0116] (offline function) For example, there may be cases where the printer 12 is unable to receive the passkey from the server 18 due to a malfunction or communication failure of the server 18. In such cases, the printer 12 of this embodiment accepts input of a passkey by the user.

[0117] Specifically, if the user terminal 16 does not receive the passkey at the passkey update date and time, the user requests the dealer to issue a passkey. For example, the dealer requests a specific server to issue a passkey, and the passkey generated by the server is sent to the user terminal 16. Alternatively, if the user terminal 16 cannot access the server 18 but the dealer terminal 14 can access the server 18, the dealer terminal 14 downloads the passkey from the server 18 and sends it to the user terminal 16. The user accesses the printer 12 using the user terminal 16 and manually inputs the passkey into the printer 12. The printer 12 performs authentication processing using the manually input passkey.

[0118] This allows the user to continue using the printer 12 even if the printer 12 is unable to receive the passkey from the server 18.

[0119] (Generate service information) The server 18 of this embodiment provides useful service information to users and dealers using data related to printing by the printer 12 and other data. The service information is generated by a service information generation unit 40. An example of the service information generated by the service information generation unit 40 will be described below.

[0120] Examples of the service information generated by the service information generating unit 40 include printer purchase information, consumables delivery information, and printer location information.

[0121] The printer purchase information is printer purchase information that recommends the user to purchase a printer based on the subscription contract period. In other words, as the subscription contract period becomes longer, the user's subscription contract cost burden increases. Therefore, the printer purchase information is sent to the user terminal 16 when the user would be less expensive if they purchased the printer 12.

[0122] The service information generation unit 40 analyzes print data used by the printer 12 loaned to the user and extracts one or more types of printers suitable for the user's print content. The service information generation unit 40 then compares the purchase cost of the extracted printer with the subscription contract cost that the user is expected to pay in the future, and transmits the comparison to the user terminal 16 as printer purchase information. This allows the user to compare whether it is more beneficial to continue the subscription contract or to purchase a printer.

[0123] The consumables delivery information indicates the timing for delivering consumables used in the printer to the user. The service information generation unit 40 calculates the timing for delivering the consumables to the user by predicting the consumption amount of the consumables used in the printer 12. The consumables delivery information is then sent to a business that handles the consumables, and the business then delivers the consumables to the user.

[0124] Next, printer location information will be described. In this embodiment, the printer 12 transmits location information that identifies the installation location to the server 18. For this purpose, the printer 12 has, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and the server 18 periodically receives location information acquired by the GPS function of the printer 12. If there is a change in the location information of the printer 12, the service information generation unit 40 transmits a notification to the dealer terminal 14 indicating that the location information has changed. This prevents the printer 12 from being resold or stolen.

[0125] (Contract termination during printing process) There may be cases where the contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer 12 is printing. In such a case, if the printing function of the printer 12 is locked at the time the contract expires even though the printer 12 is currently printing, the user may be disadvantaged. Therefore, the printer service system 10 of this embodiment has, as an example, two types of print termination processing.

[0126] The first print termination process locks the print function of the printer 12 after printing on the recording medium that is currently being printed is completed if the contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer 12 is printing. In other words, when printing on the medium that the printer 12 is currently printing on is completed, the print function of the printer 12 is locked.

[0127] The second print termination process locks the print function of the printer 12 after the current job is completed if the contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer 12 is printing. In the first print process, even if a single job includes printing on multiple media, the printer is print-locked when printing on the current media is completed, and printing on subsequent media is not possible. On the other hand, in the second print process, if the current job includes printing on multiple media, the printer is print-locked after printing on those multiple media is completed.

[0128] By performing the first print ending process and the second print ending process, the print function is not disabled immediately when the contract ends, thereby improving user convenience.

[0129] The printer service system 10 may lock the print even during printing when the date and time when the contract between the dealer and the user expires is reached, without performing the first print completion process and the second print completion process. Also, the user may contact the dealer in advance, and the dealer may set the date and time when the passkey or the lock passkey is issued, thereby adjusting the timing of the print lock.

[0130] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiment, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the printer 12 receives the passkey from the server 18 via the user terminal 16, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the printer 12 may receive the passkey directly from the server 18.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the printer 12 is described as a printing device that prints on a medium, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the printer 12 may also be a 3D printer that forms a three-dimensional object.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the activation information and deactivation information for enabling the print function of the printer 12 are described as passkeys, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the activation information and deactivation information may be specific passwords.

[0134] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The printer management method by the printer service system 10 of this embodiment includes a first step in which the server 18 links the printer 12 whose print function is to be enabled or disabled, the dealer who owns the printer 12, and the user who is renting the printer 12, a second step in which the server 18 sends activation information that activates the print function of the printer 12 when the user linked with the dealer meets specified contract conditions, and a third step in which the printer 12 activates the print function when the printer 12 receives the activation information. This allows the printer management method to provide printer services to users with simple management.

[0135] (2) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the printer 12 may be lent to a user with the print function disabled, thereby preventing the printer 12 from being resold or breaching the contract.

[0136] (3) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the server 18 sets the timing for sending deactivation information that disables the print function, and the printer 12 may disable the enabled print function upon receiving the deactivation information. This allows the dealer to disable the printer 12 at a specified date and time due to contract breach or contract termination.

[0137] (4) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the expiration date for which the print function is valid may be recorded in the activation information, and a passkey may be updated each time it is sent from the server 18. This allows the printer management method to enable the print function with high security.

[0138] (5) In the printer management method of this embodiment, after the dealer, the user, and the printer 12 are linked, the dealer may send a passkey to the printer 12, enabling periodic updates of the passkey. This allows the printer management method to send a passkey without delay to the linked printer 12 after the dealer and the user are linked, simplifying contract start management.

[0139] (6) When a dealer, a user, and the printer 12 are linked, the printer management method of this embodiment may generate management information that includes at least information about the contract terms and the expiration date of the passkey for the printer 12. This allows the dealer and the user to easily check the details of the linkage.

[0140] (7) In the printer management method of this embodiment, if the printer 12 cannot receive a passkey from the server 18, the printer 12 may accept input of a passkey by the user. This allows the user to continue using the printer 12 even if the printer 12 cannot receive a passkey from the server 18 due to a failure or other reason.

[0141] (8) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the printer 12 does not need to be linked to a dealer and a user who are not linked. This makes it possible to prevent the printer 12 from being used by anyone other than the user.

[0142] (9) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the specified contract condition is that the user pays the printer 12 usage fee by a specified due date, and the transmission date of the activation information may be set based on the due date. This prevents the user from failing to pay the usage fee.

[0143] (10) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the timing for transmitting the activation information may be set by the dealer, which allows the dealer to set the contract period between the dealer and the user according to the user's needs.

[0144] (11) In the printer management method of this embodiment, a date may be set for the dealer to confirm that the activation information has been sent. This increases the convenience of the printer management method for the dealer.

[0145] (12) In the printer management method of this embodiment, if the transmission date of the activation information falls on a non-business day for the user, the transmission date may be changed to another day. This allows the printer management method to be more convenient for the user.

[0146] (13) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the server 18 may associate first identification information for identifying the dealer, second identification information for identifying the user, and third identification information for identifying the printer 12, thereby linking the dealer, the user, and the printer 12. This allows the printer management method to easily perform the linking.

[0147] (14) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the server 18 may generate service information based on the user's usage of the printer 12. This allows the printer management method to provide new services based on the printer 12 services.

[0148] (15) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the service information may be information that recommends the user to purchase the printer 12 based on the contract period. This allows the user to compare whether it is more beneficial to continue the contract or to purchase the printer 12.

[0149] (16) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the service information may be information indicating the timing for sending consumables used in the printer 12 to the user. This allows the printer management method to provide new services based on the printer 12 services.

[0150] (17) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the printer 12 may transmit location information that identifies the installation location to the server 18. This makes it possible to prevent the printer 12 from being resold or stolen.

[0151] (18) In the printer management method of this embodiment, if the contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer 12 is printing, the printer 12 may disable the print function after the printer 12 has finished printing on the recording medium. This allows the printer management method to improve user convenience because the print function is not disabled immediately upon contract termination.

[0152] (19) In the printer management method of this embodiment, if the contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer 12 is printing, the printer 12 may disable the print function after the current job is completed. This allows the printer management method to improve user convenience because the print function is not disabled immediately when the contract ends.

[0153] (20) In the printer management method of this embodiment, the collaboration between the dealer, the user, and the printer 12 may be performed by authenticating a pre-assigned collaboration code. This allows the printer management method to easily collaborate between the dealer, the user, and the printer 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 10 Printer Service System 12 Printers 16 servers

Claims

1. a first step in which a server links a printer whose print function is to be enabled or disabled, a dealer who owns the printer, and a user who is renting the printer; a second step in which the server transmits activation information that activates the print function of the printer when the user associated with the dealer satisfies a predetermined contract condition; a third step of enabling the print function by the printer when the printer receives the enablement information; A printer management method including:

2. 2. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the printer is lent to the user with the print function disabled.

3. the server is configured to transmit disabling information for disabling the print function; When the printer receives the disablement information, it disables the print function that is enabled.

3. The printer management method according to claim 1.

4. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the activation information is information that records a time limit for which the print function is valid and is updated each time the activation information is transmitted from the server.

5. The printer management method according to claim 4 , wherein the periodic update of the activation information is activated after the dealer, the user, and the printer are associated with each other.

6. The printer management method according to claim 4 , wherein management information including at least the contract conditions and the expiration date of the activation information regarding the printer is generated when the dealer, the user, and the printer are linked.

7. 5. The printer management method according to claim 4, wherein if the printer cannot receive the activation information from the server, the printer accepts input of the activation information by the user.

8. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the printer is not linked to the dealer and the user who are not linked.

9. the predetermined contract conditions are conditions that the user pays a usage fee for the printer on a predetermined date; 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein a transmission date of the validation information is set based on the due date.

10. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the timing for transmitting the validation information is set by the dealer.

11. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, further comprising setting a date on which the dealer will confirm that the activation information has been transmitted.

12. 3. A printer management method according to claim 1, wherein if the transmission date of the activation information falls on a non-business day of the user, the transmission date is changed to another day.

13. The printer management method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the server links the dealer, the user, and the printer by associating first identification information for identifying the dealer, second identification information for identifying the user, and third identification information for identifying the printer.

14. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the server generates service information based on the usage status of the printer by the user.

15. 15. The printer management method according to claim 14, wherein the service information is information that encourages the user to purchase the printer based on the contract period.

16. 15. The printer management method according to claim 14, wherein the service information is information indicating a timing for sending consumables used in the printer to the user.

17. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the printer transmits location information specifying an installation location to the server.

18. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein if the contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer is printing, the printer disables the print function after printing on the recording medium currently being printed is completed.

19. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein if a contract between the dealer and the user ends while the printer is printing, the printer disables the print function after the job currently being executed is completed.

20. 3. The printer management method according to claim 1, wherein the dealer, the user, and the printer are linked by authenticating a link code that is assigned in advance.

21. A printer management system including a printer and a server in which a print function is enabled or disabled, The server a linking means for linking the printer, the dealer who owns the printer, and the user who rents the printer; a transmission means for transmitting to the printer activation information that enables the print function of the printer when the user associated with the dealer satisfies predetermined contract conditions; Equipped with the printer enables the print function when the enablement information is received; Printer management system.

22. On the computer, a first step of linking a printer whose print function is to be enabled or disabled, a dealer who owns the printer, and a user who is renting the printer; a second step of transmitting activation information to the printer that activates the print function of the printer when the user associated with the dealer satisfies a predetermined contract condition; A program to execute.

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