Management system, server, and multifunction peripheral

Abstract

To provide a management system capable of appropriately setting the validity of a function based on the contents of a plan in a composite machine.SOLUTION: The management system 1 comprises a MFP50, a server 70 and a network I / F56, 73. The server is configured to execute an instruction transmitting process (S41) of transmitting, to the MFP via the network I / F, a setting instruction to enable a function corresponding to a subscription plan subscribed by a user among a plurality of plans included in a service using the MFP. Then, the MFP50 executes an instruction receiving process (S43) of receiving the setting instruction via the network I / F and a setting process (S45) of setting the function corresponding to the subscription plan to be valid based on the received setting instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system, a server, and a multifunction peripheral. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, systems that provide a delivery service for consumables are known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example. The system described in Patent Document 1 includes a service providing server and a printer. In the system described in Patent Document 1, the printer transmits start-of-use request information to the server, and the server that receives the start-of-use request information executes a start-of-use process and transmits status information including the subscription status of the contract to the printer. Upon receiving the status information, the printer determines that the service is subscribed to and that there are no outstanding payments, and then enables a disabled function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7363371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about setting functions according to the contents of a service plan when the printer is a multifunction device capable of executing multiple functions. This poses a problem in that the multifunction device is unable to properly enable functions based on the contents of the plan.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a management system, a server, and a multifunction device that are capable of appropriately enabling functions based on the contents of a plan in a multifunction device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management system including a multifunction peripheral capable of executing a plurality of functions, a server that manages a service using the multifunction peripheral, and a communication interface, wherein the server executes an instruction sending process to the multifunction peripheral via the communication interface, a setting instruction for enabling at least one of the functions according to a subscription plan subscribed to by a user of the multifunction peripheral out of a plurality of plans included in the service, and the multifunction peripheral executes an instruction receiving process to receive the setting instruction sent in the instruction sending process via the communication interface, and a setting process to enable at least one of the plurality of functions according to the plan based on the setting instruction received in the instruction receiving process.

[0007] According to this management system, in the setting process, of the multiple functions executable by the multifunction device, the functions corresponding to the subscription plan to which the user has subscribed are enabled, so that the multifunction device can appropriately enable the functions based on the contents of the subscription plan. In other words, the functions to be enabled can be appropriately switched depending on the subscription plan to which the user has subscribed.

[0008] (2) In the management system of the above form, a memory is further provided, and the memory stores multifunction device identification information that identifies the multifunction device, subscription plan information that indicates the subscription plan of the multifunction device identified by the multifunction device identification information, and function information that indicates the functions available under the subscription plan, and the server executes an identification information reception process that receives the multifunction device identification information via the communication interface, and in the instruction transmission process, in response to receiving the multifunction device identification information in the identification information reception process, transmits the setting instruction based on the multifunction device identification information, the subscription plan information, and the function information stored in the memory.

[0009] According to this type of management system, in the instruction sending process, the setting instruction is sent based on the information stored in the memory, so that functions according to the subscription plan can be easily and effectively set.

[0010] (3) In the management system of the above form, a memory is further provided, and plan information indicating the plan and function information indicating the functions available in the plan are stored in association with each other in the memory. The server executes a plan reception process to receive information about the subscription plan via the communication interface, and in the instruction transmission process, in response to receiving the information about the subscription plan in the plan reception process, transmits the setting instruction based on the function information associated with the plan information corresponding to the subscription plan.

[0011] According to this type of management system, in the instruction sending process, the setting instruction is sent based on the information stored in the memory, so that functions according to the subscription plan can be easily and effectively set.

[0012] (4) In the management system of the above aspect, when the server receives a request to change the subscription plan in the plan receiving process, the server may transmit the setting instruction based on the function information associated with the plan information corresponding to the changed subscription plan in the instruction sending process. According to this aspect of the management system, it is possible to switch the functions to be enabled in the multifunction device in response to a change in the user's subscription plan.

[0013] (5) In the management system of the above form, the multifunction device may execute a function execution process that restricts the functions that are not enabled in the setting process and executes the functions that are enabled in the setting process, and a history transmission process that transmits a usage history of the functions executed in the function execution process to the server via the communication interface, and the server may execute a history reception process that receives the usage history transmitted in the history transmission process via the communication interface, and a notification process that notifies the user of the plan that does not use the function if the frequency of use based on the usage history of the function that is enabled in the multifunction device is lower than a predetermined standard.

[0014] According to this type of management system, the notification process notifies the user of a plan that excludes functions that are used less frequently on the multifunction device, so that a plan that matches the user's history of function usage can be proposed to the user, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0015] (6) In the management system of the above aspect, the server may execute the instruction transmission process on the condition that the setup of the multifunction device is completed. According to this aspect of the management system, after the setup of the multifunction device is completed, functions according to the subscription plan can be enabled.

[0016] (7) In the management system of the above form, the multifunction device may execute a function execution process that restricts the functions that are not enabled in the setting process and executes the functions that are enabled in the setting process, and an error transmission process that transmits error information, which is information about an error related to the function executed in the function execution process, to the server via the communication interface, and the server may execute an error reception process that receives the error information transmitted in the error transmission process via the communication interface, and a support process that transmits at least one of an error resolution instruction that prompts the multifunction device to resolve the error or a plan change instruction that prompts the user to change the subscription plan based on the error information received in the error reception process via the communication interface to the multifunction device.

[0017] According to this management system, if an error resolution instruction is sent during the support process, the user can execute a process to resolve the error occurring in the multifunction device based on the error resolution instruction. Also, if a plan change instruction is sent during the support process, the user can consider subscribing to a plan other than the one they currently subscribe to based on the plan change instruction. In other words, by executing the support process, convenience for the user can be improved.

[0018] (8) In the management system of the above type, if the error is an error that cannot be resolved by user processing in the multifunction device, the server may send the plan change instruction in the support processing, prompting the user to change to the plan that does not include the function in which the error has occurred.

[0019] According to this type of management system, if the error is one that cannot be resolved by user processing, the user is prompted to change to a plan that does not include the function in which the error occurred, allowing the user to consider changing the plan and improving convenience for the user.

[0020] (9) In the management system of the above aspect, the functions executed by the multifunction peripheral may be functions related to image processing. According to this management system, the image processing functions can be enabled according to the subscription plan subscribed to by the user.

[0021] (10) According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server that manages a service using a multifunction device in a management system including a multifunction device capable of executing a plurality of functions and a communication interface, and that executes an instruction sending process to send to the multifunction device via the communication interface a setting instruction for enabling at least one of the functions in accordance with a subscription plan to which a user of the multifunction device subscribes from among a plurality of plans included in the service.

[0022] According to the server of this type, it is possible to appropriately enable and set functions based on the contents of the subscription plan.

[0023] (11) According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multifunction peripheral capable of executing a plurality of functions in a management system including a server that manages a service using the multifunction peripheral and a communication interface, wherein the server executes an instruction sending process to the multifunction peripheral via the communication interface, a setting instruction for enabling at least one of the functions according to a subscription plan to which a user of the multifunction peripheral subscribes among a plurality of plans included in the service, an instruction receiving process to receive the setting instruction sent in the instruction sending process via the communication interface, and a setting process to enable at least one of the plurality of functions according to the plan based on the setting instruction received in the instruction receiving process.

[0024] According to this type of multifunction device, it is possible to appropriately enable functions based on the contents of the subscription plan. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a storage table T1 stored in a server. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a main process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a storage table T2 stored in the server. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a plan change process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a notification process based on a usage history. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a support process based on error information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment> A management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. [Overall configuration of management system 1]

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 1 includes a mobile terminal 10, an MFP 50, and a service providing server 70 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "server 70"). The mobile terminal 10 is an external terminal carried by a user. MFP is an abbreviation for Multi-Function Peripheral. The management system 1 is a system that uses the server 70 to comprehensively manage services that use the MFP 50.

[0028] Here, the "service" refers to, for example, a delivery service that delivers consumables used in the MFP 50, a billing service that charges based on the number of printed pages, which is the number of print media, and a rental service that rents out the MFP 50 itself. A service includes multiple plans. In this embodiment, a user uses the rental service for the MFP 50 and further selects a plan that includes the functions that can be used on the MFP 50. A service includes multiple plans.

[0029] A "plan" defines the scope, quality, available benefits and functions, price, and other aspects of the services provided. In this embodiment, a "plan" specifically defines whether four types of image processing functions available on the MFP 50 are available. The four types of image processing functions are copy, print, scan, and fax. Note that the definition of a "plan" may include not only whether an image processing function is available, but also the fee, usage period, and quality (accuracy) of the available functions. Furthermore, "functions" may include not only the four types of image processing functions but also other functions available on the MFP 50, such as high-quality printing and high-quality scanning.

[0030] In this embodiment, a user applies for a service by selecting a plan to subscribe to from a dedicated subscription site using the user's mobile terminal 10. A service contract is concluded between the user and the service provider based on the details of the subscription plan. The server 70, which receives the application, transmits a setting instruction to the MFP 50. The setting instruction is an instruction to enable functions that are made available according to the subscription plan. The MFP 50 receives the setting instruction and enables the functions according to the subscription plan based on the details of the setting instruction. In other words, function restrictions are lifted in accordance with the details of the subscription plan. Details of the series of processes related to plan subscription, including the process of sending and receiving the setting instruction, will be described later.

[0031] The mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 are connected to a network 200. The network 200 may be the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or a combination of a LAN and the Internet. The network 200 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 are connected wirelessly to a router (not shown) that constitutes part of the network 200. A service providing server 70 is also connected to the network 200.

[0032] The mobile terminal 10 mainly includes a CPU 12, a memory 14, a network I / F 16, an LCD 20, and a touch panel 22. These components are capable of communicating with each other via a bus 28. The mobile terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone. Note that the mobile terminal 10 is not limited to a smartphone, and may be other terminal devices such as a tablet or a laptop. The configuration of the mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 is one example. For example, the mobile terminal 10 may also include a mobile terminal communication I / F for wireless communication with a mobile base station, a camera for capturing images, and the like.

[0033] The CPU 12 executes the setup process in accordance with the initial setup application 30 stored in the memory 14. The initial setup application 30 is not initially stored in the memory 14 of the mobile terminal 10; for example, the initial setup application 30 can be executed by the mobile terminal 10 downloading and installing it from the service providing server 70. The initial setup application 30 is, for example, an application program that causes the mobile terminal 10 to execute the initial setup of the MFP 50. The CPU 12 that executes the initial setup application 30 sets an administrator password for the MFP 50, sets the time on the MFP 50, and displays an initial setup guide on the LCD 20. Furthermore, the memory 14 includes a data storage area 32. The data storage area 32 is an area that stores data necessary for executing the initial setup application 30.

[0034] The network I / F 16 is a communication interface that performs wired or wireless communication with the network I / F 56 of the MFP 50 connected to the network 200, and includes chips and circuits that comply with the communication standards of the wired LAN or wireless LAN. The mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 transmit and receive electronic data to and from each other via a wireless LAN, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication method between the mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 is not particularly limited. For example, the mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 may perform wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (registered trademark).

[0035] The LCD 20 has a display screen that displays various functions of the mobile terminal 10. The touch panel 22 has a touch sensor and is arranged to cover the display screen of the LCD 20. The touch panel 22 detects approach or contact with the user's finger, a touch pen, or the like, and outputs an electrical signal in response to the detection.

[0036] The MFP 50 mainly comprises a CPU 52, memory 54, a network I / F 56, an LCD 58, an input I / F 60, a printer unit 61, a scanner unit 62, a FAX unit 63, and a cartridge storage unit 65. These components are capable of communicating with each other via a bus 64.

[0037] The CPU 52 executes processing in accordance with a program 66 stored in the memory 54. The program 66 includes, for example, an application program for executing printing and scanning, an application program for executing initial setup of the MFP 50 in accordance with instructions from the initial setup application 30 of the mobile terminal 10, a setting processing application program for enabling at least one of a plurality of functions executable by the MFP 50, an identification information transmission application program for transmitting identification information for identifying the MFP 50 to the server 70, and a history transmission application program for transmitting information such as the usage history and errors of each function of the MFP 50 to the server 70. The memory 54 also includes a data storage area 68. The data storage area 68 is an area for storing data necessary for executing the program 66.

[0038] Note that the memory 54 of the MFP 50 and the memory 14 of the mobile terminal 10 are configured by combining RAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, buffers provided in the CPUs 12 and 52, and the like. Furthermore, the memory 54 of the MFP 50 and the memory 14 of the mobile terminal 10 may be computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. Meanwhile, electrical signals carrying programs downloaded from a server on the Internet are computer-readable signal media, which are a type of computer-readable media, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0039] In addition, the network I / F 56 of the MFP 50 is a communication interface for performing wired or wireless communication with the network I / F 16 of the mobile terminal 10 and the network I / F 73 of the service providing server 70 described below, and includes chips and circuits compatible with the communication standards of wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0040] The LCD 58 has a display screen that displays various functions of the MFP 50. The MFP 50 of this embodiment has four image processing functions, namely, copy, print, scan, and fax, as a plurality of executable functions. The input I / F 60 is, for example, a touch panel that is configured integrally with the LCD 58, and accepts user operations on icons, buttons, etc. displayed on the display screen of the LCD 58. The input I / F 60 may also have hard keys, etc., in addition to the touch panel.

[0041] The printer unit 61 forms an image on a sheet (for example, paper or an overhead projector). The printer unit 61 may be an exposure unit, a photosensitive element, a developing roller, and a fixing unit for performing electrophotographic printing, or an inkjet head, a carriage, and a carriage drive mechanism for performing inkjet printing. When the MFP 50 receives a print instruction from the mobile terminal 10, the printer unit 61 prints the print image data included in the received print instruction. The scan unit 62 has a reading sensor for reading an image from a document. When the MFP 50 receives a scan instruction from the mobile terminal 10, the scan unit 62 generates scan data and transmits the generated scan data to the mobile terminal 10. The FAX unit 63 performs FAX processing according to a predetermined protocol.

[0042] The cartridge storage unit 65 is configured to allow a cartridge that stores a colorant such as ink or toner for coloring a sheet to be detachably attached. The cartridge storage unit 65 is equipped with a detection sensor that detects that a cartridge has been attached. Note that instead of the cartridge storage unit 65, a tank that stores the colorant may be provided. The tank may be equipped with an inlet, and a user can store the colorant in the tank by injecting the colorant into the inlet from a bottle containing the colorant. The tank may also be equipped with a detection sensor that detects whether the amount of colorant stored is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0043] The service providing server 70 mainly comprises a CPU 71, a memory 72, a network I / F 73, an LCD 74, and an input I / F 75. These components are capable of communicating with each other via a bus 78. The CPU 71 executes processing in accordance with a program 76 stored in the memory 72. The memory 72 also comprises a data storage area 77. The data storage area 77 is an area for storing data necessary for executing the program 76, etc.

[0044] The programs 76 include, for example, an application program for creating a linking table for various data based on the user's subscription plan, an application program for creating a setting instruction for enabling at least one of multiple functions executable by the MFP 50 based on the received product serial number and subscription plan, and an instruction sending application program for sending the setting instruction to the MFP 50. Each configuration is similar to the configuration provided in the mobile terminal 10 or the MFP 50. The service providing server 70 manages services using the MFP 50. More specifically, the service providing server 70 accepts service applications for the MFP 50 and manages the MFP 50 so as to enable functions according to the subscription plan.

[0045] The network I / Fs 16, 56, and 73 are examples of a "communication interface." The service providing server 70 is an example of a "server." The MFP is an example of a "multifunction peripheral."

[0046] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a storage table T1 stored in the server 70. The storage table T1 shows information related to the contents of plans. The storage table T1 is stored in the memory 72 of the server 70. As shown in FIG. 2, the memory 72 stores a plan name indicating the plan type, function restriction information for each plan, and a monthly fee for each plan, in association with each other. The plan name is an example of “plan information” indicating the plan. The function restriction information is information on whether each of four image processing functions is restricted in the plan. In other words, it is information indicating the functions available in the plan. The function restriction information is an example of “function information” indicating the functions available in the plan. “Restrict” means that the function is disabled and therefore unavailable, and “Not restricted” means that the function is enabled and therefore available in the MFP 50. Note that although the function restriction information is represented as “restricted” or “not restricted” in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 (described later), the function restriction information may be managed by setting a predetermined restriction flag.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, there are four plans in this embodiment. Plan A allows only the print function to be used. Plan B allows the copy, scan, and fax functions to be used, but the print function is not available. Plan C allows the copy and scan functions to be used, but the print and fax functions are not available. Plan D allows the scan and fax functions to be used, but the copy and print functions are not available. The monthly fee is basically set higher the more functions that are available.

[0048] [Main processing] Next, the control processing executed by the management system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 7. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a main processing in which the management system 1 enables predetermined functions according to the subscription plan on the MFP 50 based on a plan application from a user.

[0049] In the following flowcharts, processes such as "select," "instruct," "receive," "send," "set," "create," "update," "confirm," "determine," and "notify" represent processes performed by one of the CPUs 12, 52, and 71 in accordance with instructions written in the programs 66 and 76. The processes performed by the CPUs 12, 52, and 71 also include hardware control via the OS. Note that "acquire" is used without necessarily requiring a request. In other words, the process of receiving data without an application request is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquiring data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification refers to data in a computer-readable format. Data with essentially the same meaning but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification.

[0050] The "user" uses the mobile terminal 10 to apply for a service and set up the MFP 50. Specifically, the CPU 12 of the mobile terminal 10 executes various processes based on the user's operation on the touch panel 22. The "subscription site" is a dedicated portal site that presents the user with details of the plan and accepts service applications from the mobile terminal 10. The "plan-side operator" understands the details of the service application from the user, and then sets up the MFP 50 and transmits subscription plan information to the server 70. The plan operator is, for example, the developer of the MFP 50.

[0051] In each of Figures 3, 5, 6, and 7, the process shown in the "MFP" column is a process executed by the CPU 52 of the MFP 50. The process shown in the "Server" column is a process executed by the CPU 71 of the server 70. In the following description, the process of the CPUs 52, 71, etc., following the instructions written in the programs 66, 76, may be abbreviated. For example, "The CPU 52 of the MFP 50 executes A" may also be simply written as "The MFP 50 executes A." Furthermore, "The CPU 71 of the server 70 executes A" may also be simply written as "The server 70 executes A." Furthermore, data transmission and reception between the mobile terminal 10, the MFP 50, and the server 70 is performed via the respective network I / Fs 16, 56, and 73. However, in the following description of the transmission and reception process, the term "via the network I / F" may be omitted. In the following description of each process, steps will be abbreviated as "S."

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, first, the user accesses the service subscription site using the mobile terminal 10 and applies for the desired service and selects a plan (S11). Specifically, the user selects the product name of the MFP 50 desired for the rental service and selects one of the plans corresponding to the product specifications. The plan-side worker accesses the subscription site using the terminal and understands the details of the user's application (S13). Next, the plan-side worker operates the terminal or the MFP 50 to restrict all functions of the MFP 50 that the user has requested to rent (S15). This processing in S15 is executed to disable all functions at this stage because the MFP 50 is a rental service product and some functions may have been enabled during the previous rental use. Based on the operation of the plan-side worker in S15, the MFP 50 restricts all functions that can be executed by the MFP 50 (S17).

[0053] Next, the plan-side worker uses a terminal to execute a plan transmission process to transmit the details grasped in S13 to the server 70 (S19). In the plan transmission process, the following information is transmitted: the product serial number of the rented MFP 50, the rental product name, and the subscription plan name (subscription plan information). The server 70 executes a plan reception process to receive the following information: the product serial number of the rented MFP 50, the rental product name, and the subscription plan name (subscription plan information) (S21). Note that the server 70 may receive and process the details applied for by the user in S11 directly from the subscription site without going through the plan-side worker. Also, the server 70 may collectively manage the functions of the subscription site and the plan-side worker.

[0054] Upon receiving the plan, the server 70 creates a storage table T2 (S23) that links the MFP 50 rented by the user with the subscription plan, using the information received in the plan reception process and the function restriction information of each plan (storage table T1 shown in FIG. 2) previously stored in the memory 72. Note that the storage table T2 may be automatically created by, for example, a program 76 previously stored in the memory 72.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating storage table T2 stored in server 70. Storage table T2 shows information related to the user's subscription plan for each MFP, and links the service contract status, product name, and plan details of the MFP. Storage table T2 is stored in memory 72 of server 70. As shown in FIG. 4, memory 72 stores the service contract status of MFP 50, product serial number, product name, subscription plan name, function restriction information indicating functions available under the subscription plan, and default function information of the product, in association with each other. Note that default function information does not necessarily have to be stored.

[0056] The service contract status indicates whether or not the MFP 50 rented by the user is currently under contract. The service contract status is set to "Active" if under contract, and is set to "Inactive" if not under contract. The initial value of the service contract status is "Inactive." The service contract status is set to "Active" when an application from the user is received, the predetermined setup is completed, the MFP 50 is registered in the server 70, and a service contract is officially concluded.

[0057] The product serial number is a unique serial number for identifying the MFP 50. The product serial number is an example of "multifunction device identification information" for identifying the MFP 50. The product name is the product name of the MFP 50, or what is known as a model number. The subscription plan name is the name of a plan selected from multiple plans and subscribed to by the user. The subscription plan name is an example of "subscription plan information" that indicates the subscription plan for the multifunction device identified by the multifunction device identification number. The default function information is information indicating functions that are standard features of the MFP 50 as product specifications. In this embodiment, when plans are presented to the user, only plans that correspond to the default function information of the selected MFP 50 are available. In other words, for functions that are not standard features of the MFP 50 desired for rental, only plans whose function restriction information indicates "restricted" are presented. Note that information other than the information described above, such as user information such as a user name and a user address, and various other data may be stored in association with each other in storage table T2.

[0058] For example, if a rental service for an MFP 50 with a product serial number of "A12345AAAAA" (see the linking data D1 at the bottom of storage table T2 in FIG. 4) is applied for and the selected plan is Plan D, in the processing of S23, the service contract status is set to "Inactive," and the product name "ABC-AAAA," the subscription plan name "Plan D," function restriction information indicating functions available in Plan D, and default function information of the MFP 50 are linked and stored with the product serial number. Note that the service contract status is rewritten to "Active" at the stage of product registration (S37) described below. The data storage column for the service contract status in the linking data D1 in FIG. 4 schematically shows the processing (S37 described below) in which the service provision information is rewritten from "Inactive" to "Active."

[0059] Referring again to FIG. 3, next, the MFP 50 with all functions restricted is delivered to the user (S25). Note that the process of S25 may be arranged by a planning worker. The user who receives the MFP 50 as a rental product uses the mobile terminal 10 to instruct initial setup of the MFP 50 (S27). Specifically, the user turns on the power of the MFP 50, and while a QR code (registered trademark) linked to an access destination for setup (setup.xxxx.com) is displayed on the LCD 58 of the MFP 50, the user photographs the QR code with the camera of the mobile terminal 10. The CPU 12 of the mobile terminal 10 analyzes the photographed QR code, accesses the access destination indicated by the QR code, downloads the initial setup application 30 capable of executing the initial setup of the MFP 50, and installs the initial setup application 30.

[0060] When the user issues a command to launch the initial setup application 30, the initial setup application 30 is launched. Following the setup guidance, the user appropriately instructs the setting of the current time, the purging process for filling ink into the printer unit 61, etc. The MFP 50 executes the initial setup (S29).

[0061] After executing the initial setup, the MFP 50 connects to the server 70 (S31). After the processing of S31, the MFP 50 and the server 70 are basically always connected, and various data can be sent and received between the MFP 50 and the server 70. When the initial setup is complete, the MFP 50 executes an identification information transmission process (S33). In the processing of S33, specifically, the MFP 50 transmits the product serial number of the MFP 50 to the server 70. The server 70 executes an identification information reception process (S35). Then, the server 70 executes product registration based on the received product serial number (S37). Specifically, the server 70 reads out the storage table T2 stored in the memory 72, searches for the received product serial number, and rewrites the service contract status of the MFP 50 corresponding to the product serial number from "Inactive" to "Active" (see the linking data D1 at the bottom of the storage table T2 in FIG. 4).

[0062] Next, the server 70 refers to the function restriction information and searches for functions for which restrictions should be lifted (S39). Specifically, it picks out functions that are set to "not restricted" in the function restriction information. Then, the server 70 executes an instruction transmission process (S41). The instruction transmission process is a process of transmitting a setting instruction to the MFP 50 to enable the picked function. In the example shown in the linked data D1 in FIG. 4, Plan D is selected, and the "not restricted" functions are scan and fax. Therefore, in S41, the server 70 transmits a setting instruction to the MFP 50 to enable scan and fax.

[0063] The MFP 50 receives the setting instruction (S43). Then, the MFP 50 executes setting processing (S45). The setting processing is processing for enabling functions that have been instructed to be enabled based on the setting instruction. The MFP 50 executes function execution processing (S47). The function execution processing is processing for restricting functions that have not been enabled in the setting processing, and for executing functions that have been enabled in the setting processing. For example, in the example shown in the linked data D1 in FIG. 4, the copy and print functions are restricted, and the scan and fax functions are executed based on user operation.

[0064] [Plan change process] Next, the process when the user applies to change the subscription plan after the execution process of S47 has been executed will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the plan change process executed by the management system 1 when the user applies to change the plan. The user accesses the service subscription site using the mobile terminal 10, selects the plan they wish to change to and the product serial number, and applies for the plan change (S51). The subscription site sends a plan change request including the product serial number to the server 70 (S53). The server 70 receives the plan change request (S55).

[0065] Note that, in this example, the server 70 receives the plan change request from the subscription site, but similar to the flow of S13 and S19, the plan side worker may access the subscription site using a terminal, understand the plan change content from the user, and then use the terminal to send the plan change request to the server 70. Alternatively, the change request may be sent directly from the user's mobile terminal 10 to the server 70.

[0066] When the change request is received, the server 70 updates the storage table T2 based on the content of the received change request (S57). For example, if a user with product serial number "A12345ZZZZZ" wishes to use a fax machine and requests a change from plan C to plan B, the subscription plan name corresponding to the product serial number in the storage table T2 is rewritten from "Plan C" to "Plan B," and the function restriction information for fax is rewritten from "restricted" to "not restricted."

[0067] After updating storage table T2, server 70 checks whether the function restriction information has been changed (S59) and executes an instruction transmission process according to the changes (S61). That is, a setting instruction based on the function restriction information corresponding to the changed plan B is transmitted to MFP 50. MFP 50 receives the setting instruction (S63) and executes setting processing (S65). Then, MFP 50 executes function execution processing (S67). The setting instruction reception process (S63), setting processing (S65), and function execution processing (S67) can be executed in the same manner as S43, S45, and S47 described above. For example, in the above example, the setting processing enables the FAX function for which the setting instruction specified the release of restrictions. Therefore, the user can use the FAX function available in the changed plan B in the function execution process.

[0068] [Notification processing based on usage history] Next, a notification process in which the server 70 notifies the user of a plan suited to the user's usage pattern based on the usage history of each function of the MFP 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the notification process based on the usage history of each function of the MFP 50. The process shown in Fig. 6 is executed periodically at predetermined intervals after the function execution process of S47 or S67 in a state in which the MFP 50 and the server 70 are connected in the process of S31 above.

[0069] The MFP 50 executes a history transmission process including the product serial number and the usage history (S71). The history transmission process is a process for transmitting the usage history for each function executed in the function execution process to the server 70. The server 70 executes a history reception process for receiving the usage history (S73). The server 70 associates the received usage history with the product serial number and stores it in memory 72. When the usage history stored in memory 72 reaches a predetermined data volume, the server 70 determines whether the current plan to which the MFP 50 subscribes is optimal for the user based on the accumulated usage history and storage table T2 (S75). Specifically, for functions set as unlimited in the function restriction information associated with the product serial number of the MFP 50 in storage table T2, the server 70 refers to the usage history associated with the product serial number and determines that the current plan is not optimal for the user if conditions are met, such as the function not having been used for a certain period of time in the past (e.g., one month) or the frequency of use is below a predetermined threshold. In other words, if the frequency of use based on usage history is lower than a predetermined standard, it is determined that a plan that does not use the function, i.e., a plan that limits the function, is optimal for the user, and therefore notification of this fact is necessary.

[0070] After the determination, the server 70 refers to the storage table T1 and confirms a plan that does not use functions whose usage frequency based on the usage history is lower than a predetermined standard (S77). Then, a notification process is executed to notify the user of the plan that does not use the functions (S79, S80). The notification process may be executed by directly notifying the user's mobile terminal 10 by email or the like (S79) or by displaying the plan on the subscription site (S80). Alternatively, the notification may be executed by displaying the plan on the LCD 58 of the MFP 50. Note that, if the determination in S75 determines that there are no functions whose usage frequency based on the usage history is lower than a predetermined standard and there is no need to change the plan, the processes in S77, S79, and S80 are not executed, and the process shown in FIG. 6 is terminated. The user who received the notification can change to the notified plan by, for example, applying for a plan change in the plan change process of FIG. 5.

[0071] [Support process based on error information] Next, support processing based on error information for each function of the MFP 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The support processing is processing in which at least one of an error resolution instruction and a plan change instruction is sent from the server 70 to the MFP 50 based on error information, which is information about an error related to a function of the MFP 50. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the support processing based on the error information for each function of the MFP 50. The processing shown in Fig. 7 is executed periodically at predetermined intervals after the function execution processing of S47, in a state in which the MFP 50 and the server 70 are connected in the processing of S31 above.

[0072] The MFP 50 executes an error transmission process including the product serial number (S81). The error transmission process is a process for transmitting error information about a function in which an error occurred during function execution processing to the server 70. The "error information" includes information on whether the error that occurred in the function is an "unrecoverable error" that cannot be recovered by user action, or a "recoverable error" that can be recovered by user action.

[0073] A recoverable error is, for example, an error in which the main body cover (not shown) of the MFP 50 is left open, or there is a paper jam or no paper, and is an error that can be easily restored to a printable state by user operation. On the other hand, an unrecoverable error is an error that cannot be easily restored to a printable state by user operation, such as a malfunction of a component of the MFP 50, and is an error that cannot be easily restored to normal by user processing. Specific examples of unrecoverable errors include the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid tank (not shown) being full, an abnormality in reading or writing from or to the memory 54, a request to replace the platen (not shown), an abnormality in the voltage value applied to the head (not shown), etc.

[0074] The server 70 executes an error reception process to receive error information (S83). Next, the server 70 executes a support process for the function in which the error has occurred based on the received error information (S85). The support process is a process of transmitting to the MFP 50 at least one of an error resolution instruction to prompt the user to resolve the error or a plan change instruction to prompt the user to change the subscription plan. Specifically, for example, if the error is a recoverable error, the server 70 transmits an error resolution instruction to the MFP 50 having the product serial number transmitted in the error transmission process of S81. On the other hand, if the error is an unrecoverable error, the server 70 transmits a plan change instruction to the MFP 50 having the product serial number transmitted in the error transmission process of S81 to prompt the user to change to a plan that does not include the function in which the error has occurred. Note that in the support process (S85), the server 70 may directly notify the user's mobile terminal 10 of at least one of the error resolution instruction or the plan change instruction by email or the like, or may display it on the subscription site. The MFP 50 displays the error resolution instruction or plan change instruction sent in the support process on the display screen of the LCD 58 (S87). Note that the error resolution instruction may also display contact information such as the phone number or email address of the support center.

[0075] The management system 1 of the above embodiment has the above-described configuration and thereby provides the following actions and effects.

[0076] (1) In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the server 70 executes an instruction sending process (S41, S61) to send a setting instruction to the MFP 50 via the network I / F 56, 73 to enable a function corresponding to the subscription plan to which the user has subscribed, among multiple plans included in the service. The MFP 50 then executes an instruction receiving process (S43, S63) to receive the setting instruction via the network I / F 56, 73, and a setting process (S45, S65) to enable the function corresponding to the subscription plan based on the received setting instruction.

[0077] That is, among the multiple functions executable by the MFP 50, the functions corresponding to the subscription plan to which the user has subscribed are set to be enabled, so that the functions can be appropriately enabled based on the contents of the subscription plan. In other words, the functions to be enabled can be appropriately switched depending on the subscription plan to which the user has subscribed.

[0078] (2) In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the server 70 executes an identification information reception process (S35) to receive a product serial number via the network I / Fs 56 and 73, and in an instruction transmission process (S41), in response to receiving the product serial number in the identification information reception process, reads out the storage table T2 stored in the memory 72 and transmits a setting instruction based on the product serial number, the subscription plan name, and the function restriction information. Therefore, based on the information stored in the memory 72 of the server 70, it is possible to easily enable the function according to the subscription plan.

[0079] (3) In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the server 70 executes a plan reception process (S21) that receives the subscription plan name via the network I / Fs 56 and 73. Furthermore, in the instruction transmission process (S41, S61), the server 70 transmits a setting instruction based on the function restriction information associated with the subscription plan in response to receiving the subscription plan name in the plan reception process (S21). Therefore, functions corresponding to the subscription plan can be easily enabled based on the information stored in the memory 72 of the server 70.

[0080] (4) In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, when a request to change the subscription plan is received (S55), a setting instruction based on the function restriction information associated with the plan name corresponding to the changed subscription plan is sent in the instruction sending process (S61). Therefore, it is possible to switch the functions to be enabled on the MFP 50 in accordance with the change in the user's subscription plan.

[0081] (5) In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the MFP 50 restricts functions not enabled in the setting processes (S45, 65) and executes a function execution process (S47, 67) that executes functions enabled in the setting processes (S45, 65), and a history transmission process (S71) that transmits a function usage history to the server 70 via the network I / Fs 56, 73. The server 70 then executes a history reception process (S73) that receives the function usage history via the network I / Fs 56, 73, and a notification process (S79, S80) that notifies the user of a plan that does not use a function that is enabled in the MFP 50 if the frequency of use based on the function usage history is lower than a predetermined standard.

[0082] Therefore, by notifying the user of a plan that excludes functions that are used less frequently on the MFP 50, a plan that matches the user's track record of function usage can be proposed to the user, thereby further improving convenience.

[0083] (6) In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the server 70 executes the instruction transmission process (S41) on the condition that the setup of the MFP 50 is completed. Therefore, after the setup of the MFP 50 is completed, it is possible to enable the functions according to the subscription plan.

[0084] (7) In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the MFP 50 executes an error transmission process (S81) that transmits error information related to the function executed in the function execution process (S47, 67) to the server 70 via the network I / Fs 56, 73. The server 70 then executes an error reception process (S83) that receives the error information via the network I / Fs 56, 73, and a support process (S85). In the support process (S85), an error resolution instruction or a plan change instruction is notified to the user (S87). Therefore, based on the error resolution instruction, the user can execute a process to resolve the error that has occurred in the MFP 50. Furthermore, based on the plan change instruction, the user can consider subscribing to a plan other than the one to which they are currently subscribed.

[0085] (8) In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, if the error occurring in the MFP 50 is an unrecoverable error that cannot be resolved by user processing, the support process (S85) sends a plan change instruction that prompts the user to change to a plan that does not include the function in which the error occurred. For a function in which an error that cannot be resolved by user processing has occurred, it is difficult to quickly return to normal, so a plan that uses that function is not appropriate. By prompting the user to change to a plan that does not include the function in which the error occurred, the above configuration allows the user to consider changing their plan, thereby improving user convenience.

[0086] <Other embodiments> In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the plan transmission process (S19) is executed by a plan-side worker. However, the user may directly transmit the subscription plan name as subscription plan information to the server 70 without going through the subscription site or the plan-side worker. Furthermore, in addition to the subscription plan name, the user may also directly transmit the identification information of the MFP 50 to the server 70. Furthermore, various information may be transmitted from the user to the server 70 via a server separate from the server 70. In other words, the source of the information does not matter as long as the server 70 can receive the various information.

[0087] In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, after the user applies for a service and selects a plan (S11), the plan operator restricts all functions of the MFP 50 that the user wishes to rent (S15). However, if the settings of the functions of the MFP 50 that the user wishes to rent have been disabled in advance, the processing of S15 may be omitted. Furthermore, the above service is not limited to a rental service for the MFP 50 itself, and may be a service for a purchased MFP 50.

[0088] In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the functions that the MFP 50 can execute are four types of image processing functions, but this is not limited to this. The functions may also include a remote print function using a cloud server, layout copying, ID card copying, etc.

[0089] In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, in the support process (S85), if the error is recoverable, an error resolution instruction is sent, and if the error is non-recoverable, a plan change instruction is sent. Alternatively, a plan change instruction may be sent regardless of whether the error is non-recoverable or recoverable. Alternatively, both an error resolution instruction and a plan change instruction may be sent regardless of the type of error. Furthermore, a plan change instruction may be sent only if a certain period of time has elapsed since the error occurred.

[0090] In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, various information such as the identification information of the MFP 50, the subscription plan name, and the function restriction information of the plan is stored in the memory 72 of the server 70 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). However, this information may be stored in another memory provided in a server other than the server 70.

[0091] In the management system 1 of the above embodiment, the history transmission process (S71) and the error transmission process (S81) are executed in separate processing steps, but they may be executed at the same time. That is, the management system 1 may be configured to transmit and receive the usage history and error information simultaneously while the MFP 50 and the server 70 are constantly connected.

[0092] The management system 1 of the above embodiment may be configured not to execute any or all of the plan change process (FIG. 5), the notification process based on usage history (FIG. 6), and the support process based on error information (FIG. 7).

[0093] The configuration of the management system 1 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. For example, the server 70 may be configured with multiple physical servers. The server 70 may be configured with at least one of multiple virtual servers constructed by dividing a single physical server using virtualization software.

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the technical features in each embodiment corresponding to the technical features in the form described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...Management system, 10...Mobile terminal, 16...Network I / F (communication interface), 56...Network I / F (communication interface), 70...Service providing server (server), 72...Memory, 73...Network I / F (communication interface).

Claims

1. A management system including a multifunction peripheral capable of executing a plurality of functions, a server that manages services using the multifunction peripheral, and a communication interface, The server executes an instruction transmission process to transmit, to the multifunction device via the communication interface, a setting instruction for enabling at least one of the functions in accordance with a subscription plan to which the user of the multifunction device has subscribed, among a plurality of plans included in the service; The multifunction device includes: an instruction receiving process for receiving the setting instruction transmitted in the instruction transmitting process via the communication interface; a setting process for validating at least one function corresponding to the plan among the plurality of functions based on the setting instruction received in the instruction receiving process; A management system characterized by executing the above.

2. a memory; the memory stores multifunction device identification information for identifying the multifunction device, subscription plan information indicating the subscription plan of the multifunction device identified by the multifunction device identification information, and function information indicating the functions available under the subscription plan; The server executes an identification information receiving process for receiving the multifunction device identification information via the communication interface; In the instruction transmission process, 2. The management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, in response to receiving the multifunction device identification information in the identification information reception process, the setting instruction is transmitted based on the multifunction device identification information, the subscription plan information, and the function information stored in the memory.

3. a memory; plan information indicating the plan and function information indicating the functions available in the plan are stored in association with each other in the memory; The server executes a plan receiving process for receiving information about the subscription plan via the communication interface; In the instruction transmission process, The management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, in response to receiving information about the subscription plan in the plan receiving process, the setting instruction is sent based on the function information associated with the plan information corresponding to the subscription plan.

4. The server The management system described in claim 3, characterized in that when a request to change the subscription plan is received in the plan receiving process, the setting instruction based on the function information associated with the plan information corresponding to the changed subscription plan is sent in the instruction sending process.

5. The multifunction device includes: a function execution process that restricts the functions that are not enabled in the setting process and executes the functions that are enabled in the setting process; a history transmission process for transmitting a usage history of the function executed in the function execution process to the server via the communication interface; The server a history receiving process for receiving the usage history transmitted in the history transmitting process via the communication interface; a notification process for notifying the user of the plan that does not use the function when the frequency of use of the function that is enabled in the multifunction device based on the usage history is lower than a predetermined standard; The management system according to claim 1, wherein the management system executes the following steps.

6. The server 2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the instruction transmission process is executed on the condition that the setup of the multifunction peripheral is completed.

7. The multifunction device includes: a function execution process that restricts the functions that are not enabled in the setting process and executes the functions that are enabled in the setting process; an error transmission process for transmitting error information, which is information about an error related to the function executed in the function execution process, to the server via the communication interface; The server an error receiving process for receiving the error information transmitted in the error transmitting process via the communication interface; a support process of transmitting at least one of an error resolution instruction for prompting the user to resolve the error or a plan change instruction for prompting the user to change the subscription plan to the multifunction device via the communication interface based on the error information received in the error reception process; The management system according to claim 1, wherein the management system executes the following steps.

8. The server 8. The management system according to claim 7, wherein, when the error is an error that cannot be resolved by user processing in the multifunction device, the support processing sends the plan change instruction prompting a change to the plan that does not include the function in which the error has occurred.

9. 9. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the functions executed by the multifunction peripheral are functions related to image processing.

10. In a management system including a multifunction peripheral capable of executing a plurality of functions and a communication interface, a server that manages services using the multifunction peripheral, The server executes an instruction sending process to send a setting instruction to the multifunction device via the communication interface to enable at least one of the functions in accordance with a subscription plan to which the user of the multifunction device has subscribed, out of multiple plans included in the service.

11. A multifunction peripheral capable of executing a plurality of functions in a management system including a server that manages services using the multifunction peripheral and a communication interface, the server executes an instruction transmission process to transmit, via the communication interface, to the multifunction device a setting instruction for enabling at least one of the functions in accordance with a subscription plan to which the user of the multifunction device has subscribed, among a plurality of plans included in the service; an instruction receiving process for receiving the setting instruction transmitted in the instruction transmitting process via the communication interface; a setting process for validating at least one function corresponding to the plan among the plurality of functions based on the setting instruction received in the instruction receiving process; A multifunction peripheral characterized by executing the above.

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