Information processing system, program, and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing system, a program, and an image forming system that can release the restricted status even when not connected to the internet. [Solution] When the usage contract period ends, the system is put into a restricted state, prohibiting the use of at least some of its functions. An inquiry document containing at least one of the following information—the system's identification information and the user's identification information—is output as a first printed document. The restricted state of the system is then lifted according to the usage restriction release instruction information output in response to the inquiry document output as the first printed document.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, a program, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a communication system that can block a communication device that has performed temporary fraud and can return with fewer procedures when the communication device stops performing fraud.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Techniques for prohibiting the use of an information processing system after the usage contract period has expired have been proposed. Here, information on the usage contract period of the information processing system is managed by a management server. The information processing system placed in a prohibited usage state can解除 the prohibited usage state by connecting to the management server via the Internet after updating the usage contract period. In other words, if the information processing system is not connected to the Internet, the prohibited usage state cannot be解除.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system, a program, and an image forming system that can解除 the prohibited usage state even when not connected to the Internet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing system in the first embodiment includes a processor, which, upon termination of the usage contract period, puts itself into a prohibited state that prohibits the use of at least some of the functions of the system, outputs inquiry information as a first printed document that includes at least one of the following: the system's identification information and the identification information of a user using the system, and releases the prohibited state of the system in accordance with the instruction to release the prohibited state output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document.

[0007] The information processing system of the second embodiment is an image forming apparatus comprising a communication unit, an image reading unit, and an image printing unit, in the information processing system of the first embodiment.

[0008] In the third embodiment of the information processing system, the processor outputs the first printed material from the image printing unit, reads the second printed material output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed material using the image reading unit to obtain a usage restriction release instruction information, and releases the usage restriction state of its own system according to the obtained usage restriction release instruction information.

[0009] The fourth aspect of the information processing system is the first aspect of the information processing system, wherein the first printed material is an image on which the digital data of the inquiry information has been coded into an image.

[0010] The fifth aspect of the information processing system is the fourth aspect of the information processing system, wherein the first printed material is printed in a state that can only be read by a specific image reader.

[0011] The program of the sixth embodiment causes the computer to perform the following steps when the usage contract period ends: putting the system into a prohibited state, which prohibits the use of at least some of its functions; outputting inquiry information as a first printed document, which includes at least one of the following: the system's identification information and the identification information of a user using the system; and releasing the prohibited state of the system in accordance with the instruction to release the prohibited state output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document.

[0012] The seventh image forming system comprises a first image forming apparatus having a first communication unit, a first image reading unit, a first image printing unit, and a first processor, and a second image forming apparatus having a second communication unit, a second image reading unit, a second image printing unit, and a second processor, wherein the first processor is put into a disabled state that prohibits the use of at least some functions of the first image forming apparatus when the usage contract period ends, and the first processor outputs inquiry information including identification information of the first image forming apparatus as a first printed document from the first image printing unit, and the The second processor transmits the inquiry information obtained by reading the first printed material with the second image reading unit to the management server that manages the usage contract period via the second communication unit. The second processor outputs the usage prohibition release instruction information transmitted from the management server in response to the transmitted inquiry information as a second printed material from the second image printing unit. The first processor releases the usage prohibition state of the first image forming apparatus in accordance with the usage prohibition release instruction information obtained by reading the second printed material with the first image reading unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the information processing system of the first embodiment, the prohibited state can be released even when there is no connection to the internet.

[0014] According to the information processing system of the second embodiment, the state in which the image forming apparatus is prohibited from use can be released.

[0015] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, the prohibited state of the image forming apparatus can be released.

[0016] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, the first printed matter can be output in a form suitable for reading digital data.

[0017] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the type of the image reading apparatus that reads the first printed matter can be restricted.

[0018] According to the program of the sixth aspect, even when not connected to the Internet, the prohibited state can be released.

[0019] According to the image forming system of the seventh aspect, even when not connected to the Internet, the prohibited state can be released by using another image forming apparatus.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the system configuration of the image forming system of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first and second image forming apparatuses of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of display on the touch panel in the first image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the processing of the image forming system of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining a method of creating a document including inquiry information. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining a method of creating a document including an instruction to release the prohibition. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the normal inquiry processing in the image forming system. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart for explaining the process flow of inquiries when the first image forming apparatus in the image forming system is offline.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system of the present embodiment is composed of a first image forming apparatus 10, a second image forming apparatus 20, and a management server 30.

[0023] The first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 are devices called so-called multifunction printers having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a print function, a fax function, and a scan function. The first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 are connected to each other via a local network 45. The first image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing system in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0024] The management server 30 is a server for managing the usage contract periods of the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20. The management server 30 is connected to the local network 45 via the Internet 40.

[0025] Next, the hardware configuration of the first image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first image forming apparatus 10. Note that FIG. 2 is common to the block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the second image forming apparatus 20 described later.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the first image forming apparatus 10 comprises a control unit 11, a communication interface (IF) 12, a user interface (UI) device 13, a print engine 14, and a scanner 15. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 16.

[0027] The control unit 11 comprises a processor 11a, a memory 11b, and a storage unit 11c. The processor 11a executes predetermined processing based on a program read from the storage unit 11c and expanded into the memory 11b. The storage unit 11c is composed of, for example, a ROM, HDD, or SSD. Various programs and data are stored in the storage unit 11c.

[0028] In this embodiment, the processor 11a is described as reading and executing a program stored in the memory unit 11c, but it is not limited to this. This program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium as described above. Alternatively, this program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line.

[0029] The communication interface 12 transmits and receives data to and from external devices. The UI device 13 is a device for the user to receive and input information, such as a touch panel and / or buttons. The print engine 14 prints an image onto a recording medium such as printing paper through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing. The scanner 15 reads the original document loaded into the image forming apparatus 10 as image data.

[0030] Processor 11a is an example of a first processor in the technology of this disclosure. Communication IF 12 is an example of a first communication unit in the technology of this disclosure. Print engine 14 is an example of a first image printing unit in the technology of this disclosure. Scanner 15 is an example of a first image reading unit in the technology of this disclosure.

[0031] Next, the hardware configuration of the second image forming apparatus 20 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the second image forming apparatus 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication IF 22, a UI device 23, a print engine 24, and a scanner 25. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 26. The control unit 21 includes a processor 21a, a memory 21b, and a storage unit 21c.

[0032] Since these components are common to the first image forming apparatus 10, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0033] Processor 21a is an example of a second processor in the technology of this disclosure. Communication IF 22 is an example of a second communication unit in the technology of this disclosure. Print engine 24 is an example of a second image printing unit in the technology of this disclosure. Scanner 25 is an example of a second image reading unit in the technology of this disclosure.

[0034] Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 30 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 30.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the management server 30 comprises a control unit 31, a communication interface 32, and a user interface device 33. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 34.

[0036] The control unit 31 comprises a processor 31a, a memory 31b, and a storage unit 31c. The processor 31a executes predetermined processing based on a program read from the storage unit 31c and expanded into the memory 31b. The storage unit 31c is composed of, for example, a ROM, HDD, or SSD. Various programs and data are stored in the storage unit 31c.

[0037] In this embodiment, the processor 31a is described as reading and executing a program stored in the memory unit 31c, but it is not limited to this. The program may be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium as described above. Alternatively, the program may be obtained from an external device via a communication line.

[0038] The communication IF32 transmits and receives data to and from external devices. The UI device 33 is a device for the user to input information, such as a mouse and / or keyboard.

[0039] One possible usage model for the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 is one in which the user and the service provider enter into a usage agreement, and the user pays a fee to the service provider on a regular basis. In return, the service provider leases the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 to the user, and also provides maintenance services such as supplying consumables necessary for using the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20 and resolving any malfunctions that occur.

[0040] In this usage scenario, in order for the user to continue using the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20, the user must pay a renewal fee and renew the usage agreement before the end of the usage agreement period.

[0041] If the user fails to pay the renewal fee by the end of the service contract period, the service provider may prohibit the use of at least some functions of the first image forming apparatus 10 and the second image forming apparatus 20. Such a function is called device lock.

[0042] For example, if the first image forming apparatus 10 is device-locked, the restricted state can be lifted by connecting to the management server 30 via the internet 40 after renewing the usage contract period. In other words, if the first image forming apparatus 10 is not connected to the internet, the restricted state cannot be lifted.

[0043] To resolve these issues, the control unit 11 of the first image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment, when the usage contract period ends, puts the apparatus into a device lock state, prohibiting the use of at least some of its functions, outputs inquiry information as a first printed document, which includes at least one of the following: the apparatus's identification information and the user's identification information, and releases the usage prohibition state of the apparatus in accordance with the usage prohibition release instruction information output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document.

[0044] The processing in the image forming system of this embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the touch panel in the first image forming apparatus 10. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the image forming system of this embodiment.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, in the first image forming apparatus 10, during normal operation, the control unit 11 displays buttons on the touch panel for the user to use functions such as copying, printing, scanning, and faxing.

[0046] If the first image forming apparatus 10 becomes locked, the control unit 11 displays an indicator showing that the device is locked, the details of the violation, and the recovery procedure on the touch panel.

[0047] If the first image forming apparatus 10 becomes locked, and the administrator user logs in again, the control unit 11 will further display a restore button 50 on the touch panel.

[0048] When the restore button 50 is pressed, if the first image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 30 are connected via the Internet 40, the control unit 11 queries the management server 30 to see if the usage contract period has been renewed. If the usage contract period has been renewed, the control unit 11 can release the device lock.

[0049] However, if the first image forming apparatus 10 and the management server 30 are not connected via the Internet 40 when the reset button 50 is pressed, the control unit 11 cannot inquire with the management server 30 whether or not the usage contract period has been renewed. Therefore, the following process is performed.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 11 of the first image forming apparatus 10 outputs query information including identification information of the first image forming apparatus 10 as a first printed object from the print engine 14.

[0051] Here, the first printed material may be an image in which the digital data of the inquiry information has been encoded into an image. Alternatively, the first printed material may be an image in which the encrypted digital data of the inquiry information has been encoded into an image. Furthermore, the first printed material may be printed in a state that is readable only by a specific image reader.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first printed document is created as shown in Figure 6. First, the control unit 11 encrypts the digital data of the inquiry information, which consists of the individual number and the contract period. Next, the control unit 11 converts the encrypted digital data of the inquiry information into a code image. Then, the control unit 11 converts the code image into a special pattern so that it can be read only by a specific image reader, and prints it as document 1. Hereafter, the first printed document may be referred to as document 1.

[0053] Here, special pattern conversion means converting the special pattern into a state that cannot be read by any unspecified device other than a device that is compatible with reading the special pattern. Special pattern conversion may be such that, for example, the content can only be confirmed when the printed material is read by a compatible device, as in digital watermarking. Alternatively, special pattern conversion may be such that the printed image is divided into multiple areas, the arrangement of each area is converted according to a specific rule and printed, and the content can only be confirmed when the printed material is read by a specific device that is aware of the rule and the arrangement of each area is converted in reverse. Furthermore, special pattern conversion is not limited to the above embodiments and may take any form.

[0054] Next, the control unit 21 of the second image forming apparatus 20 transmits the inquiry information obtained by scanning document 1 with the scanner 25 to the management server 30 via the communication IF 22.

[0055] When the control unit 31 of the management server 30 receives inquiry information for the first image forming apparatus 10, it checks whether the usage contract period for the first image forming apparatus 10 has been renewed. If the usage contract period for the first image forming apparatus 10 has been renewed, the control unit 31 of the management server 30 sends information to the second image forming apparatus 20 instructing it to lift the ban on the use of the first image forming apparatus 10.

[0056] Next, the control unit 21 of the second image forming apparatus 20 outputs the usage restriction release instruction information, which has been sent from the management server 30 in response to the transmitted inquiry information, as a second printed document from the print engine 24.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second printed document is created as shown in Figure 7. First, the control unit 21 encrypts the digital data of the usage restriction release instruction information, which consists of the usage restriction release instruction, the individual number of the target device, and the new contract period. Next, the control unit 21 converts the encrypted digital data of the usage restriction release instruction information into a code image. Next, the control unit 21 converts the code image into a special pattern so that it can be read only by a specific image reading device, and prints it as document 2. Hereafter, the second printed document may be referred to as document 2.

[0058] The control unit 11 of the first image forming apparatus 10 unlocks the device lock of the first image forming apparatus 10 in accordance with the usage restriction release instruction information obtained by reading the document 2 with the scanner 15.

[0059] Next, the normal query processing flow in the image forming system of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0060] First, in step S01, the first image forming apparatus 10 waits for user input.

[0061] Next, in step S02, the first image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the communication conditions with the management server 30 have been met.

[0062] If it is determined in step S02 that the communication conditions with the management server 30 are not met, the process proceeds to step S01.

[0063] If, in step S02, it is determined that the conditions for communication with the management server 30 are met, the first image forming apparatus 10 sends inquiry information to the management server 30 in step S03.

[0064] Next, in step S04, the first image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not it has successfully communicated with the management server 30.

[0065] If it is determined in step S04 that communication with the management server 30 has been successful, the management server 30 determines in step S05 whether or not it is possible to continue using the first image forming apparatus 10.

[0066] If, in step S05, it is determined that it is impossible to continue using the first image forming apparatus 10, the management server 30 transmits various information and device lock instructions to the first image forming apparatus 10 in step S06.

[0067] Next, in step S07, the first image forming apparatus 10 enters device lock mode, displays a recovery waiting UI, and terminates processing.

[0068] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S05 that the first image forming apparatus 10 can continue to be used, the management server 30 transmits information about the remaining contract period to the first image forming apparatus 10 in step S08.

[0069] Next, in step S09, the first image forming apparatus 10 saves the remaining contract period information, unlocks the device if it is locked, and terminates the process.

[0070] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S04 that communication with the management server 30 has failed, the first image forming apparatus 10 determines in step S10 whether the number of communication failures has reached a predetermined value.

[0071] If it is determined in step S10 that the number of communication failures has not reached the specified value, the process proceeds to step S03.

[0072] If it is determined in step S10 that the number of communication failures has reached a predetermined value, the first image forming apparatus 10 determines in step S11 whether or not there is an unlocked second image forming apparatus 20 in the local network 45.

[0073] In step S11, if it is determined that an unlocked second image forming apparatus 20 exists within the local network 45, the first image forming apparatus 10 sends inquiry information to the second image forming apparatus 20 in step S12 and requests that it be sent to the management server 30.

[0074] If it is determined in step S11 that there is no unlocked second image forming apparatus 20 within the local network 45, the process proceeds to step S07.

[0075] Next, the process flow for inquiries when the first image forming apparatus 10 in this embodiment is offline will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0076] First, in step S21, the administrator presses the reset button 50 on the first image forming apparatus 10.

[0077] Next, in step S22, the first image forming apparatus 10 prints document 1 containing the inquiry information.

[0078] Next, in step S23, the second image forming apparatus 20 scans document 1.

[0079] Next, in step S24, the second image forming apparatus 20 transmits inquiry information to the management server 30.

[0080] In step S25, the management server 30 determines whether it is possible to continue using the first image forming apparatus 10.

[0081] If, in step S25, it is determined that the first image forming apparatus 10 can continue to be used, the management server 30 sends a device lock release instruction or the like to the second image forming apparatus 20 in step S26.

[0082] Next, in step S27, the second image forming apparatus 20 prints document 2, which includes a device unlock instruction.

[0083] Next, in step S28, the first image forming apparatus 10 scans document 2.

[0084] Next, in step S29, the first image forming apparatus 10 unlocks the device and terminates the process.

[0085] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S25 that it is impossible to continue using the first image forming apparatus 10, the management server 30 transmits the reason why the first image forming apparatus 10 is unusable, etc., to the second image forming apparatus 20 in step S30.

[0086] Next, in step S31, the second image forming apparatus 20 displays the reason why the first image forming apparatus 10 is unavailable and the procedure for resuming use.

[0087] Next, if the restart procedure is completed in step S32, the second image forming apparatus 20 transmits to the management server 30 in step S33 that the restart procedure has been completed, and proceeds to step S25.

[0088] If the restart procedure is not completed in step S32, the process is terminated.

[0089] [Differentiation] Although an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0090] For example, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the technology of this disclosure is applied to an image forming apparatus, it may also be applied to other devices such as personal computers. When applied to a device other than an image forming apparatus, the device may generate an image containing the inquiry information, and the generated image may be output as a first printed document from an external printing device.

[0091] Furthermore, the device that reads the first printed document, sends the inquiry information contained in the first printed document to the management server, and retrieves the usage restriction release instruction information output in response to the inquiry information from the management server is not limited to an image forming apparatus, but may be other devices such as a smartphone.

[0092] In this case, if the device that sends inquiry information to the management server is a device other than an image forming apparatus, and the device that is the source of the inquiry is an image forming apparatus, then, for example, the acquired usage restriction release instruction information can be output as a second printed document from an external printing device.

[0093] Furthermore, when the device that sends inquiry information to the management server is a device other than an image forming apparatus, and the device that initiates the inquiry is a device other than an image forming apparatus, for example, the acquired usage restriction release instruction information can be transmitted to the device that initiates the inquiry via email or a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0094] Furthermore, the transmission of instructions to lift the usage ban from a device that sends inquiry information to the management server to the originating device may be done via a second printed document, email, or a recording medium such as a USB memory stick, provided the device supports it.

[0095] In each of the embodiments described above, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0096] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0097] Furthermore, in the technology of this disclosure, a system includes both systems composed of multiple devices and systems composed of a single device.

[0098] Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to programs and program products.

[0099] [Note] With regard to the embodiments described above, the following additional information is disclosed.

[0100] (((1))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, Upon the expiration of the usage agreement period, the system will be placed in a disabled state, prohibiting the use of at least some of its functions. The system outputs query information containing at least one of the following: the system's identification information and the user's identification information. In accordance with the usage restriction release instruction information output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document, the usage restriction state of the system is released. Information processing system.

[0101] (((2))) This is an image forming apparatus comprising a communication unit, an image reading unit, and an image printing unit. The information processing system described in (((1))).

[0102] (((3))) The aforementioned processor, The first printed material is output from the image printing unit. The image reading unit reads the second printed document, which is output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document, thereby obtaining the instruction to release the usage restriction. Based on the acquired information regarding the lifting of the usage ban, the system's usage ban status will be lifted. The information processing system described in (((2))).

[0103] (((4))) The first printed material is an image on which the digital data of the inquiry information has been coded into an image. An information processing system as described in any one of items (((1))) to (((3))).

[0104] (((5))) The first printed material is printed in a manner that allows it to be read only by a specific image reader. The information processing system described in (((4))).

[0105] (((6))) When the usage agreement period ends, the system is placed in a disabled state, prohibiting the use of at least some of its functions. The steps include outputting query information as a first printed document, which includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the system itself and the identification information of a user using the system; The steps include: releasing the system's restricted state in accordance with the usage restriction release instruction information output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0106] (((7))) A first image forming apparatus comprising a first communication unit, a first image reading unit, a first image printing unit, and a first processor, The second image forming apparatus comprises a second communication unit, a second image reading unit, a second image printing unit, and a second processor. When the usage contract period for the first processor expires, it is put into a disabled state, which prohibits the use of at least some of the functions of the first image forming apparatus. The first processor outputs query information including identification information of the first image forming apparatus as a first printed object from the first image printing unit. The second processor transmits the inquiry information obtained by reading the first printed document with the second image reading unit to the management server that manages the usage contract period, via the second communication unit. The second processor outputs the usage restriction release instruction information transmitted from the management server in response to the transmitted inquiry information as a second printout from the second image printing unit. The first processor releases the prohibited state of the first image forming apparatus in accordance with the usage prohibition release instruction information obtained by reading the second printed material with the first image reading unit. Image forming system.

[0107] The effects of the configuration described below are explained below.

[0108] According to the information processing system (((1))), the usage restriction can be lifted even if there is no internet connection.

[0109] According to the information processing system (((2))), the state of prohibiting the use of the image forming apparatus can be released.

[0110] According to the information processing system (((3))), the state of prohibiting the use of the image forming apparatus can be released.

[0111] According to the information processing system (((4))), a first printed document can be output in a format suitable for reading digital data.

[0112] According to the information processing system of (((5))), the type of image reading device used to read the first printed material can be restricted.

[0113] According to the program in (((6))), the restricted status can be lifted even if there is no internet connection.

[0114] According to the image forming system of (((7))), even if there is no internet connection, the disabled state can be released by using another image forming apparatus. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 10 First image forming apparatus 11 Control Unit 11a processor 11b memory 11c storage section 12 Communication Interfaces 13. User Interface Device 14 Print Engines 15 Scanners 16 Control bus 20. Second image forming apparatus 21 Control Unit 21a Processor 21b Memory 21c storage section 22 Communication Interfaces 23 User Interface Device 24 Print Engines 25 Scanners 26 Control bus 30 Management Server 31 Control Unit 31a processor 31b Memory 31c storage section 33 User Interface Device 34 Control bus 40 Internet 45 Local Network 50 Restoration button

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, Upon the expiration of the usage agreement period, the system will be placed in a disabled state, prohibiting the use of at least some of its functions. The system outputs query information containing at least one of the following: the system's identification information and the user's identification information. In accordance with the usage restriction release instruction information output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document, the usage restriction state of the system is released. Information processing system.

2. This is an image forming apparatus comprising a communication unit, an image reading unit, and an image printing unit. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The first printed material is output from the image printing unit. The image reading unit reads the second printed document, which is output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document, thereby obtaining the instruction to release the usage restriction. Based on the acquired information regarding the lifting of the usage ban, the system's usage ban status will be lifted. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The first printed material is an image on which the digital data of the inquiry information has been encoded into an image. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. The first printed material is printed in a manner that allows it to be read only by a specific image reading device. The information processing system according to claim 4.

6. When the usage agreement period ends, the system is placed in a disabled state, prohibiting the use of at least some of its functions. The steps include outputting query information as a first printed document, which includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the system itself and the identification information of a user using the system; The steps include: releasing the usage restriction state of the system in accordance with the usage restriction release instruction information output in response to the inquiry information output as the first printed document; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

7. A first image forming apparatus comprising a first communication unit, a first image reading unit, a first image printing unit, and a first processor, The second image forming apparatus comprises a second communication unit, a second image reading unit, a second image printing unit, and a second processor. When the usage contract period for the first processor expires, it is put into a disabled state, which prohibits the use of at least some of the functions of the first image forming apparatus. The first processor outputs query information including identification information of the first image forming apparatus as a first printed object from the first image printing unit. The second processor transmits the inquiry information obtained by reading the first printed document with the second image reading unit to the management server that manages the usage contract period, via the second communication unit. The second processor outputs the usage restriction release instruction information transmitted from the management server in response to the transmitted inquiry information as a second printout from the second image printing unit. The first processor releases the unusable state of the first image forming apparatus in accordance with the unusable release instruction information obtained by reading the second printed material with the first image reading unit. Image forming system.

Images